After Tianzhu said this, she couldn’t care about anything else, but she also couldn’t abandon Lu Zhu. She had to help her to the side with difficulty, only to see Lian Qiao collapsed on the ground with a shocking knife wound across her chest. The bloodstains must have flowed from Lian Qiao’s body. Lu Zhu, supporting herself with what consciousness remained, was both shocked and frightened by this scene—shocked that Lian Qiao was severely wounded, not knowing how serious her injuries were, and frightened that Jiang Ruan had vanished. She was about to weakly call out Jiang Ruan’s name when Tianzhu suddenly stopped her, saying, “Stop shouting. We’ve been tricked.”

Lu Zhu wasn’t stupid either. After thinking it through, she understood that these assassins among the crowd who had suddenly attacked defenseless civilians—could this just be a diversion, with the real purpose being to kidnap Jiang Ruan? Thinking of this, Lu Zhu felt a wave of fear. She had already lost too much blood, and now her face was even paler, almost swaying on her feet: “The Young Madam is in danger… Tianzhu, what should we do?”

Tianzhu looked around. People were still fleeing in all directions. She suddenly noticed something—the small wooden boxes containing Empress Dowager Yide’s rewards that had been behind the carriage were now completely gone. She suddenly realized something and said in a low voice, “So the Young Madam did this on purpose…”

“What did you say?” Lu Zhu’s voice grew weaker. Seeing this, Tianzhu couldn’t care about anything else. Right now, one person was unconscious and one was severely wounded. Though she was also worried about Jiang Ruan, if something happened to Lu Zhu and Lian Qiao, wouldn’t that waste all of Jiang Ruan’s efforts? Since Jiang Ruan could plan this trap in advance, she must have a way to respond. Having followed Jiang Ruan for so long, Tianzhu understood her nature somewhat. She immediately took out a signal flare from her bosom. Though it was still early and the firework wouldn’t be very visible, it would be enough for nearby Brocade Guards to see and come help.

Butler Lin was in the mansion calculating this month’s household expenses, thinking that since the new year had just passed, the mansion seemed not to have purchased any new items yet. Even though the capital of the Great Jin Dynasty had been full of hidden currents recently, what needed to be arranged still couldn’t be neglected. Butler Lin was still carefully calculating when he suddenly heard a panicked voice: “Butler Lin, something terrible has happened!”

Butler Lin looked up and saw it was a young servant from the gatehouse. He scolded: “What kind of flustered state is this? I’ve told you all before—we’re a prince’s mansion, we must have the dignity of a prince’s mansion. Don’t be so boisterous like some petty household, bringing shame to the Young Master’s face…”

“Butler Lin, something terrible! The Young Madam has been kidnapped! Lian Qiao and Sister Lu Zhu are both injured. Sister Tianzhu just returned and is looking everywhere for Physician Xia!” The servant finally ran up close and poured out everything like beans from a bamboo tube without taking a breath. Only after finishing did he take a long sigh of relief. Before he could react, he saw Butler Lin, who had just been sitting at the table stroking his beard with dignified composure, suddenly jump up from his seat, his voice almost echoing shrilly throughout the entire mansion: “What! Where! Quickly take me to see!”

The news that Jiang Ruan had been kidnapped and that Lian Qiao and Lu Zhu were severely wounded and unconscious spread throughout Prince Jinying’s mansion in just the time it takes to burn a stick of incense. Today’s chaos on the streets had come so suddenly—everyone had thought it was just thugs suddenly attacking civilians, but who would have thought the real purpose was actually targeting Jiang Ruan? Those people were fierce and malicious—who knew what they would do to Jiang Ruan? Xiao Shao hadn’t returned yet, but Ye Feng had already signaled to Brocade Guards lurking throughout the capital to search for Jiang Ruan’s whereabouts with all their might.

Right now, the Capital Magistrate had just arrived in the capital. Learning that Jiang Ruan had been kidnapped naturally frightened him considerably. As the one responsible for local security, thugs had injured people right under his nose, and even worse, these thugs had kidnapped Princess Consort Jinying. What kind of status did Jiang Ruan have? Not to mention Prince Jinying’s mansion backing her, even the protective General’s mansion wasn’t someone he could afford to offend. Naturally, he immediately ordered people to investigate without hesitation. This made the capital even more chaotic, with civilians in a state of panic and the streets in complete disarray.

Jiang Xinzhi was handling official business at the military headquarters when a young soldier came to report: “General Jiang, an urgent message just arrived from the front…” He hesitated somewhat, his tone suddenly stopping. Everyone knew this young general was extremely protective of his family. When Jiang Ruan hadn’t yet married, he had protected her very strictly. If he heard this news now, how terrible would it be…

Jiang Xinzhi glanced at him, his tone growing stern: “What matter?” As he spent more time at military headquarters, Jiang Xinzhi’s dignity and commanding presence as a national general continued to increase. His former scholarly elegance had now been tempered into something more resolute, giving him an air of natural authority. Hearing this, the young soldier’s body trembled, and he immediately said: “Princess Consort Jinying was kidnapped today at dusk during a chaotic incident with thugs injuring people on West Street. Her whereabouts remain unknown.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw the calm and resolute young general suddenly stand up, his expression changing dramatically in an instant, his tone carrying an almost imperceptible tremor: “What did you say?”

The young soldier was still hesitating whether to repeat what he had just said to Jiang Xinzhi when he felt a gust of wind across his face. Jiang Xinzhi had already walked out of the camp in two or three steps, ignoring the surprised gazes of the new recruits who were training behind him. He leaped onto his horse and galloped away.

The young soldier stared blankly while a new recruit nearby came over curiously asking: “What happened to the General? He seemed so urgent.”

“The General’s sister… has been kidnapped,” the soldier answered.

At the same time, in the Southern Garden of the palace, Xuan Pei stood by the window. For some reason, ever since Jiang Ruan left, his heart hadn’t settled down but had become even more uneasy, as if something was about to happen. Chaoyang stood quietly behind him. Xuan Pei irritably tugged at his collar. The cool breeze couldn’t calm the restlessness in his heart. Why was this?

Usually, just seeing Jiang Ruan once would make him happy for many days and help him settle his mind. But recently, he didn’t know why he always felt something was strange, becoming increasingly agitated instead. Thinking it over, it was probably because Jiang Ruan’s words and actions today seemed somewhat off.

Xuan Pei thought hard. Today Jiang Ruan had unusually instructed him on what to do, saying he should consult with Xiao Shao before making decisions. But why not consult with her? If she were there, why would he need to interact with Xiao Shao? Xuan Pei sensitively felt something was wrong here. Could it be that Jiang Ruan already knew what decisions he would make next, and since she wouldn’t be there herself, she wanted Xiao Shao to take her place? Why wouldn’t she be there?

That imperial edict was now in Jiang Ruan’s hands. Jiang Ruan had said Prince Jinying’s mansion was the best place to guard the edict, enough to attract all of Xuan Li’s attention. Drawing Xuan Li’s attention away was certainly good… but now, that edict was still in Jiang Ruan’s hands. Xuan Pei’s eyes suddenly widened as he almost immediately thought of the key point. Something was wrong, very wrong!

Having been mother and son for two lifetimes, though they had no blood relation, they probably had some spiritual connection. Xuan Pei almost instantly understood Jiang Ruan’s plan. He slammed his palm against the window ledge and said in a low voice: “Terrible!”

At the same time, Mingyue came running in from outside, saying somewhat urgently: “Your Highness, on Princess Consort’s way back to the mansion, she encountered thugs injuring people. In the chaos, she was kidnapped and her whereabouts remain unknown.”

Xuan Pei closed his eyes and said softly: “As expected.”

…

That day, many people in the capital couldn’t sleep peacefully. The chaos at dusk had already made people panic, and the news that Princess Consort Jinying had been kidnapped spread like wildfire, with the entire capital discussing the matter. Some sighed with regret for Jiang Ruan—such a fine princess consort, once kidnapped, her reputation would be unclear. But others were secretly pleased, as human jealousy was never in short supply, and adding insult to injury had never been lacking throughout history.

Prince Jinying’s mansion was brightly lit all night. The servants didn’t dare breathe loudly, and everyone’s face showed solemn and worried expressions. Having their Young Madam kidnapped with her current condition unknown was also torment for the servants. But no matter how much they suffered, it couldn’t compare to their master’s anguish.

The lights in the study burned as usual, but whereas before Jiang Ruan would sit inside reading and writing, waiting for Xiao Shao to return, today Xiao Shao sat inside, waiting for someone who temporarily couldn’t return.

Butler Lin stood to the side. Under the lamplight, his features seemed to have mysteriously grown several years younger, actually showing some proper elegance. But at this moment, no one noticed this. Butler Lin looked at Xiao Shao sitting at the desk lost in thought and consoled: “Master should rest earlier. If the Young Madam were here and saw this, she wouldn’t feel good either.”

But Xiao Shao seemed not to hear his words, silently staring at the teacup before him. Butler Lin sighed softly, knowing that whatever he said now, Xiao Shao wouldn’t listen. Ever since learning that Jiang Ruan had been kidnapped, he had personally led the Brocade Guards with Jiang Xinzhi to search the entire capital, sealing the city gates and questioning every household, but found no trace. How could Xiao Shao give up? Butler Lin looked at the youth sitting at the table with his refined bearing, and for a moment his gaze became somewhat dazed. In a trance, he seemed to see how Crown Prince Hongxi had looked when he learned of Xiang Xiaoyuan’s departure. At that time, Crown Prince Hongxi had also sat silently at his desk like this, looking at the writings Xiang Xiaoyuan had once penned, sitting for entire nights.

Perhaps this was like father, like son. Who said the imperial family was always heartless? Xiao Shao and Crown Prince Hongxi were genuine romantics. Those too clever would suffer from emotion, those too passionate wouldn’t live long. Butler Lin couldn’t say whether this was good or bad. But speaking from experience, Xiao Shao truly didn’t need any comfort right now—he just needed to sit quietly alone.

Butler Lin stopped trying to persuade him and slowly withdrew, gently closing the door and instructing the two guards at the entrance. He went to the kitchen to tend to the medicine being prepared for Lian Qiao and Lu Zhu.

Xiao Shao sat at the desk. The gentle lamplight couldn’t melt even a trace of the coldness in his expression. That distance and iciness that kept people at arm’s length almost returned him to long ago, when he had just taken over the Brocade Guards—cruel, bloodthirsty, indifferent, heartless. Now someone had warmed his heart, but then suddenly disappeared. He felt only self-reproach.

What floated through his mind was the scene from this morning when Jiang Ruan had stood on her tiptoes to straighten his collar. He had said they would take a walk together when he returned in the evening, and Jiang Ruan had agreed. But when evening came, she wasn’t there.

This was a premeditated plan, a conspiracy involving misdirection, but the one orchestrating it all was Jiang Ruan herself. Xiao Shao lowered his eyes. Just from hearing the whole story from Tianzhu, he understood Jiang Ruan’s plan. She had long intended to use herself as bait to draw out Xuan Li’s people. She had planned everything, even clearly realizing this morning what might happen at dusk, yet she still acted as if nothing was wrong, bidding him farewell tenderly.

Simply… Xiao Shao’s face turned iron-blue as he clenched his fist. This was going too far.

Outrageous! Too reckless! No awareness of being a wife! Completely disregarding her husband! Many thoughts flashed through Xiao Shao’s mind, but what remained in the end was heartache and guilt. Heartache that she always had to risk herself for these matters, guilt that as a husband, he hadn’t even noticed any of this, failing to fulfill his promise to protect her for life.

He closed his eyes. His long eyelashes cast a beautiful shadow, trembling slightly with a somewhat weary expression. Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open. He snapped his eyes open, his gaze sharp as a sword toward the entrance, only to see Qi Feng walk in.

“What is it?” He straightened up. His mood today was indeed poor, and his tone toward Qi Feng was inevitably somewhat harsh.

But Qi Feng paid no attention to his expression. Due to his special relationship with Xiao Shao, the guards at the door hadn’t stopped him. He walked straight in and sat down across from Xiao Shao’s desk, pouring himself tea before meeting Xiao Shao’s cold gaze and saying frankly: “I’ve come to tell you about Third Sister-in-law’s matter.”

Xiao Shao’s expression shifted, his gaze suddenly shooting toward him sharply: “You knew about this beforehand?”

“Yes.” After Qi Feng said this, he felt Xiao Shao’s gaze become even more unfriendly, almost wanting to devour him alive. As martial brothers, he wasn’t unfamiliar with Xiao Shao’s terrifying appearance, but even when killing, Xiao Shao always remained coldly unwilling to show much emotion. But now he was undisguisedly revealing his displeasure toward him, immediately making Qi Feng feel tremendous pressure. He smiled bitterly before saying: “Actually, before this, Third Sister-in-law came to see me once to discuss this very matter.”

Xiao Shao said nothing, just stared at him coldly. Qi Feng continued on his own: “Third Sister-in-law had long wanted to use this incident to draw out movements from Xuan Li and the Southern Border side. But her most important purpose was for the Thirteenth Prince in the palace. Only this way, with Xuan Li focusing all his attention on her, thinking he had obtained a fake imperial edict, would he relax his surveillance of the Thirteenth Prince in the palace. This way, the Thirteenth Prince would be much safer and gain some time.” Pausing, Qi Feng continued: “I once asked Third Sister-in-law whether that fake imperial edict wasn’t too risky—if discovered, it would even be a capital offense. But Third Sister-in-law said she had a real imperial edict, just not that particular one. I don’t know the specifics of this discrepancy. Third Sister-in-law didn’t seem willing to tell me much, but her confident manner suggested there should be no problem. Though this plan is risky, it’s indeed the best method. This way, things become simple, and without Xuan Li realizing it, he’s already fallen into a trap.”

Xiao Shao was slightly startled, not because Jiang Ruan had discussed this with Qi Feng, but because of the key point in Qi Feng’s words. Qi Feng said the fake imperial edict Jiang Ruan found wasn’t actually fake. To deceive Xuan Li’s people, a purely fake edict would indeed be impossible, but Jiang Ruan hadn’t told Qi Feng the reason. If she had really discussed this matter with Qi Feng to this extent, there would naturally be nothing to hide. Unless this matter was of great importance and truly couldn’t be told to Qi Feng. What could it be? Xiao Shao already had the answer in his heart—his background. This way, what was on that imperial edict became clear too—it must be an edict making him heir apparent.

The Emperor had always wanted him to sit in that position. Xiao Shao knew this. He had always very clearly expressed his complete lack of interest in the throne. The Emperor was a stubborn man who hadn’t given up after all these years, but Xiao Shao hadn’t expected the Emperor would go so far as to use his own life to force him to ascend the throne, even hiding an imperial edict.

This edict was a hot potato for Xiao Shao. Once discovered, his background would be exposed—this was what he least wanted to see happen. Staying away from the imperial family, staying away from court intrigue—this was what the old Prince Jinying had always hoped he could do. Even though the old Prince Jinying wasn’t his biological father, Xiao Shao had never forgotten these earnest instructions.

All these years, he had dealt with Southern Border, walked the dangerous edge, frequently leaving the capital, precisely to avoid being drawn into court disputes. He enjoyed clean killing but disliked sinister plots. Jiang Ruan knew he didn’t want to be emperor. Her making this decision was partly to divert Xuan Li’s attention from Xuan Pei, but on the other hand, it was for him.

To leave him without worries, to end this threat permanently, to sever this imperial command in Xuan Li’s hands—this was the decision she made for him.

No wonder that night, Jiang Ruan had asked him: “Do you want to be emperor?” So this was what she meant. She had long known that the Emperor had written an edict for him. She was using her own method to help him solve these troubles.

All along, everyone seemed to think Jiang Ruan was cold by nature, warm on the surface but cold inside. Compared to her, even Xiao Shao had become more humane after marriage, while Jiang Ruan remained the same as before. But Xiao Shao knew she just wasn’t good at expressing herself. Like now, she was quietly giving in her own way.

Seeing Xiao Shao’s thoughtful expression and the changing emotions in his eyes, Qi Feng couldn’t help feeling bitter. He cleared his throat before saying: “The reason Third Sister-in-law came to me was because she knew you definitely wouldn’t agree to let her risk herself. Rather than let you be on guard, she might as well act first herself. Those messages that Xuan Li’s people in the palace received were all deliberately leaked by me.”

Xiao Shao glanced at him without speaking, stood up and headed for the door. Qi Feng also stood up, grabbing him: “What are you going to do?”

“Let go.” Xiao Shao pulled his sleeve free.

Qi Feng pressed down on his shoulder: “You’re going to order the Brocade Guards, aren’t you? Don’t go!”

Xiao Shao looked at him coldly. Qi Feng said urgently: “Think clearly about why Third Sister-in-law did this. She went into such danger, wasn’t it all for you? If you really order the Brocade Guards now, Third Sister-in-law would be rescued, but all her efforts would be wasted, and it would put Xuan Li on guard instead. Wouldn’t that be counterproductive!” Seeing that Xiao Shao didn’t answer, he breathed a sigh of relief and continued: “I know you’re angry now, and I… I can understand that too, but you need to stay calm. With Third Sister-in-law not here now, only you can continue her plan. If even you panic, won’t Prince Jinying’s mansion be in chaos too? How would Third Sister-in-law feel seeing that?”

After saying all this in one breath, he realized his emotions had been somewhat too intense and exposed, feeling rather awkward for a moment. His feelings for Jiang Ruan were obvious to anyone with eyes. Though he hadn’t done anything improper and tried his best to maintain a gentleman’s relationship with Jiang Ruan, every time he met Xiao Shao’s indifferent gaze, he felt somewhat guilty. Xiao Shao clearly hadn’t said or done anything, but Qi Feng could still feel that Xiao Shao was very displeased with him and Jiang Ruan being close. This seemingly indifferent and cold man had extremely strong possessiveness in his bones—he wouldn’t even let people think about her.

Xiao Shao looked at him again, his dark eyes showing no emotion, and said calmly: “I’m going to rest.” With that, he didn’t look at Qi Feng again and walked out.

Qi Feng was left standing there dazed for quite a while before awkwardly touching his nose and smiling bitterly. This petty Xiao Shao was indeed still displeased. Was this how he vented his dissatisfaction? Didn’t he find it somewhat childish?

Xiao Shao walked toward his room with his back to Qi Feng, gradually calming down inside. He knew Qi Feng was right. Though he felt heartache, he should respect her more and seize the opportunity Jiang Ruan had created at the risk of her own safety to strike hard at Xuan Li. That was currently the best method and the way to not waste her efforts. She had confidence in herself, and he should have confidence in her too.

But… thinking of Qi Feng’s words just now, Xiao Shao’s eyes darkened again. Why did Jiang Ruan always get so close to Qi Feng? That boy Qi Feng had ill intentions and was annoying just to look at. He didn’t know what Jiang Ruan saw in him. If she really wanted to discuss something, she could have talked to Xia Qing. And why was she so certain he definitely wouldn’t agree to her idea? He had always been very reasonable.

Xiao Shao had completely forgotten that someone as straightforward as Xia Qing couldn’t possibly come up with good strategies with Jiang Ruan. As for himself, he would put Jiang Ruan’s safety first and couldn’t view this matter fairly and reasonably. Only Qi Feng could do that. But right now, Xiao Shao found Qi Feng disagreeable from every angle, and he was also somewhat displeased with Jiang Ruan’s private decision. He secretly decided that when Jiang Ruan returned, he would definitely punish her properly to restore his authority as a husband.