Su shi was so moved that it was difficult for her to control herself. All sorts of feelings welled up in her heart. She hugged Jiang Ruan and said, "That unfortunate Mei 'er of mine passed away early. Ruan' er has grown up so big, I don't know how much suffering she has suffered. It's all this old woman's fault." Seeing that Su shi was about to cry again, Zhao Guang hurried forward and patted her shoulder, comforting her, "Furen, isn't Ruan 'er back now? Why are you thinking about such unhappy things?"
Zhao Yi also consoled, "Grandmother, now that cousin is back, it's time to be happy."
The two Zhao grannies also consoled her. Su shi wiped her tears and said with a smile, "Look at me, wasting a good time for no reason. Ruan 'er, don't blame this old woman."
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly and did not say anything.
With Su shi's arrival, Zhao Guang and his son could no longer inquire about the Jiang family. They only asked Su shi how Jiang Ruan had survived all these years. Jiang Ruan answered them one by one, hiding the fact that the Jiang family had not treated her well. Even so, the indifference in her words gave Su shi some clues. Jiang Ruan did not want to talk about it, so she did not ask in detail. She only looked at Jiang Ruan with an even more loving and distressed gaze.
Zhao Guang and his son already had some understanding of Jiang Ruan and knew of her past. Seeing that she had written a good lie to reduce Su shi's guilt, they liked Jiang Ruan even more. Zhao Yulong and Zhao Feizhou had never seen Jiang Ruan before. They only knew that a cousin had suddenly come to the General fu, so they looked at Jiang Ruan curiously.
Jiang Ruan and Su shi chatted for a while, and Su shi made arrangements to personally cook for Jiang Ruan. She called the Jiang family's grannies and waited for the womenfolk to leave. Jiang Ruan looked at Zhao Guang and said, "I still have something to say."
Zhao Guang waved his hand, "Come to the study." He turned to look at Zhao Yuan Jia and the others, "You guys come too."
Zhao Yi was considered an adult, so he naturally followed behind. Zhao Yulong and Zhao Feizhou also wanted to follow, but Zhao Yuan Feng stopped them and they left unhappily.
When they arrived at the study, Zhao Guang sat down on a chair and looked at Jiang Ruan, "How does Jiang Quan plan to deal with your eldest brother?"
The first thing he asked was not about giving out porridge, nor was it about Chong Xin Manor, but about Jiang Xin Zhi. Jiang Ruan was slightly taken aback, and then she smiled, "Does this mean that maternal grandfather has agreed to help me?"
Zhao Guang glared at him. "He is the grandson of the Zhao family. How can I just stand by and watch?"
Jiang Ruan slightly hung her head. At that time, she had not known the attitude of the Zhao family, so she had pulled Jiang Quan and Xia Yan in. In reality, the fact that the servant girl had heard of Jiang Quan's plan was nothing more than groundless rumors. It was just that in her previous life, Jiang Xin Zhi had been murdered. No matter how she thought about it, there was nothing more likely than this. Even if the Zhao family's plan failed, she couldn't risk Jiang Xin Zhi's life. She said, "Big Brother will probably reach the capital in five days. On the way back, there will definitely be an accident." Pausing, she looked at Zhao Guang and said, "Although I don't know what method they used, they have enough confidence to kill Big Brother."
Zhao Guang clenched his fists. "What arrogance!"
"The Jiang family still doesn't have that much power. Now that the Jiang family's accounts are empty, and Jiang Quan's career has been repeatedly blocked, the Jiang family is just an empty shell. The one who truly accomplished this is the Xia family. "
"Xia family?" Zhao Yuanping frowned. "Xia Yan's maiden family?"
"That's right," Jiang Ruan said indifferently. "The Xia family and the Jiang family are in-laws. Even if there is any conflict, as long as Big Brother is not around, Jiang Chao will be the future head of the Jiang fu. Jiang Chao is the head of the family, and his relationship with the Xia family cannot be severed. If Big Brother is the head of the family, the relationship between the Xia family and the Jiang family will not last long. Therefore, as long as the Jiang family asks for help from the Xia family, the Xia family has no reason to refuse. "
Zhao Yuanfeng said, "Isn't this forcing people to their deaths? The Jiang family is really despicable. Father, let me go kill that bastard Jiang Quan! "
Zhao Yuanfeng and Zhao Mei had always been close, and at the beginning, he had been extremely against Jiang Quan. Today, he had heard from Jiang Ruan that Zhao Mei had been bullied by Jiang Quan. When he thought of the days when his dearest sister had endured humiliation, he had long been filled with indignation towards Jiang Quan. Now that he heard that Jiang Quan had plotted to murder Jiang Xin Zhi, he could not wait to immediately avenge Zhao Mei.
"Sit down!" Zhao Guang roared, "Isn't this troublesome enough?!"
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, "Youngest Uncle, this matter is definitely related to the Xia family, but there is another family that may also be involved."
"Who?" Zhao Yuanjia asked.
"Prime Minister Li Dong's family."
Once these words were spoken, everyone's expressions changed. After a moment, Zhao Yi asked, "How did Li Dong get involved with the Xia family and the Jiang family?"
"Li Dong is the Eighth Prince's man, and the Xia family is also the Eighth Prince's man. The Li family and the Xia family are one. When the Jiang family is in trouble, the Li family will not stand idly by." Jiang Ruan smiled, "Moreover, Jiang Quan also wants to marry me to Eldest Young Master Li, so that I can be a stepping stone to befriend the Li family."
"Shameless!" Zhao Guang slammed the table, the muscles on his cheeks trembling in anger, and his eyes were bloodshot. Who in the capital did not know what kind of person Li Yang was? He was a debauchee who slept with women. He could not even fit a backyard full of beautiful concubines, and he loved to play the father-son game with Li Dong. Jiang Ruan entering the Li family was tantamount to a sheep entering a tiger's den. Jiang Quan was Jiang Ruan's own flesh and blood, but he had the face to do it!
Zhao Yi also said in disbelief, "Biaomei, is what you said true?"
Jiang Ruan nodded. Perhaps the Li family and the Xia family would plot against Jiang Xin Zhi, but of course, it was not because of this reason. Rather, it was because Li An had been frequently running around with the Jiang fu recently, and his relationship with Jiang Su Su and Xia Yan had become much more harmonious. Li An's intellect was not that of an ordinary person, and it was likely that he had discovered that Li Yang's matter was not Jiang Su Su's doing. If Li An knew that she was the culprit, he would think of a way to take revenge. If Xia Yan wanted to plot against Jiang Xin Zhi, Li An would naturally be happy to join in.
Zhao Yuanjia muttered, "Even a vicious tiger will not eat its cubs."
"Those who are loyal are usually those who butcher dogs, and those who are unfaithful are mostly scholars. Jiang Quan and Jiang Su Su have always been famous for their talents, so naturally, they are cruel and unscrupulous." Jiang Ruan said lightly.
She spoke in a casual manner, as if she was talking about an extremely ordinary matter. However, within that gentle voice, there was a ruthless hatred that caused one to shiver inexplicably. After a pause, she said, "If they want to ambush people on the road, they should naturally bring a lot of troops and horses. I will have to trouble maternal grandfather to send troops, and also to send people to monitor the movements of the Xia and Li families. If there are any unusual movements, follow them, and they can protect my eldest brother's life."
"Is there a need to send troops to this extent?" Zhao Yuanjia said hesitantly, "Since Xin Zhi is the Deputy General, he will return with the troops. With such a large troop, how would they dare to kill people in broad daylight?"
"I do not know what method they used," Jiang Ruan said, "I only know that if they do not send enough troops, my eldest brother will be in danger. They will only choose to act before entering the capital. Once they enter the capital, under the feet of the Emperor, it will be difficult to act again. So, they will definitely think of a way to take my eldest brother's life. Eldest Maternal Uncle, don't doubt me. "Her tone was a little cold. Zhao Yuanjia was stunned, and said," I am not doubting you. "
"Maternal grandfather, do you agree to my conditions?" Jiang Ruan asked.
Although Zhao Guang was a military general, he was not an impulsive person. Usually, when he fought a battle, he would guarantee that nothing would go wrong. But now, without thinking, he said, "I promise you. He is my grandson, so the Zhao family will naturally protect him. "
Jiang Ruan said, "Many thanks, maternal grandfather."
Zhao Guang looked at her. In front of him, Jiang Ruan's expression was calm, and the way she talked and acted was no different from an adult. Even the thirteen or fourteen-year-old youths of the Zhao family, Zhao Feizhou and Zhao Yulong, would occasionally have a childish naivety. But there was not a trace of childishness on Jiang Ruan. On the surface, she looked gentle, but there was a kind of indifference. Only those who had experienced the baptism of blood on the battlefield would have such a vicious aura, and it had already penetrated deep into Jiang Ruan's bones. He sighed in his heart. Su shi could not see clearly, but he knew many people. After the initial shock, he could see that from beginning to end, Jiang Ruan did not have the slightest trace of excitement to recognize her as a relative. Her heart was as firm as a rock. Perhaps, every word she said to the Zhao family today was a reply that had been carefully thought out, and every word had a special meaning.
She was scheming against the entire Zhao family, but the method she used was not a conspiracy, nor was it coercion. It was like a silent moistening, and people had no choice but to agree to her request. Even if they were being schemed against, they were willing.
For Jiang Ruan to be so precocious, her many years of life in the Jiang family must have been ten thousand times more dangerous than what she had described. After all, he was a descendant of the Zhao family. When he thought of the deceased Zhao Mei, how could he remain indifferent? Thinking of this, he did not want to ask about the matter of the porridge and Chong Xin Manor anymore. He said, "Your maternal grandmother should have already prepared the meal. Cough, let's go out together." As he spoke, he stood up and slowly walked out. He did not know if it was because the matter of Zhao Mei had hit him too hard, but his tall and sturdy back seemed to have aged a little.
Zhao Yuan Jia and the others also followed him out of the study. Just as Jiang Ruan was about to leave, a figure appeared in front of her. Zhao Yuan Ping stopped her and smiled, "What exactly do you want to do?" He looked at him inquiringly.
"Ruan niang does not understand what Second Maternal Uncle said."
"Why did the Li family participate? It is not because of the reason you said that Jiang Xin Zhi would definitely be ambushed. You are so certain that there must be other reasons. Father does not ask, but it does not mean that I will not ask, "Zhao Yuan Ping's expression gradually became serious," Jiang Ruan, even if you are Mei 'er's daughter, I still want to ask, what exactly do you want to do? "
Jiang Ruan looked at him quietly. The Zhao family's three generations were all military generals, but Zhao Yuan Ping was born with incomparable intelligence. Unfortunately, the Zhao family disdained to walk the path of literature. Thus, Zhao Yuan Ping could not pass the imperial examinations and bring glory to the Zhao family. He was familiar with the art of war, and as a strategist with wonderful foresight, he was also very outstanding in one aspect, and that was to grasp the hearts of people. On the battlefield, guessing the enemy's thoughts could help the army win the battle better. At present, Zhao Yuan Ping was on guard against her. However, she had never thought of hiding it from Zhao Yuan Ping.
She said, "Second Maternal Uncle, why are you so nervous? I will not harm the Zhao family. Otherwise, I would not have given out porridge, and I would not have saved Da Biao Ge's life. Second Maternal Uncle is so suspicious of me. Up until now, have any of the things I have done been detrimental to the Jiang family? " Seeing that Zhao Yuan Ping's expression did not change, she smiled faintly and said, "Moreover, if I can save my eldest brother, it is necessary to capture a group of assassins. Following the vines to the melon, the captured people will be able to expose the Li family. The Li family and the Zhao family have always been at odds with each other in the imperial court, Second Maternal Uncle is not aware of this. Once something happens to the Li family, the Eighth Prince's power will be damaged. Isn't this the scene that the General fu would be most happy to see? "
Zhao Yuan Ping suppressed the astonishment in his heart and frowned. Jiang Ruan had openly announced these private matters in broad daylight. Moreover, every sentence had pierced through his thoughts. For a moment, Zhao Yuan Ping had nothing to say.
Jiang Ruan said, "Second Maternal Uncle, rest assured that I will not harm the Zhao family. The Jiang family and I have an irreconcilable hatred. Even if it is to create trouble for the Jiang family, I will do my best to help the Zhao family." Saying this, she lightly bowed to Zhao Yuan Ping and left without saying anything.
Zhao Yuan Ping pondered for a moment behind her, and then he also laughed softly. Restoring his previous expression, he walked towards the main hall.
The Zhao fu was filled with a warm and joyful atmosphere, while the rest of the capital was gloomy, as if a storm had suddenly descended.
In the Jiang fu's Yan Hua Yuan, Xia Yan grabbed Lin Lang and said, "Did you hear it clearly? Did Sun daren really say that? "
Lin Lang nodded, "Yes, Furen. Eldest Young Master has indeed become a Deputy General and will arrive in the capital in five days. What should we do now?"
Xia Yan's grip on the teacup tightened, and with a 'pa' sound, she threw the teacup to the ground. The top-notch pastel porcelain cup with a golden butterfly depicting a beautiful woman was instantly smashed into pieces. Lin Lang stood to one side, not daring to breathe loudly. She looked at Xia Yan, somewhat cowering.
Xia Yan gritted her teeth and said, "That little bastard actually had such a fortuitous encounter. How could he not have been shot to death on the battlefield!" At present, she had been having a headache all day over how to prevent Jiang Su Su from going to the family temple. Jiang Quan seemed to have steeled his heart, but Jiang Su Su had not been able to sleep well since the day Hui Jue had left. At night, she would always say that someone was knocking on the door, but when she went to open it, she discovered that there was nothing at all. She had written to Hui Jue to invite him over, but Hui Jue had only said that the evildoer's demonic aura was too strong, and that it would be best to send Jiang Su Su to the family temple as soon as possible to get rid of bad luck. Xia Yan was so indignant that she wished she could tear Hui Jue's mouth apart.
At such a difficult time, she had heard that Jiang Xin Zhi had given birth to a Deputy General and was about to return to the capital, flushed with success. How could she not be angry? However, along with deep jealousy and hatred, there was also worry.
Jiang Chao's failure in the imperial examinations had already caused Jiang Quan to be somewhat disappointed. If Jiang Xin Zhi were to return at such a time, and also achieve meritorious military service, it was hard to guarantee that Jiang Quan would not have other thoughts. Even if Jiang Quan did not like Jiang Xin Zhi and would not shake Jiang Chao's position, Jiang Chao was unable to enter the imperial court, and thus had no way of interacting with people in the bureaucracy. At this time, if Jiang Xin Zhi were to enter the imperial court and make friends with people in the bureaucracy, it would also be disadvantageous to Jiang Chao in the future.
When the people of the Great Jin dynasty mentioned the sons of the Jiang family, they only needed to know Jiang Chao. Jiang Xin Zhi was superfluous. Her Chao 'er absolutely could not be left with any stain, and his position could not be shaken by anyone. Xia Yan clenched her fists tightly, and the expression on her beautiful face was incomparably sinister, like a man-eating demon. "Jiang Chao cannot be left alive!"
"What does Madam mean?" Lin Lang had followed Xia Yan for many years, and could more or less guess some of Xia Yan's thoughts.
"If that little bastard returns, where will my Chao 'er go? People in this world love to compare, and will only use Jiang Xin Zhi's success to compare Chao 'er's failure. How can I let such a thing happen! "Xia Yan gnashed her teeth. Ever since Jiang Chao had failed the imperial examinations and had his little finger chopped off by the people of Bai Hua Lou, his temperament had become very strange. He was no longer as bright and cheerful as he had been in the past, and his entire person carried a kind of gloomy gloom that made people feel somewhat afraid.
"Does Madam intend to make a move after Eldest Young Master returns to the fu?" Lin Lang asked.
"After returning to the fu?" Xia Yan laughed coldly. "That little slut is so cunning, that older brother of hers will not be any worse. How can I give him the opportunity to enter the fu? If I want him, he won't even be able to enter the main gates of the capital! "
Lin Lang was astonished. "Could it be that Madam intends to … but behind Eldest Young Master is an entire army. Madam's actions are too risky, and besides, there is no guarantee of success."
"So what if it's an entire army? Just use your brain. " Xia Yan said impatiently, "Doesn't Jiang Xin Zhi love this younger sister the most? Using his sister as bait, I don't believe that he won't obediently fall into the trap." At that time, the reason why Jiang Xin Zhi had left the Jiang fu to join the army was, after all, because of Jiang Ruan. He had not expected that he would actually have such an opportunity.
"Madam, do you want Master to …?" Lin Lang asked.
"No, don't tell him." Xia Yan's fingers gradually tightened, and a trace of hatred flashed in her eyes. "He must not know." If this had happened in the past, it would have been fine. Previously, Jiang Chao had been intelligent and was also Jiang Quan's pride. With Jiang Chao, how could Jiang Quan still have Jiang Xin Zhi's shadow in his eyes? Even if Jiang Xin Zhi had given birth to a deputy general, for Jiang Chao's sake, he would still turn a blind eye, and even secretly help him. But now, Jiang Chao had become the laughingstock of the entire capital. His colleagues often ridiculed Jiang Quan because of this matter. In his heart, Jiang Quan was afraid that he had developed a dislike for Jiang Chao. Now that Jiang Xin Zhi had returned to the capital in such glory, it was inevitable that Jiang Quan had other plans.
If that was the case, it would be terrible. Xia Yan tightened her grip on her skirt.
"That …. Madam, go and ask the Marquis for help? Will the Marquis help? "Lin Lang asked. A few days ago, Jiang Su Su had provoked Xia Cheng into a great rage, and because of Xia Jun's matter, Yu Ya wanted to fight her to the death. Xia Yan and her daughter were already extremely unpopular in the Xia family, so how could they help?
"Second Sister-in-law will naturally not help, but Father will help me." Xia Yan said, "Even if it is for the Xia family, Father will spare no effort to help me." The Jiang family could be considered as a help. Even if Xia Cheng was dissatisfied with Jiang Su Su, he would not be willing to allow an outsider to usurp the Jiang family's power over such a small conflict. If Jiang Xin Zhi really rose to power in the capital, it would be a great threat to Jiang Chao. It was useless to have a Jiang fu that was not under their control. In order to ensure that the Jiang fu would always be on the same boat as the Xia fu, Xia Cheng would not just stand by and watch. In terms of eradicating Jiang Xin Zhi, he would be even more diligent than them.
"Go get a pen and paper, I want to write a letter to Father," Xia Yan said.
The corners of her mouth curled up slightly. The Xia family would help. Moreover, there was still the Li family. Although she did not know why the Second Young Master of the Li family, Li An, had repeatedly expressed goodwill to her and Jiang Su Su today, she could still make use of this once.
With the Xia family and the Li family together, even if Jiang Xin Zhi had nine lives, he would not be able to escape.
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