Ten days later, Xiao Shao led 100,000 Brocade Guards out to Tian Jin. Old General Zhao and the three sons of the Zhao family also set out. However, the Zhao family army was headed for Xi Rong. Recently, the Xi Rong people had repeatedly caused trouble at the border, so it was inevitable that they would have other ideas. The Emperor's thoughts were hard to fathom. It was unknown why the Emperor had sent the Zhao Family out at this time. The Zhao Family currently only had Zhao Yi, Zhao Yulong, and Zhao Feizhou. Naturally, they would not be able to raise any waves. However, the three of them did not have much influence. If someone were to hit the Zhao Family while they were down at this critical juncture, the Zhao Family would probably be badly battered.
However, no one dared to defy the Emperor's edict. The Zhao family was loyal and courageous, so they had no reason to refuse. That day, they left the city with the Brocade Guards led by Xiao Shao.
Jinying Wang led the army, but there was still a fiancée waiting to be married in the house. According to the customs of the Great Jin dynasty, when an unmarried woman went to war with her husband, she could stay in her future husband's fu. The Empress Dowager took pity on Hong 'an Junzhu and issued an edict, allowing her to stay in Jinying Wang's fu.
Hong 'an Junzhu's maiden family, the Minister's fu, encountered several incidents in succession. First, Minister Jiang accidentally injured his Yiniang, and the Yiniang ended up injuring her health and passed away soon after. Later, the lost Di Second Miss was found. She had been kidnapped by mountain bandits, and in order to protect her innocence, she committed suicide. A beauty of a generation passed away. Although Jiang Su Su's reputation was not very good when she was alive, death could forgive everything, and people were always particularly tolerant of beauties.
The most shocking thing was that the Jiang family's Eldest Madam had been ill for a long time, and finally died. Eldest Madam Xia Shi's maiden family did not wait for three months before sending over a distant cousin — the Jiang fu welcomed a new Madam.
Originally, people thought that after Doctor Jiang's death, the last connection between the Jiang family and the Xia family would be severed. Unexpectedly, the Xia family personally sent over a new Madam. The marriage alliance between the Xia family and the Jiang family was maintained, and many people who had come to watch the excitement were suddenly left empty-handed.
However, although the relationship between Xia Yan and the Jiang family did not break, Minister Jiang was criticized by the common people, especially when the imperial censors' impeachment memorials flew to the Emperor's desk one after another. Every word and sentence was accusing Minister Jiang of marrying a new wife before the corpse of Senior Official Jiang had even been found. This was not the way of a man of love.
For so many years, the Jiang family had stood tall and firm in the imperial court, and its reputation among the common people was upright and honest. But now, it was slowly being ruined. Now, Jiang Quan's method of marrying a new wife had completely ruined the last shred of good reputation. From then on, when people mentioned the Minister's Mansion, it was no longer an upright and clean noble family, but a muddle-headed official with a restless inner courtyard.
These changes seeped into the environment bit by bit. It did not seem to attract people's attention, and it seemed that even the host did not realize this. However, a thousand-mile dike could be destroyed by an ant's nest. All the seemingly insignificant little things would eventually lead to a series of events, and this was just the beginning.
If there was anything worth being happy about in the capital, it was that the previous structure of the imperial harem had now been completely disrupted. The positions of the three concubines were now vacant, and a new batch of beautiful women were gradually being promoted. There were a few who were now extremely popular.
These three people were the Hanlin family's di young miss Wang Lian 'er, the Heroic Marquis's first branch's shu daughter Mu Xirou, and the Jiang family's fourth shu daughter Jiang Dan.
When the Emperor's foundation was not stable, the number of women he doted on was more or less related to the power and status behind them, and represented the power of a certain household. When the Emperor's great cause had been established, and nothing could shake his country and status, he would no longer dote on women with illustrious family backgrounds. On the contrary, the Emperor would choose those women who had no foundation, or even no background, as his favorites, because they were weak and helpless, and could not raise any waves. Only by relying on the Emperor's favor could they survive in the palace. Since ancient times, the Emperor had always been suspicious. Only this kind of woman was completely harmless, and would not have other thoughts.
These people either had family power that was just an empty shell, without any real power, or were just insignificant shu daughters who were not valued by their families. Therefore, to the Emperor, they were the kind of people who posed no threat at all. These three truly stood out from the crowd of beautiful women. Wang Lian 'er was the most poetic and was the Emperor's flower of understanding. Her personality was gentle and graceful, like a beautiful woman holding an umbrella in the misty rain of Jiangnan. She was somewhat similar to Imperial Concubine Chen.
Mu Xirou was the most beautiful, like an orchid blooming in the valley. However, her personality was a bit too cold, and she treated the Emperor with the same indifference. However, it was this cold and indifferent appearance that aroused the Emperor's interest. She was now a famous cold beauty in the palace.
Out of the three, Jiang Dan's appearance was the least outstanding, and her personality did not seem to be a gentle and understanding person. Back then, her encounter with the Emperor was somewhat coincidental. That night, she prayed to the moon in the courtyard. Every word and sentence was for the safety of her family. Her words were simple and honest. The Emperor was used to seeing all kinds of beauties, but it was rare to see such a simple and innocent woman. He hid his identity and talked with her for a night. He felt that this woman's personality was bright, and the next day, he sent someone to give her an imperial edict of promotion.
Now, these three people had jumped from little beauties to fourth-ranked beauties. For a concubine's daughter, this was reaching the heavens in one step. Right now, the most favored one was Wang Lian 'er, and the last one the Emperor was interested in was Mu Xirou. After Jiang Dan was promoted, she was not summoned by the Emperor. However, she did not feel discouraged and still lived happily. Jiang Dan's servants in the palace were anxious and hoped that their mistress would be favored. They urged her to think of a way to see the Emperor again to prevent him from stealing her favor. However, Jiang Dan did not know. She was still busy with her own matters and lived a leisurely and contented life. Seeing this, the palace servants were anxious.
On this day, Jiang Dan was admiring the flowers in the garden of the palace. Perhaps she was tired, so she went to the pavilion to sit down and rest. She seemed to feel a little tired and suddenly became interested. She ordered the servants to pick up some fallen flowers and store them. She also wanted to see if they could gather some morning dew so that she could brew her own Hundred Flowers Wine. Perhaps she felt that the palace servants were not doing their best, so she simply lifted her skirt and stood up, mixing in with the palace servants.
She was still enjoying herself and did not notice that on the other side of the garden, there was a person standing far away, closely watching her movements.
Jiang Chao lowered his head and said to Xuan Li, who was standing in front of him, "Your Highness, have you thought it through? Is it really her?" He was a bit hesitant, "Your Highness, why don't you change the person? Jiang Dan is really … too risky to use her. "
Xuan Li narrowed his eyes slightly and slowly said, "Oh? You said risky. What do you think of her? "
Jiang Chao thought for a bit, as if he was trying his best to remember anything related to Jiang Dan. However, his relationship with this fourth sister was usually very weak and he could not think of anything. After a moment, he shook his head and said, "This fourth sister of mine — she was born of a concubine and was raised by the late madam's side since she was young. Her personality is also very weak. Normally, in the fu, even if one speaks too loudly, she will scare her. She is really not useful. " After a pause, he continued, "And she is also not very smart. Why did Your Highness choose her to be one of us?"
Xuan Li shook his head, "Jiang Chao, do you know why you have been by my side for so long, but you have not been able to reach a better position time and time again? Why can't you grasp the opportunities I give you? Instead, you let others take advantage of you? "
Jiang Chao's heart trembled and he said seriously, "Your Highness, please advise me!"
"You are ruthless and have your ways of doing things. Unfortunately, you are too conceited." Xuan Li shook his head, "You have never seriously observed the people around you, so you underestimate them. For example, you are now underestimating this Jiang Dan in front of you. "
"Your Highness, this subordinate does not understand." Jiang Chao said, "Even if my fourth sister entered the palace and became a beauty, that was because my father was playing around with her and she was lucky. But she has no ambition. Didn't Your Highness say that people without ambition are not useful? This fourth sister of mine has clearly received the Emperor's decree to promote her, but she does not know how to fight for it herself and wasted a good opportunity. As a result, among the three beauties, Wang Lian 'er and Mu Xirou are more favored than her. "
Xuan Li shook his head, "This is where you are wrong. You only saw Minister Jiang send Jiang Dan to the palace, but did you not see how much effort Jiang Dan put in? Do you really think that Jiang Dan's encounter with Imperial Father was just a coincidence and that Jiang Dan's luck was good, just like what others have said? "
Jiang Chao did not speak. It was not that he did not have doubts, but Jiang Dan was too useless in his heart, so useless that he could not even suspect her. With Jiang Dan's personality and skills, how could she scheme against the ruler of a country?
"See, this is where you are wrong." Xuan Li sighed, "I think Minister Jiang is quite good at raising his daughter. The First Miss and Fourth Miss of the Jiang family are really one in a million." He looked at Jiang Chao with a smile that did not seem like a smile, "This fourth sister of yours is a poisonous snake. I'm afraid she knows how to endure and hide better than you. Look — "He nodded in Jiang Dan's direction.
Jiang Chao followed his gaze and saw Jiang Dan laughing happily with the palace maids. She did not seem to have the airs of a palace beauty. His heart moved, and he saw a bright yellow figure slowly walk over from behind Jiang Dan.
It was the Emperor.
Today, the Emperor had only casually walked through the garden, but he heard the laughter of a woman from afar. That voice was as sweet as a silver bell, as if he could be infected by the joy in it. His heart moved, and he deliberately walked in a circle, wanting to see who it was.
He was a little stunned when he saw a woman standing among the palace maids, holding a flower basket in one hand and a whole begonia that had just fallen from the branch in the other. There was a faint smile on her face, and her eyes curved into crescent moons, sparkling and very cute. She wore a peach-colored embroidered skirt with a small jade-colored blouse, bright and threatening, and had a unique charm of youth. Her appearance could only be considered dainty, but her every movement seemed to have a unique dainty charm. That dainty charm did not seem artificial, and was natural and full of life. Even among the crowd of palace maids, people would notice her at a glance.
The Emperor walked forward and said, "What is your name?"
The woman seemed to jump in fright, and turned around. The moment she saw the Emperor, she blushed. Perhaps she had laughed for a long time, but there were some glistening beads of sweat on her forehead, making her appear very cute. She lowered her head, as if she was at a loss and panicked. After a pause, she said, "This concubine … This concubine is called Jiang Dan. "
"It's you —" As she spoke, the Emperor had already recognized her face, "The person who accompanied me the entire night was you."
The Emperor was busy every day, and he had seen too many beauties in his daily life. There were countless beauties with both beauty and skill. There were three palaces, six courtyards, and seventy-two concubines in the palace, and which one of them was not the best? Thus, it was difficult for anyone to leave a mark in his heart. That night, that simple and unadorned young girl had only been a fleeting glimpse in the Emperor's heart. He had raised her rank, but he had forgotten about her. Now that he had suddenly met her, she gave him a breathtaking feeling. It was difficult for the Emperor not to pay attention to Jiang Dan at this time. If the previous time was just a preview, then the current Jiang Dan had already left a unique impression in the Emperor's heart. This impression was completely different from Beauty Wang and Beauty Mu. The Emperor, who was used to seeing beautiful flowers and ice beauties, now began to feel a sense of freshness in this dainty charm.
He smiled and said, "Get up, walk with me."
In the distance, Xuan Li raised his eyebrows, "See? This is your fourth sister's method. "
Jiang Chao stared in disbelief at Jiang Dan, who was walking shoulder to shoulder with the Emperor. Just now, in that instant, her smile was dainty and cute, and even he couldn't help but be shocked. This fourth sister only had one kind of expression in the fu, and that was fear and fear. But just now, he was confused and almost thought that the Jiang Dan he usually saw was not the same person.
"It's not that she doesn't want to fight, she's brewing." Xuan Li smiled slightly and said, "She is good at lying low. She won't do anything that she can't guarantee. Just wait and see. This Beauty Jiang will soon be favored. "
"But," Jiang Chao suppressed the shock in his heart and asked, "why would she cooperate with us?"
"She has ambition in her eyes," Xuan Li said, "people with ambition will not be timid. Jiang Chao, when you have time, walk around with your fourth sister. She will definitely be moved because she wants to reach a higher position. And we also need someone who can speak up in front of Imperial Father. "
When Imperial Consort Chen was present, he was successful in every endeavor. Because Imperial Consort Chen only needed to say pillow talk and the Emperor would feel pity for him. But now that Imperial Consort Chen had lost her power, the only remaining Empress and Consort Xian would not speak up for him. The Emperor's attitude towards him was becoming more and more distant. Xuan Li, who had always acted calmly, was already feeling anxious.
"Yes, Your Highness." Jiang Chao lowered his head, "That Jinying Wang and Zhao Guang have already set off for more than two months and should have reached the battlefield by now. The scouts at the front reported yesterday that the situation is already under control. If this goes on … "He did not continue. The smoother the situation at the front was, the more disadvantageous it would be for them. They could not hand over such a great merit to Jinying Wang. Xiao Shao had already made it clear that he would not stand on their side. Such a person could not be used, only destroyed.
"No need to worry," Xuan Li said indifferently, "They can't win this battle and will definitely lose. What's the point of paying attention?" A murderous look flashed in his eyes as he stroked his sleeves, "Inform Xia Cheng that he can start."
"Your Highness?" Jiang Chao was shocked, "So soon?"
"A long night is fraught with dreams." Xuan Li sneered.
…
In Jinying Wang's fu, Jiang Ruan was sitting in Xiao Shao's study, reading a book.
She had been living in Jinying Wang's fu for two months, and the servants here had changed their ways to make her stay comfortable. Perhaps it was because it was too comfortable that she almost unconsciously got used to life here. In these two months, she had returned to the fu to perform mourning for Xia Yan and Jiang Su Su, and had also seen the Jiang fu's new furen, Xia Wei, a beauty with a smiling tiger's face. However, now that she was no longer living in the Jiang fu, these things had nothing to do with her.
Xiao Shao's study was like a treasure trove, with all kinds of books. The place that Jiang Ruan spent the most time in was Xiao Shao's study. She had read Xiao Shao's personal notes, and the more she read, the more she wrung her wrists. She had originally had some suspicions, but gradually, some clues began to surface. However, she did not continue to speculate. Everyone had their own secrets, and Xiao Shao also had his. Now, she was more concerned about the war in Tian Jin.
In her previous life, at this time, she was in the midst of the abyss of struggle in the palace, so she did not pay much attention to the war in Tian Jin. In the letter she wrote to Jiang Xin Zhi, she had already recalled all the things that could help Jiang Xin Zhi. As for the rest, she was really powerless.
However, there was one thing that she could be sure of, and that was that Xuan Li would definitely take action at this time. Now that the Zhao family was weak and Xiao Shao was not in the capital, with Xuan Li's temperament of taking advantage of people's difficulties, he would definitely not let go of this good opportunity. The structure of the imperial court was at a sensitive time, and even the slightest movement could lead to earth-shattering changes. She could roughly guess what Xuan Li wanted to do.
As she was pondering, she heard the guard outside say, "Ah, Fourth Young Master, Young Madam is inside."
A slightly low male voice said, "It's nothing, I'll just go in and take a look."
The door was pushed open with a creak, and Jiang Ruan quietly looked at the person who had come. The person had come suddenly, and she was also somewhat curious about the rumored Young Madam. As soon as she opened the door, she saw a young girl sitting upright in front of the desk, quietly looking at her against the light. Her appearance was somewhat unreal against the sunlight, and only a pair of clear and farsighted eyes seemed to contain some kind of mockery of reality as she calmly and indifferently gazed at him.
Somewhat unable to withstand the gaze of that pair of eyes, the person touched her nose and coughed, "Third Sister-in-law? I am Qi Si, Third Older Brother asked me to come. "
Jiang Ruan's eyes flashed, and she also sized up the person opposite her. This was also a young man of about twenty years of age, dressed in a purple robe embroidered with lotus flowers. He could be considered to be delicate and elegant, but for some reason, he had a ring of beard around his mouth and chin. It was somewhat abrupt, as if a beautiful youth had been ruined without rhyme or reason. However, his smile was gentle, and his eyes were long and somewhat peach blossom like eyes. However, there was no frivolity in his gaze, and he had a proper appearance.
This was Xiao Shao's fellow disciple, Qi Feng, who was ranked fourth. In Jia Nan Mountain, he had learned the art of politics in the imperial court. Unfortunately, this skill could not be easily learned. All these years, he had been secretly assisting Xiao Shao in assisting the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Now that Xiao Shao had summoned him back to the capital, it was quite unexpected.
Qi Si seriously sized up Jiang Ruan, and suddenly laughed, "Third Sister-in-law is indeed an outstanding beauty. Originally, I thought that Third Older Brother was making a big fuss over a minor issue by summoning Xia Wu and me back to the capital to protect Third Sister-in-law. Now, it seems that it is Fourth Younger Brother's good fortune."
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