In the blink of an eye, the New Year’s end had arrived. On New Year’s Eve, Prince Jinying’s manor bustled with activity, especially Steward Lin, who was so busy he could barely be seen. This was probably because in all these years, Xiao Shao had either been outside the capital during New Year’s or too busy with government affairs, keeping everything simple. Now with Jiang Ruan’s arrival, Prince Jinying’s manor had gained much more liveliness, and the servants discovered their master had become more spirited than before—this place finally felt like a “home.”

Jiang Ruan wore a peach blossom cloud-pattern fitted jacket with a narrow waist, and below, a scattered flower crepe skirt. Her hair was styled in a round upturned bun with no excessive decorations, only a rose hairpin inserted and two pearl drops on her earlobes, making her skin appear even more jade-white. Her usual dress was always bright and captivating with some understated charm. Previously favoring vivid colors and bright red attire, today she was rarely dressed by Lian Qiao and Lu Zhu to look like a well-behaved young lady, with less sharp edges and restrained hostility, appearing unusually gentle, like a beautiful unmarried maiden.

It was already dusk when Tian Zhu opened the door, and even his usually expressionless face showed a trace of smile: “Young Madam, it’s snowing lightly outside.”

Snow at this time wouldn’t make people feel cold, but rather gave a New Year’s atmosphere. Jiang Ruan rose and went outside, where Xiao Shao stood in the courtyard instructing Ye Feng on matters. Hearing the sound, he turned around, and seeing Jiang Ruan, he couldn’t help but be slightly stunned.

Since Xuan Hua’s execution, the court’s political winds had become chaotic, and Xiao Shao had grown busy. He often left in the morning and returned at midnight, and by the time he came back, Jiang Ruan was already asleep. The couple rarely encountered each other, so Xiao Shao returning this early today was quite unexpected. Ye Feng and the others had been busy these past days and rarely stayed at the manor. Seeing Jiang Ruan, he warmly greeted her: “Young Madam, Happy New Year.”

Jiang Ruan smiled in response and walked to Xiao Shao’s side. Ye Feng glanced at Lian Qiao and said, “This subordinate takes his leave,” departing on his own. Jiang Ruan then said to Lu Zhu and the others, “You may rest as you please. I’ll go out with him for a while.”

Lu Zhu was naturally perceptive, quickly pulling Tian Zhu and Lian Qiao to respond and leave. Xiao Shao pursed his lips and said, “Shall we go for a walk?”

“I heard that every New Year, the capital’s flower lanterns create a beautiful tapestry,” Jiang Ruan said. “I’ve never had the chance to see it before. Today you should accompany me to have a look.”

Xiao Shao couldn’t help but smile. Seeming to think of Jiang Ruan’s background, his expression gradually became solemn, and his eyes carried a gentleness he himself didn’t notice. The two talked as they walked toward the manor’s entrance.

It being New Year’s end, many people were out buying New Year goods and jewelry, making the capital quite lively. After dusk, every household lit bright red lanterns, and looking from afar, an entire street was lined with red lanterns hanging from the eaves, quite beautiful. Even with light snow, the streets didn’t feel cold, but rather had the usual warmth of bustling crowds.

Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao walked side by side. Both were exceptionally beautiful and elegant, constantly drawing stealthy glances. Men marveled at Jiang Ruan’s beauty while secretly envying Xiao Shao’s good fortune. Women were bolder, directly throwing silk flowers from their hands toward Xiao Shao, but he was truly cold and aloof, walking straight ahead without looking sideways, stepping on those silk flowers and crushing many hearts.

Jiang Ruan was rarely curious. In her previous life, she had no opportunity to experience such lively scenes, always confined to the manor by Jiang Quan. Going out with her sisters was impossible because her crude behavior from growing up in the wilderness would disgrace the Jiang manor’s reputation. In this life, she came for revenge and had no interest in such things. After marrying Xiao Shao, much of her hostility had subsided, and she no longer rejected things that ordinary families might find interesting. In Lu Zhu’s words, she had gained more earthly spirit.

“You’ve been very busy lately. Did something happen in the palace?” Jiang Ruan asked. She never inquired much about Xiao Shao’s affairs, but seeing him rarely leave early and return late, there must be some development. As his wife, asking was appropriate, though she might not be able to help.

Xiao Shao shook his head: “Southern border people infiltrated the capital but haven’t made any moves yet.” He paused, then leaned down close to Jiang Ruan’s ear and whispered, “The Emperor is gravely ill.”

Though Xiao Shao’s warm breath still lingered by her ear, Jiang Ruan was shocked by his words. The Emperor was actually gravely ill. In her previous life, the Emperor wasn’t ill at this time. Although everything ended with her being framed for poisoning the sovereign and becoming a nation-destroying demon, she always thought this matter was connected to Xuan Li. Now that Xuan Hua had died early, perhaps Xuan Li would act opportunistically, meaning the final struggle for succession had begun ahead of schedule? Lost in thought, Jiang Ruan didn’t notice she had bumped into someone and was about to fall.

“Careful.” Xiao Shao frowned and called out, quickly embracing Jiang Ruan’s waist and pulling her into his arms. Before Jiang Ruan could look up, she heard a familiar voice: “Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law.”

Mo Cong and Qi Feng stood before them. Mo Cong had a mischievous expression, laughing as he punched Xiao Shao’s shoulder: “Third Brother, I didn’t expect you to come out for leisure strolls too. Having a beloved wife in your arms really makes a difference.”

Xiao Shao said nothing. Qi Feng glanced at Jiang Ruan being supported by Xiao Shao—she had bumped into him earlier. He smiled: “Is Third Sister-in-law alright?”

“I’m fine,” Jiang Ruan said. “Why isn’t Xia Qing with you?” Guan Lianghan, being a rough military man, naturally wouldn’t enjoy leisurely strolls. Xia Qing and Qi Feng often stayed together, so his absence was curious.

“He can’t be bothered with brothers anymore,” Mo Cong answered before Qi Feng could respond. “Now he’s smitten with that Historian’s daughter and went to court her today.” Mo Cong grumbled: “I don’t know how his eyes grew—he just had to fall for that girl. She’s sharp-tongued and ignorant of social customs, really… really such a waste.” Noticing Jiang Ruan watching him, Mo Cong scratched his head and laughed: “Ah well, at least he has romantic prospects, unlike us lonely bachelors.” He put his arm around Qi Feng brotherly: “Two men going out during New Year’s is really shameful.”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. Qi Feng also smiled, but his gaze fell on Xiao Shao’s hand around Jiang Ruan’s waist, showing some unnaturalness. He only said: “Old Seven and I have some matters to attend to. We’re probably not going the same way, so we won’t disturb you two.”

Mo Cong was inexplicably dragged away by Qi Feng, only his confused voice could be heard: “Hey Fourth Brother, what exactly are we going to do? Where are you dragging me…”

After the two left, Jiang Ruan straightened, but her hand was held by Xiao Shao. She turned to look at him. Xiao Shao’s handsome face appeared particularly deep and contoured in the changing light and shadow, his expression unclear. Jiang Ruan raised her eyebrows but said nothing. After walking a few steps, they saw a lantern shop ahead. The shop owners were an elderly couple, appearing unremarkable among the various large shops, but Jiang Ruan was particularly drawn to a fox lantern.

The fox lantern was delicately made, lifelike and quite exquisite. Jiang Ruan was reminded of a fox cub she had once saved at the estate, finding it rather interesting. Xiao Shao followed her gaze, paused, then said: “Wait here for me,” and walked toward the crowded shop.

The shop was already surrounded by many young ladies who all blushed upon seeing Xiao Shao and made way for him. Jiang Ruan remained in place when she suddenly caught a familiar fragrant scent. Looking up, she saw a young woman in green jacket and skirt standing before her, accompanied by several maids. The woman had delicate features with an indescribable charm—it was Governor Yao’s daughter, Yao Niannian.

Yao Niannian seemed to have recognized Jiang Ruan early and stopped before her, smiling: “Princess Xiao.”

“Miss Yao.” Jiang Ruan nodded in acknowledgment. Yao Niannian was apparently also out for leisure, but surprisingly had no guards and no other friends—only a few maids. A young lady going out alone was quite unusual. But with her family’s wealth and status, she needn’t fear criticism, and Yao Niannian’s reputation was already excellent enough that this couldn’t stir up any trouble.

Yao Niannian smiled as she looked toward Xiao Shao, who was talking with the elderly couple, then said to Jiang Ruan: “The Prince and Princess are truly a loving couple. The Prince’s devotion to the Princess is admirable.” When she said this, her gaze showed no other meaning, as if it were merely casual praise, completely sincere.

“Miss Yao jests. When Miss Yao marries her ideal husband in the future, it will surely be even better,” Jiang Ruan smiled in response. Yao Niannian was, after all, the Emperor’s ideal candidate for Princess Jinying, making her a romantic rival. Naturally, Jiang Ruan wouldn’t have much goodwill toward her. Ordinary unmarried young ladies would blush upon hearing such words, but Yao Niannian remained completely composed, showing no discomfort.

“Then I won’t disturb the Princess and Prince,” Yao Niannian nodded slightly. The ceremonial gesture carried a restrained beauty when she performed it. As she passed by Jiang Ruan, she smiled and glanced at her, the look carrying some meaningful depth.

Pondering Yao Niannian’s smile, Jiang Ruan instinctively felt something was wrong, though she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. Lost in thought, she didn’t even notice when Xiao Shao returned with the lantern. Seeing her dazed state, Xiao Shao tapped her forehead: “Why are you spacing out?”

The women who had been watching Xiao Shao approach Jiang Ruan saw this intimate gesture and immediately felt completely disheartened, realizing he was a man with a beloved, and they dispersed like startled birds. Jiang Ruan snapped back to attention, accepting the lantern from Xiao Shao’s hands: “I just saw Miss Yao.”

Xiao Shao frowned, apparently having no impression of the “Miss Yao” Jiang Ruan mentioned. After thinking for a long time, he finally understood but misinterpreted Jiang Ruan’s meaning, thinking she was jealous. He paused and said: “No need to mind outsiders,” directly grasping Jiang Ruan’s hand in his palm as they walked forward.

The two continued strolling the streets. Jiang Ruan was no longer a little girl and naturally wouldn’t exclaim over every novelty, but Xiao Shao was steady by nature with sharp eyes. Whenever Jiang Ruan’s gaze lingered on any small item, he immediately paid for it. Even when Jiang Ruan inadvertently looked at a qin, he nearly bought it too, only stopping when Jiang Ruan claimed it would be inconvenient to carry. Even so, Xiao Shao still gave a bank note, instructing them to wrap it properly and deliver it to the manor tomorrow.

Ordinary passersby didn’t know their identities. Xiao Shao always dressed low-key, and today Jiang Ruan appeared as a well-behaved daughter, so others assumed they were newlyweds in their honeymoon phase. In fact, this wasn’t wrong—weren’t they indeed newlyweds?

In both her previous and current lives, Jiang Ruan had never been treated this way. Despite knowing Prince Jinying’s manor was wealthy, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat stiff, thinking no wonder Xiao Shao, despite his cold nature and reputation as a treasonous subject, still had so many young ladies pursuing him. Handsome men willing to spend money to please women naturally had their charm.

Only when it grew late and people on the streets began gradually dispersing did the two return to the manor. Seeing them return, Steward Lin naturally instructed the kitchen to bring the prepared sweet soup. After Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan drank some, Steward Lin and Lian Qiao came to report that the General’s Manor had sent gifts. Since Jiang Quan was imprisoned, contact between the General’s Manor and Jiang Ruan had actually increased, perhaps understanding Jiang Ruan’s concerns. Though they didn’t contact frequently, proper etiquette was maintained during festivals. Zhao Guang and Jiang Xinzhi got along well—the grandfather and grandson had endless discussions about military affairs. Jiang Xinzhi barely concerned himself with renovating the mansion the Emperor had bestowed, spending his time visiting the General’s Manor instead.

After washing up, Jiang Ruan saw Xiao Shao had also bathed and changed into snow-white undergarments, leaning against the bedhead reading. Jiang Ruan casually took the book from his hands, climbed onto the bed, and arranged her hair: “If you have free time these days, come with me to the General’s Manor.”

Xiao Shao pursed his lips: “Alright.” The Minister’s Manor was completely gone now, and the General’s Manor was also Xiao Shao’s father-in-law’s home—he naturally should visit.

Jiang Ruan suddenly remembered something: “By the way, I want to borrow Jin Er to help me investigate someone.”

Xiao Shao raised his eyebrows: “Who?”

“The manor’s First Concubine.” Though the brazier in the room still burned charcoal, wearing only thin undergarments still felt somewhat cold. Jiang Ruan unconsciously leaned closer to Xiao Shao’s chest, treating him like a large warmer. She frowned: “You should also know about my manor’s affairs. Now that the Minister’s Manor is gone, I haven’t heard any news of First Concubine seeking anyone’s protection. All these years, she’s been like a transparent person in the manor, never competing or fighting, yet remaining safe and sound. I’ve always found it strange…” The world wasn’t without people of mild temperament who avoided competition, but such people shouldn’t appear in the Minister’s Manor. Zhao Mei’s simple nature meant she couldn’t survive the mansion’s internal struggles, but for First Concubine to remain safe under Xia Yan’s nose, she must have special methods. For some unknown reason, Jiang Ruan always felt something was odd. Perhaps those who had died once had some inexplicable intuition about these matters—Jiang Ruan couldn’t ignore First Concubine no matter what.

Xiao Shao also understood her thoughts, pulling the quilt more securely over her: “Leave this matter to me.”

Jiang Ruan was quite obedient, naturally resting her head against his chest: “There’s also that Miss Yao. Today I felt something was off about her too, an indescribable feeling… I just felt uneasy.”

Xiao Shao stirred slightly, a trace of amusement flashing in his eyes as he looked at Jiang Ruan. Noticing his gaze, Jiang Ruan said: “Don’t think I’m talking nonsense. You didn’t see her then, and even if you had, you probably wouldn’t have noticed anything.”

“How did you notice?” Xiao Shao asked quietly.

“Intuition.” Women’s intuition was always inexplicable, yet women always trusted their intuition without reason. Jiang Ruan herself couldn’t clearly explain her feelings about Yao Niannian, but in that brief moment when they passed each other, Yao Niannian’s meaningful smile at her didn’t seem so simple. This meeting was different from their encounter at the hunting grounds—something had quietly changed.

“Is Ah Ruan so concerned because she’s jealous?” Xiao Shao’s cold, hard face immediately showed some mischievous amusement. Hearing this, Jiang Ruan’s face heated as she angrily said: “When was I jealous? I was just…” “Mmph…” Before she could finish, her remaining words were blocked at her lips, and the room gradually grew warm again, as if even the snowflakes clinging to the windows might melt.

Meanwhile, in the capital’s imperial prison.

A jailer stirred the charcoal in the brazier. Even with a fire, the long-accumulated cold dampness in the prison wasn’t easily dispelled. Especially in this harsh winter, it was particularly cold. Having to stay in such a wretched place during New Year’s inevitably bred resentment. Several jailers gathered together with food and wine on the table, drinking quite merrily.

Low whimpering sounds seemed to come from the depths of the prison—sounds like weeping, yet also like cursing, the rustling echoes sounding somewhat eerie in this place. One jailer cursed a few times: “Damn unlucky, crying and wailing all day long.”

“Forget it.” Another held back the one wanting to go teach a lesson: “He won’t live much longer anyway. Don’t let him disturb our peace. Come, come, ignore that—let’s brothers drink another cup.” He then drank heartily, seemingly forgetting those sounds.

In the deepest cell of the gloomy prison, a hunched figure crouched on the ground, reeking of foul odors all over. His hair was long and tangled, seemingly infested with lice. He struggled to reach behind and scratch, probably suffering from some skin disease, his already ragged clothes torn into strips by his clawing. No one seeing him would imagine this person, more filthy and base than even a beggar, was the former Minister of War, Jiang Quan.

Jiang Quan struggled to lift his head. From the jailers’ daily chatter, he had learned much news from outside. He heard Jiang Dan was dead and Xuan Hua had fallen—he inwardly cheered. Jiang Dan, a mere concubine’s daughter, thought entering the palace as an imperial consort meant reaching heaven, ignoring her own father—such a death was deserved. As for Xuan Hua’s death and the Crown Prince’s serious illness, the throne should fall to Xuan Li. Jiang Quan had originally hoped Xuan Li might remember their past alliance and try to rescue him, but after so long without any news, when he hopefully inquired with the jailers, they looked at him mockingly. Jiang Quan gradually understood: now that the Minister’s Manor had fallen and he had no value, it was a case of killing the hounds after catching the hares. To Xuan Li, he was merely a useless abandoned piece with no value worth preserving—naturally discarded without hesitation.

Jiang Quan suddenly remembered the dream he had just had.

In that dream, he was the lofty Minister of War, still a pillar minister of the court, a respected scholar in people’s hearts. In that dream, Xuan Li became Emperor, Jiang Susu became Empress, and Jiang Chao had a bright future. He was promoted to first rank with honors and titles. Xia Yan became a first-rank titled lady, and the Minister’s Manor prospered magnificently.

In that dream, Second Concubine was still there, as were Jiang Li and Jiang Dan. The only ones absent were Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xinzhi. In that dream, Jiang Xinzhi died young, and Jiang Ruan was sent to the palace as a predetermined sacrificial piece, ultimately becoming the entire Minister’s Manor’s stepping stone. The Minister’s Manor climbed higher step by step on Jiang Ruan’s bones and blood. That dream was so beautiful, almost the most wonderful dream Jiang Quan had since entering prison. The glory and wealth in the dream felt so real, as if that life had actually existed. Precisely because of such magnificence, waking to see the surrounding decay was unbearable.

Could it be that past-life debts were repaid in this life? If the dream was his previous life, perhaps because he had harmed Jiang Ruan so terribly in that life, this life he was defeated by her hands. Jiang Quan wiped his face—prison nights were especially cold. He seemed to faintly hear the sounds of firecrackers and fireworks outside. This was New Year’s end—if it were previous years, if it were those dream years… that would be the Minister’s Manor with fine clothes, jade food, music and dancing.

Now it had become dust and smoke for others to trample. He, who once harbored great ambitions as a court favorite, was now a prisoner. Jiang Quan’s gaze slowly fell on a blackened, thin blanket-like object on the ground. Though much time had passed, one could still smell the bloody scent from it. Jiang Quan naturally knew what it was—a human skin belonging to the Minister’s Manor’s youngest concubine’s daughter, Jiang Dan.

Someone had completely peeled off her skin and sent it as a gift. Jiang Quan knew exactly who that someone was. Initially, seeing this human skin made him nauseous and vomit, terrified and pale, suffering tremendous torment daily until his mind became somewhat disordered. This was precisely what Jiang Ruan wanted to achieve—this was blatant intimidation and warning. Through Jiang Dan’s skin, she was telling him: those who harmed Zhao Mei met no good end. Jiang Dan and Xia Yan had already paid the price—now it was his turn…

Jiang Quan had never regarded her as his daughter, so that beautiful young woman always dressed in bright red returned the favor without hesitation. Her cruelty and ruthlessness surpassed even his, being even more brutal and heartless. How could this be father and daughter? They were clearly enemies from past and present lives. Being enemies was one thing, but he had also lost.

On New Year’s night, low male curses echoed from one of the prison cells, seeming to contain trembling sobs of plea mixed with fearful whimpers, gradually fading into the night of the Great Jin Dynasty’s capital.