Xiao Shao looked down at her. Though Jiang Ruan was already considered tall among girls her age, she only reached Xiao Shao’s chest. Hearing her words, he didn’t get angry. His long, slightly curved lashes lowered as he said: “Marquis Xia won’t let you off.”

“There are many in this world who won’t let me off,” Jiang Ruan met his gaze directly: “Yet I haven’t truly died.” She smiled slightly: “Your Highness can barely protect yourself—how do you have the leisure to worry about others?”

Xiao Shao was slightly startled. In court, everyone respected him, feared him, flattered him, yet countless people also wanted to harm him. His situation was very similar to that of the Jiang family’s legitimate daughter, but he had never been afraid. Even with murderous intent lurking all around, because… He said calmly: “This prince has the ability to protect himself. Do you?”

“Your Highness needn’t worry about me,” Jiang Ruan cautiously maintained distance from him. Once bitten by a snake, one fears ropes for ten years. He had once saved Jiang Susu—who knew what he was really thinking? Anything related to Jiang Susu, she unhesitatingly categorized as enemy territory, and Prince Jinying was no exception: “Whether I have the ability to protect myself—hasn’t Your Highness seen clearly?” After thinking, she added: “Though fence-sitters are convenient in this world, they’re ultimately despised. Once you’ve chosen a side, don’t change it casually, lest you please neither side.” Having said this, she walked straight outside, ignoring Xiao Shao completely.

Xiao Shao stood in place. Jiang Ruan’s earlier words were reminding him not to be a fence-sitter—he could naturally hear that. Ye Feng said from the side: “This eldest Miss Jiang is truly rude. Master helped her with good intentions, yet she mocks and ridicules him.”

“Ye Feng.” Xiao Shao interrupted him: “Return to the mansion.”

In the room, Yu Ya was silently wiping away tears. Marquis Xia’s expression was grim. After glancing at the pale-faced Xia Jun, Marquis Xia finally couldn’t contain his fury, pointing at Jiang Susu: “Wicked girl, kneel down!”

Jiang Susu panicked and quickly moved closer to Xia Yan. Xia Yan sheltered her in her arms, saying quietly: “Father, what are you doing?”

“Don’t think I don’t know—how could Jun’er have gone to the ancestral hall for no reason last night? It’s all this wicked girl’s doing! Now look—Jiang Ruan is perfectly fine, while your cousin fell into someone else’s trap!”

Xia Jun frowned. Yu Ya shrieked, her gaze toward Jiang Susu immediately changing: “Is this true?”

Jiang Susu avoided her aunt’s sharp gaze, saying: “Cousin agreed to this himself. Besides, I only asked him to comfort Elder Sister. If Cousin hadn’t harbored such thoughts, how could things have developed to this point?”

Hearing this, Xia Jun’s gaze darkened as he snorted coldly: “Comfort? You put aphrodisiac incense in that burner—did you really think no one would know?” He had figured this out afterward. At the time, smoke had been curling in the ancestral hall, and he had thought it was just incense burning there. But when he later lost his reason, he immediately realized the suspicious points.

Yu Ya finally couldn’t restrain herself and rushed forward, pulling Xia Yan aside and slapping Jiang Susu hard across the face. She struck with great force—Jiang Susu staggered from the blow, and her veil fell off, revealing half her ugly face. She screamed, covering her face: “What are you doing?”

“What am I doing?” Yu Ya had completely shed her usual noble, dignified lady’s image, her face twisted as if she wanted to devour Jiang Susu alive: “You schemed against Jun’er like this, even using aphrodisiac incense—do you have no shame left!”

“Second Sister-in-law!” Xia Yan pulled Jiang Susu behind her: “You’re going too far. Jun’er bears responsibility in this matter too—how can you blame it all on Susu?”

Shen Rou felt somewhat at a loss, not expecting that Jiang Susu, a young boudoir lady, would use such base methods, and that Xia Yan, usually so gentle, would bare her claws like an enraged tigress.

“Shut up!” Marquis Xia could bear no more, pointing at Jiang Susu’s nose and cursing: “Fool! You have no ability yet want to learn to harm others! Your little schemes aren’t worth a laugh! You can’t match Jiang Ruan’s cunning and got schemed against by her—fool!”

Though Xia Yan was displeased with Marquis Xia speaking of Jiang Susu this way, she had always feared him and dared not speak. But Marquis Xia’s phrase “can’t match Jiang Ruan” stung her, so she said recklessly: “Grandfather is right—I can’t match Jiang Ruan and have no cunning. But what about Grandfather’s own methods? The pastries? Weren’t they also seen through, making a fool of himself before His Highness the Crown Prince and His Eighth Highness? Isn’t Grandfather also foolish?”

Xia Yan was shocked and quickly covered Jiang Susu’s mouth. Jiang Susu glared fiercely at Marquis Xia, her gaze full of hatred. Marquis Xia was furious beyond measure, kicking Jiang Susu aside: “Wicked girl, get out! Tomorrow morning, take your Jiang family people and get out of my mansion! I’ll pretend I never had such a daughter, never had such a granddaughter!”

“Grandfather!” Jiang Chao, who had been sullen-faced, quickly said: “Sister was just anxious for a moment—she didn’t mean to offend you. I apologize to you on her behalf!”

Since inheriting his title, Marquis Xia had received much flattery—when had anyone ever contradicted him? Moreover, Jiang Susu had struck his sore spot. Humiliated and angry, he found the Jiang family extremely displeasing. Without even glancing at Jiang Chao, he sneered: “I’m afraid she simply doesn’t regard me, her grandfather, with any respect!” Having said this, he swept his sleeves and left.

Jiang Susu had been kicked to the ground by Marquis Xia. Covering her face without speaking, her gaze was gloomy as a venomous snake. Yu Ya walked before her coldly: “This matter won’t end so easily. You harmed my Jun’er—he can’t enter officialdom for three years. If you don’t give me an explanation for this, I’ll make you regret it for life. Don’t say your aunt didn’t give you, her niece, any face!” Having said this, she helped Xia Jun up and left without another glance at Jiang Susu and her mother.

With things at this point, it wasn’t good for Shen Rou to remain. She smiled: “I’ll go see how Jiaojiao is doing.” She also left directly. The two young masters of the Xia family weren’t present—otherwise, who knows how things might have developed.

With no one left in the room, Jiang Susu suddenly covered her face and burst into tears: “Mother, Mother, how can they treat me like this!”

Though Xia Yan was also angry at Jiang Susu for acting on her own and falling into Jiang Ruan’s trap, she was still flesh of her flesh. Seeing her in such a wretched state, her heart ached. She embraced her: “Mother was wrong. Mother originally wanted your grandfather to help scheme against Jiang Ruan, but didn’t expect that Jiang Ruan would be so cunning. Susu, Mother was wrong. Mother should never have left that bitch alive from the beginning. Five years ago, I should have sent her to meet the King of Hell along with that short-lived mother of hers. My poor Su’er has suffered.”

“Elder Sister is no simple person,” Jiang Chao said grimly from the side: “Now Grandfather is displeased with Sister, and Second Aunt’s family has developed a grudge against us. What should we do now?”

“Don’t worry, Chao’er, don’t worry,” Xia Yan wiped away Jiang Susu’s tears: “Mother still has methods. I’ll make sure that bitch can never rise again.”

In another room, Jiang Ruan was drinking tea with Lian Qiao. She had brought two maids, and now only one remained—it was rather melancholy. Seeing Lian Qiao’s rare silence, Jiang Ruan said: “Do you think I’m very cruel?”

Lian Qiao was startled, not understanding: “Why does Miss say such a thing?”

“Shu Xiang was harmed by me. I clearly had the chance to save her, yet I remained silent. Do you think I was too cruel?” Jiang Ruan asked.

Lian Qiao paused, taking a moment to understand what Jiang Ruan meant. She lowered her head and knelt before Jiang Ruan: “This servant has never had such thoughts. Though Shu Xiang died miserably, she brought it upon herself. If Miss hadn’t acted as you did last night, then the person dying in the hall today might have been Miss. This servant’s master is Miss. This servant’s whole life is devoted to serving Miss. If anything happened to Miss, this servant would never be happy for the rest of her life.” Her tone was light and her speech crisp, each word spoken frankly: “Miss is not cruel, and please don’t think yourself cruel. This servant can see what the Jiang and Xia families are thinking. For Miss to survive is already extremely difficult—why distinguish between methods? It’s all just self-preservation. They were heartless first—how can they blame Miss for being unrighteous?”

“Stand up.” Jiang Ruan sighed gently: “The waters here are too murky. I don’t want to drag you into this, but you’ve seen today’s events. From now on, such things will happen frequently around me. Keep your wits about you—it’s good for you too.”

Lian Qiao’s nose stung as she quietly agreed and stood up. Since Jiang Ruan had returned to the Jiang mansion, many tasks had been given to Lu Zhu. She wasn’t without thoughts—Lu Zhu was a second-class maid, yet seemed to be more trusted by Jiang Ruan than first-class maids. But after truly experiencing the danger at the Xia mansion, with real peril laid bare before her, that slight feeling of strangeness immediately vanished. She looked up at Jiang Ruan. They had lived together since childhood, accompanying her from when she was an innocent young lady of a great house, through the pain of losing her mother, being bullied on the estate, disdained by her birth father, and separated from her brother. Scene by scene passed before her eyes. She didn’t know when that weak, gentle girl had disappeared, replaced by a beautiful but cruel, decisive Jiang Ruan. Such a transformation was both gratifying and heartbreaking.

“Miss, coming to the Xia mansion this time must have had other purposes,” Lian Qiao said: “Now Miss has probably become a thorn in the Xia family’s side.”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “What other purpose could there be? With His Eighth Highness here, Xia Yan hurried over, hoping His Eighth Highness would act as intermediary to make peace with the Li family.”

“And now…” Lian Qiao asked.

“Second Sister has angered the Xia family. The Xia family won’t stand up for the Jiang family for now. Married daughters are like spilled water—would Marquis Xia abandon his own grandson for an external granddaughter? Second Aunt can’t swallow this insult either. Second Sister used her son like a fool—how could she be willing? Don’t worry—Second Aunt isn’t ordinary either. There will certainly be a good show to watch.”

Lian Qiao thought: “According to Fifth Aunt’s meaning, Master will marry Miss into the Li family. Miss should plan early.”

“What’s to fear?” Jiang Ruan said calmly: “With the Xia family silent and His Eighth Highness unwilling to actively discuss this with the Li family, even if Father personally wants to make peace with the Li family, Li Dong isn’t so easily dismissed. Besides, after getting through this period, I’m afraid Li Yang won’t have the fate to marry a wife.”

Lian Qiao was shocked. Seeing Jiang Ruan’s cold expression, her heart skipped a beat as she lowered her head in thought. Jiang Ruan smiled: “The Xia family personally arranged for me to visit, but Mother prepared a gift for me. I have a great gift to give them too.”

Lian Qiao looked up at her: “Miss?”

“This Li Dong matter still requires troubling the Xia family’s eldest daughter-in-law.” She took out a letter from her bosom and handed it to Lian Qiao: “Find an opportunity to slip this onto the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xia family.”

Though Lian Qiao didn’t know why, she took it and agreed. Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. The Xia mansion was full of corruption—Shen Rou and Xia Tiancai had long been having an affair. The beautiful, charming eldest daughter-in-law of the Xia family and the romantic second young master of the Xia family—sister-in-law and brother-in-law. She wondered if Shen Rou would turn pale with fright upon seeing this letter.

However, this move was better used later. Jiang Ruan looked somewhat regretful: “It’s still raining today.”

“Yes,” Lian Qiao followed her words: “It still hasn’t stopped.” Spring rain shouldn’t last this long.

The day for refugees to enter the capital was drawing ever closer.

Early the next morning, Marquis Xia indeed had carriages prepared early, clearly intending to drive them away. It was said that Madam Xia had “awakened” last night and pleaded with Marquis Xia for a long time without changing his mind. Perhaps out of anger, he even blamed Madam Xia.

So unlike their arrival, when they left, not a single Xia family member came to see them off. Jiang Li was naturally delighted, while Jiang Susu and the other two had iron-gray faces. Jiang Dan still silently shrank in the corner, completely unaffected by the atmosphere. Only Jiang Ruan remained unperturbed.

Upon returning to the Jiang mansion, Jiang Quan had already learned the whole story from Xia Yan’s messenger. Naturally, he was angry at Jiang Susu’s incompetence and interference, but he was even more annoyed at the Xia family’s lack of consideration. When Marquis Xia hadn’t yet inherited his title, he had been extremely flattering toward his son-in-law. Now with a title, he put on airs before him. He had also heard that Li Dong had been seeking famous physicians throughout the capital at high prices these past days—the Li family’s legitimate son’s life was probably saved, making things even more difficult. Considering all this, Jiang Quan felt a headache coming on.

Seeing him like this, a nearby servant comforted: “Master, you haven’t slept all night. Why don’t you rest?”

Jiang Quan waved his hand. With everything in chaos, how could he have the mood to rest?

Seeing this, the servant muttered: “Speaking of which, it’s strange—ever since the eldest miss returned to the mansion, the house hasn’t been peaceful.” He spoke while stealing glances at Jiang Quan’s expression. When Jiang Quan heard these words, his body stiffened, and he seemed to freeze for a moment. His brow gradually furrowed, and after a while, he suddenly slammed the table viciously: “Star of calamity!”

The servant was startled and retreated to the side, speechless. Jiang Quan suddenly remembered that after Zhao Mei’s death, a wandering Daoist had read Jiang Ruan’s fortune, saying she was an inauspicious person, born to bring misfortune to husband and mother. Jiang Quan wasn’t superstitious and didn’t pay much attention to ghosts and spirits. But at that time, Zhao Mei had just died, and Marquis Xia had repeatedly urged him to promote Xia Yan to principal wife. He had been inclined to do so anyway, and thinking of how Jiang Susu and Jiang Chao had suffered as concubine-born children for so many years, he went along with the Daoist’s words and sent Jiang Ruan to the estate. First, it would reassure Xia Yan; second, out of sight, out of mind—as long as he didn’t see Jiang Ruan, he wouldn’t think of the detestable Zhao Mei.

Now, with his servant’s reminder, Jiang Quan suddenly realized that since Jiang Ruan’s return, the Jiang mansion had indeed been plagued by troubles. First, Jiang Susu inexplicably lost her reputation, then Jiang Chao failed the exams and had his finger cut off, now they had made enemies with the Li family and fallen out with the Xia family. All these events seemed to have subtle connections to Jiang Ruan, but with her abilities alone, she certainly couldn’t accomplish such things—she lacked both the cunning and the means. But things were suspicious, and the only reasonable explanation was that, as the Daoist had said, she was truly a star of calamity.

Jiang Quan clenched his fists. He had originally thought that having another daughter would give Xia Yan and her three children another advantage, but who knew this was a malevolent spirit come to claim lives? In that case, she had to be eliminated!

The servant, who had followed Jiang Quan for many years, saw his expression and quietly left the room.

Upon returning to Ruan Residence, Jiang Ruan’s first task was to dismiss the maids Xia Yan had previously sent. She said: “Mother has agreed to let me send you back. You can return to Yanhua Court on your own.”

The maids looked at each other. One maid boldly said: “Eldest Miss, Madam sent us to serve you. This servant wants to stay by your side.”

Jiang Ruan seemed not to hear, instructing Lian Qiao beside her: “Oh yes, when you have time, go to the Xia mansion and collect Shu Xiang’s body for burial. After all, she served me for a time—she shouldn’t end up buried in a mass grave to feed wolves.”

Hearing this, the maids were all startled, seeing that Shu Xiang was indeed no longer by Jiang Ruan’s side. They heard Lian Qiao say: “This servant understands. Shu Xiang died so miserably—Miss shouldn’t take it to heart. She brought it all on herself.”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, looking at the maids from earlier: “What were you saying just now?”

“Nothing,” the maid answered hastily, lowering her head and not daring to look at Jiang Ruan again.

Jiang Ruan was naturally satisfied and left.

In Yanhua Court, the travel-worn Xia Yan had just returned to her room when Nanny Li came over: “Madam, Wan Cai from Master’s side has something to report.”

“Let him in.” Xia Yan took the tea Lin Lang handed her and sat down in the carved wooden chair in the room.

As soon as Wan Cai entered, he said to Xia Yan: “Madam.”

Xia Yan waved her hand: “Speak directly. How did the matter I entrusted to you go?”

Wan Cai nodded: “It’s settled. Master believes the words about the eldest miss being a star of calamity, but doesn’t know what to do about it.”

A cold smile played at Xia Yan’s lips: “In that case, tell Master that in a few days, a very effective wandering Daoist will come to the capital. With the Jiang mansion always having troubles lately, I want to invite this master to perform a ritual to dispel the bad luck in the mansion.”

Wan Cai’s eyes rolled: “This servant understands.”

“You may go.” Xia Yan wearily waved her hand.

After Wan Cai left, Nanny Li came forward to gently massage Xia Yan’s shoulders: “Madam, are you going to use the old method again?”

“There must be an excuse,” Xia Yan narrowed her eyes: “The Jiang mansion has been troubled lately. If we can blame it all on Jiang Ruan, everyone’s attention won’t focus on Su’er and Chao’er. Instead, Jiang Ruan’s reputation will be ruined forever. This is the best way to clear Su’er and Chao’er’s names.”

Nanny Li smiled: “Madam is brilliant. No matter how clever the eldest miss is, she can’t fight against public opinion. Moreover, Master already suspects her—we can boldly proceed with this matter.”

“To prove this isn’t false, Mother’s birthday is in a few days. We’ll arrange it for that day—the Daoist can also pray for Mother’s blessings. In front of so many people, proving Jiang Ruan is a star of calamity will ensure she never rises again.” Xia Yan said slowly.

“Madam, shall we find the same Daoist from five years ago?” Nanny Li asked.

Xia Yan’s hand pressing her forehead paused as she smiled viciously: “Naturally. Old friends’ words are most convincing. Five years ago, I could send her to the estate; five years later, I can do the same. But five years ago, Master had me keep this secret. Now I want the whole world to know that Jiang Ruan is a star of calamity who brings misfortune to husband and mother!”

Five years ago, to find an excellent excuse to send Jiang Ruan to the estate, she had bribed a Daoist to make Jiang Ruan an inauspicious star. She had wanted Jiang Ruan to die on the estate, but unexpectedly she survived and returned to the capital early. When she returned to the Xia mansion, she had kept a backup plan—if things didn’t work out, she would destroy Jiang Ruan. In any case, since Jiang Ruan had made Jiang Susu suffer, Jiang Ruan shouldn’t expect to escape unscathed. Wan Cai had been working for her for years—whispering in Jiang Quan’s ear was effortless. Moreover, Jiang Quan already greatly disliked Jiang Ruan. At the slightest disturbance, the first person he’d suspect would be Jiang Ruan.

No matter how much Jiang Ruan schemed, it was the same—because she didn’t have Jiang Quan’s favor, she was destined never to have a chance of winning in this struggle!

Madam Jiang had only awakened a few days ago. Though her health had improved somewhat with care, being advanced in years, she wasn’t as robust as in her youth. Illness struck like a landslide—in just a few days, she had grown quite haggard, her face showing signs of aging.

Du Juan entered carrying a medicine bowl, exchanging glances with Cai Que, who was attending Madam Jiang. Cai Que quickly stood up and smiled at Madam Jiang, who was staring out the window: “Madam, please drink your medicine while it’s hot.”

Madam Jiang withdrew her gaze, looking at the bowl in Du Juan’s hands, and said coldly: “What medicine? I think everyone in this mansion wishes I were dead!”

Cai Que was startled: “Madam, what are you saying? Everyone hopes you’ll live a long, long life, if only for Second Young Master’s sake. You must stay healthy.”

“Chao’er,” Madam Jiang’s gaze suddenly deepened: “He follows his mother’s nature. I thought he was good, but now he’s arrogant and conceited. Just like his sister—both shallow-minded.”

Cai Que was shocked. With Madam Jiang speaking of Jiang Chao and Jiang Susu this way in front of them, they didn’t know how to respond.

Madam Jiang glanced at Cai Que, then took the medicine bowl from Du Juan’s tray herself. She tilted her head back and drank it completely. The medicine was extremely bitter—she closed her eyes and frowned tightly. After a long while, her expression gradually relaxed.

“Madam, your birthday is in a few days. Madam says she wants to personally arrange a grand celebration for you,” Du Juan said carefully, seeing Madam Jiang’s expression soften somewhat.

“Just a facade,” Madam Jiang sneered: “Does she think I don’t know what she’s planning?”

Cai Que and Du Juan looked at each other. Madam Jiang had always been dignified and proper, but after this illness, she seemed like a different person, particularly dissatisfied with Xia Yan and her three children. They heard Madam Jiang continue: “But this time, I’m afraid her calculations will come to nothing. The eldest miss is no ordinary person.”

Cai Que and Du Juan both lowered their heads without speaking, naturally having their own thoughts.

For several consecutive days, light rain pattered down in the capital. Dark clouds seemed never to leave the sky above the capital. Even wealthy families’ stored grain was beginning to mold from dampness, let alone poor families.

The newly built Zhuangyuan Mansion in the capital gleamed under the rain’s washing. Even in gloomy weather, nothing could diminish the joy on the Liu mansion’s plaque. In the study, Liu Min stood by the window, lost in thought as he watched rainwater dripping from the eaves.

The capital hadn’t seen such prolonged rain in a long time. Though it didn’t seem heavy, it continued pattering endlessly. The moat’s water level had risen considerably. Even in the newly built Zhuangyuan Mansion, staying indoors, one could still feel a hint of cold dampness.

A maid behind him thoughtfully brought ginger tea: “Young Master, drink some to warm yourself.”

Liu Min turned around, accepting the tea cup from the maid’s hands and taking a light sip. Though young, he possessed a natural depth and proud reserve. Compared to the capital’s frivolous noble sons, he was like a piece of clear, cool blue stone—inspiring respect from the heart just by looking at him.

He asked: “Have there been any letters for me these past days?”

The maid was startled and shook her head: “No.”

Disappointment flashed across Liu Min’s face. Since being appointed Zhuangyuan, that mysterious person had never appeared again.

Just then, Madam Liu hurried in, holding a gold-embossed invitation: “Ah Min, why are you dressed so lightly?”

Liu Min smiled and shook his head. Seeing the invitation in her hand, he asked: “Mother, what’s this?”

“An invitation from the wife of Minister Jiang in the capital, inviting us to their old madam’s birthday banquet.” Madam Liu hesitated: “I originally wanted to decline, but now that you’re also in officialdom, it would be good to have someone to look after you normally. This invitation clearly states that since we’re new to settling in the capital, they’re specially visiting. Mother thinks it’s just a birthday banquet—going wouldn’t hurt.” She thought of something and suddenly smiled: “Moreover, many young ladies will surely attend this birthday banquet. If there’s one you fancy, Mother will keep an eye out for you. You’re not young anymore—it’s time to worry about your marriage.”

“Mother,” Liu Min was somewhat helpless: “Your son only wants to establish his career now—I have no thoughts of marriage.”

“Nonsense,” Madam Liu glared at him: “Mother wants to hold grandchildren.” Then she looked at Liu Min inquiringly: “But Ah Min, do you think Mother should attend this birthday banquet?”

Seeing his mother’s expectant gaze, the words of refusal couldn’t come out. Liu Min smiled: “If Mother wants to go, naturally she should.”