Written by: Qian Shan Cha Ke
Crying blood and tears, she pledged a poisonous vow. The gods did not fail her. She was sent back to a decade ago. The legitimate daughter of Jiang family returned from hell.
Forget it, whatever. Since they already claim...
A perfectly fine conversation ended unhappily. Xuan Lang's face was pale when he left, like he could no longer withstand Jiang Ruan's scrutiny, and his hasty exit was like a person fleeing the scene.
When he arrived at that man's residence, it went as expected – although his expression had no cracks, the corners of his smile were stiff. After an unknown period of time, the man lifted his cup and took a long sip of tea. With an expression as cold as ice, he said, "I originally wanted to take care of her, but since she doesn't know good from bad, I have no need to hesitate." A cruel light flashed in his eyes. "Close the net."
* * *
The capital on this evening was no different from any other. Although the sun set earlier during autumn and plunged the city into darkness, Jinying Wangfu was brightly lit. Xiao Shao sat upon an elevated seat, his usually expressionless face carrying a few hints of callousness.
Ye Feng, Jin Yi, and Jin Si stood next to him as Xiao Shao burned the letter in his hands. The jumping sparks of fire reflected in his dark eyes, giving them the appearance of obsidian.
"Fourth Brother Qi's news has never been wrong," he said lightly. "Xuan Li has made a move."
"Eighth Prince is acting too bold. This deal is fraught with treachery and yet he appears unconcerned that he'll be inviting wolves into his house." Jin Si couldn't help her contempt as she spoke. He was a son of Great Jin's royal family, yet his actions couldn't compare to beasts[1]. He treated the thousands of people on the border as a trifling matter, just to satisfy his own ambition and selfishness. Such a person would be despised wherever they went.
[1] 猪狗不如 (zhugouburu) – worse than a dog or pig / lower than low.
"The news will reach the imperial court tomorrow morning." Xiao Shao didn't respond to Jin Si's words, but instead tapped the table. "This is a matter of grave importance. If it is as Fourth Brother Qi says, Lao[2] Guan is also in danger."
[2] 老 (lǎo) – prefix used before the surname of a person or a numeral indicating the order of birth of the children in a family or to indicate affection or familiarity / old (of people) / venerable (person).
"General Guan?" Jin Yi frowned. "Master, perhaps we should remind Young Master Mo that if Eighth Prince does this, the Crown Prince may also be in danger."
"You make a trip to Mo Cong's residence." Xiao Shao stood and picked up his robe. "I'm going to the palace."
* * *
After Jiang Ruan woke early the next day, Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi helped her get ready for the day. Since it was getting colder, Bai Zhi chose a long robe made with octagonal-patterned brocade[3] for Jiang Ruan. The air in the courtyard was relaxed and comfortable after breakfast, and so Lian Qiao moved a chair outside for Jiang Ruan to flip through a few books while she and Bai Zhi took advantage of the good weather to lay out the old books stored in the box.
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