Jiang Ruan could no longer remember how she had finally fallen asleep that night. Ever since Zhao Mei’s death, she had barely experienced sharing a bed with anyone. Lying on the wide bed with someone sleeping beside her should have been an extremely alerting matter, yet she held the dagger Xiao Shao had given her in her hand, and in the end, she still didn’t place it under her pillow, instead storing it in the box. Sharing a bed with someone was not a warm experience for her—for instance, in her previous life, Zhao Mei and Jiang Quan were ultimately sharing the same bed but dreaming different dreams. And she had once hoped for Xuan Li to become her pillow companion, only for this dream pillow companion to deceive her for an entire lifetime.
She had been quite nervous initially, but Xiao Shao closed his eyes extremely quickly and slept peacefully and quietly, causing even Jiang Ruan to feel surprised despite herself. As the head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, she didn’t believe for a moment that Xiao Shao was someone without vigilance. Yet this young man slept so peacefully, as if being by her side was the safest place. Watching him, Jiang Ruan gradually calmed down herself, those complex emotions slowly settling into tranquility, bringing an unprecedented sense of security.
Red candles quietly shed tears of wax, time flowing gently. In this moment, the bridal chamber held no passionate flames of desire, having nothing to do with romance, yet possessed a faint warmth. It seemed as if those bone-deep hatreds and inhuman coldness had also absorbed a trace of earthly warmth from this festive bright red.
When dawn first broke and the first ray of weak sunlight shone in, Jiang Ruan opened her eyes. She was surprised to have slept so soundly through the night. Instinctively turning her head, the first thing that met her gaze was the young man’s extraordinarily handsome face.
Perhaps because she had just awakened and her mood was relatively relaxed, Jiang Ruan herself didn’t know why she didn’t look away, but instead turned over, propping up her chin with one hand to carefully examine the young man before her. Xiao Shao slept quietly with very good sleeping posture. Likely due to his good upbringing since childhood, even in his dreams he displayed a kind of noble elegance. However, compared to when he was awake, he had two parts less coldness, possessing a beautiful gentleness. Her gaze moved downward, following Xiao Shao’s slender, straight eyelashes, gliding past his straight nose, thin lips, chin carved as if by a blade, settling on his jade-like collarbones.
This person truly possessed magnificent features. Sunlight slanted across shallowly, coating his countenance with a layer of gentle pale gold, handsome as a heavenly deity. His snow-white inner garment had somehow come undone, revealing jade-like porcelain white skin that was half-hidden beneath the clothing, making one unable to resist the urge to reach out and touch. Jiang Ruan stared somewhat dazedly, her mind like mush, and actually did reach out to touch. Where her hand made contact felt smooth and firm, with slightly cool body temperature, like the finest silk, truly comfortable to the extreme.
“How does it feel?” A low, husky voice suddenly sounded by her ear, startling Jiang Ruan who withdrew her hand like lightning. Xiao Shao had awakened at some unknown point. He looked at her with a half-smile, sitting up on his own, then adjusted his collar.
Jiang Ruan had initially felt somewhat ashamed, but upon seeing his final gesture, she became somewhat angry instead. How did this look like she was trying to force herself upon an innocent man? What was that expression of Xiao Shao’s—was she really so fierce and lustful?
Her expression, as if she had swallowed a fly, clearly pleased Xiao Shao. The corner of Xiao Shao’s lips curved upward as he reached out to pat her head. Perhaps finding the texture quite nice, he even rubbed it a few times before asking nonchalantly, “Shall I call your maidservants in?”
“That’s not necessary.” Jiang Ruan sat up herself. She was also wearing only a snow-white inner garment, but paid no mind to Xiao Shao’s presence as she took clothing from the chest and walked behind the screen. The screen bore an ordinary mandarin ducks playing in water design, yet even so, as Jiang Ruan walked past and saw the wedding dress draped over it, remembering last night’s awkward situation, she still couldn’t help feeling somewhat breathless. For some reason, she didn’t call Lian Qiao and the others in, unwilling in her heart to let others see how she and Xiao Shao interacted the day after. She herself didn’t mind, but Xiao Shao was a man after all—with nothing happening on their wedding night, it wouldn’t be comfortable for him to face others.
Thinking thus while changing clothes, when Jiang Ruan emerged from behind the screen, Xiao Shao had already changed his clothes. Since it was the second day after marriage when they needed to enter the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, Xiao Shao couldn’t very well wear his usual black clothes, so he chose light red court robes. The embroidered white python writhed with bared fangs and claws, worn by him with aristocratic bearing. Though cold, it made him appear even more like jade, elegant as green pines. Jiang Ruan also wore a water-red scattered butterfly lantern jacket and skirt, with a circle of fluffy white rabbit fur at the collar, making her palm-sized small face appear even more delicate, her beautiful eyes flowing with infinite charm.
Dressed thus, the two looked even more like they were wearing matching outfits. Jiang Ruan found it somewhat strange that Xiao Shao didn’t need anyone to serve him, but on second thought, he often carried out various missions, so naturally he wasn’t one of those young masters who needed others to dress and feed them. Seeing his collar still open, she walked over to help him fasten it.
She performed this action with complete naturalness, but Xiao Shao was slightly stunned. Jiang Ruan lowered her head, the young woman’s gentle fragrance drifting from nearby, impossible to ignore. White fingertips fastened his collar with gentle, graceful movements. Xiao Shao’s heart inexplicably softened, suddenly feeling an impulse to kiss her forehead.
Just as he had this thought, Lian Qiao’s voice came from outside: “Miss, are you awake? This servant has brought hot water.”
Xiao Shao’s movement paused, and Jiang Ruan called out, “Come in.”
Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi entered carrying water basins. Seeing Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao’s actions, they too were momentarily stunned. Lian Qiao lowered her head and giggled, thinking that Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan truly looked like an ordinary married couple. She had originally worried that her young miss, encountering someone as cold-natured as Xiao Shao, would surely result in the two being respectfully distant as ice. But when they had just entered, Xiao Shao’s expression while looking at her young miss was clearly very gentle.
Bai Zhi, being steady by nature, only looked toward the bed, seeing it neat and tidy with no sign of a maiden’s bloodstained handkerchief, immediately understanding the situation. She didn’t know whether to feel nervous or relieved, her expression momentarily complex.
However, whatever they thought, it was Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao’s business. After the two finished washing, Steward Lin had already sent breakfast over. Though just simple rice porridge and side dishes, everything was prepared exquisitely and carefully. Steward Lin had been looking around randomly ever since entering the bridal chamber. Upon seeing the wedding dress draped over the screen, his face turned pale, and seeing the tidy bedding, his expression grew even more ashen. After turning pale and ashen several times, he finally looked at Xiao Shao and couldn’t help but sigh deeply, nearly beating his chest in frustration.
Xiao Shao never even lifted his eyes, acting as if Steward Lin’s dramatics were invisible. Jiang Ruan naturally wouldn’t actively engage with Steward Lin either. This old eccentric often spoke shockingly, and even she was often left speechless by certain things Steward Lin said. Today with such behavior, Steward Lin was clearly on the verge of collapse, so she simply focused on eating, no longer glancing at Steward Lin.
Steward Lin, feeling neglected and his self-respect wounded, indignantly stormed off. Upon stepping outside and seeing the sun, he couldn’t help but shed tears, wailing loudly: “Master, Madam, this old servant has failed you—”
“How was it?” Jin Er leaped down from the roof beam with a “swoosh”: “Was there any intense activity?”
“Like hell there was!” Steward Lin flew into a rage upon hearing this: “The young master and young mistress looked as pure as could be.” None of the anticipated intense scenes had occurred. Why had Xiao Shao previously ordered that no one was allowed to eavesdrop outside the bridal chamber? No one wanted to watch these two sleeping under blankets—it had caused a whole group of servants to lose sleep all night for nothing. Young master, please use your brain.
“I knew it,” Jin Er rejoiced greatly, extending his hand toward his colleagues above: “Honor your bets, honor your bets. How much silver did you wager yesterday?”
They had actually made bets on whether Xiao Shao would consummate with Jiang Ruan. Seeing this, Steward Lin became even more furious, immediately roaring: “No gambling in the Prince’s manor!” Thinking of Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan’s situation, he couldn’t help but worry again. Yesterday, faced with such a screen and such a beauty as Jiang Ruan, he had still managed to remain a gentleman—could it be that his master had problems in that area? Steward Lin shuddered in alarm, wiping sweat from his forehead and secretly resolving to find Xia Qing later to ask clearly and obtain some medicinal remedies to try.
…
After Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao finished breakfast, the two needed to enter the palace to pay respects to Empress Dowager Yide. The carriage outside was already prepared. Though Steward Lin was quite regretful about the two not consummating their marriage, he had arranged the first few days after the wedding extremely thoughtfully. That carriage was indeed another of Steward Lin’s productions, once again supremely extravagant.
After Jiang Ruan sat in the carriage, she finally couldn’t help asking the question in her heart: “Does the Prince’s manor have a lot of silver? How is Steward Lin so generous with his spending?”
Previously in the account books, Prince Jinying’s manor accounts were all reviewed by Jiang Ruan. Though they were quite wealthy, she had been confused and unclear about the exact amounts. She had no concept of household management matters.
Xiao Shao, accustomed to seeing Jiang Ruan’s shrewd appearance and feeling as if there was nothing in this world she couldn’t do, was surprised to encounter something she didn’t know. Finding this side of Jiang Ruan rather adorable, he smiled and said, “Mm, there’s a lot of silver.”
He spoke so matter-of-factly that Jiang Ruan felt frustrated. She had originally thought the wealthiest were the imperial family, yet this manor’s steward spent so generously. Truly, comparing people was disappointing. Looking at Xiao Shao again, with malice growing in her heart, she couldn’t help but smile and say, “With so much silver, how much do you plan to give me?”
She had only meant to tease Xiao Shao, but unexpectedly, Xiao Shao looked at her, paused, and said, “All the manor’s silver is yours to manage. As much as you want is yours, Princess Consort.”
The final words “Princess Consort” were enunciated extremely clearly, deliberately slowed by several beats, his voice pure and pleasant, making one’s heart skip. Jiang Ruan’s mouth twitched. Xiao Shao’s pitch-black eyes, scattered with diamond-like sparkles, stared at her with a flash of amusement. Jiang Ruan turned her head away, coughed lightly, and said, “Thank you.”
…
When the two entered the palace to see Empress Dowager Yide, she seemed extremely pleased. In recent years, Empress Dowager Yide had increasingly shown her kind and gentle side before Jiang Ruan. Today, with Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan entering together, Empress Dowager Yide was perhaps very satisfied with this golden match she had bestowed, constantly saying to Nanny Yang, “Look at these two—talented man and beautiful woman, truly a perfect pair. Seeing you so well-matched, this Empress Dowager is completely satisfied.”
Though Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao hadn’t consummated their marriage, this matter absolutely could not be known by Empress Dowager Yide. Therefore, in Cining Palace, she maintained an extremely shy and gentle demeanor, as if she truly were a newlywed wife who had been cherished by her husband. She performed this act extremely well—at first glance, nothing seemed amiss, though it ultimately seemed to shock Xiao Shao, whose expression remained somewhat stiff throughout.
Empress Dowager Yide was quite generous toward them. Besides the gifts before the wedding, today’s palace visit brought another pile of rewards. Moreover, she was clearly in very high spirits. Jiang Ruan noticed that Empress Dowager Yide’s gaze toward Xiao Shao was quite different—hardly like looking at a minister, but rather like a grandmother looking at her own grandson, eyes full of loving kindness. Precisely because Jiang Ruan had spent time with Empress Dowager Yide and had somewhat figured out her temperament, seeing this scene filled her with shock and suspicion, though she didn’t show it.
After leaving Cining Palace, Eunuch Li from beside the Emperor came with people to relay a message, saying the Emperor had matters to discuss with Xiao Shao. It was undoubtedly court business again, and Jiang Ruan had no reason to follow. Eunuch Li hinted it would likely take quite a while, so Jiang Ruan let Xiao Shao go first while she took the carriage back alone.
Having lived in the palace for a period, she knew the way well enough without needing to direct palace maids. Taking Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi toward the palace exit, unexpectedly, just as they reached one end of the Imperial Garden corridor, she saw two beautifully dressed palace ladies approaching gracefully from afar. Those two also saw her, and before Jiang Ruan could speak, one of them cried out in delight: “Elder sister!”
That person was precisely Jiang Dan. Today she wore an apricot-colored cotton satin brocade dress embroidered with white cranes appearing ready to take flight. Her jewelry jingled as she moved, clearly valuable. She seemed to be living well in the palace, and rumors of winning the Emperor’s favor appeared true. The woman beside Jiang Dan was dressed slightly less grandly. Her previously delicate expression now bore only the same smile as other palace women—somewhat artificial, making it impossible to see her true thoughts at a glance. This was none other than Dong Ying’er.
Jiang Dan looked at Jiang Ruan with a smile, appearing genuinely warm: “Elder sister, Dan’niang couldn’t personally leave the palace to add to your trousseau on your wedding night—it’s truly shameful. But Dan’niang did send someone to deliver gifts. Did elder sister like them?”
It was merely a set of jewelry. Jiang Ruan had glanced at it once before having someone toss it into a chest. She smiled slightly: “I very much liked Jiang Zhaoyi’s gift. Thank you.”
“Why speak so formally?” Jiang Dan took her hand: “We are sisters from the same household. Naturally we should support each other. I’m naturally delighted that you’ve become the Princess Consort of Prince Jinying’s manor.”
Jiang Ruan originally didn’t wish to waste words with her, but since Jiang Dan was so persistent, she simply stood to one side, maintaining dignified silence. Jiang Dan never did useless things. Today she definitely wouldn’t be here merely to reminisce and curry favor—she certainly had some purpose. For now, she might as well see exactly what Jiang Dan intended to do.
Indeed, seeing Jiang Ruan’s slightly impatient expression, Jiang Dan suddenly smiled: “Speaking of which, people’s fates truly differ greatly. When elder sister first returned from the estate, to speak presumptuously, how many people waited to see elder sister’s downfall. Yet elder sister became the current Princess Hong’an, Princess Consort Jinying. Elder brother disappeared from home for years without news, then suddenly became a distinguished general with military achievements. In contrast, second sister and mother have long since turned to dust and bones. It’s like the Thirteenth Prince in this palace—originally just an unremarkable prince, but now enjoys His Majesty’s protection. How can people’s destinies change so dramatically? It’s truly thought-provoking. If there were another lifetime, who knows what situation it would be. Would it be completely different fates? What would elder sister’s ending be then?”
Hearing this, Jiang Ruan’s eyes flashed as she stared intently at Jiang Dan, slowly saying: “What did you say?”
“I said if there were another lifetime, what situation it would be—would it be completely different destinies? What ending would elder sister have?” Jiang Dan’s voice was sweet, yet deliberately lowered, making it sound somewhat eerie. Seeing Jiang Ruan’s suddenly changed expression, Jiang Dan giggled and casually said: “Dan’niang still has matters to attend to, so I won’t chat with elder sister anymore. Elder sister, farewell.” With that, she turned and left. Dong Ying’er beside her kept her eyes downcast, never letting her gaze fall on Jiang Ruan for even a moment, also following as they departed.
…
In the carriage returning to the manor, Jiang Ruan stared fixedly at the small table before her. Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi both watched her nervously. Ever since Jiang Dan had spoken with Jiang Ruan, she had appeared somewhat dazed, her grave expression making both Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi sense something different.
Jiang Ruan was naturally shocked and suspicious. Jiang Dan’s words were meaningful—they might sound like nothing to others, but to her ears, they were like thunderclaps from clear skies. The secret of rebirth had always been buried in the depths of her heart—a secret no one could touch. Now hearing such things from Jiang Dan’s mouth was beyond shocking. Jiang Dan wouldn’t speak such words without reason. What had she discovered? Could she also be reborn?
Lost in contemplation, her brow furrowed tightly. In Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi’s eyes, this was extremely unusual. Jiang Ruan never showed her emotions on her face. Even encountering momentous events, her surface at least appeared untroubled. Now she merely stared at the small table before her, yet her gaze wasn’t focused, as if trapped in frenzied thought. Lian Qiao could even sense several parts fear from her. This was truly too strange.
“Why do I feel like Miss has become possessed?” Lian Qiao whispered to Bai Zhi: “What did Fourth Miss say just now that made Miss so nervous? I heard it but nothing seemed wrong.”
Bai Zhi’s expression was grave: “I don’t know why, but I have an uneasy feeling.”
Jiang Ruan only felt that the more earnestly she pondered the crucial points, the more chaotic her mind became. She couldn’t even hear what Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao were saying by her ear. Jiang Dan’s words echoed like a curse—she frantically recalled her previous life’s news of Jiang Xinzhi’s death, being pushed from the great hall by Jiang Quan, tumbling disgracefully down nine stone steps, hearing their cold proclamation that she was a nation-destroying demon woman, seeing Jiang Susu’s crazed expression. There was her being made into a human swine, witnessing Pei’er’s struggles and cries with her own eyes, being beaten to death with clubs, making that poisonous oath.
Scenes circled round and round—frame after frame of blood and tears. The terror of what she hadn’t gained and what she had lost filled her. She felt her inner turmoil growing wilder, an inexplicable agitation surrounding her.
“Miss, Miss, what’s wrong with you?” Lian Qiao anxiously patted her back. Jiang Ruan’s gaze was vacant, her eyes already crazed.
With a “pu” sound, her throat suddenly turned sweet as she spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, all of it spraying onto the snow-white tablecloth of the small table before her. The shocking bloodstains were horrifying to behold. In the next moment, Lian Qiao began screaming.