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

Chapter 176 : The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind

Jiang Quan grabbed hold of Xia Yue, "Did you hear the news accurately, that it was only the Xia fu's private army, and there are no ties to the Jiang family?"

Xia Yue felt even more contemptuous in her heart. To think that at this junction, Jiang Quan's only concern was about himself and he was only afraid that the situation might implicate the Jiang fu. He was truly self centred and egocentric. However, when considered from another point of view, Xia fu and Jiang fu's relationship was based on a marriage alliance for mutual benefits. After Xia Yan died, they had given her in marriage to the Jiang fu, but if it was only for the sake of common interests that they had arrived at this juncture, where would there be any familial relations?

"There was none of the Jiang family's private army present, so Laoye can put your heart at ease." Although she was thinking as such, Xia Yue couldn't resist smiling. But immediately she knitted her brows, "However, Laoye, seeing as how things are, shouldn't you also enter the palace to intercede on behalf of Second Young Master? This, after all, is not a trifling matter."

Jiang Quan did not move from where he sat, his eyes seeming to waver with indecisiveness. If this was before, he would have tried any means and ways to rescue Jiang Chao without any hesitation. However, presently the Jiang family was not like it was and its reputation had long since been tarnished within the capital. Even the Emperor's attitude towards the Jiang family tended to be slightly critical. This time Jiang Chao had upturned a truly huge basket, and this matter was so big that there was no way Jiang Chao could escape unscathed. What was even more worrying was the Emperor's current state of mind. If he were to rush into the palace to intercede on Jiang Chao's behalf, would the Emperor think that the Jiang family was also in cahoots and a part of this debacle. Originally, only the Xia family was suspected of treason, but if he interceded, it would implicate the Jiang family as well. Therefore, after taking all of this into consideration, what would be the best course of action?

"No," Finally after much thought, Jiang Quan resolutely came to his decision, "from what I see, this is not a good time to go. I want you to help me write a letter and have it sent to the Jinying Wangfu. Just state that Jiang Ruan is to make haste and return to the fu as her Second Brother has gotten into a huge problem. She has to find a way to save a life."

Before Xia Yue entered the Jiang fu, she had already heard about many of Jiang Ruan's achievements and exploits. She actually applauded how Jiang Ruan was able to subjugate the Xia family and Jiang Quan, and praised her (JR) in her heart. Now upon hearing Jiang Quan's request, she couldn't help but feel an additional trace of contempt in her heart. Why did he have to speak with such a pompous air when he did not have the guts to personally make the request, yet he expected his daughter to personally come over. Jiang Ruan and Jiang Chao had never gotten along, and Jiang Quan was well aware of the fact, so why would Jiang Ruan willingly go out of her way to help Jiang Chao with his transgression. She wasn't sure if it was because Jiang Quan was overtly anxious that he had become this preposterous.

* * *

In the imperial prison, in the darkest recesses of the building were two prison cells that were adjacent to one another, separated by a thick iron fence. The faint firelight not only failed to give even a sliver of brightness to the already dark prison, but instead seemed to make the place even more eerie.

On either side of the iron fence were two people leaning against the wall. One had his head hung low dispiritedly as he sighed continuously, while the other's eyes were dark and cold and his face had sunken so deep that it was able to draw water out.

Jiang Chao looked towards Xia Jun, totally unable to hide his anxiousness, "Cousin, what are we going to do now?"

"What can we do," Xia Jun laughed bitterly, "we are like meat on someone's chopping board, totally at their mercy."