While undercurrents surged within the palace, outside remained peaceful. Even if earth-shattering events occurred, they only provided additional gossip for the common people. While Jiang Li’s affair became the talk of everyone, another matter seemed insignificant in comparison.
In the Prefecture Magistrate’s residence, the usual harmonious and happy atmosphere had changed to something rather heavy. The maids moved carefully, seeming extremely afraid of touching some taboo. Even at first glance, one could see it was different from usual.
Prefecture Magistrate Dong was smooth in his dealings outside but rigid at heart. Fortunately, Madam Dong had a gentle temperament, so ordinarily there were no troublesome matters in the residence. But these past few days had been somewhat strange.
A maid handed the small porcelain cup in her hands to Madam Dong, who sat lost in thought in the courtyard: “Madam, fresh bird’s nest from the small kitchen—please have at least a taste.”
“How can I have the mood to eat such things?” Madam Dong pushed the porcelain cup aside, showing some worry on her face: “With such events happening, what face does the Dong family have left before the Chang family? Master is furious, and Ying’er doesn’t know what’s gotten into her this time—being so stubborn and doing such things. Sigh.”
The marriage between Dong Ying’er and Chang An, the third young master of the capital’s Salt Commissioner Chang family, had been arranged since childhood. They only waited for the right age to hold the wedding ceremony. The two children had excellent feelings for each other since young, and the Dong and Chang families were old friends. Madam Dong and Madam Chang were handkerchief friends from their maiden days. With this marriage arrangement, it would be adding kinship to friendship.
Originally planning to hold the wedding ceremony at year’s end, but somehow, a few days ago Dong Ying’er suddenly said she didn’t want to marry into the Chang family. At first, everyone thought Dong Ying’er was being shy and willful at her coming-of-age, just speaking nonsense temporarily, so they didn’t take her words to heart. But unexpectedly, when Chang An came to the residence, Dong Ying’er told him she already had someone in her heart and asked the Chang family to cancel the engagement.
Chang An, the third young master of the Chang family, had an honest temperament. When Dong Ying’er spoke this way, he naturally wouldn’t force anyone, and immediately told his family he didn’t want to marry Dong Ying’er. But the Chang family weren’t fools either. Strange that Chang An would suddenly want to break the engagement, they finally learned the reason from Chang An’s mouth and immediately sent people to the Prefecture Magistrate’s residence in anger.
After Prefecture Magistrate Dong learned of this, he was furious. Madam Dong, feeling sorry for her daughter, helped apologize, saying the child was immature and spoke nonsense, bringing Dong Ying’er out to apologize to the Chang family. Who knew that in front of the Chang family, Dong Ying’er said she already had someone in her heart—resolute and uncompromising.
Such behavior was almost unhesitatingly slapping the Chang family’s face. Madam Chang angrily voided the marriage contract, returned the engagement documents, and spoke definitively with Madam Dong that the Chang and Dong families would be strangers from now on.
Prefecture Magistrate Dong had spent his life navigating officialdom. He was shrewd and handled matters thoroughly, earning a reputation for integrity while maintaining excellent relationships with everyone above and below. Who knew his own daughter would ruin his reputation? Even though he usually doted on Dong Ying’er, this time he was truly furious. He confined Dong Ying’er, who stubbornly refused to admit fault. The father-daughter relationship became increasingly strained, leaving Madam Dong caught in the middle.
Thinking of these matters, Madam Dong couldn’t help but feel another headache. Looking at the small porcelain cup and remembering that Dong Ying’er had also eaten very little these days, she said: “Take it to Ying’er’s room. I’ll go see her.”
The maid quickly agreed. When they reached Dong Ying’er’s room, they happened to see Dong Ying’er sitting at her desk, staring at the rice paper on the table in a daze, not even noticing Madam Dong’s entry. Madam Dong walked over and saw two lines of poetry written on the rice paper: “Delicate dice studded with red beans, do you know this love that enters the bone?”
Madam Dong felt both heartache and anger. After all, which young lady didn’t harbor romantic feelings? Dong Ying’er was currently at an age easily moved by love. If it were someone else, it would be fine, but she was already betrothed. Moreover, this appearance was really too infatuated.
However, Madam Dong ultimately loved her daughter. She ordered the maid to bring up the porcelain cup: “Ying’er.”
Only then did Dong Ying’er come back to her senses. Seeing Madam Dong had come, she quickly smiled: “Mother.”
Looking at her, Madam Dong’s eyes reddened, tears about to fall. In just a few days, Dong Ying’er had lost a great deal of weight, no longer having her usual charming and lovely appearance. She looked quite haggard.
“Eat something.” Madam Dong picked up the bird’s nest: “Look at you, so thin. Go apologize to your father later—he won’t blame you.”
Dong Ying’er turned her head away, her tone more resolute than ever: “I won’t apologize, Mother. I did nothing wrong. Should I marry someone I don’t love? What would be the point of living such a life? Chang An is a good person, but I already have someone in my heart—how can I delay him?”
Madam Dong stared at her. Meeting Dong Ying’er’s stubborn gaze, she finally conceded: “You child… Who exactly is this person who makes you think of him constantly? How could he properly become involved with an engaged young lady? If he were good, he certainly wouldn’t do such improper things.”
“He’s a great hero!” Hearing Madam Dong speak of her beloved this way, Dong Ying’er quickly defended: “He’s Great Jin’s youngest hero, not a bad person. Mother, don’t be prejudiced against him.”
Madam Dong frowned: “What Great Jin’s youngest hero? You’ve fallen for a military general?”
Dong Ying’er turned her head away, biting her lower lip hard, saying nothing more. Seeing her like this, Madam Dong immediately felt powerless. She set the porcelain cup on the table with a thud, her tone becoming somewhat harsh: “Since that’s the case, you’ve made up your mind and won’t listen to my words. Then so be it.” With that, she stood up.
Dong Ying’er’s personal maid rose to see her off. When they reached the courtyard entrance and Madam Dong didn’t see Dong Ying’er’s figure, she looked at the personal maid with a stern tone: “You are Ying’er’s personal maid. Wherever she goes, you must know. Now that Ying’er has caused such trouble, you cannot escape responsibility.”
The personal maid was startled and quickly knelt down: “This servant failed to properly watch over Miss. Please punish me, Madam.”
“You want me to punish you?” Madam Dong was usually gentle and kind, but this matter concerned Dong Ying’er, making her somewhat angry: “I’ll find someone to sell you, the cheaper the better. How does that sound?”
“No.” Being sold “the cheaper the better” meant being sold to the lowest brothels to serve clients non-stop day and night—wouldn’t that be worse than death? The maid trembled all over with fear: “Please spare me this once, Madam. I’ll never dare again.”
Madam Dong looked at her coldly: “Since you don’t want to be sold, honestly tell me everything you know. Who exactly is this person Ying’er mentioned? What methods did he use to bewitch her?”
With her weakness seized by Madam Dong, the maid dared not hide anything and told the whole story from beginning to end. After hearing everything, Madam Dong trembled with anger: “How could I give birth to such a daughter! Foolish! Foolish!”
Madam Dong hadn’t expected Dong Ying’er’s beloved to be Great Jin’s current youngest war god, Jiang Xinzhi. The maid dared not lie, so it seemed Jiang Xinzhi had done nothing—it was entirely Dong Ying’er’s one-sided affection. Any woman needed some dignity. Dong Ying’er throwing herself at him so recklessly made Madam Dong, who came from a prestigious family that strictly observed propriety, feel deeply embarrassed. Dong Ying’er was now so deeply infatuated, yet didn’t realize this was an impossible match. Not to mention that Jiang Xinzhi currently had no interest in Dong Ying’er whatsoever—even in terms of status, it would be very difficult for Dong Ying’er to marry Jiang Xinzhi.
Who was Jiang Xinzhi? In recent years, he had repeatedly defeated enemy armies greatly. The Tianjin Kingdom’s defeat was inevitable. When he returned triumphant, Jiang Xinzhi would be the greatest hero. The Emperor never stinted in promoting capable people. By then, Jiang Xinzhi’s status would rise rapidly, and countless families would want to form marriage ties with him. What was a small Prefecture Magistrate? With Dong Ying’er being so stubborn, she might only be able to become Jiang Xinzhi’s concubine. But for a legitimate daughter to become someone’s concubine—wouldn’t that make everyone laugh? Moreover, though Dong Ying’er had been willful since childhood, she still had some pride in her bones. Even if she knew this outcome, she probably couldn’t accept it herself.
Madam Dong felt her head spinning. After cursing angrily several times, she could only think of finding Prefecture Magistrate Dong to discuss future matters. This was a serious affair and couldn’t be left to Dong Ying’er’s whims.
Among her close girlfriends, completely different from Dong Ying’er’s situation, the Grand Historian Lin’s residence had been filled with joy recently. Grand Historian Lin had been treating Lin Zixiang extraordinarily well these days, making Lin Zixiang somewhat puzzled. Her father had always been rigid by nature. Though he loved her, he was also strict and never indulgent. But these days he frequently bought her clothes and jewelry, no longer caring about frugality.
Lin Zixiang was sensitive by nature, so she asked Madam Lin what had happened. Madam Lin couldn’t explain clearly either. Though Lin Zixiang found it strange, she quickly put the matter aside, only thinking about when to visit Jiang Ruan for fun. Since Jiang Li’s incident, she and Jiang Ruan hadn’t seen each other for quite some time. Lin Zixiang felt rather bored, thinking the young ladies should gather frequently.
In the study, Master Lin was talking with Madam Lin. Madam Lin reproached: “It’s all your fault. You’ve been too obvious these days. Xiang’er even asked me today what happened. Please restrain yourself and don’t lose composure, lest the child notice something.”
Master Lin stroked his beard: “Madam, I’m happy in my heart. Thinking that Xiang’er doesn’t have to jump into that fire pit makes me very joyful. Speaking of which, I’m incompetent as a father—I couldn’t think of any solution back then. If not for this unexpected turn of events, I would have watched my own daughter fall into misery. I’m truly ashamed.” Speaking of this, Master Lin showed a trace of melancholy.
More than a month ago, Consort Chen from the palace had sent people to discuss Lin Zixiang’s marriage, wanting to betroth Lin Zixiang to Third Prince Xuan You. Everyone in Great Jin knew what kind of person Xuan You was. If Lin Zixiang married Xuan You, wouldn’t her entire life be ruined? But Consort Chen threatened the entire Lin family. Consort Chen had always been favored by the Emperor. If she spoke up then, saying a Prefecture Magistrate’s daughter actually looked down on becoming a prince’s consort, it would inevitably anger the Emperor.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, every time Master Lin saw Lin Zixiang’s unsuspecting little face, his heart felt like it was being cut by knives, yet he couldn’t find a way to avoid it. Those days were truly depressing. Lin Zixiang, being perceptive, noticed his low spirits and often asked what was wrong.
Just when the deadline was approaching and Master Lin was driven to desperation, unexpectedly such events occurred at Jiang Li’s wedding, and the next day Xuan You was dead. It was truly salvation from desperate straits. If he knew who killed Xuan You, Master Lin would probably personally visit to express gratitude.
Now Lin Zixiang didn’t have to marry into Third Prince’s residence, and her future wouldn’t be entirely buried in a fire pit. Every time Master Lin thought of this, he felt lingering fear. Adding his shame and regret as a father unable to help with his daughter’s marriage, he had been desperately compensating Lin Zixiang these days. But unexpectedly, his behavior appeared quite strange to Lin Zixiang.
Seeing Master Lin thinking of these matters again, Madam Lin sighed and comforted: “How can this be Master’s fault? It’s all heaven’s will. Heaven is helping our Xiang’er, not letting her marry into those filthy places, showing our Xiang’er is blessed.”
Master Lin nodded: “Yes, Xiang’er is blessed.”
In Prince Jinying’s residence, Xiao Shao finished reading the letter in his hands and casually placed the paper over the oil lamp flame to burn completely. Summoning Jin Yi and Jin Er, he said: “There’s been no unusual activity in the capital recently. Pay attention to news from the southern frontier. These people are holding back—there may be deceit.”
Jin Yi and Jin Er bowed their heads in acknowledgment. Xiao Shao paused, then asked: “The Chen Liang matter is handled?”
“Handled.” Speaking of this, Jin Er beamed with delight: “Enough to give that old fox quite a headache.”
“The General’s residence also thought of the same thing as Master,” Jin Yi said with unchanging expression, steady as always: “This subordinate acted before them.”
Jin Er blinked: “Master, should we tell this to the Prin— Princess?” If Jiang Ruan thought the Zhao family did it, wouldn’t the credit be stolen again?
“No need.” Xiao Shao said lightly.
The expected answer. Jin Er immediately deflated like a punctured balloon, looking at Xiao Shao with little enthusiasm before retreating with Jin Yi. After Jin Yi and Jin Er left, Jin San entered and reported on the matters Xiao Shao had assigned. Seeing Xiao Shao focused on official business, her lips curved in an amused smile as she deliberately said: “This subordinate encountered Tianzhu today. The Princess hasn’t been very peaceful in the palace these days either.”
Xiao Shao didn’t look up: “What happened?”
“Grand Tutor Liu approached her again.” Jin San suppressed laughter while maintaining a serious expression.
Xiao Shao’s hand paused. He finally looked up, his dark eyes flickering with unusual light, seeming somewhat displeased: “For what?”
“Grand Tutor Liu was very concerned about the Princess. After asking about her current situation, he also asked about the relationship between the Princess and Master.” Jin San said seriously: “Grand Tutor Liu wanted the Princess to stay away from Master.”
Xiao Shao set down the scroll in his hands. His handsome features seemed covered with a layer of ice as he said lightly: “He manages quite broadly.”
A light comment, but it truly indicated this lord’s mood was indeed unpleasant. Jin San’s heart jumped as she quickly said: “Exactly! The Princess said the same thing. But that Grand Tutor Liu was unreasonable, stubbornly fixated on Master. The Princess had a big argument with him, making Grand Tutor Liu leave angrily.”
While speaking, Jin San observed Xiao Shao’s expression. Indeed, after hearing Jin San’s words, Xiao Shao’s expression softened somewhat, no longer as chillingly cold as before. As a considerate subordinate, one naturally had to understand the master’s thoughts. Jin San continued: “This shows the Princess holds Master extremely important in her heart. The relationship with Master isn’t something just anyone can sabotage.”
She silently apologized in her heart: Sorry, Grand Tutor. Though you have a good reputation in court, the young madam belongs to our master. Our master is completely blank regarding romantic matters—without some stimulation from you, he might never enlighten in his entire life.
Jin San’s words were quite to Xiao Shao’s liking. Xiao Shao’s cold expression became increasingly gentle. As if thinking of something, a trace of smile flashed quickly through his eyes, making his already unparalleled handsome features even more strikingly beautiful.
Jin San silently averted her gaze. She had long known her master was good-looking, but now with the young madam’s nourishment, he appeared even more picturesque—truly a peerless beauty.
Xiao Shao said lightly: “I understand.”
“Master, why don’t you personally visit the palace?” With Xiao Shao in a good mood, Jin San became bolder, suggesting daringly: “You and the Princess haven’t seen each other for several days. As they say, ‘one day apart feels like three autumns’—relationships need constant maintenance. Besides, women’s hearts are softer. What if Grand Tutor Liu goes to apologize to the Princess in a few days, and she softens and their relationship improves? How would Master handle himself then?” The Imperial Guards privately regarded their master’s lifelong happiness as more important than anything. Xiao Shao had been pure-hearted and celibate for years—finally having a girl who seemed promising, the Imperial Guards naturally wanted to help their master gain the upper hand and recognize the situation.
Xiao Shao frowned. Thinking of Liu Min’s persistent behavior with Jiang Ruan last time, he felt somewhat displeased. Though he knew Jiang Ruan wasn’t the “soft-hearted” person Jin San described, she had helped Liu Min before, so there was inevitably some friendship. Thinking of an unfamiliar person replacing his position, the gloom in Xiao Shao’s heart grew heavier.
Seeing her goal achieved, Jin San said quietly: “Master, this subordinate will go down first. One last thing—if Grand Tutor Liu’s relationship with the Princess improves, then what Master can do for the Princess, Grand Tutor Liu could also do.” With that, regardless of Xiao Shao’s reaction, she slipped out first.
Xiao Shao stood stunned. Things he could do with Jiang Ruan, Liu Min could also do?
Suddenly, the scene from that day when someone under the influence of Spring Wind Crossing aggressively pulled him close, the soft fragrant touch on his lips, the momentary heartbeat and summer’s rich fragrance appeared before his eyes. Someone drilling into his embrace while tugging at his belt, rubbing against him and making him helpless and at a loss.
The young man’s pale face slightly flushed, then as if remembering something, turned iron-dark. He suddenly stood up—Liu Min dared to do such things?