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

Chapter 194 : Catching A Culprit

Translated by : Minodayz & Dumpling

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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The journey back to the capital was much more comfortable when compared to their departure. After Teacher Ba Qi detoxified Jiang Ruan, Xiao Shao had used flying pigeons to send a letter to the capital. On their way back, Jiang Ruan saw a certain snow pigeon that was a snow white jade colour and looked adorable and quick witted. It was also very affectionate towards her and its name was Hu Ba[1]– it was said that Steward Lin had given it this name. Indeed, in a place like the Jinying Wangfu where there were more men than women, it was almost an impossibility for it to have been given a more elegant name.

[1] 虎霸 (hǔ bà ) – 虎 (hu) means tiger and 霸 (bà) means tyrant / lord /to rule by force.

By the time they reached the Jinying Wangfu, Steward Lin had been waiting for their arrival for a long time. Then, upon seeing that Jiang Ruan had returned safe and sound, he was so happy that he burst into tears instantly and straight away he wanted to open the ancestral hall to report the good news to the Xiao family ancestors and thank them for their protection.

Lu Zhu and the others had stayed behind because at the time Xiao Shao had to quickly depart and bringing them along would have caused delays. After Jiang Ruan stepped down from the carriage, all of her servants in attendance surrounded her, asking about her well-being. Lu Zhu smiled and remarked, "It looks like Miss is well now, and since you have survived a catastrophe, there will be blessings in the future. This time Miss has evaded a great danger, so we must have a celebration to wash away the bad luck."

Bai Zhi added, with much concern, "It would be great if there aren't any residual aftereffects. After all, you have had this poison for many years now. This servant is rest assured seeing that Miss is all better."

"Why are you saying such negative things?" Lian Qiao glared at Bai Zhi. "Miss has now returned to us recovered, so let's leave the past in the past. From now on, we just have to be more careful, that's all."

Tian Zhu lowered her head and there was a hint of self reproach in her voice when she said, "This subordinate did not protect Furen well, so please punish this subordinate, Furen." The Jinyi Guards had always adhered to their responsibilities very seriously. Now that she was Jiang Ruan's personal secret guard, she had actually allowed Jiang Ruan to be poisoned right under her nose. No matter who argued the point, it was still her fault.

"What does this have to do with you? It was impossible for anyone to prevent such a thing from happening." Jiang Ruan said, "It's just that the other party is too cunning. You couldn't possibly have prevented my being poisoned more than ten years ago, right?"

Tian Zhu looked at Jiang Ruan in surprise. Jiang Ruan had always been affable and warm on the outside but cold internally. Even though she usually wouldn't make things difficult for her maidservants, it could not be said that she treated her as someone who was particularly close, especially as Tian Zhu had joined them halfway. Furthermore, she definitely wouldn't take the initiative to comfort others who were outsiders. However, Jiang Ruan's words had exonerated Tian Zhu, and when she once again looked into Jiang Ruan's eyes, her usual hostility seemed to have dissipated a little, instead being replaced by a genuine sense of relief and magnanimity.

Tian Zhu didn't know what had happened to Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao after they went to Mt. Jianan, but she felt a subtle difference. Although she could hazard a guess, she still cast a look at Xiao Shao. Jiang Ruan understood what she was thinking so she looked at Xiao Shao as well, and remarked, "Since you have given Tian Zhu to me then I have the right to deal with her, don't I?"