Du Juan trembled as she looked at Jin San, who smiled sincerely: “But I like beautiful girls like you the most. If you obediently listen, I’m also happy to help fulfill romantic unions. But if you don’t obey…” Jin San’s tone suddenly turned cold, “your little lover will be implicated because of you.”
“I agree,” Du Juan said hastily. She had been quite hesitant about helping Cai Que frame Jiang Ruan initially. Cai Que wasn’t house-born, so naturally she needed to plan for her days after leaving the residence. Du Juan’s family still worked on the Jiang family’s estate, so for the sake of her own people, she shouldn’t have gotten involved in such matters. Later, because of Young Master Wang, she reluctantly agreed to this affair, though some hesitation remained in her heart. That day when Madam Jiang asked her to prepare tea leaves, she took the opportunity to stay inside for a long time. When questioned later, she only said she hadn’t seen clearly, maintaining an ambiguous attitude.
Now Du Juan felt slightly relieved in her heart. Fortunately, she had kept her guard up back then, otherwise she would have ended up like Cai Que now. Looking at Cai Que collapsed in the mourning hall, Du Juan couldn’t help but shiver.
After Jin San and Jin Yi finished their business, they naturally left. At the same time, Tianzhu leaped into the courtyard of Ruan Residence. Bai Zhi, Lian Qiao, and Lu Zhu had been waiting anxiously and all breathed sighs of relief seeing Tianzhu return. These past few days, there had been women monitoring outside Ruan Residence’s gates. Fortunately, Tianzhu had martial arts skills and could avoid those watchful eyes.
Bai Zhi asked, “Is everything settled?”
Tianzhu nodded. Planting arsenic in the residence wasn’t difficult for her. She had originally wanted to place some in Jiang Dan’s courtyard too, but Jiang Ruan had instructed earlier that even if something happened, Jiang Dan could clear herself. Since they couldn’t take her down in one move, there was no need to alert the enemy. Though Tianzhu felt somewhat unwilling, she still held back.
Lian Qiao sighed in relief: “We just need to wait for good news from His Lordship tomorrow.”
…
One night passed, everyone harboring their own thoughts. Early the next morning, a team of soldiers arrived at the prison. The leading officer was quite unfamiliar but very respectful toward Jiang Ruan, saying it had all been a misunderstanding and hoping she wouldn’t hold it against them.
Xiao Shao had acted quite quickly. Jiang Ruan didn’t make things difficult for the officers. Just as she walked to the main gate, she saw Zhao Yuanfeng waiting for her. Seeing her come out, he rushed forward to examine her from head to toe. Only after confirming Jiang Ruan was unharmed did he nod with satisfaction: “He truly thought everything through.”
Jiang Ruan said softly, “Little Uncle.”
Zhao Yuanfeng looked at her with a smile, waving his hand: “Ruan girl, since you’re out today, I’ll take you to watch a good show.”
Jiang Ruan smiled: “Alright.”
…
That same morning, the servants in the Jiang residence rose early to clean and sweep when they heard heavy knocking at the main gate. The gatekeeper opened the door to see a line of officials with sabers filing in, looking fierce and menacing. A somewhat senior woman servant hurried forward: “Officials, what’s the reason for this sudden…”
The officer rudely pushed the woman aside: “Get out of the way! This official is carrying out imperial orders to arrest court criminals!”
The woman was startled. Apart from Jiang Chao and Jiang Quan, no one else in this residence held office—how could they deserve the title “court criminal”? Could something have happened to the master? The woman was frightened into silence. The soldiers paid her no more attention, directly entering the Jiang residence to search room by room. Before long, Second Concubine was being escorted out of her courtyard.
“Officials, this is unjust! What has this concubine done?” Second Concubine still didn’t understand what was happening. Instead of receiving news of Jiang Ruan’s misfortune, a group of soldiers had arrived. The leading soldier wasn’t Li Qiang either, and he glared at her fiercely: “Shut up! Save your words for the courthouse!”
The officer was genuinely fierce, frightening Second Concubine into silence. When Jiang Quan learned the news and hurriedly brought people to inquire, seeing the officer leader, he frowned and asked, “May I ask what crime this lowly concubine has committed?”
Originally, given Jiang Quan’s rank, these officers should have shown him courtesy if not deference upon seeing him. Today was different—the officer leader glanced at Jiang Quan, his tone somewhat meaningful: “Master Jiang, it’s best not to interfere in this matter, lest you bring trouble upon yourself.” With that, he called to his subordinates and left without looking back.
Jiang Quan’s heart turned cold. The officer’s tone was laden with meaning. Taking away Second Concubine while speaking so seriously—what did “bring trouble upon yourself” mean? And bringing so many people to arrest Second Concubine seemed excessive. Having navigated official circles for so many years, a suspicion immediately arose in his mind: could something have gone wrong with the Minister of Personnel?
Second Concubine followed the soldiers all the way to the courthouse, where two soldiers watched her while the leader took his men inside first. Second Concubine’s heart was in turmoil. After thinking, she steeled herself and pulled off two jade rings from her fingers. In recent days, to bribe Li Qiang, she had already sold all her jewelry. These jade rings were gifts from Jiang Quan when he first took her as concubine—she hadn’t had the heart to pawn them. Now with the situation urgent, she couldn’t worry about such things. Grabbing the two jade rings, she stuffed them into the two officers’ hands with a pleading smile: “Officials, may I ask why this concubine is being arrested?”
The jade rings were of excellent quality—if pawned, they could fetch eight hundred to a thousand taels. Normally, these bailiffs rarely saw such goods and would naturally understand without words. But today this trick didn’t work. The two bailiffs exchanged glances and didn’t reach out to take the jade rings.
Seeing this, Second Concubine’s heart sank halfway. It wasn’t scary when people wanted things—it was scary when they wouldn’t accept gifts even when offered. Had matters become so serious? What could make even two bailiffs afraid to accept bribes?
Second Concubine’s expression changed as she smiled: “Officials, then… do you know where Officer Li Qiang has gone?”
One bailiff looked at her with surprise: “Officer Li? Haven’t seen hide nor hair of him since yesterday. His house is empty too. The higher-ups have replaced him—even if he came back, it wouldn’t be his turn anymore.” After thinking, he looked at Second Concubine again: “Stop trying tricks. Save your energy for court later.”
“Why waste words with her?” the other bailiff urged impatiently.
Second Concubine was even more alarmed. She didn’t know how long she waited before hearing the injustice drum being heavily beaten outside, each strike seeming to pound against people’s hearts.
The injustice drum was only struck for major cases, usually involving court officials. Just as the drumming stopped, Second Concubine was brought before the court.
Two rows of bailiffs stood on either side. The magistrate above wasn’t the familiar one—he had an unapproachable demeanor. What shocked Second Concubine most wasn’t this, but the familiar figure sitting in the left seat below the main position. Jiang Ruan’s makeup was clean and neat, wearing a light azure outfit, still as beautiful and alluring as before. She now looked at her with a half-smile, showing no sign of distress whatsoever.
Second Concubine’s heart sank, secretly cursing that Jiang Ruan had indeed escaped calamity again. Feeling very unwilling, her gaze toward Jiang Ruan immediately became like a poisoned sword.
This expression from Second Concubine displeased others in the hall. Zhao Yuanfeng coughed lightly: “I see this criminal woman still hasn’t understood her position. Magistrate Ke?”
Ke Xiuran on the main seat was startled and looked toward Zhao Yuanfeng. Everyone knew this Third Master of the Zhao family had an unruly temperament, yet the Zhao family had three generations of military officers with real capability. Offending him would create many difficulties in court later. Moreover, today Zhao Yuanfeng had personally come to observe the case—wasn’t this to support Princess Hong’an? Better to sell him a favor for future convenience. Thinking this, Ke Xiuran struck the gavel and shouted: “Criminal woman below, do you know your crimes?”
Second Concubine shook her head, appearing panicked and confused: “This concubine doesn’t know what crime she has committed.”
Ke Xiuran said: “Bring the witnesses!”
Officers escorted two maids forward. One had disheveled hair like straw, mumbling: “This servant was wrong, Old Madam, this servant didn’t mean to harm you. Second Concubine made this servant do it. Old Madam, this servant was wrong…” Her mind was clearly confused—this was Cai Que.
The other knelt down and declared loudly: “Reporting to Your Honor, this servant is Du Juan. This servant testifies that originally it was Second Concubine who bribed Cai Que to poison the Old Madam, intending to frame the Princess. Second Concubine also threatened this servant, saying if this servant revealed the truth, she would kill this servant’s entire family on the estate.”
“You’re lying! When did I—” Second Concubine protested unwillingly.
“Second Concubine gave Cai Que a large sum of silver. If Your Honor doesn’t believe it, please search Cai Que’s room.”
“No need, this official has already investigated.” Ke Xiuran waved his hand.
The court clerk then spoke at length: “Jiang Li Shi, you murdered for money, poisoned Jiang Shi to death, showed no repentance, conspired to frame Princess Hong’an, and finding this insufficient, hired assassins to silence witnesses. Your heart is more evil than snakes and scorpions, your nature more vicious than wolves. This is intolerable—Heaven’s justice is clear, how can this court tolerate you? The law states that murderers must die. Today you are sentenced to immediate execution.”
Upon hearing “immediate execution,” Second Concubine collapsed like driftwood without a backbone, no longer able to support herself. She was naturally cowardly and vicious, lacking even the strength to argue. Only one thought remained in her mind—everything was exposed. But thinking her father was Minister of Personnel, perhaps there was still a way to save her. Her eyes immediately brightened as she cried: “This concubine is wronged! This concubine is wronged! Please allow this concubine to see her father!”
Hearing this, Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. Second Concubine was still single-mindedly thinking of relying on her maternal family, perhaps hoping Hu Qianqiu could help. But the Li family could barely protect themselves now, and as for Hu Qianqiu… the Censorate probably wouldn’t have such a person in the future.
Ke Xiuran struck the gavel again, a meaningful look flashing in his eyes as he shouted: “Bring the criminal minister Li Dexing!”
Second Concubine was thunderstruck.
She saw soldiers escorting several people in shackles wearing prisoner clothes—none other than Second Concubine’s father Minister Li and her brothers.
Minister Li was disheveled all over, clearly having suffered considerably. Seeing Second Concubine, he spat viciously at her and cursed: “Plague!”
Second Concubine was stunned: “Father, what is this…”
“Get away!” Minister Li was extremely agitated.
“Silence!” Ke Xiuran struck the gavel, his expression very serious.
Minister Li gritted his teeth. Normally, how would Ke Xiuran dare treat him this way? Early this morning, soldiers had raided the Minister’s residence by imperial order. He still couldn’t believe it, but the information revealed by those soldiers was shocking. All those past affairs had been dug up—even transactions he thought seamlessly concealed had been exposed. Other matters aside, privately forming cliques with court officials violated the emperor’s greatest taboo.
Minister Li had lived smoothly all his life, never expecting to be undermined at this point. Some things he couldn’t even remember clearly had been uncovered and listed item by item in the confession he signed in prison. Minister Li almost suspected a trusted aide had betrayed him.
The charges also implicated Hu Qianqiu, stating Hu Qianqiu had accepted Second Concubine’s silver and Second Concubine had obstructed justice. Minister Li had found it strange then—other charges were one thing, but how did Second Concubine’s affair get mixed in? A jailer who had some past dealings with him kindly reminded: “Minister Li, blame your daughter. She could have provoked anyone, but she had to provoke Princess Hong’an. The person behind Princess Hong’an isn’t someone the Minister’s residence can afford to offend.”
When Minister Li asked who was behind Princess Hong’an, the jailer wouldn’t say more. But Minister Li understood one thing—this entire affair was caused single-handedly by Second Concubine. In other words, Second Concubine had destroyed the entire Li family.
Seeing Second Concubine now, Minister Li wished he had strangled her at birth. The Li family’s generations of court officials were ruined by this pig-stupid daughter! Seeing Zhao Yuanfeng, he wondered if the person behind Princess Hong’an was the Zhao family. Jiang Ruan was the Zhao family’s granddaughter—their help would be natural. But the Zhao family always acted honorably and wouldn’t be so ruthless, striking to destroy an entire family’s lifeline.
The court clerk unrolled a scroll and read word by word: “Li Dexing, as a court official, you disregarded law, killed innocents, took bribes, deceived the emperor above and the people below, accumulated wealth, and colluded with superiors. This court sentences you to beheading, to rot with grass and trees, for insects and rats to gnaw, flies to fill their bellies, dying without burial.”
“The Li family household—men are thieves, women are prostitutes, failing to cultivate themselves internally or externally, losing virtue and conduct, disgracing scholars and sages. This court rules to strip Li family descendants of official status. The Li family shall never be permitted to enter service through imperial examinations.”
“No—” Second Concubine cried out in panic. Why was this happening? Even if her own affair was exposed, why was the Li residence also raided? What were all those charges about? She raised her head to look at Jiang Ruan, who sat calmly with a smile pure as bone at her lips, seemingly filled with deep mockery, looking down condescendingly at their wretched state.
“It was you…” Second Concubine murmured.
“Bring Hu Qianqiu!” Ke Xiuran called again.
This time, the soldiers escorted Hu Qianqiu.
Upon being brought up, Hu Qianqiu first glared viciously at Ke Xiuran. Originally, Ke Xiuran had been promoted by his own hand and was considered talented, yet in recent years had increasingly threatened his position. With his downfall this time, Ke Xiuran certainly played a role in fanning the flames.
Ke Xiuran also saw Hu Qianqiu’s gaze and felt somewhat pleased. He shouted: “Hu Qianqiu, hear your sentence! You abused your office, colluded with another man’s concubine, framed a princess—truly muddled, unfit for office. Today your scholarly credentials are stripped, you are demoted to commoner status, never to hold office again.”
Hu Qianqiu felt choked up inside. Though he knew his position was certainly lost, hearing “never to hold office again” still made his chest tighten, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
“Qianqiu!” Second Concubine panicked and crawled to Hu Qianqiu’s side.
“Get away!” Hu Qianqiu no longer showed his past tender affection, slapping her away and looking at her like an enemy: “Cheap woman!”
If not for her, how would he, the dignified Censorate Director, have fallen to this state? He had wanted to use her to establish connections with the Jiang family, but now his entire career was ruined. Who in the capital would dare shelter him in the future?
Second Concubine stared blankly at Hu Qianqiu as if seeing a stranger. She didn’t understand why everything had changed overnight. The Li family had fallen to this state, Hu Qianqiu had lost his position, and they all harbored deep hatred toward her. Had she really caused their ruin?
Jiang Ruan smiled as she sat in the hall, as if nothing could shake her composure and calm. She was like a demoness detached from the mortal world, coldly and mockingly watching everyone struggle.
Feeling Second Concubine’s gaze, Jiang Ruan turned her head. Those upturned, clear, seductive eyes showed no emotion at all, yet Second Concubine understood. She was saying: Accept the consequences of your gamble.
Accept the consequences, accept the consequences. Second Concubine laughed bitterly, the laughter growing louder and shriller until everyone present couldn’t help but frown. Second Concubine continued laughing, her face covered in tears.
She looked at Jiang Ruan: “First Miss, you are ruthless! I can’t fight you—even in death I can’t fight you.”
Jiang Ruan said nothing. Second Concubine laughed miserably and desolately. She was wrong, she brought this upon herself. She had ruined her natal family and childhood sweetheart’s lives, caused her daughter’s tragic death at the Minister’s residence. She was inferior in skill and fell for others’ instigation, utterly foolish, finally making the entire Minister’s residence pay for her actions!
But if she was wrong, weren’t others wrong too?
As a concubine’s daughter, she couldn’t choose her own husband—could only be sent like a gift by her father to another man. In the residence, the legitimate wife oppressed her from above while other concubines competed for favor. Her only daughter could only bear the status of concubine’s daughter forever, just like her! She only wanted her daughter to live better, so she fought hard, seizing another’s marriage arrangement, only to have retribution fall on her daughter. Wanting to perish together with the culprit, she ended up destroying the entire Li family.
Now she had finally become a criminal everyone despised. She was wrong, but she was also forced into it!
Second Concubine broke down, clawing at her hair. Her previously neat coiffure was completely disheveled, making her look like a madwoman with no trace of her former shrewd beauty. She stroked her long hair in confusion, her gaze somewhat vacant, whispering: “Li’er, don’t be afraid. Mother will take you home now.”
Her mind was already clouded beyond clarity.
Some present couldn’t help but be moved, sighing in their hearts. Seeing this, Hu Qianqiu and Minister Li felt even more disgusted. Zhao Yuanfeng instinctively looked at Jiang Ruan’s expression, expecting to find other emotions on her face, but saw Jiang Ruan’s expression remained indifferent. Though her lips held a smile, her eyes contained not a trace of excess emotion, as if nothing in the world could move her.
Zhao Yuanfeng sighed inwardly. From her demeanor today, she likely wasn’t completely ignorant of these events—perhaps she had even contributed. He had long known Jiang Ruan’s heart was like stone, but such coldness was truly alarming. Other families’ daughters at her age should be like flowers, laughing and playing daily, yet his niece remained unperturbed always, like… like an old woman who had lived many years. Zhao Yuanfeng shook his head, wondering if she would ever meet someone who could open her heart.