The two death warriors probably hadn’t yet seen clearly what the situation before them actually was when they felt a chill in their chests. Long swords passed straight through their hearts. Xiao Shao threw aside the sword in his hand, swept Jiang Ruan up in his arms, and said to the person behind him: “Leave no survivors. Kill them all.”

Just as they reached the doorway, they heard the sounds of men and horses fighting outside. A figure hurried over, and seeing Jiang Ruan being held in Xiao Shao’s embrace, his forehead twitched. However, he couldn’t care about much else at the moment and called out: “Ah Ruan!”

“Big Brother?” Jiang Ruan was startled. Jiang Xinzhi stood right in front of her, probably having rushed back in such haste that he looked travel-worn and dusty. Jiang Ruan asked curiously: “How did you return to the capital so early?” According to the news, they still had several days before arrival, yet these two had suddenly returned today. What was going on?

Jiang Xinzhi glanced at Xiao Shao and said: “I felt somewhat uneasy, so we spurred our horses and rushed back first.” After a pause, he looked toward the chaotic battle in the courtyard and complained: “You really are something. Usually so clever, yet you act foolishly at a time like this. If we hadn’t returned and encountered this scene today, and something had happened to you, how would I explain to Mother? In the future when you encounter such things, don’t worry about anything else – you yourself are most important.” Still feeling somewhat indignant, Jiang Xinzhi looked at Xiao Shao: “I really don’t feel at ease leaving you in this place.”

Jiang Ruan patted Xiao Shao, indicating for him to put her down. Xiao Shao loosened his hold, and after Jiang Ruan stood steady, she said to Jiang Xinzhi: “They came for me today anyway. It would be the same wherever I went.”

Jiang Xinzhi wanted to say more, but fearing that Jiang Ruan had already been frightened today and would feel wronged, he held back in the end. He simply grasped her hand firmly and said: “In any case, this place isn’t safe. Come back to the mansion with me first.”

Xiao Shao grabbed Jiang Ruan’s arm, his gaze cold as ice: “She’s not leaving. She stays here.”

With these two each holding one of her hands, placing her between them, the atmosphere became tense. Jiang Xinzhi said: “She hasn’t married yet – what would it look like for her to stay here!”

“She belongs to Prince Jinying’s mansion,” Xiao Shao said indifferently.

“Stop talking.” Jiang Ruan shook off both their hands, a layer of faint irritation rising in her heart. Looking at Jiang Xinzhi, she said: “Big Brother, it’s too late now. Returning to the Jiang mansion now would be quite inconvenient, and there might still be spies sent by Xuan Li outside, which could cause more trouble. I’ll stay here tonight.”

Only then did Xiao Shao’s expression soften somewhat, but Jiang Xinzhi became anxious, thinking that indeed daughters favor outsiders – she was already siding with others before even marrying. He couldn’t help feeling somewhat wronged, yet he knew that what Jiang Ruan said made sense, leaving his feelings quite complicated.

Seeing Jiang Xinzhi’s expression, Jiang Ruan knew what he was thinking. She felt somewhat helpless, not understanding how this big brother, after several years of military campaigns, had become increasingly childish. She could only comfort him: “I see that outside isn’t very safe either. Big Brother shouldn’t leave either – I have some things I want to ask you. Clean yourself up and stay here tonight as well.”

Xiao Shao was about to refuse outright when he heard Jiang Xinzhi immediately say: “Alright, I’ll stay here tonight for your sake.”

Xiao Shao: “…”

…

The troops Xiao Shao brought with him moved very swiftly. In just a moment, the death warriors were almost completely slaughtered. His subordinates were also very experienced – the courtyard was immediately cleaned spotlessly, without even a trace of blood remaining. Jiang Xinzhi sat under the oil lamp, still somewhat dissatisfied in his tone: “From the looks of it, this isn’t the first time such a thing has happened. How many people have died in Prince Jinying’s mansion? Do you really want to live in such an inauspicious place?”

“Big Brother, what’s wrong with you?” Jiang Ruan asked. Ever since seeing her, Jiang Xinzhi seemed to be at odds with Xiao Shao, displaying it rather too obviously. Previously, although Jiang Xinzhi couldn’t be said to like Xiao Shao, he wasn’t filled with such hostility as now. Jiang Ruan herself suspected – could something have happened at the frontier? But would Xiao Shao bully Jiang Xinzhi for no reason?

Jiang Xinzhi looked away, and after a while said: “Do you really want to marry him?” In Jiang Xinzhi’s view, after campaigning abroad for several years, he suddenly learned of the news that Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan had been granted marriage by imperial decree. Naturally, he was furious. If he had been present, it would have been one thing, but this happened when he wasn’t there. In his eyes, Xiao Shao was taking advantage of others’ difficulties, like someone stealing a cabbage he had worked so hard to cultivate, naturally making him unhappy.

“Big Brother, this is the Empress Dowager’s imperial edict,” Jiang Ruan sighed. “I can’t disobey an imperial decree. Moreover, marrying into Prince Jinying’s mansion isn’t wrong – there’s no mother-in-law or sister-in-law to serve, so it’s quite clean and pleasant.”

“You’re my sister,” Jiang Xinzhi said seriously. “Although he’s young and accomplished, and good-looking too, he has a bad reputation after all. And he’s cold in personality. A young lady like you doesn’t understand what marriage means. What’s good about spending day and night with someone cold as ice?” Jiang Xinzhi naturally saw nothing but good in his sister, while naturally finding Xiao Shao inadequate in every way. How could he have any good attitude?

“What does reputation matter?” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. “Big Brother, have you forgotten? I once had the reputation of being a jinx star. Was that true?”

“That was others slandering you – how could it be true?” Mentioning this matter made Jiang Xinzhi feel blocked up inside. Back then, it was only because he himself was incompetent, not knowing that Xia Yan’s family had evil intentions, letting Jiang Ruan be branded with such a terrible reputation and suffer so many years of grievance at the estate.

“Since I was slandered, how is it impossible that he was also slandered?” Jiang Ruan shook her head. “Moreover, Big Brother, you’ve been at the frontier so long and have spent time with him. You must have some understanding of him. What kind of person he is – don’t you know?”

Jiang Xinzhi was left speechless. In fact, although Xiao Shao was cold in personality, his subordinates were respectful and obedient to him, holding him in awe and reverence. To judge a person, one looks at how those around him treat him. Since Xiao Shao’s subordinates were so loyal to him, he himself must have exceptional qualities. Moreover, on the battlefield, this person’s courage and insight were indeed admirable. Undeniably, this was a very powerful young man who could absolutely protect Jiang Ruan when with her. However, Jiang Xinzhi still felt uncomfortable about it and said sullenly: “Ah Ruan, you speak up for him in every sentence. You appear unconcerned, but actually you’ve set your heart on him – this is certainly true.”

This time it was Jiang Ruan’s turn to be speechless. She stared at Jiang Xinzhi for a long while before saying: “Big Brother, it’s the same whoever I marry. Although the Empress Dowager dotes on me, this Jin Dynasty’s realm is more important than my personal safety. The higher my status, the more I gain the imperial family’s favor, the more likely I am to become the imperial family’s bargaining chip in the future. Do you still remember Princess Yuanrong from before? Everyone sees how I’m like a second Princess Yuanrong before the Empress Dowager now. Who can guarantee that my future fate won’t become that of a second Princess Yuanrong?”

Jiang Xinzhi was shocked and said urgently: “Don’t talk nonsense!”

“Big Brother knows in his heart what I mean,” Jiang Ruan shook her head. “Princess Yuanrong was Empress Dowager Yide’s own daughter, yet she still met such an end. I have not even the slightest blood relationship with the imperial family – who knows if the situation might change drastically someday. As for my father, he fundamentally despises and resents us. If he could use me to pave a path for his career advancement, he would be delighted. My days may look like a bed of roses, but in reality, they’re full of crises at every step. Marrying Xiao Shao – he has a cold personality, but that actually saves some trouble. It’s the same whoever I marry. Marrying him, at least I still have leverage. My relationship with him is that of allies, which is more solid than any other relationship.”

“You…” Jiang Xinzhi was both shocked and angry. “What are you talking about? How can marriage be used as leverage? Whatever you want, I’ll help you fight for it. I’ll protect you, but you can’t treat your husband as an ally. He’s someone you should trust with your heart, someone to accompany you for life. What position are you putting yourself in by saying this?”

“Big Brother, right now I have no interest in romance,” Jiang Ruan said indifferently. “You and I have witnessed Mother’s fate since childhood, and there’s always an insurmountable barrier in our hearts. If I marry into Prince Jinying’s mansion and he truly is my good match, over time, allies will naturally become husband and wife. But this all requires gradual interaction.” She had lied to Jiang Xinzhi. Her resistance and aversion to marriage in this life, her emotional barriers, didn’t come from Zhao Mei’s fate, but from having poured her heart and soul into love in her previous life, only to receive betrayal and slaughter in return. To completely escape that shadow in this life wasn’t easy. However, she couldn’t tell Jiang Xinzhi about this.

Hearing these words, Jiang Xinzhi didn’t know how to advise Jiang Ruan. Once his sister made up her mind, no one could shake her resolve. He sighed and patted her head: “At such a young age, yet like a little old lady. I don’t know who you get this personality from.”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, and the siblings began talking about other matters.

In the study on the other side, Xiao Shao sat at the desk with Xia Qing and Qi Feng sitting across from him. Xia Qing had been worried and rushed over, but was surprised to discover that Xiao Shao had returned, immediately getting a shock. Now sitting in Prince Jinying’s mansion’s study, he finally had the peace of mind to ask his question: “Third Brother, why didn’t Big Brother return with you?”

“He’s bringing up the rear with the army,” Xiao Shao said. He had rushed back on horseback, and who knew Jiang Xinzhi would follow. The army couldn’t be without a leader, so naturally Guan Lianghan was left alone to handle things.

Qi Feng sat in his seat not knowing what he was thinking, remaining silent throughout. Seeing this, Xia Qing nudged his arm: “Fourth Brother, what’s wrong with you? You’ve been absent-minded since coming in. When you heard about the fire earlier, you rushed out immediately. Why were you in such a hurry?”

When Xia Qing arrived, the Imperial Guards had already disposed of the death warriors’ bodies, so Xia Qing didn’t know what had actually happened. Hearing this, Xiao Shao’s eyes moved as he glanced at Qi Feng but said nothing.

Qi Feng came back to his senses. Only he knew how dangerous that scene had been, almost making his heartbeat stop completely. Even now, just thinking about it still filled him with lingering fear. He wondered if Xiao Shao had noticed his loss of composure in that moment of panic. Thinking of this, Qi Feng raised his head and met Xiao Shao’s calm gaze directly. That gaze seemed able to see through to one’s heart, making his inner thoughts have nowhere to hide. Qi Feng immediately felt uncomfortable, almost wanting to flee in panic.

After a moment, he forced a smile: “It’s nothing. I just came out to take a look.” He thought of that critical moment when Xiao Shao had rushed over to save Jiang Ruan. He could legitimately protect her, and Qi Feng couldn’t help feeling a wave of bitterness in his heart. However, some things in this world could be fought for, while others couldn’t be – he didn’t even have the qualification to fight for them. Qi Feng suppressed the sourness in his heart and said: “Third Brother, now that you’ve returned, there will probably be changes in the capital again. Did you discover any clues during this expedition to Tianjin?”

They had been investigating the Southern Frontier Kingdom’s unusual movements for many years. This time, Tianjin Kingdom’s challenge was so sudden, with intricate connections to the Southern Frontier. This time, Xiao Shao’s military expedition was partly to investigate information. Xiao Shao shook his head: “The court has people they’ve arranged. This person is hidden too deeply, and now that Tianjin has been defeated and the Southern Frontier alliance has collapsed, they’ll probably need to recuperate for a while. There are other arrangements in the capital.”

Xia Qing naturally couldn’t understand what they were talking about, so he scratched his head: “No matter what, it’s good that Third Brother returned safely. Previously, Fourth Brother and I were betting on your marriage. Now that Third Brother is back, when will the wedding be held? I’m just waiting to drink this wedding wine before returning to Jinling. The medical clinic has had no news for a long time, and my medical apprentices are getting anxious.”

At these words, both Xiao Shao and Qi Feng were slightly stunned. After a long silence, Xiao Shao said indifferently: “I’ll enter the palace tomorrow to discuss this matter. The wedding must be held, naturally the sooner the better.” His gaze paused on Qi Feng for a moment before quickly moving away, his expression as cold and detached as always.

“That’s wonderful,” Xia Qing suspected nothing, saying enthusiastically: “I need to think about what wedding gift to give!”

…

Early the next morning, light snow began falling at dawn. The snow had fallen heavily during the night, almost reaching knee-deep. The weather was exceptionally cold, yet the streets and alleys didn’t become subdued due to the extremely cold weather. Instead, people enthusiastically discussed the fire that had swept through an entire street in the northern part of the city the previous night. Vendors were discussing among themselves, all saying they’d heard from their masters that there seemed to have been bandits, but when the mansion guards finally dared to venture out to investigate after a long time, there was no more commotion. However, that series of houses was indeed destroyed. Since the people living in that prosperous area of the northern city were either wealthy or noble, they didn’t care about those few taels of silver, but ultimately felt displeased, finding it somewhat inauspicious.

In the Eighth Prince’s mansion, Xuan Li pressed his forehead, his expression showing some anxiety. The night raid from the previous evening still hadn’t brought back any news, and even the spies sent out hadn’t returned. Xuan Li knew what this meant, but to convince himself that they were all likely in mortal danger was something he was very reluctant to accept. He had considered that all the people sent might be wiped out, but at least someone should report on the Imperial Guards’ situation. Jiang Ruan was just a woman after all – could she really order everyone killed without exception? Moreover, that night’s raid relied on the element of surprise. Without complete preparation, how could Jiang Ruan escape unscathed?

Xuan Li had been very confident about these matters, but after waiting all night without news, when he sent out more spies to Prince Jinying’s mansion, they couldn’t discover anything. Prince Jinying’s mansion was impregnable – not even a fly could get in, making gathering information even more difficult. After several fruitless attempts, Xuan Li became even more uneasy. This morning, the news about the fire on the northern city street spread like wildfire. This matter was definitely connected to Prince Jinying’s mansion. Xuan Li knew this was Jiang Ruan’s method to confuse the situation, but he was powerless to do anything about it.

Just as he was thinking, two young servants carried in a box and placed it in the center of the room, saying to Xuan Li: “Your Highness, Minister Zhang sent a respectful gift and requests Your Highness to examine it.”

Subordinate officials occasionally sending gifts was a common occurrence, but today Xuan Li had no interest in such things. Somewhat impatiently waving his hand, he said: “Open it.”

The box slowly opened. Before Xuan Li could look, he heard the two young servants and guards nearby collectively gasp, probably afraid of disturbing him so they didn’t scream, but their rapid breathing still made Xuan Li frown. He turned to look, his body stiffening, his gaze unable to move away.

In the box were neatly arranged human heads, bloody and mangled in appearance that made one’s heart feel blocked just looking at them, yet the features could still be vaguely recognized. Five spies, one assassination leader – six heads arranged neatly, as if mocking his incompetence.

Xuan Li felt a sweetness in his throat, feeling a surge of stifled anger about to burst from his chest, almost making him vomit violently. Barely swallowing the sweet blood in his throat, Xuan Li turned his head and stared coldly at the two young servants who had brought in the box: “How did this thing get in here?”

The two young servants were already trembling with fear from this sudden development. Hearing his question, they both knelt down and begged for mercy: “Your Highness, spare us! Minister Zhang’s subordinate placed the box at the door. We just brought it in as it was. Your Highness, spare us!”

Xuan Li clenched his palm forcefully, and the cup in his hand shattered with a sound. The ceramic shards cut his hand, blood slowly oozing from between his fingers, yet he seemed completely unaware. The guard beside him didn’t dare breathe heavily, because Xuan Li’s expression was already very distorted – his mouth corners were clearly upturned, but his muscles were twitching uncontrollably, obviously enraged.

If one were to say Xuan Li felt frustrated, it really wasn’t unfair. Previously, with Xiao Shao protecting Prince Jinying’s mansion, there was no way to find an opening. Now that Xiao Shao wasn’t there and only Jiang Ruan could make decisions in Prince Jinying’s mansion, he had actually failed at the hands of a weak woman? What was the meaning of these heads? Delivering them so properly was clearly provocation! Although Xuan Li appeared magnanimous, he was extremely narrow-minded. This action almost completely brought out the dark side of his heart – the person who did this was truly unforgivable!

Just as he was thinking with a dark gaze, another hidden guard came to report from outside. Seeing Xuan Li, he immediately reported: “Your Highness, this subordinate just received news that Prince Jinying has returned to the capital.”

Xuan Li’s gaze was like a torch, immediately looking toward that person, his palm unconsciously clenching with force as blood dripped down drop by drop.

…

Speaking of two different matters, Prince Jinying’s mansion was currently full of life. The young master’s return naturally brought great joy to everyone. After last night’s danger, everyone thought there would inevitably be a fierce battle, but at the critical moment, Xiao Shao suddenly rushed back, making everyone happy and even more grateful. Originally, after a year of interaction, the servants of Prince Jinying’s mansion were very fond of Jiang Ruan. This young madam, although appearing somewhat aloof, never made excessive demands and was very thoughtful in her kindness to servants during festivals. Which young lady didn’t have some temper? This young madam was also very easy to get along with, with almost no airs. After last night, Jiang Ruan displayed her strong and resilient side before everyone, immediately making her image tower in the servants’ hearts. She almost conquered their hearts at that moment, becoming the undisputed mistress in the hearts of all Prince Jinying’s mansion servants – truly meeting everyone’s expectations.

So when Xiao Shao returned, the servants naturally and consciously created every opportunity for the future virtuous couple to spend time together.

Just after Jiang Ruan finished breakfast, Lu Zhu came over saying: “Miss, it’s snowing outside. Would you like to take a look?”

There was nothing special about daily snowfall, but with nothing else to do cooped up indoors, Jiang Ruan stood up. Seeing this, Lian Qiao quickly found a fire rat fur cloak to drape over her and tucked a silver-seated carved hand warmer into her hands: “Be careful not to catch cold.”

Several people walked out of the room. Just as they reached the courtyard, they saw from afar a person sitting in the pavilion. Lu Zhu blinked and pretended to be surprised: “Oh my, isn’t that the young master? Miss, the young master is over there. Should we go see?”

She spoke very loudly, so the person in the pavilion naturally heard and turned to look their way. Now it would be impossible to pretend they hadn’t seen him. Jiang Ruan glared at Lu Zhu, who touched her nose and looked up at the sky. Jiang Ruan sighed and lifted her skirt to walk toward the pavilion. The maids consciously didn’t follow, standing far outside the pavilion to wait.

Xiao Shao sat in the pavilion. Today he wore a dark blue official robe embroidered with silver qilin patterns, the gold thread at the cuffs meticulously embroidered, making his entire figure appear even more jade-like and refined. Over it he wore a black cloak, his form tall and slender. At this moment, he seemed to be thinking about something, his brow slightly furrowed, long eyelashes lowered, his countenance elegant and beautiful, his temperament cool and graceful – truly very attractive to the eye.

Jiang Ruan sat down across from him. After thinking, seeing the teapot on the table, she reached out to pour herself a cup of tea.

Xiao Shao watched her without speaking, the atmosphere becoming somewhat strange for a moment. Finally, Jiang Ruan broke the silence: “Last night, thank you.”

Such polite words made Xiao Shao’s frown deepen, his tone becoming slightly cold: “Between you and me, there’s no need for such words.”

He seemed strange. Jiang Ruan noticed his abnormal behavior and asked curiously: “Did something happen?”

Xiao Shao turned his head away, paused, then said: “I’ve returned to the capital. The wedding banquet should also be prepared. Today I’ll enter the palace for an audience to discuss this matter. Have you thought it through?”

Jiang Ruan was startled, not expecting him to be talking about this. She smiled slightly: “I’ve thought it through. Whenever you say – that’s when it will be.”

Her straightforwardness, without a trace of coyness, made Xiao Shao’s expression relax slightly. Suddenly thinking of something, he said: “I heard from Jin Er about last night’s situation. Thank you for guarding Prince Jinying’s mansion for me. But in the future, there’s no need to do such things.” His gaze was cold and sharp, his thin lips pressed together like carved stone: “The most important thing in the royal mansion isn’t honor or secrets, but you.”

Jiang Ruan was stunned, feeling somewhat inexplicable in her heart. She smiled: “Since I’m the mistress here, naturally I should shoulder some responsibilities. Actually…”

“You are, after all, my woman, Xiao Shao’s woman,” Xiao Shao interrupted her. “You don’t need to do anything.”