Chapter 228: Matrimonial Ties (1)

“You…” Liu Min’s face flushed red. Jiang Ruan’s direct words left no room for doubt, frustrating the usually proud and arrogant man into momentary speechlessness. Seeing Jiang Ruan’s smiling face, he could not bring himself to voice any accusations. With a sweep of his sleeve, he angrily said, “He is not a good man.”

This caused even Lu Zhu to frown. Prince Xiao was the perfect prince charming in her mind – how could this man speak such nonsense?

Jiang Ruan understood Liu Min’s implication. To all the officials serving in court, regardless of faction, Xiao Shao had never taken sides. Every faction firmly believed Xiao Shao to be a “traitorous minister.” During the former Jinying Prince’s rebellion, it was only due to the emperor’s immense grace that this traitorous remnant Xiao Shao survived until today. Yet his power grew increasingly formidable to the point of even disregarding the emperor, acting outrageously arrogant even within the capital. As an upright official with somewhat outdated thinking, Liu Min naturally considered Xiao Shao an undoubted traitorous minister. Knowing he meant no ill intention, though the words were still unpleasant to hear, Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, her voice carrying a hint of coldness, “So what of it?”

Anger flashed across Liu Min’s pale face. “He will implicate you!” In his eyes, though enigmatic, Jiang Ruan was an insightful person. Their initial correspondence showed her to be different from those short-sighted fools. How could such an upright and righteous person a.s.sociate with a traitorous minister?

“What does it have to do with you?” Having said that, Jiang Ruan’s smile also faded as she looked at Liu Min indifferently. Though she did not say anything further, there was an inexplicable sense of her anger.

Liu Min faltered.

“So what of it?” “What does it have to do with you?” – these two statements bluntly declared Jiang Ruan’s stance of resolutely siding with Xiao Shao. Liu Min’s heart was suddenly filled with vexation as he looked at Jiang Ruan with disappointment. Jiang Ruan said to him, “The counsellor oversees the crown prince’s studies. When did you start meddling in other trivial matters? This princess has her own judgments, so there is no need for the counsellor to worry. If the counsellor has concerns, he would do better to manage other affairs. There are so many sordid situations in the palace – the counsellor cannot tolerate the slightest impurity and thus has much to toil over.”

The implicit ridicule in her words finally made Liu Min unable to linger any longer. Feeling his good intentions had gone to waste, without even understanding the source of his disappointment and vexation, he simply said, “Deludedly obstinate,” before sweeping his sleeves and leaving.

Jiang Ruan stood quietly, watching Liu Min’s departing back. Lu Zhu glanced at Jiang Ruan uneasily and said, “Miss…was it appropriate to treat Counsellor Liu that way?”

Lu Zhu knew about Jiang Ruan previously helping Liu Min attain top ranks, though she did not know the details of how Jiang Ruan accomplished it. However, the maids understood that Jiang Ruan did so intending to elevate Liu Min to a high position, to become an a.s.set in the future. But after Jiang Ruan’s words earlier, they did not know how the proud counsellor would take it. If their relationship stagnated, would they lose this potential a.s.set, which could instead become a significant obstacle?

“It’s fine. Counsellor Liu is a good man,” Jiang Ruan said indifferently. Good people are always p.r.o.ne to being softhearted. If anything did happen, recalling their previous friendship, Liu Min would not sit idly by either. Only…she lowered her gaze, what was that just now? She should not have regarded such meaningless verbal disputes. Yet when it came to Xiao Shao, she could not help but feel angered. She frowned slightly, feeling uneasy. Recently, that man’s presence had increasingly seeped into her life, as if his shadow lurked everywhere. He had forcefully barged into her dark world, seemingly bringing a fleeting illusion of sunlight to this purgatory, causing improper thoughts to arise in her heart.

With her great vengeance still unrequited, any additional attachment only meant another vulnerability. Moreover, she currently had no mind for anything else. Xiao Shao was no ordinary person – his brilliance merely hidden for now. But one day, given the chance, he would surely shine dazzlingly, outshining all under heaven. With her corrupt heart, how dare she harbor such thoughts?

None of them noticed that behind the vermilion pillars not far away, a figure in embroidered robes stood watching from afar. Ye Li had overheard the entire conversation, a hint of interest flickering in his eyes.

Jiang Ruan, the Princess of Hongan, was indeed more complicated than he had imagined. Not to mention her relationship with Xiao Shao, he had previously felt there was something amiss between those two. But what about Liu Min? Could it be that even the arrogant new n.o.ble of the court was somehow involved with this Princess of Hongan?

Ye Li smiled faintly. Things had become interesting. Jiang Ruan was his chosen prey – he could not let others hunt her first. Although the timing was not right currently, he could investigate her background first. As for methods…a cold glint flashed in Ye Li’s eyes. Times had changed – he had a thousand ways to make Jiang Ruan his possession.

While the palace was roiling with undercurrents, the outside world remained peaceful. Even if a major incident occurred, it would merely provide gossip for the commoners. At the same time when everyone was engrossed in discussing the Jiang Li affair, another matter seemed rather insignificant in comparison.

At the mansion of the Minister of the Jingzhao Province, the previous scene of harmony was replaced by a somber atmosphere. The maids acted cautiously, as if afraid of triggering some mishap. Even at a glance, one could sense the difference from before.

Although the Minister Dong presented a refined exterior, he was fundamentally a rigid man. Fortunately, Madam Dong had a gentle disposition, so the household was usually free of vexations. However, the past few days had been rather peculiar.

A maid handed a small porcelain bowl to Madam Dong, who sat dazed in the courtyard. “Madam, freshly made bird’s nest from the small kitchen. Please have a taste.”

“How could I have the appet.i.te for such delicacies?” Madam Dong pushed the bowl aside, her expression worried. “With this incident, how can the Dong family face the Chang family? My husband is furious, and that girl Ying’er, I don’t know what has gotten into her this time to be so stubborn and commit such an act. Aiya.”

The marriage between Dong Ying’er and the third young master of the Chang family, Chang’an, the Salt Transportation Supervisor of the capital, had been arranged since childhood, awaiting their coming of age. The two children had been on excellent terms since young. The Dong and Chang families were long-time acquaintances, with Madam Dong and Madam Chang being childhood friends. This marriage further cemented their bond.

Originally intending to hold the wedding by year’s end, a few days ago, Dong Ying’er suddenly declared her refusal to marry into the Chang family. Initially, everyone thought the young girl was just being bashful and speaking nonsense in a momentary willfulness, so they disregarded her words. However, Dong Ying’er seized the opportunity when Chang’an visited to inform him she already had someone in her heart and requested the Chang family to cancel the marriage.

The third young master Chang’an was an honest man. Given Dong Ying’er’s stance, he naturally would not force the issue and informed his family he would not marry Dong Ying’er. The Chang family was not foolish either. Finding it strange that the well-behaved Chang’an would suddenly want to call off the wedding, they managed to learn the reason from him. Infuriated, they immediately sent someone to the Minister of Jingzhao’s residence.

Upon learning of this, the Minister flew into a rage. Madam Dong felt pained for her daughter and apologized, claiming it was a child’s naive ramblings. She brought Dong Ying’er out to apologize to the Chang family. However, in front of them, Dong Ying’er boldly stated she already had someone in her heart, leaving no room for negotiation.

(End of chapter)