Part 1: A Dream Within A Dream / Rebirth of Ill Fated Concubine

Chapter 064 Number One Scholar

She was not clear in what she said. When housekeeper Zhang heard the words "sullied her innocence" and "government office", his heart skipped a beat and cold sweat covered his back. 

He did not bother to ask for clarification at the moment, and just thought that this was a big deal. When the "unconscious" Jiang Susu heard Jiang Ruan's words, her forehead jumped and her fists clenched tightly.

Jiang Ruan sighed: "I am also tired today. After such a thing happened, I will go back to the courtyard to rest first, and let my mother comfort my second sister. This matter is not her fault." 

After that, he took Zi Su and Lian Qiao back to Ruanju.

On the other side, Xia Yan arrived quickly. When she saw Jiang Susu's embarrassed appearance, she was shocked. Jiang Quan had not returned to the mansion yet. Jiang Susu stopped pretending to be fainted when she saw Xia Yan. 

She grabbed Xia Yan's hand and said in panic: "Mom, what should we do? What if Zhou Da is sent to the prison and recognizes us?"

"Don't be afraid," Xia Yan calmed down: "I asked Li Ma to find someone outside the mansion to tell Zhou Da. It has nothing to do with us. But you, how did you suddenly fall into the water?"

"I don't know why," Jiang Susu gritted her teeth and said: "It must be related to Jiang Ruan! It's obviously her fault tonight. Now my reputation is ruined. What should I do?"

"I underestimated Jiang Ruan. Now that King Jinying and the Eighth Prince are on your side, you don't have to worry. But how are you related to King Jinying?"

"I don't know," Jiang Susu blushed: "Maybe... maybe he can't stand it."

"He doesn't look like that kind of person." Xia Yan said decisively: "I'll keep an eye on this matter. Jiang Ruan, that bitch, actually plotted against you like this. I'll make her pay a hundred times or a thousand times the price in the future!" After saying that, her eyes were filled with viciousness, and she no longer looked virtuous and gentle as usual.

On Jiang Ruan’ side, Zi Su came over with a white rabbit lantern, and Lu Zhu asked curiously: "This lantern is so exquisite! Where did it come from?"

Zi Su glanced at Jiang Ruan and said: "The Eighth Prince sent it here, saying it was a lucky charm on the Linglong Boat, and the girl forgot to take it away."

Jiang Ruan glanced at the lantern and said lightly: "Send this lantern to Meiqingyuan, and say it is a gift from me to my second sister to calm her down."

Lu Zhu felt a little sorry, Lian Qiao handed Jiang Ruan a cup of hot tea: "Miss, Zhou Da has been arrested now. Although he was instigated by that side, he may not give them out. Is this matter over?"

Lian Qiao saw clearly that Xia Yan's family was thriving now, and the government office had to give her some face. Zhou Da's matter was probably lifted up and dropped lightly.

"If it is really over, wouldn't it be a waste of Xia Yan's painstaking arrangements." She took a sip of tea lightly: "How can I let her down?"

The Lantern Festival in the fourteenth year of Dajin was more lively than ever before. The name Jiang Ruan spread throughout the capital overnight. For a while, everyone in the capital was talking about the eldest daughter of the Jiang family who had just returned home. 

She was beautiful, talented, and well-behaved. She also knew the rules and etiquette, and had a noble demeanour. She was comparable to the second daughter of the Jiang family.

When Jiang Susu woke up early in the morning, she saw an exquisite white rabbit lantern on the carved cabinet at the head of the bed. She was stunned for a moment, and suddenly she became angry and screamed: "Come here, Qingting, Hudie!"