Three days later.

On this day, the sun was exceptionally fine. Even though deep autumn had arrived, it was rare to have such pleasant weather. The lazy sunlight scattered over the large, charming Persian chrysanthemum petals that had yet to wither, making the brilliant purples and reds appear even more beautiful. In Shufang Palace, the woman with stunning features wore luxurious robes, sitting high above all others. Her former exotic charm seemed to have been swept away in an instant, leaving only naked murderous intent.

A palace maid beside her offered tea: “Your Ladyship, after drinking tea, you should proceed to observe the imperial trial in the palace.”

Consort Shu slowly accepted the tea from the maid’s hands and took a sip. She had dressed meticulously today, making her features appear even more stunning and picturesque. Corresponding to this was her intimidating presence, and her bright red robes undoubtedly made her aura even more formidable. The death of Princess Heyi was a tremendous blow to Consort Shu.

For so many years, apart from Princess Heyi, Consort Shu had not given birth to any sons in the palace. The matter of competing for succession had long been abandoned these past years, relying instead on the Emperor’s favor. Although the Emperor’s initial love for her had not matched that for Consort Chen, precisely because she had borne a daughter, Princess Heyi posed no threat to the throne, so the Emperor harbored no wariness toward her.

Though Princess Heyi was usually arrogant and domineering, she was ultimately flesh that had fallen from Consort Shu’s womb. For so many years, she had been pampered with fine clothes and precious food, yet somehow met such a tragic end. Consort Shu was inherently an extremely proud and impulsive person. When she learned that Xuan Lang had confirmed that Jiang Ruan killed Princess Heyi, she wanted nothing more than to rush out and tear Jiang Ruan to pieces. However, Jiang Ruan had already been imprisoned by the Ministry of Justice, making it difficult for her to act.

Yet there had never been anyone in this world that Consort Shu could not defeat. She had secured her position among the four consorts in the palace through scheming and beauty, so she was naturally no pushover. Even Consort Chen, who had fought against her for a lifetime, was currently at a disadvantage. What was Jiang Ruan? Nothing more than the daughter of a minor official. Having killed Princess Heyi, it was a sin she could never repay in her lifetime. After Consort Shu calmed down, she was no longer anxious.

This case implicated many people. She had gone to the Emperor to cry and make a scene, and the Emperor had also promised to seek justice for Princess Heyi. After being husband and wife for so many years, Consort Shu could still grasp one or two points of the Emperor’s emotions. She could naturally see that the Emperor already harbored displeasure toward Jiang Ruan. Moreover, with both witnesses and physical evidence present, Consort Shu didn’t even need to handle matters herself to ensure Jiang Ruan would die without a burial place.

Precisely because this case implicated members of the imperial family, and even involved Empress Dowager Yide’s intervention, the Emperor agreed to conduct an imperial trial. Since the founding of the dynasty, imperial trials had only occurred once or twice, and those were all major court affairs involving founding elders. For such imperial family disputes to enter an imperial trial, this was the first time. Consort Shu knew that those pleading for Jiang Ruan included, besides the Zhao Guang family and Empress Dowager Yide, even Prince Jinying Xiao Shao, Grand Tutor Liu Min, and Young Master Gu Yi from the Commander-in-Chief’s mansion. Every time she thought of this, Consort Shu ground her teeth in hatred.

When Princess Heyi was in the palace, because she was quite favored by the Emperor, she had indeed befriended a group of young masters and young ladies. Yet now that Princess Heyi had died tragically, not one person stood up to speak for her. Even those who had been on good terms before had all become cowards hiding their heads. Admittedly, some of them might have received warnings from others, but it also showed that Princess Heyi’s associations were nothing more than fair-weather friends. In contrast, Jiang Ruan, merely the daughter of an official and not genuine imperial nobility, had so many people rushing to protect her. She was truly a little vixen at such a young age!

“Prince Jinying is there too?” Consort Shu set down her teacup, asking with a sinister tone.

“In response to Your Ladyship, Prince Jinying has already gone ahead,” the palace maid replied.

Consort Shu slowly clenched her fists. How exactly Princess Heyi had died, Consort Shu did not know, but she knew that everything had started because of Xiao Shao. Since Princess Heyi had lost her life over Xiao Shao, then Jiang Ruan, as Xiao Shao’s beloved, must pay with her life for Princess Heyi no matter what. So what if she had considerable power and influence in the court? Under the gaze of everyone, surely Xiao Shao wouldn’t dare defy the imperial decree? Just thinking of the scene where Xiao Shao would watch his beloved die tragically with his own eyes, imagining Xiao Shao’s angry expression and Jiang Ruan’s desperate appearance, Consort Shu felt a deep satisfaction in her heart.

…

Jiang Dan had already entered the palace with the newly selected palace maidens, residing in the small courtyard where the maidens lived together. The courtyard was filled with a group of beautiful young ladies in their prime, chattering like birds, creating quite a lively scene. Some were concubine daughters from powerful and influential families, others were legitimate daughters from small households. Sending their daughters to the palace was nothing more than hoping that they might one day rise to prominence and support their maternal families. Such things had been common since ancient times. Only these young ladies did not yet understand the dangers of palace life, appearing innocent and naive in a way that nearly dazzled one’s eyes.

Jiang Dan sat quietly in the front hall, watching the excited young ladies enthusiastically chatting with each other. Her face maintained a lively yet somewhat shy smile throughout. This appearance was the least likely to make people suspicious, so even though she could rarely join the conversation, it didn’t prevent this group of young ladies from quickly considering her one of their own.

Among them, a concubine daughter from a minister’s family said: “Ah, sisters, I wonder if you’ve heard that today is the day for the public trial of Princess Hong’an, the Jiang family’s legitimate daughter, for killing Princess Heyi.”

“Ah, that’s right. Now that you mention it, I remember. It’s indeed today,” another woman responded: “It’s just a pity we’re here and can’t go out, so we can’t see what exactly happened.”

Hearing the regret in her voice, this group of women were all of curious young ages, naturally full of interest in such matters. For a moment, they all felt somewhat disappointed, their enthusiasm waning.

Jiang Dan smiled as she watched everything before her, her expression normal, as if she hadn’t heard this news at all.

“It’s just a murder case, what’s there to see?” The woman who spoke had a father working in the Ministry of Justice, so she probably knew something from daily life. She nodded and said: “I heard my father say that Princess Heyi’s case has almost nothing left to try. The coroner has examined the body, and there’s such a witness as the Fourth Prince. There’s hardly anything that can be overturned. So what if Princess Hong’an is quite favored by the Empress Dowager? Murdering an imperial descendant is a capital offense – no one can save her.”

“Princess Hong’an was quite bold, never thought she’d dare to kill someone.” Someone seemed to remember something and looked at Jiang Dan: “Eh, isn’t she your legitimate elder sister? What do you think this matter is really about?”

Jiang Dan was slightly startled, then shook her head: “This matter… I’m also not very clear. I’m merely a concubine daughter – how would I have the qualifications to interfere in such affairs?”

“So she’s usually this fierce and violent at home too?” someone asked curiously: “Have you ever been beaten or scolded by her?”

Jiang Dan shook her head, but her eyes quickly flashed with a trace of panic: “No, elder sister has never hit me.”

The more she said this, the more her evasive eyes seemed somewhat suspicious. Everyone looked at her timid appearance, almost changing color when talking about Jiang Ruan, and immediately understood. For a moment, all their chatter was about Jiang Ruan’s wrongs. Originally, being fellow women, there was already some jealousy. Over these years, Jiang Ruan had been born with good looks and even better luck, receiving Empress Dowager Yide’s protection and having a war god brother. This had already aroused people’s envy. Now that she had fallen, those who had originally harbored jealousy would naturally step forward mercilessly to kick her while she was down.

In an inconspicuous corner of the room, another person sat quietly. She was born beautiful but her expression was somewhat indifferent, even somewhat disdainful. Listening to everyone’s discussion about Jiang Ruan, her face showed some disgust. This person was none other than Dong Ying’er.

After all, she had entered the palace. Looking at it now, Dong Ying’er felt that what had originally seemed unbearably repugnant didn’t appear so difficult anymore. With so many beauties in the palace, for the Emperor to even remember her would require some luck, let alone receiving favor. If the Emperor never noticed her, living peacefully in the palace until death might not be such a bad thing.

Dong Ying’er had heard from her father about Jiang Ruan killing Princess Heyi before. She naturally didn’t believe Jiang Ruan would kill Princess Heyi. Not for any other reason, but because she felt that even if Jiang Ruan wanted to kill someone, she wouldn’t be stupid enough to do it in front of the Fourth Prince. The Capital Magistrate was a clever man, and when analyzing the pros and cons, Dong Ying’er had heard a thing or two, but this was also beyond her reach.

Now sitting here, listening to these people’s disparagement of Jiang Ruan and Jiang Dan’s hypocritical slander, Dong Ying’er only felt her stomach churning with discomfort. If it were her usual temperament, given her friendship with Jiang Ruan, she would naturally step forward to argue. However, now she only sat to one side, coldly observing everyone’s discussion without stepping forward.

What came to mind was when she was about to be sent to the palace, crying and begging Jiang Ruan, but Jiang Ruan had said it had nothing to do with her.

The affairs of this world were generally fickle. Dong Ying’er didn’t know why she felt a slight trace of satisfaction in her heart. For instance, at this moment, Jiang Ruan was imprisoned, slandered for killing Princess Hong’an. As those palace maidens said, she would be hard to escape disaster – what did it have to do with her?

…

However, regardless of how palace affairs might change, the trial in the hall still had to proceed.

The Emperor wore bright yellow dragon robes, sitting high above, looking down at the assembled civil and military officials observing the trial, naturally possessing an imposing presence without anger.

Today’s imperial trial, rather than having civil and military officials observe to demonstrate fairness, was more like killing the chicken to warn the monkeys. During these days, some forces in the court had been restlessly stirring, which the Emperor naturally saw clearly. They also needed to be disciplined. Those fence-sitters who were still watching and waiting – today the Emperor would use this trial to dampen their spirits and show the world who truly ruled this kingdom!

Eunuch Li observed with his eyes and nose focused on his heart, waving his whisk and sitting quietly to one side. Chief Justice Luo instead stood to one side. Just as he was instructed to have the criminal brought forward, someone outside was heard shouting: “The criminal arrives—”

Jiang Ruan, dressed in snow-white prison garments, was escorted in by a group of soldiers. Whether someone had given instructions or because she herself had not struggled and had a good attitude, the soldiers did not restrain her but merely followed on both sides. Yet as she stepped forward into the Golden Throne Hall, she amazingly gave the impression of walking on lotus flowers with each step. With a slight smile and calm expression, she seemed not to be participating in a heart-stopping life-or-death imperial trial, even carrying a trace of leisure. In this way, she appeared more like she was out touring with two attendants.

Consort Shu, seated in the side seat, couldn’t help but flash her eyes slightly upon seeing this, a trace of hatred crossing her gaze as she slowly clenched the handkerchief in her sleeve.

Jiang Ruan’s clothes were clean, her hair perfectly arranged. Even in such circumstances, her elegance remained undiminished. The civil and military officials in court had seen her once when she accompanied the Empress Dowager back to the palace, knowing she was born charming and captivating. Now, not having seen her for many days, she appeared so suddenly in the Golden Throne Hall. Even dressed in prison garments, she appeared even more picturesque, like a living, breathing enchantress. This young lady seemed to grow more beautiful with each passing day, appearing even more stunning than the last time. For a moment, some of the younger officials in court became somewhat entranced.

Jiang Ruan walked slowly forward, but her gaze fell upon the black-clad young man among the officials. Today he wore a first-rank court robe of black embroidered with golden pythons, appearing even more distinguished and elegant. Even among this group of heaven’s favored sons, he remained the most eye-catching.

Noticing Jiang Ruan’s gaze, Xiao Shao’s eyes flashed with a smile. With this smile, his handsome and heroic face took on even more gentle, bone-deep charm.

This eye contact fell upon Liu Min, who had been paying attention to Jiang Ruan’s every move, making him feel inexplicably lost and unusually uncomfortable. His original worry for Jiang Ruan instantly transformed into a chest full of discomfort. He slightly turned his head away, no longer watching this scene that made his heart feel stifled.

Xuan Li smiled warmly, but stared intently at Jiang Ruan’s smile, like staring at prey about to fall into a trap, full of satisfaction and smugness.

Xuan Lang stood beside Xuan Li, his body slightly inward, seeming to be avoiding something. In others’ eyes, they would only think this incompetent and cowardly Fourth Prince was afraid because it was his first time as a witness.

Zhao Guang frowned tightly, looking at Jiang Ruan with infinite heartache. This was the Zhao family’s blood, yet now she was imprisoned, and he, as her grandfather, could do nothing. Xiao Shao had already told him that this matter had arrangements, and although his temperament was fiery, he knew Xiao Shao was a man of his word. Acting rashly might spoil Xiao Shao’s plans. But even now he hadn’t seen any movement from Xiao Shao. Zhao Guang had long been cursing Xiao Shao thoroughly in his heart, thinking what a good-for-nothing brat, actually playing tricks on his Zhao family. Could it be he had fallen for his deception? Was this young punk actually a coward with no guts to seek justice for Ruanruan, retreating at the last moment?

Unlike Zhao Guang, although Empress Dowager Yide was also worried for Jiang Ruan in her heart, she showed not a trace of it on her face, still maintaining her usual calm demeanor. Only the ruby finger guard on her left hand somewhat restlessly traced the edge of the chair – this was her habitual gesture. Whenever she felt anxious about something, she would unconsciously trace like this.

Jiang Ruan held a special place in Empress Dowager Yide’s heart. Initially, she had viewed her as Princess Yuanrong, and later, through three years of interaction, she had developed some genuine affection. Now Jiang Ruan was also Xiao Shao’s beloved. What kind of person Xiao Shao was, Empress Dowager Yide knew all too well. Such a person, if he didn’t develop feelings, that would be fine, but like his father, once he did develop feelings, he would be devoted to one person. Since he had decided on Jiang Ruan, he naturally wouldn’t allow her to fall into danger.

Only Xiao Shao had an intense temperament. Empress Dowager Yide couldn’t interfere in this matter because she also knew that Xiao Shao must have already taken action in secret. She just didn’t know how intense his methods would be. She only hoped Jiang Ruan’s calm temperament could restrain him somewhat. Of course, Empress Dowager Yide could never have known that in certain matters, Jiang Ruan’s temperament was ten thousand times more intense than Xiao Shao’s.

“Princess Hong’an!” Chief Justice Luo spoke at the Emperor’s signal: “You killed Princess Heyi, with both witnesses and physical evidence present. Your heart is truly detestable. Murdering an imperial descendant is a first-class crime. What else do you have to say?”

After this case was transferred to the Ministry of Justice, it had already been tried once by the Court of Judicial Review, and at that time they had almost reached a guilty verdict. Only because Jiang Ruan refused to admit guilt no matter what, and later there was talk of an imperial trial, this matter was delayed.

“Princess Heyi was not killed by me,” Jiang Ruan said.

Her expression showed not a trace of panic, her words resolute and clear, as if what she said was ironclad evidence. People always believe what they see before their eyes. Even those who had firmly believed Jiang Ruan was the murderer began to waver slightly – people are always particularly lenient toward beauties.

“What sharp tongue, what a femme fatale!” Consort Shu laughed coldly: “At such a young age, you have such a vicious heart. I don’t know how my Heyi offended you to make you strike at her so viciously! As Heyi’s mother, I must seek justice for my child. Princess Hong’an, killing requires paying with one’s life!” Consort Shu’s tone suddenly shifted as she looked toward the Emperor, her eyes immediately welling with tears: “Your Majesty, Heyi is your daughter. You must seek justice for this concubine and for the deceased Heyi!”

The Emperor looked down at Jiang Ruan kneeling in the hall and said indifferently: “Hong’an, you say Heyi was not killed by you, then you must produce evidence. If you cannot produce evidence, I can only assume you have nothing to say!”

By the end of his words, his tone had intensified, almost carrying some inexplicable threat. When the Son of Heaven was angry, millions of corpses would fall. All the officials felt shocked, knowing this was a sign of the Emperor’s impending wrath. They all lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound, fearing the anger would transfer to them. Yet the young lady in the hall showed no change in expression, as if even thunderous rage was merely spring raindrops, momentarily clearing to light clouds and gentle breeze.

Her gaze swept lightly across the officials, briefly pausing before the yellow-robed monk beside the Emperor. The monk had kind eyebrows and gentle eyes, holding prayer beads in one hand. Receiving her gaze, he slightly lowered his eyes, about to voice “Amitabha Buddha.”

“I can testify for her – Princess Heyi’s death has nothing to do with her!”

A clear, resonant voice suddenly appeared in the hall. That voice came so abruptly, like a thunderclap striking everyone’s heads. Xiao Shao frowned slightly, the Emperor’s eyes flashed, Consort Shu sat up straight immediately, and Empress Dowager Yide’s hand tracing the ruby finger guard stopped.

Jiang Ruan suddenly widened her eyes, her body trembling, almost unable to believe as she turned around.