At night, the stars seemed to be the same as before, but the situation outside had undergone earth-shaking changes. On the surface, the palace appeared unchanged, but secretly it had already been in complete uproar.

Master Hui Jue continued his role as National Teacher as usual. After this incident, his position became even more secure. Fifth Prince Xuan Hua and Consort De showed no signs of joy, and were even more cautious and careful than before. Now that the Emperor’s thoughts were deep and unfathomable, no one wanted to actively court bad luck.

Xuan Li, who had always won people over with virtue and talent, truly displayed the demeanor of a filial son. After kneeling outside Jingyang Palace for three days and nights, he finally collapsed from exhaustion. The Emperor was furious and sent him back to his residence, forbidding him from entering the palace.

With such sudden changes in the palace, Jiang Ruan calmly prepared to return to the Jiang residence. The reason was—Jiang Li had died.

If Consort Chen had not yet fallen from power, Jiang Li’s death would surely have stirred up more waves. However, with Consort Chen banished to the Cold Palace, Jiang Li’s death was like a small stone thrown into the bottom of a vast lake—it didn’t raise any waves and quietly sank down. The rumors among the common people sparked by Jiang Li’s death were also suppressed by the rumors of Consort Chen becoming a nation-destroying demon star.

However, regardless of what people said outside, Jiang Li was ultimately a daughter of the Jiang family. As the legitimate eldest daughter of the Jiang residence, there was no reason for her to stay in the palace and refuse to return for the funeral. The Jiang family didn’t say anything, but it seemed the Second Concubine had gone mad and brought her maternal family to make trouble at their door. The result was cold treatment from the Left family, who only said that a married daughter was like spilled water—since Jiang Li had lost her chastity first, it was not the Second Concubine’s place to seek justice no matter what. When Jiang Quan learned of this, he hurriedly came to take the Second Concubine away, and her status in the residence plummeted.

Originally thinking that with Jiang Li married to the Left family and Xia Yan confined to the small Buddhist hall, the Second Concubine could now dominate the Jiang residence alone, who knew such a scandal would occur on the wedding day itself. Now with Jiang Li’s death, they had completely torn their face with the Left family. Jiang Quan was already angry about Jiang Li’s behavior, and seeing the Second Concubine so shamelessly seeking justice from the Left family, he was furious and simply confined the Second Concubine as well.

After all the twists and turns, aside from the First Concubine who never managed affairs, the authority over the household ultimately fell to Fifth Concubine Hong Ying.

When Jiang Li died, the Left family didn’t immediately notify the Jiang residence, so Jiang Ruan had only been back for a day when it was time for Jiang Li’s funeral. As part of the Left family, the funeral arrangements were entirely handled by them. Jiang Li’s death inevitably led to gossip about the Left family—a wife who had lost her chastity dying within days of entering the household, it was hard to believe Left Jiang hadn’t contributed to it somehow. The Left family seemed to consider this point as well, and Jiang Li’s funeral was handled quite properly. However, everyone who came to pay respects could see the displeasure on Left Jiang’s face.

Left Jiang’s reputation was now completely ruined, and his patron Consort Chen had already fallen. For the sake of his own reputation, Xuan Li definitely wouldn’t dare use him again. His career was ruined because of Jiang Li. When he saw the Jiang family members coming to pay respects, his eyes couldn’t hide his anger.

Fearing the Second Concubine might do something inappropriate again, Jiang Quan didn’t bring her along. Jiang Ruan followed behind Jiang Quan and offered incense to Jiang Li’s memorial tablet in the mourning hall. Left Jiang, dressed in mourning clothes, looked coldly at Jiang Ruan. In Left Jiang’s view, the Left family incident must have involved Jiang Ruan’s machinations. If Jiang Li had brought him shame, Jiang Ruan was the real culprit behind it all.

Jiang Ruan calmly met his gaze. When one’s skills were inferior, one should accept defeat gracefully. Left Jiang had thought he could climb a path to success and prosperity, not knowing it was merely a shortcut to hell.

Provoked by the contempt in Jiang Ruan’s gaze, Left Jiang’s eyes became somewhat crazed. He felt all those bad memories and the recent humiliation of being mocked behind his back surge up in his heart, almost unable to control himself from rushing forward. Just then, he heard a gentle voice say: “Brother-in-law, please accept my condolences.”

That voice didn’t come from the thoughtful Jiang Susu to one side, but from the timid and frightened Jiang Dan.

The Jiang family now only had three daughters left—Jiang Ruan was charming, Jiang Susu was elegant, and the only remaining one, Jiang Dan, seemed to have suddenly shed her formerly humble shell and been completely transformed. Though her looks couldn’t match the two legitimate daughters, she had her own pitiful and touching temperament that could most easily arouse a man’s protective instincts. When Left Jiang heard that voice, he was first stunned, his gaze falling on Jiang Dan dressed in plain white mourning clothes. Jiang Susu was accustomed to wearing white and had an ethereal quality, but Jiang Dan was much more human, like a beautiful neighbor girl—pure, lovely, delicate, and touching.

Only then did Left Jiang remember that this graceful young lady before him was originally the woman who should have been betrothed to him three years ago. When he had saved someone’s life, it had led to this marriage connection. Who knew that fate would play tricks and connect him to the wrong person? At that time, both the Left family and Jiang family had agreed it was Jiang Li, so he could only accept it. He had already heard that Jiang Li’s temperament was much worse than Jiang Dan’s, and he had always felt some displeasure toward Jiang Li. Later, when the scandal occurred, and even as Jiang Li was dying she wanted to drag the Left family down with her, Left Jiang felt angry every time he thought about it.

Seeing Jiang Dan today, his eyes couldn’t help but brighten, thinking this should have been his wife—his wife should have been such a gentle and virtuous lady. The more he thought this way, the more he remembered Jiang Li’s shameless arrogance, and the more unwilling he felt.

Jiang Dan seemed frightened by Left Jiang’s direct stare and stepped back two paces: “Brother-in-law…”

Left Jiang suddenly came to his senses and looked up to meet Jiang Quan’s displeased gaze. Jiang Ruan wasn’t looking at him, but Jiang Susu’s expression seemed rather interested. Hong Ying was supporting Old Madam Jiang. Left Jiang lowered his head and said indifferently: “Thank you for Fourth Sister’s comfort.”

He bit down hard on the words “Fourth Sister,” as if they contained some inexplicable emotion. Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes creating a bewitching arc, and the corners of her lips curved slightly—she actually smiled.

Tianzhu noticed this small movement from Jiang Ruan and her expression changed. She looked thoughtfully at Jiang Dan and Left Jiang, her gaze returning to confusion.

Perhaps the atmosphere here was too awkward, with everyone’s eyes fixed on them. Jiang Quan hastily said a few words and then left. Old Madam Jiang seemed to have aged ten years overnight. The Jiang family had lost a daughter for nothing, and in such a disgraceful way. The Jiang family’s decades-long image as moral exemplars had been completely ruined in just a few short years.

Jiang Susu’s expression was somewhat complex. On one hand, she was naturally gleeful about Jiang Li’s misfortune, but Jiang Li’s incident also affected the reputation of other Jiang daughters, which would have some impact on her own marriage prospects. Thinking of how Xia Yan was still confined in the small Buddhist hall with no intention from Jiang Quan to release her, she couldn’t help feeling irritated.

Looking again at Jiang Dan, who was like a pitiful little flower just beginning to bloom, Jiang Susu’s tone carried some mockery: “Fourth Sister, just now Third Brother-in-law was truly attentive to you. Speaking of which, this marriage connection should originally have been between you and Brother-in-law, but Third Sister took it first. So marriage matters shouldn’t be carelessly arranged. Fourth Sister, now that Third Sister has passed away, perhaps it’s heaven’s hint. It’s not too late—why not renew your former connection with Brother-in-law?”

Due to Xia Yan’s matter, Jiang Susu harbored some anger toward Jiang Quan and wasn’t as respectful as before. At this moment, Jiang Quan was on the other side and hadn’t heard Jiang Susu’s words. Despite Jiang Susu speaking so boldly, Jiang Dan only smiled timidly: “Second Sister, please don’t tease Dan.”

This lukewarm response without anger made Jiang Susu’s eyes flash, and she couldn’t help feeling stifled. Jiang Ruan was already deep in scheming and had the Empress Dowager and Zhao family as support. Now even Jiang Dan had become so difficult to deal with. She felt increasingly frustrated.

Jiang Ruan seemed not to have heard the conversation between the two, maintaining an attitude of staying above the fray, which made Jiang Dan look at her several more times.

…

The matter of paying respects at the Left family passed this way, generally without major incident. Left Jiang came by once more in the middle, appearing very respectful on the surface, but his gaze kept drifting toward Jiang Dan. The meaning was unclear, but Old Madam Jiang was so angry she gave another lecture, scolding Jiang Quan thoroughly, saying that if it hadn’t been for all the trouble Jiang Quan and the Second Concubine had caused, how would the Jiang family have fallen to becoming everyone’s laughingstock? Jiang Quan’s face was iron-blue as he accepted the scolding, his expression so dark it could drip water.

In the courtyard where the Second Concubine of the Jiang residence lived, everything was now desolate. The flowers by the window hadn’t been watered in a long time and seemed to have all died overnight. Weeds grew everywhere. The Second Concubine had always been particular about such things and loved luxurious items. The courtyard was always filled with jade and gold ornaments, but now it looked as if it had been robbed—the shelves were completely empty.

The floor was covered with dust and cobwebs, and a musty smell filled the air. The windows in the room were closed, as if the person inside extremely feared sunlight. The curtains were drawn tightly, emanating a damp, foul odor in the summer heat.

The person on the bed was curled up tightly, arms wrapped around her shoulders. Her previously somewhat haughty phoenix eyes were now bloodshot, with a wild, crazed look.

The maid brought up the medicine bowl and said softly: “Concubine, it’s time to take your medicine.”

As if completely awakening her from delusion, the Second Concubine suddenly jumped up, grabbed the maid, and said urgently: “What medicine? Li’er is still being bullied at the Left family. Those damned Left family people are treating Li’er this way—I must seek justice for Li’er!”

The maid’s arm hurt from the Second Concubine’s grip, but she didn’t dare struggle, only tearing up and saying carefully: “Concubine, Second Miss is already dead.”

“Nonsense!” The Second Concubine slapped the maid across the face: “If I hear you say such treasonous words again, I’ll tear your mouth apart and sell you to the lowest brothel!”

The maid covered her face with tears, not daring to speak. The Second Concubine suddenly looked at her apologetically: “Yang Liu, I didn’t mean to hit you. Right now, you’re the only one I can trust…” She suddenly held her head and screamed in pain: “My Li’er is dead! She’s dead! She died at the Left family—she was killed by the Left family people! She’s dead! My Li’er!”

The Second Concubine’s mad behavior frightened the maid so much that she forgot about the pain and hurriedly said: “Concubine, you’re having another episode. Please drink this medicine—you’ll feel better after drinking it.”

But since the Second Concubine’s incident, Jiang Quan had confined her with only Yang Liu to serve her. When the Second Concubine went mad, Yang Liu alone couldn’t restrain her. Jiang Li’s death had indeed brought enormous shock to the Second Concubine. These past few days of constantly acting like a madwoman, even with the doctor only prescribing calming remedies, a formerly spirited and willful person had fallen to such a pitiful state—it was truly lamentable.

Just as Yang Liu didn’t know what to do, she heard the door creak open and a gentle, clear voice rang out: “You may go down. I’ll handle this.”

Yang Liu turned around and was startled, stuttering: “F-Fourth Miss.”

The newcomer wore a pale yellow dress, with a serene and shy smile, saying softly: “I’ve come to comfort the concubine.”

Yang Liu looked worriedly at the Second Concubine, but when she met Jiang Dan’s eyes, she was shocked. The formerly weak and incompetent Fourth Miss now had eyes like knives, making one feel cold just looking at them, like a snake watching its prey. Yang Liu gritted her teeth and forced herself to say: “Then I’ll trouble Fourth Miss,” before running out with her head down.

The Second Concubine was still holding her head and rolling in pain on the bed. Jiang Dan quietly walked up to her and looked down admiringly for a while before speaking: “Concubine, what’s the consequence of stealing someone’s marriage?”

The Second Concubine’s body trembled and she cried out in even more pain. Jiang Dan continued slowly: “The concubine is originally a clever person, and always ruthless, which is why you so decisively stole Dan’s marriage. Why, are you now trying to escape pain by pretending to be mad?”

The Second Concubine finally raised her head and stared viciously at Jiang Dan: “That should have been your fate. Li’er died in your place. You’re the jinx—you killed Li’er. Give me back my Li’er…” As she spoke, she was about to pounce with claws and teeth, but having been confined in the room for so long and having wasted away to skin and bones these past days, Jiang Dan easily avoided her with a light twist.

“The Second Concubine’s words are very strange.” Jiang Dan smiled: “Was it I who wanted to give the marriage to the concubine? No, it was Father and the concubine who schemed to snatch the marriage from Dan’s hands. Third Sister was happy for a long time, but the concubine didn’t know that the marriage she chose for her would ultimately send her to the Yellow Springs.” Jiang Dan sighed softly: “What karmic retribution.”

The Second Concubine’s body went limp and she collapsed to the ground: “You…” She couldn’t say a word because what Jiang Dan said was correct. It was all because of her, because she wanted this marriage and wasn’t willing to accept that while both Jiang Dan and Jiang Li were concubine-born daughters, Jiang Dan could marry so well. She stubbornly had her father speak up and persuade Jiang Quan to switch the betrothal cards to Jiang Li. How could she have known that her selfish desires would ultimately harm her own daughter? The Second Concubine regretted it deeply!

Jiang Li looked satisfyingly at the Second Concubine’s sorrowful state for a while before saying indifferently: “I can empathize with the concubine’s grief. Today I came to remind the concubine not to blame the wrong person and let the real murderer go free.”

“The real murderer?” The Second Concubine suddenly looked up.

“Yes,” Jiang Dan’s serene smile suddenly became somewhat strange, and she spoke softly: “Doesn’t the concubine think Third Sister’s death was too strange? Admittedly, that marriage should have been borne by me, so I made special inquiries about this matter. Who knew that it didn’t matter when I didn’t investigate, but when I did, I learned something wonderful.”

“What thing?” The Second Concubine grabbed Jiang Dan’s hand, her eyes flashing with urgency. Jiang Dan smiled and patted her hand: “Speaking of which, this matter was originally something I didn’t dare believe, because this matter is ultimately related to Eldest Sister.”

“Jiang Ruan?” The Second Concubine’s expression changed: “How could it be related to her!”

“Eldest Sister is born with exceptional beauty, so the young men of the capital naturally admire her, and even the Third Prince is no exception. On the day Third Sister married Left Scholar, the Third Prince asked Left Scholar for a favor—to let him meet Eldest Sister. Originally, this wasn’t a big deal. But Eldest Sister, considering herself a proper young lady and now connected to imperial relatives, naturally couldn’t embarrass the royal family. Third Sister only wanted to help her brother-in-law with a favor, but unexpectedly angered Eldest Sister. In her anger, Eldest Sister caused Brother-in-law and Third Sister to have the incident the next day.” Jiang Dan spoke unhurriedly, her storytelling tone sounding even more frustrating to the Second Concubine’s ears.

The Second Concubine’s expression changed unpredictably, almost crying and laughing at the same time. After a long while, she managed to squeeze out with difficulty: “Do you have any evidence for what you’re saying?”

Jiang Dan laughed softly: “The concubine still doesn’t believe Dan’s words? Doesn’t the concubine find it strange? After Third Sister’s wedding, Eldest Sister entered the palace. If there weren’t someone protecting her in the palace, how could Eldest Sister be so unscrupulous? If the concubine doesn’t believe it, you can investigate yourself. But now the concubine finds it difficult even to go out, and the only one you can trust is me.”

Her words struck right at the Second Concubine’s thoughts. In fact, after Jiang Dan finished speaking, the Second Concubine believed her. Even if it was all lies, the lies were too perfect. More importantly, the pain of losing her daughter now made the Second Concubine completely unable to bear it. Jiang Li’s death was caused by her own actions, and just thinking about this made the Second Concubine want to tear out her heart. But now Jiang Dan’s words gave the Second Concubine an outlet for venting—she could direct all her hatred toward Jiang Ruan. How could she not be happy?

“Jiang Ruan killed my Li’er—I want her to pay with her life!” The Second Concubine clenched her fists, her eyes almost shooting fire.

“Father is very angry with the concubine now. If the concubine wants to avenge Third Sister, you mustn’t act rashly. Otherwise, not only will you fail to clear Third Sister’s name, but you’ll also get yourself involved.”

Jiang Dan’s voice was cold. The Second Concubine seemed to come to her senses. She heard Jiang Dan continue: “If the Second Concubine still wants to avenge Third Sister, you’d better obediently listen to me.”

Looking at Jiang Dan’s serene smile, the Second Concubine couldn’t help but shiver. For the first time, she felt this weak and incompetent orphan girl was so terrifying. With such scheming, if she had really competed with Jiang Li back then, Jiang Li would have been no match for her. She murmured: “Why are you doing this?”

“Eldest Sister lives too well.” A flash of malice passed through Jiang Dan’s eyes: “She lives so well while I struggle in the mud—how can I be willing? Why don’t you join me in sinking into depravity together.”