The brown sugar eggs that Sister-in-law Gui had the young wife next door prepare were quickly brought over, but Jiang Ruan was in such severe pain that she had no appetite to eat anything. Unable to resist Sister-in-law Gui’s repeated urging: “Ruanniang, please eat a little. We’ve all given birth before and know how serious this is. Giving birth is hard work—how can Ruanniang have strength to deliver later if you don’t eat something now? Besides, we don’t know when exactly you’ll give birth. I think it’ll be within these few days. Ruanniang, you can’t starve yourself for several days. Don’t let the child in your belly go hungry.”

Jiang Ruan had no appetite initially, but hearing Sister-in-law Gui’s last words, she couldn’t help but feel alarmed, thinking that no matter what, she couldn’t let the child go hungry. So she forced herself through the discomfort to finish all the food Sister-in-law Gui brought. Even so, the pain in her abdomen didn’t lessen in the slightest. Just like that, an entire night passed.

That night, by the latter half Jiang Ruan stopped feeling pain because she was too exhausted and fell asleep. The village elders and experienced aunts and wives all kept watch outside Sister-in-law Gui’s house, along with many young men. Jiang Ruan was beautiful, and most of these young men harbored feelings for her, usually bringing small gifts and such. Now they couldn’t help worrying about her. Despite their parents’ scolding, they stubbornly ran out and waited outside Sister-in-law Gui’s house.

An older granny said: “Looks like she won’t give birth tonight.” This was the village’s midwife, Granny Wang.

“I think it’ll be within these two days—that belly is so big,” Sister-in-law Gui said worriedly. Through these days together, she had grown fond of Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan was gentle by nature, courteous and thoughtful in her dealings with people, and beautiful too. This place didn’t have the many rules of high society, and people were simple by nature. Sister-in-law Gui truly loved Jiang Ruan like a daughter, so she couldn’t help worrying: “With such a big belly, I wonder if the delivery will go smoothly.”

“I think Ruanniang’s body is still somewhat weak,” Granny Wang said. “I’m afraid this time won’t be so easy either.”

“How could she not be weak?” a young wife said. “She suffered so much before, and even while pregnant was pursued by her own husband. Her body was probably already weakened. Sigh, so pitiful.”

These words were naturally condemning Jiang Ruan’s heartless, ungrateful husband. All the women present hated such a cold-hearted man, and the young men also wished they could give that ungrateful wretch a good beating—how could he bear to harm such a kind and beautiful girl?

Liu Mengmeng was the daughter of Scholar Liu in the village. She was only fourteen or fifteen years old this year. Scholar Liu was the most learned person in the village, so naturally Liu Mengmeng was the most talented girl in the village. She was also adorably beautiful, and before Jiang Ruan’s arrival, she had been the prettiest girl in the village. However, after Jiang Ruan came, all the young men who had previously courted her turned to Jiang Ruan instead, naturally leaving Liu Mengmeng feeling quite resentful.

Today she had also come, following Aunt Liu. Liu Mengmeng immediately noticed the two Da Shan brothers sitting outside Sister-in-law Gui’s house with tense expressions. When Da Shan saw Jiang Ruan about to give birth today, he was also stunned, seeing Jiang Ruan in such pain made his heart ache terribly, wishing he could bear the pain for her. Initially thinking she would give birth during the night, but when it didn’t happen in the end, Da Shan’s heart was left hanging. Not knowing what to do, he could only sit at the door with the other young men who admired Jiang Ruan, staring helplessly.

“Da Shan,” Liu Mengmeng walked to his side and took out a paper package from her bosom, handing it to him: “Tea flower cakes I brought from home. You’ve been sitting here for half the night—eat something.”

The surrounding young men all turned to look at her, making Liu Mengmeng’s face flush red. Everyone in the village knew Liu Mengmeng was especially good to Da Shan, but it was because once when Liu Mengmeng was digging medicinal herbs in the mountains with her girlfriends, they encountered a leopard, and Da Shan happened to be hunting and saved her life. Young girls always admire heroes, and Da Shan was also a handsome young man, so naturally he would win Liu Mengmeng’s favor. But Liu Mengmeng’s feelings were one-sided—Da Shan didn’t seem to care about such things.

Sure enough, this time Da Shan didn’t pay attention either, just accepting the paper package of tea flower cakes with a smile: “It’s fine, I’m not hungry. Xiao Shan, you haven’t eaten for half the night either—have something.” Xiao Shan was truly hungry, so he took them and bit into a tea flower cake, even saying to Liu Mengmeng: “So delicious, thank you.”

The surrounding young men burst into laughter, not knowing whether they were laughing at Da Shan’s obliviousness or at Liu Mengmeng’s wasted efforts at showing affection. Liu Mengmeng stomped her feet in anger and ran away in a huff. Da Shan was quite puzzled, but Sister-in-law Gui saw everything and couldn’t help sighing.

Liu Mengmeng was indeed a good girl, but she naturally understood her son’s thoughts very well—Da Shan clearly liked Jiang Ruan. Indeed, how could anyone not love a girl like Jiang Ruan? Even she wished Jiang Ruan could be her daughter. If Da Shan liked Jiang Ruan and wanted to marry her, Sister-in-law Gui would have no objections at all. But she was also a woman and could see clearly that Jiang Ruan had no romantic feelings for Da Shan whatsoever, let alone anything else. Da Shan’s tender feelings were destined to be wasted. However… Sister-in-law Gui thought again that Jiang Ruan had suffered such great harm before, so naturally she would become reluctant to trust men easily. Time would tell a person’s heart—perhaps after a long time, Jiang Ruan might change her mind. In any case, they would take it one step at a time.

Time passed amid the entire village’s anxious waiting, until the second day’s afternoon, when no major problems occurred. The villagers all dispersed.

When Jiang Ruan woke up, she felt very apologetic for causing everyone to worry for nothing. Sister-in-law Gui comforted her: “Giving birth is important—how is it worrying for nothing? You’ve worked hard too. But this child in your belly is quite mischievous, teasing his mother like this—probably a little boy.”

Jiang Ruan also smiled.

…

Meanwhile, Xiao Shao was leading his trusted men in a mad rush toward this place. In one day and night, several of his subordinates’ horses had died from exhaustion, yet no one complained of hardship or fatigue, because Xiao Shao was absolutely determined not to rest. Jiang Xinzhi was the same. Qi Feng wanted to offer some advice, but he could understand both men’s feelings, and besides, finding news of Jiang Ruan was naturally good.

The pawn shop owner who had received Jiang Ruan’s jewelry recalled that the person who came to pawn items that day was a half-grown youth dressed like a mountain hunter, and it was a live pawn. Why would someone make a live pawn for no reason? This could only mean the jewelry’s owner was still alive—perhaps this youth planned to redeem it for the jewelry’s owner later, or perhaps this was a signal deliberately sent out with the owner’s consent or even initiative.

Along the way, the Embroidered Uniform Guards gathered information and finally learned through various channels that there was indeed a secluded refuge. This place was extremely difficult to find. Originally everyone thought Jiang Ruan was no longer in this world—only Xiao Shao persisted in seeking news of her. Now, with even the slightest hope, how could he give up?

When they reached the cliff edge, there was no more road, but they heard they needed to descend the cliff using only vines from outside. His subordinates dismounted with Xiao Shao, leaving several people to guard this place while Xiao Shao and Jiang Xinzhi led the way. Being highly skilled in martial arts, they descended first, and soon Qi Feng and the others followed. When several people had landed, they found themselves among continuous mountains and forests, unable to distinguish which direction was which—an endless expanse. Qi Feng sighed: “No wonder others couldn’t find it. In such a hidden place, trying to find a village without someone to lead the way would only result in getting lost and dying of starvation.”

“Even if we die, we must find her,” Xiao Shao said. “Split up and search.”

“Wait,” Jiang Xinzhi suddenly raised his hand and spoke: “Look, who is that?”

Among the continuous mountain forests, a young girl was carrying a basket, apparently doing something. This was a lushly forested area, and the girl wore a peach-colored summer jacket that made her particularly conspicuous—several people noticed her immediately. Jin Yi asked: “A decoy?”

“In a secluded refuge, where would there be decoys?” Qi Feng said. “Perhaps she’s from the village. Should we go ask?”

Xiao Shao and Jiang Xinzhi exchanged glances: “Good.”

Liu Mengmeng was picking medicinal herbs in the mountain forest. Going out alone to pick herbs was very unsafe, but today she was acting out of spite. Last night, Da Shan had completely humiliated her in front of everyone. She had liked Da Shan for a long time—he was handsome and brave, with excellent archery skills. But Da Shan was always indifferent to her. However, Liu Mengmeng wasn’t worried at all; she was the prettiest and most educated girl in the village, so Da Shan would definitely come to like her. Who knew that after Jiang Ruan arrived, everything changed.

Jiang Ruan was also beautiful—even she had to admit it. Jiang Ruan’s beauty was like the sun in the sky, too brilliant and bright, making everyone around her seem pale by comparison. Moreover, her temperament was good, and every movement looked elegantly refined like someone from a noble family. Most importantly, she was also very learned, sometimes teaching the village children things Liu Mengmeng didn’t know. Even her father praised Ruanniang as a woman of profound learning.

Jealousy—Liu Mengmeng was jealous of Jiang Ruan, most jealous of how good Da Shan was to Jiang Ruan. She had never seen Da Shan be so considerate to any other woman. Liu Mengmeng could tell that Da Shan liked Jiang Ruan. But why? Jiang Ruan was a woman who had already had a husband. The more she thought about it, the sadder she became, especially remembering last night seeing Da Shan sitting motionless there, his eyes full of Jiang Ruan who was about to give birth in the house, with no room for anyone else in his eyes. Just thinking about it made Liu Mengmeng feel wronged, so she had entered the mountains early in the morning to dig herbs. She petulantly wondered: if she unfortunately encountered wild beasts in the mountains, would Da Shan come save her? If she got injured, would Da Shan also watch over her like he did Jiang Ruan?

She was listlessly thinking about these things, with no mind for picking herbs. Just as she was thinking, she suddenly heard someone call from behind: “Miss.”

Liu Mengmeng was startled and quickly turned around. A handsome young man stood before her. This man was richly dressed and had a martial bearing. He looked at her with a smile: “Miss, may I ask how to get to Qingping Village?”

Although Liu Mengmeng went into the mountains, she had never been to the outside world. Her life had always been in the village, so all the people she’d seen were familiar villagers. Suddenly encountering a group of strangers naturally startled her.

Then, from behind the martial man came another man in purple robes. This man was also very handsome, with a gentle and courteous voice: “Miss, we are not bad people. Dare I ask if you are from Qingping Village, and could you guide us there?”

Liu Mengmeng stepped back. This group was all exceptionally well-dressed and dignified-looking. Liu Mengmeng was just a young girl after all, and since these people were gentle, courteous, and good-looking, she unconsciously felt more favorable toward them. But thinking that outsiders rarely came to her village, she still asked: “What do you want?”

This time, another black-clothed youth emerged from behind the martial man. This youth had extremely good looks, even better than the previous two men. His eyes were like dots of lacquer, his brows like ink paintings—instantly Liu Mengmeng could only think of this phrase her father had taught her. This youth also had a fascinating cold bearing. His words were also indifferent: “I received a clue that my wife has ended up in Qingping Village, so I’ve come to find her. Are you from Qingping Village? Is there any strange woman who has ended up in your village?”

With just one sentence, Liu Mengmeng’s mind went blank, instantly snapping back from her amazement at the black-clothed youth before her. She almost immediately thought of Jiang Ruan—the only outsider currently in Qingping Village was Jiang Ruan. This black-clothed youth actually said Jiang Ruan was his wife—then wasn’t this person that ungrateful, fickle man!

Liu Mengmeng had also heard Jiang Ruan’s story and knew she had married badly. Initially, she had felt indignant for Jiang Ruan—indeed, any woman marrying such a man would end up so miserable. Although Liu Mengmeng was jealous of how good Da Shan was to Jiang Ruan, seeing the man before her, she immediately thought she absolutely couldn’t let him discover Jiang Ruan’s whereabouts.

“Miss?” Seeing her long silence, Qi Feng couldn’t help asking, thinking something had frightened this young girl. Little did he know that Liu Mengmeng was staring intently at the black-clothed youth. She had never seen such a handsome man, and he had an innate flowing elegance—no matter how much she looked, it wasn’t enough. Yet such a person was actually someone who seized others’ family property and ultimately pursued his own wife—an ungrateful wretch. Liu Mengmeng sighed inwardly, thinking that even she probably wouldn’t be able to immediately recognize this youth’s ambitions at first glance.

She withdrew her gaze from Xiao Shao and pretended ignorance: “I’m not from Qingping Village. There are several villages in these mountains. I’m also entering the mountains for the first time to play—I don’t know where Qingping Village is. I also haven’t heard of any woman ending up here recently. You gentlemen probably heard wrong.”

“How is that possible?” Jin Er said. “This clue is definitely correct.” He continued: “Little sister, you’re not deceiving us, are you? We’re not bad people.”

Having finally found such a clue, if it was false, Xiao Shao would be devastated. Everyone believed this, so how could they trust this little girl’s words? Seeing this, Jiang Xinzhi said to her: “I am her elder brother. We’ve been searching for her for a long time. Miss, please don’t hide anything. If something happens to her, I’ll never forgive myself.”

Liu Mengmeng sneered inwardly, thinking that Jiang Ruan had clearly said before that her family had no elder brother—this was obviously a lie. These people looked respectable on the surface but were actually trying to finish her off completely. At this moment, she couldn’t worry about her grievances with Jiang Ruan anymore. She blinked and said: “I’m sorry, I sympathize with you all, but I really don’t know where Qingping Village is. You gentlemen should look elsewhere. Farewell.” After speaking, she turned to leave.

“Hey—” Qi Feng wanted to reach out and stop her, but Xiao Shao prevented him. Everyone looked at Xiao Shao in confusion. Xiao Shao said quietly: “She’s lying. Follow her.”

That girl’s behavior clearly wasn’t her first time in the mountains, and the Embroidered Uniform Guards’ intelligence would definitely be accurate. There was only one Qingping Village here—where else would there be another Qingping Village? The little girl’s gaze at him earlier had been extremely strange—initially seeming infatuated and amazed, then becoming odd after hearing his words, then her attitude suddenly changed. Although he didn’t know why, Xiao Shao knew his words must have caused some reaction in that little girl. Since that was the case, rather than entangle here, it was better to quietly follow from behind to find Jiang Ruan earlier. The little girl was inexperienced after all—if she knew something, she would definitely return to the village first to spread the word. Following her would surely lead to Qingping Village.

No one objected to Xiao Shao’s words and acted accordingly.

After walking for a while, Liu Mengmeng couldn’t help looking back. Not seeing the black-clothed youth and his group, she sighed in relief. It really was as her father said—the outside world was too complex. Even she hadn’t expected that the beautiful, painting-like black-clothed youth would be such a heartless person. Thinking of how this person wanted to find this place to finish off Jiang Ruan completely, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat sympathetic toward Jiang Ruan.

However, Liu Mengmeng suddenly thought that these people were so vicious, they would definitely not give up until they found Jiang Ruan. Since they had already received clues, they certainly wouldn’t give up so easily. She should return to the village early to tell the villagers about this matter, let Jiang Ruan prepare early, and preferably hide so she wouldn’t be discovered.

Liu Mengmeng turned back to confirm once more that no one was following, then hurried back toward the village with her basket. It would take several hours to get back to the village from these mountains—she couldn’t arrive anytime soon. Liu Mengmeng tried to run faster, afraid of falling behind that group of villains, not knowing that Xiao Shao and his men were following her from a distance.

“Truly a cunning little girl,” Qi Feng said. “But why did she deceive us?”

“A secluded refuge naturally wouldn’t want to be discovered,” Jiang Xinzhi said. This made sense, so everyone stopped talking and continued following Liu Mengmeng.

…

The day passed quickly. Everyone had thought it was a false alarm, but unexpectedly, toward evening as dusk approached, Jiang Ruan began experiencing severe abdominal pain again, and this time it was much worse than before. When Sister-in-law Gui entered the room and saw that the blanket under Jiang Ruan was soaked through a large area, she was startled and quickly called to Da Shan who was chopping wood outside: “Da Shan, quickly go get Granny Wang! Ruanniang is going into labor!”

Da Shan dropped the firewood in his hands and ran out. His heart had been in panic all day—no one knew when Jiang Ruan would give birth. Da Shan had heard others say that women giving birth was like walking through the gates of hell. Granny Wang said Jiang Ruan’s body was weak, making it even more dangerous—he was very afraid something might go wrong. Da Shan’s heart was also uneasy.

Granny Wang quickly ran in, bringing two aunts with birthing experience. A large pot of hot water had already been boiled outside, and Sister-in-law Gui had long since chased Da Shan out of the room. So once again, like last night, many young men and young wives and aunts waited outside Sister-in-law Gui’s house, anxiously listening to the sounds from inside.

But tonight was different from last night. Last night Jiang Ruan had abdominal pain but could endure it, and it had finally settled down. Tonight the sounds from that room were quite piercing to hear. Women could be seen constantly carrying out basin after basin of bloody water, a heart-stopping sight. The cries of the woman in labor also made everyone involuntarily clench their fists.

“Ah—” Jiang Ruan gripped the bedsheets beneath her with all her strength. Granny Wang said: “Ruanniang, don’t be nervous, relax. All women go through this giving birth—don’t be afraid. Come, push—”

“It hurts so much.” Jiang Ruan’s forehead was covered with sweat, her hair clinging together in wet strands, her complexion deathly pale, her lips still trembling. Another aunt pulled Sister-in-law Gui aside and said in a voice only the two of them could hear: “This won’t do. Ruanniang’s delivery is very dangerous—the child’s head is too big and stuck, unable to come out. Her body is weak, and she can’t exert strength now…”

Sister-in-law Gui became anxious upon hearing this: “What should we do?” This wasn’t her first time seeing someone give birth—seeing Jiang Ruan like this, she knew the situation was dire. But Jiang Ruan had been with her for so long, these days felt like having an extra daughter. Sister-in-law Gui felt sorry for Jiang Ruan suffering so much at such a young age—if something happened today, she didn’t dare think…

“We can only try again…” The aunt sighed and turned back to help.

Time passed minute by minute, and the moaning from the room gradually weakened. Even the usually mischievous Xiao Shan couldn’t help but look serious, asking Da Shan tentatively: “Brother, she won’t have trouble, will she?”

“She won’t have trouble,” Da Shan murmured, not knowing if these words were for Xiao Shan or to comfort himself.

Just then, a clear voice came over: “Something terrible! Something terrible!”

Everyone turned to look—it was Liu Mengmeng. Aunt Liu scolded: “You dead girl, where did you go wild? Coming back so late!”

“Mother, something terrible,” Liu Mengmeng said breathlessly. “I went into the mountains today and met Ruanniang’s husband there. They brought many people, probably to capture Ruanniang. I was afraid they’d discover this place, so I deceived them and led them astray. Fearing they’d follow me, I deliberately took a longer route and only just returned.”

“Ruanniang’s husband?” Da Shan asked.

“Yes,” Liu Mengmeng gestured: “Tall, very handsome, wearing black clothes… Ah—” Liu Mengmeng screamed, pointing toward a figure in the night: “How are you here?”

Standing there was a person who was tall and handsome, dressed in black—who else could it be but Jiang Ruan’s husband as described by Liu Mengmeng? Behind him were several other people, all unfamiliar faces. All the Qingping Village residents stood up. Everyone knew Jiang Ruan’s background clearly and naturally hated this ungrateful, fickle wolf. Da Shan blocked the black-clothed man’s path: “What do you want?”

Qi Feng frowned—he felt the village residents showed great hostility toward them, though he didn’t know why. He still said: “Everyone, we’re not bad people. We’ve only come to find our lady. Once we find her, we’ll leave immediately without disturbing you or revealing news of this place.”

“Hypocritical, ungrateful wolf, get lost!” Xiao Shan grabbed a carrying pole and charged forward. Jiang Xinzhi lightly hooked his hand, deflecting the pole to one side. He asked puzzledly: “What does this mean?” For no reason at all, how did they become ungrateful wolves? From their appearance, these villagers indeed had many complaints against them.

Da Shan stopped Xiao Shan’s action. He looked around, confirming that the black-clothed man was Jiang Ruan’s husband. This person looked dignified and imposing—who knew he was a beast in human clothing? He said firmly: “We have no lady here, only our own villagers. Sir, you’ve probably come to the wrong place.”

Before he finished speaking, a high-pitched moan came from the lit room: “Ah—”

This voice was familiar to everyone—it was Jiang Ruan’s. Xiao Shao and Jiang Xinzhi’s expressions changed simultaneously as they called: “Ruanruan—” and tried to rush into the room.

Granny Wang’s voice also rang out anxiously: “Ruanniang is failing—she has no strength left. What should we do?”

Da Shan blocked Xiao Shao, angrily saying: “Don’t you dare harm her! If you harm her, I’ll take your life!”

Xiao Shao looked at him coldly. His mood was probably extremely displeased at this moment. He actually reached out and grabbed Da Shan’s arm—the next moment, Da Shan flew away from before his eyes.

The surrounding villagers cried out and all surrounded them. Qi Feng felt very troubled—this matter needn’t become so heated; it could have been resolved peacefully. How did it become like this? Xiao Shao didn’t even glance at these people and immediately tried to rush into the room. Jiang Ruan was already too weak to cry out, but at this moment, she vaguely seemed to hear Xiao Shao’s voice. Her originally somewhat unclear consciousness became clear again: “Ah Shao—”

Xiao Shao had already heard her voice and instantly burst through the door. The surrounding villagers wanted to stop him but couldn’t. Seeing this, Da Shan tried to get up and grab Xiao Shao: “What do you want to do?”

“What do you want to do?” Jin Er slapped him down with one palm. He had been looking at this youth with great displeasure, acting so familiar with their young mistress, needlessly making their young master angry. He smiled: “Husband and wife matters—what business is it of yours?”

The women in the room all screamed upon seeing the man who suddenly burst in. Jiang Ruan drowsily opened her eyes, saw Xiao Shao, and tears immediately began to fall: “Ah Shao, Ah Shao, you finally came…”

“I came too late,” Xiao Shao knelt by the bed in two or three steps, tightly grasping her hand: “I’m sorry.”

“I… save our child…” Jiang Ruan said: “Please save him…” Seeing Xiao Shao, Jiang Ruan’s entire heart settled down. Her only thought was to save the child in her womb. She felt all her strength and life draining away—as long as Xiao Shao could save their child, this was hers and Xiao Shao’s child, and she didn’t want to lose him.

“Ruanruan, hold on. You and the child will both be fine. I’m here now—nothing will happen. Don’t be afraid, don’t give up.” Xiao Shao gripped her hand. This youth who never showed his emotions suddenly had red-rimmed eyes, his voice trembling yet his tone absolutely firm: “Ruanruan, hold on.” He turned to look at the several women who were already stunned, and for the first time, this always proud youth pleaded: “Save her life!”

Granny Wang, Sister-in-law Gui, and the others were first startled by the man who burst in, frightened out of their wits. From his appearance, this person should indeed be Jiang Ruan’s husband. But Jiang Ruan’s husband was supposedly a heartless, ungrateful man. Yet this youth didn’t seem heartless toward Jiang Ruan. They were all experienced women—this youth’s gaze at Jiang Ruan showed love that reached the very tip of his heart. As for Jiang Ruan, having been in Qingping Village for so long, she always wore a slightly smiling expression, but this was the first time they’d seen such a Jiang Ruan. It was as if all the burdens she had silently carried were finally set down, placing her complete trust in the person before her.

Xiao Shao gripped Jiang Ruan’s hand and whispered in her ear: “You can’t leave me alone, Ruanruan. I missed your previous life—I don’t want to miss this one again. When all this settles, I’ll accompany you to do whatever you want. Wherever you want to go, I’ll be with you. Don’t leave me…” His tears fell drop by drop, surprisingly hot for someone so cold.

Jiang Ruan’s eyes also reddened. She couldn’t bear to leave Xiao Shao. Perhaps only after taking the wrong path once does one realize how precious what they currently possess is. In this life, Xiao Shao was her most unexpected gift—how fortunate to have met him. If she died, Xiao Shao would live alone and lonely in this world, and he would suffer greatly too. Jiang Ruan closed her eyes and gripped her fists anew.

Sister-in-law Gui and the others couldn’t help but tear up as well. Granny Wang, with sharp eyes, immediately noticed Jiang Ruan’s change and quickly called out: “Ruanniang, that’s right! Just like that—push hard!” She helped deliver the baby with one hand while encouraging her with her voice. Xiao Shao also gripped Jiang Ruan’s hand tightly, constantly giving her encouragement.

That night seemed exceptionally long. When dawn broke in the east, the first cry of a newborn pierced the sky, and everyone inside and outside the room simultaneously sighed with relief.

Da Shan and the villagers were surrounded by the Embroidered Uniform Guards and couldn’t approach, but they heard Granny Wang’s delighted voice from inside: “It’s twins—a dragon and phoenix pair! Ruanniang is truly blessed!”

“Ruanruan…” Jiang Xinzhi’s heart relaxed, and he hurried toward the room. Then he saw Sister-in-law Gui emerge, instructing several young wives to prepare some sugar water. Jiang Ruan had labored all night to deliver the children. Everyone had thought it extremely dangerous, but this narrow escape from death made everyone’s hearts tighten. If not for that black-clothed youth at the end, they wondered if she could have persevered.

Sister-in-law Gui sighed, remembering how after the children were born, that youth hadn’t even glanced at the babies—his gaze fell only on Jiang Ruan. That anxious appearance was heart-wrenching to watch. She knew then that this youth’s relationship with Jiang Ruan was extraordinary—things were probably not as Jiang Ruan had described. If this person was Jiang Ruan’s husband, he was definitely one who cherished his wife.

Inside the room, the swaddled babies had just been cleaned and wrapped in pre-made swaddling clothes, looking adorable. It was a brother and sister, placed beside Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan’s body was still very weak. Xiao Shao kept holding her hand as Jiang Ruan smiled: “I want to see the children.”

“Don’t move.” Xiao Shao frowned and stopped her, picking up the children himself to show her. His movements were still clumsy, his holding posture incorrect, but fortunately the two children weren’t delicate and didn’t cry. Only newborns are wrinkled and scrunched up—Xiao Shao was also stunned seeing them, clicked his tongue, and said: “So ugly.”

Being disliked by their own father right after birth—Jiang Ruan glared at Xiao Shao. Xiao Shao brought the children before Jiang Ruan, who reached out to play with them, her heart full of joy. All the pain from that night was relieved in this moment—everything seemed worth it. Life was so miraculous—these were hers and Xiao Shao’s children. She said: “I haven’t named them yet. I’ve been waiting for you to come and name them.” Not hearing Xiao Shao respond, Jiang Ruan looked up to see him gazing deeply at her.

“What are you looking at me for?” Jiang Ruan asked.

“I’m sorry,” Xiao Shao said quietly. “All this time, you were alone—it must have been very hard. I came too late, almost…” Almost lost her. Xiao Shao’s hand stroked Jiang Ruan’s hair. If he had lost Jiang Ruan, he didn’t dare think what would have happened.

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “What’s there to worry about? This place is very good. But why do I feel like you don’t quite like these two children?” Jiang Ruan’s heart also grew a bit nervous. Since entering, Xiao Shao’s expression toward the children had been indifferent. Why would he show such an expression? Was it because he inherently disliked children?

Xiao Shao looked hesitantly at the two wrinkled little monkeys in the swaddling clothes, buried his head in Jiang Ruan’s shoulder, and breathed deeply, as if to carve her scent into his heart: “Ruanruan, in the future… let’s not have any more children.”

Watching her give birth, stepping one foot into the gates of hell—he never wanted to experience that again in this lifetime. That feeling of helplessness mixed with tremendous terror, knowing his beloved was suffering but not knowing what he could do. What did children matter? As long as Jiang Ruan was alive, he didn’t want her to suffer like this again.

Jiang Ruan’s heart relaxed. She found it somewhat amusing yet touching, knowing this experience had probably frightened Xiao Shao, so she scolded: “Childish!”

Things finally settled down. Xiao Shao stayed by Jiang Ruan’s side constantly, with the children also beside Jiang Ruan—a picture of familial bliss. Seeing this, Da Shan, who had followed Jiang Xinzhi to the doorway, suddenly stopped in his tracks. He wasn’t a fool—when had he ever seen Jiang Ruan with such happy, relaxed expression? Such unguarded, heartfelt joy must be because of that man.

Jin Er patted Da Shan’s shoulder, only saying: “Brother, let’s go out. Our young mistress and young master haven’t seen each other for a long time. Leave this room to them.”

Jiang Xinzhi also walked out. As long as Jiang Ruan was safe, his heart was at ease. Although he very much wanted to go in and see Jiang Ruan and his two little nephews, Jiang Ruan’s body was weak now and probably needed Xiao Shao’s company more. Moreover, these days he had personally witnessed how Xiao Shao tortured himself. Sighing, Jiang Xinzhi turned and closed the door, walking out.

Qi Feng was still working hard to explain Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao’s relationship to the people of Qingping Village. At the time, he had found the villagers’ attitude toward them very strange. Later he finally understood that Jiang Ruan had told such a lie. Actually, Qi Feng was also puzzled why Jiang Ruan would say such things—he wondered what Xiao Shao would think if he heard it. Those villagers were originally doubtful of them, but after Sister-in-law Gui emerged and told the villagers about Xiao Shao’s behavior in the room that day, many young wives were moved to tears. Later, seeing Xiao Shao carefully attending to Jiang Ruan in every detail over the following days, those doubts dissipated.

Liu Mengmeng was very angry. She hadn’t expected Jiang Ruan to deceive her, nor had she expected that such a handsome man wouldn’t be a bad person and would treat Jiang Ruan so well. But seeing Da Shan’s recent dejected state, she felt relieved. With such a handsome and considerate husband, Jiang Ruan probably wouldn’t look at Da Shan.

Jiang Ruan’s body recovered faster than expected. Because this place was conducive to quiet recuperation, they stayed many extra days. Only after a month did they prepare to take their leave. On the day of departure, Jiang Ruan said to Sister-in-law Gui and the Da Shan brothers: “I deceived you all initially—it was unavoidable, but I apologize. Thank you for taking me in all these days. Jiang Ruan is eternally grateful.”

“If there’s anything we can help with in the future, just speak up,” Xiao Shao added.

Seeing this couple’s harmonious manner, Da Shan felt a pang of sourness in his heart. He knew very well how much he liked Jiang Ruan, but he could also see clearly that Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao had an excellent relationship with no room for outsiders to interfere. Besides, what qualifications did he have to compete? Even so, the youth couldn’t help saying: “If you ever… have any difficulties, you can come live here.”

“You” naturally referred to Jiang Ruan. Xiao Shao’s expression immediately darkened. He simply said “She won’t” and “Farewell,” then turned and pulled Jiang Ruan away. Jiang Ruan glared at him, then hurriedly bid farewell to the Da Shan brothers and Sister-in-law Gui before following Xiao Shao’s people away. Long after they left, Da Shan still gazed in the direction they’d departed. Sister-in-law Gui sighed, thinking her foolish son would probably have a good period of heartache ahead.

After leaving the mountains, Jiang Ruan took a carriage back to the capital. In the carriage, Jiang Ruan held the children while leaning against Xiao Shao. Xiao Shao’s expression still wasn’t very good, so she said: “When did you become so petty?”

Xiao Shao didn’t answer. Jiang Ruan smiled and brought the children closer to Xiao Shao: “You still haven’t said what names you’ve chosen.”

Only then did Xiao Shao’s expression soften: “Ming Sheng, Nan Xu.”

“Hmm? ‘Ming Sheng rises with autumn wind. South of the street, green trees spring with catkins.’ Beautiful names—so you had already thought of them.” Jiang Ruan said: “Why are you so stubborn? You thought of them but didn’t say. But which is the brother’s name and which is the sister’s?”

“Either works. When they grow up, they can choose for themselves.”

“…”

…

News that Jiang Ruan had returned safely to the capital spread throughout the entire city that day. Jiang Ruan had once been Princess Hong’an—she was now essentially the emperor’s sister. The young master and young miss born to Prince Jinying’s manor naturally became precious treasures. When Jiang Ruan returned to Prince Jinying’s manor, the Zhao Guang family, Zhao Jin’s family, Wen Feifei, Jiang Xinzhi—almost everyone with any connection came. This was a major event. After arriving, everyone would praise the twin pair, making Butler Lin smile so widely his mouth couldn’t close. Lu Zhu, Lian Qiao, and Tian Zhu were also relieved and happy every day.

This wasn’t just happiness about this event, but also because Xuan Li’s rebellion had collapsed utterly.

This might seem strange, but thinking about it, there was nothing strange about it. Although Xuan Li had many troops, they were scattered too far from each other and distant from the capital. Xuan Pei’s forces weren’t solely focused on military power—in many areas, such as merchants, he had influence to rally support. So while Xuan Li’s people were still feeling overwhelmed by insufficient provisions for their troops, Xuan Pei easily solved military funding problems.

Those following Xuan Li weren’t all die-hard loyalists—some defected from time to time. Xuan Li’s power grew smaller and smaller, while Xiao Shao and Jiang Xinzhi’s forces became extremely fierce due to Jiang Ruan’s situation. This way, completely eliminating Xuan Li’s people was just a matter of time.

Because Jiang Ruan’s body hadn’t fully recovered and probably needed more quiet recuperation, and Xuan Pei was busy with palace affairs and couldn’t leave the palace to see her, the two hadn’t met for a long time. However, Jiang Ruan’s return still stirred considerable waves among the capital’s people. Everyone knew Jiang Ruan had been kidnapped but escaped and was saved by kind people, not only preserving her life but also protecting the pair of children in her womb. They all said Jiang Ruan had great fortune and that good people receive good rewards. Prince Jinying’s manor, originally bearing the stigma of traitorous ministers, also gained some rehabilitation in the people’s eyes due to their recent opposition to the rebels.

In a flash, three months passed. During these three months, the rebel factions in the capital were gradually pacified. The remaining Nanjiang people and Xuan Li’s forces scattered in various places were merely at their last gasp, just struggling pointlessly. However, Qi Man and Xuan Li had never shown themselves.

Jiang Ruan was in her room coaxing the children. The brother was Ming Sheng, the sister Nan Xu—Xiao Ming Sheng and Xiao Nan Xu had finally escaped their newborn wrinkled monkey appearance and become adorably cute. Only the brother looked as bright and beautiful as Jiang Ruan, with very moving eyes, but his temperament was exactly like Xiao Shao’s—no matter how cute he was, he didn’t like to smile, maintaining a dignified manner even as a tiny bundle. The sister looked more like Xiao Shao but had a sweet temperament, reaching out for hugs from anyone she saw. Xiao Shao preferred his daughter more, holding her every day. He wasn’t very warm toward his bad-tempered son. Jiang Ruan most often saw the father and son sitting on the bed staring at each other, and Xiao Shao’s behavior always made her laugh.

In the evening, just after coaxing the children to sleep, she saw Xiao Shao return. Jiang Ruan stood up but before she could speak, Xiao Shao had her pinned against the wall, his lips descending.

“The children…” Jiang Ruan reminded him.

“Don’t mind them.” Xiao Shao’s tone was somewhat aggrieved: “You only care about the children.”

“How old are you to compete with children?” Jiang Ruan found it amusing and pushed him: “Tomorrow is the full-month celebration. You should prepare well too.”

These two children were treasures in everyone’s eyes now, so a full-month celebration was necessary—otherwise Butler Lin would keep bringing it up. Actually, the day had already passed, but delaying until now was only because there were too many current affairs. Xiao Shao had one good point—ever since Jiang Ruan returned, he spent almost entire days with her daily. Sometimes when Jiang Ruan told him he needn’t mind her, Xiao Shao still stayed with her. Probably due to previous events, Jiang Ruan couldn’t say anything more about it.

Early the next morning, Jiang Ruan brought out Xiao Ming Sheng and Xiao Nan Xu. Butler Lin now ascended to court and entered halls, handling both minister and butler roles with perfect naturalness. He was especially protective of the two new little treasures in the manor, watching them more closely than even Xiao Shao, their father. He personally had Nanfeng Courtyard’s people custom-make two sets of small clothes—one pink, one blue. Whether intentionally or not, the pink was given to Ming Sheng, the blue to Nan Xu. Nan Xu was always well-behaved, happily wearing whatever she was given. But Ming Sheng wore a stern expression. Dressed in pink clothes, he looked like a pink jade carving, but Jiang Ruan, propping her chin, felt like she was seeing a face identical to Xiao Shao’s—the little person was currently very displeased.

When Xiao Shao came to see him, Ming Sheng acted indifferent. Nan Xu reached out wanting daddy’s hug, which Xiao Shao gave naturally. Ming Sheng watched and watched, then turned to look at Jiang Ruan. Understanding, Jiang Ruan picked up Ming Sheng, who planted a soft kiss with his milky-sweet lips on Jiang Ruan’s lips. Seeing this, Xiao Shao glanced indifferently at Ming Sheng, who shrank his head and nonchalantly turned away, pretending not to see his father’s gaze.

Accustomed to these father-son antics every few days, Jiang Ruan shrugged: “Let’s go out and see. People will arrive soon.”

Xiao Shao carried Nan Xu and went out with Jiang Ruan. Reaching the main hall, there were indeed eager people already waiting. Prince Jinying’s manor’s young master and young miss’s hundred-day celebration would naturally cause a sensation throughout the capital. Everyone knew the current emperor had a good relationship with Jiang Ruan—pleasing these two treasures meant pleasing the emperor. Gifts flowed endlessly to Prince Jinying’s manor without regard for cost, making Butler Lin, chin raised, quite troubled about where to store all these extra gifts.

The General’s Manor people came early. Zhao Guang and Lady Li couldn’t put down these two children, and several of the Zhao family grandmothers were the same. The gifts they sent became more precious than the last. Zhao Guang laughed heartily, saying Ming Sheng looked like excellent martial arts material who must be well-cultivated in the future.

Lin Zixiang looked at Jiang Ruan and said: “This boy looks just like you, but his expression is exactly like your husband’s—carved from the same mold. So arrogant at such a young age—what will happen when he grows up?”

Jiang Ruan also laughed: “Nan Xu has a good temperament.”

Nan Xu indeed had a good temperament, happily burrowing into Qi Feng’s arms. She was very cute with fair skin and eyes like Xiao Shao’s—like dots of lacquer—but more likeable than Ming Sheng. She smiled at everyone and was now hugging Qi Feng’s neck, wanting to kiss him. Qi Feng smiled expectantly, but Xiao Shao snatched the child away, glanced at him, and walked off.

“…What does this mean? Hey, Third Brother, you’re not that petty, are you? She’s also my goddaughter!” Qi Feng said angrily.

“Did you give birth to her?” Xiao Shao asked back.

Qi Feng was speechless. Xiao Shao had already walked away holding his daughter, even instructing as he walked: “Don’t get close to people casually in the future—there are many bad people.”

“What kind of person is this?” Qi Feng felt very wronged.

Guests gradually all arrived, and the hundred-day celebration followed the usual procedures. Xiao Ming Sheng and Xiao Nan Xu were too good-looking—though Ming Sheng was cold, it didn’t affect the ladies’ affection for him at all. Especially many young women thought how wonderful it would be if Ming Sheng could become their son-in-law in the future.

Jiang Ruan also smiled as she greeted people. Since giving birth, she looked even more gentle—perhaps happier, so those sharp edges had all softened and disappeared.

This hundred-day celebration continued until evening. Prince Jinying’s manor was bustling with carriages and horses, not having been so lively for a long time. Everyone saw Xiao Shao’s attentiveness to Jiang Ruan and felt very envious. But just as Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao stood at the door seeing off guests, they heard the wet nurse holding the children scream. Everyone’s hearts jumped, and before they could speak, they saw Xiao Shao’s figure flash. Jiang Ruan was startled and immediately ran back frantically.

They saw the wet nurse collapsed on the ground, Qi Man standing on the other side, and lying on the ground was actually Xuan Li.

Xiao Shao held one child in each arm. Jiang Ruan quickly walked up, not caring about anything else. Ming Sheng and Nan Xu were both unharmed. Nan Xu blinked at her as if still not understanding what had happened.

Ye Feng said: “They suddenly appeared and struck too quickly. Qi Man tried to kill the children, but Xuan Li… blocked a blade.” Ye Feng was also very confused—everyone knew Xuan Li and Prince Jinying’s manor were mortal enemies. Why would he block a blade for the children? This was incomprehensible to everyone.

Xiao Shao had protected the children well. Guards surrounded Qi Man, who stared at Xuan Li in disbelief. She asked: “Why?” Then Qi Man’s voice suddenly rose, becoming so shrill it was unbearable: “Why? Why? Why?”

Why? She had infiltrated here today to kill these two bastards. These were Xiao Shao’s children, Xiang Xiaoyuan’s grandchildren. She hated them. This Nanjiang plot to seize the Great Jin Dynasty was already impossible. As long as she killed these two bastards, her trip wouldn’t be wasted. Having finally staked everything and paid such a great price to infiltrate here, but it was all ruined by Xuan Li. Why did he suddenly rush out to block that blade for the bastard children at the last moment? Why, why!

Jiang Ruan looked down at Xuan Li. He lay half-collapsed on the ground, looking very disheveled, the blade having struck right through his heart. Jiang Ruan’s gaze held suspicion, wariness, and incomprehension—but no trace of affection. It was a decisive, puzzled look toward a mortal enemy. Xuan Li smiled bitterly. Why—could he say why? He spat out blood: “So… you really hate me.”

Jiang Ruan’s eyes widened suddenly. What did these words mean? She looked at Xuan Li as an incredible thought formed in her mind.

“You really hate me…” Xuan Li said again.

“I never understood why things became this way in the end—this shouldn’t have happened. Why was it Xuan Pei? Later I understood—you were the variable.” Xuan Li said. These words might not make sense to others, but Jiang Ruan knew what he meant. He spoke of rebirth, of matters from the previous life. He knew.

Jiang Ruan stared at Xuan Li without speaking, but Qi Man, failing in one attempt, tried to rush forward again, her expression becoming somewhat frantic. Xia Qing, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, was quite shocked seeing Qi Man’s somewhat manic appearance: “Why does she look so abnormal? It’s like she’s gone mad?”

Qi Man wouldn’t go mad for no reason. Being able to infiltrate here today meant she was no ordinary person. But Xia Qing became more excited: “I wasn’t wrong—she indeed took parasitic insects. This is a mother-child parasite. She took the mother parasite, and that blade just now—” He suddenly looked at Xuan Li on the ground: “Fortunately!”

In just a few sentences, everyone understood. Qi Man wanted to plant child parasites in the children. Qi Feng asked: “What kind of parasite is that?”

“Heart-devouring parasite,” Xia Qing said. “If she had succeeded, we’d have no choice but to spare her life—otherwise, if she died, those with child parasites would also die. Moreover, this parasite is extremely vicious. Those infected suffer tremendously, and only she can prepare the antidote. Once controlled…” Once controlled, wouldn’t Ming Sheng and Nan Xu both fall into Qi Man’s hands?

“What a vicious woman!” Butler Lin said angrily. “Exactly like she was back then!”

Xiao Shao held the children, frowning tightly. Nan Xu still didn’t know what had happened and seemed to find it amusing, giggling. But this laughter seemed to suddenly enrage Qi Man. She stared fixedly at Nan Xu, suddenly laughed aloud, and said: “Xiang Xiaoyuan, you’re very proud, aren’t you!”

Everyone was familiar with the name Xiang Xiaoyuan, but only a very few people knew Xiao Shao’s background. It was still strange for Qi Man to call Nan Xu by Xiang Xiaoyuan’s name. Xiao Shao’s expression turned cold, but Qi Man continued regardless: “I just won’t let you have your way. No matter how much he favors you, I said there would come a day when I’d take him away from you! Now it’s good—he’s dead, so why are you still alive?”

“The heart-devouring parasite has begun to backfire,” Xia Qing said. “But what exactly stimulated her? Why does she seem suddenly agitated?”

No one knew what had happened, but Jiang Ruan understood clearly. Qi Man had come here today with a death wish, but at the crucial moment, Xuan Li had ruined her plans. Seeing that she had risked her life but gained nothing, with Qi Man’s stubborn nature, how could she accept this? Moreover, seeing Nan Xu safe and sound in Xiao Shao’s arms probably touched the most hateful place in her heart.

All the guards were on alert against Qi Man’s sudden attacks, but seeing that Qi Man had already lost her mind and seemed to have lost her abilities, she now appeared like a madwoman.

“You want to harm my children, but you have to see if I agree,” Jiang Ruan said coldly. “For this alone, dying ten thousand times wouldn’t be enough.”

Jiang Ruan was never soft-hearted toward those who wanted to harm her children. But Qi Man seemed to gradually regain clarity, studying Jiang Ruan carefully. After a long while, she understood: “It’s you, Jiang Ruan. I know you. Back then in the Minister’s Manor, your mother died so easily in the end—that was thanks to me.”

“What did you say?” Jiang Ruan was stunned and stepped forward two paces, demanding sternly: “Speak clearly!”

“Ruanruan,” Xiao Shao gripped her hand, signaling her not to get agitated. Qi Man’s laughing voice came: “I saw your mother was also an infatuated woman—pitiful to follow someone like Jiang Quan. But what I hate most in this life is seeing others’ infatuation, so when Xia Yan in your manor wanted to get rid of her, I provided a drug. Originally that drug could have killed you too, but who knew you’d escape disaster in the end. You were lucky—otherwise, where would you be now! But you should also thank me. If not for my drug, Xia Yan’s methods to kill your mother would have been ten thousand times more cruel!”

“You—” Jiang Ruan’s heart turned cold. She had always felt that poison was so silent and deadly that even if Xia Yan had great influence, it was somewhat strange. Now it seemed to make sense. She calmed herself before asking: “Why did you do this?”

Why did she do this? Qi Man had hidden her identity and stayed in the Minister’s Manor only because she wanted to use it as a quiet place to implement her plans. In such circumstances, silence was best. Why would she stir up waves in secret? In the Minister’s Manor, she had no antagonistic relationships with any forces.

Qi Man smiled again. After so many years, she had used drugs to completely change her appearance, becoming an ordinary, unremarkable face, no longer having her former radiant princess appearance. But even so, the Southern Border princess’s grace remained in her bones. At this moment, her every expression seemed to return to those glorious, unrestrained years, almost becoming bewitching. She said: “Why? I just felt such days were rather boring. I hate infatuated people most—what’s good about infatuation? Since that woman was so stubborn, I might as well let her pay with her life. Wouldn’t that be fun? So what if she’s the legitimate wife? Didn’t she still end up withering away alone?”

Xiao Shao understood these words. Hadn’t Xiang Xiaoyuan been the Crown Princess back then? But Qi Man had wholeheartedly wanted to marry into the Eastern Palace. Xiang Xiaoyuan already had an excellent reputation among the people and had personally told Crown Prince Hongxi in front of Qi Man that in this world, she only knew of one life, one world, one pair—no concubines, no consorts—this was life. Probably at that moment, hatred for the legitimate wife was deeply carved into Qi Man’s heart. After all these years, she had never forgotten.

“There are too many infatuated people in this world. Even if they receive punishment, it’s heaven’s will. You cannot represent heaven’s intention,” Jiang Ruan said coldly. Qi Man was also the murderer who killed her mother, the murderer who killed Xiao Shao’s parents, and had tried to harm her own children. Such a person, no matter how tragic or pitiful, was not worthy of sympathy. She sneered, her eyes and brows full of mockery: “Moreover, you should know that Crown Prince Hongxi never loved you. Your so-called self-pity and resentment were all your own wishful thinking and self-delusion. Why make yourself so wretched?”

“You’re lying!” Qi Man suddenly seemed to be struck at her painful spot by Jiang Ruan and immediately cursed, apparently wanting to get up and harm Jiang Ruan. Jin Er flashed and restrained her movements. Qi Man nearly fell, but supported herself against a nearby table and smiled coldly: “What do you understand? You have his favor, living high and mighty, not having to think about anything—just crook your finger and countless people will go through fire and water for you. You’ve never struggled alone, never felt the taste of loving but not obtaining, never experienced anything—what right do you have to speak of me!”

“I have,” Jiang Ruan said calmly. “I’ve had times struggling alone in darkness, times of being betrayed, times when everyone was untrustworthy and I couldn’t see the path ahead, times of loving but not obtaining and finally discovering I was a joke. Your so-called betrayal—I can only say the trust I once entrusted for life ultimately made me pay a terrible price. Thanks to him, there’s the me you see now. What I have now corresponds to what I lost then. None of this can be a reason.” Jiang Ruan said indifferently: “If you want to gain as much as I have now, in this life, you probably also need to pay a terrible price.”

Xiao Shao tightened his grip on Jiang Ruan’s hand—he knew what she meant. But Qi Man didn’t understand. She suddenly laughed miserably, covering her heart where the parasite had begun to move. At the same time, Xuan Li on the ground also showed a pained expression.

The mother-child parasites began attacking together. Qi Man’s eyes widened greatly, as if she wanted to cry, but her eye sockets were dry without a single tear. She had hidden her identity in the capital for so many years solely for revenge. Crown Prince Hongxi had not only humiliated her but also made her the culprit of national destruction. She wanted to reclaim her lost dignity and territory, but from the first day she cooperated with Xuan Li, she knew this ally was completely untrustworthy.

Xuan Li was cunning and suspicious—both were merely using each other. Although the Southern Border nation had recovered some power, competing with the Great Jin Dynasty was still difficult. Knowing it was impossible yet doing it anyway, Qi Man saw more clearly than Dan Zhen, but why did she still persist? Because if she didn’t persist in this belief of revenge, she didn’t know if she could continue living.

She knew that even if she helped Xuan Li achieve great success, the first thing Xuan Li would do was cross the river and burn the bridge. But Qi Man still did it. She watched Xiao Shao fall in love with Jiang Ruan and sneered coldly. She could see clearly that Jiang Ruan was even more cold-blooded than her. Jiang Ruan could be so hypocritical toward her biological father—this woman’s heart no longer had any emotion. She wanted to see Xiao Shao’s tragedy and become a laughingstock, but Xiao Shao actually succeeded. Jiang Ruan actually married Xiao Shao. Their loving couple appearance deeply wounded Qi Man’s heart, even causing her to accelerate her revenge, exposing more flaws in already problematic plans.

This time, she only wanted to do her utmost—the most she could do was kill Jiang Ruan’s two children. No woman wouldn’t love her own children. Back then, Xiang Xiaoyuan and Crown Prince Hongxi were determined to die, yet even so, they left people to protect Xiao Shao. If the children were gone, Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan would live in pain for the rest of their lives.

But even this last wish fell through. What Qi Man hadn’t expected was that the one who blocked that blade was actually Xuan Li—this person who had been her ally in hatred, who had now lost everything because of Prince Jinying’s manor. Why would such a person save Jiang Ruan’s children? Qi Man couldn’t understand and no longer wanted to understand. This parasite had no antidote. She knew that unless she died, she would have to endure such heart-piercing bone-stabbing pain daily. She laughed miserably, somewhat confused about what this life was for. From the moment she fell in love with Crown Prince Hongxi, this life began making mistakes. She couldn’t turn back. She knew she was wrong, but there was no way—she couldn’t turn back.

So in the end, her identity as Southern Border princess was gone, the Southern Border nation was gone, her life was buried in a foreign land, wasting flower-like years. The man she loved never looked at her until death, let alone put her in his heart. The woman she hated died early but possessed that man’s love until death. She had lost from the beginning.

Qi Man screamed miserably and suddenly reached into her bosom, pulling out smoke-like powder. Xia Qing quickly called: “Careful—it’s poisonous!” Southern Border people were most skilled at using poison. Everyone quickly covered their mouths and noses. Xiao Shao immediately shielded Jiang Ruan, pressing her and the children’s heads into his embrace. When the smoke cleared, where was any trace of Qi Man on the ground?

“She escaped. Young Master, shall we pursue now?” Jin Yi asked.

“No need. She’s infected with parasites. With the child parasites here, it’s equivalent to controlling her,” Xia Qing said, looking at the person on the ground.

Xuan Li was also affected by Qi Man’s poisonous smoke, appearing extremely pained. Qi Feng curiously examined Xuan Li: “Is this the real Xuan Li? How did he suddenly become a good person? There’s no conspiracy, is there?” Xuan Li’s intervention to save the two children was truly incomprehensible. Xuan Li wasn’t someone with excessive kindness, especially for enemy children.

Jiang Ruan looked coldly at Xuan Li on the ground. Did he know about the previous life? What did he mean now? Was he doing this out of guilt? This was really too presumptuous. All events couldn’t be so easily forgiven.

She smiled slightly: “Thank you, Eighth Prince, for your intervention just now.”

Xuan Li somewhat dazedly shifted his gaze to Jiang Ruan. He murmured: “Ruan’er.”

Jiang Ruan stepped back. Xiao Shao protected her behind him, his dagger already gleaming. Qi Feng looked at Xuan Li in surprise—what did Xuan Li’s words mean? Although he had heard from others that Xuan Li seemed to have had designs on Jiang Ruan before, such an intimate address… was rather peculiar.

He said: “You… hate me very much, don’t you?”

Hate him. Hate how he had treated her in the previous life, using and hurting her, ultimately causing her to die tragically. Xuan Li finally understood why for so long, he had always felt Jiang Ruan seemed to harbor deep hatred toward him. It hadn’t been an illusion. With his defeat, he had abandoned his former glorious princely life, hiding everywhere, bearing infamy. Until one sleep when he seemed to dream of ten years of seasons, waking abruptly to find the world had changed.

That dream was a completely different life. He had obtained everything, gained the throne, sitting high above, but that position came at the cost of sacrificing one person. In that dream, Jiang Ruan was gentle and beautiful, smiled sweetly, loved him wholeheartedly, then was used by him until no drop of value remained.

At the end of that dream, his great enterprise was complete, yet he still often felt lonely. Whenever he thought of that former gentle, beautiful figure, he felt inexplicably pained.

He wasn’t a good person and wouldn’t feel guilty about it. Why would he feel pain? Simply because he discovered that during those days of using her, he had unknowingly given some genuine feelings in their performances. These genuine feelings seemed insignificant and unimportant to him, yet tormented him daily in later nightmares. When he realized these genuine feelings, she was already gone. There would never again be someone who loved him so wholeheartedly.

He thought that probably wasn’t a dream but perhaps foretold something. He understood why in this life, seeing Jiang Ruan, he couldn’t help feeling she belonged to him. Jiang Ruan did indeed belong to him, but that was in the past. The hurt woman from the dream was thus. This time, not only had he awakened from the dream, but Jiang Ruan had also awakened. So she soberly threw herself into Xiao Shao’s embrace, spared no effort opposing him, treating him as a mortal enemy, ultimately obtaining a completely different ending from the dream.

Xuan Li had followed Qi Man here. He knew Qi Man wanted to kill Jiang Ruan’s two children, and he also wanted to reclaim Jiang Ruan. By now, he knew his situation was hopeless with no chance of comeback. Xuan Pei held opportunities tightly—what did he have left? He had nothing left, but he was Xuan Li. He never admitted defeat, understanding patience and forbearance. If it were the dream’s Jiang Ruan, even if he had nothing, she would follow him without hesitation.

So he was unwilling. He had left nothing behind—what if he could keep Jiang Ruan? That woman originally belonged to him.

But when he saw Qi Man about to harm Jiang Ruan’s children, he suddenly remembered the last scene with Jiang Ruan in the dream. She knelt on nine-high steps, disheveled, her beautiful face full of despair, holding a foolish child—that was Xuan Pei. She protected the child tightly. Even at the end of her rope, she wouldn’t abandon her child.

If Jiang Ruan’s children died, she would live like a walking corpse. Xuan Li suddenly thought: in the dream, Jiang Ruan had nothing left. This time, must he destroy her again?

He suddenly hesitated, but Qi Man had already acted. At that moment, Xuan Li thought nothing and rushed forward. He didn’t know why he did this. Falling down, his eyes even showed confusion.

“Of course I hate you,” Jiang Ruan said. “Even though you saved my children now, I still hate you.” Her beautiful eyes showed not the slightest softness. Xuan Li suddenly remembered—yes, in the dream, Jiang Ruan had never looked at him with such cold eyes. She always smiled, speaking gently with him, always unconditionally submitting to his intentions.

“Ruan’er, I didn’t mean to…” He wanted to say something, wanted to say he didn’t mean to use her, but when the words came out, he suddenly found himself speechless. From dream to reality, every time he saw Jiang Ruan, his thoughts were of using her. Using her to gain fame and profit, to obtain that unparalleled position. But when finally obtaining it, he discovered everything wasn’t as good as imagined. He regretted it, but could only swallow the bitter fruit himself.

“Xuan Li, you need say nothing. What you owe me, I’ve already taken back myself. Your kingdom, your schemes, your great enterprise—all destroyed now. Now, just your life, and we’ll be even. When we meet on the Yellow Springs road, we’ll be strangers with no connection.” She spoke decisively, yet clearly stated she wanted Xuan Li’s life.

Had the former tender affection now become only confrontation with weapons? Her face showed not the slightest emotion. Xuan Li thought perhaps that really was just a dream—an absurd dream at his life’s end. Actually, he preferred it was just a dream. If Jiang Ruan had been his enemy from the start, thinking from the beginning how to defeat her, never having other feelings for him from the beginning, how wonderful that would be. Without that use and harm, without regret and remorse, holding blades rather than flowers from first meeting—that would be correct.

But he also knew it indeed wasn’t a dream. She had once belonged to him then left. He didn’t know what he was doing. He said: “I loved you.”

Xiao Shao’s forehead veins twitched. Xia Qing and Qi Feng were dumbfounded. Was Xuan Li tired of living? How could he confess feelings to Jiang Ruan in front of Xiao Shao? Was Xuan Li such a sentimental person?

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, tilting her head to look at him. Her gaze even held some innocent radiance, yet coldness showed deep in her pupils. The words from her mouth were even more cruel: “What does that have to do with me?”

What does that have to do with me? Indeed, what did it have to do with her? Xuan Li didn’t know why he had done this. His body became very heavy. He thought that at the end of that dream, he had indeed discovered he had loved a woman, but the woman before him had cold, beautiful features—definitely not the same person as before.

Either it was just an insignificant dream, or the woman in the dream was already dead, and the woman before him was another person. He suddenly laughed self-mockingly, not knowing what he was laughing at. But laughing and laughing, tears fell. Winners and losers—this round, he had lost. Until death, he didn’t know where he had lost. Perhaps that dream could inspire him, but he was unwilling to believe it.

“Xiao Shao, I’m not as good as you,” he said.

“Take him away.” Xiao Shao’s expression turned cold. He turned and took Jiang Ruan’s hand, whispering: “Be careful of your health.”

…

Three days later, the missing former Southern Border Princess Qi Man was found. She was standing on the city gate wearing wedding clothes. The heart-devouring parasite had made her appearance aged and haggard, even somewhat terrifying. Yet in such circumstances, she still acted like a young girl, making people feel eerie and chilled.

Qi Man stood on the city wall, laughing wildly, not knowing what she was laughing about, finally leaping down from the wall. She had some of the Southern Border princess’s fierce appearance, but having done too much evil, the people never had good feelings toward her. Naturally, there were no kind words—all cursed that evil people get evil retribution. Meanwhile, Xuan Li, imprisoned in jail, died simultaneously due to the mother-child parasite attack.

Because Xuan Li was a rebel and the murderer of the late emperor, he wasn’t qualified to enter the imperial mausoleum. The emperor mercifully allowed his burial, but requested a celestial master during burial—the meaning was unclear. Some guessed the young emperor did this to seal Xuan Li’s soul, preventing reincarnation. Some thought this too cruel—after all, they were born from the same root, why torment each other so urgently? Others thought this action was good—after all, Xuan Li’s patricidal rebellion was truly unpardonable.

Subsequently, the emperor conferred Princess Jinying as a first-rank noble lady and gave Prince Jinying’s manor hereditary succession rights. Xiao Ming Sheng and Xiao Nan Xu, at such young ages, became untouchable identities in the Great Jin Dynasty, no less precious than imperial grandsons.

The ministers who had followed the young emperor all had new prospects, especially young court nobles like Liu Min and Mo Cong, who had become the new generation’s backbone. As for Lin Wei, after assisting the emperor’s ascension, he gradually retired again, saying he wanted to return to being a butler. Everyone thought he was playing his old trick again and didn’t bother managing him.

Jiang Xinzhi and Zhao Jin’s marriage was also proceeding intensively. Xia Qing and Lin Zixiang weren’t so smooth—Lin Zixiang wasn’t quite satisfied with Xia Qing, so Xia Qing’s wife-pursuing road remained long and arduous. Lu Zhu and Lian Qiao’s marriages were also being prepared. In short, the manor was full of joy, but what made people happiest were probably the two little ones.

Xiao Ming Sheng and Xiao Nan Xu grew quickly and were very cute. Ming Sheng usually imitated his father’s coldness, keeping a stern face when anyone tried to amuse him except Jiang Ruan. Butler Lin said his temperament was exactly like Xiao Shao’s childhood. As for Nan Xu, she always smiled but was secretly mischievous. These two treasures kept everyone in Prince Jinying’s manor in chaos daily, making people both cry and laugh. Jiang Ruan was also constantly busy. In a blink, it was early spring.

This day, Jiang Ruan was cleaning up torn paper scraps that Ming Sheng and Nan Xu had shredded in the room. Children at this age were growing and learning to grab things—there were torn paper pieces everywhere. As Jiang Ruan bent to clean up, she was suddenly encircled by arms around her waist.

“What are you doing?” Jiang Ruan turned her head. Xiao Shao nuzzled her neck. This person had become increasingly clingy, especially competing with Ming Sheng. The father and son fought openly and secretly at home. Jiang Ruan had to comfort the big one and then the small one—quite a headache.

“Come with me to Jiangnan in a few days,” Xiao Shao said. “His Majesty is sending people for inspection.” It was called inspection but was actually sightseeing. Xuan Pei had specially arranged it, and Xiao Shao naturally accepted without courtesy.

“What about the children?” Jiang Ruan said. “Taking them along would probably be inconvenient.”

“Don’t take them.” Xiao Shao held her tighter, whispering: “They’re so big now—leave them at the manor. Just the two of us.”

“So big now?” Jiang Ruan laughed and scolded: “How big are they? You dare say such things! The children can’t even talk yet! I heard this age is when they most easily learn to speak. I still want to hear the children call ‘Mother.'”

As they spoke, there was a “thump” from the small bed nearby. Both looked over to see the two siblings, who had been sleeping, were now awake. Ming Sheng stared coldly at Xiao Shao, who stared back. Then Nan Xu suddenly grinned and sweetly said: “Papa—”