Thinking back from the rescue until now, it all seemed like a dream.

The youth gripped the chair with both hands when he suddenly heard someone’s footsteps. He turned to look and saw in the flower garden not far from the courtyard where he was staying, a man standing there.

This man was very young and actually wore a vivid red robe. His profile was incredibly handsome—very familiar somehow. Ah Zhao looked for a while before suddenly understanding. This was precisely the man who had rescued him from the Princess Manor’s private prison that day. Only that day he had worn austere black, while today he wore vivid red. For a moment, Ah Zhao hadn’t recognized him.

Ah Zhao wanted to personally thank this savior. He had saved his life, yet he hadn’t had the chance to say a single word of thanks.

He laboriously pushed the wheels himself, heading toward the flower garden.

The closer he got, the more clearly he could see that the red-robed youth stood before a tree—or more precisely, a tree sapling that wasn’t very tall yet. Tender and green, amid this garden full of vigorous life, it would almost be overlooked at a glance. Yet the red-robed youth stared at it exclusively, lost in thought about something.

Ah Zhao’s wheelchair wheels rolled across the ground, making a clear sound. He thought the man had heard it but wasn’t paying much attention. After a while, when Ah Zhao had almost reached him, he casually turned his head to look.

Situ Jiuyue had said the person who saved him was the Duke’s Manor’s master, the Duke of Su. There were too many rumors about the Duke of Su—mostly about his mercurial temperament and beauty. His mercurial temperament couldn’t be seen yet, but just looking at his features, Ah Zhao truly had to admit he was so handsome it made one’s heart skip a beat.

For a moment, Ah Zhao couldn’t help but think of his own sister. Back then, how many people had praised Xue Fangfei as a peerless beauty? Ah Zhao naturally knew this himself. He had thought there was no man in the world who could match his sister. Although Shen Yurun had talent, when it came to beauty, he was naturally somewhat inferior. However, if the Duke of Su Ji Heng stood together with his own sister, he definitely wouldn’t be outshone. One would make fish sink and geese fall, the other was unparalleled in the world. Only, his sister was ethereally refined, while Ji Heng was too intensely gorgeous.

“Fool! Fool!” A voice suddenly rang out, interrupting Ah Zhao’s thoughts. Following the sound, he saw that on the red-robed youth’s shoulder also stood an entirely black myna bird. The myna’s pair of black bean-like eyes stared at him. It cocked its head and looked at him for a while, then opened its beak and called out again, “Fool!”

Anyone who wasn’t good-tempered would probably be infuriated by this rude myna bird.

Ji Heng lightly brushed his fan across his shoulder. The myna seemed to know its master was displeased and fluttered its wings to fly away. In the blink of an eye, it flew onto that still-tender tree sapling, as if observing their every move.

“Your Grace.” Ah Zhao took the initiative to break the silence. He said, “That day it was Your Grace who rescued me from the Princess Manor’s private prison. All this time, I haven’t had the opportunity to meet Your Grace. Seeing you today, I only wanted to say to Your Grace in person—thank you for Your Grace’s life-saving kindness.”

The man curved his lips slightly, saying indifferently, “No need. Your gratitude isn’t worth anything.”

Ah Zhao was stunned. He said, “Even so…”

“Don’t be grateful to me,” Ji Heng said. “I heard from Situ that you want revenge?”

“Yes, only my enemy seems to already be gone from this world.” Ah Zhao smiled bitterly. “Fate truly plays tricks on people.”

“You needn’t feel disappointed about this. In life, pleasant times are always fewer than difficult times. If you live well, perhaps before long you’ll encounter your next enemy. There are still plenty of opportunities.”

His words were harsh and hurtful, but somehow, Ah Zhao’s heart didn’t feel particularly angry. He also found it difficult to feel ill will toward the man before him. Though he put on a superior attitude and was unapproachable, perhaps it was because the other party had saved his life, or perhaps because after experiencing so many things, his temperament had become increasingly mild.

However, Ji Heng didn’t seem to intend to continue talking with him. He turned to leave. Ah Zhao asked, “Your Grace… don’t you need me to do something in return?”

“Of course,” the man’s voice came unhurriedly from ahead. “You’re very free. When you want to leave, you can do so at any time. You don’t need to tell me.”

That’s… it?

Ah Zhao found this strange. Ji Heng actually had no demands of him at all. The so-called Duke of Su’s “mercurial temperament”—did that mean that day he saved him simply because it happened to coincide with his “pleased” mood?

Watching the figure walk farther and farther away, gradually disappearing from view, Ah Zhao finally withdrew his thoughts and looked again at the sky above the courtyard. He’d heard that Prince Cheng’s troops and the returned General Zhaode had started fighting, but the outcome was still unknown. Father… he didn’t know where Father was now. And Sister… thinking of this, he couldn’t help but look dejected. When Princess Yongning tortured him, she had said that Xue Fangfei was dead. Even if he wanted to return to Tongxiang, he wouldn’t leave his sister alone in Yanjing City. He would take her coffin back with him, even if only ashes remained.

War reports were transmitted daily from the front to Yanjing, and seemingly every time they were reports of victory. Prince Cheng’s uprising that he had plotted for many years seemed like a joke before General Zhaode’s invincible bravery—utterly vulnerable.

As time passed, the citizens of Yanjing City also relaxed, unanimously believing that Prince Cheng’s defeat was only a matter of time. As long as General Zhaode remained, Northern Yan would have no rebel disturbances. Thus pedestrians on the streets gradually increased. Life still had to go on as usual. Those people put their anxious hearts back in their chests. Each day they did what they were supposed to do. Aside from some elderly people and extremely timid women, most people were no longer affected by these events.

Yanjing City’s spring days passed like this, and then came summer. Summer’s heat seemed to have grown overnight. The sun was scorching hot. People on the streets all showed fatigue. Street vendors carried poles selling refreshing cold foods. Wealthy households simply stopped going out altogether, hiding from the heat in rooms equipped with ice.

While sitting indoors doing embroidery, Tong’er asked Jiang Li, “Miss, before long, it will be your birthday.”

Jiang Li was stunned. “Is that so?”

She herself hadn’t noticed. Last year at this time, she was still on Qingcheng Mountain and hadn’t returned to the capital. On Qingcheng Mountain, there was no one to celebrate her birthday. Times had changed—she had become Second Miss Jiang again, so the Jiang family would naturally celebrate her birthday. It was already the twelfth of July. By the end of July, Second Miss Jiang would be sixteen years old.

What an excellent age, as if everything still held new hope. Thinking about it, Jiang Li realized she could probably take this opportunity to visit the Ye Manor. Since it was her birthday, the Jiang family members probably wouldn’t stop her. Thinking this way, she felt more relaxed. However, as for how to celebrate this birthday or what gifts she might receive, she had no particular expectations.

Baixue came in from outside. “Miss.”

Seeing her unusual expression, Jiang Li asked, “What is it?”

“Everyone outside is saying Prince Cheng has been defeated. General Yin took Prince Cheng’s head into the palace. Hundreds of thousands of rebel troops have all surrendered and been annihilated. The blood dyed the river water red.”

Jiang Li had been sitting, but upon hearing this, she suddenly stood up, frowning. “Prince Cheng is dead? The rebel forces surrendered and were annihilated?”

Baixue nodded. “It should be true. This servant also heard from people returning from outside that when General Zhaode returned to the capital, the common people all spontaneously stood at the roadside to welcome him.”

Jiang Li didn’t care whether Yin Zhan won the people’s hearts or had fame. She only kept thinking about what Baixue had said. Although Prince Cheng couldn’t be considered extremely brilliant, after plotting for so many years, he had also kept a low profile and been very patient. Since he was raising rebellion now, his forces naturally weren’t easily defeated. Although Jiang Li had previously guessed that Prince Cheng would lose in this rebellion—not only because of General Zhaode, but also because Prince Cheng had underestimated his opponent, Emperor Hongxiao.

But General Zhaode actually hadn’t gotten entangled with Prince Cheng’s forces at all—he had just charged through as if cutting vegetables, and just like that… won?

And this was in less than two months.

In Jiang Li’s heart, a chilling feeling suddenly arose. Perhaps when the late Emperor had driven the Xia Commandery Prince to Yunzhong, there had been other reasons. The late Emperor had been right. However, now summoning the Xia Commandery Prince back to the capital—though it appeared the common people had peace and the enemy army was eliminated, they had probably invited even greater danger.

General Zhaode’s true strength was truly somewhat terrifying.

Baixue and Tong’er quietly watched Jiang Li. Jiang Li’s grave expression made them nervous as well. What they didn’t understand was why, despite winning the battle, their Miss still looked so shocked.

Jiang Li looked at the table. Because it was summer, that white jade fan Yin Zhiqing had sent happened to come in handy. After using the fan daily, she would casually place it on the table. That white jade fan was exquisite and lovely, just like its sender—gentle and harmless. But did the Yin family truly seek nothing and serve the country wholeheartedly? Jiang Li believed such people existed in the world, but this Yin family really made her feel too strange.

“Baixue, grind ink for me,” Jiang Li said. “I’m writing a letter to my cousin.”

Ye Shijie served as an official at court—he might hear some rumors and perhaps know some inside information. If he didn’t know, having Ye Shijie be on guard would also be good, to avoid inexplicably inviting disaster.

Tonight, Yanjing City was especially lively.

Perhaps having received news of Prince Cheng’s defeat and death and the rebel forces’ surrender, the common people could finally put their anxious hearts at ease and completely settle down. Many citizens even knelt before the gates of the Xia Commandery Prince’s residence to express gratitude to this general for protecting Yanjing City’s wellbeing.

The Xia Commandery Prince should also be a good person. Even the servants from their manor greeted everyone with smiles, not looking down on the humble while flattering the powerful. If elderly citizens came to express thanks, they not only refused their gifts of gratitude but actually gave them some silver, saying it was the General’s instruction. These days Yanjing City had been chaotic and the common people had suffered along with it, but from now on this wouldn’t be necessary.

Thus everyone praised him greatly again—General Zhaode was a good person.

Storytellers in wine shops compiled General Zhaode’s battlefield exploits into stories. Those who came to listen to the stories filled the wine shop’s second floor—every session was like this. In Yanjing City’s teahouses, wine shops, brothels, and gambling dens, there wasn’t anyone who spoke ill of General Zhaode. When speaking of General Zhaode, he was a great hero with a kind heart, an enormously good person.

At the Yin Manor, Yin Zhan removed his outer robe and after washing up, entered the study.

Someone knocked at the door. Yin Zhan told her to enter. It was a middle-aged beautiful woman. She was also very charming and alluring, with features somewhat resembling Yin Zhiqing. This was precisely Yin Zhiqing’s mother, the wife Yin Zhan later married—Lady Yin.

Lady Yin carefully placed the food basket in her hands on the table, taking out the small bowls of cold foods from inside one by one. She wore a somewhat ingratiating smile. “Your concubine made these today. The General just returned from outside—you must have eaten at the palace. These are all refreshing cold teas that can settle the stomach.”

Without even looking at her, Yin Zhan only said, “Leave them on the table.”

A trace of disappointment flashed in Lady Yin’s eyes. She wanted to say something more when Yin Zhan already said impatiently, “You may leave. Zhili is coming in.”

This was his way of driving her away. Lady Yin lowered her eyes, picked up the now-empty food basket, and said gently, “Then please remember to eat a little, General. Your concubine just made two bowls—the Heir Apparent should also have one.”

Yin Zhan had already picked up a letter from the table to read and paid her no more attention. Lady Yin turned around, suppressed her grievance, and left. As she was leaving, she happened to encounter Yin Zhili, who was just coming in. Yin Zhili smiled gently. “Mother.”

Lady Yin’s heart tightened. She smiled along with him, reminding Yin Zhili to remember to eat the cold food she’d made, then left and closed the door behind her.

Her coming and going took only a moment. The maids at the door were all surprised she came out so quickly. Lady Yin kept her head lowered as she walked past, not looking at the expressions of the surrounding maids. But even without looking, she could feel the mocking gazes behind her, like thorns in her back.

Yet she had silently endured such gazes for all these years.

She came from an ordinary family background—she wasn’t the daughter of any high official or wealthy household. In terms of family status, marrying Yin Zhan was truly climbing above her station. However, everyone thought Yin Zhan married her as his second wife because she was born charming and beautiful. Even her own parents thought so and happily married her off.

At first, Lady Yin was also happy. This General was tall, handsome, and had established countless military achievements. There was only a son left by his first wife. At first, Lady Yin was somewhat unwilling to be a stepmother, but Yin Zhili was well-behaved and gentle. He never made things difficult for her as a stepmother—on the contrary, he was courteous and respectful, which gradually put Lady Yin’s mind at ease. As long as it started out this way, if she treated them wholeheartedly in the future, they were all family after all and could live together well.

Who knew that the Yin family had no problems, Yin Zhili had no problems—the problem was Yin Zhan. At first, Yin Zhan was also very considerate toward her. She also felt Yin Zhan loved her. But after she became pregnant and gave birth to Yin Zhiqing, Yin Zhan suddenly changed completely and became cold toward her.

By then they had already left Yanjing and gone to Yunzhong. Lady Yin couldn’t complain to her natal family and truly had unspeakable suffering. She thought Yin Zhan had grown tired of her, so she proactively took concubines for Yin Zhan, thinking this would retain his heart. Who knew Yin Zhan didn’t even look at those concubines? This puzzled Lady Yin.

At first there was panic, unease, begging for forgiveness. Finally came numbness, resignation, learning to deceive herself—actually this only took a few years. Lady Yin even found bitter amusement thinking that though he was cold to her, didn’t sleep with her, never cared about her, at least he didn’t go find other women either. This showed he still respected her. At least he still left her with a daughter.

In front of Yin Zhiqing, Lady Yin acted as if nothing was wrong, so Yin Zhiqing actually never discovered that between her own mother and father, they had long since become strangers—extremely abnormal.

Actually it was better when Yin Zhiqing was present. When Yin Zhiqing wasn’t there and Lady Yin was alone with Yin Zhan, Lady Yin always felt like she was Yin Zhan’s servant—humble, subject to his beck and call, not daring to make her own requests, carefully trying to please him, only to receive his impatient dismissal, just like a moment ago.

She knew what the manor’s maids said behind her back—that she had a charming face in vain yet couldn’t even hold onto a man, truly a blockhead. Lady Yin could only smile bitterly in response. As the saying goes, prescribe the right medicine for the illness. But Yin Zhan’s change seemed to have happened overnight, and she didn’t know the reason. How could she prescribe the right medicine? She could only slowly watch the condition worsen beyond cure, muddling through day by day.

She quickly returned to her own courtyard.

On the other side, in the study, Yin Zhili picked up the tea bowl from the table and carefully tasted it. “Mother’s skills are very good. Father should try some to avoid hurting Mother’s feelings.”

“I already ate at the palace,” Yin Zhan said. “If you like it, eat more. Finish this bowl too.”

“Father is truly… too harsh toward Mother.” Yin Zhili smiled and shook his head, seeming not to approve of Yin Zhan’s actions.

Yin Zhan said, “Don’t worry about these matters. Between your mother and me—we know our own business.”

“Yes.” Yin Zhili said, “I haven’t had time to congratulate Father today. This time you achieved complete victory, surrendering and annihilating Prince Cheng’s rebel army—another great achievement.”

“Prince Cheng is obstinate and self-opinionated—not worth mentioning. Annihilating him isn’t something to be proud of. You mustn’t be complacent either. If not for fearing something would happen to Yanjing City, I would have had you come with me.”

“Your son also wanted to go along.” Yin Zhili smiled. “Killing enemies on the battlefield is the most satisfying.” As he said this, some of the scholarly refinement on his face faded, revealing the martial spirit unique to military families. It was precisely this martial spirit that made his temperament, originally so different from Yin Zhan’s, suddenly become very similar. Anyone seeing them now would definitely believe they were indeed father and son.

“At the palace banquet this time, His Majesty will probably reward achievements. I don’t lack noble rank, gold, or silver. I want to discuss with you—I’d like to request an imperial decree for you.”

Yin Zhili asked, “What imperial decree?”

“To request His Majesty issue a decree arranging your marriage to the Jiang family’s Second Miss.” Yin Zhan said, “Trading military achievements for a marriage isn’t a loss. What do you think, Zhili?”

Yin Zhili was stunned for a moment and didn’t speak immediately. He only looked at Yin Zhan.

Yin Zhan said, “What? You don’t like the Jiang family’s Second Miss?”

“No, it’s just…” Yin Zhili hesitated somewhat.

“If you like her, there’s no ‘just about it.'” Yin Zhan patted Yin Zhili’s shoulder. “I’m also thinking of you. That Jiang family’s Second Miss has now reached the age. After Prince Cheng’s matter, the Jiang family will inevitably rise. There will be many families wanting to form marriage alliances with the Jiang family. If I don’t fight for you, I’m afraid someone else will beat us to it. I’ve already asked Jiang Yuanbai. From what I can see, the Jiang family’s intentions show they like you very much.”

“Only, Second Miss Jiang doesn’t know about this matter, does she?” Yin Zhili said. “For her, wouldn’t this be too surprising?”

“You think the Jiang family’s Second Miss isn’t smart enough? A young lady who can accomplish so many things in Yanjing City is no ordinary young lady. You’ve been frequently visiting the Jiang family these days. Even if Second Miss Jiang herself doesn’t notice, the Jiang family will hint at it. If she hasn’t strongly refused you, I think it should mean tacit consent. I ask you—has she shown any resistance to this marriage?”

Yin Zhili hesitated before saying, “No.”

“My son is Northern Yan’s finest man. How have you now become indecisive instead? You’re so excellent—could the Jiang family’s Second Miss still fancy someone else? Don’t be so hesitant. Second Miss Jiang’s birthday is also approaching. On that day, keep her good company.”

Having said this, he laughed heartily and walked out without looking at Yin Zhili again. Yin Zhili stood in place, looking at the two bowls of crystal-clear cold food on the table, yet his mind recalled Jiang Li’s gaze in the Jiang family’s garden.

Her gaze was gentle, clear, brilliantly captivating, yet always felt separated by some barrier. If the happy news of their union was announced before they had opened their hearts to each other, how would Second Miss Jiang react?

Yin Zhili always felt that Second Miss Jiang probably wouldn’t be very happy.

The twenty-ninth of June was the Jiang family’s Second Miss’s birthday.

Very early in the morning, Jiang Li received various congratulatory gifts sent by Jiang family members—nothing more than clothes, jewelry, or gold and silver. Ye Mingyu also had someone deliver something—he sent a banknote, telling Jiang Li to buy whatever she wanted. Xue Huaiyuan painted a picture and sent it over as well. Jiang Li treasured it greatly and hung it on the study wall. Father’s painting was still in the same style as before, yet it made her far happier than gold, silver, or jewelry.

She couldn’t go to the Ye Manor today because there were guests at the manor today, and this guest was precisely Yin Zhili.

By now, the Yin family’s intentions were already glaringly obvious, and Jiang Li’s attempts to dissuade the Jiang family had no effect whatsoever. The Jiang family members probably believed the Yin family was indeed a good in-law family, and Yin Zhili himself had no flaws to criticize. Although Jiang Li was currently expressing resistance, after spending more time together, she would naturally discover the other party’s merits and wouldn’t be so resistant anymore.

“What will Miss wear today?” Tong’er asked.

Jiang Li said, “That one.” She casually pointed at one garment. Baixue looked at it, wanting to speak but hesitating. That garment was fine to wear on ordinary days, but wearing it on such an occasion seemed somewhat too plain. However, Jiang Li showed no intention of changing. Tong’er pushed Baixue. “Whatever Miss says to wear, wear that. She has her own ideas.”

Tong’er wholeheartedly considered Jiang Li’s interests. Seeing that these days Jiang Li was unhappy about the Yin family matter, if wearing something could make her Miss slightly happier, even if Jiang Li said to wear the gray robes from the Qingcheng Mountain nunnery, Tong’er wouldn’t stop her.

Heaven and earth were vast—being happy was most important.

Jiang Li smiled and sat before the mirror. Tong’er came over to help her fix her hair. Looking at herself in the mirror, Jiang Li thought that the Jiang family members always felt that after spending time together, her thoughts would change. However, only she herself knew how stubborn a person she was. Especially now, it was even more impossible for her to slowly come to like Yin Zhili.

Prince Cheng’s forces had already been surrendered and annihilated by Yin Zhan. Recently in the capital, all ministers and officials connected to Prince Cheng had their families confiscated and clans exterminated. This was originally the unforgivable crime of treason. Emperor Hongxiao had finally gotten such an opportunity and naturally wanted to pull out all the nails Prince Cheng had planted, washing the court inside and out thoroughly clean.

But Emperor Hongxiao alone hadn’t moved against the Right Minister.

Perhaps it was because the Right Minister’s power was too great and had to be slowly eliminated—it couldn’t be accomplished overnight. Or perhaps Emperor Hongxiao had other plans. But the Right Minister’s days must be difficult, just like he was the largest tree in an outdoor forest while all other trees around him had been cut down clean. For miles around, only he remained. Of course he knew sooner or later he would also be cut down, but sitting and waiting for death like this must be even more uncomfortable, making each day feel like a year.

Therefore, Third Branch, which had allied with the Right Minister, was now reportedly begging Jiang Yuanbai again, hoping Jiang Yuanbai could save them. Jiang Yuanbai naturally refused outright. If he truly saved Jiang Yuanxing, it would probably implicate the entire Jiang family. Emperor Hongxiao’s methods—everyone could see them clearly now. Those court ministers seemed to have finally seen through the emperor’s true face and were being incredibly well-behaved, no longer daring to cause trouble as in the past.

Of course, everyone also believed that Emperor Hongxiao’s eyes were probably sharper than anyone’s. That the Jiang family’s Third Branch colluded with the Right Minister—Emperor Hongxiao couldn’t possibly not know. The reason the Jiang family escaped the emperor’s suspicion was because the Jiang family had already divided. If Jiang Yuanxing returned at this time, that would truly bring disaster upon the Jiang family.

Jiang Li had heard about these Third Branch matters from the Jiang family’s servants. She herself didn’t care about Third Branch. Jiang Yuanxing was too weak, and Yang Shi was short-sighted—they couldn’t stir up any great waves. She’d heard that Marquis Ningyuan Manor’s Zhou Yanbang was already considering a second wife. In the future, Jiang Yu’e’s days would only become more difficult. Without the Jiang family backing them, Third Branch wouldn’t be regarded by Marquis Ningyuan Manor at all.

However, at present, Jiang Li really couldn’t spare energy to worry about other people’s affairs. Her own matters were already a tangled mess.

“Miss, the Commandery Prince’s Heir Apparent and Princess have already arrived. Old Madam says you can go to Wanfeng Hall now.” Mingyue came in to report.

“All right.” As Jiang Li responded, Tong’er finished placing her hairpin. In the mirror, the young lady had delicate features and a gentle, lovely appearance, only her gaze showed no great joy.

Tong’er sighed softly, her heart also feeling sorry for her Miss. Jiang Li clearly had eyes for that Duke of Su. Comparing them, the Duke of Su’s appearance and status weren’t inferior to the Commandery Prince’s Heir Apparent at all—in fact, they surpassed him. Although his reputation wasn’t very good, having spent so much time with Jiang Li, he had never harmed her and had helped quite a bit.

What was wrong with Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai? They thought of Young Master Yin as a son-in-law, but why didn’t they think of the Duke of Su as a son-in-law? If they arranged a marriage with the Duke’s Manor, that would truly be cause for universal celebration.