Translated by : Mazu & Shl
Edited by : Anks & Ely
**********
Jiang Ruan welcomed the sword's tip with a straightened back. Her action was too decisive and righteous[1]; it caused even Xuan Li to remain rooted to the ground from shock. The assassin had also not expected that an unknown young girl would suddenly appear. She narrowed her eyes, her action not at all soft-hearted, as she plunged the flexible sword[2] directly into Jiang Ruan's chest. Just that during the moment of imminent peril, a dagger flew past and deflected the sword away from its original target by just a few degrees. The sword's power was hindered and did not plunge directly into Jiang Ruan's chest, however, it made a gash from her shoulder to her chest and blood immediately stained her clothes red.
[1] 义无反顾 (yìwú fǎngù): honor does not allow one to glance back (idiom); to pursue justice with no second thoughts.
[2] 软剑 (ruǎn jiàn): a special type of sword used in the past which can bend.
Jiang Ruan fell backwards from the impact, but suddenly her body felt lighter and she fell into a wide and cold embrace. She felt the mfan's breath on her ear, and smelled the fragrant green bamboo scent of his body. Xiao Shao protected her in his arms, then easily seized a sword from the hands of another assassin before blocking the pursuit of the current assassin. He told the surprised Empress Dowager Yi De, "It's better not stay here any longer. Empress Dowager, please take your leave first."
Jin Yi and Jin Er suddenly appeared in front of Xiao Shao and he entrusted Jiang Ruan to Jin Yi. Then, the two secret guards escorted Jiang Ruan and Empress Dowager Yi De away.
Xuan Li saw everything that had happened. He had intended to save Empress Dowager himself, but because Jiang Ruan rushed over all of a sudden, he was startled. Seeing her wounded and Xiao Shao helping her to escape, his heart could not settle as if there was a voice reminding him: No, it's not like this, it shouldn't be happening this way.
While everything that had happened was so bizarre, Xuan Li couldn't figure out the source of his strange feelings. And, what exactly was the meaning behind the smile Jiang Ruan flashed at him when she faced the tip of the sword? It seemed to contain an incomprehensible feeling, making his heart palpitate, yet he had no way to guess at its true meaning.
Xuan Li wasn't the only one to witness the whole thing, there was another spectator inside the great palace hall – Princess He Yi. Throughout the chaos, the imperial bodyguards at her side shielded her, so she was not targeted by an assassin. She was about to search for that person's figure, but upon looking up, she found Xiao Shao with Jiang Ruan in his arms. Immediately, her gorgeous small face became distorted.
She knew what kind of person Xiao Shao was: extremely detached and usually not close to anyone, let alone an unfamiliar woman. Jiang Ruan was just a court official's daughter. There were so many injured women here, but Xiao Shao only saved Jiang Ruan. Besides, Princess He Yi saw the concern in Xiao Shao's eyes clearly; he was clearly worried about Jiang Ruan.
Princess He Yi's face turned ghastly pale. She bit her lower lip firmly. At the beginning, Xiao Shao was just an incomparably elegant and sombre young man. Thus she fell in love with him at first sight. Unfortunately, no matter how she expressed her feelings, Xiao Shao always remained indifferent, as if he were made of stone. Today Jiang Ruan's appearance was too magnificent and she even received Empress Dowager Yi De's favour so she was already quite annoyed. Yet, now, when she saw Xiao Shao protecting her like that, she felt madly jealous and wished for Jiang Ruan's death by the sword.
Eventually, all of the imperial guards from outside the palace rushed in and soon all of the assassins were dealt with. Once everything was under control, Xiao Shao finally put his dagger away and said coldly, "Keep those who can provide information alive and find out who is behind this."
The palace hall was in a mess and filled with the ceaseless wailing of the wounded. There were many innocent women and children who lost their lives. No one anticipated this rebellion today; a nice palace banquet suddenly became a slaughterhouse. The palace servants came to help clean up the dead bodies, and the nearest imperial physician hurried over to treat the patients.
Guan Liang Han let out a sigh of relief and patted Jiang Xin Zhi on the shoulder and said, "Young man, you dealt with today's crisis very well. You kept your calm in the face of danger, so like myself in those days."
But, Jiang Xin Zhi's mind was not here at all. He frowned and desperately looked around the hall. He couldn't find Jiang Ruan's figure anywhere and was very anxious. After giving it some thought, he went to find Xiao Shao. "Xiao Wangye, have you seen my younger sister?"
To which he replied that Jiang Ruan, along with Empress Dowager Yi De, had been escorted by the secret guards to the Ci Ning Palace.
* * *
Although Jiang Ruan's sword wound was not deep, it was very long. She had also lost so much blood. Her snow-white complexion was pallid and her rosy lips had become almost transparent. Seeing her appearance, Empress Dowager Yi De summoned the best imperial physician in the palace, and at the same time, she ordered the palace maid to put Jiang Ruan on her couch bed.
Couch bed (chuang ta)
Jiang Ruan hadn't lost her consciousness. While in a daze, she opened her eyes and got up from the couch bed, speaking with great effort, "Empress Dowager, you shouldn't. This subject's status is too low..."
"Things are urgent." Empress Dowager Yi De replied quickly. "You've done a meritorious deed by saving aijia. Aijia is telling you to lie down on the bed, what of it?"
Jiang Ruan still tried to speak, but her face became paler and her voice turned hoarse. She seemed to be completely exhausted. She tilted her face slightly, without even having the strength to speak.
Upon seeing this, Empress Dowager Yi De's face sank and she said angrily, "Why hasn't the imperial physician arrived yet? If he's not coming, aijia will have his head chopped off!"
The old maidservant serving at Empress Dowager Yi De's side was shocked. Over the years the Empress Dowager' temper had been very cold, but today she repeatedly showed abnormal emotions towards this unfamiliar girl. It was really strange.
The palace's highly respected imperial physician rushed over quickly. He was confused to hear that it was Empress Dowager Yi De's imperial decree. He was even more amazed once he saw an unfamiliar girl lying down on the Empress Dowager's couch bed. He had never seen this girl before, and she was not Princess He Yi. Therefore, why was Empress Dowager Yi De so nervous? Did she have some close relationship with her?
Although he was puzzled, the imperial physician didn't say much. After checking Jiang Ruan's pulse, he got up and said, "This young lady just lost too much blood. Although she was stabbed, luckily, the wound isn't deep. If it had been any deeper or more slanted, I'm afraid her life would have been really in danger."
Empress Dowager Yi De breathed a sigh of relief. The imperial physician spoke again, "I'll write two prescriptions. One is for the young lady to drink and the other to bandage the wound. She needs to pay attention to avoid certain foods over the next few days, otherwise, it will be harmful to the wound recovery."
"Will it leave a scar?" Empress Dowager Yi De frowned. The wound extended from the shoulder to the chest. After all, she was an unmarried girl. If it left a scar, her future marriage would be affected. Jiang Ruan's skin was as white as snow and if it was marred by scars, it would be really pitiful. Her behaviour was just like Princess Yuan Rong today, so Empress Dowager Yi De's question was really sincere.
The imperial physician wiped the sweat on his forehead. "In reply to Empress Dowager's question, if the wound is well-cared for, it shouldn't leave a scar."
This meant that there was still a chance of scarring. Empress Dowager Yi De's eyes were gloomy and her tone was sharp. "I see, you can leave. Take someone along to get the medicine."
And so, the imperial physician picked up the medicine chest and left the room with a palace maid.
Empress Dowager Yi De looked at Jiang Ruan who was lying on the couch bed with her beautiful eyes slightly closed. Her lip colour and complexion had the same pallor. She seemed to be enduring great pain but still did not reveal even a frown on her face. It was quite the contrary- Jiang Ruan was still smiling, as if consoling her. Compared with her unflustered charm in the great hall earlier, she looked young and tender with her outer clothing removed. Now, she looked delicate and pitiful. Her smile, in particular, looked so sensible, making people feel distressed. Empress Dowager Yi De suddenly thought of Princess Yuan Rong. The precocious and sensible Princess Yuan Rong never frowned and only smiled at her whenever she got sick so that she (Empress Dowager Yi De) wouldn't be worried.
Seeing her like this, Empress Dowager Yi De's heart softened, her tone gentle. "Why did you block the sword for me?"
Jiang Ruan gave her a shy smile and answered softly. "I don't know why; I can't say exactly, but when I saw Empress Dowager, I felt a sort of affinity, as if...as if I'd met you somewhere before. And then, I didn't think much and just acted."
She didn't say anything profound or awe-inspiring. However, the sentence "as if I've met you somewhere" made Empress Dowager Yi De's facial expression change greatly. The idea that she was somehow related to Princess Yuan Rong grew stronger and stronger in her mind. She said slowly, "You have done a meritorious deed in saving aijia. Aijia won't let you suffer this blade in vain."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "May I request Empress Dowager to let someone inform my eldest brother. He must be anxious if he can't find me."
"Don't worry. Aijia has already sent someone to let him know." Empress Dowager Yi De frowned slightly. Jiang Ruan only spoke of informing Jiang Xin Zhi, without mentioning Jiang Quan and Xia Yan. After something like this happens, shouldn't a daughter seek out her father? However, she was more anxious to look for Jiang Xin Zhi and didn't even mention Jiang Quan. The siblings born of Jiang family's di wife had been known to have a good relationship but there was something odd about the situation. It was like that earlier in the palace. When talking about Jiang Ruan's marriage, Jiang Quan's facial expression didn't change much. He didn't act like a father at all.
Empress Dowager Yi De scraped the edge of the bed gently with her nail guard. The ruby emitted a bright red glow.
Jiang Ruan closed her eyes and raised the corner of her lips slightly. Some things didn't need clear explanations, especially for the wise ones. After a brief mention, she left it at that. Let Jiang Quan handle the rest by himself.
She had known that there would be an assassination attempt today. In her last life, the Emperor also held a palace banquet after the flood. Assassins infiltrated while the palace banquet was underway but that time it was Xuan Li who saved Empress Dowager Yi De's life. Xuan Li blocked the sword with his body and was seriously injured. At that time, the assassins' mastermind was unknown and the Emperor suspected all the princes. The imperial palace was purged overnight. Even the prince who was not present that day because he felt unwell was also affected. Only Xuan Li, Eighth Prince, had been declared clean. After all, it was too excessive to be an act since he was so seriously wounded.
As a result, Xuan Li won Empress Dowager Yi De's favour as well as the Emperor's trust. He also gained a good reputation for loyalty and filial piety. After entering the palace in her last life, Jiang Ruan learned about this during an idle chat. She felt very anxious to hear the description of Xuan Li's situation. Now, when she recalled it, there was no lack of doubtful points. As for blocking the sword for Empress Dowager Yi De, it was nothing more than a joke. If Xuan Li had truly been a sentimental and righteous man as rumoured, he wouldn't have been able to personally kill so many people. People thought that Xuan Li would not use himself so ruthlessly. But in fact, Jiang Ruan knew better than anyone that Xuan Li was a person who concealed his strengths and bided his time. He was very ruthlessly demanding towards himself.
In this life, she made sure to make his plan come to naught. Empress Dowager Yi De must be saved but her saviour didn't need to be Xuan Li. Jiang Ruan staked everything on one bet. Today, she was thinking that if she deliberately pretended to be like Princess Yuan Rong and saved Empress Dowager Yi De's life in the same manner, she would help someone out of trouble as well as do a meritorious deed. There might even be a reward from the palace, although she did not know what it was. But it would be enough to make Eighth Prince and the Xia family dare not act rashly for the time being.
Who would have thought that Xuan Li intended to marry her after she entered the palace? It was something she did not expect and had never happened in her previous life. Now that she had saved the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager's affection for her must have risen up a level. At this time, even if Imperial Consort Chen used a method to compel the Empress Dowager to acquiesce later on, it was impossible for the Emperor to grant a marriage for her. As long as she showed the slightest reluctance, Empress Dowager Yi De wouldn't agree with it because Empress Dowager Yi De had already regarded her as almost like Princess Yuan Rong.
Besides, she had saved one's life and done a meritorious deed. From now on, Imperial Consort Chen wouldn't be able to say anything. This was definitely a wonderful thing.
However, it was not a sure win without any losses. It was so dangerous just now. Now that she thought about it, some lingering fears remained. Even though she was ready to throw caution to the wind and boldly act in that moment, she hadn't anticipated the assassin's sword's sharp thrust. No wonder Xuan Li was seriously injured back then. Today, if Xiao Shao hadn't deflected the assassin's sword with his dagger, she wouldn't be so relaxed now. She wasn't afraid of death, but she mustn't die until her revenge was complete.
She owed him a favour.
Jiang Ruan slowly closed her eyes. To sum it up, today's success was much better than she expected.
After Jiang Xin Zhi and the Zhao family received news that Jiang Ruan had been sent to Ci Ning palace to be treated, they were all momentarily stupefied. Empress Dowager Yi De lived high up[1] and usually looked down upon others, and today was the first time she had met Jiang Ruan. Yet now, she acted conspicuously different. She even personally allowed her to stay in Ci Ning Palace, which meant that in her heart, Jiang Ruan was not simply just the legitimate daughter of a regular official.
[1] 居高临下 (jūgāo-línxià) – refers to one's arrogance due to a high social standing/rank.
Jiang Quan and Xia Yan both waited outside. Jiang Su Su longed to receive news of Jiang Ruan's death, however, she heard that Empress Dowager Yi De had summoned the physician to treat Jiang Ruan. This was a rare honour that one could tell from a glance thus she could not help but clench both her hands into fists, a streak of hatred flashing through her eyes.
Jiang Quan's expression was complicated. Currently, Jiang Ruan had gained merits for coming to the rescue of the Empress Dowager and this credit would eventually be counted towards the Jiang fu. Yet it just had to be Jiang Ruan. Recently, Jiang Ruan had showcased extraordinary splendours and buried Jiang Su Su's radiance. Deep down, he had never treated Jiang Ruan as his own flesh and blood[2], and so the more Jiang Ruan shone, the more she hindered Jiang Su Su's pathway and the more unsatisfied he was. As of now, Jiang Ruan would definitely be ahead of Jiang Su Su by a head. He had wholeheartedly wished to help Jiang Su Su lay out a flat path which made Jiang Ruan's actions truly intolerable!
[2] 骨肉 (gǔròu) – refers to kin/kinship.
While following various trains of thought, Jiang Quan's face did not reveal any hint of worry- just an unperturbed expression, with some disgust. Consequently, he replied to the low-ranking eunuch who had reported the news with, "This official sincerely gives thanks to Empress Dowager's piece of goodwill. However, it is just that my daughter is boorish and is unable to bear this grace. Gonggong[3], please report to the Empress Dowager to ask for permission to bring this official's daughter back to the fu."
[3] 公公 (gonggong) – term to refer to an eunuch employed by the imperial family with an official position.
Upon hearing Jiang Quan's words, pride flashed in Xia Yan's eyes. However, that low-ranking eunuch was astonished. Normally when one's own daughter was injured, a typical father would at least ask about the injury, but this father opened his mouth only to request to bring his daughter back. The low-ranking eunuch was also someone who had become experienced from facing challenges in the palace, so at one glance, he had a clear understanding about the situation. Jiang Quan's eyes only contained distaste- there was no warmth. Thinking of Empress Dowager Yi De's special regard towards Jiang Ruan, the low-ranking eunuch raised his whisk and said, "Alas this servant does not dare to relay these words. Eldest Jiang Miss has a imperial physician to treat her in the palace, and I am afraid that even if you bring her back to the fu, you will not be able to find such a skilled physician. Furthermore, this servant is only is here to relay the message. If Jiang Daren has anything further to say, you should personally go to Empress Dowager to tell her."
His defiant attitude, deliberate or not, was meant to suppress. The servants in the palace could not be offended and Jiang Quan was renowned in the palace for being upright and respectable. So, when he was mocked, his face immediately flushed but he was unable to utter any words. The low-ranking eunuch glanced disdainfully at Xia Yan and scoffed at them in his heart. It's really curious how this Jiang couple were able to give birth to such a clear-minded young miss as Jiang Ruan.
Jiang Xin Zhi couldn't see Jiang Ruan's injury personally so even though he knew that she was being treated by the imperial physician, he was still anxious. He didn't know why Jiang Ruan had to block the sword for Empress Dowager Yi De. He felt reproach in his heart; even though saying this would mean high treason, he didn't want Jiang Ruan to take a risk even if the Emperor's life might be in danger.
The low-ranking eunuch was ready to leave after he finished conveying the message. When he walked to the door, he ran into Xiao Shao and bowed in a hurry. Xiao Shao waved his hand and took out a small blue porcelain bottle from his bosom and threw it to him. "Yu Ji ointment[4]," he said briefly.
[4] 玉肌膏 (yu ji gao): referring to whitening cream, lit. jade skin ointment.
Yu Ji ointment was a good thing that even the concubines in the palace could rarely use, thus this small bottle was very valuable. It could remove scars on women's bodies. Although Xiao Shao did not say for whom, the low-ranking eunuch also understood that the recipient should be Jiang Ruan who was currently resting in the Ci Ning Palace. Although he doubted the relationship between Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan in his heart, he still replied with a smile. "Don't worry, Wangye. This servant will surely take it."
Xiao Shao glanced at him faintly, then turned around and walked out of the palace gate.
* * *
Jiang Ruan slept surprisingly well in the Ci Ning Palace that night.
When she woke up, two beautiful palace maids attentively helped her change her clothes. Jiang Ruan moved her body, but she didn't feel any pain from her chest wound.
The palace maid said with a smile, "Miss, you're awake. The wound is not deep. It will be fine as long as it's bandaged well." Then she explained in a low voice. "The imperial physician previously said that it would leave a scar. Fortunately, Xiao Wangye sent the Yu Ji ointment, so there is no need to worry. You won't have any scars." There was envy in her tone.
Jiang Ruan looked at her in surprise. Xiao Shao sent her the Yu Ji ointment? She pressed the centre of her forehead. The favour she owed was becoming bigger and bigger.
Since her rebirth, she would reward the other party equally when she took advantage of them. For example, supporting Liu Min was to get a useful ally in the future. Getting Gu Yi's help was also making use of Gu Yi's love of beauty. But, Xiao Shao came to help her many times. Even if it was to repay her kindness of the past, from what he had just given her, he had already paid the favour in full. She had no idea how to reciprocate Xiao Shao's straightforward help.
After thinking about it, she simply put the matter aside. She asked the palace maid, "Who else was injured last night?"
The palace maid reported a long list of names. Jiang Ruan was relieved when she heard that none of her acquaintances was on the list. Then the maid mentioned one incident related to someone she knew; Jiang Dan had panicked and fallen into Zuo Langzhong's[5] arms last night. Zuo Langzhong was young and promising. Unfortunately, Jiang Dan's clothes were torn during the chaos last night and Zuo Langzhong felt especially soft-hearted when seeing a pretty and delicate girl weeping. Hence, he agreed to take responsibility for her after the event.
[5] 郎中 (lángzhōng) – doctor (Chinese medicine).
The palace maid said, "Your fu's Fourth Young Miss' wedding is perhaps already set."
Jiang Ruan raised her eyebrows. With new eyes she reflected on the cowardly and timid Fourth Younger Sister. It was a gamble for her to think up such a scheme during last night's chaos because if she was not careful, she would lose her life. But she dared and Jiang Dan's luck was good. She won the bet, didn't she?
Seeing Jiang Ruan in a trance, the palace maid continued, "Deputy General Jiang came to see you. However, he left in a hurry due to some matters. Empress Dowager should be back soon. While Miss was unconscious, the Deputy General and Empress Dowager were very worried."
Jiang Ruan thought for a moment. "What about my father, mother, and sisters?"
"Empress Dowager ordered them to go back to the fu first." The palace maid answered.
Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes. Empress Dowager asked Jiang Quan to return to the fu. Did this mean that she already felt some dislike towards Jiang Quan? If this was so, it was very good. She smiled faintly and looked at the palace maid apologetically. "I'm a little hungry."
"The meal is ready. This servant will now serve the food." The palace maid said with a smile.
* * *
In the imperial study, the Emperor suddenly smashed the paper weight on the table to the floor. "So, it was the Tianjin's people last night?"
Guan Liang Han and Xiao Shao tacitly admitted that it was so.
Tianjin kingdom was located in the north of Great Jin and its territory wasn't vast. Since it was close to the sea, it did very well in transoceanic trade. Furthermore, they currently maintained a non-aggression relationship with Great Jin though at one time Great Jin had wished to make it an annex. Tianjin's territory was small, but its steel smelting technology was excellent and their soldiers' weapons were much better than those of Great Jin. The late Emperor once tried to attack Tianjin, but the latter unexpectedly resisted the troops of 400,000 soldiers of Great Jin and dragged the war out for a whole year. At that point, once the Great Jin's troops' supplies were completely exhausted and its people had no way of living due to the heavy taxes, the late Emperor finally realized that neither side would win and ordered the troops to withdraw. Since then, they had been on guard and didn't act to invade, instead choosing a peaceful coexistence.
But then, last night, Xiao Shao and Guan Liang Han had interrogated the prisoners for many hours. Although this squad of assassins had been unyielding, their speech revealed that something was amiss. Xiao Shao ordered the Jin Yi guards to check. What he found was that these assassins were from Tianjin.
"How dare such a tiny land be so presumptuous!" The Emperor was furious.
Last night's assassination attempt was aimed at the Emperor. They were unsuccessful but in the end, they went on a killing spree in the palace, causing panic among officials. By disrupting the imperial court, their behaviour actually meant provocation. What was Tianjin's intent? Did they really want to go to war with the Great Jin?
"Tianjin has been stirring up trouble at the borders over the past few years. It's starting to flex its muscles." Xiao Shao reminded him. "This assassination is probably a signal."
"A signal of war?" Guan Liang Han asked.
"Zhen[6] is not afraid of them!" No Emperor could tolerate such a blatant provocation. The dignity of the Emperor could not be trampled on, let alone compromise when it came to such the weighty matter of national security. The Emperor frowned. "General Guan, would you like to lead the troops to march to Tianjin?"
[6] 朕 (zhen) – term used by an Emperor to refer to himself.
Guan Liang Han smiled. "It's my pleasure."
He did not want to stay here in this annoying capital and face these pedantic people every day. He had defeated the enemy and returned to the capital this year, but he was very unhappy when the Emperor told him to remain in this place for his retirement. Soldiers were born for the battlefield, especially those like Guan Liang Han. Only on the battlefield could he exert his greatest talents.
The Emperor thought for a moment. "Take your Deputy General with you. If he's destined to be a General and returns after a victorious battle, Zhen will reward him heavily."
Guan Liang Han looked solemn. The Emperor's words really gave Jiang Xin Zhi room to display his talents. He had thought that since Jiang Xin Zhi had contradicted Imperial Consort Chen earlier, the Emperor would have been prejudiced against him. Jiang Xin Zhi and his sister had just reunited, but Jiang Xin Zhi now had another chance to go into battle. If he shone in this military campaign, there would be another young hero in the Great Jin. Then, Jiang Xin Zhi would truly be able to gain a firm foothold in the imperial court.
It's just... Would this man with the sister complex be willing to leave Jiang Ruan?
The Emperor then said, "So many assassins infiltrated the palace last night. Were all the imperial guards dead?" He looked at Xiao Shao. "Ah Shao, call out your Jin Yi guards."
It was time for a complete purge. The Tianjin kingdom's assassins had entered the imperial palace with ease; this meant that they already had an insider inside the palace. Although they didn't know who the person was, if not uprooted in a day, it would grow like a malignant tumour in the Emperor's heart.
Xiao Shao nodded his head slightly. "Yes."
Guan Liang Han sighed in his heart. Another bloodbath was bound to happen in the palace.
Once they finished discussing matters with the Emperor, they came out of the imperial study only to see a beautiful girl standing outside. She wore a golden muslin skirt, was gorgeously adorned, and her beautiful face was meticulously made up. She had a touch of exotic air. She came over slowly and smiled at Xiao Shao and said, "Xiao Wangye."
It was Princess He Yi.
Guan Liang Han winked at Xiao Shao and strode away.
Xiao Shao looked at He Yi with indifference. There was no warmth in his gaze at all. Her heart palpitated at his cold and indifferent eyes and felt a little timid. However, when she thought of what happened last night, resentment emerged in her eyes. She looked up at Xiao Shao's handsome and cold face, asking, "What's the relationship between Xiao Wangye and Eldest Jiang Miss?"
This unfathomable question made Xiao Shao baffled about her intention. With knitted brows, he asked her coldly. "What does this have to do with Princess?"
Princess He Yi's eyes reddened and her whole body was chilled by his aloof words. She answered grievously. "You know perfectly well that I like you."
"Princess, please speak cautiously." Xiao Shao's eyes suddenly turned chilly. "I have no other thoughts about Princess."
"What about Jiang Ruan," Princess He Yi couldn't help but ask harshly, "Do you like her?"
Xiao Shao's frown went deeper as if he couldn't understand her words. However, there were more pressing matters at the moment, so he just gave Princess He Yi a cold look and turned to leave. Such action was acquiescence in Princess He Yi's eyes. After a brief shock, she suddenly covered her face and burst into tears.
* * *
After Jiang Ruan had breakfast, Empress Dowager Yi De returned to the Ci Ning Palace. Seeing her like this, she asked, "Are you feeling better?"
Jiang Ruan smiled. "To answer Empress Dowager, I'm feeling much better."
Empress Dowager Yi De looked at her from head to toe and saw that her spirit was much better than yesterday. Feeling relieved, she sat down on the soft couch. Her close maid came with a cup of tea. Empress Dowager Yi De took the tea and took a sip, then looked at Jiang Ruan quietly.
The girl in front of her was clever and pure. Although she had a charming look, her eyes were clear and without impurities. What was so rare about her was the calm indifference in the face of favours or humiliations. It took frivolity out of her beauty and made her serene and noble.
She asked casually, "Does Jiang Quan not treat you well?"
Jiang Ruan seemed surprised by this question. She thought for a moment and answered with a smile. "Not at all. It's simply because this subject was raised in the country, thus hasn't been very close to Father since childhood."
She didn't complain incessantly nor did she lie that Jiang Quan had treated her very well. Instead, she told the truth and used her words to justify Jiang Quan. Her speech was very proper.
A faint smile rose on Empress Dowager Yi De's lips. "Since the relationship is not close, there won't be sadness upon separation."
Jiang Ruan was taken aback and looked at Empress Dowager Yi De with doubt.
Empress Dowager Yi De looked at the ruby on top of her nail guard. "Jiang family's girl, aijia is going to stay at the imperial temple next to the royal mausoleum for three years. Would you like to join me?"