Jiang Ruan had only stayed at the Jiang residence for a few days when, unusually, she encountered the Second Concubine one morning.

Since making trouble at the Left family after Jiang Li’s death, the Second Concubine had been confined by Jiang Quan. Her sudden release surprised everyone. What was even more shocking was that when the Second Concubine emerged, she seemed like a completely different person—humble and careful, nothing like her former arrogant and domineering manner. She was more like the First Concubine now. The servants in the residence gossiped that the Second Concubine must know that with Jiang Li dead, she could only survive in the Jiang residence by being careful and humble. Times had changed—the formerly renowned and gentle Xia Yan and the arrogant and sharp-tongued Second Concubine had both lost their power. Now the one in charge of the household was Fifth Concubine Hong Ying, who came from a pleasure quarter, and she was currently pregnant. The Jiang residence was about to change hands.

Jiang Ruan had previously encountered the Second Concubine once in the garden. The Second Concubine appeared very submissive, but her expression was somewhat strange. Back at Ruan Residence, Lian Qiao said: “Miss, the Second Concubine looked very odd, as if she held some grudge against you.”

Jiang Ruan pondered briefly and called Lu Zhu: “Find out who the Second Concubine might have seen before her confinement was lifted, and if there’s been anything unusual about her recently.”

Lu Zhu received the order and left.

Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes. The Second Concubine’s gaze wasn’t just annoyed—she was all too familiar with that kind of look. It was bone-deep hatred, a venomous snake lying in wait, a hidden arrow in the shadows, full of conspiracy.

She was curious to see what the Second Concubine intended to do.

As Jiang Ruan’s personal maid, Lu Zhu was known throughout the residence to be valued by her. With Jiang Ruan’s status as Princess Hong’an, the servants treated Lu Zhu much more courteously than before. Lu Zhu quickly returned with information: Jiang Dan had visited the Second Concubine once. These past few days, the Second Concubine had been extremely careful and courteous in the residence, very deferential toward Jiang Quan, and generous with the servants. Although the Second Concubine’s family was wealthy, she was born a concubine’s daughter and usually had shallow perspectives like Jiang Li, reluctant to reward servants so generously. But these past few days, her rewards had been lavish. After finishing her report, Lu Zhu looked expectantly: “Miss, what does the Second Concubine mean by this?”

Tianzhu was also puzzled. She was accustomed to killing but not to the twists and turns of household politics. Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi were somewhat suspicious. Lian Qiao said: “Miss, you should be careful these days. The Second Concubine has always been arrogant by nature. Her sudden humility is very strange.”

“I understand.” Jiang Ruan stood up: “Since Fourth Sister is so enthusiastic, we might as well find her some tasks to do.” She narrowed her eyes, her tone suddenly turning cold: “Jin Er, Jin San.”

The two shadow guards suddenly appeared in the room, startling the maids. Jiang Ruan knew that since Xiao Shao had assigned them to her, they usually hid in the shadows to protect her safety. She said: “Tianzhu is from the residence and inconvenient to go out. I’d like you to go to the Left family residence—there’s something I need your help with.”

Jin Er and Jin San exchanged glances and said in unison: “We await your orders, Miss.”

…

The Jiang residence was shrouded in gloom due to Jiang Li’s death. The once bustling and prosperous Left family now showed obvious signs of decline. Jiang Quan’s career had been smooth for several years, but now he faced increasing misfortune, and his relationship with the Marquis Xia family had grown distant. His children were even more troublesome—the only two outstanding ones were originally the least favored in the residence.

Old Madam Jiang’s health was already poor, and Jiang Li’s death had made her seriously ill. After the doctor’s visit, he privately hinted that Old Madam Jiang wouldn’t survive the year. At her advanced age, no amount of precious medicine could help. In some ways, Old Madam Jiang was a perceptive person, understanding that this vast Jiang residence would soon head toward decline. Her excessive worry only made things worse. Day by day, she aged visibly, becoming completely different from the shrewd and dignified old woman Jiang Ruan had first seen when returning to the residence.

This day, Du Juan came again on Old Madam Jiang’s orders to invite Jiang Ruan to sit in Guilan Courtyard. These past few days, Old Madam Jiang often summoned her granddaughters to sit with her. Since Old Madam Jiang had invited her, there was no reason to refuse. Jiang Ruan took Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi with her and happened to meet Jiang Dan on her way back.

Seeing Jiang Ruan, Jiang Dan stopped and smiled: “Eldest Sister.”

“Fourth Sister.” Jiang Ruan said indifferently.

Unlike usual, when Jiang Dan would show a hurt expression after seeing her cold attitude, she seemed in very good spirits today and asked: “Is Eldest Sister going to Grandmother’s courtyard?”

Jiang Ruan nodded, and Jiang Dan smiled: “Grandmother really values Eldest Sister now. Eldest Sister is truly enviable.”

Enviable? Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Why should Fourth Sister be envious? Fourth Sister will surely be more valued than me in the future.”

Jiang Dan was stunned, her eyes flashing. When she looked at Jiang Ruan again, her tone was meaningful: “Eldest Sister always likes to joke. It’s getting late—Eldest Sister should hurry. If you delay, Grandmother will scold Dan again.”

Jiang Ruan nodded farewell. Jiang Dan stood in place, watching Jiang Ruan’s retreating figure, slowly revealing a satisfied smile.

…

In Guilan Courtyard, Cai Que and Du Juan stood on either side of Old Madam Jiang, gently fanning her with round fans. The fan work was just right, and the gentle breeze brought rare comfort to Old Madam Jiang’s expression. At her age, she couldn’t use ice for fear of catching cold.

When Jiang Ruan entered, she saw this scene. Old Madam Jiang looked weary, her clothes somewhat wrinkled, her hair completely white. Hearing the movement, she slightly opened her eyes, which appeared somewhat clouded.

She was indeed no longer the mistress who had commanded wind and rain in the Jiang residence, but merely an elderly woman of advanced years.

“Ruan girl is here. Come to Grandmother’s side.” Old Madam Jiang beckoned her affectionately.

In both her previous and current life, Old Madam Jiang had never been so kind and intimate with her. Although Old Madam Jiang hadn’t made things difficult for her in her previous life, Xia Yan and Jiang Quan’s certain behaviors had been done with her tacit approval. For Old Madam Jiang, the Jiang family’s glory mattered above all else. As long as it could make the Jiang family prosper, sacrificing one Jiang Ruan was nothing.

In her previous life, Old Madam Jiang hadn’t survived that winter. Calculating the time, it should have been after she entered the palace, during early autumn, when she became bedridden and increasingly frail, passing away around New Year. Now there were only a few months left.

Jiang Ruan complied and sat beside Old Madam Jiang. Cai Que poured tea for Jiang Ruan, and Old Madam Jiang patted her hand: “Ruan girl, this is new hundred-fragrance hawthorn tea sent this year. The palace ladies often drink it. You young girls like sweet things—try some.”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, picked up the tea cup to moisten her mouth, and said: “Very sweet.”

Old Madam Jiang smiled with more satisfaction and instructed Cai Que: “Cai Que, pack some for Ruan girl to take back.” She turned to look at Jiang Ruan, her gaze truly like a loving grandmother looking at her dear granddaughter: “In the blink of an eye, Ruan girl has grown so big. I remember when she was just born, she was still a tiny little bundle.”

Old Madam Jiang wouldn’t bring up these things without reason. Jiang Ruan just smiled and listened. The old lady continued: “Your mother was unlucky, leaving you siblings so early. Back then, that evil-hearted Xia Yan made you suffer wrongly. These years, your father has been soft-eared, letting you endure unnecessary hardships. Speaking of it, the Jiang family has wronged you.”

Cai Que went to pack tea leaves for Jiang Ruan, leaving only Du Juan standing silently to one side. Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao’s expressions shifted slightly, but only Jiang Ruan remained unmoved, her expression unchanged as she quietly listened to Old Madam Jiang’s seemingly regretful words. Seeing her reaction, Old Madam Jiang’s expression paused, but she pretended not to notice and took her hand: “Fortunately, you siblings are blessed. Since returning to the residence, your fortunes have been good. The ancestors of the Jiang family must be protecting you from heaven.”

Jiang Ruan’s lips curved slightly. The implication was that their current achievements were ultimately thanks to the Jiang family?

Old Madam Jiang said: “You’re all children of the Jiang family and should support each other. Grandmother doesn’t have many days left and hopes you siblings will love each other. Your father wronged you before, but now Grandmother has confined that evil woman. Let’s not mention past matters. When the Jiang family prospers, you’ll have face too, won’t you?” She rambled on: “Your eldest brother serves as an official in court and needs his siblings’ support. Your future marriage also depends on your family’s circumstances. Grandmother knows you’re good-hearted. Help them more in daily life, and you’ll have support in the future too.”

Jiang Ruan lowered her head, then looked up with a smile after a moment: “What does Grandmother hope I’ll do?”

Such directness surprised Old Madam Jiang. She naturally knew this granddaughter was different—the Jiang family had misjudged her initially, not expecting her current circumstances. Old Madam Jiang knew she was in her twilight years with little time left. Watching the Jiang family decline day by day made her anxious. Her hopes now rested entirely on Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xinzhi, but these two had been neglected by Jiang Quan and inevitably harbored resentment. So today she had called Jiang Ruan to give her some guidance, but she hadn’t expected this attitude from Jiang Ruan.

A surge of frustration rose in Old Madam Jiang’s heart. Jiang Ruan was now a princess personally enfeoffed by the Empress Dowager, and the General’s residence’s attitude was also intriguing. Looking at Jiang Ruan’s indifferent expression, she felt somewhat powerless and angry, finally smiling: “Your second brother is doing well in his work now. Since you’re close with the Empress Dowager, you could mention him occasionally. And Susu—she’s still your sister after all. At young ladies’ gatherings, bring her along so she can see the world.”

She wanted her to help promote Jiang Chao. As for Jiang Susu, she was now of marriageable age. Having grown up before her eyes, Old Madam Jiang had some grandmotherly affection for Jiang Susu. But… Jiang Ruan smiled faintly: “The harem cannot interfere in politics. The Empress Dowager’s kindness toward me is imperial grace—how dare I influence Her Majesty’s thoughts? As for Second Sister, she grew up in the capital and is much more familiar with the noble ladies’ circle than I am. Compared to me, she has seen much more of the world.”

Old Madam Jiang was speechless. Never mind Jiang Chao—Jiang Susu alone was enough of a headache. Since Xia Yan’s incident, not only did people in the capital mock Jiang Quan for being cuckolded by the capital’s foremost talented woman, but Jiang Susu had also suffered considerable implicated damage. The young ladies she had been friendly with all distanced themselves from her. It had been a long time since any noble lady had sent invitations for her to go out, let alone future marriage prospects. Old Madam Jiang was anxious and had thought to have Jiang Ruan take Jiang Susu out, but Jiang Ruan refused so directly.

“They’re all your siblings—won’t you help guide them?” Old Madam Jiang became somewhat angry.

“Forgive me, but I’m truly powerless.” Jiang Ruan sighed: “I fear I must disappoint Grandmother.”

Old Madam Jiang stared fixedly at Jiang Ruan: “Ruan girl, even now, do you still resent the Jiang family?”

Jiang Ruan smiled indifferently. Not resent—hate. Now she didn’t know whether to think Old Madam Jiang naive enough. In this life, she only wanted to watch the Jiang family collapse step by step. How could she help Jiang Susu and her siblings? Let alone reviving the Jiang family—since Jiang Quan cared so much about this residence, letting him watch his cherished things destroyed bit by bit before his eyes would be even better.

Perhaps feeling Jiang Ruan’s smile was too sarcastic and particularly glaring to Old Madam Jiang’s eyes, she suddenly slammed the table: “Get out!” Cai Que was startled and hurried over to comfort her: “Old Madam, please don’t be angry. Mind your health.”

“Don’t forget you were born from the Jiang family!” Old Madam Jiang was perhaps too angry, and her words became harsh and cutting: “Everything you eat and use comes from the Jiang family. What right do you have to resent the Jiang family? Your mother died early—if not for the Jiang family, could you have survived until now?”

Cai Que looked at Jiang Ruan uneasily, while Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao were indignant upon hearing this. Jiang Ruan stood up and looked down at Old Madam Jiang. This former master who had once dominated the Jiang residence was now in her twilight years. This twisted expression on her already sagging face looked rather comical.

The Jiang family members perhaps all carried an innate selfishness and coldness in their bones, naturally believing everyone in the world should serve their purposes. Old Madam Jiang was the same. She smiled slightly, her tone carrying bone-deep coldness: “Perhaps I should ask—if not for the Jiang family, how would my mother have died?”

Old Madam Jiang suddenly froze, panic flashing in her eyes: “What are you saying?”

“Perhaps Grandmother also knows, doesn’t she?” Jiang Ruan said indifferently.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Get out! I don’t want to see you! Get out!” Old Madam Jiang seemed suddenly agitated, forcefully throwing even her jade pillow. The jade pillow shattered on the ground into crystalline powder.

Jiang Ruan laughed softly, her gaze somewhat strange: “So it really is true.” Old Madam Jiang met her bright, smiling eyes and felt as if she were in a cold cellar, unable to stop trembling all over.

“What is Grandmother afraid of?” Jiang Ruan said: “I won’t treat the Jiang family as the Jiang family treated my mother.” Not so easily—the pain once inflicted on them, the Jiang family would repay a hundred, a thousandfold someday.

Old Madam Jiang looked at Jiang Ruan, her eyes wide. Suddenly her body stiffened, and blood slowly trickled from the corner of her mouth. Cai Que was startled and gently patted Old Madam Jiang: “Old Madam, what’s wrong?”

Jiang Ruan paused in her steps, looking at Old Madam Jiang who was slowly collapsing. Old Madam Jiang’s face showed a grayish-white deathly pallor, her lips dark blue, and the blood flowing out was clearly black. Cai Que, in her panic, put her finger under Old Madam Jiang’s nose, and her face immediately turned pale as she screamed: “Murder! Murder!”

“What’s happening?” Du Juan, who had been busy inside, also lifted the curtain and came in. At first glance, she was stunned. Cai Que shouted as if the world were ending: “The Eldest Miss killed Old Madam! Someone help! Help!”

Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao’s expressions changed as they both spoke out: “What nonsense are you talking? Miss was standing here properly—what does this have to do with Miss? You’re making false accusations!”

“Oh my! Eldest Miss, you actually murdered Old Madam?” A familiar voice rang out from the doorway, carrying some of its former sharpness. If one listened carefully, one could detect some satisfaction. It was the Second Concubine.

Jiang Ruan narrowed her eyes and laughed coldly, looking at Cai Que who was holding Old Madam Jiang: “Cai Que, did you really see me kill someone?”

Meeting those eyes, Cai Que couldn’t help feeling guilty, but she quickly answered: “Only Eldest Miss and Old Madam were in the room. Eldest Miss was very close to Old Madam, and Old Madam had just quarreled with Eldest Miss…”

“Oh heavens,” the Second Concubine exclaimed dramatically: “Even if you had a dispute with Old Madam, you couldn’t just kill her! Such a treasonous act—oh heavens!”

“Concubine, please compose yourself,” Lian Qiao said angrily: “Do you know what crime it is to slander a current princess?”

The Second Concubine paused slightly and continued loudly: “What? Can a current princess kill people at will? Why not silence me too? Is there no law under heaven anymore?”

Her voice was extremely loud, startling almost all the servants in the residence. Jiang Susu and Jiang Dan hurried over, while Hong Ying, being farther away and pregnant, was helped over by others. Along the way, maids must have informed her of the situation, and upon seeing Jiang Ruan, she examined her with complex eyes.

Jiang Susu seemed somewhat gleeful, while Jiang Dan suddenly collapsed with a thud, crying out in alarm: “Grandmother, what happened to Grandmother?”

“Doesn’t Fourth Sister understand?” Jiang Ruan said indifferently: “Grandmother was murdered by someone. She probably won’t rest in peace even in death.”

Jiang Dan’s expression paused slightly as she looked at Jiang Ruan mournfully: “Eldest Sister, why did you harm Grandmother? Grandmother loved you so much and specially invited you to sit in her courtyard today. How could you harm her like this?”

“Fourth Sister, be careful that disaster comes from the mouth,” Jiang Ruan reminded: “Does this princess’s word count for less than that of a rough servant girl? From beginning to end, only Cai Que claimed this princess harmed Grandmother. As this princess’s concubine-born sister, Fourth Sister doesn’t believe her own sister but believes a servant? Isn’t sisterly affection rather cold?”

Jiang Dan was speechless and couldn’t find words to respond. Then a cold male voice interrupted: “This official is here on duty. Men, arrest the Jiang family’s eldest daughter for murdering her legitimate grandmother!”

It was actually a team of government soldiers. Jiang Ruan looked at the leading official with a half-smile and said softly: “This princess never knew the patrol office moved so quickly, as if… they already knew Grandmother would meet with trouble.”