Heaven seemed to be compensating for the previous period’s rampaging rain – for several consecutive days, the weather had been clear and refreshing, with gentle warmth. The clouds were light and pale, the sky azure blue, and tender buds on the branches showed hints of green. Spring quietly blanketed the capital of the Great Jin Dynasty.
Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi rose early to prepare food for Jiang Ruan, fearing the palace banquet would involve long waiting periods where she couldn’t eat too much. They prepared simple dishes early: a plate of ham steamed eggs, jade stem porridge, and hibiscus pastries. After Jiang Ruan finished the light, simple meal, Lu Zhu brought in a small woven box, smiling: “The palace has many rules. This servant has prepared some small pastries for Miss that won’t spoil your makeup when eaten.”
Lian Qiao said: “That’s thoughtful.”
While arranging Jiang Ruan’s hair, Bai Zhi said: “Is there anything else we need to prepare? We mustn’t forget anything.” Her hands were extremely skillful – with a few quick movements, she created a beautiful single spiral bun. She selected a light red rose hairpin from the jewelry box and gently inserted it into Jiang Ruan’s hair, smiling: “There, it’s done.”
Jiang Ruan looked up at herself in the mirror. She was naturally charming and alluring, with bright, distinct features. Due to her previous life’s experiences, she always seemed to possess a sophistication beyond her years. The single spiral bun was delicate and adorable – on her, it revealed an innocent girlishness usually absent. Her gaze deepened slightly. In her previous life in the palace, according to rules, she had to wear heavy, elaborate hairstyles with her head full of hairpins and ornaments. How different from this refreshing simplicity!
Lian Qiao also said in surprise: “Miss looks quite lovely this way too.”
“When has Miss ever not looked lovely?” Lu Zhu said. “Even with such a refreshing style, her natural beauty shines through.”
“You actually know that phrase about natural beauty,” Lian Qiao narrowed her eyes with a smile: “How eloquent of you.”
After some playful banter, Cai Que from Old Madam Jiang’s side came to inform them that Jiang Ruan could depart.
The departure carriage waited at the Jiang residence entrance – all carved and gilded sandalwood carriages emitting a faint fragrance. The young ladies’ carriages were especially delicate and small, with curtains in the new “after rain, clear sky” color hung with tiny sachets.
Old Madam Jiang stood at the entrance speaking with Jiang Xinzhi. Seeing Jiang Ruan arrive, she said: “Today entering the palace, eldest granddaughter, you must be extremely careful and not speak wrongly.”
For Old Madam Jiang, since Jiang Xinzhi had achieved merit and brought glory to the Jiang family, he was the family’s pride. As for the conflict between Jiang Xinzhi and Xia Yan, it was merely young people temporarily thinking wrongly. They were all Jiang family members – blood was thicker than water, and ultimately they must consider the family’s interests.
Jiang Susu stood nearby, still wearing light white carved silk with four-happiness auspicious patterns, a trailing moon skirt with tooth-edge auspicious patterns, and draped in white embroidered thin smoke gauze soft satin. She wore an exquisite flying immortal bun with a clustered pearl Buddha’s hand blue phoenix crown. On her wrist was a fine white jade bracelet. Her manner was delicate – at first glance, she truly appeared like a pure, jade-clean immortal maiden from the nine heavens. Upon closer inspection, however, one could see thickly applied cosmetics, presumably to conceal scars left from recent thornbush incidents.
Even so, she was determined to enter the palace – quite meaningful indeed.
Jiang Susu remained ethereally beautiful. Jiang Li, as always, chose a lotus-blue high-collared full-sleeve silk shirt with a light purple embroidered twin lotus lily skirt below. Though elegantly dressed, her complexion wasn’t as fair as Jiang Susu’s and Jiang Ruan’s, so the clothing couldn’t properly showcase its nobility, instead appearing somewhat incongruous.
Jiang Dan wore a duck-yellow embroidered crane pattern plain Hangzhou silk round-collar diagonal-front gauze shirt, with an elaborate Yaotai bun. Beside Jiang Susu and the others, she was like a loveable small animal – though not outstanding, she possessed a special delicate charm.
Seeing each young lady’s distinct characteristics, Old Madam Jiang’s gaze fell on Jiang Ruan, and she couldn’t help frowning: “What is this attire?” In Old Madam Jiang’s view, how concubine daughters dressed didn’t matter as long as they weren’t inappropriate, but legitimate daughters were different – going out represented the family’s reputation. Even Jiang Susu’s ethereal appearance featured the finest materials and fabrics. Entering the palace was unlike visiting other officials’ homes – dignity was required. Though Jiang Ruan’s appearance was excellent, this outfit was too ordinary, not formal enough, not even as wealthy-looking as Jiang Li’s attire.
She examined Jiang Ruan from head to toe, growing increasingly dissatisfied. Just as she was about to have Jiang Ruan change clothes, Jiang Xinzhi said: “It’s getting late – we mustn’t delay. Sisters should hurry on their way.”
Old Madam Jiang had to give up, repeatedly giving instructions before turning coldly to Xia Yan: “Today I’m entrusting these girls to you. Be careful – don’t let any more problems arise.”
Xia Yan was naturally quite resentful. Old Madam Jiang scolding her before everyone was very humiliating. She clenched her fists, took a deep breath, then forced a gentle smile: “This daughter-in-law humbly accepts mother’s teachings.”
Old Madam Jiang looked at Xia Yan with considerable displeasure. She had never liked this daughter-in-law – Zhao Mei was too passionate and simple, brainless. This daughter-in-law had too many schemes. With Jiang Susu and Jiang Chao frequently causing trouble recently, her displeasure with Xia Yan had only increased. Two good children had been raised by Xia Yan into their current state – thinking of this made Old Madam Jiang furious.
Jiang Susu smiled: “Grandmother, mother isn’t a child – she naturally understands these matters. Grandmother cares so much for mother, explaining everything in detail – granddaughter might become jealous.”
She smoothed things over for Xia Yan. Normally Old Madam Jiang wouldn’t scold her for this, but now she maintained her stern expression, saying coldly: “She’d better understand!” With that, she left without looking back.
Xia Yan paled with anger. Jiang Xinzhi smiled, turned, and mounted his horse. Jiang Susu’s expression momentarily froze before she said nonchalantly: “Mother, let’s go.”
The female family members shared one carriage. Jiang Li naturally wouldn’t initiate conversation with others, and Jiang Dan appeared timid. Usually Jiang Susu and Xia Yan would pretend warmth and speak to ease the atmosphere, but today – perhaps angered by Old Madam Jiang – Xia Yan couldn’t be bothered with such efforts. Jiang Susu also remained silent, and Jiang Ruan certainly wouldn’t concern herself with these matters, merely propping her chin with one hand while gazing absently at her gown’s embroidery.
Seeing the half-crescent amber visible outside Jiang Ruan’s clothing, Xia Yan’s expression darkened. Thinking how today Jiang Xinzhi could gloriously enter the court to receive the Emperor’s rewards while Jiang Chao could only lie naked in bed, still traumatized, filled her with suffocating frustration.
This journey was unprecedentedly silent and heavy. After traveling for some time, the carriage finally stopped. Jiang Xinzhi was led away first by a eunuch at the palace gate to report to the palace, while the female family members followed palace maids to the hall where women waited. Naturally, the Jiang residence carriage wasn’t alone at the palace gate – carriages of high officials and nobles lined the road. Many officials’ wives and daughters were just alighting, pointing and whispering about the Jiang residence carriage.
Recent events had caused citywide commotion. Everyone knew that since returning after New Year, the Jiang residence’s eldest daughter had become formidable, while the second daughter had repeatedly erred, changing from her former ethereal fairy image. People naturally loved watching excitement, and with the Jiang residence carriage right before them, countless curious gazes focused on the Jiang family women’s carriage.
A maid lifted the carriage curtain. The first girl to emerge wore a tender yellow dress, with clear brows and beautiful eyes, her timid manner inspiring pity. Next came a girl in lotus-blue clothing, also very pretty but appearing somewhat mean-spirited, with overly elaborate dress.
After these two girls alighted, a middle-aged beautiful woman emerged, also gentle and lovely but appearing somewhat haggard for unknown reasons, diminishing her beauty.
After the beautiful woman alighted, she didn’t hurry away but stood beside the carriage waiting for those inside. When Jiang Susu emerged, the surrounding crowd was startled. Though Jiang Susu’s reputation wasn’t as good as before, she was still ethereally beautiful and touching – just standing there made people feel she should be cherished. Who could imagine such a beautiful, city-toppling fairy would have poor character? Even those previously suspicious began doubting upon seeing Jiang Susu’s captivating appearance. Jiang Susu had deliberately dressed up today, completely concealing her facial scars. Combined with carefully chosen clothing and jewelry, she naturally captured attention effortlessly.
Just as people finished admiring the ethereal fairy, they glimpsed red within the carriage. The next second, the curtain lifted and a lovely figure emerged.
At first glance, there was only a flash of brilliant peach-pink, appearing rather vulgar compared to Jiang Susu’s incomparable ethereal beauty. When that person fully alighted and stood gracefully beside Jiang Susu with her own bearing, the crowd couldn’t help holding their breath when they looked at her face.
That face was extremely alluring, with faintly upturned eye corners, slate-colored brows, vermillion lips, jet-black eyes, and snow-white skin. Everything was beautiful, everything was charming. Yet despite possessing such a bright, alluring countenance, she wore a fresh, clear single spiral bun, immediately dispersing three parts of that seductive aura, leaving only increased delicate charm.
She wore a three-panel gold-trimmed long peach brocade robe, a trailing rose-patterned fairy skirt, and draped light gold carved silk connected pearl cluster flower brocade diamond pattern vest. Like a just-bloomed rose still carrying morning dew’s fragrance – youthfully beautiful, natural yet not lacking in charm. She wore no cosmetics, with only a rose hairpin in her hair. She wore no excess jewelry on her hands, only a bracelet emitting azure light – though its material was unknown, it was clearly no ordinary item.
Looking at her, then at Jiang Susu, people felt Jiang Susu’s cosmetics were too heavy and her hairpins too elaborate by comparison. The fairy wasn’t so fresh, while this vibrant beauty possessed an entirely different kind of loveliness.
Jiang Susu naturally sensed the crowd’s shifting attention, biting her lower lip tightly, wishing she could tear Jiang Ruan to pieces. Since Jiang Ruan returned to the Jiang residence, her life had completely changed. Jiang Ruan had stolen her position as legitimate eldest daughter, stolen her brother’s role as the family’s pillar, and now wanted to steal her reputation as the capital’s foremost beauty!
A cold glint flashed in Xia Yan’s eyes, but she still said nothing, smiling as she spoke with the guiding palace maid. Jiang Li had long grown impatient and hurried to follow.
Each residence’s female family members were assigned individual palace maids for reception. While Xia Yan spoke with the palace maid, her gaze unconsciously swept toward Jiang Susu. Before entering the palace, she had hired a highly reputable nanny to teach Jiang Susu etiquette, hoping for Jiang Susu to make a stunning impression. Jiang Susu’s talents were renowned, but this was her first time in the imperial palace. The palace held many opportunities – with even the slightest possibility, future life could be vastly different.
Xia Yan prided herself on scholarly family background and valued propriety most. While speaking with the palace maid, she couldn’t hide her smugness, yet overlooked the contempt in the maid’s eyes. What kind of person was this palace maid? Having served in the palace for years, she had seen countless nobles far more distinguished than Xia Yan. Though Xia Yan understood etiquette, since Xia Cheng was originally born of a concubine, his upbringing couldn’t match legitimate sons. Xia Yan inevitably carried small-family restraint, and even her carefully groomed Jiang Susu bore similar constraint inherited from Xia Yan. Though trying hard to appear nonchalant, to these discerning observers, it seemed affected.
In contrast, the palace maid couldn’t help feeling surprised when observing Jiang Ruan. Daughters of great families who followed rules were common, and those with excellent etiquette weren’t rare, but achieving such excellence was absolutely unique. Look at her walking posture – eyes straight ahead, graceful lotus steps, skirts completely still while walking, hands naturally crossed, chin slightly raised, gaze unwavering. Her expression was humble yet not servile, noble yet not arrogant – perfectly balanced. Her steps were very steady, and her eyes showed none of the fear and curiosity typical of first palace visits. All emotions were hidden in those beautiful, alluring eyes, making them unreadable.
Her propriety didn’t resemble an official’s daughter but rather a noble who had lived in the deep palace for years, every movement showing familiarity and correctness, not a step wrong.
The palace maid naturally didn’t know that in Jiang Ruan’s previous life in the palace, when she first entered due to her excessive beauty, other beauties excluded her, constantly using palace rules to create difficulties. Either she violated some rule or offended some taboo. Unwilling to offend those people for the Jiang family’s sake, she copied the palace’s thousands of nearly harsh rules word by word, reading them daily until she could follow them perfectly. Even those wanting to use her as an example couldn’t find the slightest error.
That previous life’s desperate measure unexpectedly proved useful in this life. She smiled coldly inwardly.
Proceeding forward, some ladies began noticing things. Among the Jiang residence’s young ladies, setting aside the two concubine daughters, the eldest and second misses each had their charms, but regarding bearing and propriety, the eldest miss was superior. Though the second miss made no errors, she appeared stiff and immature, not as naturally appropriate as Jiang Ruan.
After the group rounded the palace wall, ahead were other ladies and misses guided by palace maids. Before seeing clearly who they were, a clear voice called warmly: “Sister Ruan!”
Jiang Ruan looked up to see Dong Ying’er, who was also quite elaborately dressed today, perfectly showcasing her generous, lively nature. After greeting Xia Yan and speaking with the Jingzhao Prefecture Prefect’s wife, she took Jiang Ruan’s arm and walked aside, whispering as they went.
Seeing Jiang Ruan’s attire, Dong Ying’er said: “I always knew you were beautiful, but I didn’t expect today’s style to be so interesting.”
Jiang Ruan smiled: “Sister Dong is the beautiful one.”
Being young ladies, hearing compliments on appearance, Dong Ying’er blushed slightly. Suddenly remembering something, she mysteriously leaned close to Jiang Ruan’s ear, lowering her voice: “Do you know? Today Consort Chen will choose a fiancée for the Eighth Prince.”
Jiang Ruan was slightly startled. In her previous life, this hadn’t happened. Her expression grew serious, then she suddenly smiled: “What does this mean? Why would the Eighth Prince suddenly choose a fiancée?”
“I heard it’s Consort Chen’s idea,” Dong Ying’er lowered her voice further. “Think about it – the Eighth Prince is now at marriageable age but doesn’t even have a concubine.” Her face reddened but she continued: “Consort Chen is anxious. Tonight at the palace banquet with so many young ladies present, Consort Chen said she’ll personally choose a match for the Eighth Prince. His Majesty has already approved.”
Jiang Ruan looked at her: “How does Sister Dong know this?”
“Our residence has a maid whose sister serves in the palace. She mentioned it yesterday when visiting home. This isn’t secret anymore – everyone in Simeng Palace knows.” Dong Ying’er stamped her foot: “My mother insisted I dress this way today, saying it would be wonderful if I entered the palace and became the Eighth Prince’s consort. But I don’t want to marry the Eighth Prince at all – I only want to find someone I truly love for life.” Dong Ying’er thought, then suddenly smiled: “But tonight there are so many female family members in the palace – the Eighth Prince won’t notice me anyway. Sister Ruan, you’re always clever – quickly think who Consort Chen will favor tonight to become the Eighth Prince’s consort!”
Seeing Jiang Ruan motionless, she pushed Jiang Ruan’s arm. When Jiang Ruan turned, Dong Ying’er was startled by the depth in her eyes. Jiang Ruan’s beautiful pupils held deep darkness like whirlpools that could draw people in, dark and misty, yet vast coldness spread everywhere, making one’s spine chill.
She called: “Sister Ruan?”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “I don’t know either.” The previous gloom swept away as if it were merely Dong Ying’er’s illusion. Her fingers hidden in sleeves slowly dug into her palms.
So this was their plan, so this was Xuan Li’s intention.
A cruel smile played at her lips. But tonight, whether considering timing, location, harmony, or her own will, Consort Chen’s and Xuan Li’s hopes would come to nothing.
In this life, she would never repeat her previous life’s mistakes. Marry Xuan Li? Even marrying some random cat or dog outside would be preferable to being bound to that man.