The surrounding people immediately fell silent, staring at Jiang Ruan in disbelief. There were fierce and resolute women in this world, but none had ever acted as decisively as she did. Bleeding to renounce one’s father—since the Great Jin Dynasty established its territory, Jiang Ruan was the first.

Jin San and Tianzhu stood quietly behind Jiang Ruan, their gazes slightly moved, yet neither stepped forward to stop her. Jiang Ruan had told them of her plan beforehand. This was why she hadn’t immediately told Xiao Shao about this matter—once Xiao Shao knew of her decision, he would certainly try to stop her. Though Jin San was Xiao Shao’s person, now she obeyed Jiang Ruan from the bottom of her heart. As a husband, Xiao Shao naturally wanted to protect his wife. But Jin San also knew that Jiang Ruan’s approach was the best. It was a kind of courage that announced to the world her complete break with the Minister’s manor. From now on, it would be impossible for Jiang Quan to use blood relations to threaten her. She wanted to sever even the last connection with the Minister’s manor. This might require tremendous courage, but it also showed how deeply she abhorred the fact that she bore the surname Jiang.

Jiang Quan gritted his teeth tightly, veins bulging on his forehead. If not for being under everyone’s watchful eyes at this moment, he probably would have wanted to kill Jiang Ruan. Not only that, but Jiang Ruan’s actions also caused a trace of panic in his heart. To cut herself without changing expression, the coldness and hatred revealed in Jiang Ruan’s gaze—she simply didn’t care at all whether she was a member of the Jiang family or not.

All along, Jiang Quan had regarded Jiang Ruan as a dispensable daughter. Since she was born to Zhao Mei, she constantly reminded him of those oppressive days when he had been suppressed. He hated Jiang Ruan and deliberately ignored her. He knew Jiang Ruan had a gentle nature and was easy to manipulate, just like the cats and dogs kept in the manor—raised normally, but only to be useful someday. As long as he was slightly gentler with her, she would happily come wagging her tail.

But somehow, this cat or dog kept in the manor had grown sharp claws and fangs. It should have been from when she returned from the estate—she became strange in temperament, seemingly composed and calm, no longer depending on the entire Jiang manor as before. Jiang Quan didn’t care in his heart. Even if the affairs of the Xia family and Jiang Susu seemed related to Jiang Ruan, he had always firmly believed that no cat or dog would personally destroy its own nest. Jiang Ruan ultimately needed a natal family—her only relatives besides Jiang Xinzhi were himself, Jiang Quan. As long as there was this blood kinship, Jiang Ruan could never stir up much trouble. As long as he kept filial piety on his lips, Jiang Ruan would forever be at a disadvantage against public morality.

But how dare she? Jiang Quan’s gaze was somewhat bloodshot, like a cornered beast facing death. That woman’s smile was like the legendary red spider lily—beautiful yet cruel, as if a beauty’s painted skin growing from white bones. Blood dripped from her wrist, silently blooming into a large patch of flowers in the snow, yet she seemed to feel no pain at all.

How could someone who placed even life and death aside be trapped by the small matter of filial piety? At this moment, Jiang Quan knew that Jiang Ruan wasn’t planning to turn back. The blazing light in her eyes was hatred—she hated this Minister’s manor and truly deeply despised the blood of the Jiang surname flowing in her body. At this moment, Jiang Quan was actually speechless. He didn’t know what actions he could take and could only stare unblinkingly at Jiang Ruan.

Until the bloodstains on the ground had almost dyed red the small area where Jiang Ruan stood, and her complexion grew increasingly pale, suddenly urgent hoofbeats could be heard approaching from afar. A figure mixed with snow stirred up by the wind appeared before Jiang Ruan almost instantly. That person had apparently just rushed from the military camp, still wearing battle armor, his features cold and hard, weathered by wind and frost. Jiang Xinzhi grabbed Jiang Ruan and angrily said: “A-Ruan, what are you doing!”

Before his words finished, another black figure appeared beside her. Xiao Shao’s gaze was unusually cold. He merely glanced at Jiang Quan indifferently, saying nothing, yet Jiang Quan felt a profound pressure. He turned his head and silently took Jiang Ruan’s hand, accepting the medicine bottle and bandages from a hidden guard, carefully applying medicine to Jiang Ruan’s wound.

He said nothing, his tightly pressed lips appearing serious and handsome. Young ladies in the surrounding crowd recognized him and began discussing: “Isn’t that Prince Jinying? He must have come specially to support the Princess.”

“No,” someone refuted: “Prince Jinying is supposedly a heartless, cold person, but look how he treats the Princess—it’s far too gentle. Where’s this talk of having a cold face?”

Seeing Xiao Shao arrive so quickly, Jiang Ruan couldn’t help feeling somewhat guilty. But today’s matter was something she was determined to accomplish. Even with Xiao Shao present, it couldn’t change her resolve. She shook her head: “No need to trouble yourself. I was going to return this half-body of blood to him anyway.”

These words were thoroughly sarcastic, but as soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Xinzhi beside her took a large step forward. Though his appearance inherited Zhao Mei’s bright handsomeness, the longer he lived in the military, the more he developed an iron-like cold and resolute temperament. At this moment in the wind and snow, like a statue, he immediately stood like a mountain protecting Jiang Ruan. His unwavering gaze pressed upon Jiang Quan, and under this sword-like stare, Jiang Quan couldn’t help feeling somewhat guilty. Then Jiang Xinzhi suddenly smiled and said: “Sister, why didn’t you call me for this matter? I’m also a son of the Jiang family, also carrying half of Jiang blood in my body. Similarly, I’m extremely disgusted by this. Since I’m a man, there’s no reason to let my own sister bleed.” He cupped his hands toward the surrounding crowd: “Please bear witness, everyone—my sister’s blood, I’ll return it together with mine!”

After speaking, Jiang Xinzhi unhesitatingly seized the dagger from Jiang Ruan’s hand and fiercely slashed his own hand. He cut deeper than Jiang Ruan had, blood almost spurting out. Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but feel alarmed, instinctively reaching out to bandage his wound.

The crowd was quiet for a few seconds, then suddenly someone clapped and shouted: “Good! Truly a heroic man!”

“Excellent! Protecting his own sister like this—worthy of being the Great Jin Dynasty’s war god!”

Jiang Xinzhi already had an excellent reputation among the common people. Now with these words, his expression was naturally upright and frank, and his behavior protecting his sister from grievance made everyone admire him endlessly. If Jiang Ruan’s actions earlier had made everyone feel they were somewhat excessive, with Jiang Xinzhi it was completely different. Everyone felt that if this righteous gentleman war god also so despised the Minister’s manor, then it truly wasn’t a clean place and had probably bullied people too severely.

Jiang Quan was almost completely overwhelmed by Jiang Xinzhi. He looked at the tall young man before him. The memory of that child who always timidly tried to please him was gone. Now Jiang Xinzhi was sharp-edged, and as a court minister, even he had to be awed by Jiang Xinzhi’s reputation. But these two siblings joining hands against him really violated Jiang Quan’s taboos. He clutched his chest with one hand, panting as he pointed at Jiang Xinzhi: “Treasonous… treasonous!”

A trace of disdain flashed across Jiang Xinzhi’s face. Such a father—it would be better not to have him at all. Since birth, he hadn’t fulfilled a father’s duties for even a single day. All he had given their mother and three children was endless humiliation and pain. Now he still wanted to use filial piety to suppress Jiang Ruan. He only felt sorry for his sister, who was forced to hurt herself just to draw clear lines with the Jiang manor. Since Jiang Ruan wanted this, how could he disagree?

Jiang Ruan frowned. She hadn’t expected Jiang Xinzhi to come. What Jiang Xinzhi did was understandable, but as an army commander, today’s actions would inevitably be talked about by court colleagues in the future. If someone deliberately wanted to add insult to injury, they might use this matter as leverage. Thinking of this, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat self-reproachful. She should have found an excuse to keep him away beforehand, not expecting word to leak so quickly.

Just as she was thinking, Xiao Shao gently patted her hand. Jiang Ruan looked up at him, and Xiao Shao unhurriedly stepped forward. His black clothes beside Jiang Ruan’s crimson dress didn’t clash at all—black and red intertwined, actually showing a kind of cold, gorgeous beauty. Jiang Quan didn’t want to confront him directly but really couldn’t swallow this anger, saying unkindly: “Does Prince Xiao have something to advise this old minister? But this old minister is disciplining his own children—family matters don’t require Prince Xiao’s concern.”

“A-Ruan is my wife,” Xiao Shao spoke indifferently, as if he hadn’t heard Jiang Quan’s words. “Husband and wife are one body. She wants to return Minister Jiang’s blood—this Prince will do it for her.” As soon as he finished speaking, a delicate dagger slid from his sleeve. He played with it in his hand, then lightly drew it across his own hand.

Jiang Ruan’s words stuck in her throat. While Xiao Shao did this for her, it was more to block the possibility of anyone using this matter to squeeze Jiang Xinzhi in the future. Because Prince Jinying was involved, Jiang Xinzhi wouldn’t become the target of everyone’s attacks. At least people wouldn’t first think of the siblings’ aggressiveness.

Two men stood side by side in the snowy ground, blood blooming on the ground. One was supremely beautiful, cold and noble; the other bright and handsome, resolute as a mountain. The scene was surprisingly harmonious. Snow fell silently, and some emotional women in the crowd had tears in their eyes, covering their mouths and murmuring: “To have such a brother, to have such a husband—what more could one ask for?”

Jiang Ruan slowly lowered her gaze. The wound on her hand didn’t hurt at all, but her heart felt sour and bitter. Two such outstanding men in this world had shed blood for her. What virtue or ability did she have in this life to make people sacrifice so much for her?

When she looked up again, Jiang Ruan’s gaze had returned to calm. She looked at Jiang Quan, who no longer knew how to resolve the situation, with a half-smile: “Father, now that we’ve returned enough blood today, my brother and I have no relationship with the Jiang family whatsoever. From now on, we are no longer people of the Jiang family. The righteousness between father and children is exhausted—grace and justice are severed!”

…

That blood blooming in the heavy snow, even many years later when people in the capital discussed it, they couldn’t help sighing. The bright face of the red-clothed woman in the snow, the resolute, cold backs of the two men, were deeply engraved in the memory of everyone present. The elegance inadvertently revealed was enough for people to talk about for a lifetime, never fading no matter when.

That evening, when Xiao Shao and Jiang Xinzhi returned, they were only slightly paler than usual, showing nothing else unusual. Both were experienced fighters with martial arts foundations. Though it was called “half-body blood,” how could one determine the actual amount? It was just a dramatic gesture—knowing when to stop was key. Jiang Ruan never made losing deals. She had prepared blood packets made from chicken blood in her sleeves beforehand. Even if Xiao Shao and Jiang Xinzhi hadn’t come in the end, she had ways to escape unharmed.

Later, she had Tianzhu and Jin San slip the blood packets to them while supporting Xiao Shao and Jiang Xinzhi, actually managing to produce “half-body” worth of blood in the end. Jiang Quan was furious but helpless, only able to watch as they left with the words “no more connection” and departed in their carriage.

Jiang Xinzhi no longer lived at the Minister’s manor. The mansion newly bestowed by the Emperor wasn’t yet built, so he simply went to the General’s manor. He now had quite a good relationship with Zhao Guang, and whenever they discussed military strategy, they seemed like old friends despite their age difference. After Jiang Ruan gave him some instructions and Jiang Xinzhi left, only Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao remained in the carriage. Xiao Shao said nothing, and she didn’t know what he was thinking, which made Jiang Ruan feel somewhat guilty.

Finally returning to the Prince’s manor, as soon as Xiao Shao entered, Steward Lin greeted him. Just as he was about to speak, Xiao Shao said: “Young Madam received a knife wound. Have Xia Wu prepare a prescription and brew some medicine.”

Steward Lin was startled, his face immediately crumpling: “Injured again? Oh my, Young Madam, how do you get injured every day? If the master and madam in heaven saw this, how much they would blame our Prince Jinying’s manor for not taking good care of you. Jin San, Tianzhu, do you not want to stay in the Embroidered Uniform Guard? You can’t even do the job of protecting Young Madam properly—how can you take on missions in the future? The Embroidered Uniform Guard’s reputation will be ruined by you two girls sooner or later!”

Jin San and Tianzhu silently averted their gazes. Jiang Ruan had no mood to banter with Steward Lin here and just lowered her head to follow Xiao Shao back to their room. Jin Er jumped down from a tree and said: “Is Master angry with Young Madam? He doesn’t look very happy.”

Jin Si had just finished eating a fruit and casually wiped his mouth. Hearing Jin Er’s words, he immediately pulled out a silver bowl from his chest: “Opening bets, opening bets! Big or small! Betting on who will take the initiative to apologize first!”

“I bet on Master,” Tianzhu, usually quite serious and rarely participating in such gambling, today unexpectedly pulled out a silver coin from her sleeve: “Young Madam is someone who can keep her composure, while Master dotes on her terribly. Naturally he can’t bear to stay angry with her. Young Madam only needs to frown slightly and Master’s anger disappears.” Speaking so seriously, Jin Er couldn’t help laughing: “Tianzhu, now that you’re Young Madam’s maid, your eyes are full of Young Madam’s shadow. You weren’t this worshipful of Young Master before.”

Tianzhu glared at him: “Young Madam is someone worthy of my respect.”

“Fine, fine, as you wish,” Jin Er waved his hand. “I bet Young Madam will take the initiative to make peace.” He pulled out a banknote and threw it in the bowl while saying: “Young Master is a man after all. No matter how much he dotes on his wife, men always have self-respect. How can he take the initiative to coax a woman? That would spoil women rotten. Besides, he’s our Young Master—when have you ever seen Young Master take the initiative to apologize to anyone?”

Jin San thought for a moment, then pulled out some pearls to throw in the bowl: “I bet on Young Master. Young Madam isn’t an ordinary woman. I always feel that Young Master is completely won over by Young Madam. Hey, why are you all looking at me like that? I’m also a woman—woman’s intuition tells me.”

Jin Yi, who was silently shouldering his sword to leave, was grabbed by Jin Si: “Hey, hey, you say something too. Jin Yi, who do you bet on?”

Jin Yi looked at the bowl, silently pulled out a gold ingot from his sleeve, said only three words: “Support Master,” and left shouldering his sword.

“Really loyal,” Jin Er gave a thumbs up, then was slapped aside by Steward Lin, who saw the gold, silver, and pearls in the bowl and immediately flew into a rage: “I told you not to gamble in the manor and create such bad atmosphere! I’m having Master dock your monthly allowances! Go brew the medicine quickly!”

Regardless of how the Embroidered Uniform Guards fooled around privately, Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao were completely unaware. After Xiao Shao entered the room, he remained silent, just sitting at the table looking for a book to read. Jiang Ruan thought about it and felt he was angry. Though Xiao Shao wore the same expression whether angry or not, making it hard to tell, she could still sense his displeasure.

She thought about it—this matter was ultimately her fault. Anyone would be unhappy if their wife kept such things from them. She had always been extremely frank about these matters, and knowing she was wrong, she wanted to apologize. But Xiao Shao kept not speaking to her, which put Jiang Ruan in a difficult position. She felt Xiao Shao now was very much like Xuan Pei when he had quarrels with her in her previous life. But when Xuan Pei was angry, making him some sweet pastries and praising him as obedient would work. Now should she tell Xiao Shao “you’re my little darling”? Jiang Ruan shuddered.

After a long while, she finally stood up and walked to Xiao Shao’s side. Xiao Shao didn’t look up, his gaze only falling on the book pages before him. Jiang Ruan moved a chair over to sit beside him and said softly: “Xiao Shao, how did you know I went to the Minister’s manor?”

“Jin Er investigated,” Xiao Shao replied indifferently, still not turning his gaze to Jiang Ruan.

Jiang Ruan nodded: “Today’s matter was my mistake. I shouldn’t have kept it from you.” She apologized extremely quickly, almost without hesitation. She had always spoken directly with familiar people and wouldn’t hide anything.

Xiao Shao lowered his gaze: “You weren’t wrong.”

“Are you angry?” Jiang Ruan asked.

“No.”

This was clearly being angry. Xiao Shao was being so stubborn. Jiang Ruan moved her chair closer to the table, propped one hand on the table and her cheek on the other, almost half-lying on the table as she stared unblinkingly at Xiao Shao. The young man’s expression was calm, completely unaffected by external things. His long eyelashes traced a beautiful arc, his deep gaze like a vast starry sea, only making that profile appear incredibly handsome, not like a mortal.

Jiang Ruan observed with an appreciative gaze. Beauty, especially the beauty of someone not disliked, would never make one’s mood unpleasant. Someone pretending to be indifferent finally couldn’t stand that overly bold gaze. After enduring for a moment, he finally put down his book and looked up, making eye contact with Jiang Ruan directly for the first time since returning home.

“I shouldn’t have kept it from you,” before Xiao Shao could speak, Jiang Ruan took the initiative: “In doing things today, I only considered myself and didn’t consider your feelings. I’m sorry.” She sighed: “It’s just that, Xiao Shao, if I had told you about this matter, you definitely wouldn’t have allowed it. I originally thought that once it was a done deal, it wouldn’t be too late to tell you. I was mistaken… I’m used to handling these matters alone and forgot that you’re my husband. I didn’t think about how you would worry about me.”

Xiao Shao stared at her indifferently: “You didn’t think I would worry.”

Seeing his attitude soften somewhat, Jiang Ruan quickly said: “I did think about it, and I’m not stupid either. If all that blood had actually flowed out, wouldn’t it cost me my life? This life of mine was saved with great difficulty by you and your master. How could I lose it over an unimportant Minister’s manor? I’m not such a person without sense. Didn’t you see that chicken blood? That was all prepared by me. I know how to protect myself.”

Xiao Shao pressed his lips together, still maintaining a cold expression, though hearing Jiang Ruan mention the chicken blood made him both angry and amused. But what he remembered more was when he and Jiang Xinzhi arrived and saw those bright bloodstains in the snow—the shock and heartache, that moment of overwhelming worry.

Seeing him remain silent, Jiang Ruan knew this person was truly angry today and needed more consoling. Just as she was about to say more, she saw Lu Zhu cheerfully entering with a bowl of medicine: “The medicine Steward Lin ordered is ready! Young Madam, quickly drink it while it’s hot.” She also wanted to ease the tense atmosphere between the two, thinking that mentioning Jiang Ruan’s injury would make Xiao Shao feel sorry for her and perhaps not be so angry with their young lady.

Xiao Shao’s cold expression indeed softened somewhat. Jiang Ruan took the medicine, Xiao Shao looked away, and Jiang Ruan obediently began drinking the medicine.

…

Steward Lin had just returned to the small kitchen when Jin San ran out sweating profusely: “Hey, Old Lin, the medicine for Young Madam is ready. Have Lian Qiao take it over.”

Lu Zhu returned to put down the empty bowl and happened to hear Jin San’s words. She couldn’t help being shocked: “What medicine?”

“The medicine Divine Doctor Xia prescribed for Madam’s injury,” Jin San said. “Didn’t Young Madam get injured today? What’s that empty bowl in your hand?”

Lu Zhu stared at her blankly: “There was a bowl of medicine here just now. I thought it was for young miss, so I took it to the room for madam to drink.”

“What’s going on?” Jin San turned to look at Steward Lin: “Old Lin, is someone else in the manor sick?”

“What sick! Sick!” Steward Lin was dazed for a moment, then his face contorted—it was unclear whether he wanted to cry or laugh as he jumped around: “That was medicine I had Divine Doctor Xia prescribe for Young Master, which I planned to have Young Master drink today. I didn’t expect Young Madam to get injured. Ah, drinking that medicine isn’t appropriate timing now. No, I can’t tell Young Master. What should I do? I need to go hide. Jin San, Lu Zhu, if Young Master asks, just say I caught a cold. Don’t let anything slip!”

Old Lin was breaking into a cold sweat. Who could have expected that the medicine he had specially asked Xia Wu to prescribe because he thought Xiao Shao’s body wasn’t working properly and that’s why they hadn’t consummated their marriage, would now be consumed by Jiang Ruan? He didn’t know what effect that medicine would have when taken by a woman. Today could definitely be considered stirring up big trouble, but thinking about it, there was still some anticipation?