Early the next morning, just after Jiang Ruan finished breakfast and before she reached the study, someone from the gatehouse came to report. They carried a bundle-like object, saying it was to be delivered to the master of Prince Jinying’s manor. When asked who sent it, the gatekeeper couldn’t give a clear answer, only saying it seemed to be a carriage from the Mo residence. This Mo family was naturally Mo Cong’s residence in the capital. The master of Prince Jinying’s manor was indeed Xiao Shao, but now Jiang Ruan could also act as mistress. The gatekeeper didn’t hesitate and handed it directly to Jiang Ruan. Returning to her study, Jiang Ruan tossed the bundle onto her desk. Tian Zhu said, “Young Madam, why not open it? If there are other urgent matters, it wouldn’t be good to delay them.”
In Tian Zhu’s view, if Mo Cong was sending something, it was probably related to official business. Jiang Ruan wasn’t an ignorant household woman – she could handle many things well. In these troubled times, timing was precious. Xiao Shao probably wouldn’t return until deep into the night, so it would be better for Jiang Ruan to open it and see what it was.
Lian Qiao also urged, “Yes, Young Madam, it’s all manor business anyway.” Lian Qiao’s thoughts weren’t as far-reaching as Tian Zhu’s – she simply thought that since Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao were currently estranged, they couldn’t continue this emotional coldness forever. This matter might be an opportunity. Jiang Ruan considered, then brought the bundle before her and slowly unwrapped it.
There was nothing else in the bundle except one outer robe – a black Su-embroidered brocade robe with dark gold qilin embroidered on the hem. It was definitely Xiao Shao’s robe. Beside the robe was a letter.
Mo Cong sending back Xiao Shao’s robe for no reason was already suspicious, let alone with an accompanying letter. Jiang Ruan didn’t hesitate and immediately opened the letter. When unfolded, it contained only two simple characters: “Many thanks.” Written in the delicate small script commonly used by women, the handwriting was neat and graceful. Just this brief glance showed it was excellent calligraphy. This was merely a thank-you note, yet the handwriting was already so extraordinary. The content itself was also quite thought-provoking. Lu Zhu’s face immediately changed upon seeing it – she couldn’t help but overthink. Perhaps in the past she would have found it merely strange, but seeing these things now, a thought involuntarily arose in her mind. With Jin Er’s precedent, how could she not be nervous? Her expression changed immediately.
Tian Zhu’s gaze also shifted, and she remained silent. Lian Qiao opened her mouth, clearly not knowing how to handle the situation before them. Before any of the three could speak, they saw Jiang Ruan pick up the robe and slowly bring it near her nose. Lian Qiao and Lu Zhu both stared at her nervously, while Tian Zhu, though not as visibly tense as the other two, watched unblinkingly, unwilling to miss any of Jiang Ruan’s expressions. After a moment, Jiang Ruan set down Xiao Shao’s robe. Her expression hadn’t changed from beginning to end. She tossed the robe back into the bundle, then asked Lu Zhu, “Where are the gifts we prepared for the General’s manor a few days ago?”
A few days earlier, Zhao family’s Third Madam had been found to be with child again. With Zhao Feizhou already so grown, for Third Madam to conceive again brought joy to the entire General’s manor. When the good news arrived, Jiang Ruan had ordered gifts prepared, planning to visit personally, though she’d nearly forgotten about it recently.
Lu Zhu was surprised: “They’re ready, prepared exactly according to Steward Lin’s gift list. Would Miss like to see them now?”
“No need,” Jiang Ruan stood up. “Let’s go to the General’s manor today.”
“Eh?” Lian Qiao’s heart skipped a beat, clearly having thought in Lu Zhu’s direction. Though somewhat hesitant… Jiang Ruan didn’t wait for them to speak and left first. The others exchanged glances. Finally, Tian Zhu stepped forward, stopped at the desk, hesitated briefly, then reached out to pick up the robe, mimicking Jiang Ruan by waving it under her nose.
“What is it?” Lian Qiao asked anxiously.
Tian Zhu frowned tightly, yet seemed uncertain, asking with slight confusion: “Orchids?”
…
Jiang Ruan left just like that. Steward Lin was angry but dared not speak out. He seemed to want to step forward and dissuade her, but seeing Jiang Ruan’s cold expression, he didn’t dare approach. Finally, he could only shrink behind the manor’s vermillion gate pillars, frantically scratching at the paint with his fingers. Jin Si stood nearby with crossed arms, watching Steward Lin’s actions until she couldn’t help saying, “Hey, Old Lin, if you scratch through this pillar, will the repair costs be deducted from your wages?”
Steward Lin’s actions stopped abruptly, but he immediately put on a stern face to lecture: “What do you understand? This old man is worried. You young girl don’t understand and can’t share this old man’s concerns. All day you don’t know to do proper work, just making noise.” By the end, he was lecturing Jin Si. Jin Si was stunned, then said with mixed laughter and tears, “Is it necessary for you to be so nervous? Young Madam is just going to the General’s manor – it’s just a trip back to her maiden home. Why are you acting like some great disaster occurred? Those who don’t know might think something happened to Young Madam.”
“So you have no insight.” Steward Lin stood with hands behind his back, looking at her: “Do you know why Young Madam is returning to the General’s manor?”
“I know. Zhao family’s Third Madam is with child, so Young Madam is going to congratulate her. This is a joyous occasion.” Jin Si said.
“If it were truly congratulations, why would Young Madam wait until now? She would have brought Young Master along earlier. Today’s return clearly looks like going back to her maiden home after a marital quarrel. I heard everything from Lian Qiao last night – it’s killing me with worry.” Steward Lin spoke with some anger: “Perfectly fine, yet the wife was angered back to her maiden home. Young Master really didn’t learn any of my cleverness. Women need to be coaxed. I see he’s unwilling even to coax her.”
Hearing this, Jin Si pondered seriously, looking at Steward Lin: “Speaking of which, I also feel that recently too many incidents have occurred – first Jin Er and Lu Zhu, now Young Madam and Master. This seems rather coincidental, yet we don’t know how it started. Could the feng shui be bad?”
“Tomorrow we must have someone go to the temple to burn incense for marriage harmony. This manor can’t afford such turmoil.” Steward Lin agreed.
…
Meanwhile, Jiang Ruan brought Tian Zhu and others to the General’s manor. Her arrival was sudden – she hadn’t sent advance notice or even had servants inform them beforehand. But the Zhao family was very happy to see her, especially the various madams, who joyfully came out to greet her.
Jiang Ruan had the gifts for Third Madam brought out. Naturally, as a visiting guest, she wouldn’t neglect others – everyone in the third branch received gifts. The gift list was very thoughtful, leaving no room for criticism, and the generosity was impressive. This was Steward Lin’s handiwork – he was always skilled at composing gift lists.
When First Madam led Jiang Ruan into the manor to first pay respects to the household master Zhao Guang, he wasn’t in the main hall. First Madam smiled: “Father is playing chess in the back courtyard. Come with me, Ah Ruan.” When they actually reached the back courtyard, Jiang Ruan was slightly startled, because the one playing chess with Zhao Guang was Jiang Xinzhi. The siblings hadn’t seen each other for quite some time. Since New Year, Jiang Ruan had been busy helping Xuan Pei establish his footing, while Jiang Xinzhi’s daily military duties were quite demanding. Perhaps because of Zhao Jin’s presence, he no longer kept Jiang Ruan under constant watch as before, so this meeting was indeed sudden.
However, their feelings obviously wouldn’t grow distant due to time apart. Upon seeing Jiang Ruan, Jiang Xinzhi immediately forgot about his unfinished chess game, stood up, and strode toward Jiang Ruan with joy: “Ah Ruan, why did you suddenly come? You should have sent word ahead.”
This angered Zhao Guang behind him: “Brat, come back quickly! This game isn’t finished – where are you running?”
“Come now, Grandfather,” another voice interjected, “Your terrible chess skills – only cousin has the patience to play with you. What’s the point of finishing? It’s a losing game anyway.”
Zhao Guang couldn’t stand anyone criticizing his chess playing. He immediately glared at Zhao Feizhou, ready to scold, but Zhao Feizhou made a face and ran off. Zhao Feizhou’s temperament was perfectly inherited from Zhao Yuanfeng – always boisterous and troublesome. Zhao Guang couldn’t pursue him, so seeing Jiang Ruan, he coughed, his eyes still showing uncontainable joy: “Girl Ruan, you’ve returned.”
Jiang Ruan nodded and stepped forward to exchange pleasantries. Zhao Guang’s satisfied expression deepened. To be fair, though Jiang Ruan didn’t visit the General’s manor often, this actually benefited the manor more, maintaining an appropriate distance without causing any trouble. Though she usually seemed politely distant, her holiday gift lists were always thoughtful. They say you can see a person’s heart through gift lists – from these flawless lists, one really couldn’t find fault, only feeling this girl was accommodating and protecting them through such behavior, making people feel even more affectionate and protective toward Jiang Ruan. Of course, the General’s manor family naturally didn’t know that each gift list was composed by Steward Lin. In their view, Jiang Ruan was exceptionally clever, so such gift lists coming from her wasn’t strange, but a steward composing such lists seemed rather impossible. Gift lists weren’t easy – many noble young ladies began learning household management by starting with composing gift lists. Done well, it might establish good relationships; done poorly, it might miss important opportunities for advancement.
After Zhao Guang spoke with Jiang Ruan, Li Shi came over and pulled her to the main hall, constantly asking about recent circumstances. Li Shi truly loved Jiang Ruan, compensating doubly for regrets about Zhao Mei. Zhao Yulong and Zhao Yi also returned. Third Madam was quite surprised – she’d thought Jiang Ruan wouldn’t come, but she suddenly appeared today. With all the Zhao family gathered together, Li Shi was delighted and ordered the kitchen to prepare more good dishes. Zhao Yuanping asked, “Girl Ruan, why didn’t Prince Xiao accompany you today?”
Everyone looked at Jiang Ruan, who smiled: “He’s very busy with affairs. I also came on sudden impulse today. Another day I must bring him to see Grandfather and Grandmother.”
Xiao Shao was indeed quite busy. The Zhao family men all attended court and knew he’d been busy year-round, rarely in the capital. Zhao Yuanping didn’t ask further. During the meal, the family toasted and chatted merrily. Sitting among them, Jiang Ruan felt somewhat dazed. These past days, Prince Jinying’s manor had been chaotic and gloomy – whether the Embroidered Uniform Guard, her personal maids, or herself, the stark contrast between public warmth and harmony versus private coldness and estrangement was something she’d never noticed before, but now increasingly felt the difference. Perhaps at some point, her heart had begun to be warmed by others, at least toward those close to her.
During the meal, Li Shi tentatively asked, “Ah Ruan, it’s getting late today. Why not stay the night?” She spoke quite carefully, staring at Jiang Ruan’s expression without blinking, her gaze showing undisguisable hope. Jiang Ruan suddenly smiled: “Alright.”
Li Shi sighed with relief and immediately ordered servants: “Quick, quick, clean up that room in Fragrant Flower Garden. I had it swept just days ago, but it’s probably gathered dust again.” Fragrant Flower Garden was the courtyard where Zhao Mei had lived as an unmarried daughter. After Zhao Mei left, the courtyard was never abandoned – for over ten years they’d maintained it for someone who could never return, regularly cleaning it. Perhaps only family could do such things.
“Mother, why rush?” Second Madam laughed. “Who cleans rooms during dinner? No hurry. After we finish eating and Mother continues chatting with elder sister-in-law and third sister-in-law, I’ll have people clean that side. I have many interesting story books here – I just don’t know if Ah Ruan likes them.” She was straightforward, speaking with full smiles, always making people feel cheerful too. Jiang Ruan smiled: “Xiao Shao has been very busy lately, rarely at the manor. I also plan to stay here several days – I only hope my sisters-in-law won’t mind my intrusion.”
“Not troublesome at all,” Third Madam said joyfully. “That’s wonderful! I’m confined to my room daily with no one to talk to. With Ah Ruan here, I finally have company.”
Second Madam feigned anger: “What are you saying? Am I not a person? I’ve kept you company all this time for nothing.”
Third Madam quickly laughed and begged forgiveness. The room filled with laughter and merriment. That evening, after spending time talking with her sisters-in-law until late night, Jiang Ruan returned to Fragrant Flower Garden. Just as she was about to wash and rest, she heard Tian Zhu suddenly call out alertly: “Who’s there?”
Jiang Ruan turned around to see someone emerge from the lamplight’s shadows – it was Jiang Xinzhi. He glanced at Tian Zhu: “You may withdraw.”
Tian Zhu was startled but knew Jiang Ruan and this brother had always been close, so she silently withdrew. Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xinzhi sat at the stone table in the courtyard. Jiang Ruan smiled: “Brother, staying up so late – surely you’re not here for idle chat?”
“Ah Ruan,” Jiang Xinzhi’s expression grew serious. “Did he bully you?”
Jiang Ruan was stunned, then understood. The “he” Jiang Xinzhi referred to naturally meant Xiao Shao. She smiled: “Brother, how would he dare bully me? I’m always the one bullying others. You’re worrying too much…”
Before she could finish, Jiang Xinzhi interrupted: “Ah Ruan, we’re siblings from the same womb. In this world, only we two are closest now. You loved clinging to me as a child. Though we were separated for years, I still understand you. Today in this manor, your behavior was already unusual. When you were small and angry with me, you wouldn’t cry or make noise – you’d silently walk away. You habitually use silence to express dissatisfaction, avoiding direct confrontation. Ah Ruan, what problem have you and Xiao Shao encountered?”
Jiang Xinzhi truly understood her. Even though her thoughts had changed much in this life, long-term interaction and the connection between siblings from the same womb still let Jiang Xinzhi immediately see her discomfort. But Jiang Ruan felt somewhat helpless: “Brother, we did have a small problem, but if I can’t handle even this much, you’d underestimate me too greatly. Surely Brother isn’t going to interfere in marital affairs? He hasn’t bullied me – I’m just somewhat displeased with him, so I’m bullying him instead.” Seeing Jiang Xinzhi’s determined expression, Jiang Ruan explained the whole story, only hiding the quarrel with Xiao Shao: “The Embroidered Uniform Guard belongs to him after all. Love the house, love the crow – similarly, since I dislike his Embroidered Uniform Guard, I naturally dislike him. So I wanted to come out and clear my head while calmly considering the matter’s cause.”
“You feel that…” Jiang Xinzhi looked at her with uncertainty, bowing his head in thought briefly: “This matter is indeed strange. I’ll keep watch. Since that’s the case, stay here several days. If that Xiao Shao won’t stand up for you, he deserves your anger.” He said indignantly: “I should teach him a lesson.”
Jiang Ruan smiled, suddenly remembering something: “Brother, there’s something I must tell you.”
Jiang Xinzhi smiled: “What is it?” He suddenly looked at Jiang Ruan hopefully: “Could it be I’m getting a nephew?”
“What are you saying?” Jiang Ruan was amused: “I want to tell you that in this palace succession struggle between the Thirteenth Prince and Eighth Prince, even if we can barely maintain neutrality now, as things progress, it will become impossible. We must eventually choose a side. Brother, I stand with the Thirteenth Prince.”
“Oh,” Jiang Xinzhi was somewhat disappointed. Despite Jiang Ruan speaking of such important matters, he said: “Even if you hadn’t told me this, I would have chosen the Thirteenth Prince’s side in the end.”
“Why?” Jiang Ruan asked puzzledly. Jiang Xinzhi had always been gentle and upright. Even after becoming resolute on the battlefield, he hadn’t lost his inherent sense of justice. For such a person to support someone and step into court struggles was no easy matter.
“Xuan Li once acted against your interests – how could I choose him?” Jiang Xinzhi snorted: “Though that Xuan Pei doesn’t seem easy to deal with either, at least he once helped you out of trouble.”
“Your reasoning is quite simple,” Jiang Ruan couldn’t help laughing again. After talking with Jiang Xinzhi, her heart felt much lighter. After he left, she returned to her room to rest and slept well through the night.
In the following days, Jiang Ruan stayed at the General’s manor. This was the first time the family saw Jiang Ruan move in, and they couldn’t wait to bring out every good thing to make her happy. Everyone here treated her with genuine kindness – not the kindness of strangers, but heartfelt kindness from family. Thus Jiang Ruan was actually happier than at Prince Jinying’s manor, only sending someone to inform the manor that she would stay several more days.
At Prince Jinying’s manor, Xiao Shao sat in his study. A servant came to report: “Master, the General’s manor sent word again saying Young Madam will stay there several more days.” The servant also wiped sweat – these days, Steward Lin had tormented these message-bearing servants terribly. Since that day when Jiang Ruan went to see Zhao family’s Third Madam, she hadn’t returned. The first day could be explained by late hours making travel inconvenient, the second by family gathering to chat, but this continued absence was becoming unbearable. The General’s manor family was naturally open-minded and thick-headed, unable to see the implications. But everyone at Prince Jinying’s manor knew the reason – Jiang Ruan was just short of writing clearly: “This Princess Consort is angry and has returned to her maiden home!”
With Jiang Ruan refusing to return, each servant sent to urge her brought back only one message: the Princess Consort didn’t want to leave yet and would stay several more days. Actually, married daughters staying too long at their maiden homes wasn’t good, but given the General’s manor’s status and Jiang Ruan’s position, no one dared say anything. Only Steward Lin was frantically worried, wishing he could immediately tie up Xiao Shao and drag him to the General’s manor to apologize and coax their lady back.
Steward Lin tentatively said: “Master, when will you personally visit the General’s manor? Counting on fingers, it’s been over ten days. This can’t continue.” He forcibly swallowed the words “continuing the family line.”
Xiao Shao remained silent. He habitually maintained an expressionless appearance, so Steward Lin couldn’t tell his current thoughts. A few days ago, Qi Feng had come looking for Jiang Ruan once more. Not knowing Jiang Ruan had returned to the General’s manor, he’d brought a large box of novelties, saying his friend had specially saved them for Jiang Ruan. Xiao Shao’s expression then was dark as a pot bottom, and his attitude toward Qi Feng was unusually cold and harsh. Steward Lin watching felt somewhat guilty, wondering how Qi Feng felt. But Qi Feng left quickly, and both seemed quite displeased.
Xiao Shao had always gotten along well with his martial brothers, and his conduct was generally righteous. This was the first time he’d shown Qi Feng a black face. Steward Lin privately thought Xiao Shao clearly cared about Jiang Ruan – why couldn’t he swallow his pride?
While thinking this, he saw Jin Yi present a calling card. Usually, such cards were managed by Steward Lin, so Jin Yi holding one was strange. Steward Lin was shocked, wondering if Jin Yi wanted to steal his job, and quickly glanced at it. With his keen eyesight, he immediately saw it was from the Mo residence, mentioning several other people, with one name seeming familiar to Steward Lin, though he couldn’t recall where he’d seen it. While still puzzling over this, he heard Xiao Shao glance at it and say: “Prepare the horse.”
So he was going? Jin Yi quickly brought his cloak. Xiao Shao left in great haste, almost without delay. Steward Lin stood alone in bewilderment, then suddenly slapped his thigh: “Eh? The Yao family! Isn’t that the bandit family that wanted to destroy our young master’s flower?”
…
The moon was bright with sparse stars, deep night like ink. Lian Qiao went outside to prepare hot water for Jiang Ruan’s bath while Tian Zhu guarded outside. Jiang Ruan stood in the courtyard. Early spring winds were still somewhat sharp, though not as painfully cutting as before. The night air was fresh, and moon vine covered the courtyard walls, its tiny flowers giving off faint fragrance, quite enchanting in the night.
Lu Zhu was walking under the moon vine wanting to pick some petals when something suddenly made a “thud” sound on the other side of the wall, startling her greatly. Just as she was about to cry out, she saw a large black cat nimbly run past.
“Just a cat,” Lu Zhu said, patting her chest. Turning around, she heard Jiang Ruan say: “You go inside first. I’ll sit a while.”
Lu Zhu carried her basket back inside. Only after Jiang Ruan turned around and Lu Zhu entered the room did a tall figure appear behind the moon vine. The figure stood under the moon vine, straight and tall, as if he’d been standing there all along. Jiang Ruan wasn’t surprised, only standing a few steps away, silently looking over.
Dark clouds gradually dispersed, moonlight gradually descended, and that indistinct figure became clearer – a young man, handsome and spirited, dressed in fine clothes for night travel. Moonlight falling on his face made him extraordinarily beautiful, unlike any mortal being, as if he were an ethereal immortal emerging from some distant paradise, quietly observing the mortal world.
Today Jiang Ruan wore a bright red thin silk long dress, its hem flowing down and trailing on the ground in graceful waves, embroidered with large golden flowers that were dazzling to behold. Her beauty was magnificent, even more enchanting in the night.
A wild cat seemed to cry softly in the air. Jiang Ruan’s beauty was magnificent, her red dress like fire, her figure graceful, yet she wore it with an aura of deadly intent. She said: “Your Highness visits in the deep night – what is your purpose?”
The young man in black brocade, with his handsome features, lowered his eyes and said indifferently: “I’ve long heard that the General’s manor’s legitimate daughter possesses natural charm – I came especially to visit.”
“Natural charm amounts to nothing. Your Highness might as well find a bronze mirror and look at yourself to know what it means to be born a demon.” Jiang Ruan said coldly. Without waiting for his response, she turned and entered the room, slamming the door shut with a “bang.”
The cold, elegant young man left behind showed a crack in his composure. Such boldness – actually slamming the door? One of his guards tentatively reached out. Xiao Shao glanced at him with an unpleasant expression, causing Jin San to weaken at the knees and whisper: “Master, this won’t work. Young Madam definitely won’t forgive you.”
So she was still angry. Xiao Shao pressed his lips together, his gaze toward the door suddenly showing uncertainty.