On this day, the entrance to the Jiang mansion was exceptionally lively. The crowd of onlookers formed three layers inside and outside, nearly blocking the main road in front of the Minister’s mansion completely. This was because an imperial decree had arrived to arrange a marriage for Princess Hong’an.

Princess Hong’an’s reputation in the capital was now known to all. Not only was she born beautiful, she had also won the Empress Dowager’s favor. Yet whether it was heaven’s jealousy of beauty, she had repeatedly been framed and imprisoned. Some pitied her beauty and felt indignant about her circumstances, while others maliciously took pleasure in her misfortune. For a time, she was absolutely the talk of the town.

At this moment in the Jiang mansion’s main hall, people inside and outside knelt all over the ground, with Jiang Quan and Jiang Ruan kneeling at the front. The palace eunuch dragged out his voice in high pitch: “By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Now there is an edict from the Empress Dowager. Prince Jinying is hereby selected, granted a sedan chair, honored with double-eyed feathered ornaments. The daughter of Minister of War Jiang, virtuous and gentle, filial and benevolent, with virtue matching one who assists the sovereign’s virtue and manages the inner palace. She is hereby established as Princess Consort of Prince Jinying. A golden and jade-like match. By imperial decree—”

After finishing, the eunuch glanced sideways at those kneeling on the ground and said: “Princess Hong’an, receive the decree.”

Jiang Ruan paused slightly, then smiled and stepped forward to receive the imperial edict. Bai Zhi quickly came forward and handed over a heavy silk pouch, smiling: “Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch.”

“The Princess is too kind,” the eunuch weighed the pouch in his hand, smiled with satisfaction, his tone becoming very warm: “This golden and jade match brings me joy to share in the Princess’s happiness.” He looked at Jiang Quan to the side, whose face was somewhat stiff, and raised his eyebrows. There had long been rumors that Minister Jiang was quite harsh toward his legitimate daughter, and it seemed to be true. Empress Dowager Yide intended to protect Jiang Ruan, and Jiang Ruan would soon be the mistress of Prince Jinying’s mansion – in the Great Jin Dynasty, she could be considered someone who could command wind and rain. The eunuch wanted to curry favor and also took the opportunity to admonish Jiang Quan, speaking in his shrill voice: “What’s this? This is good news – why does Minister Jiang look unhappy?”

Jiang Quan was startled and forced a smile: “I’m so happy I don’t know what to say. My daughter is dull by nature and truly climbs above her station with Prince Jinying’s mansion. Having the Empress Dowager’s protection is her fortune.”

The eunuch smiled without warmth: “Minister Jiang speaks well. Now isn’t it the Empress Dowager’s protection? The Empress Dowager said that even after entering Prince Jinying’s mansion, if Prince Xiao doesn’t treat the Princess well, the Empress Dowager will stand up for the Princess. The Empress Dowager loves the Princess like her own granddaughter. If anyone dares bully the Princess, they’ll surely get their comeuppance.”

These words made Jiang Quan’s face turn alternately green and purple. This was clearly said for him to hear, and the warning in the words truly made one’s heart feel stifled. But these palace eunuchs, though they seemed insignificant, were people close to the Emperor and Empress Dowager – they couldn’t be easily offended, and one still had to give them face. Therefore, he could only swallow his frustration and smile for a while. After finally seeing off the eunuch, Jiang Quan looked at Jiang Ruan and said with a cold laugh: “You’re truly capable!”

“Father flatters me. This is all the Empress Dowager’s blessing,” Jiang Ruan lowered her head and smiled slightly. That appearance immediately made Jiang Quan feel another wave of frustration, wishing he could kick Jiang Ruan out the door. He snorted again, turned around, and left with a flourish of his sleeves.

After Jiang Quan left, Lian Qiao frowned: “Miss, this imperial edict…” This decree came without any preparation, yet now they couldn’t disobey. Lian Qiao sighed inwardly – being in an official family, marriage matters were beyond one’s control. Even if Prince Jinying seemed decent and their miss didn’t appear to reject him, such a direct marriage arrangement somewhat disregarded Jiang Ruan’s wishes. For instance, at this moment, Jiang Ruan’s face showed not a trace of joy.

Bai Zhi also felt somewhat sad and looked at Jiang Ruan with some worry. Jiang Ruan shook her head: “Tidy up. We’ll go to Prince Jinying’s mansion later.”

Xiao Shao’s quick action was also unexpected to her, but even so, there were still some things that needed to be clarified.

…

At the Eighth Prince’s mansion, Xuan Li suddenly swept everything on the table to the ground. A series of crisp crashes rang out as exquisite porcelain shattered on the floor, splashing sharp white fragments that cut small wounds on the palms of those standing nearby.

Xuan Li slumped into his chair, seeming somewhat powerless as he took a deep breath, then slowly said: “So that’s how it is. He was targeting the Empress Dowager all along.”

The previous palace rumors about Xiao Shao requesting the Emperor for a marriage decree were probably all Xiao Shao’s doing. From subsequent events, it was clear the Emperor didn’t approve of Jiang Ruan becoming Princess Consort Jinying. Now with the Empress Dowager’s sudden edict, Xuan Li finally understood. Xiao Shao had never intended to seek marriage through the Emperor – he had always been targeting Empress Dowager Yide. The previous rumors were all to confuse everyone’s vision and make Xuan Li lose his composure, even agreeing to Xuan Lang’s crude forced marriage scheme. In the end, Xuan Lang died, he lost a useful piece in the palace, and nearly implicated himself.

“Xiao Shao, this Prince truly underestimated him,” Xuan Li narrowed his eyes. Though his lips still wore their usual gentle smile, his eyes revealed ferocity, gritting his teeth as if he wanted to kill Xiao Shao. For someone as proud as him, what he hated most was being played like a puppet. Now he had been led by the nose by Xiao Shao throughout – how could he be reconciled?

The young man sitting below him also looked grim, his left hand conspicuously missing a finger. It was none other than the Jiang family’s second young master, Jiang Chao. With Xuan Li furious, his heart was no better. Both Jiang siblings were thorns in his side. Now with the Empress Dowager’s edict, Jiang Ruan had latched onto the big tree of Prince Jinying’s mansion – dealing with her in the future would be even more difficult.

“The matter I asked you to handle last time – has it been cleaned up?” Xuan Li changed the subject, asking Jiang Chao.

“In response to Your Highness,” Jiang Chao quickly replied: “Everything has been arranged. Palace matters have also been settled – there won’t be any more problems.”

“Xuan Lang was brainless. His death was his own doing,” Xuan Li casually looked at the porcelain shards scattered on the floor: “We need to replace people in the palace.” Though Xuan Lang appeared incompetent in the palace, he was a good means of transmitting messages. Now that Xuan Lang was dead, it was difficult to plant new people in the palace – they could only work with existing palace people.

“Does Your Highness want to target the princes? Looking at the situation now, this subordinate thinks the Thirteenth Prince appears clever and might be useful,” Jiang Chao said. Everyone had seen Xuan Pei’s actions that day. They said this Thirteenth Prince was unassuming, but was actually quite intelligent. Those arrogant servants who previously served the Thirteenth Prince were now respectful to him, and the Emperor had begun to pay attention to him, occasionally sending him things.

But no matter how clever the Thirteenth Prince was, his birth mother’s lowly status destined him never to qualify to compete with Xuan Li for that position. Such a person posed no threat yet was intelligent – perfect to use as a chess piece.

“Clever? Being too clever isn’t necessarily good,” Xuan Li slowly shook his head: “I’m afraid he’s Xiao Shao’s person.”

“You mean…” Jiang Chao was startled.

“How could a wet-behind-the-ears brat have the ability to achieve such a reversal? It was probably all Xiao Shao’s methods he taught him. The Crown Prince was probably the same. I still haven’t figured out why Xiao Shao didn’t act personally. But Xuan Pei – I don’t want to use him,” Xuan Li said. There was another reason he didn’t mention – for some unknown reason, seeing Xuan Pei always made him feel uncomfortable, as if strange emotions were growing in his heart. He very much disliked seeing Xuan Pei.

“If we can’t approach the Thirteenth Prince, what kind of person does Your Highness think would be suitable?” Jiang Chao asked tentatively.

“Hasn’t a new batch of palace maidens entered the palace?” Xuan Li looked at his fingertips: “There’s always someone who wants to climb up. Find an opportunity to pick carefully among them.”

Jiang Chao shuddered, then lowered his head and respectfully replied: “Yes.”

…

Obviously, more than one person was in a bad mood after hearing news of Jiang Ruan’s marriage arrangement. At this moment in the Eastern Palace, Liu Min stood in the garden pavilion, gazing gloomily at the koi swimming in the pond, his thoughts having long flown to the heavens.

The Empress Dowager’s edict – imperial grace was vast, and one sentence determined that he would never have a chance. Thinking that Jiang Ruan would henceforth bear the Xiao surname, Liu Min’s heart surged with sour emotions. He was a complete bookworm, considering himself above worldly concerns. In his first twenty years, he had never known the taste of love. When he later understood his own feelings, it was already too late. However, Jiang Ruan seemed to have a close relationship with Xiao Shao. The two were so intimate – receiving this edict from the Empress Dowager, she… would probably be happy too.

Just as he was lost in thought, someone suddenly patted his shoulder. Liu Min turned around to see the Crown Prince’s mischievously smiling face: “Grand Tutor Liu, what are you thinking about so intently?”

Liu Min shook his head: “Your Highness Crown Prince.”

The Crown Prince carelessly sat down beside him and glanced at him: “You’re feeling sad about Princess Hong’an, aren’t you?”

Liu Min was startled. A woman’s reputation couldn’t be casually violated. Just as he was about to deny it, he heard the Crown Prince say: “You don’t need to deny it. Grand Tutor Liu, when it comes to historical classics and policy essays, this Prince is no match for you, but in matters of romance between men and women, you’re no match for this Prince.” He propped his chin on one hand and looked at Liu Min curiously: “Actually, this Prince finds it very strange. This Princess Hong’an, frankly speaking, is just somewhat good-looking. How is it that you all seem bewitched by her? Xiao Shao, that ice block, is one thing, but Grand Tutor, someone as unromantic as you would also feel sad over her – it truly opens this Prince’s eyes.”

Liu Min moved his lips but didn’t know how to refute the Crown Prince’s words. What the Crown Prince said wasn’t wrong after all. Now his spirits were low, and he had even less inclination to argue with the Crown Prince here. He wanted to say something but ultimately held back, only saying to the Crown Prince: “Regardless, a few days ago Your Highness spoke righteously for Princess Hong’an. This minister thanks Your Highness for your assistance.”

“Forget it. This Prince wasn’t doing it solely for you,” the Crown Prince waved his hand. Though Liu Min had previously requested him to think of ways to help Jiang Ruan, the Crown Prince had never been one to meddle in others’ affairs and even enjoyed watching the excitement. If not for Xuan Pei’s later appearance, he probably wouldn’t have waded into these murky waters.

That day, Xuan Pei had asked him if he wanted to take revenge on the Fourth Prince Xuan Lang who had betrayed him. The Crown Prince had been quite angry about Xuan Lang’s duplicity and had been worried about not finding an excellent opportunity to thoroughly punish him. Hearing Xuan Pei’s words, he became somewhat interested. Xuan Pei then indirectly mentioned the benefits the Crown Prince could gain from this matter, successfully arousing the Crown Prince’s playful interest. They immediately hit it off and staged this good show.

To this day, the Crown Prince still found it strange how Xuan Pei, a prince who made no noise in the palace, could think of so many ideas. That so-called Jinling Master Xia Qing wasn’t someone just anyone could invite, yet Xuan Pei said that as long as they mentioned the palace had some medical texts, Xia Qing would agree to enter the palace. Sure enough, it happened exactly as predicted. Initially, the Crown Prince couldn’t understand how Xuan Pei could predict things so accurately. Now thinking about it, it was probably all Xiao Shao’s doing. Xuan Pei was ultimately just a child – playing schemes and having deep thoughts was too early for his age. Such thoroughness was probably Xiao Shao’s instructions.

Though Liu Min thanked him, the Crown Prince actually hadn’t helped because of Liu Min. Now seeing Liu Min’s distracted appearance, the Crown Prince felt somewhat sympathetic. Though Liu Min was usually strict and annoying, he was ultimately just a straightforward Grand Tutor. Seeing him so melancholy over a woman, and having had teacher-student relations after all, the Crown Prince patted Liu Min’s shoulder: “Grand Tutor, you don’t need to be too sad. There are countless women in the world – why must you take only one ladle to drink? Soon she’ll be another man’s wife. Grand Tutor is well-versed in propriety. Why don’t this Prince find you some lovely ones? Though they can’t compare to Princess Hong’an’s beauty, they won’t disappoint.”

Liu Min’s body stiffened. He quickly stood up: “This minister appreciates Your Highness’s kind intentions, but this minister has no such thoughts. This minister has some matters to attend to and will take leave now.” Having said this, he bowed and left as if fleeing.

The Crown Prince spat out the tea dregs in his mouth: “Boring.”

…

As for Prince Jinying’s mansion, unlike the gloom elsewhere, it was almost in a festive New Year mood. Since the deaths of the old Prince Jinying and his wife, Prince Jinying’s mansion had been cold and quiet year-round. It was rare to see such joy throughout the entire mansion. Today, as soon as Empress Dowager Yide’s edict came down, everyone in the mansion spread the news. Even the Imperial Guards distributed throughout various places in the Great Jin Dynasty, upon receiving carrier pigeon messages, began pooling money to prepare wedding gifts for their master and future mistress.

Steward Lin happily polished his Western glasses until they gleamed and put them on his face, pulling Jin Si along: “Do you think the wedding invitations should be made with gold-stamped printing or embroidered with silk threads?” After thinking, he shook his head: “Better to make them as sandalwood tablets with pearls glued on. Last time we brought back a batch of glass beads from Persia – gluing them on would make them sparkle, appearing especially wealthy and festive. This would be better.”

Jin Si rolled her eyes: “Old Lin, do you need to make wedding invitations so elaborate? If the old lady were still here and saw you being so extravagant, she’d surely regret making you steward in the first place.”

“What do you young girls understand?” Steward Lin hated most when people questioned his abilities. He immediately puffed out his chest proudly: “These wedding invitations – if they’re not done well, they’ll bring shame to the prince’s mansion. What our master is doing is the great matter of taking a wife! How many people said our master would never marry in his lifetime? We must slap those people’s faces. We must make this marriage grand and dignified. Besides, you think this bit of silver for wedding invitations is extravagant? Jin Si, Old Lin tells you – the betrothal gifts our young master has decided to give, now that’s what you call extravagant!”

Hearing this, Jin Si’s eyes lit up. Before she could speak, there was a rustling sound from the tree, and Jin San leaped down in one bound, looking at Steward Lin with great interest: “How much are the betrothal gifts?”

“Guess?” Steward Lin delayed saying, keeping both of them in suspense.

“Forty-nine sets?” Jin Si guessed. Jin Si had a personality like a man’s and wasn’t very clear about these dowry and betrothal matters, so she randomly said a number.

“Bah! Forty-nine sets – are we sending off beggars?” Jin San shook her head: “For women, the more betrothal gifts, the more glorious it is. I guess eighty-one sets.” Though Jin San was somewhat more feminine than Jin Si, she ultimately worked as an Imperial Guard daily and lacked the proper understanding of things ordinary daughters typically cared about.

Steward Lin looked at both with disappointment: “I never thought you considered Prince Jinying’s mansion so poor. What eighty-one sets? It’s a full one hundred sixty-eight sets!”

“One hundred sixty-eight sets?” Jin San and Jin Si cried out together. Jin San frowned: “How much is that exactly?”

“Let me put it plainly – those one hundred sixty-eight sets of betrothal gifts could buy three entire Minister’s mansions and their complete assets with money left over,” Steward Lin said: “But that’s just the betrothal gifts. Looking at our young master’s temperament, once the young mistress enters the household, this entire Prince Jinying mansion will be hers. Ah, when the master grows up, he can’t be kept at home – he only cares about his wife and not us servants.” By the end, Steward Lin’s tone had become sorrowful.

Betrothal gifts worth three Minister’s mansions was truly extraordinary wealth. Jin San and Jin Si exchanged glances, both seeing amazement in each other’s eyes. Jin San swallowed: “With so many betrothal gifts, didn’t our master think that giving them all to the Minister’s mansion would be letting the Minister’s mansion benefit for nothing?”

Steward Lin shook his head: “How foolish. How could so many betrothal gifts all be sent to the Minister’s mansion? Of course they’ll all be handed over to the young mistress for safekeeping. Our young master has already prepared for this.”

“Our young master is too generous,” Jin San blinked: “If I were a woman, I’d be willing to marry him too.”

“Aren’t you already a woman?” Steward Lin said disdainfully: “But our young master wouldn’t fancy you anyway – you’re not as good-looking as our young mistress.”

“…”

…

While Steward Lin was still bantering with Jin San and Jin Si, he didn’t know that Jiang Ruan had already entered Prince Jinying’s mansion boldly through the main gate. The servants of Prince Jinying’s mansion didn’t even notify Steward Lin. Each was extremely enthusiastic in welcoming their future young mistress – some guided the way, others made introductions. Along the way, every servant she encountered treated her with respect, all bowing and calling “Young Mistress” louder than anything else, making Lu Zhu cover her mouth and giggle.

When the messenger brought Jiang Ruan to Xiao Shao’s study, the servants consciously withdrew. Lu Zhu and Tian Zhu also thoughtfully closed the door, leaving private time for these two who had just received the marriage edict.

“Xiao Shao, what are you trying to do?” Jiang Ruan asked. Xiao Shao’s swift action was completely unexpected. Now she found herself unprepared and tied to Prince Jinying’s mansion.

Xiao Shao turned around. Today he surprisingly wasn’t wearing his usual black clothes, but instead wore a dark red vest with treasure collar and white python-embroidered robe. He appeared somewhat gentler than usual, even more supremely handsome, his star-like eyes brilliant and radiant – looking a few more times would make one drown in them. He looked deeply at Jiang Ruan: “Are you unhappy?”

“Now everyone in the capital is saying this good cabbage was taken by a pig like me. Do you think I can be happy?” This was the first time Jiang Ruan showed such obvious emotion toward him.

A trace of amusement flashed in Xiao Shao’s eyes: “Mm, I let you take me.”

Such a gentle attitude left one not knowing what to say. Jiang Ruan stared at him for a while: “Are you very pleased now?”

“I’m very happy,” Xiao Shao approached her and said in a low voice. He was naturally tall, and when he came close like this, Jiang Ruan barely reached his chest. From a distance, it looked like he was about to embrace her. His tone carried tenderness and gentleness he himself hadn’t noticed, his voice containing inexplicable magnetism: “Princess Consort.”

Jiang Ruan stepped back, maintaining distance from him. What did this person want by using his charm offensive regardless of time and place? Being handsome was indeed an advantage – it had to be said this move was quite effective. When Xiao Shao smiled slightly like this, his tone carrying some inexplicable allure, he immediately became elegant as jade, different from his previous cool elegance.

“Why are you so eager to arrange this marriage?” Jiang Ruan frowned: “Are you leaving?”

Xiao Shao lowered his eyes to look at her: “Yes. I depart in ten days. Before then, I must secure you to prevent complications.”

What did he mean by “secure”? This was somewhat inexplicable, but Jiang Ruan couldn’t worry about that now: “Ten days?”

“Time is urgent. Many in court covet you. The Empress Dowager has ordered that after I leave, you’ll move into Prince Jinying’s mansion. We’ll marry after I return from campaign,” Xiao Shao said in a deep voice: “Prince Jinying’s mansion can keep you safe. Marriage is an expedient measure. Don’t worry – I’ll always help you. After marriage, I won’t force anything on you.” At this point, Xiao Shao’s handsome face reddened slightly, though his expression remained as unruffled as always.

Jiang Ruan was already much more composed than him. She just looked at him: “Alright.” With Xiao Shao’s proud nature, and her not being some devastating beauty, Xiao Shao wouldn’t resort to force. Jiang Ruan was quite confident about this. Understanding this point, she felt their relationship wasn’t so awkward anymore. If she thought of him as a helpful friend or superior, it wasn’t bad.

Seeing her lower her head in contemplative silence, Xiao Shao looked at her thoughtfully, pressed his lips together, and suddenly said: “But once you enter Prince Jinying’s mansion, you’re my woman. If anyone causes trouble, don’t bother reasoning with them – just throw them out.” He paused before adding: “Liu Min, Xuan Pei, and Gu Yi – you don’t need to pay attention to them either.”

Jiang Ruan was startled and immediately felt somewhat speechless, also feeling her face grow somewhat warm. She could only think that Xiao Shao, who seemed so aloof, always had ways of making their relationship extremely awkward.