Jin Er didn’t even glance at her, only walking to Chen Xi’s side and taking something from his sleeve to hand to him. Those nearby could see clearly – it was unmistakably a marriage contract. Jin Er turned back, looking down condescendingly at Liao Meng who had collapsed on the ground: “Since you already had a marriage engagement, exchanged betrothal papers, and your family elders agreed, the marriage contract with me from back then doesn’t count. Moreover, you…” He didn’t finish his words, but the meaning was naturally self-evident – what qualifications did a woman who wasn’t chaste have to be someone else’s wife?

Those who had originally stood on Liao Meng’s side and felt quite favorable toward her now looked at her with completely different eyes. A victim, a gentle and weak good girl, had suddenly become a lustful woman who knew no shame. It seemed that maid who had followed Jin Er before had also been wronged. Indeed, knowing a person’s face didn’t mean knowing their heart.

After Jin Er handed the marriage contract to Chen Xi, he lifted his leg to leave. But Liao Meng unwillingly hugged one of his legs. She didn’t know exactly what had happened, how the person from that night had become Chen Xi. But she could be certain that all of this was under Jin Er’s control. These many days, she had schemed against Jin Er, but Jin Er was such a romantic and handsome man – how could one not like him? Naturally she had some genuine feelings in her heart too. Now that her genuine feelings had been trampled as worthless, Liao Meng was unwilling. She asked bitterly, “Why are you doing this to me?”

Could it be that he had no affection for her at all? During those days, this man had been gentle and considerate, humorous and witty. The two of them had gotten along extremely happily. But now, was it all just an act? She didn’t believe it – she wanted to demand an explanation.

Hearing this, Jin Er turned back to look at her once more. That gaze was so cold it made Liao Meng feel chilled all over. Then, the man before her bent down, leaning close to her ear to whisper, “Probably… because of her.”

Her? Liao Meng was stunned for a moment, then quickly understood. The “her” he spoke of referred to Lu Zhu. He… was doing this for Lu Zhu. All of this was truly just his casual performance?

The man’s voice was different from his usual gentleness, carrying a kind of sinister coldness, almost threateningly reaching her ears: “Using all kinds of methods for self-preservation isn’t wrong, but you shouldn’t have used these methods on her.”

Liao Meng closed her eyes. She was also from a prestigious family. Even though her family had declined, she was still properly a young lady from a respectable household. Yet she couldn’t even compare to a maid. And that Jin Er, who appeared gentle and tender, was nothing more than flowers reflected in water and moon in mirror. He had disguised himself so well, while she had thought she was the mantis stalking the cicada. This was truly a complete and utter joke.

“Have you… ever had feelings for me?” Liao Meng asked her final question with difficulty.

“No.” The expected answer. That man was as decisive and cruel as his expression, turning to stride away with large steps, never looking back again. Chen Xi was overjoyed, reaching out with one hand to pull Liao Meng, putting on an affectionate appearance: “Meng’er, it’s alright. I still won’t give up on you. Come, let’s go home.”

Liao Meng struggled twice but couldn’t break free from Chen Xi’s grip. Nanny Zhou hadn’t awakened yet, and she was alone and helpless. The surrounding people all looked at her as if she had the plague – not one person extended a helping hand. In their eyes, Liao Meng had now become a person of ill repute.

Under such circumstances, Chen Xi effortlessly dragged Liao Meng away, almost pulling her into a low, narrow room until the very end. Once inside, Chen Xi’s expression changed completely. No longer showing any trace of previous affection, he slapped Liao Meng hard without a word, saying, “Slut!”

After Chen Xi struck Liao Meng viciously, she only covered her swollen face somewhat dazedly. She was now in complete despair, hardly seeing any way out. There was a marriage contract, and her chastity had been given to Chen Xi. Even guarding such a large family fortune, this lifetime was destined to only one fate. And Chen Xi was the type to hold the deepest grudges. Her abandoning him to escape to the capital, then attempting to climb up to Jin Er – for Chen Xi this was intolerable betrayal. He would definitely treat her even more severely.

What Liao Meng thought was indeed correct. After Chen Xi slapped her hard, he suddenly began laughing coldly: “Stinking whore, if you want men so much, now I’ll let you have your fill!” He tore open Liao Meng’s outer garment with one pull and pounced on her. Intense sounds rang out in the room. Chen Xi’s actions carried hatred, almost without any tenderness. That stormy intimacy made Liao Meng suffer unbearably. She bit her teeth tightly, not letting herself emit a single cry, yet tears from the corners of her eyes slowly flowed down her cheeks.

Chen Xi would take her back to Dingxi. This lifetime she could only follow Chen Xi, and with Chen Xi’s current resentment toward her, the future would definitely not be easy. Her uncle and aunt would take away all the Liao family property. In the end, she still wouldn’t have gained anything. Everything returned to the starting point – no, even worse than the starting point. At least the former days still had some hope, but now she only had deep despair.

On the bustling street, Jin San and Jin Er walked forward side by side. Jin San looked at Jin Er and said, “That was really ruthless. Don’t you usually show pity toward women?”

Jin Er had always upheld the reputation of being a “gentleman among flowers.” When facing women, he always left some room, but this room was only within what he could accept. For example, when having to kill a woman, he would try to make her suffer less torture before death and die more quickly. The Embroidered Uniform Guard had in their bones a kind of indifference and cruelty toward life. No matter how different their personalities, this point never changed. Xiao Shao had already achieved perfection in this, and though Jin Er usually appeared carefree and laughing, he also adhered to this unchanging principle.

But this time, his methods toward this woman were indeed rather cruel. That Chen Xi was actually called by him. When Liao Meng first began deliberately approaching him, Jin Er had already sensed something wrong. He investigated personally, having people he knew in Dingxi begin looking into Liao Meng’s affairs. The Embroidered Uniform Guard naturally worked efficiently, quickly obtaining news about Liao Meng. Chen Xi naturally also appeared in Jin Er’s view. He had people bring Chen Xi over. The intoxicating incense Liao Meng lit that night did indeed have effects that made people unclear, but she had ultimately underestimated Jin Er. Moreover, Xia Qing was still in the capital now. Liao Meng had guessed correctly – that night, it was indeed Chen Xi who had spent the night with Liao Meng.

Jin Er never felt this was improper, nor did he feel any guilt in his heart. Regarding guilt, now he only felt guilty toward Lu Zhu alone, yet didn’t know how to explain it well.

Jin San saw through his thoughts and sighed, “You should go back and explain properly. Lu Zhu isn’t an unreasonable person. You did this for the entire Prince’s mansion and were also worried about her safety – she’ll forgive you eventually.” After hesitating, Jin San added, “However, deception isn’t something women can easily forgive, so you’d better be prepared.”

How could Jin San need to tell him this principle? Jin Er had known it long ago. He had done missions in brothels for so many years and naturally understood women well enough. The reason Liao Meng lost to Jin Er was that she underestimated Jin Er’s abilities in romantic affairs. If it weren’t absolutely necessary, Jin Er wouldn’t want to deceive Lu Zhu either. But this matter was of great importance. Missions executed by the Embroidered Uniform Guard couldn’t be known even by the closest people. Because for all these years, the Embroidered Uniform Guard maintained such rigorous methods – sometimes even the smallest error could cost blood. Jin Er not telling Lu Zhu was naturally also being responsible to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. But hurting someone like this also made his heart feel worse than ever before. That day when he hit Lu Zhu, he tossed and turned. The entanglement in his heart after arguing with Lu Zhu led to his hesitation and grim expression, which weren’t acted out but actually fooled Liao Meng by coincidence.

Thinking about how to explain clearly to Lu Zhu, Jin Er had another headache.

Meanwhile at Prince Jinying’s mansion, someone had already brought back the news. Lian Qiao naturally clapped her hands in delight, laughing, “Indeed evil people have evil people to grind them down. This Liao Meng claimed to be some great family’s young lady, yet used such lowly methods. Self-recommending the pillow was something only mansion concubines and chamber maids would do. How could an unmarried young lady do such things? Tsk tsk, truly laughable. But now it’s good – finally tore off her fake mask and let people see her true face. So satisfying!”

Jiang Ruan didn’t speak, her gaze falling on Lu Zhu who was beside her with her head lowered in a daze. With matters reaching this point, there was no reason to continue hiding from Lu Zhu. Jiang Ruan told Lu Zhu the whole story from beginning to end. How to handle this was a matter between Lu Zhu and Jin Er, but seeing Lu Zhu’s completely confused appearance now, Jiang Ruan unconsciously felt another headache coming.

She said, “Lu Zhu, how do you view this matter?”

Lu Zhu hadn’t expected Jiang Ruan would suddenly ask her. She was stunned and couldn’t help but be at a loss for words. Lian Qiao beside her also stopped talking, looking toward Lu Zhu. Yes, now that the truth was clear, Jin Er and Liao Meng had nothing happen between them at all. Everything was just a play to deal with the Southern Xinjiang people. So Lu Zhu had no reason to hate Jin Er anymore. What choice would Lu Zhu make now?

“I… I don’t know…” Lu Zhu murmured. This news was still too shocking for her. She hadn’t expected that everything was just a deception, so all that previous heartbreak was false. In this instant, she didn’t know what to do or how to face Jin Er, only able to unconsciously speak her heart’s voice.

Jiang Ruan sighed. This matter wasn’t urgent for the moment. She thought Lu Zhu probably still needed some days to accept this. Just as she was thinking this, she saw Ye Feng hurriedly walking in, saying, “Young Madam!”

Xiao Shao had already gone out and wasn’t known to be where at the moment. Seeing Ye Feng’s appearance suggested urgent business. Jiang Ruan said, “What happened?”

Now when Xiao Shao wasn’t present, Embroidered Uniform Guard matters could be handled through Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan acted with propriety – whatever she couldn’t handle, she didn’t rush to resolve but just set aside to wait for Xiao Shao’s return. Ye Feng didn’t hesitate, only saying, “The fake Yao Niannian was rescued.”

“Found the person?” Jiang Ruan frowned and asked.

“No, but our people watching the west side of the city saw someone enter a residence. Suspicious, they rushed in to find it empty. After searching inside, there were traces of habitation – should definitely be the Southern Xinjiang people’s leader.” Ye Feng answered.

“According to what you’re saying, it should be their reinforcements. Xuan Li hasn’t made any moves now, so naturally it wasn’t him. Other ministers in the Jin Dynasty don’t have this capability.” Jiang Ruan pondered, “This way, it can only be the Southern Xinjiang people themselves. To escape under such tight nets, obviously they’re very familiar with the capital’s terrain. I think that person is most likely a Southern Xinjiang spy who infiltrated the capital long ago, probably hiding for years to be able to rescue people from under everyone’s noses like this. Hiding so long without being discovered – for the Southern Xinjiang people, this might be a very good sharp blade.”

Being able to analyze so much from just one incident, Ye Feng couldn’t help but be stunned, then said admiringly, “Young Madam is correct. A brother saw someone on the west side, but being in a hurry at the time didn’t pay attention. Later thinking about it, the person looked very much like someone.”

“Who?”

“The Jiang mansion’s Great Aunt, Yi Shuang.” Ye Feng said.

Yi Shuang – this name felt somewhat unfamiliar, and the Jiang mansion seemed like something from long ago. Hearing these two words from Ye Feng’s mouth, Jiang Ruan was momentarily dazed. But she quickly understood. Yi Shuang? What emerged in her mind was that Great Aunt who didn’t like to talk and was always like a transparent person in the mansion.

All these years, this Great Aunt had always occupied a seemingly unimportant position in the Minister’s mansion, but she had just stood there. From when the Jiang siblings were initially expelled and Zhao Mei died, she was there, until now when the Jiang mansion no longer existed, she could still escape unscathed – this seemed like an incredible thing. Jiang Ruan had suspected her before, but after the Jiang mansion fell, she never saw her again. Now she suddenly appeared before her eyes, but in this manner.

Since Ye Feng mentioned the west side of the city, it meant he was suspecting a relationship between Yi Shuang and the Southern Xinjiang people. Jiang Ruan’s gaze moved – this meant her previous suspicions weren’t entirely without reason. What kind of person was Yi Shuang, and what purpose did she have lurking in the Jiang mansion for so many years? And the timing of her appearance… Jiang Ruan’s heart jumped, and a thought couldn’t help but flash through her mind.

“First send people to continue watching the west side. Since they want to leave, they naturally can’t go far. That fake Yao Niannian must have an important position among the Southern Xinjiang people, otherwise she wouldn’t have entered a family like the Yaos to act. Very likely she’s a Southern Xinjiang leader. And the person who rescued Yao Niannian, having such ability, also wouldn’t be ordinary. Making a move under such circumstances where she’s the target of all, obviously she has no fear of us. There’s no self-confidence that comes from nothing in this world, so I believe she must have made preparations. If she is Yi Shuang, with her character of lurking in the Minister’s mansion for so many years, the fact that she’s now making a move can only mean their prepared affairs are ready. Now it’s time for real action – it’s probably coming soon.”

“But…” Tianzhu said puzzledly, “Hasn’t this trap already been broken?” The fake Yao Niannian’s identity was exposed, Lu Zhu and Jin Er’s matter was also explained, and Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao not only hadn’t become estranged but cooperated quite well. They had already forced the Southern Xinjiang people to flee in panic – how could they still make a move?

“Our confrontation isn’t their goal.” Jiang Ruan’s tone revealed no joy or anger, but her face showed rare solemnity, “Or rather, it’s not her goal. These Southern Xinjiang people are clearly divided into two factions. Though I don’t know why, one faction targeted me, while the other faction…” She pondered slightly, “is going after that position. Now the Yao Niannian faction targeting me has failed. The Southern Xinjiang people will only act according to the other faction’s orders, and what that faction wants to do is simply wait for an opportunity. Now, that opportunity has come.”

“Opportunity?” Tianzhu still didn’t quite understand, but Ye Feng seemed to understand something from her words, his expression immediately changing slightly. Jiang Ruan ignored him, turning toward the study, “Ye Feng, has there been anything special in court recently? Come in and tell me about it.”

That night when Xiao Shao returned, it was already very late. Usually Jiang Ruan would have rested long ago, but today the lights in the room were still on. After Xiao Shao returned to the room, he was slightly stunned, then walked to her side, gently reproaching, “Why aren’t you sleeping yet?”

“Waiting for you. There’s something I need to tell you.” Jiang Ruan raised her head. Xiao Shao was stunned again – Jiang Ruan’s complexion actually showed some fatigue. This was quite rare for her. Xiao Shao didn’t walk away, sitting down beside her and asking, “What happened?”

Jiang Ruan told Xiao Shao what Ye Feng had told her. After listening, Xiao Shao frowned and pondered for a while before saying, “I understand.”

“No, that’s not what I wanted to tell you.” Jiang Ruan grabbed his sleeve, looking at him, “Xiao Shao, this might sound strange, but I just have this intuition… I suspect Yi Shuang is Qi Man.” After speaking, Jiang Ruan herself felt relieved. She didn’t know why she had this thought either. Since her rebirth, Jiang Ruan had always had a special feeling about Great Aunt Yi Shuang – it was the intuition about danger that someone who had died once possessed. But Yi Shuang had hidden too well. Her patience was simply terrifying. Compared to her, Xuan Li was really too light. But all these years, Yi Shuang had done nothing at all. Jiang Ruan couldn’t fathom her intentions. But now Ye Feng’s mention that she might be connected to Southern Xinjiang was like a key opening the door in Jiang Ruan’s mind. Incredibly naturally, this thought emerged.

Xiao Shao looked at her without speaking. Seeing his current calm appearance, Jiang Ruan frowned, “You don’t believe me? This thought is indeed quite absurd, but I’m not making such a judgment based solely on intuition. Tonight I kept thinking back – the time you described Qi Man’s disappearance seems to match closely with when Great Aunt came to our mansion. And if she’s connected to the Southern Xinjiang people, and can make Southern Xinjiang people obey orders even after years of separation, the status of Southern Xinjiang princess would definitely accomplish this.”

“I don’t disbelieve you,” Xiao Shao’s lips curved slightly, “I’m also suspecting her.”

Jiang Ruan was stunned, “You knew already?”

“Just suspicions.” Xiao Shao answered, “All these years, Southern Xinjiang people have pursued me relentlessly. I’ve also tried to find Qi Man from back then, but found nothing. Qi Man must still be in this world. Several deep forays into Southern Xinjiang showed no trace of her. With her calculating nature, knowing of my existence, she would definitely stay in the capital to await opportunities for revenge. So I’ve always had people searching in the capital.” Xiao Shao sighed, “Only recently have there been clues. I never thought she would hide in the Minister’s mansion.”

A Southern Xinjiang princess of unparalleled beauty hiding in the Jiang mansion as an unfavored concubine for decades. Appearance could certainly be disguised, but decades of consistent personality disguise was somewhat too frightening.

Jiang Ruan carefully observed Xiao Shao. Southern Xinjiang people were his blood feud after all. Everyone had burdens to bear in their hearts. Jiang Ruan bore the hatred from her previous life, while Xiao Shao bore this life’s blood debt. This was his fate. After all, Xiao Shao reaching his current position was entirely caused by Qi Man. His birth parents and adoptive parents both died because of Southern Xinjiang people – the blood feud was evident. But looking now, when Xiao Shao spoke of Qi Man, his expression was calm and he remained very composed. Jiang Ruan’s heart settled. She thought for a moment, grasping Xiao Shao’s hand, “This way we know who’s behind everything. I think they’ll act soon. Now we’re in the dark while they’re in the light – we’ll definitely gain the advantage. This time, I’ll help you get revenge. How about it?” She wanted to cheer Xiao Shao up.

Xiao Shao couldn’t help but smile, stroking her hair, “Good.”

“But there’s still something strange.” Jiang Ruan said puzzledly, “I can see that the Southern Xinjiang people are now divided into two factions. One faction is the fake Yao Niannian – these people newly arrived in the capital and are still quite unfamiliar with the capital, which is why they could be pursued by the Capital Magistrate’s officers with nowhere to hide. While Qi Man is the other faction. She’s lurked in the capital for years and has already mastered many places in the capital, which is why she could so smoothly rescue the fake Yao Niannian. These two people’s goals are also different. Qi Man lurking for years is probably for revenge, while that fake Yao Niannian created the drama between Jin Er and Lu Zhu, seemingly trying to estrange you and me, but I feel like she was targeting me specifically. What deep grudge do I have with her? Even if it’s hating the house and its crow, she should hate you first.”

Just as she finished speaking, she saw Xiao Shao’s expression become somewhat strange. Her heart immediately moved, and she grabbed Xiao Shao’s sleeve, “What’s going on? Explain this clearly to me. Don’t tell me this is another romantic debt you’ve brought that’s adding new trouble for me.” The more she thought about it, the more possible it seemed. Jiang Ruan glared at Xiao Shao, almost wanting to devour him alive.

“Cough cough.” Xiao Shao couldn’t withstand such pressure, coughing lightly twice and getting up nonchalantly, “Mm, I’m going to bathe.”