In the General’s Manor.

Zhao Guang stared grimly at the letter before him, while Zhao Yuanjia and his two brothers along with Zhao Yi stood on either side, their expressions uniformly serious.

After a long while, Zhao Guang let out a long sigh: “Let’s do as the letter says.”

“Grandfather.” Zhao Yi was startled: “Even if cousin guessed correctly about several previous matters, if this time it’s not true, the charge of privately mobilizing troops is something the Zhao family cannot bear.”

“I trust that child.” Ever since Jiang Ruan had visited the General’s Manor and he learned the truth about Zhao Mei’s situation, Zhao Guang seemed to have aged ten years overnight. The general who had always been in high spirits now showed traces of weathering on his face.

“Don’t worry.” Zhao Yuanping actually smiled: “This matter doesn’t just concern us—she even brought in elder nephew. She certainly wouldn’t harm her own brother. The Zhao family is originally a military household. Having an emergency and deploying a small portion of troops is nothing unusual. If nothing happens, we can simply claim we believed the demon monk’s false words. If something does happen, we’ll have saved the common people of one region. Either way, it’s a sure profit.”

As the shrewdest man in the Zhao family, Zhao Yuanping was accustomed to considering pros and cons, appearing rather like a merchant. But no one had ever doubted his judgment. Since both he and Zhao Guang had spoken thus, the others had no objections. The matter was settled.

“Tonight you’ll deploy troops to Bochang Reservoir. Before dawn tomorrow, the Eighth Prince will definitely send people to guard it. Don’t conflict with them—kill them all in the shortest time possible.” Zhao Guang said to Zhao Yuanjia.

“Won’t this put us directly against the Eighth Prince?” Zhao Yuanjia frowned: “Making enemies outright might be disadvantageous for the future.” The General’s Manor had always maintained neutrality in court, neither accepting overtures nor refusing them. But after tonight, they would inevitably forge enmity with Xuan Li. When they met in the future, there would likely be flashing blades and countless casualties.

“Do you think if we yield, he’ll spare the General’s Manor?” Zhao Guang countered: “Go. Do exactly as the letter says.”

Zhao Yuanjia and the others exchanged glances, then agreed and left the study. After they departed, Zhao Guang’s gaze returned to the letter. Jiang Ruan’s letter had requested they cleanly eliminate all of the Eighth Prince’s people—leaving no survivors and giving them no chance to seek external aid. He naturally understood why Jiang Ruan did this. Once Xuan Li’s subordinates were given an opportunity to bring in others, Xuan Li would definitely not allow the Zhao family to relocate the thousands of common people downstream from the reservoir.

By silently killing the Eighth Prince’s people, if the embankment truly collapsed the next day, they could claim those people had been washed away, leaving no evidence. Xuan Li could only swallow this bitter pill in silence. Zhao Guang sighed deeply. He admired Jiang Ruan’s clever thinking but was also amazed at how decisive she was in killing. Yet she was still so young. When Zhao Yulong and Zhao Feizhou were her age, they were still innocent youths who knew nothing of sorrow.

She carried too many mysterious things that the General’s Manor found unfamiliar. But he didn’t plan to pressure her. If one day Jiang Ruan truly accepted them as family, she would speak of it herself without being asked. He just didn’t know if that day would come.

While the General’s Manor was thus occupied, the Jiang manor naturally presented a different scene.

On his way back to the manor, Jiang Xinzhi had seen someone selling hibiscus steamed cakes and bought a few for Jiang Ruan. When Zhao Mei was still alive, Jiang Ruan had most loved eating hibiscus steamed cakes from Yangliu Alley. Several years had passed, and that alley had been renovated many times, but the couple selling steamed cakes was still there. Seeing him, they recognized him and laughingly asked why he hadn’t brought his sister for so many years.

Thinking of this, Jiang Xinzhi shook his head and smiled. Jiang Ruan took the steamed cakes and set them aside, looking at Jiang Xinzhi with a slight smile: “Elder brother, be especially careful tonight.”

Jiang Xinzhi wore a deep blue straight-cut robe embroidered with green pines, appearing gentle and refined. Yet beneath that soft robe was extremely hard armor. Tonight at midnight, there would be a night raid. Though not as bold and sweeping as on the battlefield, it would still be extremely dangerous. He smiled and touched Jiang Ruan’s head: “Understood. Do you think your elder brother is such an incompetent person?”

Jiang Ruan also smiled lightly, looking at Jiang Xinzhi with slightly warmer eyes. Supporting her chin with one hand, she said with rare playfulness: “In my heart, elder brother will always be an upstanding man.”

After Jiang Xinzhi learned of her plan, he had agreed without a word, never even doubting whether there would truly be heavy rain tomorrow or questioning why the reservoir would collapse. Once Jiang Ruan spoke, he agreed. In this world, perhaps the only person who unconditionally believed her words and was willing to risk his life for what she said was Jiang Xinzhi.

“Elder brother borrowed General Guan’s seal without permission. You don’t need to mobilize too many soldiers—just a small portion will do.” Jiang Ruan said: “But afterward, General Guan will inevitably be furious. Elder brother… might have to suffer some grievance.”

In her previous life in the palace, she had rarely seen the Emperor, only hearing Xuan Li say that the Emperor was naturally suspicious. Though the Zhao family were founding heroes, their power was ultimately too great. Since returning to the capital many years ago, this had become even more pronounced. Though imperial favor hadn’t waned, who knew how much was truly sincere? But Guan Lianghan was different. First, he was someone who had long guarded the frontier with little contact with capital forces. Second, his character was quite straightforward, so the Emperor trusted him considerably.

After this success, the Zhao family’s merit alone would definitely not be enough—they needed to drag Guan Lianghan into it. As long as they were connected to Guan Lianghan, the imperial heart would be somewhat more tolerant. Moreover, Jiang Xinzhi’s involvement would only benefit his future career, not harm it.

People said one must climb up step by step without being too hasty. Jiang Xinzhi had already been promoted to deputy general and earned military merit. If he could save thousands of lives downstream during flood control, it would naturally be another reward. In this way, upon first entering the highest power center of the Great Jin Dynasty, he would naturally stand higher than others.

Jiang Xinzhi was doing this for her, and she was also paving the way for Jiang Xinzhi.

And the first path would be climbing over the bones and blood of those in the Prime Minister’s manor.

At the Eighth Prince’s manor in the capital.

Xuan Li sat at his desk, slowly lifting his tea cup for a sip. Li An had been talking with him here all afternoon. Tomorrow would be the third day the monk had mentioned, yet the rain was gradually lessening and almost stopping.

He slowly relaxed his brow. The Fifth Prince’s move had ultimately been useless. After tomorrow, the officials recording this flood control effort would report the matter to court. His reputation among the people would be even higher, and more supporters in court would gather around him. Then he could throw that monk he had under house arrest into prison for interrogation. If he could make him implicate the Fifth Prince, it would be perfect.

However, Li An’s previous words echoed in his ears again: “Your Highness must not underestimate the eldest daughter of the Jiang family. This woman has a cunning nature and acts cruelly. If left unchecked, she will inevitably become a major threat. If she could be recruited and used, she might be a great asset.”

He didn’t know what this was hinting at. Before his eyes appeared a face with a faint smile. But she was just a young girl still wet behind the ears—how could she deserve the word “asset”?

Xuan Li smiled slightly, but somehow felt uneasy. A subordinate entered and reported: “Your Highness, the reservoir area has been inspected—there are no problems whatsoever. Soldiers have been posted to guard it, and all is normal.”

Xuan Li waved his hand: “You may go.”

He had ordered a group of soldiers to approach the reservoir to prevent sabotage—nothing could go wrong. After a while, he suppressed his discomfort and slowly smiled.

They were just a bunch of clowns—why waste too much thought on them?

In a quiet courtyard elsewhere in the capital, the environment was peaceful. Several people dressed as guards stood at the gate, while inside the room, tea fragrance wafted. Facing the window sat a yellow-robed monk silently reciting Buddhist scriptures.

This person had peaceful features and remained calm in the face of change, possessing the bearing of an eminent monk. As he recited, he suddenly paused and his eyes snapped open.

The guards remained vigilant even at night. Night had fallen, and it was difficult to see outside clearly. Under the bright red lanterns hanging from the eaves, extremely fine rain threads drifted slantwise, almost invisible.

The rain seemed about to stop.

Hui Jue watched silently, slowly opening his tightly clenched hands holding prayer beads. His palms were drenched with sweat.

After tonight, if the heavy rain didn’t arrive as expected, Hui Jue understood better than anyone what awaited him.

These past days, people had occasionally come to talk with him. Though their tone was gentle, their words carried invisible threats and pressure. He could only pretend ignorance and ignore them. Those people hadn’t made things difficult for him.

Xuan Li was someone who valued reputation. Before tomorrow, he would treat Hui Jue with courtesy. After tomorrow, Hui Jue would become a demon monk who disturbed people’s hearts, and any punishment would be justified.

Hui Jue narrowed his eyes slightly. This was a game, and it seemed he was about to lose.

But he could only endure. If he changed his story now, the people behind Jiang Ruan would inevitably take their anger out on his son.

He closed his eyes again and slowly, slowly began reciting Buddhist sutras.

At Prince Jinying’s manor.

Xiao Shao silently finished reading the letter in his hand. A snow pigeon perched on the desk, cooing softly.

After a while, he said: “Take my seal and invite General Guan over.”

Jin Yi took the order and left. Xiao Shao extended his hand, his long, slender fingers lightly tapping the letter. His eyes were completely cold.

Jiang Xinzhi, Zhao Yuanjia? The continuous rain seemed to have washed the capital’s night sky clean. Especially these past days as the rain had grown lighter, tonight’s sky was very clear, as if in the next second, a bright moon would hang above the willow branches by the lake.

All around Bochang Reservoir was calm and still. The faint rain threads gently fell on the water surface, stirring up shallow ripples like tender, intimate whispers between lovers.

Armed guards patrolled by the reservoir, while the people downstream had entered their dreams.

In the peaceful tranquility, a “splash” suddenly came from far away, like the sound of something falling into water. The guard standing by the water lifted his drowsy eyes and said to his companion: “What was that sound just now?”

His companion waved his hand: “Don’t know. You go take a look.”

The guard rubbed his eyes and walked forward until he reached where the splashing sound had come from, peering in: “What’s going on?”

The water surface rippled with shallow waves. By the weak firelight, there seemed to be something there. The guard held his torch forward, bending down to look more carefully. Suddenly he felt a chill at his neck. Before he could understand what was happening, his body had already fallen.

The newcomer dragged him aside, quickly stripped off his clothes and put them on, then picked up the torch from the ground.

After a while, the other guard saw his companion who had gone to investigate finally returning.

“How come you were gone so long? What happened just now?” the guard asked.

The returning companion just shook his head and yawned.

“Be careful. If someone discovers you dozing off on guard duty, neither of us will have a good end,” the guard said irritably.

The returning companion lazily held his torch forward, leaving only a weak flame illuminating his face, making his features unclear.

The guard chattered on, then suddenly felt something was wrong and turned sharply: “Wait! You’re not…”

His voice cut off abruptly.

A sharp knife was buried in his abdomen. The stranger, wearing their companion’s clothes, looked at him expressionlessly.

The guard struggled to reach for the signal flare in his chest, but before he could pull it out, a hand snatched it away.

Then, he saw in the distance around the dark reservoir, numerous black shadows emerging like ghosts, like a web that had long been woven, silently approaching the reservoir.

Muffled sounds of fighting rang out in the darkness.

This night, someone went forth in armor with three hundred elite soldiers, ambushing at Bochang—a one-sided slaughter with flashing blades and flowing blood.

This night, someone slept peacefully in warm, exquisite mansions filled with incense—a night of good dreams.

This night, countless black shadows infiltrated the homes of people around Bochang Reservoir, and the residents evacuated overnight.

This night, in deep courtyards and grand mansions, a yellow-robed monk closed his eyes and recited scriptures, silently chanting sutras all night long.

In the night, light winds swayed, and rain fell dense as silk, lingering and touching. Some had good dreams, others remained sleepless.

Then, at dawn the next day as morning light began to show, a tremendous roar came from the east, awakening the still-sleeping capital.

Rain poured down as if entire basins were being overturned.

With a thunderous crash, Bochang Reservoir—its entire embankment collapsed completely from the middle, like fragile paper. The accumulated water mixed with rainwater came roaring out, instantly becoming a vast ocean that swallowed countless houses downstream in the blink of an eye.

Like a clap of thunder, news of Bochang Reservoir’s collapse instantly spread throughout the capital. The overflowing rainwater not only spread downstream but also affected areas with slightly lower elevation.

When the news arrived, Jiang Ruan was eating hibiscus steamed cakes in her room.

The hibiscus steamed cakes from last night hadn’t been eaten after all. Though somewhat cold this morning, paired with hot tea they had a unique flavor.

Jiang Xinzhi entered soaked by rain, having just changed into clean clothes with his hair still not completely dry. Seeing her eating cold food, he said: “Why are you eating cold things? Be careful not to upset your stomach.”

Jiang Ruan smiled at him: “It’s fine.”

Jiang Xinzhi sat across from her and smiled: “Everything has been handled. The people have all been moved to Dongpo Mountain—the terrain is high there, so nothing will go wrong.”

Jiang Ruan nodded, seeing Jiang Xinzhi hesitate slightly, and asked: “Did something happen?” Jiang Xinzhi didn’t hide anything from her: “When I was with cousin last night, the general also arrived. He didn’t ask about my unauthorized troop deployment and even brought people to help me.” He frowned: “Those people didn’t seem like military men—they were very skilled at disposing of bodies, like professional killers.” Realizing he shouldn’t discuss such bloody matters in front of Jiang Ruan, he said: “A-Ruan, you don’t need to worry about these things.”

“Since General Guan helped you, he has his reasons. If he doesn’t actively bring it up, you don’t need to worry about it either.” Though Jiang Ruan also didn’t understand Guan Lianghan’s meaning, there were more important things to do now.

“Elder brother, if it’s convenient, please help me find some trustworthy people to spread this message in the marketplace.” Jiang Ruan handed the paper in her hand to Jiang Xinzhi.

Jiang Xinzhi took it with confusion and was stunned upon reading it. After thinking, he said: “A-Ruan, what did the Li family do to you?”

He had originally thought this series of events was simply Jiang Ruan’s way of supporting the Zhao family, or even going further, weakening Xuan Li’s power to make him lose vigor in the short term. But now it seemed all of Jiang Ruan’s spears were pointed at the Prime Minister’s manor. The more he thought about it, the more alarming it became. There must have been something the Prime Minister’s manor had done to Jiang Ruan—otherwise, how could there be such deep hatred?

Since returning to the Jiang manor, though he had inquired about Jiang Ruan’s affairs, everyone in the Jiang manor remained silent. Many things the servants and maids didn’t understand clearly, much less could they explain the details.

Jiang Ruan said lightly: “Li Yang attempted to molest me, so I castrated him. The Li family hates me to the bone. If I remain alive, sooner or later they will become my enemies. Either they die or I perish—unless I destroy the entire Li family, I cannot rest easy.” She spoke casually, but Jiang Xinzhi’s mind raced upon hearing it. First he was extremely shocked, then he clenched his fists tightly: “How dare they go too far!”

He tucked the paper into his chest: “Leave this matter to me.” He looked at Jiang Ruan: “A-Ruan, if elder brother had returned just one day earlier, you wouldn’t have suffered such humiliation.”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “It’s fine.”

Humiliation wasn’t frightening—what was frightening was suffering humiliation without knowing it, never having a chance to turn things around, and living one’s entire life in misery. Just like her previous life.

Jiang Xinzhi strode out the door.

At the Eighth Prince’s manor, Xuan Li violently smashed the nine-dragon patterned glass teacup before him. The cup fell to the ground and shattered into glittering fragments. His muscles tensed rigidly, and all the gentle expression on his face vanished, replaced by bone-deep fury.

“What’s going on? Didn’t you say there were no problems with the embankment? How could it collapse if there were no problems?” He slammed the book in his hand against the nearest advisor with a loud “smack.”

The advisor didn’t dare breathe heavily. The usually gentle Eighth Prince was losing his temper with his advisors for the first time. He had always controlled his emotions extremely skillfully—even if he hated someone to the bone, he could smile at enemies like spring breeze.

No one knew the anger burning in Xuan Li’s heart at this moment.

Why did it have to be now!

Just when his merit was about to be complete, when he had gained reputation among the people, when the Emperor looked favorably upon him—if he could just add this achievement, the court’s direction would become even clearer, and a large portion of officials would naturally be wise enough to follow him. With more manpower at hand, his future chips would be heavier.

These days he had devoted himself entirely to the reservoir matter, thinking everything was foolproof. How could it fall apart at this crucial moment!

Xuan Li had always been someone unwilling to admit defeat. This incident was like being slapped in the face before everyone’s eyes. Though he appeared tolerant on the surface, he was actually proud and arrogant—how could he tolerate this failure!

He was furious: “Summon Li An!” Then remembering something else: “Find people to guard that monk and bring him here.”

His subordinates took the orders and left.

Overnight, the wind direction had completely reversed. The originally wise and mighty Eighth Prince, credited with successful flood control, suddenly became in the people’s mouths an incompetent person who was stubborn and self-opinionated, disregarded thousands of lives, and was disrespectful to eminent monks.

Bochang Reservoir had completely collapsed, and all houses downstream were destroyed. If not for General’s Manor city defense commander Zhao Yi and the recently returned Guan Lianghan leading people to evacuate overnight the night before, countless innocent lives would have been lost in this flood.

The people praised the Zhao and Guan armies as living bodhisattvas who saved the suffering, instantly earning the admiration and love of the capital’s residents.

Master Hui Jue, who had prophetically predicted Bochang Reservoir’s imminent collapse, was revered like a deity. Who could have imagined? Just when the rain in the capital had been gradually lessening these past days and was about to stop, who knew that this very morning torrential rain would suddenly pour down? If not for the Zhao and Guan armies, the capital would surely have gained several thousand more wronged souls.

Such news spread like wildfire through streets and alleys, through nobles’ mansions, across the skies of the Great Jin Dynasty’s capital, and finally reached the court of the Son of Heaven.

Those supporting the Fifth Prince seized this opportunity to fiercely criticize the Eighth Prince’s actions. Memorials impeaching Eighth Prince Xuan Li flew toward the Emperor’s desk like snowflakes.

But the matter didn’t end there.

A rumor had quietly begun circulating in the capital: originally, the embankment had been built under the supervision of someone promoted by Prime Minister Li Dong. That subordinate had embezzled much of the silver meant for embankment construction, with a large portion ending up in the Prime Minister’s manor. It was precisely because the Prime Minister’s second son Li An feared the matter would be exposed that he desperately tried to cover it up, even willing to sacrifice the lives of thousands downstream. The Eighth Prince, having always been on good terms with Li An, had helped cover for him.

The emperor understood that when water is too clear, there are no fish. The master of the realm understood this principle—large and small officials in court embezzling a little was no matter. But Bochang Reservoir was the Great Jin Dynasty capital’s largest reservoir, related to the capital’s people’s drinking water and the irrigation source for thousands of acres of good farmland. Minor embezzlement was one thing, but too much made one a parasite of the state.

Especially at this crucial juncture, Li An’s actions were tantamount to murder to silence witnesses—and murdering thousands of lives at once. The entire court was shocked, the Emperor furious. Without another word, he issued an edict: the Prime Minister’s manor was guilty of corruption and bribery, the embankment’s destruction was unforgivable, and they were to be imprisoned awaiting trial.

At that moment, Li An was at the Eighth Prince’s manor talking with Xuan Li. Xuan Li asked angrily: “What exactly is going on? How could what that monk said be true?”

Li An was also confused for the first time. After thinking, he said: “There must have been a backup plan prepared. This matter definitely can’t be separated from the Zhao family. Last night Your Highness’s guards all disappeared without a trace—they must have all fallen victim to the Zhao family and Guan Lianghan. But these soldiers are military men—how could they leave not a single trace?”

“What use would leaving traces be?” Xuan Li said: “I certainly cannot tell others about this matter, so I can only swallow this bitter pill. Moreover, since the other side dared to kill so brazenly, they must have ways to deal with it.” He clenched his fists: “The Zhao family? So they’ve also sided with Fifth Brother.”

“Your Highness, I still feel this matter is highly suspicious and may not be Fifth Prince’s doing,” Li An said.

Xuan Li looked at him with unfriendly eyes: “Li An, this prince has trusted you many times, but this time we’ve suffered a loss.”

“I accept any punishment Your Highness deems fit,” Li An quickly knelt to confess, lowering his head as a trace of mockery flashed in his eyes.

“Forget it.” Xuan Li waved his hand: “Father must be furious right now. I must beg forgiveness, or there will be no way out.”

Just as they were speaking, a guard hurriedly entered from outside. Seeing Xuan Li, he quickly knelt: “Your Highness, something terrible has happened.”

Xuan Li frowned: “What now?”

The guard glanced at Li An. Xuan Li said: “Speak.”

“His Majesty has issued an edict to arrest those from the Prime Minister’s manor and imprison them awaiting trial.”

“What?” Li An suddenly stood up.

The guard quickly explained the entire situation. Xuan Li frowned tightly—this matter appeared to be the Prime Minister’s manor’s misfortune, but it was inextricably linked to his Eighth Prince’s manor. Though the Emperor hadn’t said anything now, he probably already harbored displeasure.

Li An was stunned for a moment. For some reason, an ominous premonition suddenly arose in his heart. The Emperor wasn’t unaware of what the Prime Minister’s manor had been doing in the capital all these years—he had simply turned a blind eye because the court situation needed balance, and the Prime Minister’s manor was necessary for that balance. Once this balance was broken, the current excellent situation would be destroyed. The Emperor knew this, and the Prime Minister’s manor knew this too. As long as they had some restraint in their unscrupulous behavior, there would be no major problems.

But now the Emperor actually wanted to imprison people from the Prime Minister’s manor. For those accustomed to infinite glory, being imprisoned meant never being able to return to their former positions. The Emperor was determined to deal with the Prime Minister’s manor—what should they do next?

Xuan Li frowned: “Such absurd matters—how could father believe them?”

“The rumors outside are fierce,” the guard said carefully: “Very convincing. When the Emperor sent people to seal the Prime Minister’s manor, they indeed found countless jewels and treasures in the residence.”

Li An stood there in a daze.

Bochang Reservoir had indeed been built by someone Li Dong promoted. Whether there had been embezzlement—naturally there had been, but not enough to make it collapse at the first touch. At least it had achieved a certain stable foundation. The court was tacitly understanding about the silver for such projects. The sudden collapse of the embankment was unexpected, but it had now sparked countless rumors.

Moreover, so many gold, silver, and precious objects had been found in the Prime Minister’s manor.

Though most of these treasures had nothing to do with the reservoir project’s silver, in the current situation, all that silver would definitely be attributed to the reservoir matter.

Some days ago, Xuan Li had hinted before the Emperor that the national treasury was empty and they could think of ways to get money from wealthy officials’ manors. He had originally wanted to target the Zhao family, but the Zhao family had suddenly begun giving out porridge, leaving the Emperor with no excuse. Now the countless treasures in the Prime Minister’s manor—wasn’t this like delivering prepared food directly to the Emperor?

With such enormous wealth, how could the Emperor not be tempted? Moreover, with floods raging, the national treasury needed to be full even more.

Layer upon layer of pressure—where was there any chance left for the Prime Minister’s manor?

With the Prime Minister’s manor’s downfall and the Eighth Prince’s power damaged, the one who appeared to benefit most was the Fifth Prince, but the Zhao family also gained considerably.

The General’s Manor, which had always sought neutrality and remained uninvolved, why had it suddenly changed character? The matter of hundreds of elite guards disappearing overnight definitely involved their handiwork. When had the General’s Manor’s methods become so ruthless?

And Guan Lianghan—why had Guan Lianghan gotten involved?

Li An’s mind raced to connect these events. The General’s Manor, Guan Lianghan… suddenly, a name appeared in his mind: Jiang Xinzhi.

The General’s Manor was Jiang Xinzhi’s maternal family. Jiang Xinzhi was Guan Lianghan’s deputy general.

Before his eyes appeared the girl’s faint smile, her charming yet stern eyes, her seemingly smiling yet not smiling gaze.

He suddenly remembered what Li Dong had mentioned to him yesterday: “Your elder brother wants to marry that bitch Jiang Ruan. The Jiang family is already preparing to send over the engagement documents.”

At the time, busy checking the reservoir surroundings for problems, he had been too lazy to argue with him.

Now thinking back, these words were like a thunderbolt striking his heart.

Li Yang wanting to marry Jiang Ruan must be to torment Jiang Ruan, because Jiang Ruan had castrated him.

But before the engagement documents could be sent, the Prime Minister’s manor had been raided.

A terrifying suspicion arose in his heart. Why had the General’s Manor suddenly changed from its usual mild ways to become ruthless and cruel? Why were the Guan family troops present? Could it be that everything was related to Jiang Ruan?

While he was waiting to capture his prey, the prey had aimed at his backyard.

Diverting trouble eastward—what an excellent case of diverting trouble eastward!

Li An stood there, feeling stifled with pent-up anger. Suddenly his neck stiffened, and he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood with a “puff.”

“Young Master Li!” The guard was alarmed.

Xuan Li also looked at him in shock. Li An was extremely cunning and prided himself on his supreme intelligence—when had he ever been so distraught? He frowned: “You should…”

“Your Highness, I still have some matters to attend to.” Li An suddenly bowed to him: “Li An takes his leave first.” After speaking, he leaped out the window and disappeared without a trace.

“Your Highness, should we pursue him?” the guard asked.

Xuan Li waved his hand: “No need. He’s a smart man—he wouldn’t do anything pointless.” He rubbed his forehead. These sudden events had left him exhausted. He truly couldn’t understand how something so close to success could turn out this way. With the Prime Minister’s manor in such a state, he was truly caught between a rock and a hard place.

Abandoning the chariot to save the general—but this chariot was one of his most important pieces. How could he willingly give it up?

“Hasn’t that monk been brought over yet?” Xuan Li asked irritably. Even if the embankment was deliberately damaged, the sudden intensification of rain wasn’t something human power could achieve. Could that monk really have some ability? If so, if he could be utilized and snatched from the Fifth Prince’s hands, it would at least make up for the previous loss.

Just as he was speaking, a guard suddenly rushed in frantically, saying in panic: “This is terrible, Your Highness—that monk has been rescued by someone!”

At the Guan manor.

Guan Lianghan paced back and forth, looking at the thoughtful Xiao Shao and couldn’t help saying: “I’m about to lose my patience. Why won’t you let me ask Jiang Xinzhi about last night? Damn it, he dared steal my military seal! And why did you suddenly deploy men last night? Aren’t you afraid that little bastard Xuan Li would recognize your Jinyiwei?”

“He won’t say anything.” Xiao Shao sat down at the desk: “You can see clearly—someone wants to deal with the Li family.”

“The Prime Minister’s manor?” Guan Lianghan suddenly laughed heartily: “The Prime Minister’s manor has been sealed—how satisfying! I’ve long found that old bastard Li Dong displeasing. For so many years he’s put on airs with his prime minister position. This time he’s fallen hard! You just said someone wants to deal with the Li family? Who? Jiang Xinzhi?”

“Jiang Xinzhi knows nothing—asking him is useless.” Xiao Shao said lightly.

“You won’t say this, won’t say that—you’re really driving me crazy!” Guan Lianghan said: “How did the Zhao family get involved? And that monk next door—is he really so capable? Just because he said the rain would intensify and the reservoir would collapse, you all ran over to move everyone to the mountains? This is too damn miraculous!”

“Watch over Hui Jue and find people to protect him.” Xiao Shao reminded: “Xuan Li will definitely search everywhere for his whereabouts, even kill to silence him.”

“I know.” Guan Lianghan rubbed his hands: “Xuan Li’s enemies are my old Guan’s friends. This monk is so interesting—with one move he made all of Xuan Li’s previous flood control achievements come to nothing. Just to annoy Xuan Li, I’ll protect him well.”

Xiao Shao nodded: “Thank you.”

“Don’t be so polite.” Guan Lianghan looked at Xiao Shao and sighed: “I don’t know what mysterious things you’re up to. Third brother, I still advise you—don’t get involved in those broken court affairs, lest you get yourself caught up in them.” After so many years as fellow disciples, he naturally understood Xiao Shao’s personality—someone who wouldn’t speak even with a knife at his throat. Last night he had urgently summoned him to Prince Jinying’s manor, deploying over a hundred Jinyiwei disguised as Guan family troops to kill every one of Xuan Li’s guards at the reservoir without leaving a trace. The Jinyiwei were always trained for secret missions—killing and silencing witnesses left absolutely no evidence. Though he didn’t know Xiao Shao’s purpose in doing this, Guan Lianghan hadn’t asked many questions.

“I’m just confirming something.” Xiao Shao said with lowered eyes.

One great rain had collapsed not only the reservoir, but also the Great Jin Dynasty’s decades of stable court situation. The capital was in chaos, especially those with connections to the Prime Minister’s manor—everyone lived in fear. Anyone who had dealings with the Prime Minister’s manor either shut their doors and refused visitors, or packed their belongings preparing to flee overnight.

The Prime Minister’s manor had lost all its former glory and become a pile of mud—whoever touched it would be unlucky.

In the Jiang manor, Jiang Quan angrily said to Xia Yan: “Bring me Ruanruan’s engagement documents!”

Though Xia Yan was extremely unwilling, she could only put on a gentle smile and obediently hand over the engagement documents prepared for the Prime Minister’s manor to Jiang Quan, saying with a smile: “Ruanruan truly has good fortune. Fortunately we were in time—if it had been one day later and she had married into the Li family, she would have become a criminal’s family member.” In her heart, however, she was extraordinarily hateful. Why was she so lucky? Just one day short, just one day! Jiang Ruan could have been sent to prison along with those from the Prime Minister’s manor! Why was she so fortunate, escaping this disaster!

Jiang Quan took the engagement documents from Xia Yan’s hands and scolded in a low voice: “A woman’s view, utterly foolish!” Looking at the engagement documents in his hand, he breathed a sigh of relief: “Fortunately we were in time.”

Given the current situation and the Emperor’s intentions to thoroughly deal with the Prime Minister’s manor, self-preservation was most important. If Jiang Ruan had truly married into the Li family, it wouldn’t just be Jiang Ruan who suffered—the entire Jiang family would have been dragged down with her.