Jiang Ruan's gaze became sluggish, but at this moment, there seemed to be footsteps coming from outside. Xiao Shao's expression changed, and he grabbed Jiang Ruan's arm and hid behind the door of the small house.
It was Butterfly who walked in, and after a while, she came out carrying the dead chicken. She dug a hole under the peach tree in the courtyard and buried the dead chicken. Looking at her familiar movements, it was clearly not the first time she had done this.
Jiang Ruan wanted to move, but in a moment of carelessness, the hair ornament on her head wrapped around Xiao Shao's collar. Only then did she realize that the two of them were very close. Xiao Shao's bamboo scent was faintly discernible, and the coldness of his clothes was strangely reassuring.
After the people in the house left, the lights went out. It seemed that after doing all this, they could brazenly go to sleep. When there were no more sounds in the courtyard, Xiao Shao carried Jiang Ruan back to Ruan Ju.
In the room, Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi were waiting anxiously. Seeing the two of them return safely, they breathed a sigh of relief. Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi saw that Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan had something to say, so they left and closed the door.
Xiao Shao sat down at the table, and Jiang Ruan poured him a cup of cold tea. She asked, "Just now, you clearly saw that she …. Is it the secret technique she practices? "
"Yes." Xiao Shao took the tea but did not drink it. His gaze fell on the floating tea leaves in the teacup. He said, "She has been practicing for a long time. After a while, there is no need to use the chicken blood."
Jiang Ruan frowned. Three years ago, Jiang Su Su went to the family temple. How could it be related to the secret technique of the Southern Frontier? She said, "How did the secret technique of the Southern Frontier reach the Central Plains?"
Xiao Shao raised his eyebrows and said, "Someone is secretly helping Jiang Su Su."
"Is it help or use?" Jiang Ruan asked.
Xiao Shao shook his head. "Before we find the person, everything is uncertain."
Jiang Ruan lowered her head.
Xiao Shao looked at her seriously. From this angle, he could see Jiang Ruan's slender neck. Perhaps it was because the light from the lamp made her appear softer, or perhaps her attitude had been very gentle from beginning to end tonight, but there was no trace of her usual estrangement. At this moment, the frown on her face made people feel that this expression should not have appeared on her face. It made people want to do something for her.
Thus, before Xiao Shao could figure out what he was thinking in his heart, he heard his own cold and clear voice ring out, "The Jiang fu is no longer safe. I will find someone by your side to protect you."
Jiang Ruan was slightly startled, "There's no need."
"Jiang Su Su has been affected by the Nanjiang people's secret technique, so it's impossible for the Nanjiang people to just leave like this. I'm guessing that they're in a very close place, so Jiang Su Su will come in handy one day. If there are people from the Southern Wilderness in the Jiang fu, your situation will be very dangerous. "Xiao Shao thought for a moment before saying," I will send a woman over. "
Jiang Ruan raised her head to look at him. The youth in front of her was cold and handsome, yet he was thoughtful and considerate. It was undeniable that it was tempting to have someone who knew martial arts protecting him. If there was anything that could be used, she should make the best use of it. She thought for a moment and said, "Thank you."
Xiao Shao nodded. "I'll head back first. I'll send him over tomorrow."
Jiang Ruan nodded. Xiao Shao glanced at her, and in the next second, he leaped out of the window and disappeared into the night in the blink of an eye.
Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi were called in. The two servant girls were somewhat surprised, "How did Xiao Wangye disappear in the blink of an eye? Just now, we servants were watching the door tightly, but no one came in."
Jiang Ruan shook her head. Xiao Shao had really figured out the Jiang fu thoroughly. Even though he was a gentleman on the beam, he still acted so elegantly. In all of Dajin, perhaps he was the only one who could do this. Thinking of the person that Xiao Shao was going to send over tomorrow, her heart was somewhat curious. Lian Qiao saw that it was getting late and hurriedly said, "Miss, please rest first. You will wake up later tomorrow." She then helped Jiang Ruan to the bed, blew out the lamp, and left.
…
Because she had slept too late the day before, Jiang Ruan slept until the sun was high up in the sky on the second day. When Lian Qiao brought water in to help her freshen up, she wanted to say something but stopped herself. Jiang Ruan looked at her and said, "Why are you holding back? What's the matter? Speak."
Lian Qiao blinked her eyes, "Miss, Fifth Yiniang is expecting?"
"So soon?" Jiang Ruan was not surprised and smiled, "She has thought it through."
"Miss already knew that Fifth Yiniang would act so soon?" Lian Qiao asked in surprise.
"She is not stupid. The longer she waits, the greater the risk she will face." Jiang Ruan said indifferently.
Hong Ying was the most intelligent person. She was also the most thorough in analyzing the pros and cons of a conflict. Now that Xia Yan was pregnant, she was the most important person in the Jiang fu. No matter how much Jiang Quan doted on her, if Xia Yan were to use the future di child of the fu's Little Young Master as a raft, when the time came, Hong Ying would be doomed. Just look at Hong Ying's fate in her previous life. In this life, as soon as Jiang Ruan mentioned it, Hong Ying immediately understood. If Xia Yan really made a move and Hong Ying was pregnant, Jiang Quan would not act blindly without thinking for the sake of the child. A child was Xia Yan's pass and Hong Ying's escape card.
However, when Xia Yan found out that Hong Ying was pregnant, what kind of expression would she have?
In Yan Hua Yuan.
Xia Yan suddenly smashed the cup in front of her, "Did you see it clearly? She really has a pulse of pregnancy? "
Standing in front of Xia Yan was a middle-aged man dressed in brown clothes. He held a medicine box in his hand and said, "I have already taken her pulse. It is indeed a pulse of pregnancy."
"Slut! How could she get pregnant like this! "Xia Yan flew into a rage. Hong Ying had drunk the contraceptive medicine under the nose of her trusted aide, Li momo. She did not expect that there would suddenly be news of good news. In that case, the contraceptive medicine must not have been drunk by Hong Ying. Now it was too late to tamper with it. Her gaze fell on the doctor in front of her, and she suddenly moved, "Doctor, do you know of any method to cause a miscarriage without anyone knowing?"
The doctor treated the furens and young ladies of the mansion all year round, so naturally he was well versed in such matters. He said in a low voice, "There is, but …"
"Then I will have to trouble the doctor." Xia Yan touched the golden hairpin in her hair, "After the matter is completed, this furen will certainly reward you handsomely."
The doctor's expression brightened. Seeing this, a trace of malice flashed through Xia Yan's eyes. However, there was nothing to be happy about just being pregnant. Even for the nobles in the palace, whether the children born could grow up safely was a variable, let alone a seed that had not yet been born. If one wanted to have a child, a concubine from a brothel would also have to see if one had the good fortune.
…
The happiest people in the fu were none other than Jiang Quan and the Old Jiang Madame. However, the Old Jiang Madame was aging day by day, and her health was not as good as before. She had very few moments of sobriety, and after speaking for a while, she became tired. Jiang Quan, on the other hand, was very happy. Although he had four daughters, he only had Jiang Xin Zhi and Jiang Chao as sons. He had never treated Jiang Xin Zhi as a son. No matter how high Jiang Xin Zhi's official position was, or how influential he was in the court, he could not be controlled by Jiang Quan. Although Jiang Chao was now working under Xuan Li, he had failed in the imperial examinations and made such a big mess at Bai Hua Lou. Later, the matter with the Prime Minister's fu had caused him to become the laughingstock of the entire capital. Subconsciously, Jiang Quan was already very disappointed with Jiang Chao.
Who would have thought that after the age of forty, Hong Ying would be pregnant? This had already made him very happy, and he had been hoping to give the Jiang fu a younger son. Who would have thought that Hong Ying would also be pregnant at this time? This was a pleasant surprise. Although Hong Ying had come from a brothel, she was gentle and sensible, and had a lofty character and character that Xia Yan did not have. If he could give birth to a son as talented as Hong Ying, even if he was a bastard son, he would still treat him with great care. Xia Yan was dignified, and Hong Ying was proud and aloof. With a lovely wife and beautiful concubines in his arms, a large number of children, and an official career that could be considered successful, wouldn't life be beautiful?
Jiang Quan was still dreaming this beautiful dream, unaware that his beautiful concubine had just swallowed a medicine in the room when the maid Ping 'er asked, "Yiniang, do you still want water?"
Hong Ying shook her head. It must be known that she had spent a large sum of money to obtain this medicine. After decocting it and drinking it, her pulse would have the tendency to move. Even if the physician came, he would not be able to detect any problems and would only treat it as a pulse of pregnancy. Now that she had already deceived the fu's physician, and the physician that Xia Yan had invited also did not find anything strange, it could be assumed that she should be able to settle down for a while.
She slowly relaxed, and her gaze slid over the shelf where Jiang Quan had sent people to deliver a small mountain of tonics. A proud smile appeared on her face.
…
Jiang Ruan was just thinking about picking a time to see Hong Ying when she heard the little maid at the front door hurriedly run over and say to Lu Zhu, "Lu Zhu jiejie, there is a young lady outside kneeling in front of the fu's door. She must want to see Eldest Miss."
Jiang Ruan walked out and asked the maid, "Looking for me? Who is it? "
The maid shook her head, "I don't know. She looks like a young lady from an ordinary family, and she looks fair and clean. She only says that she is looking for Miss to repay a debt of gratitude, and refuses to say anything else. "
Jiang Ruan recalled Xiao Shao's words from last night, thought for a moment, and said, "All right, I will go and take a look."
Just as she reached the fu's door, she saw a young lady kneeling straight in front of the Jiang fu's door. She looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old, and was dressed in a green robe with her head lowered. Outside the Jiang fu's door, a large crowd of commoners had already gathered to watch the commotion. They all wanted to see why this young lady had come.
Jiang Ruan walked over and asked, "Are you looking for me?"
The young lady was kneeling with her head lowered, and when she suddenly heard Jiang Ruan's voice, she raised her head, revealing a delicate and pretty little face. Sure enough, it looked fair and clean. She said, "Tian Zhu has come to fulfill the vow we made that day, and henceforth will serve Miss."
Jiang Ruan raised her eyebrows, but did not continue the conversation, and waited for her to continue.
Sure enough, the young lady continued, "At that time, Tian Zhu's parents were harmed by roving bandits. In desperation, she wanted to sell her body to bury them, but was entangled by a scoundrel. Fortunately, Miss extended a helping hand, otherwise, she would have been torn apart and eaten by that scoundrel. At that time, Miss gave Tian Zhu money to bury her parents, but left without saying anything. Miss is Tian Zhu's benefactor, and now that she has finally found her benefactor, Tian Zhu is willing to serve Miss forever. "
Hearing this, the crowd understood. Presumably, this eldest Miss of the Jiang family's di family had the heart of a Bodhisattva. At that time, she had saved someone and left without leaving her name. Fortunately, the person who had received her kindness also understood the principle of a drop of water being repaid with a gushing spring, so she eagerly came to repay her kindness.
Jiang Ruan looked at the young lady who called herself Tian Zhu. On her face, there was a mixture of gratitude and grief. She really did look like she was repaying a debt of gratitude, and was indeed an excellent actress. However, in her heart, Jiang Ruan was somewhat speechless. What did Xiao Shao mean by this? To fabricate such a life story for Tian Zhu, could it be that he wanted to conveniently praise her character and give her a good reputation among the common people? This did not matter. She was used to hearing the name of a demoness, and the heart of a Bodhisattva, but now, it really did not suit her.
"Since you wholeheartedly want to repay my kindness, if I really wanted you to go back, you would not be willing." Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, "Then, you can stay by my side."
Being so direct and efficient, the crowd of onlookers was stunned. That young lady was also somewhat incredulous. According to common sense, a normal woman would not say, "I saved you not to ask you to repay my kindness, you should go back" and so on. Jiang Ruan accepted it so readily, so wasn't her words just now a waste?
However, this young lady was only stunned for a moment, and then she respectfully said, "Miss, please bestow me a name."
"No need, your original name is quite pleasant to hear. Let's call it Tian Zhu."
Tian Zhu nodded, "Yes, Miss."
Jiang Ruan dismissed the people outside and brought this newly hired maidservant back to the courtyard.
Once back at Ruan Ju, Jiang Ruan entered the room. Lu Zhu was outside watering the flowers, and when she saw Tian Zhu, she blinked and looked at her curiously. Tian Zhu followed Jiang Ruan back into the room, and Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi retreated and closed the door, leaving Jiang Ruan and Tian Zhu alone.
Jiang Ruan seriously sized up the young lady in front of her. Being alone with her in the room, Tian Zhu was not as meek and humble as she had been at the entrance of the Jiang fu. Her whole person exuded a kind of cold temperament, and there was a hint of Xiao Shao's shadow.
She raised her eyebrows and asked, "How long have you been with him?"
"Ten years." Tian Zhu did not even raise her head as she quickly replied, "My life was saved by Master, and Master has asked me to protect Miss."
"Since your Master has given you to me, from now on, your Master is no longer Xiao Shao, but me. If one day I want you to betray Xiao Shao, you can only obey. "Jiang Ruan said lightly.
Tian Zhu was stunned for a moment, and suddenly raised her head.
It turned out that in her heart, she was also very puzzled. Everyone in the Embroidered Uniform Guard was very curious about the girl who could make Master punish Ye Feng for three whole years. However, they could only hear rumors. Apart from those who specially inquired about Jiang Ruan's information, no one else had the right to know.
When she was very young, she had been brought back to the Embroidered Uniform Guard by Xiao Shao, and could be considered one of the most outstanding members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Although she was a woman, her martial arts were not weak. Initially, Tian Zhu was somewhat unconvinced that Xiao Shao wanted to send her to the side of a young lady from an official's family for personal protection. Just now, when Jiang Ruan had straightforwardly accepted her at the entrance of the Jiang fu, she had already been somewhat surprised. Now, these words made Tian Zhu even more incredulous.
When she met Jiang Ruan's gaze, she could not help but stare blankly.
What kind of gaze was that? It was absolutely cold and heavy, as if it carried an examination that was carved into the soul. From a young age, they had learned to kill, and only killers would have such a cold gaze. However, it was impossible for the Eldest Miss of the Jiang family to be a killer.
Under Jiang Ruan's cold gaze, she unexpectedly felt a trace of uneasiness in her heart. She pursed her lips and did not speak.
"It is difficult to abandon an old master, I understand." Jiang Ruan said lightly, "But Tian Zhu, you must remember, you are currently unable to regard me as your master, and similarly, I am unable to regard you as my confidant. Among the maidservants by my side, you know martial arts, and there are some things that I may only instruct you to do. However, before you regard me as your master, I will not treat you with sincerity. "
These words were so magnanimous that it made one's heart turn cold. Unexpectedly, she was not even willing to deceive others. Tian Zhu felt her heart tremble as she listened. After a moment of silence, she said, "Tian Zhu understands."
Jiang Ruan knocked on the teacup in front of her, "These few days, pay close attention to my Second Younger Sister's courtyard. Do not let go of Furen's courtyard either."
Tian Zhu lowered her head, "Yes."
…
The days passed by peacefully, as if everything was peaceful and serene. Jiang Quan was busy with official business every day, and Jiang Chao was not often at the fu. Xia Yan and Hong Ying stayed in their own courtyard all day, peacefully nurturing the fetus, and did not have any conflicts. On the other hand, Jiang Su Su came out again, but compared to her previous arrogant and willful self, she seemed to have become much more gentle. Even the Old Jiang Madame praised her for going to the temple. Now, she had become more Buddha-like, and her temperament was more gentle than before. In this way, everything that had happened three years ago could be blamed on the ghost that had 'possessed' her.
If there was anything that happened, it would be Jiang Li and Jiang Dan's hairpin ceremony. Jiang Li's hairpin ceremony was extremely lively, and Second Yiniang had always been able to make a scene. Because Jiang Ruan and Jiang Su Su's hairpin ceremony was not held in the capital, Jiang Li's hairpin ceremony was held like that of a di daughter.
The people from Zuo Langzhong fu also came, but they did not say anything. The wedding date was set for the end of summer that year. The main reason was that Zuo Langzhong was not young anymore, and the fu had been pressing him. Moreover, this marriage had been decided three years ago, and neither family had said anything.
Jiang Dan also appeared at Jiang Li's hairpin ceremony that day. She did not show the slightest bit of unwillingness, and appeared extremely obedient. She sincerely wished Jiang Li her adulthood. In this way, those who had originally despised Jiang Dan felt that this shu daughter was actually very gentle, and was also magnanimous. In a short period of time, she gained many favorable impressions.
However, Jiang Dan's hairpin ceremony could not compare to Jiang Li's hairpin ceremony. Because Xia Yan was pregnant, and so was Hong Ying. The Old Jiang Madame's health was not good, and the Eldest Yiniang had been invisible for many years, the responsibility of presiding over Jiang Dan's hairpin ceremony fell to the Second Yiniang. No matter what, the Second Yiniang would not let Jiang Dan's hairpin ceremony be any better than Jiang Li's. That day, it was extremely perfunctory. However, Jiang Dan's face was devout, and there was not the slightest bit of unhappiness on her face. Jiang Ruan smiled as she watched. Jiang Dan's state of mind was becoming more and more profound with each passing day. Jiang Quan thought of her as an obedient child, but Jiang Ruan knew that her Fourth Sister was not so simple.
However, aside from these things, her days were extremely carefree. It was as if the Jiang fu had always been a harmonious and warm family, and not a dangerous Asura field.
By the time the blooming period of the peach blossoms in front of the door had passed, Xia Yan's belly was already very obvious. She also showed signs of pregnancy. Her appetite became very good, and her body had even gained a size. This time, she was even fiercer than when she was pregnant with Jiang Su Su and her younger sister. Perhaps it was because she was getting on in years, and did not pay attention to maintaining her appearance, she was like a completely different person from her usual elegant and beautiful appearance.
Although she was also pregnant, Hong Ying had become even more tender and beautiful. It was unknown whether it was because she was pregnant, but her entire complexion had become much rosier. Unlike Xia Yan, although her pregnancy had gradually begun to show, she cleaned herself up very quickly every day. Compared to her proud and aloof appearance of the past, she had a few traces of a woman's charm after becoming pregnant, and she was even more radiant.
On one side was his wife, who had put on some weight, and on the other side was his even more beautiful and alluring concubine. Jiang Quan was usually not a person who coveted beauty, but men, after all, liked fresh and beautiful things. Moreover, Xia Yan had already given birth to Jiang Su Su and Jiang Chao, and Hong Ying was carrying his first child. Although Jiang Quan also ordered people to take care of Xia Yan attentively, he ran to Jiang Su Su's courtyard more frequently.
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