The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 86 : Upset

Translated by : Salv

Edited by : Anks & Ely

**********

On the way back to the fu, Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi did not speak a single sentence. Even though they had numerous doubts in their hearts, they did not ask about them.

Jiang Ruan gently rested her head against the carriage's window and closed her eyes. She was unable to conceal the blue-black colour of fatigue below her eyes.

Today, she had purposely guided Hui Jue. However, tomorrow if or when Hui Jue decided to carry out this plan, it would depend on his boldness. The more daring he was, the more benefits he would be able to reap from this game.

In her previous life, Jiang Ruan remembered that after three days, the rain which had gradually reduced suddenly started pouring again. Bo Chang reservoir was originally the capital's largest reservoir. For those few days, under Xuan Li's governance, it had generally been safe and well. However, storms may arise even in a clear sky[1], Bo Chang reservoir suddenly collapsed in the early morning three days later. The flood level that was rising became a mighty torrent in an instance. None of the residents living in the residential area close to the reservoir managed to survive, and the whole area surrounding the reservoir became a vast expanse of water.

[1] Tiān yǒu bùcè fēngyún ( 天有不测风云 ) : unexpected/ unpredictable circumstance.

At that time, although it had happened under Xuan Li's management, the Emperor did not severely punish him as he factored in Xuan Li's merits in curbing the water level previously. Furthermore, it was a natural disaster, not due to manpower. It was only after that, when Xuan Li mentioned this matter to her, his tone still held some regret. At that time, Jiang Ruan thought that he was feeling regret over the lost lives of the citizens. Only after, did she understand that Xuan Li's real regret was actuallyregarding the flood burying his previous efforts of curbing the water level in the reservoir. It was truly as if success and failure both boiled down to the same factor[2].

[2] Chéngyě Xiāo Hé, bàiyě Xiāo Hé ( 成也萧何，败也萧何 ) – lit. raised up by Xiao He, cast down by Xiao He (idiom), alluding to Han Xin 韓信｜韩信 being made Grand General 大將軍｜大将军 / fig. a situation where one's success and failure are both due to the same factor.

The wheel of fate rotated with a loud bang and in the blink of an eye, that day had arrived. In the past life, Xuan Li had merely had his previous merits erased- it was an unintentional failure. In this life, just like what Hui Jue had said, the reservoir would collapse and Xuan Li, being overly suspicious, would definitely think that it was one of his enemies' schemes to steal his merit. Xuan Li was someone who took responsibility for his own actions, therefore the more sincere Hui Jue was, the more annoyed Xuan Li would be. He would definitely not listen to Hui Jue's advice and even punish Hui Jue in the name of deceiving people.

On the day when the reservoir did actually collapse, Xuan Li's actions would be seen as deliberate. Jiang Ruan wondered whether Eighth Prince, who had always cared about having a perfect reputation outside, could accept the crime of causing thousands of civilians' lives to be lost.

Thinking of this, it was more regrettable than the last life.

Jiang Ruan's eyes were still closed, but the corner of her lips lifted slightly. This was just the beginning.

The horse carriage drove towards the Jiang fu with a rumble.

* * *

In the alley where Hui Jue stayed, a knocking sound was heard again. The little boy who opened the door was a little confused after seeing the visitor, but he led them into the hall. Hui Jue raised his head and made eye contact with a pair of cold eyes.