Second Brother Zhao patted Zhao Jin’s head: “You’re so young – why think about such things? You’d better stay home obediently and embroider your trousseau – that’s proper business. I think my brother-in-law is really too lenient, not knowing how to manage you properly, letting you run wild every day.”

Zhao Jin pursed her lips, about to retort to her second brother’s words, when she saw a household servant running in frantically with a panicked expression: “First Young Master, Second Young Master, something terrible! A group of soldiers has come outside wanting to arrest someone from our house!”

Master Zhao wasn’t home at the moment, having left early in the morning, leaving only the two young masters in the manor. Second Brother Zhao was immediately alarmed: “What soldiers? Arresting whom?”

Elder Brother Zhao was more composed, interrupting Second Brother Zhao’s words and looking at the servant: “What exactly is the situation?”

The servant looked ready to cry, so anxious he could barely speak clearly, only saying: “This humble one doesn’t know. Those soldiers looked fierce and were shouting about capturing the murderer who harmed His Majesty. First Young Master, what should we do?”

“Harmed His Majesty?” Zhao Jin stood up in shock: “Wasn’t His Majesty… critically ill and beyond treatment? How did it become murder? What are they doing at our manor? Could our house possibly harm His Majesty? This is ridiculous!”

“Little sister, don’t make a fuss,” Elder Brother Zhao frowned. “This matter is serious. Since soldiers have come outside, they must have heard some rumors. Second brother, take care of little sister. I’ll go out and see.” He gathered his robes preparing to leave. But before he could take a step, chaotic footsteps sounded from the courtyard as a large group of soldiers poured in, blocking the courtyard completely and surrounding the three siblings.

Elder Brother Zhao said coldly: “Gentlemen, may I ask what crime our manor has committed to warrant such trouble from you all?”

“Young Master Zhao,” the lead officer also sneered: “Your Zhao family plotted to poison His Majesty – the evidence is conclusive. This heinous crime is unforgivable. Take them away!”

“What nonsense,” Zhao Jin angrily said, seeing soldiers approaching to forcibly arrest them and beginning to resist: “How could our Zhao family harm His Majesty? What evidence? Don’t speak such slander here. My Zhao family’s reputation for loyalty over many years – how can you casually defame us!”

But the soldiers just sneered. Elder Brother Zhao restrained Zhao Jin’s resistance, saying quietly: “Little sister, stay calm. Don’t act rashly. This matter is suspicious – before the truth comes out, don’t cause trouble!”

Zhao Jin naturally listened to her elder brother. Though unwilling, she obediently withdrew her actions. But Second Brother Zhao wouldn’t stand for it, impulsively asking: “If you don’t explain clearly, don’t think of taking us out that door. My Zhao family isn’t without people – we won’t tolerate such defamation!”

“Miss Zhao wants evidence?” The officer leader seemed impatient, his expression indescribably strange: “Do you remember the two ginseng roots Miss Zhao sent to the palace a few days ago? Those ginseng were personally examined by Divine Physician Xia and found to be poisoned. His Majesty drank medicine with ginseng slices that very day and was poisoned to death. Your Zhao family’s vicious scheming – sending such poison into the palace to harm His Majesty – you still dare claim your Zhao family is wronged!”

Zhao Jin was stunned. Second Brother Zhao looked strangely at Zhao Jin: “Little sister… what’s this about?” He naturally knew what this was about – Zhao Jin had asked him to help steal those two ginseng roots. Though precious, they weren’t irreplaceable for the Zhao family. That day, Second Brother Zhao had only heard Zhao Jin say it was to help a friend, and being warm-hearted by nature, he’d naturally agreed. But what did the soldiers’ words mean now? Second Brother Zhao naturally wouldn’t believe his little sister was truly a criminal who murdered the emperor, but how had all this happened?

Elder Brother Zhao noticed the strange expressions of Zhao Jin and Second Brother Zhao, understanding somewhat. He looked sternly at Zhao Jin: “Jin’er, what is this about?”

Questioned so seriously by her elder brother, Zhao Jin also came to her senses, shaking her head: “It’s not like that, elder brother. That day Ying’er said she wanted two ginseng roots from me to supplement His Majesty’s health. I thought our hometown had plenty of ginseng, so I stole them out, but I absolutely didn’t poison them! This definitely wasn’t me. I had no intention of harming His Majesty – besides, why would I harm His Majesty!” By her last sentence, Zhao Jin had become somewhat clear-headed, looking at the officer leader as she spoke.

Elder Brother Zhao frowned looking at Zhao Jin, but now wasn’t the time to blame his little sister. Moreover, Elder Brother Zhao knew clearly that Zhao Jin would never be the poisoner. Their Zhao family had always maintained neutrality, even being loyal to His Majesty’s faction. Though due to Zhao Jin and Jiang Xinzhi’s relationship, they’d already intended to support the Thirteenth Prince, they hadn’t shown this obviously. Besides, though their family’s status among capital military officials wasn’t low, it absolutely wasn’t high either – at most they were moderate. How could anyone value them so highly? Thinking this, Elder Brother Zhao said to the officer leader: “Little sister would never do such a thing. There must be some misunderstanding.”

But the officer leader didn’t engage with Elder Brother Zhao’s words, just waving his hand: “Sorry, Young Master Zhao. This isn’t the time for bargaining – there’s no room for discussion. We’re just following orders. Save these explanations for inside the prison.” He then called to his subordinates: “Take them away!”

The Zhao family, mindful of orders from above, didn’t dare openly resist, lest they incur even greater charges. Though Second Brother Zhao and Zhao Jin were angry, they still forcibly swallowed their rage and followed Elder Brother Zhao as the officers led them away. Before leaving, Elder Brother Zhao gave a meaningful look to a household servant. This servant had always followed Elder Brother Zhao closely and, seeing this scene, quietly stepped aside. When the officers finished taking people away and began sealing the entire manor, he secretly slipped out.

…

News of the Zhao family’s seizure instantly reached Jiang Xinzhi’s ears. These days, Jiang Xinzhi had been frantically busy with Jiang Ruan’s affairs, never expecting the Zhao family to encounter trouble at this time. Besides shock, there was anger, and he almost immediately said: “This is framing! Absolutely impossible!”

Zhao Guang looked gravely at Jiang Xinzhi. Both being military men with the same surname, Zhao Guang had quite favorable feelings toward Zhao Jin’s family. Elder Brother Zhao and Second Brother Zhao were also quite outstanding among the younger generation. Zhao Guang also liked the girl Jiang Xinzhi had chosen, feeling Zhao Jin lacked the arrogance of other noble ladies and instead had the straightforward capability of a military daughter – he was extremely satisfied with this future granddaughter-in-law. Who knew such a thing would suddenly happen? Zhao Guang looked at Jiang Xinzhi: “Xinzhi, though you deeply love Miss Zhao, you mustn’t act rashly now. During these troubled times, the Zhao family is obviously being deliberately framed – there might be other traps involved. Don’t get yourself caught up in it.”

Having served in court for many years, Zhao Guang wasn’t a mindless warrior and naturally understood some of these matters. He could see at a glance that the Zhao family’s troubles must have other reasons, probably connected to palace affairs. So he had to remind Jiang Xinzhi.

Jiang Xinzhi wasn’t foolish either and knew there were probably more moves to come. But perhaps he’d inherited the Zhao family’s protective nature – Zhao Jin was his future wife, and what kind of man couldn’t protect his own woman? Jiang Xinzhi had made up his mind, so he didn’t respond to Zhao Guang’s words. Just as he was thinking about his own affairs, Zhao Yuanping walked in quickly. He glanced at Jiang Xinzhi and withdrew a letter from his sleeve to give him. Zhao Guang asked: “From whom?”

Zhao Yuanping smiled: “Nephew-in-law.”

With Xiao Shao sending a letter to Jiang Xinzhi at this time, Zhao Guang immediately became excited – could there be news of Jiang Ruan? He urged: “Quickly open it and see if there’s news of Ah Ruan!”

Jiang Xinzhi quickly unfolded and read the letter, then said: “No, it’s about the Zhao family matter.”

Zhao Yuanping said thoughtfully: “Oh? What does His Lordship mean?”

“He tells us not to act rashly and to wait,” Jiang Xinzhi said.

…

In the palace, Dong Ying’er had just emerged from Cining Palace. Ever since Xia Qing came that day and diagnosed that the Emperor had actually died of poisoning, Dong Ying’er naturally couldn’t escape suspicion. That day, all the questioning gazes could almost make a person collapse, and Dong Ying’er had indeed collapsed, because someone discovered poison in the Emperor’s medicine in the imperial kitchen, and that poison came from two old ginseng roots. The source of these two old ginseng roots was Zhao Jin.

Dong Ying’er was unable to defend herself, but at the crucial moment, someone stood up to testify that Zhao Jin had indeed brought some gifts to visit Dong Ying’er that day. Those two old ginseng roots were among the gifts, and even the newly appointed Eunuch Chen testified to this. However, though this was so, Dong Ying’er’s suspicion still wasn’t cleared, because Zhao Jin had no reason to harm the Emperor, and even if she wanted to harm the Emperor, doing it this obviously was too apparent. Where would there be such obvious poisoning?

At the crucial moment, however, a maid beside Dong Ying’er timidly said: Perhaps Miss Zhao didn’t intend to harm His Majesty – those old ginseng roots were originally given to Consort Xiu.

With these words, everyone suddenly understood – it was probably like this. Zhao Jin came to see Dong Ying’er, bringing two old ginseng roots. The ginseng contained poison, but Dong Ying’er didn’t know and instead felt such precious things might be better used for the Emperor. Who knew the Emperor would die after consuming them? It turned out Zhao Jin originally intended to harm Dong Ying’er but mistakenly harmed the Emperor instead. Zhao Jin indeed had no reason to harm the Emperor, but regarding Dong Ying’er, that was uncertain. Many palace women knew that after Dong Ying’er entered the palace, her relationship with Zhao Jin had become distant. Since they wouldn’t become estranged for no reason, there must have been some conflict. With Zhao Jin harboring resentment over their conflict and wanting to kill Dong Ying’er, that wasn’t impossible.

Though this matter hadn’t been completely resolved, while they knew the general situation, they’d only arrested the Zhao family. Though Dong Ying’er wasn’t the direct murderer of the Emperor, the Emperor had died because of her. These days the palace was busy with affairs and no one could attend to her, but everyone was secretly speculating that this Consort Xiu had terrible luck – finally gaining favor, but shortly after, the Emperor died. After his death, she was involved in this matter. Though Miss Zhao was the actual perpetrator, she was also implicated and probably wouldn’t end well either.

Dong Ying’er had indeed displayed a pitiful scene, with grief on her face that made people feel sorry for her, thinking this woman was truly innocent. Leaving Cining Palace, Dong Ying’er first returned to her own chambers. She changed clothes, having not bathed or groomed since yesterday, naturally appearing very haggard. Now having servants prepare bath water, she slowly sank into it.

Steam slowly rose, and Dong Ying’er’s face showed an extremely charming color. She seemed very happy, even smiling.

Things had proceeded even more smoothly than imagined. Dong Ying’er didn’t know whether her heart felt satisfaction or sadness, but she ignored those feelings. What she most wanted to see now was Zhao Jin’s current state. No matter how much Jiang Xinzhi loved her, what use was it? Committing such a grave crime, even if immortals came, it would be hard to save her. They should also taste despair – when she’d entered the palace, it was exactly this feeling. At that time, Jiang Ruan had stood by and watched her die. Now Jiang Ruan’s whereabouts were unknown, and if Jiang Xinzhi wanted to wade into these murky waters, he’d only drag himself in too. She wondered if Jiang Xinzhi would regret his past decisions – if he’d chosen her back then, probably today’s situation wouldn’t exist. Jiang Xinzhi was always suited to intelligent women.

Thinking this, Dong Ying’er increasingly wanted to immediately see Zhao Jin and observe her current appearance. So she quickly finished bathing, called maids to dress her hair, then said casually: “I never expected that after all our friendship, Zhao Jin would harm me so. This situation truly makes one indignant. I must ask her for clarification. Come, let’s go see my former sister.”

…

In the dungeon, Zhao Jin was imprisoned in the last cell. She still didn’t know the manor’s current situation, and these people hadn’t imprisoned her with her elder and second brothers, instead confining her separately. Zhao Jin vaguely sensed something – perhaps in these people’s eyes, she was the mastermind behind harming the Emperor, so they confined her this way.

Though Zhao Jin usually didn’t understand court affairs well, she knew that anyone connected to a nation’s ruler’s life usually didn’t end well. Though she knew clearly that the old ginseng absolutely wasn’t poisoned, and if the Emperor died from consuming the ginseng, someone must be framing their Zhao family.

Who had such a great grudge against the Zhao family? As Elder Brother Zhao thought, the Zhao family was merely moderate in the capital, hardly conspicuous, and usually kept a low profile – no matter what, they couldn’t have provoked such powerful enemies. Zhao Jin’s heart vaguely suspected one person – Dong Ying’er.

That ginseng was specifically requested by Dong Ying’er from Zhao Jin, supposedly to supplement the Emperor’s health. Who knew that instead of improving his health, it became the Emperor’s final death warrant? Dong Ying’er’s words that day had indeed resolved Zhao Jin’s mental knots. She’d thought this sister truly cared for her, that there had just been some misunderstanding years ago. Now with time passed, they were no longer the impulsive children of before, so those unimportant misunderstandings could dissipate.

But Zhao Jin hadn’t expected Dong Ying’er to change so completely. She very much didn’t want to believe this came from Dong Ying’er’s hand, yet had to accept this fact. Why did Dong Ying’er do this? Zhao Jin’s heart held no anger at betrayal, only disappointment. From the moment Dong Ying’er made this decision, their last trace of past affection was gone.

Zhao Jin buried her head in her knees. The dungeon was dark and damp, not very comfortable, but having practiced martial arts since childhood and not being pampered, Zhao Jin didn’t complain about discomfort. Moreover, with her current complex emotions, how could she care about external things?

Gentle footsteps slowly echoed in the dungeon, and a familiar voice rang out: “You may go. I have a few words to say to Miss Zhao.”

Hearing this voice, Zhao Jin suddenly looked up. Under the torchlight illuminating the dungeon’s dark walls, just before her behind iron bars, stood a person – it was Dong Ying’er.

The guarding jailer discreetly pocketed the silver, smiling obsequiously: “Please speak, Consort. This humble one will guard outside.” He glanced at Zhao Jin in the cell and shook his head. Everyone now knew this Miss Zhao in the cell was vicious-hearted, actually wanting to harm the sister she’d grown up with, causing the originally favored Dong Ying’er to suffer an undeserved disaster. Such a woman was truly terrifying.

After the jailer left, the maid beside Dong Ying’er also withdrew, leaving only Dong Ying’er and Zhao Jin in this cell area. Zhao Jin stared fixedly at Dong Ying’er, finally saying hoarsely after a long moment: “You did this.”

“So you’ve only just figured it out,” Dong Ying’er laughed lightly. “Correct, I did it, but you realized too late.”

“Why?” Zhao Jin grabbed the cell door as if about to rush out, gritting her teeth word by word: “Why?”

“Why?” Dong Ying’er tilted her head thoughtfully: “The reasons are too numerous. For myself, and for the Eighth Prince. Only by using your hand to bring down His Majesty, then using your Zhao family to bring down those I want to bring down, can I help the Eighth Prince achieve great things. Someone had to be sacrificed in this matter from beginning to end. Unfortunately, Zhao Jin, that person is you. Of course, these aren’t the most important – most importantly, I don’t like you. I want you dead. So when initially deciding on the candidate, I immediately chose you.”

Zhao Jin looked at Dong Ying’er incredulously. The cruelty in Dong Ying’er’s words made her shiver involuntarily. The Eighth Prince? This matter was actually connected to the Eighth Prince – she hadn’t expected Dong Ying’er to be the Eighth Prince’s person? She even less expected that Dong Ying’er would betray and frame even herself while serving the Eighth Prince. But all her doubts reached their peak with Dong Ying’er’s last sentence. What did Dong Ying’er mean? She said: “What exactly did I do to make you hate me so much? Even involving my entire Zhao family?”

“Zhao Jin, I’ve never understood why you could live your life so naively and foolishly,” Dong Ying’er frowned slightly looking at her. “When we were young, you were always the most carefree one. You didn’t need to learn rules and etiquette, didn’t need to learn household management, didn’t need to learn worldly diplomacy. Whatever you liked, you liked; what you disliked, you’d turn and leave. You liked dancing and swordplay, so your two brothers taught you martial arts. I always disliked you. Your father’s official rank wasn’t higher than mine, your Zhao family wasn’t more prestigious than our Dong family, yet you seemed much happier than me. Everything I had, you didn’t lack. Even things I didn’t have, you also possessed.”

Zhao Jin paused, then looked at Dong Ying’er like viewing a madwoman: “You disliked and resented me for such things?” If so, Dong Ying’er was truly too insane. Besides, when young, their friendship was excellent, and Dong Ying’er had never shown the slightest dissatisfaction. Even now, Zhao Jin had always thought their childhood feelings were genuine, only changing after Dong Ying’er entered the palace. But if Dong Ying’er had truly harbored jealousy since childhood, her ability to hide herself was too frightening.

“Of course not,” Dong Ying’er smiled lightly. “Such trivial matters don’t concern me. But Zhao Jin, you seem to have forgotten what I told you about Jiang Xinzhi.”

Zhao Jin was stunned, then suddenly understood, crying out: “You like him!”

“I naturally like him. I’ve liked him since the first moment I saw him,” Dong Ying’er said. “He saved me at the palace banquet, and I was overjoyed, personally going to see him. I liked him first! I was proactive first! Why was it you who got him in the end? Zhao Jin, do you know how much I hated you when I learned it was you?” Dong Ying’er glared at Zhao Jin. Today she wore plain white clothes for mourning the Emperor, her makeup very simple, appearing quite elegant. But now with bulging eyes and shouting, her features twisted with emotion, she looked exactly like a female ghost.

“How can matters of the heart be forced?” Zhao Jin looked at her incredulously: “You actually hate me for this?”

“This is what you owe me!” Dong Ying’er’s face no longer held the calm she’d had when arriving, shouting back loudly. Then after pausing, she continued: “When he disappeared at the border and everyone said he defected and betrayed the country, I didn’t believe it. But my parents forced me to enter the palace at this time. I didn’t want to enter the palace – I liked him. But my parents locked me in the manor under house arrest. I couldn’t get out. Later Jiang Ruan came to see me. You know I’d always been good to Jiang Ruan – I thought we were friends.” Dong Ying’er murmured: “But how did she answer me?”

Dong Ying’er’s gaze drifted as if returning to that day. The stunningly beautiful girl looked at her coldly, her words cruelly shattering her hopes. Jiang Ruan said: “Why should I help you?”

She said: “My elder brother has no feelings for you. Whether you like him or not is irrelevant to him.”

Dong Ying’er frantically shouted at Zhao Jin in the cell: “I knelt down and begged her, knelt down and begged her, but she also stood by and watched me die!”

“At my age entering the palace, the rest of my life was ruined. I treated her as a friend – how did she repay me?” Dong Ying’er laughed coldly: “From that day I saw clearly – friendship, affection, all lies, worthless as grass!”

“Sister Ruan saving you would be her kindness; her not saving you can’t be blamed on her. Not everyone in this world exists for you – why should they revolve around you?” Zhao Jin looked at her with pity.

“Can’t blame her? Then whom should I blame?” Dong Ying’er stared fixedly at Zhao Jin, suddenly laughing “hehe”: “I’d forgotten – I should also blame you! Zhao Jin, you knew I liked him! You clearly knew! But what did you do? You seized the magpie’s nest right when I entered the palace. Anyone could stand beside Jiang Xinzhi – anyone except you!”

“What do you mean ‘seized the magpie’s nest’?” Zhao Jin didn’t get angry but laughed instead. Usually easygoing and tolerant toward familiar people, hearing Dong Ying’er’s increasingly excessive words, she naturally couldn’t endure it and immediately retorted: “You liked him – did you ever tell him personally? If not, that’s your fault. If you did tell him and he didn’t choose you, that’s because he doesn’t like you – what does it have to do with me? You say I seized the magpie’s nest? What did you ever do for him? I personally went to the border and rescued him from enemies. Of course, matters of the heart aren’t about how much you contribute, but you should know Jiang Xinzhi chose me – I didn’t force him. It was his own choice. He has me in his heart, I have him in mine. Feelings are between two people – what right do you have to think I wronged you, what qualification to blame me!”

“Shut up!” Dong Ying’er violently shouted, perhaps from embarrassment, perhaps from something else. In Zhao Jin’s words, she found nothing to refute. Indeed, feelings were between two people, and Jiang Xinzhi liked Zhao Jin, not her. Dong Ying’er understood this better than anyone, but she refused to believe it.

How could Jiang Xinzhi do this – stir up trouble then irresponsibly leave with his lover while she became what? If not for Jiang Xinzhi, she wouldn’t have broken her engagement and naturally wouldn’t have entered the palace. Wouldn’t her life be different now? No matter what, it would be better than now – appearing flourishing on the surface but actually being a pool of black mud, long rotted and stinking!

Dong Ying’er was just unwilling to accept that after Jiang Xinzhi ruined her life, he could still live his own. People were like this – once trapped in a quagmire, they always hoped those around them would also fall into quagmires. That was much better than being alone. She knew she shouldn’t hate Zhao Jin or Jiang Xinzhi, but she had to maintain her life in enormous hatred. Without this hatred for support, she would die…

Dong Ying’er looked coldly at Zhao Jin: “Really? You’re quite proud. I wonder what methods Jiang Xinzhi will think of to save you now that you’re imprisoned – but that’s exactly what I want to see. This matter isn’t over. Aren’t you devoted to each other? Don’t hardships reveal true love? This time I hope you get your wish and drag Jiang Xinzhi down with you – that would please me greatly.”

“What do you want to do?” Zhao Jin asked warily.

“What do I want to do?” Dong Ying’er laughed lightly: “Zhao Jin, you owe me, and you’ll eventually repay me. This time, I won’t be merciful.” After speaking, ignoring Zhao Jin’s questioning, she slowly walked out of the prison.

Just as Dong Ying’er left the prison, she saw Lin Zixiang and Wen Feifei hurrying over with baskets, probably also coming to see Zhao Jin. Seeing Dong Ying’er, Wen Feifei immediately called out: “Ying’er.”

But Lin Zixiang immediately tugged Wen Feifei’s sleeve, glaring at her and looking at Dong Ying’er without speaking. Lin Zixiang was someone who showed all emotions on her face, and after all these years, her nature hadn’t changed, remaining the same even now. Seeing this, Dong Ying’er smiled slightly and proactively said: “Zixiang, Feifei.”

“What are you doing here?” Lin Zixiang asked coldly. She had a sensitive intuition about people, almost instinctively able to tell good from bad. Some people had hearts like crystal, so they judged people accurately. This was why many children could immediately tell who harbored ill will toward them. Lin Zixiang’s mind was pure, making her love and hate as clear as a child’s. Having decided Dong Ying’er was now a bad person, she wouldn’t think her visit to Zhao Jin was anything good.

“I came to see Zhao Jin,” Dong Ying’er didn’t mind at all, only saying: “I never expected the Zhao family to have such troubles. I’m also very sad.”

Lin Zixiang snorted: “Hypocrite.”

Wen Feifei quickly pinched Lin Zixiang’s arm. Having rarely had opportunities to go out after marriage and even fewer chances to enter the palace, she didn’t know the relationship between Dong Ying’er and the others had deteriorated so badly. She thought there were just some misunderstandings, and Lin Zixiang’s words always easily offended people, so she was reminding her. Then she smiled at Dong Ying’er: “Since that’s the case, we’ll go in first.”

Lin Zixiang shook off Wen Feifei’s hand and walked in by herself. Wen Feifei apologetically smiled at Dong Ying’er, who didn’t mind and left with her maid. Wen Feifei stood in place with a suspicious expression. Though not knowing what had happened, she still felt Dong Ying’er had become very wrong, as if… as if she’d become a stranger. Though having the same appearance, she couldn’t find a trace of the past in her, appearing inexplicably gloomy.

Shaking her head, Wen Feifei dismissed the strange thoughts in her mind and hurried in. Just reaching the last cell where Zhao Jin was confined alone, she heard Lin Zixiang’s surprised voice: “What did you say?”

Wen Feifei was stunned and curiously walked over, hearing Zhao Jin’s slightly weary voice: “I never expected she would hate me so much, even less that she’d use such vicious methods. My death doesn’t matter, but I can’t implicate my family.”

“What do you want to do?” Lin Zixiang asked seriously.

Zhao Jin smiled bitterly: “With things at this point, I probably understand in my heart. I don’t know how my parents are now. Zixiang, go out and inquire for me. If there’s truly no way, I alone must bear this blame.”