On the snow-white wool blanket, a woman’s gorgeous dress trailed magnificently, creating a brilliant red arc. A crimson veil concealed her features, revealing only a pair of crystalline bright eyes – absolutely beautiful eyes that appeared pure and clear at first glance, carrying an innocent enchantment. It seemed that just one look from those eyes could intoxicate one into unknown rebirth.
The gray-clothed man stood below this woman, his voice containing a trace of barely perceptible tension: “Saintess, Jiang Xinzhi has escaped. There were people waiting at Liao River – we couldn’t catch up.”
Silence. After a long while, a lazy female voice finally drifted through the air: “Is that so? Can’t even handle such a small matter properly. Yuan Chuan, you’re living more and more backwards.”
“The Saintess’s criticism is correct.” Yuan Chuan lowered his head and said: “However, though one Jiang Xinzhi escaped, we didn’t gain nothing this time. News came from the capital – Xuan Li failed in the grain provision matter. Their spies haven’t discovered anything yet, but our people have already found clues. The person who acted is hiding in Prince Jinying’s manor.”
The four words “Prince Jinying’s manor” clearly moved the woman in the seat. She tilted her head, her voice seeming to contain slight amusement: “Oh? Who is that person?”
“Before Prince Jinying left, he brought his two sworn brothers Qi Si and Xia Wu back to the capital. Both now live near Prince Jinying’s manor. But Prince Jinying brought them back to protect Princess Jinying – the Jiang family’s legitimate eldest daughter, Jiang Xinzhi’s sister, now Princess Hong’an. This time with the grain provisions matter, the style of handling was different from Qi Si’s usual methods. According to reports from our people, if we’re not mistaken, it was probably Princess Jinying’s handiwork.”
The woman in the seat didn’t speak, yet the air seemed filled with spreading tension. All the surrounding maids lowered their heads. After an unknown amount of time, when the rising incense had almost burned halfway, and Yuan Chuan maintained his respectful bowed posture without moving, they finally heard a cold laugh slowly drift from above: “Princess Jinying? What kind of thing is that?”
Yuan Chuan carefully glanced at the woman above. Those bright eyes instantly became profound, with familiar emotions flashing quickly across them. He saw the woman slowly stand up. She wasn’t very tall, could be called petite. A red dress outlined her graceful figure without doubt, every movement seductive. This seduction wasn’t the coquettishness of brothel women, but carried an innocent posture – as if born this way, like a naturally beautiful young beast that instinctively knew how to seduce.
“He burned our grain provisions, so Southern Frontier soldiers can no longer participate in this war.” She spoke word by word, her voice still as lazy as always, but her words were extremely resolute.
“Exactly. Tian Jin Kingdom has already sent back word that they can’t provide too much in military provisions, hoping we can think of our own solutions.” Yuan Chuan said: “What does the Saintess mean?”
With the grain provisions burned, the soldiers couldn’t remain here any longer. Tian Jin Kingdom was now too busy protecting itself and already lacked trust in Southern Frontier, naturally unwilling to provide extra military provisions. A small amount of provisions couldn’t solve their urgent needs. If Southern Frontier still wanted to help Tian Jin Kingdom deal with the Jin Dynasty, it would be thankless work.
“Those who break faith don’t deserve to be my allies.” The woman said coldly: “Tian Jin Kingdom is going to lose. They know it themselves, which is why they’re acting this way. Yuan Chuan, go back and give the order – the alliance is over. Have the soldiers return to Southern Frontier quickly.”
Yuan Chuan paused, testing: “Saintess, just returning to Southern Frontier like this, what about the Great Jin Dynasty side… is the Saintess prepared to give up?” Yuan Chuan understood better than anyone why they had formed an alliance with Tian Jin Kingdom. Hearing the Saintess’s decision now, he naturally found it incredible.
“Yuan Chuan, when have I ever given up?” The woman sighed, but her eyes became somewhat strange: “This setback ultimately stems from problems on the Great Jin Dynasty’s capital side. This Jiang family legitimate daughter you mentioned truly displeases me somewhat. You captured the Great Jin Dynasty’s war god and kept him for so long, interrogating him daily – but what did you discover from those interrogations?”
Yuan Chuan lowered his head guiltily: “This subordinate is incompetent – I couldn’t get the truth from Jiang Xinzhi.”
“Wrong,” the Saintess shook her head: “He told you long ago, you just didn’t notice.”
“Yuan Chuan is dull-witted. Please enlighten me, Saintess.” He looked at the woman uncomprehendingly, then heard her lazy, soft voice: “You interrogated him daily, yet he refused to speak no matter what, wouldn’t even let slip the slightest clue. From what I know, when Jiang Xinzhi leads troops in battle, his conduct isn’t so cautious. To be so careful and protective, the person he’s protecting must be extremely important. The news I heard is that Jiang Xinzhi has an excellent relationship with this Jiang family legitimate daughter, and when Jiang Xinzhi first returned to the Great Jin Dynasty capital, it was this Jiang Ruan who rescued him from an ambush. Since these siblings met, Jiang Xinzhi’s official career has risen steadily, everything going smoothly. Do you think this is coincidence?”
Yuan Chuan was startled, understanding many things in a flash of insight. Looking at the woman: “The Saintess suspects…? But she’s just an ordinary woman – how could she know so many future events?” Though there were many capable people in the world, for a sheltered young lady to know so much was too hard to believe.
“As a Southern Frontier citizen, you yourself come from a shamanic background – what’s impossible about it?” The Saintess’s voice beneath the veil was melodiously beautiful, but listening carefully, it contained a faint murderous intent: “You overlooked these things because you didn’t take her seriously. You thought she wasn’t your opponent. But I never intended to spare her life from the beginning.”
Yuan Chuan lowered his head: “The Saintess is wise.”
“He actually brought his sworn brothers back to the capital to protect her. I originally thought someone so clever could be useful to me, but now it seems she’s disgusting. The Jiang family legitimate daughter could silently break our people’s hidden arrangements in the capital, and even that waste Xuan Li was defeated by her – truly eye-opening. I heard that after Xiao Shao defeats Tian Jin and returns triumphant, he’ll have a grand wedding with her?” She suddenly laughed lightly: “Just hearing about it makes me want to laugh!”
She hadn’t said any harsh words, her tone remaining as lazy and gentle as before, even carrying some sweet seductiveness. But hearing this, Yuan Chuan felt chilled to the bone. Having been by the Saintess’s side for so many years, he understood too well what she wanted to do. The more she acted like this, the deeper her hatred and the more ruthless her actions would be. Finally, Yuan Chuan couldn’t help asking: “Saintess, shall we act against her?”
The woman glanced at him: “Someone will be more anxious than us. Find a way to leak information to Xuan Li – tell him the grain burning was the Jiang family legitimate daughter’s idea. I can’t leave right now, but some things in the Jin Dynasty should start moving. Yuan Chuan, when the Jin Dynasty returns triumphant, mix into their ranks and follow them to the capital.”
“Saintess…?” Yuan Chuan paused: “We’re starting to act now?”
“Those Jin Dynasty people are becoming increasingly useless. Among those I can trust, there’s only you.” She looked at Yuan Chuan with a smile, her beautiful eyes sparkling like the finest gems, like a girl looking at her most beloved lover. She said: “Yuan Chuan, besides doing what I’ve arranged, you have one more task. This Xuan Li is truly too incompetent. If he can’t kill the Jiang family legitimate daughter, you kill her for me. I don’t want to see her live too long.” She spoke slowly, word by word: “A grand wedding after returning triumphant? I’d also like to see what it looks like to have a grand wedding with a corpse.”
Yuan Chuan felt a chill in his heart, respectfully agreed, then turned and left the tent.
…
Time seemed to pass quickly. No more bad news came from the border. That Deputy General Jiang was reportedly rescued by Prince Jinying, and despite suffering torture all over his body, he gritted his teeth and refused to surrender. Such a tough man naturally delighted the Emperor greatly. Previous rumors collapsed on their own, and court ministers who had been observing now had other thoughts, estimating whether their daughters might possibly form marriage ties with the Jiang family.
Speaking of the Jiang family, it was quite strange. Originally a proper scholarly family, but somehow in recent years they had terrible luck. First the mistress cuckolded the Minister, then the formerly fairy-like Second Miss Jiang ruined her reputation through improper behavior. Later Second Young Master Jiang conspired with the Xia family to rebel and burn the granary. Seeing the Jiang family so useless, the Emperor viewed Minister Jiang’s career as finished, and the Jiang family’s decline seemed imminent.
But speaking of decline, the Jiang family still produced Princess Hong’an who was deeply favored by Empress Dowager Yide, and Young Master Jiang had the immeasurable future as the Great Jin Dynasty’s war god. Even a concubine-born Fourth Miss had now climbed to the rank of third-grade Jiang Zhaoyi. Looking at it this way, Minister Jiang’s days weren’t so difficult after all. Busybodies discovered that originally Minister Jiang only favored Jiang Chao and his sister born to Xia Yan, while coldly neglecting Jiang Xinzhi and his sister born to his deceased legitimate wife, not to mention Jiang Dan. Who knew fortune would turn – those previously least favored siblings now lived best, with the entire Jiang family depending on them for glory. This was truly lamentable.
It was now past winter with spring approaching, yet the weather remained as cold as before. Snow particles fell from the sky. Jiang Ruan stood in front of the courtyard, snow particles melting quickly upon hitting the ground, while her light red dress stood out like a flame against the snow, brilliant and glorious.
Qi Feng stood beside her and suddenly said: “Third Brother will be back soon.”
The war between Tian Jin Kingdom and the Great Jin Dynasty would finally be settled this spring. Tian Jin Kingdom had already provoked the Great Jin Dynasty’s national dignity. Now Tian Jin Kingdom was retreating steadily, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard led by Xiao Shao acted ruthlessly and cruelly, almost fighting their way into their capital. Tian Jin Kingdom was now at the end of its rope – surrendering to the Great Jin Dynasty was just a matter of time. Now that Tian Jin lacked even the strength for desperate resistance, once the war ended, Xiao Shao would naturally hurry back non-stop.
Jiang Ruan nodded lightly. Qi Feng said: “When Third Brother returns, you’ll get married.” Speaking of this, his mouth tasted bitter. He turned his head – the girl before him wore light red clothes as if countless rays of light fell upon her. Her eyebrows and eyes were bright and seductive as flowers, appearing passionate like a flame, but only when close could one discover it was merely ice. These days he had accompanied this girl, watching her strategize, watching her prophetic abilities, yet she seemed to treat everything with casual indifference. He sometimes wondered if nothing in this world could enter her eyes. Now hearing him mention Xiao Shao’s imminent return, Jiang Ruan’s thoughtful expression fell into his eyes, and Qi Feng immediately understood.
He concealed the emotions in his eyes and joked: “Third Sister-in-law, on that day, I imagine all the brothers from Mount Jianan will return to drink wedding wine.”
Jiang Ruan smiled: “Thank you.”
Her attitude was always thus – distant rather than close. Qi Feng looked away and found an excuse to leave, leaving only Jiang Ruan standing alone in the courtyard. From winter to spring, another year had seen many events. Xiao Shao at the border had sent word that Zhao Jin had actually gone to the frontier – this was truly beyond her expectations. Zhao Jin had even rescued Jiang Xinzhi. Zhao Jin came from a military family and acted with masculine boldness. When Jiang Ruan told Madam Zhao about this, she was relieved. The two Zhao brothers were reasonable and didn’t make things too difficult. But when Lin Zixiang learned of this and came to Prince Jinying’s manor to blame Jiang Ruan, she complained that Jiang Xinzhi had so casually stolen Zhao Jin away – it was truly outrageous, leaving Jiang Ruan somewhat helpless.
Speaking of Lin Zixiang, she now came to Prince Jinying’s manor frequently, but not to see Jiang Ruan. Ultimately her intentions lay elsewhere. She had somehow formed a grudge with Xia Qing over some matter, but later the misunderstanding was resolved. The two now got along famously at some point. Xia Qing seemed to quite like Lin Zixiang, but both had such pure hearts that understanding each other’s feelings proved difficult.
Bai Zhi and Ye Feng had also become close recently, with Bai Zhi occasionally sending Ye Feng some pastries. Ye Feng had once been Xiao Shao’s right-hand man and would be a man of excellent status and position elsewhere, yet he daily ignored his dignity to find reasons to say a few words with Bai Zhi. Even fools could see what this meant.
Compared to Bai Zhi and Ye Feng’s gentleness, Lu Zhu and Jin Er bickered daily. Whenever these two met, they would quarrel. Clear-eyed people could see what it was about, but unfortunately one always acted like a wastrel while the other was always careless – who knew when they might achieve positive results.
Jiang Quan now wouldn’t even come to Prince Jinying’s manor. Ever since Jiang Chao’s incident when Jiang Quan commanded Jiang Ruan to find ways to rescue Jiang Chao, Jiang Ruan ignored him. After Jiang Chao died, Jiang Quan seemed to age ten years overnight. When he looked at Jiang Ruan now, it was like looking at a stranger. Jiang Ruan understood his thoughts clearly – he harbored resentment toward her. Now Jiang Quan had taken several more concubines, seemingly wanting to leave more heirs for the Jiang family – he never considered Jiang Xinzhi his son. Sometimes Jiang Ruan found it strange. From her previous life’s perspective, Jiang Quan was a man who loved power and would climb upward by any means. Now that she and Jiang Xinzhi could bring the Jiang manor to greater heights, Jiang Quan never thought to curry favor with them, even continuing to hate them as always. Perhaps some people were born to be nemeses, with hatred inherent from birth. No matter what Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xinzhi did, as long as they were Zhao Mei’s children, Jiang Quan could never like them. His paternal side would forever only open to Jiang Susu and Jiang Chao.
Since the grain provision incident, Xuan Li had remained extremely quiet with no other movements. Clearly the Xia family’s destruction had caused him enormous losses. This year he had kept a low profile, properly playing the role of a well-behaved prince in court, not even doing anything privately. Most of his former power had been destroyed. After the Xia family fell, he could hardly find a replacement for them. Fifth Prince Xuan Hua acted increasingly steadily, and even Thirteenth Prince Xuan Pei had gained the Emperor’s favor and Empress Dowager Yide’s great affection. The Crown Prince now seemed smarter too, no longer as absurd as before. With suddenly so many more opponents, Xuan Li’s heart was probably quite uncomfortable. However, this didn’t mean Xuan Li planned to give up. On the contrary, Jiang Ruan understood him extremely well – Xuan Li wasn’t acting now because he hadn’t found the right opportunity. This person was best at concealing his strength and biding his time. Once he had an opportunity, he would naturally strike without hesitation.
Jiang Dan had now risen from Beautiful Woman to third-grade Zhaoyi, truly thriving in the palace. From the Empress above to palace maids below, all appreciated her greatly. Even someone as strict as Empress Dowager Yide couldn’t find fault with her. She had secretly colluded with Xuan Li and lived quite well. As someone careful and clever who disguised her ambitions well, she naturally rose step by step in the palace, walking very steadily. Though she was doing well, Jiang Ruan wasn’t anxious. This world’s prosperity was but a hunting game – it depended on who had more patience. Having endured an entire lifetime, what was waiting a few more days?
Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes, extending her hand to catch a falling snowflake. The snow quickly melted in her palm. The New Year was approaching. In a trance, it seemed like returning to that year of rebirth when she huddled in Zhang Lan’s dirty house in the estate, unable to afford even coal, awakening from a previous life filled with blood to see cruel reality everywhere – enemies high above while she was below.
Time flew quickly. Now she stood in Prince Jinying’s manor, positions seemingly reversed. Enemies were dead or wounded while she remained unharmed. Thinking of Qi Feng’s earlier words, Xiao Shao should return soon. The grand wedding she couldn’t wait for in her previous life would now happen at this time, beginning with her cold-hearted self – she wondered whether this was fortune or misfortune.
…
At the Eighth Prince’s manor, a subordinate guard knelt on the ground reporting: “Your Highness, news from the border – Tian Jin Kingdom can’t hold out. The Embroidered Uniform Guard has entered Tian Jin’s main pass. Tian Jin Kingdom has surrendered.”
Xuan Li sat in the center of the room, his expression quite gentle. Though his subordinate reported such unpleasant news, he seemed quite pleased, his smile even having a spring-like warmth that was rather strange.
The advisors all dared not say a word. This year, after suffering the Xia family’s blow, Xuan Li had become increasingly steady. For instance, not showing emotions on his face – he had cultivated this to perfection. If previously Xuan Li could skillfully wear a gentle mask on his face, now this mask had fused with Xuan Li himself.
“Faster than I imagined.” Xuan Li sighed: “Can nothing truly destroy the Embroidered Uniform Guard?”
“Your Highness, we haven’t completely opposed Prince Jinying’s manor yet. Prince Jinying has always maintained neutrality in court – avoidance would be best.” An advisor stepped forward to counsel. Xuan Li’s power was now greatly weakened – directly confronting Xiao Shao wasn’t wise. Moreover, Xiao Shao had always ignored court affairs. If they could avoid clashing with his edge, they could certainly save much trouble.
“Too late.” Xuan Li smiled: “Do you really think we can coexist peacefully with Prince Jinying’s manor?” He raised the letter in his hand: “Gentlemen, do you know who was behind the grain burning and Xia family’s downfall?”
The advisors looked at each other. Xuan Li’s people had been investigating this matter but found nothing in the end. Xuan Li was quite angry about this – it was one of his obsessions. Now seeing his expression, had he learned who was behind it?
Xuan Li said calmly: “It was Princess Jinying, Jiang Ruan.”
“How could that be?” Everyone in the room was surprised: “Princess Jinying is just a woman – how could she accomplish such great things? Moreover, she can’t predict the future. If all this was Princess Jinying’s work, wouldn’t she be too terrifying? Why would she do this and oppose Your Highness?”
“I know you’re all surprised, but I’ll tell you frankly – this was indeed Princess Jinying’s work.” He said meaningfully: “You think Princess Jinying couldn’t do this and had no reason to target me, but have you considered whether this represents Prince Jinying’s intentions?”
At these words, everyone fell silent. Xuan Li looked around before saying: “Princess Jinying might well be acting on Prince Jinying’s instructions.” Actually, Xuan Li knew these words weren’t credible. When he learned from spies that Jiang Ruan was behind the Xia family incident, he was extremely surprised, yet he almost immediately believed it. He had always felt Jiang Ruan was somewhat strange. Though he knew this suspicion was rather inexplicable – the other party was just an official’s daughter who understood nothing – how could she have such formidable methods? Yet every time he saw Jiang Ruan, Xuan Li would have an indescribable feeling. He always felt Jiang Ruan harbored hidden hatred toward him, though he couldn’t think of anything he’d done to earn Jiang Ruan’s enmity.
Learning this news, Xuan Li was extremely furious. His great enterprise had been ruined by a woman. One arrangement by Jiang Ruan had cost him the entire Xia family, and later even those eight hundred carts of military provisions were lost – truly losing both wife and soldiers. Every time he thought of this, Xuan Li wanted to immediately kill that woman.
“Xiao Shao will return triumphant soon.” Xuan Li smiled: “I want to send him a gift.”
Prince Jinying’s manor was a very special existence in the Jin Dynasty. For so many years, he couldn’t even touch a fraction of the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s true power. If he had previously harbored other thoughts about Prince Jinying’s manor, learning that Jiang Ruan had harmed him was like the last straw that broke the camel’s back. Sometimes some things required taking risks. Xuan Li didn’t want Jiang Ruan to marry Xiao Shao. If Jiang Ruan was truly as deep-scheming as the spies reported, and then joined with Xiao Shao, Prince Jinying’s manor’s power would be too terrifying.
While Xiao Shao hadn’t yet returned, he needed to confirm one matter and wanted to resolve one trouble. Xuan Li slowly clenched his fist.