The main gate of Prince Jinying’s mansion was ordered by Steward Lin to be polished to perfection when they learned of Jiang Ruan’s impending visit. He directed the servants to scrub the ground three times and even wax it – not even the Emperor’s visits had received such honor.

This was all because Jin Er had said: “In any case, the court’s marriage decree should come down soon. The first time we welcome the young mistress with the entire mansion – shouldn’t we make it proper?”

Steward Lin seemed to have grown ten years younger overnight, bustling about arranging everything throughout the mansion. Jin Si watched Steward Lin’s enthusiasm and could only shake her head: “This isn’t being a steward – even wet nurses aren’t this diligent.”

When Jiang Ruan arrived at Prince Jinying’s mansion with Lu Zhu and Tian Zhu, what she saw was the entire household lined up in unison calling out: “Greetings, Young Mistress!” The imposing momentum reached straight to the heavens, startling the birds in the garden into chaotic flight and causing the guard dogs to bark in confused alarm.

Lu Zhu lowered her head to hide her laughter, Tian Zhu’s mouth twitched, while Jiang Ruan’s expression remained unruffled as she simply said: “The Empress Dowager has instructed me to bring something for the Prince.” As if the chorus of “Young Mistress” hadn’t been directed at her at all.

The servants and maids of Prince Jinying’s mansion were all stunned by the future young mistress’s composure – like a mountain unmoved by winds from all directions. They were still wondering how to proceed when Xiao Shao had already emerged. Without even glancing at Steward Lin and the others, he said to Jiang Ruan: “Follow me.”

He directly took her hand and led her into the mansion.

The mansion’s servants and subordinates tactfully scattered like birds and beasts.

Jiang Ruan followed step by step behind Xiao Shao. The last time she came, the situation had been urgent, so she hadn’t carefully observed the mansion’s scenery. Now, taking a closer look, she felt the landscape was very much like Xiao Shao himself – black stone and white water, consistently cool and distant, yet with dense forests arranged in orderly fashion, possessing a unique elegance.

The design was graceful and open, with additional casual touches. Compared to the carefully tended flowers and plants in the courtyards of the various wives and concubines in the Jiang mansion, this simple scenery seemed more likely to touch her heart.

Xiao Shao’s silhouette was as lonely and elegant as always, though today for some reason he walked rather slowly. Jiang Ruan became lost in thought admiring the garden scenery along the way and didn’t notice when Xiao Shao had stopped, accidentally bumping into his back.

“…”

When Xiao Shao turned around, he saw Jiang Ruan rubbing her forehead. He was tall with long arms and legs, while Jiang Ruan only reached his chest. Rarely seeing her make such a mistake, her gesture of rubbing her forehead reminded Xiao Shao of a young sika deer he had raised in the back mountains when he was studying at Mount Jianan – it made one want to pat its head.

In fact, Xiao Shao did exactly that. The soft, fuzzy sensation under his palm instantly brightened his previously somewhat displeased mood. Looking down, he met Jiang Ruan’s slightly dazed gaze. He coughed lightly and withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened.

“The Empress Dowager has decided to arrange the marriage,” Jiang Ruan said directly, not bothering with other words and getting straight to the point. “Do you have anything to say to me?”

“With Jiang Xinzhi’s defeat, if Xuan Li and Xuan Hua want to compete for the military authority of Jiang Xinzhi and Guan Lianghan’s subordinates, they will inevitably send troops for reinforcement. Most military generals in court are now divided into two factions – Xuan Li’s people are Xuan Lang’s people. The Zhao family cannot act rashly. Though the Western Rong have submitted in name, they seem to harbor ambitions this year. Once troops are deployed elsewhere, the Western Rong may cause trouble. The Southern Border has always been difficult, and when that time comes with internal worries and external threats, Great Jin may face great crisis.” Xiao Shao paused, looking at her: “Xuan Li has taken an interest in you. If you become engaged to him, the Zhao family would be held hostage, and even if Jiang Xinzhi is still alive, he would be under Xuan Li’s control. If the winds change direction, you would be the one pushed forward.” His gaze was black as ink as he said indifferently: “Your situation is very difficult. I want to protect you.”

“Xiao Shao, don’t you understand what I’m saying?” Jiang Ruan said. “I don’t want protection – I want revenge.”

“I’ll help you,” Xiao Shao said.

“You’re not afraid I’m a demon woman who brings disaster to the country,” Jiang Ruan smiled lightly.

“I owe you my life – now this life belongs to you,” Xiao Shao spoke solemnly. “I won’t stop you.”

“Is this how you repay everyone’s life-saving grace?” Jiang Ruan asked. “Whoever saves you, you promise to marry?”

“You are the first,” the young man’s features were like a painting, his demeanor cold yet seemingly affectionate, his eyes containing a trace of indulgence he himself was unaware of. Like gentle spring rain that nourishes silently, his voice was slightly hoarse: “Only you.”

…

Lu Zhu stood outside the pavilion, watching the two people talking from afar, worrying so much she pulled out over a dozen hairs: “This… will it work out?”

A figure suddenly appeared hanging upside down from the beam before her eyes. Lu Zhu was startled and screamed, but saw the person quickly flip and land in front of her. Without thinking, he reached out to cover her mouth: “Shh, keep it down, don’t disturb the master!”

Lu Zhu glared angrily at Jin Er before her: “Scoundrel!”

Only then did Jin Er release her: “What scoundrel? This master is heroic and dashing, countless women adore me… Hey, don’t leave!”

Lu Zhu walked away without looking back. Jin Er wanted to chase her but was blocked by someone – it was Jin San. Jin San flipped his long hair with infinite charm: “What? Trying to please the little girl?”

“Nonsense!” Jin Er waved his hand, casually plucking a blade of grass to chew on: “Boring.”

“Even a veteran of the flower gardens has times when he fails,” Jin San moved mysteriously close to Jin Er’s ear, smiling: “You’d better watch out – many of the Imperial Guards in the mansion are eyeing that little girl hungrily. The young mistress’s maids are popular commodities now. Besides, Lu Zhu is so cute, many want to make a move. Don’t say your brother didn’t warn you.” Having said this, he leaped away and disappeared.

Jin Er’s expression was complex and stiff for a long moment before he spat out the grass and strode forward.

In the tree, Jin San held a basin and rubbed his hands: “Come quickly, let’s see if Jin Er will fail this time! Big or small bets, hey, those betting hurry up, you’ll miss the chance if you’re late!”

…

Regardless of anything else, the silent and cold Prince Jinying’s mansion had become much livelier due to Jiang Ruan’s group’s arrival. Jin Si attributed this to the mansion having too few women – even adding up all the women among the Imperial Guards and maids, there were only about ten, all of whom could only be looked at but not touched.

Except for Tian Zhu, each of the maids the young mistress brought had their own characteristics. For a time, these Imperial Guards who had been celibate for over ten years were all eager to try their luck. Lu Zhu, Lian Qiao, and the others were almost overwhelmed by the attention at Prince Jinying’s mansion – one guard would bring a box of pastries, another would bring fresh flowers. Lu Zhu complained: “The subordinates are all so clever, how is the master so clueless?”

Though the master was clueless, he couldn’t withstand having a group of lively and enthusiastic subordinates. For instance, this evening, Jiang Ruan should have returned, but just as she was about to leave, Steward Lin dramatically exclaimed: “Oh heavens, who damaged the young mistress’s carriage? Oh my, this horse seems to have eaten something bad too. Heaven have mercy, quickly find a veterinarian to examine the horse.” Then he ran over apologetically to Jiang Ruan: “Young Mistress, I’m terribly sorry, the carriage is broken. Our mansion doesn’t have another carriage, and this horse needs rest. Besides, young mistress, look at this weather – it’s definitely going to change. What if it starts pouring rain and the roads become slippery? What if there’s an accident? Bah, this old servant is talking nonsense – how could there be an accident? But it’s still safer this way, isn’t it?”

Lu Zhu listened speechlessly to Steward Lin’s rambling. How could this horse coincidentally get sick at this exact moment? How could the grand Prince Jinying’s mansion not have a single carriage – wouldn’t that be laughable? And this weather – with bright moon and sparse stars, where were signs of changing weather? Steward Lin’s intentions were far too obvious. However, Lu Zhu was quite satisfied with Steward Lin’s actions – at least it showed that everyone in Prince Jinying’s mansion valued their young lady, right? So she went along with Steward Lin’s words: “Yes, Miss, it’s already late at night, the roads might not be safe.”

It was clearly still evening – where was it late at night? Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao listened to Lu Zhu’s nonsense and simply pretended not to know.

Finally, it was Tian Zhu who walked over with a solemn expression and said to Jiang Ruan: “Miss, a palace nanny brought word from the Empress Dowager saying that since it’s late tonight, Miss should rest at Prince Jinying’s mansion.”

“…”

They even brought out the Empress Dowager – did they have any regard for reputation at all!

…

Fortunately, though she stayed at Prince Jinying’s mansion, she didn’t see Xiao Shao all night, avoiding much awkwardness. Lu Zhu was disappointed, feeling that on such a rare night, Xiao Shao’s absence was truly a waste of opportunity.

Everyone in Prince Jinying’s mansion was very respectful to Jiang Ruan. Though the marriage decree hadn’t come down yet, they all treated Jiang Ruan as their “young mistress.” Jiang Ruan naturally accepted this with composure, though only she knew her inner thoughts and feelings.

At night, after all the maids in Prince Jinying’s mansion had withdrawn, Jiang Ruan had no sleepiness at all. She had Lu Zhu light the oil lamp, her mind full of thoughts. She simply found a lantern, put on her outer robe, and decided to take a casual walk around the mansion.

It was nearly Mid-Autumn Festival, and the moonlight was bright and round. Jiang Ruan carried the lantern with only Lu Zhu accompanying her. Both had things on their minds and didn’t pay attention to their path. Walking casually, they reached the pavilion by the lake.

They could vaguely see a figure standing in the pavilion with his back to them, doing something unknown. The long moonlight flowed down, reflecting the lake water in sparkling waves and making the shadowy figure clearer. Looking carefully, it was Xiao Shao.

Jiang Ruan thought for a moment, then said to Lu Zhu: “Wait here.” She carried the lantern forward herself.

The person in the pavilion heard movement behind him and turned around. Seeing it was Jiang Ruan, he was slightly startled: “Why aren’t you resting yet?”

Jiang Ruan’s gaze fell on the table – a jade wine pot with three wine cups arranged on top. There were wet stains on the ground and traces of burned paper money by the lake. He was… commemorating someone?

Xiao Shao sat down in the pavilion. Jiang Ruan sensitively noticed that Xiao Shao’s emotions were quite abnormal. She didn’t know if it was her imagination, but there seemed to be an unusual malevolent aura in Xiao Shao’s expression.

Xiao Shao had always appeared quiet and cool before others. In Jiang Ruan’s view, sometimes Xiao Shao was even gentle and endearing. Such obvious malevolent aura seemed to coat him with a layer of coldness, making one feel somewhat fearful.

He was commemorating someone who should be very important to him. Two wine cups meant two people, but the memorial days for the old Prince Jinying and Princess Jinying were in winter, not now. Jiang Ruan pondered while picking up the wine pot on the table to test its weight – the wine was only half full; he had drunk quite a bit.

Xiao Shao suddenly spoke: “I have already requested expedition orders from His Majesty.”

Jiang Ruan turned to look at him sharply. Xiao Shao was staring at the moon in the lake. The moon was large and round, its light hazy, playfully jumping over his straight nose, tightly pressed lips, over his beautifully lined chin, finally settling in those deep, cool eyes.

With moonlight in his eyes, perhaps because he had been drinking, Xiao Shao’s voice carried an unusual low hoarseness: “Three hundred thousand Imperial Guards – I’ll take one hundred thousand with me to Tianjin.” He slowly turned his head, gazing at Jiang Ruan: “Jiang Xinzhi will be fine.”

“Why do this?” Jiang Ruan looked toward the lake. “You shouldn’t involve yourself in court affairs. You could stay out of this matter entirely.”

“Settling accounts with the Southern Border was bound to happen sooner or later,” Xiao Shao said. “It’s not entirely for you.” Jiang Ruan was speechless. Just as she turned back to continue watching the lake water, she felt someone grab her hand and pull with just the right force – perfectly calculated to make her fall into Xiao Shao’s embrace. Looking down, she found herself sitting on Xiao Shao’s lap.

From somewhere distant came the sound of someone drawing a sharp breath.

Jiang Ruan wanted to get up, but Xiao Shao’s strength was perfectly calibrated – not enough to hurt her, but enough that she couldn’t move. Sitting on someone’s lap like this was something that had never happened in either her previous or current life. But Jiang Ruan was no longer a temperamental young girl and wouldn’t make a big fuss. She just glared at him without speaking.

Seeing her expression, Xiao Shao smiled.

With this smile, all the moonlight in the courtyard flowed in his eyes. His lips were red and teeth white, his beauty absolutely stunning. The already gorgeous young man unconsciously exuded seduction, yet seemed to contain a trace of sorrow and barely perceptible pain.

While Jiang Ruan was momentarily dazed, she felt a coolness on her lips. A clear wine fragrance rushed toward her, carrying a strong masculine scent, gently covering her lips.

She was startled, but before she could react, she felt someone supporting her head, deepening the kiss.

His lips were as cold as the rest of him, but the kiss was gentle yet firm, boldly licking over tongue and teeth. The mellow wine fragrance swept over her, bringing strange sensations that made one afraid yet unable to let go.

When the kiss ended, Xiao Shao released his hold on her. But before Jiang Ruan could stand up from his lap, Xiao Shao pulled her into his embrace, resting his chin on the top of her head: “Now, you are my princess consort.”

Jiang Ruan was locked in his embrace, unable to see Xiao Shao’s expression at this moment. If she could see, she would discover rare gentleness in this young man’s deep eyes, a faint blush and smile on his handsome face. Even the most intoxicating moonlight couldn’t compare to the brilliant waves rippling in those cool, deep eyes.

Only when holding the young woman like this in his arms could he clearly feel how thin the body in his embrace was, as if she could be blown away by a gust of wind. But Xiao Shao knew that this thin body could shake the deepest foundations of the Great Jin Dynasty. In the past twenty-plus years of his life, Xiao Shao had never felt this way. In fact, every year on this day, past events rooted in his heart would stir up enormous storms, almost making him lose control.

He had been mature beyond his years since youth, naturally steady and low-key in temperament. With his natural good looks and intelligence, even when his family suddenly faced great changes, he had adjusted his mindset in the shortest time. Outsiders only saw his glory. But there had never been anything achieved overnight in this world. The pain hidden deep in his heart slowly settled, almost isolating him from the mortal world. Yet somehow, because of one person, his heart had softened. Like now, those pains and hatreds buried in darkness gradually dissipated in this warm embrace and light kiss.

How fortunate – in a hundred years of life, just a moment of loneliness. The hope he thought would never come, the salvation was now in his arms.

Feeling the embrace tighten, Jiang Ruan was slightly startled.

Her confused mind gradually cleared. She didn’t know if it was the remnants of strong wine in Xiao Shao’s mouth that made her dizzy, but for a moment she hadn’t reacted. Until now, with firm and dominating words coming from the young man’s mouth, she didn’t know how to respond.

Xiao Shao was indeed somewhat off today. Jiang Ruan wondered if it was because of the person he was commemorating, though his current behavior might be due to being drunk?

Being taken advantage of repeatedly by Xiao Shao, if Jiang Ruan showed anger and embarrassment, it would seem affected. But at this moment, her heart was in chaos and she couldn’t think properly. Considering that Xiao Shao was both drunk and heartbroken, she sighed inwardly and decided to temporarily be a wooden post for him to hold, so he could calm down.

Jiang Ruan herself hadn’t thought about what such acquiescence represented. Though she didn’t care much about romantic matters in this life, she certainly wouldn’t give others any leverage. If it were anyone else, how could she let them take advantage of her so easily? But with Xiao Shao, getting angry seemed unnecessary.

She thought and thought, finally feeling somewhat defeated. Xiao Shao held her very tightly – so tight she couldn’t break free to see his current expression, nor could she know what feelings he held while embracing her. Her lips seemed to still carry residual warmth. Jiang Ruan’s gaze paused as her fair cheeks quietly reddened.

She took a deep breath and said coolly: “Xiao Shao, since you’re drunk, I’ll consider you sober. I won’t refuse the Empress Dowager’s marriage arrangement. Once I enter Prince Jinying’s mansion, we’ll be people in the same boat.” After a pause, she said: “Since you also dislike Xuan Li, how about I eliminate him for you?”

She always refused to take any loss. She was clearly the one who had been taken advantage of, yet she insisted on saying she would eliminate Xuan Li for Xiao Shao.

“You kissed me, but it was just drunken disorder. I won’t hold it against you either.” When she said this, her expression was frank and generous. She didn’t know that the person holding her in his arms raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes moving with indescribable charm and allure.

Well, she probably didn’t know one thing – men of the Xiao family were never drunk even after a thousand cups.