What should have been a pleasant conversation ended in discord. When Xuan Lang left, his entire face was deathly pale, as if he couldn’t bear Jiang Ruan’s gaze, even walking with the air of fleeing in panic.

When he reached that person’s residence, as expected, though there was no visible loss of composure, the smile at the corners of his mouth had stiffened somewhat. After an unknown length of time, the man seated slowly picked up the cup of clear tea before him, lifted the lid and took a shallow sip, his expression cold as a river: “This prince originally intended to cherish and protect beauty. Since she’s so ungrateful, there’s no need for further hesitation.” A cruel, cold smile flashed in his eyes: “Close the net.”

…

This night in the capital was no different from any other. In early autumn, darkness always came earlier. Against the thick, richly colored night, Prince Jinying’s mansion was brightly lit. Xiao Shao sat upright in the high seat, his usually cold and emotionless face rarely showing a trace of stern coldness.

Ye Feng, Jin Yi, and Jin Si all stood on either side. Xiao Shao placed the letter in his hand into the flames to burn as usual. The firelight danced, illuminating his dark eyes like the finest black gemstones.

“Qi Si’s information won’t be wrong,” he said flatly. “Xuan Li has made his move.”

“The Eighth Prince is too bold. Such a dangerous transaction – isn’t he afraid of inviting wolves into the house?” Jin Si couldn’t help but speak, his gaze containing some disdain. As a son of the Jin Dynasty’s emperor, to do something so despicable – treating the lives of tens of thousands of border civilians like child’s play, merely to satisfy his own ambition and selfish desires. Such a person would be despised wherever he went.

“Tomorrow morning the news will reach the court,” Xiao Shao didn’t respond to Jin Si’s words, tapping the table with his finger. “This matter is of great importance. If it’s really as Qi Si said, General Guan is also in danger.”

“General Guan?” Jin Yi frowned. “Master, should we remind Young Master Mo? If the Eighth Prince acts this way, His Highness the Crown Prince is probably in danger.”

“You go to Mo Cong’s residence,” Xiao Shao stood up, taking the outer garment draped over his chair. “I’ll enter the palace first.”

…

The next morning when she awoke, Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi served Jiang Ruan in getting up. As the weather was getting somewhat cold, Bai Zhi chose an eight-petaled spring brocade long robe for Jiang Ruan before feeling at ease. After breakfast, since the weather in the courtyard was pleasant and comfortable, Lian Qiao moved chairs outside as usual. Jiang Ruan sat in the courtyard reading, while Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao took advantage of the good weather to spread out old books from the book chest to air them.

This was the most normal behavior on ordinary days, yet today seemed somewhat strange. The palace maids sweeping in the courtyard looked at Jiang Ruan differently than usual. Normally, the servants of the princess’s palace were all bestowed by Empress Dowager Yide and were quite proper. Today these palace maids looked at Jiang Ruan with gazes that seemed to contain scrutiny and contemplation. The palace maids’ concealment wasn’t skillful – Jiang Ruan noticed but said nothing, continuing her affairs without showing any reaction.

Jiang Ruan could maintain her composure, but Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao also sensed something amiss. Just as they wanted to find a palace maid to question, they saw Lu Zhu hurrying over with an anxious face, looking very tense. Upon reaching Jiang Ruan, she said: “Miss, this servant has something to report.”

Bai Zhi understood, waving away several palace maids who were watching the excitement in the courtyard, and helped Jiang Ruan return to her room. After closing the door, before Jiang Ruan could ask, Lu Zhu said: “Miss, news came from the front lines. In the confrontation with Tianjin Kingdom, Jin Dynasty’s army fell into an ambush. One hundred thousand soldiers were completely annihilated, with less than thirty thousand remaining to struggle on. General Guan is severely wounded, and the young master…” She looked worriedly at Jiang Ruan: “The young master’s whereabouts are unknown. He may have been captured by Tianjin Kingdom.”

Jiang Ruan’s hand involuntarily tightened. Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao’s faces also changed dramatically.

The outcome of returning defeated to court was unknown, but the emperor was probably furious at this moment. And missing on the battlefield meant either already in mortal danger or captured by enemy forces – in the end, there were only two possible outcomes. If he surrendered, the entire family would be implicated and treated as enemy spies. With Jiang Xinzhi’s character, he would never surrender, so the outcome would merely be death after endless torture.

Since this news had reached the court, it must be at least eighty percent true. The ominous prediction had come true. Jiang Ruan’s face was dark as water, one hand gripping the chair’s armrest tightly, her lips slightly pale.

“Miss,” Lu Zhu grasped Jiang Ruan’s hand, feeling some pity. Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xinzhi depended on each other – everyone around them had witnessed the siblings’ affection. If there was anything in this world that could move Jiang Ruan’s heart, Jiang Xinzhi was the first. Now with Jiang Xinzhi’s life and death uncertain and the outcome so unclear, Jiang Ruan hadn’t shed a single tear. She said: “Miss, if you want to cry, cry it out. Holding it in only hurts yourself.”

Jiang Ruan lowered her gaze, slowly withdrawing her hand. In her previous life, she had cried too many times, yet in the end still met a tragic fate. In this life, with great vengeance unrevenged, what right did she have to cry?

She slowly raised a smile – a smile of shocking, heart-stopping cruelty, like an evil flower blooming from hell. In an instant, white bones were stark, carrying sinister revenge with fierce intensity: “Since it’s come to this, there’s no need to wait any longer.”

…

In the Golden Luan Hall, two rows of ministers were arguing furiously.

One side insisted on punishing Jiang Xinzhi and Guan Lianghan for leading troops poorly, while the other faction insisted that with generals in the field and soldiers fighting at the front, they should focus on appeasement rather than causing the soldiers to lose heart.

Jiang Xinzhi was a court rising star, while Guan Lianghan was a tough character. Few in court could speak for these two – mostly some upright scholar-officials. Those insisting on punishment were naturally those who couldn’t bear to see others rise step by step, either with other plans or wanting to kick them while they were down.

The emperor coldly watched the two factions argue until their faces were red and necks thick. Under the ministers’ quarreling, they failed to notice the thoughtful expression in the ruler’s eyes on the dragon throne. After a moment, the emperor looked at Xuan Li, who stood aside listening respectfully, and said: “Eighth son, tell us your view on this matter.”

Xuan Li stepped forward and bowed: “In response to Father Emperor, this son believes that both General Guan and Vice General Jiang are protecting the people of Great Jin Dynasty. Since the situation is still unclear, we shouldn’t act rashly. Why not wait and see what exactly happened?”

“Eighth Highness,” Zhao Guang spoke: “The battlefield is no child’s play. Though Eighth Highness can wait, the soldiers cannot. By the time we truly understand the whole story, the battle situation will be settled, making further plans difficult.” Zhao Guang had always been neutral in court, not specifically opposing anyone. Only now, with his nephew in danger, did Zhao Guang speak so bluntly in direct confrontation with Xuan Li before all the civil and military officials.

Such behavior, in the eyes of those with ulterior motives, prompted another round of speculation. With Zhao Guang taking such an attitude, did this mean even the superficial peaceful facade in court was about to be torn away? The real bloody storm – the struggle for that position – was perhaps about to truly begin.

“Old General Zhao’s words are mistaken,” Duke Chen spoke. Since Consort Chen was confined to the cold palace, Duke Chen’s residence had been subdued and restrained for some time. Now he unexpectedly jumped out with a clearly explicit attitude of targeting Jiang Xinzhi. He said: “When a country’s vice general is captured by enemy forces, those with integrity should immediately draw their swords and commit suicide. How can they endure humiliation and cling to life? Now if he’s enduring humiliation and living on, what if he reveals our army’s tactical arrangements? Wouldn’t that bring disaster?”

Mo Cong shook his head: “Though the Duke speaks reasonably, you should know that a previous dynasty had a general who was captured by enemy forces, pretended to surrender, spent a full ten years mastering military intelligence to send back to his country, and finally helped the great army advance and return victorious. How is it that Great Jin Dynasty cannot have such people?” Mo Cong was always skilled at debate. His words made Duke Chen’s expression change several times. Seeing the emperor’s attitude waver, Duke Chen urgently said: “But if something goes wrong, who will take responsibility?”

“Everything shouldn’t be discussed carelessly,” Liu Min, who had been standing silently, also spoke: “If the Duke says Vice General Jiang surrendered, please provide evidence. Otherwise, this is the deepest humiliation to a military man.” Though Liu Min was the Grand Tutor, he was also a favored person before the emperor. The emperor appreciated his upright character and would usually listen to some of his opinions on court matters.

Unexpectedly, this Grand Tutor Liu had clearly taken Jiang Xinzhi’s side.

Duke Chen’s expression became even uglier. Xuan Li looked deeply at Liu Min. The emperor thoughtfully looked at his ministers and asked Xuan Hua: “Fifth son, what do you think?”

“This son is rash. This matter is of great importance – this son dare not make decisions lightly,” Xuan Hua’s answer was watertight. “Everything depends on Father Emperor’s clear insight.”

The emperor laughed once – that laughter sounded somewhat frightening to everyone’s ears. Just as the two factions were about to argue again, the emperor said heavily: “Since you can’t come up with ideas, then don’t come up with ideas.”

The officials looked at each other, none understanding the ruler’s thoughts. The emperor stood up. Eunuch Li quickly stepped forward to support him, shrilly announcing: “His Majesty is unwell – court is dismissed—”

After the emperor left, Xuan Hua walked to Xuan Li’s side, staring at him intently: “Eighth brother moves very quickly.”

“Fifth brother moves quite quickly too,” Xuan Li smiled warmly, graceful as a gentleman.

Xuan Hua slowly clenched his fists, taking a deep breath: “If eighth brother thinks obtaining those one hundred thousand troops will be so simple, you’re thinking too simplistically.”

Xuan Li shook his head: “The process being difficult doesn’t matter – as long as… success is achieved.” With that, he left without looking back. As he passed Liu Min, he gave him a deep look.

Mo Cong walked to Liu Min’s side, patted his shoulder, and said: “Today you’ve thoroughly offended the Eighth Highness.”

“Ah?” Liu Min was still somewhat confused. Mo Cong kindly explained: “You know Duke Chen is the Eighth Highness’s grandfather and naturally on the same side as the Eighth Highness. By refuting Duke Chen’s face today, you’ve swept away the Eighth Highness’s dignity. As a reminder between classmates – be careful recently. However,” Mo Cong looked Liu Min up and down: “Speaking of which, you’re quite strange. Why would you speak for Vice General Jiang?”

Though Liu Min was upright, he wasn’t rash. Just from his ability as a poor scholar to sit firmly in the Grand Tutor position while gaining the emperor’s trust showed that Liu Min also understood court politics deeply and could maintain a delicate balance – neither losing his original heart nor being framed for being too straightforward.

For today’s matter, with Liu Min’s character, even if he wanted to remonstrate, he wouldn’t do so before all civil and military officials, so thoroughly embarrassing Duke Chen – this was quite rare. But Jiang Xinzhi was a military officer while Liu Min was a civilian official – they were completely unrelated. Yet Xuan Li’s expression when looking at Liu Min seemed to have other meanings. Could there be something else he didn’t know about? As Mo Cong pondered, Liu Min was slightly startled, as if Mo Cong’s words reminded him of something. He hurriedly bowed to him: “I have some matters to attend to. Thank you for Master Mo’s guidance.” He left in a hurry.

Mo Cong hadn’t finished speaking when Liu Min left midway, truly making him somewhat annoyed. Suddenly seeming to think of something, he looked around and indeed didn’t see that person. He muttered to himself: “Strange, with such a big matter, third brother didn’t attend court – where did he go?”

…

The “third brother” Mo Cong mentioned was currently in Cining Palace.

When Empress Dowager Yide saw Xiao Shao, she was clearly stunned for a moment, then actually stood up from the soft couch. Nanny Yang quickly reached out to support her, but Empress Dowager Yide walked forward two steps, as if wanting to touch Xiao Shao but suddenly withdrew her hand, looking somewhat at a loss. If outsiders saw this, they would be greatly shocked, not knowing why the usually cold and ruthless, decisive Empress Dowager Yide would show such an expression.

“Ah… Beloved Minister Xiao,” Empress Dowager Yide said, her voice still trembling. “You’ve come to find this dowager – is there something?”

Unlike Empress Dowager Yide’s excited demeanor, Xiao Shao’s expression was cold and calm, even colder than usual, saying flatly: “This subject has a request.”

“Speak,” Empress Dowager Yide said. “What this dowager can do, she will certainly try to accomplish.”

Such humble, even somewhat pleasing attitude made Nanny Yang lower her head. Xiao Shao’s expression didn’t change, but his hand hanging at his side moved slightly. After a long silence, he said: “Please grant this subject a marriage, Your Majesty.”

“Grant a marriage?” This time, Empress Dowager Yide cried out in surprise, her expression showing neither joy nor shock as she raised her voice: “You have someone you love? Which family’s young lady is it?”

Nanny Yang imperceptibly patted Empress Dowager Yide’s hand. The empress dowager’s voice paused as she sat back on the soft couch. Her long ruby nail guards scratched somewhat anxiously at the couch’s edge, but her gaze toward Xiao Shao was very gentle. She said: “Which marriage do you want this dowager to arrange for you?”

Xiao Shao lowered his gaze, his body moving slightly as he slowly knelt on one knee – this was how subjects bowed to rulers. His voice was calm as a clear spring yet contained a gentleness he himself wasn’t aware of: “Princess Hong’an, legitimate daughter of the Minister’s residence, Miss Jiang Ruan.”

“Miss Ruan?” If Xiao Shao actively requesting Empress Dowager Yide to grant a marriage was already very surprising, when she heard whom Xiao Shao wanted to marry, Empress Dowager Yide was completely stunned. She stood frozen in place for an unknown length of time. Seeing Xiao Shao still kneeling, she quickly said: “Stand up quickly. Miss Ruan – why do you want to marry Miss Ruan?”

Xiao Shao stood up, not hiding anything, stating plainly: “Princess Hong’an once saved this subject’s life. Today with urgent border reports and Vice General Jiang’s whereabouts unknown, Princess Hong’an’s position is awkward with many watching from palace and residence. Being engaged to this subject, Prince Jinying’s mansion can protect her somewhat.”

He answered honestly, making his words difficult to doubt. Moreover, Xiao Shao usually didn’t lie, so Empress Dowager Yide believed his words. Though she didn’t know what Xiao Shao meant by “life-saving grace,” after hearing Xiao Shao’s explanation, she still found it somewhat absurd and scolded: “Absurd! How can marriage be child’s play? Repaying kindness isn’t done this way. Since you value emotion and loyalty, she’s still this dowager’s granddaughter – how could she not be protected in the palace?”

“The harem cannot interfere in politics,” Xiao Shao said flatly. “If court affairs are used as pretext, Your Majesty can do nothing. His Majesty already intends to suppress Princess Hong’an.” After a pause, Xiao Shao said: “This subject admires the Jiang family’s legitimate daughter.”

After this statement, even Nanny Yang, who had navigated palace intrigue for so many years and never showed emotion, couldn’t help but stare in shock. Empress Dowager Yide was also stunned by Xiao Shao’s words, especially the last sentence. She said: “You like Miss Ruan?”

Xiao Shao lowered his gaze, his long eyelashes hiding the emotion in his eyes. Though he remained silent, an unnatural blush appeared on his handsome face.

Silence spoke louder than words. Seeing this, what didn’t Empress Dowager Yide understand? Xiao Shao’s cold reputation in court was well known – never had anyone imagined he would confess his feelings before Empress Dowager Yide today. Seeing such a wonderful expression on Xiao Shao’s face was unexpected, yet Empress Dowager Yide felt heartache.

With complex emotions while considering Xiao Shao’s words, Empress Dowager Yide realized Xiao Shao was right. The harem’s power was complex and intricate – protecting someone was already so difficult. Moreover, Jiang Ruan’s matter involved the frontier. Jiang Xinzhi had only this one sister – any border disturbance would make others target Jiang Ruan. Empress Dowager Yide had seen such things before. Though she had an outside reputation, as empress dowager, she no longer interfered in politics. The ruler had his own plans – even as his birth mother, the son in high position was no longer the initially inexperienced new emperor.

If the emperor truly moved against Jiang Ruan, even she couldn’t stop it. Though Xiao Shao’s method was rash, it was effective. If Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan were engaged, Jiang Ruan would belong to Prince Jinying’s mansion. Even if something happened to Jiang Xinzhi later, Jiang Ruan would no longer be a Jiang family member but a Xiao family member. Married women wouldn’t be implicated – this could protect her.

In fact, Empress Dowager Yide wasn’t a pedantic person. During her three years with Jiang Ruan, she had clearly recognized how Jiang Ruan differed from Princess Yuanrong. But Jiang Ruan’s character and behavior greatly appealed to her. Thirty years earlier, Empress Dowager Yide might even have wanted Jiang Ruan to enter the palace as a consort.

Empress Dowager Yide truly liked Jiang Ruan, and moreover… this was Xiao Shao’s beloved. Though she had doubts – with Xiao Shao’s cold nature and Jiang Ruan’s cool disposition, how could these two be together? After that conversation, she felt reassured. Originally thinking Xiao Shao was simply repaying kindness, but how could a young man’s feelings be hidden? With one glance, Empress Dowager Yide determined that Xiao Shao had long set his heart on Jiang Ruan.

She couldn’t possibly refuse Xiao Shao’s request, regardless of the reason.

Empress Dowager Yide smiled: “You child, this dowager watched you grow up. In the blink of an eye, it’s time for you to establish a family and career.”

Nanny Yang secretly sighed in relief, hearing Empress Dowager Yide continue: “As for the marriage grant, this dowager has noted it. Hong’an has been by this dowager’s side for several years – this dowager sees clearly that she has a good temperament. But this dowager must ask Hong’an’s opinion. If Hong’an has no objection, this dowager won’t be one to separate lovers. This dowager has always been one to help lovers unite.”

Xiao Shao bowed: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace.”

Empress Dowager Yide smiled and said a few more words. After Xiao Shao left, Empress Dowager Yide leaned back on the soft couch, seeming lost in thought, all the hostility in her body seeming instantly drained. Nanny Yang quickly brought a cup of hot tea to the empress dowager’s side.

Empress Dowager Yide unconsciously took it, gently stroking the cup lid, murmuring: “He actually came to Cining Palace… I never thought that in this lifetime I could still see him enter Cining Palace…”

“Your Majesty,” Nanny Yang consoled gently. “Prince Xiao is just naturally cold. His heart is clear as a mirror. But Your Majesty, will you really grant marriage to Prince Xiao and the princess?”

“What if I don’t grant the marriage?” Empress Dowager Yide looked somewhat weary, sighing: “This is what this dowager owes him, what the emperor owes him. Even if he wanted that position, no one could say anything against it. Let alone just a marriage grant.”

Nanny Yang pondered: “This servant saw Prince Xiao’s feelings for the princess earlier – it didn’t seem false.”

“He truly loves Hong’an,” Empress Dowager Yide sighed deeply. “This is what this dowager worries about. Hong’an’s temperament is probably even colder than his. Usually appearing gentle, she actually doesn’t take anything to heart. If Ah Shao cannot move Hong’an’s heart, even if this dowager grants them marriage, it will be in vain.”

Empress Dowager Yide frowned: “Moreover, the emperor has already chosen for him – Governor Yao’s daughter from the coast, capable in both literature and martial arts, no less than men, and quite beautiful. This dowager knows the emperor’s intentions clearly. I’m afraid that as soon as this dowager grants the marriage, the emperor will cause trouble for Hong’an.” She paused: “The Jiang family is also a big problem. This dowager always feels that if Ah Shao marries Hong’an, there will be many difficulties ahead.”

Nanny Yang smiled while massaging Empress Dowager Yide’s shoulders, consoling: “Why should Your Majesty overthink? Prince Xiao is no ordinary person, and Princess Hong’an is also quick-witted – how could they be so easily schemed against and defeated? Since Prince Xiao likes Princess Hong’an, the princess must have exceptional qualities. Besides, Prince Xiao is the dream lover of all Great Jin women – how could the princess not like him? Life always gets better – Your Majesty should be more open-minded.”

Nanny Yang’s words were considerate and pleasant. Empress Dowager Yide’s tightly furrowed brow gradually relaxed. Perhaps thinking of something, she slowly smiled: “You’re right – life always gets better. This dowager was confused. This is a good thing – what is this dowager worrying about? When the sun sets, this dowager will call Hong’an to discuss this matter properly.”