When Empress Dowager Yi De returned to the capital, she was greeted at the palace gates by honour guards lined up for miles and the Emperor himself, leading all the civil and military officials. The large procession could be seen from far away. The palace shone magnificently under the sun, while the gorgeously decorated royal carriage was covered in a purple floral design and glittered with inlaid gold. With the civil courtiers on the left and military officials on the right, the entire procession knelt as one and shouted: “Your Highness the Empress Dowager, welcome on your return to the capital.”
The royal carriage stopped at the palace gates, and an exquisitely dressed court lady hurriedly stepped forward to brush the royal carriage’s pearl curtains aside. Empress Dowager Yi De, wearing a golden court dress with turquoise inlaid in gold buttons embedded in a base of ivory, looked gorgeous and noble. She was supported by the arm as she stepped out, giving a faint glance at the gathered crowd, however, even her casual glance made people feel an irresistible pressure.
A begonia-coloured cushioned palanquin followed the carriage closely, similarly magnificent, from which came a soft scent. For some reason, everyone looked towards the palanquin curiously, as if expecting someone to come out.
Palanquin / Sedan Chair
The palanquin was lowered with incomparably gentle movements, as if the bearers were afraid to startle the person within. Just as everyone’s curiosity was piqued, two slender and beautiful maids – one calm and steady, the other lively and spirited – in green walked up. They stood on either side of the palanquin and reached out to help its passenger step out.
A delicate hand emerged.
The fair-skinned hand had no distinguishing marks except for a bracelet on that pale wrist which emitted a faint blue light. Its reflection on the dainty hand made it look dazzlingly soft and boneless, and caused people to feel numb.
The maid on the left opened the curtains, allowing the person inside to stoop and come out.
At that moment a breeze flew by, causing people to squint their eyes. When they could see again, there stood a red figure in front of the thousands of elite soldiers.
It was a stunning scene.
They wore palace clothing made of glittering Yun brocade embroidered with patterns of dark flowers, and a begonia-coloured Yun satin skirt with a pattern of butterflies sitting on flowers sewn in gold thread. Over this, was a thin carmine garment made of damask silk, with its wide sleeves embroidered with phoenixes and mythical birds flying over clouds. With their raven-coloured hair braided and swept into an elaborate bun shaped like a lotus-like cloud behind their head and decorated with hibiscus flowers, it seemed like their skin was purer than fresh snow. Rather, that personage seemed like an otherworldly and blazing fireball that scattered sparks upon the land, like a splendid sunset had fallen upon the Great Jin. With eyebrows like an early spring river, eyes like peach blossoms and lips that were as rosy as cherries, this person’s countenance resembled a realistic portrayal of a beautiful maiden that had been drawn out of an ancient thousand year old priceless painting. One could not miss the ethereal quality of this woman, as if she had leisurely and mistakenly appeared on land like an alluring siren.
She approached slowly from afar with a flaming red skirt fluttering behind her. Only when she got closer was it clear that her makeup was also exquisite, with gold powder scattered around her eyes giving her a stunning beauty. The ends of her eyes faintly curved up, with a slight smile at the corners of her lips, and her two hands clasped in repose in front of her. She was dignified yet charming, cold yet coquettish.
A calamitous beauty. Everyone suddenly thought of this.
This kind of woman really deserved the title of ‘calamitous beauty’.
The eunuch shouted, “Welcoming Hong’an Junzhu’s return to the capital–”
Hong’an Junzhu! Everyone was shocked.
No one could forget that three years ago, the Jiang family’s eldest di daughter blocked a sword with her body to save Empress Dowager Yi De, then was specially rewarded and accompanied the Empress Dowager to the imperial ancestral temple. Not long ago, the Emperor also gave her an official title, Hong’an Junzhu. Everyone knew that Empress Dowager Yi De treated this Hong’an Junzhu differently. Seeing her with their own eyes, Hong’an Junzhu actually turned out to be so stunningly alluring, she must be one of the foremost beauties of the world.
Even the Emperor couldn’t help but squint his eyes slightly.
No need to mention Jiang Quan standing in the crowd, he already knew it was Jiang Ruan from the moment he saw her brows. He trembled a little. He knew since Jiang Ruan was born that she would be a beauty, especially since she greatly resembled Zhao Mei. However, he did not know that this daughter would resemble a phoenix shedding immature feathers, growing into a grace that would be renowned all over the country. This kind of beauty was enough to shake a man, but what she would bring to the Jiang fu might not be glory.
Eighth Prince, Xuan Li, stared at the young woman. If three years ago he only wanted to control and use Jiang Ruan, now, apart from shock, there was also a feeling of winning her over. In this world there were many beautiful women but not many who were both beautiful and smart. And as for someone who was as smart as her, as beautiful as her, there was no other. Xuan Li’s heart stirred. A woman such as this was worthy of standing at his side. In the future when he became king, she would be his queen!
Fifth Prince, Xuan Hua, also perked up, not to mention the Crown Prince, surprise was also flashing in their eyes. Even the mediocre Fourth Prince, Xuan Lang, couldn’t help revealing a trace of admiration.
Commander-in-chief Gu Xiu Wen frowned. He’d long learned from his furen about Gu Yi’s affections for the Jiang family’s eldest di daughter, and felt at the time that making a match with the Jiang family would only be advantageous to the Jiang family. More importantly, Jiang Quan didn’t place much importance on Jiang Ruan. However, later, Jiang Xin Zhi climbed higher and higher, Zhao Guang also admitted her as his granddaughter, and Jiang Ruan herself was named Hong’an Junzhu. He originally thought it was a good match, but currently looking at her outstanding appearance made him feel unsettled. This kind of beauty might cause trouble.
Princess He Yi was nestled at Consort Shu’s side. From the moment she saw the young woman, there was a wave of enmity in her heart. She believed her own appearance was the most striking in the Great Jin dynasty. Who knew that with this red-clad girl’s appearance, like comparing the moonlight to fireflies, her beauty became a joke. When she heard the title of ‘Hong’an Junzhu’, she immediately clenched her fists and resentment flashed across her face.
Xiao Shao’s remarks three years ago had remained a thorn in Princess He Yi’s heart. She had originally wanted to find a way to hurt Jiang Ruan until she wished for death, however, the Empress Dowager gave one imperial decree to take Jiang Ruan away to the imperial ancestral temple, letting her escape. Ten days ago, she had heard that Jiang Ruan would return to the capital, and since then had been racking her brain over ways to harm her. Unexpectedly, one glance at Jiang Ruan’s face made her as agitated as a ship in stormy seas.
Vixen! She wanted to use that devilish face to bewitch people like Xiao Shao!
Jiang Ruan walked forward with a smile, taking in everyone’s expressions. Consort Chen looked on with a smile, as if unaffected by her countenance. But Jiang Ruan knew that her smile meant: I have been waiting for you for a long time.
She had also waited for this moment for a long time.
When her gaze fell on Great Master Hui Jue standing next to the Emperor, she gave a faint smile. Hui Jue had the same kindly expression as in her memory, but compared to back then, he was steadier and more peaceful, like a buddha enshrined in a temple.
When Jiang Ruan left three years ago, she asked Jiang Xin Zhi to pass on a piece of paper to Great Master Hui Jue which was filled with major events that might occur in the capital in those three years. Hui Jue himself was cunning and knew how to take advantage of such opportunities. As long as he had that paper, he was like a tiger with wings[1]. He ‘accidentally’ revealed a prophetic message of fate according to the instructions on the paper and finally received the attention of the Emperor high above.
[1] 如虎添翼 (rúhǔtiānyì) – lit. like a tiger that has grown wings / with redoubled power (idiom).
Hui Jue had used the last three years to climb to the position of a State Master[2]. This chess piece finally reached where it was supposed to be.
[2] 国师 (guóshī) – This was translated literally as a state teacher, it is a position that signifies one of the highest positions a monk can attain for spreading Buddhism widely and influentially.
Her gaze swept over another familiar figure by the Emperor’s side. The young man stood upright, aloof and had a sort of lofty and noble aura. Jiang Ruan noticed that his clothes had changed to the attire of a first-rank official of the court. As she walked forward, her smile became deeper. Liu Min had indeed become the Grand Tutor, a venerable first-ranked official.
Everything had gone well. Despite not being in the capital for three years, the game had continued in an unhurried manner. She knelt in front of the Emperor. “This subject greets Imperial Father.”
The Empress Dowager had already recognized her as an adopted daughter, which meant that she no longer needed to worry about being taken into the palace one day, becoming the Emperor’s woman and following the same destiny as her previous life. Empress Dowager Yi De did so precisely for her sake. Seeing as she grew more beautiful by the day, and knowing that Jiang Ruan had other ambitions, she prudently asked to bestow her a royal title, and thus completely eliminated any possibility for Jiang Ruan to enter the palace.
Like this, some were delighted while others were disappointed.
“Rise,” the Emperor ordered.
When Jiang Ruan stood up, she did not see Xiao Shao anywhere and felt some confusion. Strictly speaking, a man of Xiao Shao’s identity would definitely attend today’s events. Now that he was nowhere to be found, she could not help but think of his words on the eve of her departure: “I need to take a trip to Miaojiang.” The Miaojiang had been full of dangers since ancient times so something must have happened.
Thinking of this, her brows frowned involuntarily. But after a while she denied this conjecture. In her last life, Xiao Shao had not died by this point so he should be fine. Immersed in her thoughts, she raised her head and met a pair of smiling eyes. It was Xuan Li.
Xuan Li looked at her with incomparable gentleness in his eyes, and coupled with his white outfit, he seemed like a noble gentleman. After three years, he appeared more mature, like a piece of polished, smooth jade that attracted people’s attention.
However, she had long learned of his true face. Jiang Ruan smiled coldly, turning away, and did not try to hide her disgust.
Xuan Li was taken aback. If three years ago he had thought that Jiang Ruan hated him because of Jiang Su Su, at present, he clearly realised that Jiang Ruan’s hatred had nothing to do with Jiang Su Su. From the bottom of her heart, Jiang Ruan seemed to instinctually despise him. In his opinion, he had not done anything to invite her hatred, but every time they met, Jiang Ruan showed signs of alienation and disgust.
Xuan Li frowned and thought about it, then suddenly laughed. It did not matter. Even if things were like this, he had enough confidence in himself to make Jiang Ruan hand over her heart. How could he allow the woman he fancied to easily escape?
After that were the same routine ceremonies. When the many and complicated ceremonies were finally over, Jiang Ruan followed Empress Dowager Yi De back to Ci Ning Palace. After being away for three years, Empress Dowager Yi De also felt some joy upon returning to her palace. The palace’s maids and eunuchs were all very polite to Jiang Ruan as they all knew that Hong’an Junzhu was exceptionally favoured by Empress Dowager Yi De, the pearl in General Zhao’s hand, had an elder brother known as the Great Jin’s God of War, and was doted on by thousands. They could not afford to offend her.
Jiang Ruan chatted with the Empress Dowager for a while. When the Empress Dowager grew exhausted, she let Jiang Ruan make a trip back to the Jiang fu and bring along some rewards on the way. This was Empress Dowager Yi De’s way of supporting her. Jiang Ruan smilingly thanked her, then made her way out of Ci Ning Palace.
* * *
In the imperial garden, Princess He Yi poked at the cup in front of her. “Fifth Brother, have you thought it through?”
Fifth Prince Xuan Hua’s handsome face was rather gloomy at the moment. “Tenth Younger Sister, you think your Fifth Brother is for you to use freely?”
“Fifth Brother shouldn’t put it that way.” A smile appeared on Princess He Yi’s pretty face, but her gaze was sharp like a snake’s. “Hong’an Junzhu is no ordinary person. If Fifth Brother can marry her, Jiang Xin Zhi will eventually command one of the three armies, Zhao Guang, that old man, will also follow you, and there’s also the Empress Dowager’s support… Aren’t you tempted?”
Xuan Hua’s eyes flashed. “You talk big, but it’s too risky.”
“Fortune favours the bold,” Princess He Yi said with a smile, “it doesn’t matter if Fifth Brother is scared. I heard that Eighth Brother and the Xia fu (that is connected via marriage with the Jiang fu) have a good relationship so his relations with the Jiang fu would not be too far off either. Your meimei can see that Eighth Brother has set his sights on Hong’an Junzhu. Tsk, in my view, Hong’an Junzhu has already reached a marriageable age, it won’t be long before he goes to officially propose marriage to Hong’an Junzhu. By then, the Zhao and Guan military families will both belong to Eighth Brother.”
Xuan Hua’s expression cracked, but he still said, “So what? Back then Hong’an Junzhu refused the marriage during the palace feast, and now Imperial Father has allowed her to choose her own partner – there’s no way she’ll choose Eighth Brother.”
“Fifth Brother, how can you be so naive?” Princess He Yi sighed. “Meimei told Fifth Brother of this method. If Fifth Brother doesn’t agree, I’ll definitely tell Eighth Brother as well. Fifth Brother refuses but Eighth Brother is willing, then won’t Hong’an Junzhu be forced to marry Eighth Brother?”
“You’re threatening me?” Xuan Hua was furious.
“Just giving Fifth Brother a reminder.” Princess He Yi smiled slightly. “My consort-mother and the imperial consort don’t get along well, so I naturally don’t want to help him. Aren’t I here with Fifth Brother now? That’s only a backup plan so Fifth Brother, you have to think clearly. That Hong’an Junzhu is a wonderful person. By marrying her, Fifth Brother won’t be losing anything.”
Jiang Ruan’s charming face suddenly appeared in Xuan Hua’s mind and his breath became stagnant. That was right, as a man, saying that he was not moved by her stunning beauty would be a lie. In addition, the backing behind Jiang Ruan could not be underestimated. His conflicts with Xuan Li had become fiercer over the past three years. Though they kept a facade of brotherhood, in truth, they could not wait to kill each other. If he could get a hold of Jiang Xin Zhi and the Zhao family, he would instantly gain many bargaining chips. There was also Empress Dowager Yi Di, who dearly loved Hong’an Junzhu. If it was also possible, he would want to rope her into his faction too.
Xuan Hua sneered. “Tenth Sister, don’t bluff your elder brother. Say it, what’s your goal?”
“Easy.” Princess He Yi’s beautiful mien distorted for an instant. “I want that slut ruined.”
Xuan Hua stilled, then angrily retorted, “What do you mean, that being my wangfei is to be ruined?”
“Don’t exaggerate, Fifth Brother. If you hastily propose marriage right now, with Hong’an Junzhu at the center of the storm, there’s no way Jiang Xin Zhi and the Zhao family would be reconciled to it. Not to mention, Jiang Ruan can now decide on her own marriage. Therefore, would it not be better to find a way to make Jiang Ruan approach Fifth Brother, enamoured and of her own initiative? Then later, in broad daylight, even if it could be prevented and Jiang Ruan cries and refuses to marry, it would be impossible not to. The royal family won’t tolerate such a shameless woman that has already fallen into someone’s embrace. Thus, when Fifth Brother speaks out and expresses your willingness to marry her, is it possible that Jiang Xin Zhi and the Zhao family wouldn’t be grateful? Fifth Brother will gain good things, and the Great Jin will know that Hong’an Junzhu isn’t as honourable as she looks. This is a win-win situation.”
Xuan Hua looked at Princess He Yi for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “It’s said that a woman’s heart is the most poisonous, but this is the first time I realized that Tenth Sister can be so shrewd.”
Princess He Yi sneered. “She deserves death.”
What kind of person was Xuan Hua? He raised countless concubines and just his bed-servants could fill an entire courtyard. Those women definitely would not spare Jiang Ruan when she entered Fifth Prince’s fu. Once her reputation was ruined, Empress Dowager Yi De would not treat her as warmly as before, and since the Great Jin’s people hated that sort of women the most, she would struggle just to take a step outside in the future. It would be simple to get rid of Jiang Ruan once Xuan Hua got tired of playing around with her.
“Deal,” Xuan Hua agreed. “I only need people and power, the process isn’t important. In the future, I’ll return the favour to Tenth Sister.”
Princess He Yi smiled faintly. “Then, many thanks to Fifth Brother.”
* * *
Jiang Ruan followed the leading palace maid to the imperial garden, where two unfamiliar maids intercepted them. From their elaborate clothing, they didn’t seem to be ordinary maids. Upon seeing Jiang Ruan, they bowed slightly and said, “Miss Jiang, our Princess invites you to come over and chat for a while.”
Though they said so, their tone was not polite in the least and their gazes were measuring. Jiang Ruan just smiled while her guide hurriedly replied, “Sisters, this one was just about to send Miss Jiang out of the palace to return to the Jiang fu on Her Highness the Empress Dowager’s orders .”
“Our Princess has an urgent matter to discuss with Miss Jiang, presumably Miss Jiang won’t ignore Princess’ sincerity.” One of the maids laughed.
This was forcing her to go?
The leading palace maid also hesitated, as Princess He Yi usually relied on Consort Shu to run rampant in the palace. It was taboo for any palace maid to offend her.
The two palace maids stared at Jiang Ruan, seemingly certain that she wouldn’t dare to refuse. Princess He Yi dared to be so domineering because the Emperor pampered her, so everyone catered to her whims. With Jiang Ruan only recently returning to the capital, there was no way she’d dare to offend the Princess.
Jiang Ruan just looked at them with a smile, without saying a word, she did not seem anxious at all. After a while, Jiang Ruan did not move but one of the maids became impatient. She asked, “Is Miss Jiang trying to embarrass us?”
“Presumptuous!” Jiang Ruan snapped. With no sign of the previous warmth, she coldly said, “Who gave you such guts, daring to yell at this junzhu?”
Before the two palace maids could recover from their shock, they heard Jiang Ruan continue, “This junzhu was personally conferred a name by His Majesty as requested by Her Highness the Empress Dowager. You two greeted this junzhu yet called me ‘Miss Jiang.’ What, you’re maidservants of the palace yet don’t know this junzhu’s identity? Or do you only recognize Princess He Yi as a master?”
The leading palace maid was also shocked. She was worried just now because although Jiang Ruan was very favoured by Empress Dowager Yi De, Princess He Yi had deep roots in the palace. It was not worth it to offend Princess He Yi for Jiang Ruan. Hong’an Junzhu’s constant smiles gave the impression of being a soft persimmon. She did not think that Jiang Ruan would speak out at this time, but she now realized that Jiang Ruan was not so easy to bully. So she straightened her waist and said, “Yes, sisters, why didn’t you greet the junzhu properly?”
The two palace maids were taken aback, then gritted their teeth and gave Jiang Ruan an appropriate salute for a junzhu. “It was us slaves who were rash. But Hong’an Junzhu, our Princess, is still waiting for you. If you act like this, it’s a little…”
“So what if I don’t go?” Jiang Ruan looked at them condescendingly. Under that gaze, the two felt like they were just insignificant ants, and that even giving them a glance was her benevolence. “This junzhu and Princess He Yi are of the same rank. Even she is not qualified to give orders to this junzhu, while you are just slaves. Has your master not taught you the palace rules, or does this junzhu look easy to bully?”
