Before the two suicide warriors could clearly see the situation in front of them, they felt a chill in their chests as a long sword passed through their chests. Xiao Shao threw away the sword in his hand and carried Jiang Ruan horizontally. He only said behind him, "Leave no one alive, kill."
Just as he reached the door, he heard the sounds of people and horses fighting outside. A silhouette hurriedly ran over. When he saw Jiang Ruan in Xiao Shao's arms, his forehead twitched. At that moment, he did not care too much and called out, "Ah Ruan!"
"Eldest Brother?" Jiang Ruan was stunned. Jiang Xin Zhi was standing in front of her. Perhaps he had rushed over too quickly, but he looked travel-worn. Jiang Ruan asked curiously, "Why did you return to the capital so early?" Even though the news had said that they would arrive in a few more days, these two people had suddenly returned today. What was going on?
Jiang Xin Zhi glanced at Xiao Shao and said, "I felt somewhat uneasy, so we urged our horses to rush back first." After a pause, he looked at the chaotic battle in the courtyard and complained, "You are really something. Usually you are so smart, but at this time you are stupid. If we had not come back today and encountered this scene, if something had happened to you, how would I explain it to Mother? In the future, if you encounter this kind of thing again, don't worry about anything else. Your own safety is the most important. " In the end, it was difficult to calm down. Jiang Xin Zhi looked at Xiao Shao and said, "I am really worried about leaving you here."
Jiang Ruan patted Xiao Shao and motioned for him to put her down. Xiao Shao let go and Jiang Ruan stood still. She then said to Jiang Xin Zhi, "Today, they came for me. It is the same no matter where we go."
Jiang Xin Zhi wanted to say a few more words, but he was afraid that Jiang Ruan would feel wronged after being shocked today. In the end, he endured it and just grabbed her hand and said, "In any case, it is not safe here. Come back to the fu with me first."
Xiao Shao grabbed Jiang Ruan's arm and said with an icy gaze, "She will not leave, she will stay here."
The two of them held her in the middle with one hand each, and the atmosphere was deadlocked. Jiang Xin Zhi said, "She is still unmarried. How can she stay here?!"
"She is a person from Jinying Wang fu." Xiao Shao said lightly.
"Don't say anymore." Jiang Ruan shook off their hands, a faint layer of melancholy rising in her heart. Looking at Jiang Xin Zhi, he said, "Eldest Brother, it is already very late, and it is inconvenient to return to the Jiang fu now. Moreover, it is inevitable that there will be spies sent by Xuan Li outside, so we should avoid more trouble. I'll just stay here tonight. "
Only then did Xiao Shao's expression soften a bit. Jiang Xin Zhi, on the other hand, was flustered. He thought to himself that girls were indeed attracted to their husbands. She hadn't even gotten married yet and she was already leaning towards him. He could not help but feel somewhat wronged in his heart, but he also knew that Jiang Ruan's words were indeed reasonable. For a moment, his mood was very complicated.
As soon as Jiang Ruan saw Jiang Xin Zhi's appearance, she knew what he was thinking. For a moment, she felt somewhat helpless. She did not know why this big brother of hers, who had been fighting for so many years, had become so childish. He could only comfort him, "I don't think it's safe outside. Big Brother, don't leave. I have something to ask you. Tidy up and rest here for the night. "
Xiao Shao was just about to flatly refuse when he heard Jiang Xin Zhi immediately say, "Fine. For your sake, I'll stay here tonight."
Xiao Shao: "…"
…
The troops that Xiao Shao had brought with him moved very quickly. In a flash, almost all of the kamikaze soldiers had been slaughtered. His subordinates were also very experienced. The courtyard was immediately cleaned up, not even a trace of blood was left behind. Jiang Xin Zhi sat under the oil lamp. There was still some dissatisfaction in his tone, "It looks like this isn't the first time. How many people have died in Jinying Wang fu? Do you really want to live in such an ominous place?"
"Big Brother, what's wrong with you?" Jiang Ruan asked. Ever since Jiang Xin Zhi saw her, he seemed to oppose Xiao Shao with equal harshness. His behavior was really too obvious. Originally, although Jiang Xin Zhi could not be said to have liked Xiao Shao, it was not to the extent that he was filled with hostility like he was now. Jiang Ruan also had doubts in her heart. Could it be that something had happened at the border? But would Xiao Shao bully Jiang Xin Zhi for no reason?
Jiang Xin Zhi averted his eyes and paused for a moment before saying, "You really want to marry him?" From Jiang Xin Zhi's point of view, he had been on a campaign outside for a few years. Suddenly, he found out that Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan had been bestowed a marriage. Naturally, he was extremely angry. If he had been there, it would have been fine. But this matter had happened in his absence. From his point of view, Xiao Shao was taking advantage of someone's difficulties. It was as if a cabbage that he had painstakingly planted had been taken away for no reason. Naturally, he was unhappy.
"Big Brother, this is the Empress Dowager's decree." Jiang Ruan sighed, "I cannot defy and disobey. Moreover, there is nothing wrong with marrying into Jinying Wang fu. There is no mother-in-law or sister-in-law for me to serve. It is very peaceful and refreshing. "
"You are my younger sister," Jiang Xin Zhi said sternly, "Although he is young and promising, and has a good appearance, he still has a bad reputation. Moreover, he is cold and cheerless. A girl like you does not know what marriage means. What good is it to be with an ice- cold person day and night? " When Jiang Xin Zhi looked at his younger sister, there was no one who was not good. When he looked at Xiao Shao, he naturally felt that he was not worthy of Jiang Ruan. How could he have a good expression?
"What does reputation count for?" Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, "Big Brother, have you forgotten? At that time, I still had the reputation of being a jinx. Is this true?"
"That was falsely accused by others. How can you take it seriously?" When this matter was mentioned, Jiang Xin Zhi felt a lump in his chest. At that time, he could only blame himself for being incompetent. He did not know that Xia Yan and her family had sinister intentions, causing Jiang Ruan to be branded with such a bad name and causing her to suffer so many years of grievance in the rural residence.
"Since I was falsely accused, why can't he be falsely accused?" Jiang Ruan shook her head, "Besides, Big Brother, you have been at the border for so long and have interacted with him. You should have some understanding of him. Don't you know what kind of person he is? "
Jiang Xin Zhi was at a loss for words. In reality, although Xiao Shao was cold and cheerless, his subordinates were respectful and submissive to him. To judge a person, one had to look at the attitude of the people around him. Since Xiao Shao's subordinates were so loyal to him, he himself must also be outstanding. Moreover, on the battlefield, this person's courage and insight were indeed admirable. It was undeniable that he was an extremely powerful youth. When he was with Jiang Ruan, he could absolutely protect her. However, no matter how Jiang Xin Zhi thought about it, he still did not feel good. He sullenly said, "Ah Ruan, every word you say is on his side. You look like you don't care, but in reality, you have him in your heart. This is always true. "
This time, it was Jiang Ruan who was at a loss for words. She glared at Jiang Xin Zhi for a long time before saying, "Big Brother, it doesn't matter who I marry. Although the Empress Dowager dotes on me, the country of the Jin dynasty is more important than my personal safety. The higher my status, the more favor I will receive from the imperial family, and the more likely I will become a bargaining chip for the imperial family in the future. Do you still remember Princess Yuan Rong? Everyone can see that I am like a second Princess Yuan Rong in front of the Empress Dowager. Who can be sure that in the future, I will not become a second Princess Yuan Rong? "
Jiang Xin Zhi was shocked and anxiously said, "Don't talk nonsense!"
"Big Brother also knows what I mean," Jiang Ruan shook her head, "Princess Yuan Rong is the biological daughter of Empress Dowager Yi De, but she still ended up like that. I don't have the slightest bit of blood relationship with the imperial family. Who knows if there will be a day when the situation will suddenly change. As for that father of mine, he hates us to the core. If I can pave a path for his official career, he will be more than happy to do so. My days look like they are full of flowers, but in reality, every step is filled with danger. Marrying Xiao Shao, his temperament is cold and cheerless, but it will also save me some trouble. It is the same no matter who I marry. If I marry him, at least I will have a bargaining chip. Our relationship as allies is stronger than any other relationship. "
"You …" Jiang Xin Zhi was shocked and angry, "What nonsense are you talking about? How can marriage be used as a bargaining chip? Whatever you want, I will help you fight for it. I will protect you, but you cannot treat your husband as an ally. He is the person you have to share your heart with, the person you will accompany for a lifetime. If you say this, what kind of position do you place yourself in? "
"Big Brother, I am not in the mood for romance." Jiang Ruan said faintly, "You and I have been accustomed to mother's ending since we were young, and there will always be a barrier in our hearts that cannot be crossed. If I marry into Jinying Wang fu, if he is really my husband, after a long time, allies will naturally become husband and wife. But this is something that needs to be done slowly. " She lied to Jiang Xinzhi. In this life, her resistance to marriage and the blockade of her own feelings were not because of Zhao Mei's ending. Instead, it was because she had poured her heart and soul into him in her previous life, only to be betrayed and killed. It would not be easy for her to completely get rid of that shadow in this life. But she could not tell Jiang Xin Zhi about this.
When Jiang Xin Zhi heard this, he did not know how to persuade Jiang Ruan. Once his sister made up her mind, no one could sway her. He sighed and patted her head, "You are so young, but you are like a little old woman. I don't know who you got your temperament from."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, and the two siblings talked about other things.
In the study room at the other end, Xiao Shao sat at the table while Xia Qing and Qi Feng sat opposite. Xia Qing was worried and rushed over, but unexpectedly found that Xiao Shao had returned. She was immediately surprised. At this moment, sitting in the study room of Jinying Wang fu, she finally had the mood to ask her own question, "Third Brother, why didn't Big Brother come back with you?"
"He brought the army to escort us." Xiao Shao said. He rushed over at full speed, but who knew that Jiang Xin Zhi would also follow. The army could not be without a leader, so naturally, Guan Liang Han was left alone.
Qi Feng sat in his seat, thinking about something. He did not say a word. Seeing this, Xia Qing touched his arm, "Fourth Brother, what's wrong with you? From the beginning until now, you look like your soul has left your body? Just now when you heard that there was a fire, you rushed out? Why are you so anxious? "
When Xia Qing came over, the Jinyi Guards had already disposed of the bodies of the dead soldiers. Xia Qing did not know what had happened. When Xiao Shao heard this, his eyes moved. He glanced at Qi Feng and did not speak.
Qi Feng came back to his senses. Only he knew how thrilling the scene just now was. It almost made his heartbeat stop abruptly. Even now, as long as he thought about it, he still felt a burst of fear. At that time, he did not know if Xiao Shao had seen his loss of self-control. Thinking of this, Qi Feng raised his head and met Xiao Shao's calm gaze. Xiao Shao's gaze seemed to be able to see through a person's heart, making it impossible for him to hide his thoughts. Qi Feng immediately felt a little uncomfortable and almost wanted to flee.
After a moment, he reluctantly smiled, "It's nothing, I just came out to take a look." He remembered that at the critical moment just now, it was Xiao Shao who rushed over to save Jiang Ruan. He could justifiably protect her, and his heart could not help but gush with bitterness. However, there were some things in this world that could be fought for, and some things that could not be fought for. In fact, one did not even have the qualifications to fight for it. Qi Feng suppressed the sourness in his heart and said, "Third Brother, now that you are back, I am afraid that there will be another change in the capital. Did you find any clues when you went to Tian Jin this time? "
They had begun to investigate the unusual movements of the Nanjiang Kingdom many years ago. This time, the challenge of Tian Jin Kingdom was so sudden, and it was inextricably linked to the Nanjiang Kingdom. This time, Xiao Shao was ordered to go to war. On the other hand, it was to investigate the news. Xiao Shao shook his head, "The imperial court has arranged people. This person is too hidden. This time, the Tian Jin Kingdom was defeated, and the Nanjiang Alliance was broken. They may need to rest for a while. There are other arrangements in the capital. "
Xia Qing did not understand what they were talking about, so she scratched her head and said, "No matter what, it's good that Third Brother came back safely. Before, Fourth Brother and I still bet on your marriage. This time, Third Brother is back, when will you hold the wedding? I am only waiting to drink this cup of wedding wine and then go back to Jinling. There has been no movement for a long time in the medical hall. My medical apprentices are anxious. "
When he said this, Xiao Shao and Qi Feng were slightly stunned. After a long silence, Xiao Shao said lightly, "I will go to the palace tomorrow to explain this matter. To hold the wedding, the sooner the better. "His eyes paused on Qi Feng and quickly left. His expression was as indifferent as ever.
"That's great," Xia Qing did not doubt him and said excitedly, "I have to think about what gift to give!"
…
Early the next morning, there was a light snow in the morning. At night, the snow was so deep that it was almost knee-deep. The weather was surprisingly cold, but the streets and alleys did not cool down because of the extremely cold weather. Instead, they talked about the incident that the street in the north of the city was flooded last night. The hawkers were talking about it. They all said that there seemed to be robbers from the host's family. But after a long time, the guards in the mansion dared to go out to investigate, but there was no movement. It was just that the series of houses were destroyed, but the people who lived in the prosperous corner of the north of the city were either rich or noble. They did not care about the few taels of silver, but after all, it was difficult to calm down and felt that it was a little unlucky.
In the eighth prince's mansion, Xuan Li held his forehead, and his expression showed a little anxiety. Until now, there had been no news of last night's attack. Even the spies that had been sent had not returned. Xuan Li was well aware of what this meant, but to convince himself that everything pointed to disaster, Xuan Li was very unwilling. He had thought of the possibility that the people he had sent would be completely annihilated, but at least there would be people to report the situation of the Jinyi Guards. Jiang Ruan was only a woman, how could he order her to be killed without mercy? Moreover, the attack that night had been very sudden, and Jiang Ruan had not been fully prepared on how to retreat unscathed.
Xuan Li was very confident in these matters, but after waiting for an entire night, there was still no news. When the spies that had been sent out arrived outside Jinying Wang fu, they could no longer find out anything. Jinying Wang fu was impregnable, and even a fly could not fly in. It was even more difficult to obtain information. After several fruitless returns, Xuan Li felt even more uneasy. Early this morning, the incident of a street in the north of the city catching fire had spread like wildfire. This incident was definitely related to Jinying Wang fu. Xuan Li knew that this was a method that Jiang Ruan used to confuse the public, but he could do nothing about it.
Just as he was thinking, two manservants carried a box in and placed it in the middle of the room. They said to Xuan Li, "Your Highness, Zhang daren has sent a salute, please have a look."
It was a common thing for his subordinates to send gifts from time to time, but today, Xuan Li was not in the mood to do so. He impatiently waved his hand and said, "Open it."
The box slowly opened, and before Xuan Li could see what was inside, he heard the two manservants and the guard beside him gasp. Perhaps they were afraid of startling him, so they did not scream, but their rapid breathing still made Xuan Li frown. He turned his head to look, and his body stiffened. He could no longer shift his gaze away.
A series of human heads were neatly arranged in the box. The badly mutilated appearance made one's heart feel suffocated. However, one could vaguely make out their features. Five spies, one was the leader of the assassins, and the remaining heads were neatly arranged, as if mocking him for his incompetence.
Xuan Li felt a sweetness in his throat, and he only felt a gush of melancholy gushing out from his chest, as if he was about to spit it out. With difficulty, he swallowed the sweet blood in his throat. Xuan Li turned his head and gloomily stared at the two manservants who had dragged the box in, "How did this thing get in?"
The two manservants had long been frightened by the sudden turn of events, and when they heard Xuan Li's words, they simultaneously knelt down and repeatedly begged for mercy, "Your Highness, please have mercy. Zhang daren's subordinate placed the box at the door, and we brought it in like this. Your Highness, please have mercy!"
Xuan Li exerted force in his palm, and the cup in his hand shattered. The porcelain bottle in the cup scratched his hand, and fresh blood slowly flowed out between his fingers, but he seemed to be completely unaware of it. The bodyguards at the side did not dare to breathe loudly, because Xuan Li's expression was extremely distorted. The corners of his mouth were clearly curled up, but his muscles were trembling uncontrollably. It was obvious that he was anxious with anger.
If one were to say that Xuan Li's heart was sullen, then it was not unjust. Originally, Xiao Shao had been protecting Jinying Wang fu, so there was no way to find the exit. Now that Xiao Shao was not here, only Jiang Ruan could make decisions in Jinying Wang fu. He had actually fallen into the hands of a weak woman? What was up with this severed head? Sending it over in such a dignified manner was clearly a provocation! Xuan Li seemed magnanimous, but his heart was extremely narrow-minded. This action almost completely drew out the dark side of his heart. The person who had done such a thing was truly unforgivable!
Just as he was deep in thought, a secret guard came in from outside to report. When he saw Xuan Li, he immediately reported, "Replying to Your Highness, this subordinate has just received news that Jinying Wang has returned to the capital."
Xuan Li's gaze was like a torch, and he immediately looked towards that person. His palm unconsciously exerted force, and blood dripped down.
…
Two flowers bloomed, one on each side. At this time, Jinying Wang fu was full of life. Everyone was naturally happy that the Young Master had returned. Last night had been so dangerous, and everyone had thought that there would be a fierce battle to be fought. However, at the critical moment, Xiao Shao had suddenly rushed back. Everyone was happy and rejoiced. Originally, after getting along for a year, the servants of Jinying Wang fu were very fond of Jiang Ruan. Although this Young Madam seemed a little cold, she never made any requests, and she was also very considerate in giving the servants gifts during the New Year and other festivals. Which young miss of a noble family did not have a small temper? This Young Madam was also very easy to get along with, and she almost did not put on any airs. After last night, Jiang Ruan had displayed a strong and tenacious scene in front of everyone. Immediately, her image in the hearts of the servants rose, and she had practically subdued their hearts at that time. From then on, she had become the well-deserved mistress in the hearts of all the servants of Jinying Wang fu. This was simply what everyone expected.
Therefore, when Xiao Shao returned, the servants consciously created all opportunities for the future virtuous couple to interact with each other.
Jiang Ruan had just finished her breakfast when Lu Zhu walked over and said, "Miss, it's snowing outside, do you want to go and take a look?"
It was snowing every day, so there was nothing to see. However, there was nothing to do in the room, so Jiang Ruan stood up. Seeing this, Lian Qiao hurriedly found a firerat fur cloak and draped it over her. She also stuffed a small silver-carved heater into her hands, "Be careful not to catch a cold."
The few of them walked out of the room and entered the courtyard. From afar, they saw a person sitting in the pavilion. Lu Zhu blinked and pretended to be surprised, "Aiya, isn't that the son-in-law? Miss, the son-in-law is over there, do you want to go and take a look?"
Her voice was extremely loud, so the people in the pavilion heard her and turned their heads to look in her direction. Even if she wanted to pretend that she did not see them, it would be impossible. Jiang Ruan glared at Lu Zhu. Lu Zhu touched her nose and looked up at the sky. Jiang Ruan sighed, lifted her skirt, and walked towards the pavilion. A few servant girls consciously did not follow her and stood far away outside the pavilion, waiting.
Xiao Shao sat in the pavilion. Today, he wore a soap-green official robe embroidered with a qilin and silver pattern. The cuffs were embroidered with fine gold thread, which made his entire person look like jade. Draped over his head was an ink-colored cloak, and his figure was tall and slender. At this moment, it was unknown what he was thinking of, but he frowned slightly. His long eyelashes drooped, his appearance was elegant and beautiful, and his temperament was cold and elegant. It was really very attractive.
Jiang Ruan sat down in front of him and thought for a while. Seeing the teapot on the table, she reached out and poured herself a cup of tea.
Xiao Shao looked at her without saying anything, and the atmosphere became a little strange. Finally, it was Jiang Ruan who broke the silence and said, "Thank you very much for last night."
Hearing such polite words, Xiao Shao's frown deepened, and his tone became slightly cold, "Between you and me, there is no need to say these things."
He was a little strange. Jiang Ruan noticed his abnormality and asked curiously, "What happened?"
Xiao Shao turned his head away and paused before saying, "I have already returned to the capital, and the matter of the wedding banquet should also be prepared. Today, I will enter the palace to meet the Emperor and explain this matter. Have you thought it through?"
Jiang Ruan was stunned, as she had not expected him to talk about this matter. She smiled slightly, "I have thought it through. When, just say it."
She was so straightforward, without the slightest trace of bashfulness, Xiao Shao's expression relaxed slightly. Suddenly, he thought of something and said, "I have heard about the situation last night from Jiner. Thank you for guarding Jinying wangfu for me. But in the future, there is no need to do so. "His gaze was chilly, and his thin lips were pursed as if they were carved by a knife. He said," In the wangfu, the most important thing is not honor or secrets, but you. "
Jiang Ruan was startled, and her heart was somewhat baffled. She smiled, "Since I am the mistress here, I naturally have to bear some responsibility. Actually …."
"After all, you are my, Xiao Shao's, woman." Xiao Shao interrupted her words, "You do not need to do anything."
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