Time passed quickly and over twenty days had gone by, but the rain in the capital had not abated.
Just by looking at the pitter patter of the rain, it looked inconsequential, however, the incessant rain, regardless of day or night, just continued to pour. Within the capital, the widespread death of livestock had begun, not to mention what was happening on farmsteads; the whole kingdom of Great Jin was held captive under the shadows of torrential flooding. Just a few days ago, the water levels in the moat had begun to rise, gushing and destroying the dam, thus resulting in numerous drownings of the commoners who resided close to the river. The authorities sent to aid in the relief efforts were like a mantis trying to block a carriage[1], thus the management and control of the water overflow had become a matter of top priority.
[1] Tángbìdāngchē ( 螳臂当车 ) – (idiom) a mantis trying to stop a chariot / to overrate or overestimate one’s ability and attempt something almost impossible.
The imperial court had allocated large sums of silver to the various regions for disaster relief, and from all appearances, it had looked like a copious amount. Yet sadly, as it filtered down and exchanged hands with the various officials who as usual took their cut, by the time it reached the hands of the disaster victims, it was but a smidgen of bare bones.
As such, there was an increase in disaster victims. Moreover, many residences that had been submerged due to flooding resulted in even more homeless refugees. Soon many refugees in quick succession began to pour into the city. First, because the capital was on higher terrain, so was least likely to be hit by the disaster compared to other regions. And second, the capital was under the jurisdiction of the emperor, and people were hoping to get a chance to eat a hot meal distributed by the authorities.
Unfortunately, the rain water seemed to accumulate more and more, and with the increasing influx of refugees, the authorities were unable to sustain the massive need for food provision. Thus, three days ago the officials had ceased provision of food. Subsequently, the starving refugees began to scour the city and loot wealthy affluent homes. Naturally, these noble folks had personal guards so the antagonism between them and the refugees within the city started to escalate with each passing day.
The Jiang fu’s provisions were still sufficient and there was enough to sustain the fu for quite some time. As such, everyone within its walls had not grasped the impact of the crisis. If one were to comment on what was different within the Jiang fu, it would be in regards to the Grand Councillor Li fu’s Second Young Master, Li An. He could be seen entering the Jiang fu every other day without rhyme or reason and even then not doing much per se. With a courteous attitude he would simply chat with Jiang Quan . Jiang Quan was unable to cipher Li An’s thoughts, but based on outward appearance, Li An didn’t seem to harbour any hostility. Furthermore, there were even subtle gestures leaning towards establishing a close relationship.
Lian Qiao walked in carrying a basket of flowers and spoke out contemptuously, “Second Young Master Li is here again! If one didn’t know, they would think that the Jiang fu was his home. It almost seems as though he no longer concerns himself about Eldest Young Master Li’s injury and is ready to bury the hatchet.
Presently, Jiang Ruan was on the couch reading a book, and when she heard those words, her gaze moved slightly. There was never going to be any possibility of the Li fu burying the hatchet with the Jiang fu. Li Yang had become a cripple, and Li Dong and Li An were by no means magnanimous kinds of people. Li An’s current behaviour was merely a pretense to show that he no longer considered Jiang Quan and Jiang Su Su as his enemies.
Bai Zhu frowned, “This morning while I was passing by the courtyard, this servant encountered Fifth Yiniang again. Fifth Yiniang said that Master requested Jiang Miss’ marriage geng tie[2] to be delivered in the hopes of rebuilding a relationship with the Li family. Second Young Master Li didn’t accept but he also did not raise any objections. Miss, what should we do?”
[2] Geng tie – In ancient Chinese wedding customs, red cards with the names of the man and the woman, the birthplace, the eight characters of birth and the names of the three generations of the ancestors were called “Geng Tie“. Some are also called “Niangeng Posts”. “Geng” means year. Geng posts are exchanged between the man and the woman to show their proposal or engagement. More here.
“Don’t take it to heart- it isn’t that simple.” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, “Li An is a person of abstruse disposition. If I have to really enter the Li fu, inevitably that would have to wait until I was utterly crushed, without even a spark of resistance, so that later he could slowly torture and torment me.” A pity, since this time Li An won’t ever have the opportunity to see that day.
Although they observed Jiang Ruan’s unconcerned attitude, Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao were both still somewhat concerned but chose to swallow whatever they were going to say. While they were speaking, Lu Zhu came barreling in, her face awashed with undisguised elation as she brought great news. Once she entered, she closed the main door, then going to the windows, she closely surveyed the surroundings to ensure that there wasn’t anyone loitering before shutting the windows too.
She walked to stand before Jiang Ruan, and lowering her voice she smilingly said , “Miss, a subordinate of Young Master Gu has returned with news that they might have some information regarding Eldest Young Master. However, General Guan made haste to return ahead of time so the rest of the troops are still on their way. They will arrive in about ten days’ time.” She reported, “Young Master Gu said that while he is currently unable to confirm, he is almost convinced that the person is our Eldest Young Master.” Lu Zhu smiled, “Eldest Young Master is currently a Deputy General.”
Lu Zhu and Bai Zhi were stunned, Jiang Ruan stood up and clasped Lu Zhu’s hand, “Really?”
Lu Zhu smiled when she beheld Jiang Ruan’s emotional expression, “It is absolutely true.”
Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao both smiled, “It looks like our hard times are over and it’s the beginning of good times. Once Eldest Young Master returns to the fu, he will definitely protect our lady.”
Jiang Ruan returned to her soft couch, her eyes ablaze with fervor.
Jiang Xin Zhi was still alive! Her only elder brother was still alive! In this world, she was no longer a person without someone to depend on. In this lifetime, there was still time, and she was determined to help Jiang Xin Zhi rewrite the ending to his past unfortunate and violent death!
With this thought, the anguished worrying and melancholy of the past few days dispersed and in its place was the rising of an abundant will to fight. If in this life, Jiang Xin Zhi was alive and well, then this pair of siblings must go forth and ensure that all of their enemies from their previous lifetime die tragically. A debt of blood must absolutely be paid back in blood![3]
[3] Xuezhaixuechang ( 血债血偿 ) – Blood calls for blood. / A debt of blood must be paid in blood.
Jiang Ruan abruptly stood up again, her eyes shining and mesmerizing, “Since that’s the case, there are some things that need to be prepared ahead of time.” She directed, “Lu Zhu, you go out and employ a couple of helpers. Just use those refugees that have come from outer regions. Guarantee them full meals as wages. Go and buy a big cauldron.” Hesitantly, Lian Qiao questioned. “Miss, what’s it for?”
“I want to bestow congee.” Jiang Ruan casually replied.
After putting the (chess) pieces in place, the time had finally come to execute the planned strategy.
* * *
In the capital, there was an ever increasing number of refugees, and still larger groups kept pouring in, shrouding the city under the cover of civil unrest. Commoners were darting quickly about on the streets, ashen-faced. Many bore starved bodies, hovering outside noblemen’s residences, in the hopes of obtaining a meal for running an assigned task. The refugees were no different. Those that were strong and robust were robbing people on the streets in broad daylight. The city garrison guards were kept busy day-and-night, however, the local constabulary was unwilling to apprehend and throw these ‘robbers’ into prison — as even prisoners needed food rations.
Even though the situation was as such, the Emperor had not deported nor banished those refugees. While currently the imperial court of the Great Jin empire appeared tranquil, only those within were well aware of the political unrest and turmoil. They were currently at a tipping point, and they could not allow any major situation or calamity to occur. However, with the present circumstances, the Emperor was not in a good frame of mind. Everyday, hundreds of court officials attended court in fear and trepidation. There were still some upright and honorable ministers that were concerned for the welfare of the people, making suggestions to distribute provisions to aid the disaster. This further incurred the Emperor’s wrath and displeasure as the national treasury was already empty. Some time ago, the last batch of disaster relief funds had depleted the national treasury. Moreover, this year’s farm crops were destroyed, so there was nothing to contribute to taxes.
Then, during this tumultuous time, someone set up a tent and began to distribute provisions.
At this critical juncture, the imperial court had the mind to assist but was powerless. They had long stopped bestowing congee. Naturally, the commoners and refugees were jubilant in believing that the imperial court had not forgotten to care for the people, and thus rapidly spread the news.
The food tent was simply erected. On one side were people distributing food and on the other side were people standing by frames that supported a huge cauldron cooking congee, promising that there would not be a shortage. The queue was so long that it filled up and almost blockaded two city streets. A total of eight persons were guarding the cauldron, and these eight people were strong and formidable men of valor. Their statures were all tall and beefy, each having a brutish appearance. Thus, those that were restless and attempted to threaten by trying to take advantage of the crisis had all their ill-intentions squashed very quickly.
The person distributing the congee was an amiable looking woman. She loudly spoke, “There has been a change to our current situation, the flooding has created havoc in our land, and all of us are having a difficult time during this situation. Our family’s General sympathizes with the people, and has specially spent half of his family’s fortune to exchange for provisions to distribute and share with everyone. From today onwards, every morning we will be here to distribute congee and everyone will get a bowl, but only a bowl each. It’s not easy to do something significant in this world, however the General has said that if the funds from the first half of this fortune are used up, he will take out the remaining half for the emergency relief of the people as well. So everyone, we sincerely appreciate your understanding. The heavens will favor the Great Jin empire, our Majesty is benevolent and brilliant, so trust me, we will get through this calamity.”
Her speech was morale boosting and in a flash, it gave everyone a sense of hope. Someone asked, “Daring to ask this madame, who’s your family’s General?
“I’m merely a servant woman, how could I even dare accept the term Madame?” the woman smiled in reply, “My residence is General Zhao’s fu.”
“General Zhao!” Those gathered there began to discuss this. The people overall had a pretty good impression of Zhao Guang. As such, they began to raise their voices, “Many thanks to General Zhao for your benevolence.”
“General Zhao is indeed a hero.”
“We are even willing to work hard like oxen or horses if required.”
There were many voices of admiration and just beyond the masses of people collecting their congee, there was a horse carriage parked. Lu Zhu parted the curtains of the carriage to steal a peek and with elation, she spoke in a quiet voice, “Miss, this has really gone well.”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, “The people that you found were well chosen.” Based on what they had heard from their side, it was clear that that servant woman had quite the gift of the gab. Lu Zhu abashedly replied, “That woman was previously a momo for a young lady from an affluent family in the Cangzhou district. She is cultured and literate, and also very articulate. It’s just a pity that while the family died during the devastating flooding, she was the sole survivor and eventually made her way into the capital. This servant saw that she spoke decently, and since she had to act as a person from the General’s household, I felt that she was suitable for the task.
“Her act is really very good.” Jiang Ruan smiled.
Not far from the carriage, there stood another person. His slender lithe physique, clothed in black, cut a swath through the landscape distinguishing himself above others. At this moment, he was calmly observing the people queuing for their congee, and a trace of deep thought passed through his beautiful eyes..
After a moment, he turned to the bodyguard by his side, “Go investigate that servant woman.”
“Is she not from the General fu?” the Jin Yi guard was stunned, “Could it be that….who would be so altruistic in someone else’s name?” Moreover, these days within the capital there was such a shortage of grain. To provide a bowl of congee on a daily basis, if it was in the past it would not have been much to rave about, however, currently, this is by no means a small feat.
Xiao Shao was reticent, and in his eyes appeared the image of Jiang Ruan with her indifferent smile. Over a month ago she had made an effort to purchase most of the city’s grain, was it for such a day as this? He had a hunch that with regards to this matter, Jiang Ruan most definitely had a hand in it. However, over a month ago, it had only started raining for a few days, so how did she know that there was going to be devastating floods?
* * *
Within the General fu.
Zhao Guang was sitting in his study and even though he was around sixty years and had seen the passing of time, he still appeared to be hale and hearty, and brimming with vitality. He had an angular face and a stern look. At a glance, one could see that he was a military general who had spent a long time on the battlefield.
His three sons were currently standing before him, their faces bearing identical expressions of grave solemness.
“Yesterday Old Duke Jun revealed some news to me after the imperial court was dismissed,” Zhao Guang stated, “Eighth Prince is preparing to soon deal with the Zhao family.”
Zhao family’s Third Young Master, Zhao Yuan Feng, whose temperament was volatile burst out, “Father, we aren’t afraid of him. The righteous will not cower from a crooked shadow. If he has the means, then he can just come at us. Our Zhao family can’t easily be shaken by a mere prince like him.”
“Hold your tongue.” Zhao Guang spoke in fury, “For Old Duke Jun to say this, it would indicate that this matter is perilous. You just stand quietly to the side. Don’t you cause more trouble for your old man.”
“Third Brother,” Second Young Master Zhao, Zhao Yuan Ping, had a fair and handsome appearance and a scholarly disposition. “You should already be aware what type of person Xuan Li is. Moreover, these past few years aren’t most of the ministers in the imperial court standing on his side. How many of them weren’t raised up by him? He will definitely not use the usual methods that are fair and aboveboard.”
Eldest Young Master Zhao, Zhao Yuan Jia, sighed, “What Second Brother says is true, but why would Eighth Prince suddenly think to target the Zhao family. He has not eliminated the powers of Fifth Prince, and we are in support of Crown Prince, so why would he suddenly act without consideration?”
“I’m afraid that they are ready to wage war.” Zhao Guang’s gaze was deeply set, “His Majesty had been shielding Crown Prince for many years, but based on Eighth Prince’s ability and wisdom, I’m sure he has always been well aware of it. I believe he intends to drag our Zhao family into the fray.”
“Then, what should we do?” Zhao Yuan Feng asked unwillingly: “Just let him scheme against us?”
“Old Duke Jun has adamantly refused to disclose even a sliver of information,: Zhao Guang sighed, “I’m sure it’s no small matter.” Then he changed the topic under discussion, “Currently the population of refugees has steadily increased in the capital and the rain doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Moreover, His Majesty has appointed Eighth Prince and the Li family to manage and control the reservoir. I’m sensing that it is not as simple as it looks.”
When Zhao Guang was younger, he had fought and won many a battle, as such he had a natural perceptivity toward danger. It was a military man’s intuition.
Zhao Yuan Jia muttered to himself irresolutely, “Over the past few days Yi’er has also said just as much; the garrison within the capital has more than doubled. I’m afraid the capital will undergo a change.”
As they spoke, suddenly a flustered manservant came running in exclaiming, “Old Master, something has happened!”
Zhao Guang’s brows creased, “What happened?”
The young manservant was witty and articulate, so with a few sentences, he was able to concisely explain the situation, “There’s someone distributing congee within the city, a bowl everyday, but under the banner of our General fu.”
“What?” Zhao Guang stood up from his chair with a “ceng” sound, “Seriously?”
Zhao Yuan Feng added, “This can’t be? Father, is this the handiwork of Eighth Prince? Has he lost his mind?”
Zhao Guang frowned, “Do we know the person?”
The manservant shook his head, “The staff from the manor has gone to take a look, and none of them recognise the person. However, those people didn’t do anything else beside distributing congee.”
“Father, should I go investigate?” Zhao Yuan Jia asked quietly.
“No,” Zhao Guang batted his hand, “There’s something fishy about this situation, let’s wait out a few days and see.”
It can be concluded with absolute certainty that the person distributing the congee was not from the General fu, so what was the purpose behind the other party’s use of the fu’s name. Was it one of Xuan Li’s men or someone else? If it was Xuan Li, what was he planning? But if it was another person, to be able to come up with such a huge quantity of provisions at this time, just what kind of backing did they have and what were their motives?
Whatever the case, with regards to this matter, they could not afford to act blindly without thinking.
On that very day, the news of the General fu taking out provisions to distribute congee spread like the wind throughout the capital. In a matter of time, on every street and in every alley, people were discussing this matter, as such the news naturally reached the residence of Eighth Prince.
With a ‘pa’ sound, Xuan Li threw down and shattered the china cup in his hands. Although his expression still maintained a gentle smile, if one looked closely, one could notice the muscles around his mouth convulsing minutely. Obviously he was utterly infuriated.
He chillingly exclaimed, “Well played Zhao Guang!”
One of his advisors then asked, “Your Highness, how did this news leak out, could there be a spy in our midst?”
Xuan Li sneered chillingly, “What other reason could there be. For Zhao Guang to have only played this hand now is an eye opener for me!” He had initially thought to take the upper hand by passing an edict forcing Zhao Guang to cough up his residence’s provisions to aid the disaster relief, then using his people to make sure this came to pass. Since the national treasury was in a deficit, and the Emperor was anxious, the Emperor would readily agree to this action. This would have crippled the Zhao family’s influence and power so that he could easily deal with them in the future. Furthermore, when he made the suggestion, he would not only have gained the pleasure of the Emperor, but also the combined accolades of both the imperial court and the common folks would have significantly risen.
However, since Zhao Guang had taken the initiative to distribute congee, even though the outcome of reducing and weakening the wealth of the Zhao family was similar to his plans, in actual fact the underlying significance to him was vastly different! With Zhao Guang taking the initiative to distribute congee, not only had he received the Emperor’s commendation and praise, in the hearts of the common folks he had gained a higher prestige. On the surface it would seem that influence and capabilities were weakening but in actual fact, they were not weak at all. Rather, their powers had increased exponentially. Furthermore, with regards to this matter, the opportunity for him to meddle now no longer existed. After all of his furious plotting, it was such a waste of such a brilliant opportunity!
“How in the world did Zhao Guang think to take the initiative to aid the disaster relief?” the advisor asked. “He usually has such a foul temper and is very stubborn For the Zhao family to so frivolously spend their collected wealth from many generations, how could they even bear to harden their hearts?” To actually take out all their hard earned savings truly required great valor.
“He is surely very courageous,” Xuan Li replied. “All the more he can’t be allowed to live.” To have the ability to think up the strategy to retreat in order to advance… it would not be easy to take down the Zhao Family, who was a force to be reckoned with after many generations within the imperial court. However, never would he have imagined that it was actually someone else who had used Zhao Guang’s banner to distribute congee. Afterall, at this point in time, provisions were more valuable than gold, and no one would be willing to fork out such a huge sum of silver to aid others.
The advisor hesitantly asked, “Your Highness, what about the spy in their residence…..”
“To even allow for messages to get to the Zhao family under my very eyes, naturally it won’t be that easy to ferret the person out. Kill them all and change the whole lot,” he commanded.
“Your Highness,” The advisor’s face lost all its color, “these were all people who were meticulously hand-picked.” To train, nurture and groom each person required a lot of time and money and to just kill the whole group was totally not worthwhile and such a waste of all that effort.
Xuan Li remained unmoved, and with a callous, snide smile said, “I would rather kill a thousand in error than to let one slip by. Kill.”
* * *
The news that the General Zhao Guang had used his personal savings and family wealth to help with emergency relief for the commoners and refugees very quickly spread far above the imperial court. Upon hearing this news, evidently the Emperor was very pleased. This action of Zhao Guang had given the Emperor a reason to make requests from the other officials. Therefore, everyone from the top officials to junior officials had to all take out silver to help fill the deficit within the national treasury. Zhao Guang was conferred a verbal reward, and also earned a good reputation among the masses. By all appearances, he was not at a disadvantage at all.
Just as the person distributing the congee had proclaimed, every morning they were there in the city centre handing out congee to the commoners. With the regular provision of food, the number of robberies and vandalism within the city had decreased significantly, resulting in a sense of security and peace. Zhao Guang neither denied his involvement nor did he visit the distribution tent. He just maintained a harmonious facade.
On this day, Zhao Yi from the city’s garrison took a group of soldiers on horseback to patrol the city as usual. These days with the refugee situation stabilized, his daily duties were much easier. Yet at this moment, he saw a flustered junior soldier galloping at neck breaking speed towards him. “Daren, on the Chong Xin farmstead in the east of the city, a group of refugees who were living with the commoners suddenly erupted into a fight over rations.”
Zhao Yi knitted his brows. He was the Zhao family’s eldest di grandson and had inherited Zhao Yuan Jia’s upright and plainspoken character. What he most loathed were these robbers who came and robbed their households. He spoke in fury, “Nowadays there is someone distributing congee everyday, yet they are still so rampant. This is utterly preposterous!” At the end of his tirade, he directed instructions to the soldier behind him, “Come with me to take a look.”
“Daren!” the soldier then reported, “in the west of the city at Dong Wang hill, a fight has also broken out among some refugees and the commoners, and it involves even more people compared to what is happening in the east of the city. We should have another squadron of brothers head to Dong Wang hill in the west .”
Zhao Yi contemplated for a moment before stating, “Since there are not many people in the east city, I’ll just take two people with me. Considering they’re unarmed and defenseless refugees merely seeking food, make sure you don’t hurt them or cause any death.”
As he was speaking, he turned to two junior soldiers behind him, “You two come with me.”
When the soldier who had delivered the message saw Zhao Yi depart, he faced a group of soldiers commanding, “Follow me.”
The two groups each headed off separately, with Zhao Yi taking only two people with him. He had outstanding skills in martial arts, and to suppress these refugees, he wouldn’t require that many people, so he didn’t take the whole situation too seriously.
The horse he rode sped at high speed, however, just then a carriage rushed towards him at an angle. Zhao Yi was stunned and swiftly reined in the horse to come to a stop. The horse carriage also suffered a scare and the other horse neighed and finally came to a halt too.
Zhao Yi was full of concern as he dismounted from his horse, calling out, “The person within the carriage, did you suffer any injuries?”
The coachman was obviously only recently employed and looked helplessly towards the inside of the carriage. Shortly, the curtains were lifted, and a pretty maid dressed in jade colours hopped out of the carriage.
The maid that jumped out turned towards Zhao Yi, “You are utterly insolent, should anything happen to our family’s young lady, you would most certainly have to suffer the consequences!”
Zhao Yi was an upstanding, honest man, and in that moment, he felt culpable, “It’s all my fault. However, I have a pressing matter to attend to so if this young lady would present me the name of your fu, I will personally pay a visit to apologise in a few days.”
The maid in the jade coloured outfit pouted her lips in fury, “Who would fancy your apologies in person? Seeing how you are dressed, you ought to be from the city garrison guard out on a mission. The capital is peaceful now; it couldn’t be that there are people out there causing trouble?”
Zhao Yi cupped his hands in salute, “There are some refugees plundering the Chong Xin farmstead in the east of the city and it’s a pressing matter. So if Young Miss would please excuse me, I will definitely return and make amends once I have settled the situation there.”
“Chong Xin farmstead?” A soft, delicate voice sounded from within the carriage, followed closely by the lifting of the curtains and the appearance of an exquisitely captivating face. Jiang Ruan lightly smiled, “Daren, you must be mistaken? How could anyone want to plunder Chong Xin farmstead?”
Zhao Yi was somewhat absentminded when he gazed upon that face. His Zhao family for three generations had engaged in the military and had once heard of an aunt. However from early on, she had lost contact with the Zhao family. Usually, his contact with young ladies weas limited to those from military families who had strong tempers and uncouth bearings, so where would he have had the opportunity to meet such a captivatingly, beautiful lady? In the past his uncles had mentioned those genteel and well-bred daughters of civil officials who were known to merely have knowledge of embroidery, but in reality were involved in a lot of internal strife and cunning plots. Even so, as he gazed upon her beatific face, he was surprised to realize that he was beginning to blush too.
A soldier standing behind him coughed lightly. Zhao Yi quickly recovered his wits and scratched his head in embarrassment, “Young Lady, why would you say that?”
Jiang Ruan was able to take in the current situation from his expression. This Zhao family’s biaoge was a rather interesting person. She smiled in response, “I passed by Chong Xin farmstead a few days ago. The place was close to the side of the mountain and was badly affected by the torrential rain. The owner had already relocated his whole family, and many refugees had moved in. Since there aren’t any city commoners residing there, how could there be any plundering to speak of?”
Zhao Yi was stunned, his face respectfully asked, “Is what you’ve said true, Young Lady?”
“Why would I deceive you?” Jiang Ruan smiled in response, “Moreover….”
Since Zhao Yi paid attention to her, Jiang Ruan continued, “Moreover, when I was there a few days ago, that bunch of refugees was armed to the teeth, looking like a bunch of barbarous savages. Daren, are you really going to head there with only those two? I’m afraid that before you’ve even stepped into the estate, you’ll be massacred.”
The two soldiers behind Zhao Yi were startled, hesitatingly enquiring, “Daren….”
Zhao Yi had taken up the position of city garrison guard so naturally he wasn’t some ignorant, juvenile child who was totally oblivious to current matters. From the insinuation behind Jiang Ruan’s words, he was immediately skeptical about the present situation being an orchestrated, conspiratorial plot. Drawing from this thought, his brows unconsciously furrowed.
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, “How about I give you a suggestion. There are too many east city refugees, and it’s obvious that Daren and these two soldiers would not be sufficient enough to deal with the situation. Why not approach the Capital Magistrate to lend some men to go to the east city. The Capital Magistrate would not sit by and not lend a hand if he was made aware of the situation.”
Zhao Yi was invigorated. Indeed he had only two soldiers and to rashly enter into such a situation would definitely not be the best plan of action. However, if he did not go to Chong Xin farmstead and get to the bottom of the matter, he would not be able to catch the mastermind behind all this. The Capital Magistrate’s role was also to defend the city’s law and order, so lending some men should not be a big task. As he reached this conclusion, he took an intense look at Jiang Ruan. This young lady had appeared out of nowhere, almost as if she had appeared here specifically to inform him of this matter, even though it appeared to be an unscripted, accidental conversation. However… Zhao Yi could not wrap his head around the fact, was Jiang Ruan truly unaware of the situation? Regardless, the fact remained that if what Jiang Ruan had spoken was true, it meant that she had inevitably saved his life. Zhao Yi cupped his hand in salute, “Thank you Young Lady for the information.”
“You’re too polite Daren.” Jiang Ruan slightly smiled in response as she lowered the curtains and Lu Zhu also returned to the carriage. Jiang Ruan’s voice emerged from within the carriage, “Daren, a final word of caution, those east city refugees are most definitely not regular bandits, they’re quite fierce and evil. When you request for manpower from the Capital Magistrate, the more the better, otherwise the result will be a complete annihilation of the troops.” On that note, the carriage departed.
Zhao Yi watched as the carriage slowly disappeared from his sight before he leapt onto his horse whilst giving a directive, “Head to the Capital Magistrate’s fu!”
Within the horse carriage, Jiang Ruan was leaning against a cushion lost in her own thoughts. She had used the excuse of paying a visit to the Lin fu to see Lin Zhi Xiang, and was ultimately able to rush to save Zhao Yi’s life. In her previous life, Zhao Yi had indeed been slaughtered at the east city’s Chong Xin farmstead while attempting to suppress the upheaval caused by the refugees. Initially Jiang Ruang could not grasp how those harmless and unarmed refugees would suddenly become violent and savage. Moreover Zhao Yi’s skills weren’t average and therefore, under such circumstances, he should not have been brutally slaughtered. But this time, as soon as the refugees started to enter the capital, she had assigned Lu Zhu to have someone pay close attention to the situation at Chong Xin farmstead. It was only yesterday that someone brought news that not only had a group of people armed with weapons arrived at Chong Xin farmstead, but they had also disguised themselves as refugees.
Normally, it was unheard of refugees to carry so much weaponry, and they had also come as a group. With this thought, it could only be assumed that they were only disguised as refugees on a mission with every intention of entrapping and killing Zhao Yi, and then laying all the blame on the refugees. If Zhao Yi died, the Zhao family would be without their eldest grandson and the family would suffer a severe loss. Inevitably their ascendancy would significantly diminish and the opposition would collude and take advantage of the situation… It was very likely the Zhao family would not be able to rise up after that.
Who can this person be? Jiang family? Xia family? Li Family? Jiang Ruan’s eyes deepened, surmising that Xuan Li was without a doubt somehow implicated in this matter. Seeing the Zhao family’s dominance weaken would be an outcome that he would be most delighted to witness.
However, in this life, she had undertaken the Zhao family’s disaster relief aid of food rations and Zhao Yi would not die. The Zhao family could safely stand steadfast and upright amongst the nobility and aristocracy. If Xuan Li was made aware of this matter, it’s a wonder what would be his state of mind?
Regardless, once Zhao Yi had captured that group of people, he would immediately be alerted to the fact that there is a spy within the garrison army. Upon his return, he would inform the Zhao family, and knowing the Zhao family, they were not people who could be easily trifled with. In their ‘cleaning’ process to get to the bottom of the matter, they would be most vigilant. For Xuan Li to make another attempt in the future would no longer be that easy.
Most importantly, Jiang Ruan softly let out a sigh, from the start the situation with Zhao Guang was like a chasm. She wondered, since she had rescued the Zhao family and saved Zhao Yi, would these events provide leverage for her revenge and allow her to enter the front door of the General fu.
Come what may, for Jiang Xin Zhi, she would try.
