Su Shi was so excited she could barely contain herself, her heart filled with mixed emotions as she embraced Jiang Ruan, saying: “My poor Mei’er left us so early, and Ruan’er has grown up not knowing how much suffering she’s endured. It’s all this old woman’s fault.” Seeing that Su Shi was about to cry again, Zhao Guang quickly stepped forward and patted Su Shi’s shoulder, comforting her: “Madam, isn’t Ruan’er back now? Why think of such unhappy things?”

Zhao Yi also persuaded: “Grandmother, now that cousin has returned, this should be a time for joy.”

The two madams of the Zhao Family also joined in comforting her. Su Shi wiped her tears and smiled: “Look at me, wasting such good time for nothing. Ruan’er, don’t blame this old woman.”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly and said nothing.

With Su Shi’s arrival, Zhao Guang and his son could no longer inquire about the Jiang Family matters. They began asking Su Shi about how Jiang Ruan had lived all these years. Jiang Ruan answered one by one, concealing the parts where the Jiang Family had treated her poorly. Even so, the indifference that seeped through her words still allowed Su Shi to catch the clues. Since Jiang Ruan didn’t want to speak of it, she didn’t inquire further, only looking at Jiang Ruan with even more loving and heartbroken eyes.

Zhao Guang and his son already had some understanding of Jiang Ruan and knew about her previous days. Seeing her craft such pleasant lies to reduce Su Shi’s guilt, they felt even more fondness for Jiang Ruan in their hearts. Zhao Yulong and Zhao Feizhou had never seen Jiang Ruan before, only knowing that a cousin they’d never heard of had suddenly appeared in the General’s Manor, and they were all rather curious as they observed Jiang Ruan.

After Jiang Ruan spoke with Su Shi for a while, Su Shi bustled about wanting to personally cook for Jiang Ruan, calling upon the several madams of the family. After the women left, Jiang Ruan looked at Zhao Guang and said: “I still have some things to say.”

Zhao Guang waved his hand: “Come to the study then.” He turned to look at Zhao Yuanjia and the others: “You few come along as well.”

Zhao Yi was also considered an adult, so naturally he followed behind. Zhao Yulong and Zhao Feizhou also wanted to follow, but were stopped by Zhao Yuanfeng’s shout, and they left reluctantly.

Once in the study, Zhao Guang sat down in his chair and looked at Jiang Ruan: “What does Jiang Quan plan to do to your elder brother?”

His first question wasn’t about the porridge distribution or Chongxin Manor, but about Jiang Xinzhi’s matter. Jiang Ruan was slightly stunned, then smiled: “Has grandfather agreed to help me?”

Zhao Guang glared: “He’s my Zhao Family’s grandson. Could I stand by and watch?”

Jiang Ruan lowered her head slightly. Initially not knowing the Zhao Family’s attitude, she had pulled Jiang Quan and Xia Yan into this. In fact, the maid overhearing Jiang Quan’s plan was merely groundless speculation. It’s just that in her previous life, Jiang Xinzhi had met with foul play, and thinking it over, this seemed the most likely scenario. Even if it caused the Zhao Family’s plan to come to nothing, she couldn’t risk Jiang Xinzhi’s life on this gamble. She said: “Elder brother will probably arrive in the capital in five days. On the journey back to the capital, an accident will inevitably occur.” After a pause, she looked at Zhao Guang: “Although I don’t know what method they’ll use, they have sufficient confidence to plot against elder brother’s life.”

Zhao Guang clenched his fists: “Simply outrageous!”

“The Jiang Family doesn’t have such great power. Now with the Jiang Family’s accounts in deficit and Jiang Quan’s career repeatedly obstructed, the Jiang Family is just an empty shell. The one truly capable of accomplishing this is the Xia Family.”

“The Xia Family?” Zhao Yuanping frowned: “Xia Yan’s maternal family?”

“Exactly,” Jiang Ruan said coolly: “The Xia Family and Jiang Family are related by marriage. Even if there are any conflicts, as long as elder brother is gone, Jiang Chao will be the future head of the Jiang Manor. With Jiang Chao as head, the relationship with the Xia Family cannot be severed. But if elder brother becomes head, the Xia Family’s relationship with the Jiang Family cannot last long. For both emotional and logical reasons, as long as the Jiang Family seeks help from the Xia Family, the Xia Family has no reason to refuse.”

Zhao Yuanfeng said: “Isn’t this driving people to death? The Jiang Family really are no good. Father, let me go kill that dog Jiang Quan!”

Zhao Yuanfeng had always been closest to Zhao Mei, and had originally been completely opposed to Jiang Quan as a person. Today, learning from Jiang Ruan how much abuse Zhao Mei had suffered from Jiang Quan, thinking of his dearest sister’s days of enduring humiliation, he was already filled with indignation toward Jiang Quan. Now hearing that Jiang Quan even planned to plot against Jiang Xinzhi, he wished he could immediately avenge Zhao Mei.

“Sit your ass down!” Zhao Guang roared: “Isn’t there enough trouble already!”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Little uncle, this matter definitely involves the Xia Family, but there’s another family that might also be involved.”

“Who?” Zhao Yuanjia asked.

“Prime Minister Li Dong’s family.”

At these words, everyone’s expressions changed. After a moment, Zhao Yi asked: “How would Li Dong be connected to the Xia and Jiang families?”

“Li Dong serves the Eighth Prince, and the Xia Family also serves the Eighth Prince. The Li Family and Xia Family are united as one. When the Jiang Family faces difficulty, the Li Family won’t stand by idly.” Jiang Ruan smiled: “Moreover, Jiang Quan wants to marry me to Young Master Li, using it as a stepping stone to curry favor with the Li Family.”

“Shameless!” Zhao Guang slammed the table, the muscles in his cheeks trembling with anger, his eyes bloodshot. What kind of person was Li Yang? Who in the capital didn’t know – a debauched son who frequented brothels, his rear courtyard unable to contain all his beautiful concubines, and he particularly enjoyed playing games with Li Dong where father and son shared one woman. For Jiang Ruan to enter the Li Family would be like a sheep entering a tiger’s den. Jiang Quan was Jiang Ruan’s biological father, yet he had the face to do such a thing!

Zhao Yi also said incredulously: “Cousin, is what you’re saying true?”

Jiang Ruan nodded. The Li Family might indeed join with the Xia Family to plot against Jiang Xinzhi, though certainly not for this reason. Rather, recently Li An had been frequently visiting the Jiang Manor, and his relationship with Jiang Susu and Xia Yan had become much more harmonious. Li An’s intelligence was beyond ordinary people, and he had likely discovered that the incident with Li Yang wasn’t done by Jiang Susu. Once Li An knew she had done it, he would think of ways to retaliate. If Xia Yan wanted to plot against Jiang Xinzhi, Li An would naturally be happy to add his contribution.

Zhao Yuanjia murmured: “Even tigers don’t eat their own cubs.”

“Righteousness often comes from butchers and dog-killers, while betrayal often comes from scholars. Jiang Quan and Jiang Susu have always been renowned for their talent, so naturally they’re wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Jiang Ruan said coolly.

She spoke in a light, breezy manner, as if discussing something extremely ordinary, yet that gentle voice somehow conveyed a ruthless hatred that made people inexplicably shiver. After a pause, she said: “To ambush someone on the road naturally requires bringing many soldiers. I trouble grandfather to send troops, and also have people monitor the movements of the Xia and Li families. Once there’s any unusual activity, follow them, and you can preserve my elder brother’s life.”

“It requires sending troops to this extent?” Zhao Yuanjia hesitated: “Since Xinzhi is a deputy general returning with the army, with such a large force, how would they dare kill someone in broad daylight?”

“I don’t know what method they’ll use,” Jiang Ruan said: “I only know that if we don’t send sufficient manpower, my elder brother will be in mortal danger. They’ll only strike before entering the capital. Once in the capital, at the emperor’s feet, it will be difficult to act again. So they will definitely find ways to plot against my elder brother’s life. Big uncle, don’t doubt me.” Her tone turned slightly cold. Zhao Yuanjia was stunned and said: “I’m not doubting you.”

“Grandfather, will you agree to my conditions?” Jiang Ruan asked.

Although Zhao Guang was a military general, he wasn’t impulsive. In his usual battles, he would ensure nothing could go wrong. But now, without thinking, he said: “I agree. He’s my grandson, and the Zhao Family will naturally protect him.”

Jiang Ruan said: “Thank you, grandfather.”

Zhao Guang looked at her. The Jiang Ruan before him had a composed expression, speaking and acting no different from an adult. Even their Zhao Family’s thirteen or fourteen-year-old young men, Zhao Feizhou and Zhao Yulong, would occasionally show childish innocence. But Jiang Ruan had no trace of childishness. On the surface, she appeared gentle, but she also had a kind of distant indifference. Only those who had experienced the baptism of blood on the battlefield would have such killing intent, and in Jiang Ruan it had penetrated to her very bones. He sighed inwardly. Su Shi couldn’t see clearly, but he had met many people, and after the initial shock, he could see that from beginning to end, Jiang Ruan had shown no excitement about reuniting with family. Her heart was firm as rock. Probably every word she had said to the Zhao Family today was a carefully considered response, each with a particular purpose.

She was calculating against the entire Zhao Family, but the method she used wasn’t conspiracy or coercion. Like gentle rain moistening things silently, she made people unable to refuse her requests. Even being calculated against felt willing.

For Jiang Ruan to be so precocious, the life she had lived in the Jiang Family for these years was probably ten thousand times more dangerous than she had described. After all, she was a descendant of the Zhao Family. Thinking of the deceased Zhao Mei, how could he remain unmoved? With this thought, regarding the matters of porridge distribution and Chongxin Manor, he didn’t want to ask anymore right now. He said: “Your grandmother should have finished preparing the meal. Cough, let’s all go out together.” He stood up and slowly walked out, but whether it was because Zhao Mei’s matter had dealt him too heavy a blow, that tall and sturdy figure actually looked somewhat aged.

Zhao Yuanjia and the others also followed out of the study. When Jiang Ruan was about to leave as well, a figure appeared before her. Zhao Yuanping blocked her path, smiling: “What exactly are you trying to do?” His eyes looked at her with scrutiny.

“Second uncle, Ruan’er doesn’t understand what you mean.”

“The Li Family’s involvement isn’t for the reason you stated. That Jiang Xinzhi will definitely encounter an ambush – you spoke with such certainty, there must be other reasons. Father didn’t ask, but that doesn’t mean I won’t ask.” Zhao Yuanping’s expression gradually became serious: “Jiang Ruan, even if you’re Mei’er’s daughter, I must ask – what exactly are you trying to do?”

Jiang Ruan looked at him quietly. The Zhao Family had three generations of military generals, but Zhao Yuanping was born extremely clever. Unfortunately, the Zhao Family disdained the scholarly path, so Zhao Yuanping couldn’t take the imperial examinations to become a top scholar and bring glory to the Zhao Family name. He was well-versed in military strategy and served as a strategically brilliant military advisor. He excelled at one thing in particular – understanding people’s hearts. On the battlefield, figuring out the enemy’s thoughts could help the army win battles better. Right now, Zhao Yuanping was becoming wary of her. However, she had never intended to hide anything from Zhao Yuanping.

She said: “Why must second uncle be so tense? In any case, I won’t harm the Zhao Family. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have distributed porridge or saved big cousin’s life. Second uncle doubts me so, but among all the things I’ve done up to now, is there even one that’s unfavorable to the Jiang Family?” Seeing Zhao Yuanping’s expression unchanged, she smiled faintly again: “Moreover, if we can save my elder brother, we’ll inevitably capture a group of assassins. Following the trail, the people we catch will implicate the Li Family, which would be beneficial to the General’s Manor without any harm. The Li Family and Zhao Family have always been at odds in court – second uncle knows this well. Once the Li Family has problems, the Eighth Prince’s power will be damaged. Isn’t this the scenario the General’s Manor would most like to see?”

Zhao Yuanping suppressed the shock in his heart and frowned. Jiang Ruan had brazenly revealed these secrets in broad daylight, and moreover, every sentence hit upon his thoughts. For a moment, Zhao Yuanping had nothing to say.

Jiang Ruan said: “Second uncle, rest assured. I won’t harm the Zhao Family. The Jiang Family and I have irreconcilable hatred. Even just to cause trouble for the Jiang Family, I would do my utmost to help the Zhao Family.” With that, she lightly bowed to Zhao Yuanping and left on her own.

Zhao Yuanping contemplated for a moment behind her, then smiled softly, restored his previous demeanor, and walked toward the main hall.

The Zhao Manor was filled with harmonious warmth, but other places in the capital were as gloomy as if a sudden storm had descended.

In the Yanhua Courtyard of the Jiang Manor, Xia Yan grabbed Lin Lang: “Did you hear clearly? Did Lord Sun really say that?”

Lin Lang nodded: “Yes, Madam. The eldest young master has indeed become a deputy general and will arrive in the capital in five days. What should we do now?”

Xia Yan’s grip on the teacup tightened, and with a crack, she threw the teacup to the ground. The fine powder-colored porcelain cup painted with beautiful women and golden butterflies immediately shattered into pieces. Lin Lang stood to the side, not daring to breathe heavily, looking at Xia Yan with some trepidation.

Xia Yan gritted her teeth: “That little beast actually has such fortune! Why wasn’t he shot dead on the battlefield!” Currently, she spent every day worrying about how to prevent Jiang Susu from going to the family temple. Jiang Quan was determined, and since that day when Hui Jue left, Jiang Susu couldn’t sleep peacefully, always saying at night that someone was knocking on the door. When she went to open it, she found nothing there. Writing to request Hui Jue’s return, Hui Jue only said the demonic energy was too heavy and it would be best to quickly send Jiang Susu to the family temple to dispel the bad luck, which infuriated Xia Yan so much she wanted to tear Hui Jue’s mouth apart.

During such a frantic time, she heard news that Jiang Xinzhi had become a deputy general and would return to the capital in triumph, which naturally enraged her. However, along with the deep jealousy and hatred came worry.

Jiang Chao’s failure in the imperial examinations had already disappointed Jiang Quan somewhat. If Jiang Xinzhi returned at such a time, having achieved military merit, there was no guarantee Jiang Quan wouldn’t develop other thoughts. Even if Jiang Quan didn’t like Jiang Xinzhi and wouldn’t shake Jiang Chao’s position, Jiang Chao’s inability to enter the court meant he couldn’t establish connections with people in officialdom. If Jiang Xinzhi entered the court at this time and formed relationships with officials, it would be disadvantageous to Jiang Chao in the future.

When people of the Great Jin Dynasty mentioned the sons of the Jiang Family, they only needed to know Jiang Chao. Jiang Xinzhi was superfluous. Her Chao’er absolutely couldn’t leave any blemishes, and his position couldn’t be shaken by anyone. Xia Yan clenched her fists, her beautiful face twisted with an expression as vicious as a man-eating demon: “Jiang Xinzhi cannot stay!”

“Madam means?” Lin Lang had followed Xia Yan for many years and could somewhat guess her thoughts from her actions.

“Once that little beast returns, where does that leave my Chao’er? People in the world love to compare, and they’ll only use Jiang Xinzhi’s success to compare with Chao’er’s failure. How can I let that happen!” Xia Yan said through gritted teeth. Ever since Jiang Chao failed the examinations and had a finger cut off by people from Baihua Tower, his temperament had become very strange. He was no longer as bright as before; the whole person carried a heavy gloom that made people afraid just looking at him.

“Does Madam plan to act after the eldest young master returns to the manor?” Lin Lang asked.

“After returning to the manor?” Xia Yan sneered: “That little slut is so cunning, her brother probably won’t be much different. How could I give him a chance to enter the manor? I want him unable to even enter the gates of the capital!”

Lin Lang said in surprise: “Does Madam want to act on the road… But the eldest young master has an entire army behind him. Madam, this is too risky, and moreover, it might not succeed.”

“So what if it’s an entire army? Just use your brain.” Xia Yan said impatiently: “Doesn’t Jiang Xinzhi love his sister the most? Use his sister as bait, and I don’t believe he won’t take the hook obediently.” Originally, Jiang Xinzhi left the Jiang Manor to join the army because of Jiang Ruan. Who would have thought he’d actually gain such an opportunity from it.

“Madam, do you want the master to…?” Lin Lang asked.

“No, don’t tell him.” Xia Yan’s fingers gradually tightened, a flash of hatred appearing in her eyes: “Absolutely cannot let him know.” If it were before, it would have been fine. Previously, Jiang Chao was intelligent and was Jiang Quan’s pride. With Jiang Chao, how could Jiang Quan’s eyes contain Jiang Xinzhi’s shadow? Even if Jiang Xinzhi became a deputy general, for Jiang Chao’s sake, he would turn a blind eye and even secretly assist. But now Jiang Chao had become the laughingstock of the entire capital. Colleagues often mocked Jiang Quan because of this matter. Jiang Quan’s heart probably harbored disgust toward Jiang Chao. Now with Jiang Xinzhi returning to the capital in such glory, Jiang Quan might inevitably have other plans.

If that happened, it would be terrible. Xia Yan gripped her skirt tightly.

“Then… Madam, ask the Marquis for help? Will the Marquis help?” Lin Lang asked. A few days ago, Jiang Susu had angered Xia Cheng greatly, and because of Xia Jun’s matter, Yu Ya wanted nothing more than to fight her desperately. Xia Yan and her daughter were already extremely unwelcome in the Xia Family – how would they lend a helping hand?

“Second sister-in-law naturally won’t help, but father will help me.” Xia Yan said: “Even if it’s for the Xia Family’s sake, father will spare no effort to help me.” The Jiang Family could be considered some assistance. Even if Xia Cheng was dissatisfied with Jiang Susu, he wouldn’t want an outsider to seize the Jiang Family’s power over such a small conflict. If Jiang Xinzhi truly rose in the capital, it would be a great threat to Jiang Chao. An uncontrollable Jiang Manor would be useless. To ensure the Jiang Manor would always stand on the same boat as the Xia Manor, Xia Cheng wouldn’t stand by idly. In eliminating Jiang Xinzhi, he might even be more concerned than they were.

“Bring paper and brush. I need to write a letter to father.” Xia Yan said.

She smiled slightly. The Xia Family would help, and moreover, there was the Li Family. Although she didn’t know why the Li Family’s second young master Li An had recently been showing goodwill to her and Jiang Susu, she could use this opportunity once.

With the Xia Family and Li Family together, even if Jiang Xinzhi had nine lives, he couldn’t escape with wings.