A good conversation ended on a sour note. When Xuan Lang left, his entire face was deathly pale, as if he could not bear Jiang Ruan's gaze. Even when he left, he seemed to be running away in defeat.
When he arrived at that person's fu, it was as expected. Although he did not lose his composure, the smile on his face was somewhat stiff. After a long time, the man leisurely picked up a cup of tea in front of him, opened the lid and took a sip. His expression was as cold as a river, "Ben gong originally wanted to have tender and protective feelings for the fairer sex, but since you do not know what is good for you, there is no need to hesitate." A cruel sneer flashed across his eyes, "Pull in the net."
… …
That night in the capital was no different from the past. During the early autumn, the sky always darkened earlier. In the thick and colorful night, Jinying Wang fu was brightly lit. Xiao Shao sat upright on the high seat, his usually cold and expressionless face had a rare hint of coldness.
Ye Feng and Jin Yi and Jin Si stood on both sides. Xiao Shao burned the letter in his hand in the fire as usual. The flickering flames reflected off his pitch-black eyes like black gems.
"Qi Si's information can't be wrong." He said lightly, "Xuan Li has made his move."
"Eighth Prince is too daring. This transaction is so dangerous, is he not afraid of inviting a wolf into his house?" Jin Si could not help but speak, his gaze containing some contempt. As the son of the emperor of the Jin dynasty, he had done such a thing that was worse than pigs and dogs. He treated the lives of tens of thousands of people at the border as if it was child's play, just to satisfy his own ambitions and selfish desires. Such a person would be despised wherever he went.
"The news will reach the imperial court tomorrow morning." Xiao Shao did not respond to Jin Si's words. He reached out and knocked on the table, "This matter is of great importance. If it is as Qi Si said, Guan Lao Da is also in danger."
"General Guan?" Jin Yi frowned, "Master, should we remind Master Mo that Eighth Prince's actions may put His Highness the Crown Prince in danger?"
"Go to Mo Cong fu." Xiao Shao stood up and picked up the outer robe on the bench, "I will go to the palace first."
… …
When Jiang Ruan woke up early the next morning, Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi helped her out of bed. As the weather was gradually getting colder, Bai Zhi picked out a long brocade robe for Jiang Ruan. Only then did she feel relieved. After breakfast, Lian Qiao moved a chair into the courtyard as usual due to the comfortable weather in the courtyard. Jiang Ruan sat in the courtyard and flipped through a book. Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao took advantage of the good weather to spread out the old books in the box to dry.
This was supposed to be a normal action, but it was a little strange today. The few palace maids who were sweeping the courtyard looked at Jiang Ruan with a slightly different gaze than usual. Usually, the servants of the Princess Royal Highness were all bestowed by Empress Dowager Yi De, so they were quite well-behaved. Today, however, these palace maids seemed to be sizing Jiang Ruan up and deep in thought. The palace maids did not conceal it very well. Jiang Ruan noticed this and did not make a sound. She continued to do her own thing without batting an eyelid.
Jiang Ruan was able to keep her composure, but Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao also felt that something was amiss. Just as they were about to find a palace maid to interrogate, they saw Lu Zhu rushing over with an anxious face. Her expression was very nervous. When she arrived in front of Jiang Ruan, she said, "Miss, this servant has something to report."
Bai Zhi understood and waved her hand to dismiss the palace maids who were watching the commotion in the courtyard. She helped Jiang Ruan back to the room. After closing the door, without waiting for Jiang Ruan to open her mouth to ask, Lu Zhu said, "Miss, there is news from the frontlines. During the confrontation with Tian Jin, the Jin dynasty's army was ambushed. A hundred thousand officers and soldiers were completely wiped out, leaving less than thirty thousand people to bitterly hold on. General Guan was seriously injured, Eldest Young Master …" She looked at Jiang Ruan worriedly, "Eldest Young Master's whereabouts are unknown. I'm afraid that he has been captured by Tian Jin."
Jiang Ruan could not help but clench her fists. Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao's expressions also changed.
It was unknown what the outcome would be if they were defeated and returned to the court, but it was likely that the Emperor was furious at this moment. On the other hand, if one's whereabouts were unknown on the battlefield, one would either be dead or captured by the enemy. There would only be two outcomes if one turned back. If one surrendered, his entire family would be implicated and would be treated as an enemy spy and all of them would be dealt with. Based on Jiang Xin Zhi's temperament, he would absolutely not surrender. If that were the case, the only outcome would be torture and death.
Since this news had been relayed back to the court, it must be eighty percent true. Jiang Ruan's face was as calm as still water. Her hand tightly gripped the armrest of the chair, and the colour of her lips was slightly pale.
"Miss," Lu Zhu grasped Jiang Ruan's hand, somewhat unable to bear it. Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi depended on each other for survival. The affection between these two siblings was obvious to everyone around them. If there was anything in this world that could affect Jiang Ruan's heart, Jiang Xin Zhi was the first. Now, Jiang Xin Zhi's life and death were uncertain, and the outcome was so confusing. Yet Jiang Ruan did not shed a single tear. She said, "Miss, if you want to cry, then cry it out. If you keep it bottled up in your heart, you will be the one feeling uncomfortable."
Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes and slowly removed her hand. In her previous life, she had already cried too many times, but in the end, she still ended up with a tragic ending. In this life, her great enmity had not been avenged, so what right did she have to cry?
She slowly raised her lips into a smile. Her smile was soul-stirring and cruel, like an evil flower that had bloomed from hell. In a flash, white bones appeared, carrying with it a sinister vengeance, "Since this is the case, there is no need to wait any longer."
…
In the Throne Room, two rows of ministers were quarreling fiercely.
One side insisted on punishing Jiang Xin Zhi and Guan Liang Han for incompetence in leading the troops, while the other side insisted that the commander-in-chief was outside and the soldiers were fighting on the frontlines. Appeasement was the top priority, and the soldiers should not be bitterly disappointed.
Jiang Xin Zhi was an upstart in the court, while Guan Liang Han was a tough nut to crack. There were very few people in the court who could speak up for these two, and most of them were upright and upright ministers. And the people who insisted on punishing them were those who could not bear to see others promoted step by step, or they had other plans, or they wanted to take advantage of the situation to step on them.
The Emperor coldly watched the two sides argue until their faces were red and their necks were thick. Amidst the quarrel, no one noticed the Emperor's thoughtful expression on the dragon throne. After a moment, the Emperor looked at Xuan Li, who was standing to one side and listening respectfully, and said, "Lao Ba, tell me your opinion on this matter."
Xuan Li stood up and saluted, saying, "Replying to Imperial Father's words, this son believes that General Guan and Deputy General Jiang are both protecting the common people of the Great Jin dynasty. Now that the matter is not clear, we cannot act blindly without thinking. Why don't we wait a little longer and see what exactly is going on? "
"Your Eighth Highness," Zhao Guang said, "the battlefield is not child's play. Your Eighth Highness can wait, but the soldiers cannot. Once we really understand the ins and outs of the matter, I'm afraid that by the time the dust has settled, it will be difficult to plan again. "Zhao Guang had always been a neutral party in the court and did not specifically oppose anyone. Now that his own nephew was in danger, Zhao Guang was also unceremoniously opposing Xuan Li in front of all the civil and military officials of the court.
Such an action, in the eyes of those who were observant, sparked yet another round of speculation. Zhao Guang's attitude indicated that the court was about to tear apart this superficial veneer of peace. The real bloodbath, the fight for the position, was about to truly begin.
"Old General Zhao's words are incorrect." The one who spoke was Minister Chen. Ever since Imperial Consort Chen had been banished to the Cold Palace, Minister Chen's household had been depressed and restrained for a period of time. But now, for the first time, he had jumped out and his attitude was clear and unequivocal. He wanted to deal with Jiang Xin Zhi. He said, "A country's Deputy General has been captured by the enemy. If he has integrity, he should immediately draw his sword and commit suicide. How can he endure the humiliation and seek to live? Now he is enduring the humiliation and seeking to live. If his army's tactical arrangements were leaked, wouldn't it invite disaster? "
Mo Cong shook his head. "Although Minister Chen's words are reasonable, you also know that there was a general from the previous dynasty who was captured by the enemy. He pretended to surrender and spent a whole ten years to obtain military intelligence and pass it back to his country. In the end, he helped the army suppress the enemy and returned triumphantly. Why, can't the Great Jin Dynasty have such a person? " Mo Cong had always been good at arguing. His words caused Minister Chen's expression to change. He could see that the Emperor's attitude was wavering. Minister Chen said anxiously, "But if something happens, who will bear the responsibility?"
"Nothing can be discussed." Liu Min, who had been standing silently, also spoke up. "Minister Chen claims that Deputy General Jiang has defected, but please show us the evidence. Otherwise, this will be the greatest humiliation to a general." Although Liu Min was a Grand Tutor, he was also a favorite of the Emperor. The Emperor admired his straightforward character and would usually listen to his opinions on court matters.
Unexpectedly, this Grand Tutor Liu was clearly on Jiang Xin Zhi's side this time.
Minister Chen's expression became even more unsightly. Xuan Li gave Liu Min a deep look. The Emperor looked thoughtfully at his officials and asked Xuan Hua, "Lao Wu, what do you think?"
"I am rash. This matter is of great importance. I dare not make a rash decision." Xuan Hua's answer was watertight. "Imperial Father is wise and observant."
The Emperor laughed. His laughter was somewhat frightening to the ears of the crowd. Seeing that the two groups were about to quarrel again, the Emperor said gravely, "Since you cannot make a decision, then there is no need to make a decision."
The officials looked at each other, not understanding the Emperor's intentions. The Emperor stood up. Eunuch Li hurried forward to support him and said in a shrill voice, "Your Majesty is not feeling well. After court —"
After the Emperor left, Xuan Hua walked up to Xuan Li and stared at him. "Eighth Brother moves so quickly."
"Fifth Brother is not slow either." Xuan Li smiled warmly, like a gentleman.
Xuan Hua slowly clenched his fists and took a deep breath. "Eighth Brother wants the one hundred thousand troops. His thinking is a bit too simple."
Xuan Li shook his head. "The process is hard, but it doesn't matter. As long as you succeed. "He left without looking back. When he passed by Liu Min, he gave him a deep look.
Mo Cong walked to Liu Min's side and patted his shoulder. "You have completely offended His Highness today."
"Ah?" Liu Min was still in a daze. Mo Cong kindly explained, "You know that Minister Chen is His Highness' maternal grandfather. He is naturally on the same side as His Highness. Today, you did not give Minister Chen face. That is equivalent to slapping His Highness's face. Since we're classmates, I'll give you a word of advice. You have to be careful these days. However, "Mo Cong looked Liu Min up and down." Speaking of which, you are also very strange. Why did you speak up for Deputy General Jiang? "
Although Liu Min was an honest and upright person, he was not an impulsive person. Based on the fact that a commoner like him was able to hold the position of Grand Tutor and had the Emperor's trust, it could be seen that Liu Min was well versed in the ways of officialdom. Moreover, he was able to maintain an ingenious balance, so that he would not lose his heart and would not be framed by others because of his straightforwardness.
With Liu Min's temperament, even if he wanted to remonstrate, he would not do it in front of all the civil and military officials. It was rare to see Minister Chen lose face in such a way. But Jiang Xin Zhi and Liu Min, a military general and a civil official, had nothing to do with each other. But Xuan Li's expression when he looked at Liu Min seemed to have a deeper meaning. Could it be that something else happened that he did not know about? Mo Cong was still thinking, but Liu Min was slightly startled, as if he had been reminded of something by Mo Cong's words. He hurriedly bowed to him and said, "I still have some matters to attend to. Many thanks for Mo Daren's reminder." He flicked his sleeves and left.
Mo Cong had not finished speaking when Liu Min left midway, which made him somewhat sullen. Suddenly, he seemed to think of something. He looked around and really did not see that person. He muttered to himself, "Strange, such a big matter, why didn't Third Brother attend court? Where did he go?"
… …
The Third Brother Xiao that Mo Cong spoke of was currently in the Palace of Compassionate Peace.
When Empress Dowager Yi De saw Xiao Shao, she was clearly startled and immediately stood up from the soft couch. GuGu Yang hurriedly reached out to support her, but Empress Dowager Yi De took two steps forward, as if she wanted to touch Xiao Shao, but then suddenly withdrew her hand, looking somewhat at a loss. If outsiders saw this, they would certainly be shocked. They did not know why the usually cold and ruthless Empress Dowager Yi De would show such an expression.
"Ah … Beloved Official Xiao," Empress Dowager Yi De said, her voice still trembling. "You have come to see Aijia, what matter do you have?"
Unlike Empress Dowager Yi De's excited expression, Xiao Shao's expression was cold and flat, even colder than usual. He said lightly, "This humble subject has a request."
"Speak." Empress Dowager Yi De said, "If Aijia can do it, I will do my best to do it."
This humble and even somewhat flattering attitude caused GuGu Yang to lower her head. Xiao Shao's expression did not change, but the hand hanging at his side moved slightly. After a long silence, he said, "Empress Dowager, please bestow marriage for this humble subject."
"Bestow marriage?" This time, Empress Dowager Yi De cried out in surprise. The expression on her face was not clear whether it was joy or shock. She raised her voice and said, "You have a sweetheart? Which family's Young Lady is it? "
GuGu Yang calmly patted Empress Dowager Yi De's hand. Empress Dowager Yi De's voice paused and she sat back down on the soft couch. The long ruby armor moved uneasily on the edge of the soft couch, but her gaze towards Xiao Shao was very gentle. She said, "Which marriage do you want Aijia to bestow for you?"
Xiao Shao lowered his eyes, his body moved slightly, and he slowly knelt down on one knee. This was a courtier's salute to the ruler. His voice was as calm as a clear spring, but it contained a trace of gentleness that he himself did not realize, "Hong 'an Junzhu, the Minister's fu's di daughter, Jiang family's Ruan niang."
"Ruan girl?" If Xiao Shao had taken the initiative to ask Empress Dowager Yi De to bestow marriage, it was already very surprising. When she heard that Xiao Shao wanted to bestow marriage, Empress Dowager Yi De was completely stunned. She froze in place, and after an unknown amount of time, she saw that Xiao Shao was still kneeling. She hurriedly said, "Quickly stand up. Ruan girl, why do you want to marry Ruan girl? "
Xiao Shao stood up and did not conceal anything. He calmly narrated, "Hong 'an Junzhu once saved this humble subject's life. Today, the border is in a state of emergency and Deputy General Jiang's whereabouts are unknown. Hong' an Junzhu's position is awkward. There are many people in the palace who want to betroth to this humble subject. Jinying Wangfu will be able to protect her somewhat."
His answer was magnanimous, making it difficult to doubt his words. In addition, Xiao Shao usually did not lie, so Empress Dowager Yi De believed his words. Although she did not know what Xiao Shao meant by 'saving her life', after listening to Xiao Shao's words, she still felt that it was a bit absurd. She shouted in a low voice, "Ridiculous, how can marriage be a child's play? This is not the way to repay a debt of gratitude. Since you value affection and righteousness, Hong 'an is also aijia's granddaughter. How can you not protect her in the palace? "
"The harem cannot interfere in politics." Xiao Shao said indifferently, "If the previous court is used as a guide, there are some things that even the Empress Dowager can do nothing about. His Majesty already has the intention to suppress Hong 'an Junzhu. "After a pause, Xiao Shao said," This humble subject is fond of the Jiang family's di daughter. "
Even GuGu Yang, who had struggled in the palace for so many years and never showed her emotions, couldn't help but widen her eyes in surprise. Empress Dowager Yi De was also stunned by Xiao Shao's words, especially the last sentence. She said, "You like Ruan girl?"
Xiao Shao lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes hiding the emotions in his eyes. Although he was silent, an unnatural blush appeared on his handsome face.
At this time, silence was better than words. Seeing this, what else did Empress Dowager Yi De not understand? Xiao Shao's cold and indifferent reputation in the court had long been known to everyone. She had never thought that he would confess his feelings in front of Empress Dowager Yi De today. Seeing such a wonderful expression on Xiao Shao's face, Empress Dowager Yi De felt a burst of sadness in her heart.
While her emotions were complicated, she couldn't help but think about Xiao Shao's words. In fact, Xiao Shao was right. The power in the harem was complicated, and it was so difficult to protect one person. In addition, Jiang Ruan's matter also involved the border. Jiang Xin Zhi only had one younger sister. Once there was unrest at the border, others would only make a fuss about Jiang Ruan. She had seen many of these things in the past. Empress Dowager Yi De had a reputation, but as the Empress Dowager, she no longer cared about political affairs. The Emperor had his own plans. Even if she was his biological mother, his son, who was in a high position, was no longer the young and inexperienced new Emperor.
If the Emperor really wanted to take action against Jiang Ruan, she wouldn't be able to stop him. Although Xiao Shao's method was reckless, it was very effective. If Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan were engaged, then Jiang Ruan would be a person of Jinying Wang fu. Even if something really happened to Jiang Xin Zhi in the future, Jiang Ruan would no longer be a member of the Jiang family, but a member of the Xiao family. A married woman would not be implicated, so she could be protected.
In fact, Empress Dowager Yi De was not a pedantic person. In the three years that she had been with Jiang Ruan, she had clearly recognized the difference between Jiang Ruan and Princess Yuan Rong. However, Jiang Ruan's temperament and actions were extremely to her liking. If it had been thirty years earlier, Empress Dowager Yi De would have even wanted Jiang Ruan to enter the palace as a concubine.
Empress Dowager Yi De truly liked Jiang Ruan. Moreover … she was Xiao Shao's sweetheart. Although she was hesitant, Xiao Shao's temperament was so cold, and Jiang Ruan was not very warm. How could these two be together? After those words, she was relieved. Originally, she thought that Xiao Shao was simply repaying her kindness, but how could the affection in the young man's eyes be concealed? With just one look, Empress Dowager Yi De concluded that Xiao Shao had long been in love with Jiang Ruan.
It was impossible for her to refuse Xiao Shao's request, no matter what.
Empress Dowager Yi De smiled, "This child, aijia watched you grow up. In the blink of an eye, it's time for you to get married and start a career."
GuGu Yang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, only to hear Empress Dowager Yi De continue, "Regarding the bestowal of marriage, aijia will remember this. That child, Hong An, has been by aijia's side for a few years, and aijia can clearly see that he has a good temper. It's just that aijia also has to ask for Hong An's opinion on this matter. If Hong An has no opinion, aijia will not be the one to break up an affectionate couple. Aijia has always been one to help others achieve their goals. "
Xiao Shao bowed and said, "Many thanks for Empress Dowager's grace."
Empress Dowager Yi De smiled and said a few more words. After taking Xiao Shao away, Empress Dowager Yi De leaned back on the soft couch. She was somewhat absent-minded, and all the hostility in her body seemed to have been removed in an instant. GuGu Yang hurriedly brought a cup of hot tea to the Empress Dowager's hand.
Empress Dowager Yi De unconsciously took the cup and gently rubbed the lid. Then, she murmured: He actually came to the Palace of Benevolence and Peace I didn't expect to see him enter the Palace of Benevolence and Peace in this life
Niangniang, GuGu Yang gently comforted her: Xiao Wangye is just a bit cold, but his heart is like a bright mirror. Niangniang, are you really going to give Xiao Wangye and Princess a marriage?
What will happen if I don't? Empress Dowager Yi De looked a bit tired, she sighed and said: This is what aijia owes him, the emperor also owes him. If he wants that position, no one will say that he is wrong. Not to mention, it's just a marriage.
GuGu Yang hesitated and said: This slave saw that Xiao Wangye just said that he has feelings for Princess. It doesn't seem to be fake.
"He truly loves Hong An." Empress Dowager Yi De sighed deeply: This is what aijia is worried about. Hong An's temperament is even colder than him. Usually, he looks gentle, but in fact, he doesn't care about anything. If Ah Shao can't move Hong An, then aijia will give them a marriage in vain.
Empress Dowager Yi De frowned: Besides, the emperor has already chosen him. She is the daughter of Binhai's governor, Yao Family. She is good at literature and martial arts. She is not inferior to a man. What is the emperor thinking? Aijia knows it very well. I'm afraid that if aijia bestows a marriage, the emperor will find trouble with Hong An. She paused: Jiang Family is also a big trouble. Aijia always feels that if Ah Shao marries Hong An, he will have a lot of difficulties in the future.
GuGu Yang smiled and rubbed Empress Dowager Yi De's shoulders. She comforted her: Niangniang, why do you think so much? Xiao Wangye is not an ordinary person. Hong An Junzhu is also a sensitive person. How can she be defeated so easily? Since Xiao Wangye likes Hong An Junzhu, then she must have something special about her. Besides, Xiao Wangye is the dream of all the women in the world. So, how can she not like him? Life will always get better and better. Niangniang, please be more open-minded.
GuGu Yang's words were considerate and pleasant to the ear, and Empress Dowager Yi De's tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed. Perhaps she thought of something, and a smile slowly appeared on her face, "You're right, the days are always getting better, aijia was confused. This is a good thing, so what am I worried about? When the sun goes down, Aijia will call Hong An to talk about this matter.
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