Jiang Ruan was slightly taken aback. She felt that Xiao Shao's words seemed to carry an inexplicable emotion. Feeling strange, she looked up at him. This young man stared straight at her, a pair of deep and cold black eyes that seemed to look into one's heart.
On the surface, Xiao Shao was cold and indifferent, but in reality, he was strong and overbearing. For example, at this moment, his words seemed to contain some intention of taking her for himself. As Jiang Ruan thought about it, she shook her head in her heart. Xiao Shao had always been introverted, and was not like this kind of person who showed his emotions. After a pause, she said, "You're right." She changed the topic, "Now that you have returned to the court, I think His Majesty will have a headache about what to give you."
Xiao Shao originally had a high position and power, and it was not an exaggeration to say that he could walk sideways among the officials of the Great Jin dynasty. As the saying goes, one's achievements overshadow their master's, but it was completely unnecessary when it came to him. Many years ago, the Emperor had spared no effort in bestowing him with rewards, except for the position of the Emperor. Now, with every meritorious service he made, he did not lack gold and silver, and his official rank had already reached the first rank. He really could not find anything else.
Jiang Ruan suddenly thought of something and smiled, "After thinking about it, it seems that I can only bestow some beauties to you."
Xiao Shao did not expect Jiang Ruan to suddenly bring up this matter. He looked at her and lightly said, "No need."
"His Majesty wholeheartedly supports you." Jiang Ruan looked at the teacup in front of her, "Since you have returned to the court, the Empress Dowager's decree must be carried out. But now that the Jiang fu has declined, marrying me will not bring you any benefits. His Majesty is always thinking of you, so naturally, he is not willing. At first, I heard that His Majesty intended to betroth the daughter of the Yao family to you. This time, you have made such a meritorious service. A marriage in exchange for assistance is more direct than any gold, silver, or jewels. "
Jiang Ruan's words were not groundless. Ever since the news of the great victory at the border arrived, Jiang Ruan had heard from Empress Dowager Yi De's GuGu that the Emperor had begun to frequently summon Governor Yao. Jiang Ruan knew that Xiao Shao carried many secrets, just like her. She did not understand why the Emperor was so protective of Xiao Shao, but it was obvious that the Emperor's heart was biased towards Xiao Shao. The Emperor was very dissatisfied with her being Jinying Wangfei. If it wasn't for Xiao Shao, he would have replaced her long ago. Now, after so many years, Xiao Shao had once again entered the court and obtained such a great merit. How could the Emperor let go of this opportunity? Since ancient times, emperors had always liked to arrange the lives of others.
She spoke frankly, as if she didn't have any negative emotions. Xiao Shao looked at her quietly and did not speak. His complexion was quite good. Perhaps it was because he stayed at the border for some time, but the coldness in his bones was completely aroused. This time, her temperament seemed to be even colder. Her entire body was filled with a biting cold aura. However, her eyebrows were like a painting and her face was beautiful beyond compare. Suddenly, there was a hint of a smile on her face. Immediately, one would feel that she was cold and evil.
His voice was devoid of emotion as it drifted indifferently towards Jiang Ruan's ears, "Then, what do you think?"
Jiang Ruan's hand, which was holding onto the heater, tightened. The young man opposite her, dressed in black, was as black as ink. Yet, in an indifferent tone, he asked again, "Do you wish for me to take in someone else?"
In a split second, Jiang Ruan's entire body abruptly froze. Her hands were clearly holding onto the warm stove, but she suddenly felt as if she had fallen into an icehouse. Because, in her previous life, she had also heard the same words.
At that time, she was still as rigid as when she was in the palace. Every day, she had the thought of living and dying on her own. At that time, there was a rumor in the palace that the Prime Minister intended to marry his youngest daughter to the Eighth Prince, Xuan Li, as a consort. When she heard this news, she felt that her already gloomy life had lost even more light. Unexpectedly, she fell seriously ill. During her illness, Xuan Li came to visit her. He leaned close to her ear and softly said, "What do you think? Do you wish for me to take in someone else? "
Jiang Ruan absentmindedly thought about how she had answered at that time. She was bewildered and miserable. Enduring the pain in her heart, she said, "This is Your Highness's matter. I have no right to ask."
Then, what did Xuan Li say? Xuan Li looked at her and said in a gentle tone, "In this life, the position of Princess is reserved for you. No one else can enter my eyes, let alone my heart. If you hear anything, then it is merely a play, it cannot be done for real. In my heart, there is only you. Do you still not understand? "
Such sincere and affectionate words finally shattered the last bit of weakness she had in the palace. For the sake of his deep affection, she had advanced step by step in the palace and was willing to be a chess piece for him. In the end, she had lost so badly that not even her bones remained. Now that he had suddenly heard these words, it was as if time had flowed backward. It unexpectedly brought her back to the day when Xuan Li had softly whispered into her ear in his previous life. Truly, each word was filled with tears of blood, every needle piercing to the bone.
Xiao Shao saw her abnormality and was startled in his heart. Xiao Shao had seen Jiang Ruan in all kinds of ways. She was gentle and graceful, obedient and docile, bright and charming, ruthless and heartless, clenching her teeth and stubbornly independent. However, he had rarely seen her at a loss. At this moment, she was holding the warm stove and sitting opposite him. Her eyes were absent-minded. He did not know what she was thinking about. Her gaze was full of mournfulness and blankness, which made one's heart tighten for no reason. Xiao Shao did not have time to analyze why Jiang Ruan's mood had suddenly changed. He immediately stood up and pulled her up. As soon as he held her hand, he felt that her whole body was trembling slightly. He paused for a moment, then pulled Jiang Ruan into his embrace.
"Sorry, I was wrong. I should not have asked you like this." There was a trace of annoyance in his tone, "I will not accept anyone else. The female master here is only you."
When her body touched Xiao Shao's ice-cold clothes, Jiang Ruan was at a loss for a moment. Her head rested on Xiao Shao's chest. Xiao Shao's arms wrapped around her shoulders and gently rested on her back. He carefully comforted her. His posture was somewhat like coaxing a child.
Jiang Ruan stiffly reached out and hugged him back. Her hands slowly tightened around his waist, and her eyes gradually regained their calm.
She thought that she had forgotten all those things and that she could hide the hatred in her heart. However, it was not so easy to let go of the things in this world. Xuan Li's betrayal and hurt in her previous life had always been there, and she had never forgotten it for a single day.
Xiao Shao felt Jiang Ruan's agitation. He did not know what he had said wrong to cause Jiang Ruan to be so abnormal, but he knew that the problem must have been in the words he had just said. After thinking for a while, he said softly, "I said that you do not need to do anything. You do not need to worry about this matter."
"I am not willing." Jiang Ruan suddenly opened her mouth.
Xiao Shao looked down at her. Jiang Ruan's expression seemed to still be in a trance, but her eyes were as calm as before. Her hands were ice-cold, and she tightened her grip around Xiao Shao's waist. She smiled slightly, "I am not willing for you to accept other people."
The young girl's smile was like a flower. She was born bright and beautiful, and every time they met, she seemed to grow up a little. Now, the childishness had completely disappeared, and between her brows was a flirtatious charm. Every movement of hers had a kind of breathtaking beauty that was engraved into one's bones. Her tone was firm and calm, "Since you want me to enter your wang fu, your wang fu and you, both belong to me. All women in the world are prone to jealousy, and I am no exception. If more women come to divide up my things, I will not hesitate to kill them, even if it is just for show. "
As she finished speaking, her tone revealed a murderous intent. In fact, Jiang Ruan herself could not explain why she had said these words. After she had been reborn, she had also thought about her own marriage. It was nothing more than to use the power of her husband's family to achieve her own goals. Since it was only a tool for revenge, she would not care about whether it was sincere or fake. She would even play the role of a virtuous wife. If there was a need, she could take the initiative to take a concubine for her husband.
But now, she had spoken her own thoughts. Time overlapped with her previous life, and she did not know whether she was answering Xiao Shao's question or the previous Xuan Li's question. But in her heart, she was clear that at this time, she had spoken without thinking. This was her original intention.
Xiao Shao stared at her. Ripples seemed to flash in his calm, pitch-black eyes, but they quickly disappeared. The next moment, he quickly bent his head and kissed Jiang Ruan's forehead.
He pressed Jiang Ruan's head into his embrace, and his tone was unexpectedly gentle, "I don't like to play, so there will be no one else."
Jiang Ruan's body trembled. He said he didn't like to play. He and Xuan Li were, after all, different people. Jiang Ruan sighed in her heart and unconsciously hugged Xiao Shao a little tighter. He was not Xuan Li. The two of them had never been similar in any way.
Xiao Shao hugged her, his long eyelashes drooping to hide the emotions in his eyes. Jiang Ruan was so strange today, and he did not know where she had gone wrong. In the past, he had thought that there were some secrets that Jiang Ruan did not want others to touch, and he had not deliberately probed. Now it seemed that if some secrets were not unraveled, there would always be an invisible barrier between the two of them.
…
The news of Prince of Jinying, Xiao Shao, and Jiang Xin Zhi's early return to the capital spread throughout the capital on the second day. The first was to bestow an immediate marriage between Prince of Jinying, Xiao Shao, and Hong 'an Junzhu, Jiang Ruan. The second was to confer Jiang Xin Zhi the title of Great General of Luxi, a second-rank official rank, and to take over the hundred thousand troops that had been under General Wu.
For a young and rising star of the court who had been born as a civil official, this was already a great honor. With this position as a starting point, Jiang Xin Zhi's future was bound to be splendid and splendid. However, this time, the Jinyi Guards led by Xiao Shao and Jiang Xin Zhi had indeed fought a beautiful battle. Guan Liang Han was still on the road with the army and the envoy of Tian Jin. When the envoy entered the capital, he would write a letter of surrender. From then on, Jin would pay tribute every year, cede ten cities, and bow to the Great Jin Dynasty.
With regards to this result, the Emperor was very satisfied. That day, Xiao Shao entered the Imperial Study and spoke with the Emperor for a full hour. No one knew what he said, but after Xiao Shao left, the eunuch who had entered the Imperial Study to clean up saw that the floor was littered with broken teacups and porcelain shards. It was obvious that the Emperor was very angry. But for some reason, the news of Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan's immediate marriage spread the next day. Everyone guessed that the conversation between Xiao Shao and the Emperor had something to do with this matter, and they could not help but feel envious of Jiang Ruan.
The marriage was set for a month later. At that time, Guan Liang Han would also return to the capital, and it would coincide with the end of the year. It could be said to be a double blessing. This heaven-sent marriage had been set long ago, and now, it was just the completion of the marriage. However, it still caused quite a stir in the palace, and for a while, discussions about this matter could be heard everywhere.
In the Imperial Garden, Jiang Zhaoyi and a few palace womenfolk were sitting on a small table discussing this matter. Jiang Dan casually peeled a honey orange. Her hand, which was covered with nail polish, appeared very white and tender on the plump honey orange. She smiled and said, "Da Jiejie really has a good life."
Beauty Wang, who should now be called Wang Zhaorong, said gently, "Hong 'an Junzhu has always been intelligent and appropriate. She and that Jinying Wang are a match made in heaven. With the marriage bestowed by the Empress, it can be said to be perfect. "
Jiang Dan smiled and glanced at Wang Lian 'er, then at Mu Xirou. Over the past year, for some reason, the Emperor had also raised her and Wang Lian 'er and Mu Xirou at the same time. Perhaps he felt that the three of them could restrain each other. Wang Lian 'er had become Wang Zhaorong, Mu Xirou had become Mu Zhaohua, and she herself had become Jiang Zhaoyi. The three of them were all third-grade, and there was no difference in rank between them. Mu Xirou was always cold and aloof, so for the time being, there was no need to fear her. This Wang Lian 'er, on the other hand, was very cunning. In the palace, the two of them fought fiercely in secret.
Jiang Dan smiled and suddenly said to a woman sitting below, "Dong Xirou, you and my Da Jiejie used to be good friends. I wonder what gift you have prepared for Da Jiejie's wedding this time?"
The woman raised her head and revealed a beautiful face. It was Dong Yinger without a doubt. Her appearance had not changed, but her expression was no longer as lively as when she was a young girl. In the past year, she had also received the Emperor's favor and was promoted to a third-grade commoner. The ways of the world were really ironic. When she was a young girl, she was the first daughter of the capital governor's residence while Jiang Dan was only a concubine daughter of a minister's residence. In terms of status, Jiang Dan could not compare to her. Now that she had entered the palace, she had to bow when she saw Jiang Dan. At this moment, when Dong Yinger heard Jiang Dan's sarcastic words, she only smiled faintly. "A princess is of noble birth, how can this concubine compare?"
"Dong Xirou Yi's words are wrong. I remember that you and my Da Jiejie were very close. That's right, isn't there also that young lady of the Zhao Clan? Speaking of which, I remembered something. Big Brother has been promoted to a great general, and this reward is also very clever. When the news of Big Brother's head being separated from his body was spread, who would have thought that he would have such a glorious day? That's why I said that man proposes but God disposes. Big Brother's opportunity made those people with bad intentions fall into a disadvantageous position. When Big Brother was in trouble, how many people who wanted to be in-laws with him saw the wind and immediately drew a clear line with him. Most likely now their intestines are green with regret. "
Dong Yinger's body stiffened slightly and she lowered her head. Her throat unconsciously tightened. Jiang Dan's words seemed to be directed at her. At that time, when Jiang Xin Zhi's whereabouts were unknown, her own parents saw that the situation was not right and forced her to enter the palace. At that time, she had no way out and seeing that Jiang Xin Zhi was in danger, she lost hope and entered the palace. Who knew that there would be such a day? When the news of Jiang Xin Zhi being rescued came out, her heart was really happy and sad. Happy that that person was still alive. Sad that she was already someone else's wife and there was no longer any possibility between the two of them. Now that Jiang Xin Zhi had become the young Great General of Luxi and was in the limelight, she was just a member of the Palace's household. How ironic was it when these words came out from Jiang Dan's mouth.
Seeing this, Wang Lian 'er smiled slightly and said, "Is it not so? Great General Jiang is really young and promising. His achievements are outstanding and he is also a talented person. I do not know which family's daughter will benefit in the future to be able to gain his favour. "
"How can it be in the future?" Jiang Dan's smile became more cheerful, "Isn't it a little interesting now?"
Dong Yinger's body stiffened. Wang Lian 'er was surprised and asked, "What does Younger Sister mean?"
"Dong Xiu Yi, do you still remember the Young Lady of the Zhao family who was very close to Eldest Sister?" Jiang Dan said with a smile, "At that time, the three of you were very close. I heard that Great General Jiang's sweetheart was the Young Lady of the Zhao family. Now I have already sent people to the Zhao residence to inquire about it. Speaking of it, it is really a very compatible marriage. I think that my Eldest Sister will be very happy. "
Dong Yinger's face was already pale. If she did not remember that this was the Imperial Garden, she would have almost collapsed. Zhao Jin? It was actually Zhao Jin? She had been in the palace for a long time and had long seen that Jiang Dan was not a good character. Originally, she wanted to treat these words as Jiang Dan's baseless accusations, but as long as Jiang Xin Zhi was involved, she could not help but be confused. Jiang Xin Zhi's sweetheart was actually Zhao Jin? When did they get together? When did Zhao Jin enter Jiang Xin Zhi's eyes?
Dong Yinger only felt her heart turn cold. At that time, she did not hide the fact that she liked Jiang Xin Zhi from Zhao Jin. Zhao Jin knew that her heart was still with Jiang Xin Zhi. And Jiang Ruan, who had treated her so coldly, was helping Zhao Jin and Jiang Xin Zhi. They were both friends, why did Jiang Ruan treat her so differently?
Deep unwillingness and anger welled up in her heart, as well as the sadness of being betrayed. She only felt that everyone was watching her as a joke. It was as if she did not belong to herself. She could not even hear what Jiang Dan was saying.
"The Young Lady of the Zhao family and Eldest Brother are very compatible." Jiang Dan said with a smile, "Eldest Brother is a general, and the Young Lady of the Zhao family is from a military family. No matter how you look at it, they are very suitable. No wonder Eldest Sister also wants to help them."
Jiang Dan spoke happily, but she did not expect that someone would come up behind her. Just as she finished speaking, she heard a clear voice behind her, "This Prince originally thought that only ignorant women in the marketplace would gossip about others. I did not expect that the nobles deep in the palace would also do the same. This is really an eye-opener. Fortunately, the Young Lady of the Zhao family and General Jiang are not here today. Otherwise, if they heard that their reputation has been destroyed for no reason, they would not let it go. Grand Tutor Liu, am I right? "
Everyone was startled. Jiang Dan stood up and saw a young man and a beautiful youth behind her. The youth was young and handsome, and his tone was smiling and teasing. However, there was a hint of coldness in his eyes. Who else could it be but Xuan Pei?
"Your Thirteenth Highness." Wang Lian 'er and the others hurriedly stood up to pay their respects. For a prince, even a third-rank palace concubine had to bow. Moreover, this Thirteenth Prince was so favored by the Emperor that even the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor, Liu Min, was given to him. The young man beside him had delicate features and a faint arrogance. At this moment, a trace of anger flashed in his eyes, but he did not bat an eyelid as he said, "Your Highness is right."
This was agreement.
Jiang Dan secretly gritted her teeth. She did not know when Xuan Pei had appeared. She felt that she had lost face in front of everyone because of Xuan Pei. She immediately smiled and said, "Your Thirteenth Highness, these matters of gossip in the harem are merely women's matters. If Your Thirteenth Highness interferes, you will become a laughing stock."
She did not know why, but she did not like this Xuan Pei very much. She could deal with other princes with ease and was not stingy with her compliments. However, when it came to this Thirteenth Prince, even her expression was very forced. She did not know if it was an illusion, but she could always see Jiang Ruan's shadow in Xuan Pei. Especially that pair of eyes that were as calm as an ancient well. When he looked at people, it was the same coldness that made people's hearts palpitate.
Wang Lian 'er secretly scolded the idiot in her heart. Everyone knew that the Emperor valued Xuan Pei, but he still spoke so rudely to Jiang Dan. He did not even think about what the Emperor would think if these words were to reach his ears. The Emperor himself could scold Xuan Pei, but he would never let a Zhaoyi teach a prince a lesson.
"How can this be considered as matters of the harem?" Xuan Pei smiled slightly. "General Jiang is a meritorious minister of the Great Jin Dynasty. Zhaoyi lives in the palace, but she is also clear about General Jiang's private affairs. Presumably, she is also very concerned about General Jiang. Zhaoyi is a woman in the harem, yet she is concerned about General Jiang. As a prince of the Great Jin Dynasty and the son of my Imperial Father, this prince should also be concerned about General Jiang."
Jiang Dan was speechless. She secretly scolded Xuan Pei for being so cunning. These words were really quite offensive. As a woman in the harem, it was really overstepping her boundaries to pay attention to the private affairs of a young general. Jiang Dan said with difficulty, "In any case, he is my eldest brother …"
"Zhaoyi is really strange." The one who spoke was Mu Xirou, who had been watching coldly from the side. She was born beautiful, but she was too arrogant. At this moment, she said coldly, "I heard that General Jiang entered the palace to receive a reward, but I have never heard of him entering the palace to reminisce with Zhaoyi. No one from the Jiang family has come to visit Zhaoyi. I really don't know where Zhaoyi got this information from. The Empress Dowager and His Majesty have not said anything. It seems that Jiang Zhaoyi is more capable than His Majesty. "
No one had thought that the usually cold beauty, Mu Xirou, would be so powerful when she spoke. She almost made Jiang Dan speechless. The palace was filled with the Emperor's people. What was said here today might reach the Emperor's ears. No one knew what the Emperor was thinking. Jiang Dan panicked and said, "I did not say that. Mu Zhaohua, why are you talking about me like that?"
Mu Xirou laughed coldly and did not speak.
Xuan Pei, who was standing to the side, laughed. Liu Min, who was standing next to him, also smiled, a trace of a smile flashing through her eyes. Jiang Dan had unintentionally offended Xuan Pei and isolated herself. No one would offend a prince that the Emperor thought highly of. No one spoke up for Jiang Dan. Jiang Dan's current situation was very difficult.
Xuan Pei smoothed his sleeves. The youth with delicate features was dressed in gorgeous and exquisite clothing. There was a gentle smile at the corner of his lips, but his tone was undisguised indifference. "Jiang Zhaoyi, illness comes from the mouth, and disaster comes from the mouth. You must remember this.
In that instant, Jiang Dan felt a wave of coldness.
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