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

Chapter 94 : Mutual Assistance

Translated by : Shl

Edited by : Anks & Ely

**********

Jiang Xin Zhi leapt off his horse and strode quickly to Jiang Ruan. Calmly, he pulled her until she was behind him and therefore blocked from Xiao Shao's view.

Xiao Shao watched his movements wordlessly.

Guan Liang Han had reached them by now, and asked, "Anything wrong?"

Xiao Shao shook his head. Then, Jiang Xin Zhi turned to assess Jiang Ruan. When he saw the sorry state she was in, including the blood from the shoulder wound that had seeped through her clothes, his face turned cold and he said, "Ah Ruan, you're hurt?"

"It's just a superficial wound," Jiang Ruan said soothingly. She paused, then stepped forward to say, "Xiao Wangye, many thanks for your grace in saving my life."

Hearing this, Guan Liang Han and Jiang Xin Zhi looked rather odd.

Guan Liang Han had personal experience, but Jiang Xin Zhi had only heard from other people. No matter which way one looked at it, there was no way there could be a relationship between Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan, so for Xiao Shao to personally jump off the cliff to rescue her seemed totally outrageous to him. Guan Liang Han had initially not believed Mo Cong's drivel; Xiao Shao was both cold-hearted and cold-faced, so how could he possibly be interested in a young lady whom he had only met a few times? Moreover, Guan Liang Han ran a critical eye over Jiang Ruan – she was beautiful, but when all was said and done, she was still quite young, and there were plenty of women in the capital who piqued one's interest more than she did. Moreover, she possessed no special charm. However, on thinking about the scene he had just witnessed, Guan Liang Han felt uncertain again.

Jiang Xin Zhi was different from Guan Liang Han. He had had very little interaction with Xiao Shao, and had been completely ignorant of matters in the capital when he left five years prior. Now, Jiang Ruan was his most beloved, precious little sister, so he glared at Xiao Shao as if he were Dengtu Zi*. He held on to Jiang Ruan tightly, not allowing her to step forward any further, and said stiffly, "Xin Zhi thanks Xiao Wangye on behalf of his meimei for your grace in saving her life."

* 登徒子 (Dengtu Zi) – the main character (surname Dengtu) of a fable written by Song Yu of the Chu Kingdom during the Warring States period. It's uncertain if the fable was based on a real person, but Dengtu Zi is commonly used to indicate a lecherous person.

He thought, Jiang Ruan was young, and naturally did not understand men. This Xiao Shao was not only a man through and through, he was also an important man with a high status. Jiang Ruan was still young and prone to only hearing what she wanted to hear; he could not allow her to be taken advantage of. Thinking of all this, he glared at Xiao Shao with even greater hostility.

Since Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi were siblings with a close bond, she naturally understood what he was thinking about, but was momentarily at a loss of what to do.

On the other hand, Ye Feng had to restrain his rising indignance. In his heart, he cried out against this injustice towards his master. He thought of his master's brilliance in all aspects, and the numerous young ladies in the capital who were dying to align themselves with him. What kind of expression was that on Jiang Xin Zhi's face? Clearly Jiang Ruan had taken advantage of his master! With these thoughts flashing through his mind, he glared at Jiang Xin Zhi. As it happened, Xiao Shao noticed him doing this and eyed him impassively. Ye Feng suddenly recalled the circumstances surrounding the jade pendant earring; he trembled and lowered his head hesitantly.

The atmosphere became highly peculiar. Jiang Xin Zhi pulled Jiang Ruan back a step and said, "Wangye, General, Jiang Ruan has had a shock, and is also injured, so Xin Zhi will bring her back to the fu for treatment. After Xin Zhi has escorted Meimei back to the fu, Xin Zhi will visit the General to discuss what happens next."