The spring rain in the capital was about to stop, but the rain suddenly intensified. The original hope was shattered, causing people to be disappointed. The common people prayed all day, hoping that the heavens would not continue to punish the Great Jin dynasty. However, the heavens did not follow their wishes, and the rain did not slow down.
Xia Yan proposed that the daughters of the Jiang fu go to Bao Guang Temple to pray for blessings. Firstly, every year at this time, the Jiang family would indeed go to Bao Guang Temple to donate some incense money to seek the blessing of Buddha. Secondly, Bao Guang Temple was the most famous temple in the capital. It was very efficacious, especially the first incense stick. Every year, countless people argued endlessly over the first incense stick. This year, because of the rain, there were no disputes like in previous years.
When Xia Yan had made this request, Jiang Ruan had readily agreed. Lu Zhu nervously said, "Miss, she certainly has bad intentions. Why did Miss agree?"
Bao Guang Temple had high mountains and deep valleys, and there was no lack of dangerous roads along the way. Now that the rain had washed it, it was even more muddy and difficult to travel. Originally, wealthy families would shrink back, but Xia Yan had proposed to go to the first incense stick.
"It's nothing." Jiang Ruan smiled. "The clamshell is too tight, so naturally, there is no way to start. Now that it has opened, how can I not seize the opportunity?"
Lu Zhu heard that Xia Yan had gone out in the morning and only returned in the evening. When she returned, her expression seemed a little strange. She went to Su Xin Yuan and spoke with Jiang Su Su for a long time before returning to her room.
"Clamshell?" Lu Zhu was stunned. "Miss wants to …"
"Tomorrow, you will also go out with me." Jiang Ruan whispered a few words into her ear. When Lu Zhu heard this, her expression changed a few times. "Miss, don't, this is too dangerous!"
"How can you catch a tiger cub without entering the tiger's den." Jiang Ruan said, "Moreover, this is not completely without certainty."
Lu Zhu bit her lip and finally steeled her heart. "This servant will listen to Miss."
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, and the hot tea in front of her began to emit smoke. This was the second time in her life that she had gone to Bao Guang Temple. The first time was five years ago. At that time, she also wanted to fight for the first incense stick and hoped that Zhao Mei's illness would quickly recover. However, in the end, she did not obtain the first incense stick, and Zhao Mei's illness did not improve.
In this life, she did not believe in gods and Buddha. To begin this bloody revenge in the Buddhist holy land.
Li An? She slowly lowered her head. Steam rose from the tea, covering her face. Only a sharp glint flashed in her clear eyes and her rosy lips curled up slightly.
Just wait patiently.
Hui Jue's life these few days was exceptionally comfortable.
In order to protect him, Guan Liang Han invited him to stay in the Guan Residence, and even assigned him some bodyguards. Although Hui Jue did not understand, he guessed that the person behind Guan Liang Han and Jiang Ruan was definitely the same person, so he was not too worried. After the incident at the reservoir, his reputation in the capital was extremely high. Many noble families were proud to be able to invite him to their homes. However, Jiang Ruan had instructed someone to send a letter to him, telling him to keep a low profile and to reduce the number of times he appeared in public.
Hui Jue was a little dissatisfied at first, but then he understood that the reason why people respected deities and Buddhas was largely because of their mysteriousness. The more famous Chuchu was, the more mysterious he had to be. Jiang Ruan had said that if one wanted to achieve great things, one must not be greedy for small profits. One must be cautious and prudent, and in the future, one would have great riches and honor.
Now that Hui Jue regarded Jiang Ruan's words as a precious treasure, he would naturally comply. Normally, he would meditate silently in the Guan Residence, and these days, he rarely went out. On this day, he was standing in front of the window wiping the wooden fish when he saw Guan Liang Han chasing a black-clothed youth hurriedly out of the Guan Residence's garden. As he walked, he shouted, "Lao San, why are you using my troops again? No, absolutely not, what do you take my Guan family army for? Motherf * cker! Stop right there! "
Hui Jue adhered to the principle of 'don't look at indecent things, don't listen to indecent things', so he closed the window with a bang.
Outside the door, Xiao Shao finally stopped. Guan Liang Han's stride was too big, and he almost bumped into Xiao Shao. He jumped up and scolded, "Motherf * cker, what's wrong with you? Quickly give me the military seal! "
In Xiao Shao's hand was the Guan family army's military seal. Guan Liang Han reached out to snatch it, but Xiao Shao's body moved to the side. The two exchanged blows several times, but Guan Liang Han was helpless.
He withdrew his hand and said, "Lao San, are you treating my troops as your family's? What are you doing with your three hundred thousand Embroidered Uniform Guards? "
"It's not good for the Embroidered Uniform Guards to appear." Xiao Shao said, "Let me borrow your military seal, I'll return it to you when I'm done."
"That won't do," Guan Liang Han said sternly. "Last time at the reservoir, I took the blame for you. This time, you're going to commit a crime again? If His Majesty blames me, I'm going to f * cking have bad days ahead of me. " Finished speaking, he looked at Xiao Shao and suddenly said, "However, since you and I are fellow disciples, I, as a second brother, have always been very generous. If you tell me what you're going to do today, I'll lend you the military seal. Otherwise, even if you have the military seal, I can think of a way to make it impossible for you to command them. "
"I'm going to borrow your military seal to chase after Li An," Xiao Shao said.
"Li An?" Guan Liang Han said, "You know where he is? Why are you chasing after him? "
Seeing that Xiao Shao did not speak, Guan Liang Han seemed to have thought of something. "Is it a mission that His Majesty gave you?"
Xiao Shao put away the military seal, turned around and left. "Many thanks."
"Hey, I'm not finished yet!" Guan Liang Han said angrily. "Such a big matter, I also want to go. Lao San, wait for me!"
His voice gradually faded into the distance.
That morning, Jiang Ruan woke up very early. The three servant girls had also woken up early. After serving Jiang Ruan a meal, Lian Qiao began to pick out clothes for Jiang Ruan. Bai Zhi said, "Today, we're going to pray for blessings. Let's find something plainer."
Finally, Lian Qiao chose a plain blue patterned rain-silk brocade jacket with a collar and a flapper at the lapel for Jiang Ruan. On the outside, it was a plain blue shawl sprinkled with twining twigs and flowers. She was used to seeing her wear bright red and bright clothes. Wearing such plain clothes, coupled with her indifferent expression when she was not smiling, gave her a cold and plain appearance.
As Lu Zhu combed Jiang Ruan's hair, she said, "Miss, I'm afraid that there will be many dangers today. Why don't you find one or two items for self-defense?"
Jiang Ruan nodded. The hair bun that Lu Zhu had combed for Jiang Ruan was filled with sharp hairpins. The hairpins were long and pointed, and could also be considered a weapon.
Finally, when they left, Bai Zhi thought for a while and took out a dagger from the drawer under the table. The handle of this dagger was inlaid with a layer of silver, and it was decorated with a few pearls. Bai Zhi looked at the somewhat blunt tip of the dagger, but still handed it to Jiang Ruan. "Miss, take it. It's better than not having it."
Jiang Ruan weighed it in her hand and put the dagger into her sleeve. As soon as the four of them left the fu, they saw a carriage parked at the side.
Jiang Dan, Jiang Li, and Jiang Su Su were squeezed into one carriage. Jiang Chao was alone in his carriage, but hers was left alone.
Jiang Ruan looked inquiringly at Xia Yan. Xia Yan said gently, "Ruan 'er, you are the eldest di daughter of the Jiang fu. With so many servant girls by your side, I'm afraid that other carriages will not be able to serve you well. Mother has specially found a carriage for you."
Jiang Ruan looked at the carriage 'specially' found for her. The exterior of the carriage was magnificent. It was even better than Jiang Su Su's carriage, but it looked smaller, just enough for her and her servant girls to sit in.
"Mother's actions really make things difficult for Ruan niang." Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. "We are all sisters in the fu, how can we favor one and discriminate against the other?"
Xia Yan's smile deepened. "Ruan 'er, there is no need to say this. You sisters are all good. It's just that you are the eldest sister now, so naturally, you have to act in a dignified manner. Moreover, we can't find another carriage right now. Let's go first, lest we are delayed and miss the first incense stick. "
Jiang Ruan smiled but did not speak. At this moment, she heard a voice from behind Xia Yan. "Mother worries too much."
Jiang Xin Zhi strode over and stroked Jiang Ruan's head. "Since we are all sisters of the Jiang fu, it is indeed not good to let Ah Ruan sit alone in a carriage. Father has always been benevolent, and the sons and daughters of shu are treated equally with the sons and daughters of the di family."
When Xia Yan heard the words' the sons and daughters of shu are treated equally with the sons and daughters of the di family, 'her face turned green. Before Zhao Mei had died, Jiang Quan had treated Jiang Su Su and her younger sister much better than Jiang Ruan and her younger sister. Now that Jiang Xin Zhi had said this in front of the servants, her heart tightened. When she raised her head to look, Jiang Xin Zhi still had a proper and relaxed expression on his face, without the slightest trace of mockery.
Xia Yan secretly cursed in her heart. Jiang Xin Zhi and his younger sister's mouths were so unforgiving. It really made one wish that they could tear their mouths apart.
"But, we really can't find a carriage right now," Xia Yan said helplessly.
Jiang Xin Zhi smiled. "No matter." He beckoned with his hand, and a few carriages leisurely drove over. They were exactly the same as the one he had 'specially' prepared for Jiang Ruan. There were a total of three carriages. Jiang Xin Zhi said, "I have found a carriage. Younger sisters, please sit in it."
Xia Yan stared blankly and suddenly felt a chill in her heart. She looked at Jiang Xin Zhi's expression. Jiang Xin Zhi's expression did not change. Xia Yan forced a smile and said, "How can I let a child like you spend so much money?"
Jiang Xin Zhi smiled. "Mother, there is no need to be like this. These carriage drivers are all top-notch. They drive the carriage quickly and steadily. Younger sisters, you don't have to endure the bumpy ride and will be able to go and return quickly."
Jiang Ruan also smiled. "Mother, don't decline. Could it be that you don't want to accept Eldest Brother's kind intentions?"
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Xia Yan was rendered speechless by Jiang Ruan's words. Unable to refuse, she could only grit her teeth and agree. Jiang Su Su's face was covered with a veil, so her expression could not be seen. She took the lead and walked towards the carriage at the back. Naturally, Jiang Li was more than happy to not have to sit in the same carriage as Jiang Su Su and Jiang Dan. Jiang Dan bit her lip and timidly glanced at Jiang Xin Zhi. Only then did she slowly dismount.
After the few sisters had sat in the carriage that Jiang Xin Zhi had prepared for them, Jiang Ruan brought Lu Zhu and the others into the carriage. Xia Yan forced herself to maintain a smile. She only heard Jiang Xin Zhi wave his hand and two tall imperial bodyguards appeared out of nowhere. Jiang Xin Zhi said, "Protect the Young Miss well."
The two imperial bodyguards acknowledged the order and complied. Xia Yan stared blankly. "Xin Zhi, you …"
"Ah Ruan and the other sisters are going to such a faraway place by themselves. Second Brother also does not know martial arts. I am afraid that the imperial bodyguards in the fu will not be of much use." Jiang Xin Zhi smiled. "My two brothers are rough men from the army. They have seen blood and have a strong murderous aura. With them protecting Ah Ruan and the others, I can be at ease."
When he said "they have seen blood and have a strong murderous aura," he deliberately slowed down his voice. Xia Yan felt a chill run down her spine and did not dare to raise her head to look at Jiang Xin Zhi's expression.
Jiang Chao sat in the carriage and kept an eye on Jiang Xin Zhi's every move. When he heard Jiang Xin Zhi say that he did not know martial arts and had specially found two imperial bodyguards, he felt extremely insulted. He stared at Jiang Xin Zhi fiercely and cursed him a few hundred times in his heart.
After Jiang Xin Zhi finished giving instructions, Jiang Ruan stuck her head out of the carriage curtain and smiled at him. "Eldest Brother, let's go back."
Jiang Xin Zhi patted her head. His expression was as gentle as ever. "Be careful on the road."
Jiang Ruan smiled and lowered the curtain. When she could no longer see Jiang Xin Zhi, she leaned against the carriage and sighed softly. In a low voice, she said, "I'm sorry, Eldest Brother."
Jiang Su Su saw the actions of the two siblings, and a trace of jealousy flashed in her eyes. Jiang Xin Zhi was now like a god of death in the Jiang fu. His murderous aura was extremely heavy, and no one dared to provoke him for fear of provoking the anger of the soldiers who had returned from the battlefield. Jiang Su Su loathed Jiang Xin Zhi, but in her heart, she was jealous that Jiang Ruan had such an outstanding older brother to protect her. Once upon a time, she had also been protected by Jiang Chao. At that time, Jiang Chao had been riding on the crest of success, and everyone had called him a talented Minister of Justice. Naturally, she had also been incomparably proud. However, now that Jiang Chao had become the laughingstock of the capital, and Jiang Xin Zhi had become the Deputy General, the more he protected Jiang Ruan, the more jealous Jiang Su Su became.
She lowered the curtain heavily. Recalling the words that Xia Yan had said to her yesterday, she could not help but reveal a happy smile under her veil.
So what if Jiang Xin Zhi was outstanding? So what if he protected Jiang Ruan? Today, Jiang Ruan would not be able to escape. Even if there were ten Jiang Xin Zhis, they would not be able to save her.
Jiang Dan looked thoughtfully at Xia Yan and Jiang Xin Zhi. Suddenly, she pulled the curtain of the carriage. The timid expression behind the curtain disappeared, and the corners of her lips slowly curled up.
The carriage trod on the flagstone road that had just been rained, creating shallow splashes of water. Watching Jiang Ruan's carriage depart, Jiang Xin Zhi had no intention of leaving. Xia Yan smiled and asked Jiang Xin Zhi, "Xin Zhi, do you not need to go to the army today?"
"General has official business to attend to today, there is no need for me to go," Jiang Xin Zhi replied.
Xia Yan was anxious and asked, "Then, Xin Zhi, why don't you go to the courtyard and stay there?"
"Today's weather is very good, and I want to stay at the fu's entrance for a while longer," Jiang Xin Zhi smiled, "Mother, is there something you need?"
Now that the sky was gloomy and the rain was incessant, where did the good weather come from? Xia Yan bit her lip and said, "Nothing." Seeing that Jiang Xin Zhi had no intention of going back even after a long time, she became extremely anxious. Gritting her teeth, she turned around and walked back into the house.
After Xia Yan left, Jiang Xin Zhi's expression became solemn. He beckoned two imperial bodyguards over and instructed, "Watch the fu's entrance carefully. If anyone comes out, follow them and knock them unconscious."
The two imperial bodyguards obeyed and left.
Jiang Xin Zhi recalled what Jiang Ruan had told Lu Zhu to tell him last night. She had only said to prepare three identical carriages and find two imperial bodyguards with high martial arts skills to follow them all the way to the Zhao residence.
He did not know what Jiang Ruan wanted to do. If Jiang Ruan really wanted to hide something, as her eldest brother, he could do nothing about it. And Jiang Xin Zhi would not force Jiang Ruan to say something she did not want to say. He trusted his sister.
But for some reason, his eyelids kept twitching today, as if something bad was about to happen. He forcefully suppressed the uneasiness in his heart, mounted his horse, and galloped in the direction of the General fu.
When Xia Yan returned to Yan Hua Yuan, a manservant came over to say that Jiang Xin Zhi had already left. Xia Yan immediately stood up and said anxiously, "Quick, find two people and quickly tell them that the second carriage is Jiang Ruan's. Don't make a mistake."
The manservant hurriedly complied and left. Only then did Xia Yan sit down on the chair and let out a long sigh of relief. Lin Lang handed her a cup of tea. Xia Yan drank a few mouthfuls of tea before she managed to suppress the panic in her heart. Thinking of Jiang Xin Zhi's every move today, she felt somewhat uneasy. She asked Li momo, who was beside her, "momo, do you think they discovered something? Otherwise, why would they suddenly change carriages?"
Li momo comforted her and said, "Furen, don't worry. This old servant thinks that Eldest Young Master is extremely cunning and wants to guard against Furen. But Furen's plan should not be known. Otherwise, why would Eldest Young Miss follow them to Bao Guang Temple and only assign two bodyguards?"
Hearing Li momo's words, Xia Yan calmed down and said, "I also think so. Hmph, he is indeed cunning. But today, that little slut will definitely fall. So what if she is from the army? In the end, there are only two of them. It is no different from a mantis trying to stop a chariot. Speaking of which, this is all Jiang Ruan's own doing. She has formed such a deep hatred with the Li family. Li An is a person who haggles over every cent, how can he easily let her off? "
A cold smile appeared on her beautiful face. "Bao Guang Temple is a long way away. Even if Jiang Xin Zhi receives the news and rushes over, it will be too late."
Just yesterday, she had suddenly received a letter from Li An. In the letter, Li An straightforwardly stated that he wanted to get rid of Jiang Ruan and needed her help. Although Xia Yan was afraid of being associated with a sinful official like Li An, Li An was also an expert at playing with people's hearts. With just a few words, Xia Yan was incessantly tempted. She only wished that she could immediately tear Jiang Ruan into pieces.
Xia Yan had originally intended to play some tricks on the way to Bao Guang Temple to make Jiang Ruan suffer. However, when Li An told her his plan, Xia Yan felt that it was too wonderful for words. Thus, she gave this opportunity to Li An and continued to send the Jiang fu's young ladies to Bao Guang Temple according to the plan. However, the plan was not the original one.
If it succeeded, it would naturally be good. She only needed to wait and reap the benefits. If it failed, it would have nothing to do with her, Xia Yan.
Li An's plan was bold and crazy. However, even if something happened, the sudden appearance of a sinful official would have nothing to do with her. Originally, the plan was foolproof. Who knew that Jiang Xin Zhi would appear midway and change the carriages. With four identical carriages, it was inevitable that Li An's men would recognize the wrong one.
If they were wrong, she could not help but shudder. Immediately after, she comforted herself that it would not happen. The people she sent would quickly be notified. Today, during the trip to Bao Guang Temple, Jiang Ruan was bound to be unable to escape. In the past, it was only because of her good luck that she had managed to escape. But now, what awaited Jiang Ruan at Bao Guang Temple was an inescapable net. Even if there were two imperial bodyguards who were highly skilled in martial arts, it would not matter.
This was because Li An did not bring one or two people, but a group of soldiers.
The real elite soldiers that the Prime Minister's fu had raised outside. The spring rain in the capital seemed to be about to stop. Suddenly, the downpour intensified. The original hope seemed to have been shattered, causing people to be extremely disappointed. The common people prayed to the gods and Buddha all day long, hoping that the heavens would not continue to punish the Great Jin dynasty. However, the heavens did not comply with people's wishes, and the downpour did not lessen.
Xia Yan proposed that the daughters of the Jiang fu go to Bao Guang Temple to pray for blessings. Firstly, every year at this time, the Jiang family would indeed go to Bao Guang Temple to donate some incense money to seek the blessings of Buddha. Secondly, as the most famous temple in the capital, Bao Guang Temple itself was very efficacious, especially the first incense stick. Every year, countless people argued endlessly over the first incense stick. This year, however, because of the rain, there were not as many arguments as in previous years.
When Xia Yan made this request, Jiang Ruan very readily agreed. Lu Zhu nervously said, "Miss, she certainly has bad intentions. Why did Miss agree?"
Bao Guang Temple had high mountains and deep valleys, and there was no lack of dangerous paths along the way. Now that the rain had washed it, it was unbearably muddy, and the journey was so difficult that the originally wealthy families would shrink back at the sight of it. However, Xia Yan had proposed to go to the first incense stick, so it was certainly not that simple.
"It's nothing." Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. "The clamshell is too tight, so naturally, there is no way to start. Now that it has opened on its own initiative, how can I not seize the opportunity?"
Lu Zhu heard that Xia Yan had gone out in the morning and only returned at night. When she returned, her expression seemed a little strange. She went to Su Xin Yuan and spoke with Jiang Su Su for a long time before returning to her room.
"Clamshell?" Lu Zhu stared blankly. "Miss wants to …"
"Tomorrow, you will also go out with me." Jiang Ruan made her come closer and whispered a few instructions. When Lu Zhu heard this, her expression changed a few times. "Miss, you must not, this is too dangerous!"
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained." Jiang Ruan said. "Moreover, this is not something that is completely without certainty."
Lu Zhu bit her lip and finally steeled her heart, saying, "This servant will listen to Miss."
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, and the hot tea in front of her began to emit spirals of green smoke. This was the second time in her life that she had gone to Bao Guang Temple. The first time was five years ago. At that time, she had also wanted to fight for the first incense stick, hoping that Zhao Mei's illness would quickly recover. However, she had not managed to obtain the first incense stick, and Zhao Mei's illness did not get better.
In this life, she did not believe in the gods and Buddha, but insisted on starting this bloody revenge in the holy land of Buddhism.
Li An? She slowly lowered her head. The steam from the tea rose in spirals, covering her face. Only a pair of clear and moist eyes flashed fiercely, and her rosy lips slightly hooked.
Just wait patiently.
These few days, Hui Jue had been exceptionally comfortable.
In order to protect him, Guan Liang Han had invited him to stay in the Guan fu, and had also assigned bodyguards to him. Although Hui Jue did not understand, he guessed that the person behind Guan Liang Han and Jiang Ruan was definitely the same person, so he did not have much to worry about. After the incident at the reservoir, his reputation in the capital was extremely high, and many noble families were proud to be able to invite him to their home. However, Jiang Ruan had instructed someone to send a letter to him, telling him to keep a low profile, and it would be best to reduce the number of times he appeared in public.
At first, Hui Jue was somewhat dissatisfied, but then he understood that people respected the gods and Buddha, to a large extent, because they were mysterious. Nowadays, the more famous he was, the more mysterious he had to be. Jiang Ruan had said that if he wanted to achieve great things, he could not be greedy for small profits. He had to be cautious, and in the future, he would have great riches and honor.
Now that Hui Jue regarded Jiang Ruan's words as a precious treasure, he naturally obeyed. Normally, he would meditate silently in the Guan fu, and these days, he rarely went out. On this day, he was standing in front of the window, wiping the wooden fish, when he saw Guan Liang Han chasing a youth dressed in black outside the Guan fu garden's long corridor. As he walked, he shouted, "Lao San, why are you using my soldiers again? No, absolutely not. What do you take my Guan family army for? Motherf * cker! Stop right there! "
Hui Jue adhered to the principle of 'don't look at indecent things, don't listen to indecent things', so he closed the window with a 'pa' sound.
Outside the door, Xiao Shao finally stopped. Guan Liang Han's stride was too big, and he almost bumped into Xiao Shao. He jumped up and scolded, "Motherf * cker, what's wrong with you? Quickly give me the commander's seal! "
In Xiao Shao's hand was the Guan family army's commander's seal. Guan Liang Han reached out to snatch it, but Xiao Shao's body moved to the side. The two of them exchanged blows a few times, but Guan Liang Han was helpless.
He withdrew his hand and said, "Lao San, are you treating my soldiers as your family's? What are you doing with your three hundred thousand Embroidered Uniform Guards? "
"It's not good for the Embroidered Uniform Guards to appear." Xiao Shao said, "I'll borrow your commander's seal, I'll return it to you after I'm done."
"That won't do," Guan Liang Han sternly said, "Last time, I took the blame for the incident at the reservoir. This time, you want to commit a crime again? If His Majesty blames me, I'll f * cking have bad days ahead of me. " After saying this, he looked at Xiao Shao and suddenly said, "However, since you and I are from the same sect, I, as a second brother, have always been very generous. If you tell me what you are going to do today, I will lend you the commander's seal. Otherwise, even if you take the commander's seal, I can think of a way to make it impossible for you to command them. "
"I'll lend you the soldiers to chase after Li An," Xiao Shao said.
"Li An?" Guan Liang Han said, "Do you know where he is? Why are you chasing after him? "
Seeing that Xiao Shao did not speak, Guan Liang Han seemed to have thought of something, "Is it the mission that His Majesty gave you?"
Xiao Shao put away the commander's seal, turned around and left, "Many thanks."
"Hey, I'm not finished yet!" Guan Liang Han angrily said, "For such a big matter, I also want to go. Lao San, wait for me!"
His voice gradually faded away.
That morning, Jiang Ruan woke up very early, and so did the three servant girls. After serving Jiang Ruan a meal, Lian Qiao began to pick out clothes for Jiang Ruan. Bai Zhi said, "Today we are going to pray for blessings, so let's find something plainer."
In the end, Lian Qiao chose a plain blue patterned raindrops brocade with a collar and a long jacket with a flap of the front, and a plain green shawl with twining twigs and flowers scattered on the outside. Accustomed to seeing her wear bright red and bright clothes, wearing such plain clothes, coupled with her indifferent expression when she was not smiling, gave her a cold and plain appearance.
As Lu Zhu combed Jiang Ruan's hair, she said, "Miss, I'm afraid that there will be many dangers today. Why don't you find one or two items for self-defense?"
Jiang Ruan nodded. The hair bun that Lu Zhu combed for Jiang Ruan was full of sharp hairpins. The hairpins were long and pointed, and could also be considered a weapon.
Finally, when they left, Bai Zhi thought for a moment, then took out a dagger from the drawer under the table. This dagger's handle was inlaid with a layer of silver, and it was decorated with a few pearls. Bai Zhi looked at the somewhat blunt tip of the dagger, but still handed it to Jiang Ruan, "Miss, take it. It's better than not having it."
Jiang Ruan weighed it in her hand, then put the dagger into her sleeve. As soon as the four of them left the fu, they saw a carriage parked at the side.
Jiang Dan, Jiang Li, and Jiang Su Su were squeezed into one carriage. Jiang Chao was alone in his carriage, but hers was left alone.
Jiang Ruan looked inquiringly at Xia Yan, who said gently, "Ruan 'er, you are the eldest di daughter of the Jiang fu, and you have many servant girls with you. If you were placed in another carriage, I'm afraid that they would not be able to serve you well. Mother has specially found a carriage for you."
Jiang Ruan looked at the carriage that had been 'specially' found for her. The exterior of the carriage was magnificent. It was even better than Jiang Su Su's carriage, but it looked a little smaller, just enough for her and her servant girls to sit in.
"Mother's actions really put Ruan niang in a difficult position." Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, "We are all sisters in the fu, how can we favor one and discriminate against the other?"
Xia Yan's smile deepened, "Ruan 'er, why do you say so? You sisters are all good, but now that you are the eldest sister, you naturally have to act in a dignified manner. Moreover, we can't find another carriage right now, so let's go first, lest we are delayed and miss the first incense stick. "
Jiang Ruan smiled but did not speak. At this moment, she heard a voice from behind Xia Yan, "Mother is worrying too much."
Jiang Xin Zhi strode over and stroked Jiang Ruan's head, "Since we are all sisters of the Jiang fu, it is indeed not good to let Ah Ruan sit in a carriage alone. Father has always been benevolent, and the sons and daughters of shu are treated equally with the sons and daughters of the di family."
When Xia Yan heard 'the sons and daughters of shu are treated equally with the sons and daughters of the di family', her face turned green. Even before Zhao Mei had died, Jiang Quan had treated Jiang Su Su and her younger sister much better than Jiang Ruan and her younger sister. Now that Jiang Xin Zhi had said this in front of the servants, her heart tightened. When she raised her head to look, Jiang Xin Zhi still had a proper and relaxed expression on his face, without the slightest trace of ridicule.
Xia Yan secretly cursed in her heart. Jiang Xin Zhi and his younger sister's mouths were so unforgiving, it really made one wish that they could tear their mouths apart.
"But, we really can't find a carriage right now," Xia Yan said helplessly.
Jiang Xin Zhi smiled, "No matter." He waved his hand, and a few carriages leisurely drove over. They were exactly the same as the carriage that had been 'specially' prepared for Jiang Ruan. There were a total of three carriages. Jiang Xin Zhi said, "I have found a carriage. Younger sisters, please sit in it."
Xia Yan stared blankly, and suddenly felt a chill in her heart. She looked at Jiang Xin Zhi's expression, but there was nothing unusual about it. Xia Yan forced a smile and said, "How can I let a child like you spend so much money?"
Jiang Xin Zhi smiled, "Mother, there is no need to be like this. These carriage drivers are all top-notch. They drive the carriage quickly and steadily. Younger sisters, you don't have to endure the bumpy ride, and you can go and return quickly."
Jiang Ruan also smiled, "Mother, don't decline. Could it be that you don't want to accept Eldest Brother's kind intentions?"
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Xia Yan was rendered speechless by Jiang Ruan's words. Unable to refuse, she could only grit her teeth and agree. Jiang Su Su's face was covered with a veil, so her expression could not be seen clearly. She took the lead and walked towards the carriage at the back. Naturally, Jiang Li was more than happy to not have to sit in the same carriage as Jiang Su Su and Jiang Dan. Jiang Dan bit her lip and timidly glanced at Jiang Xin Zhi. Only then did she slowly come down.
Only after the few sisters had sat in the carriage that Jiang Xin Zhi had prepared for them did Jiang Ruan bring Lu Zhu and the others into the carriage. Xia Yan forced herself to maintain a smile on her face. Jiang Xin Zhi waved his hand and two tall imperial bodyguards appeared out of nowhere. Jiang Xin Zhi said, "Protect the Young Miss well."
The two imperial bodyguards acknowledged the order and complied. Xia Yan stared blankly, "Xin Zhi, you …"
"For Ah Ruan and the other sisters to go to such a faraway place alone, and Second Younger Brother doesn't know martial arts, I'm afraid that the imperial bodyguards in the fu won't be of much help." Jiang Xin Zhi smiled, "These two brothers of mine are rough men from the army. They have seen blood and have a strong murderous aura. With them protecting Ah Ruan and the others, I can be at ease."
When he said "they have seen blood and have a strong murderous aura," he deliberately slowed his voice. Xia Yan felt a chill run down her spine, and she did not dare to raise her head to look at Jiang Xin Zhi's expression.
Jiang Chao sat in the carriage and kept an eye on Jiang Xin Zhi's every move. When he heard Jiang Xin Zhi say that he didn't know martial arts and had specially found two imperial bodyguards, he felt extremely insulted. He stared at Jiang Xin Zhi fiercely and cursed him a few hundred times in his heart.
After Jiang Xin Zhi finished giving instructions, Jiang Ruan stuck her head out of the carriage's curtain and smiled at him, "Eldest Brother, let's go back."
Jiang Xin Zhi patted her head, and his expression was as gentle as ever, "Be careful on the road."
Jiang Ruan smiled and lowered the curtain. When she could no longer see Jiang Xin Zhi, she leaned against the carriage and sighed softly, saying in a low voice, "I'm sorry, Eldest Brother."
Jiang Su Su saw the actions of the two siblings, and a trace of jealousy flashed in her eyes. Jiang Xin Zhi was now like a god of death in the Jiang fu. His murderous aura was extremely heavy, and no one dared to provoke him, for fear of provoking the anger of the soldiers who had returned from the battlefield. Jiang Su Su loathed Jiang Xin Zhi, and in her heart, she was jealous that Jiang Ruan had such an outstanding older brother to protect her. Once upon a time, she had also had Jiang Chao's protection. At that time, Jiang Chao had been riding on the crest of success, and everyone had called him the Minister of Justice. Naturally, she had also been incomparably proud. However, now that Jiang Chao had become the laughing stock of the capital, and Jiang Xin Zhi had become the Deputy General, the more he protected Jiang Ruan, the more jealous Jiang Su Su became.
She lowered the curtain heavily, and recalled the words that Xia Yan had said to her yesterday. Under the veil, her face could not help but reveal a happy smile.
So what if Jiang Xin Zhi was outstanding? So what if he protected Jiang Ruan? Today, even if Jiang Ruan had wings, she would not be able to escape. Even if there were ten Jiang Xin Zhis, they would not be able to save her.
Jiang Dan looked thoughtfully at Xia Yan and Jiang Xin Zhi, and suddenly pulled the curtain of the carriage. The timid expression behind the curtain disappeared, and the corners of her lips slowly curled up.
The carriage trod on the stone road that had just been rained, creating shallow splashes of water. Watching Jiang Ruan's carriage depart, Jiang Xin Zhi had no intention of leaving. Xia Yan smiled and asked Jiang Xin Zhi, "Xin Zhi, do you not need to go to the army today?"
"General has official business to attend to today, there is no need for me to go," Jiang Xin Zhi replied.
Xia Yan was anxious and said, "Then Xin Zhi, why don't you go to the courtyard and stay there?"
"Today's weather is very good, and I want to stay at the fu's entrance for a while," Jiang Xin Zhi smiled, "Mother, is there something you need?"
Now that the sky was gloomy and the rain was incessant, where did the good weather come from? Xia Yan bit her lip and said, "Nothing." Seeing that Jiang Xin Zhi had no intention of returning even after a long time, she was extremely anxious. She clenched her teeth, turned around, and walked back into the house.
After Xia Yan left, Jiang Xin Zhi's expression became solemn, and he waved his hand to summon two imperial bodyguards. He instructed, "Watch the fu's entrance carefully. If anyone comes out, follow them and knock them unconscious."
The two imperial bodyguards obeyed and left.
Jiang Xin Zhi recalled what Jiang Ruan had told Lu Zhu to tell him last night. She had only said to prepare three identical carriages and find two imperial bodyguards who were highly skilled in martial arts to follow them all the way to the Zhao residence.
He did not know what Jiang Ruan wanted to do. If Jiang Ruan really wanted to hide something, as the eldest brother, he could not do anything. And Jiang Xin Zhi would not force Jiang Ruan to say something she did not want to say. He trusted his sister.
But for some reason, his eyelids kept twitching today, as if something bad was about to happen. He suppressed the uneasiness in his heart with difficulty, mounted his horse, and galloped in the direction of the General fu.
When Xia Yan returned to Yan Hua Yuan, a manservant came over to say that Jiang Xin Zhi had already left. Xia Yan immediately stood up and said anxiously, "Quick, find two people and quickly tell them that the second carriage is Jiang Ruan's. Don't make a mistake."
The manservant hurriedly complied and left. Only then did Xia Yan sit down on the chair and let out a long sigh of relief. Lin Lang handed her a cup of tea, and Xia Yan drank a few sips before she managed to suppress the panic in her heart. Thinking of Jiang Xin Zhi's every move today, she felt somewhat uneasy. She asked Li momo, who was beside her, "momo, do you think they discovered something? Otherwise, why would they suddenly change carriages?"
Li momo comforted her and said, "Furen, don't worry. This old servant thinks that Eldest Young Master is extremely cunning and wants to guard against Furen. But Furen's plan should not be known. Otherwise, why would Eldest Young Miss follow them to Bao Guang Temple and only assign two bodyguards?"
Hearing Li momo's words, Xia Yan calmed down and said, "I also think so. Hmph, he is indeed cunning. But today, that little slut will definitely fall. So what if she is from the army? In the end, there are only two of them. It is no different from a mantis trying to stop a chariot. Speaking of which, this is all Jiang Ruan's own doing. She has formed such a deep hatred with the Li family. Li An is a person who haggles over every cent. How can he easily let her off? "
A cold smile appeared on her beautiful face. "Bao Guang Temple is a long way away. Even if Jiang Xin Zhi receives the news and rushes over, it will be too late."
Just yesterday, she had suddenly received a letter from Li An. In the letter, Li An straightforwardly stated that he wanted to get rid of Jiang Ruan and needed her help. Although Xia Yan was afraid of being involved with a sinner like Li An, Li An was also an expert at playing with people's hearts. With just a few words, Xia Yan was incessantly tempted. She only wished that she could immediately tear Jiang Ruan into pieces.
Xia Yan had originally intended to play some tricks on the way to Bao Guang Temple to make Jiang Ruan suffer. However, when Li An told her his plan, Xia Yan felt that it was too wonderful for words. Thus, she gave this opportunity to Li An and continued to send the Jiang fu's young ladies to Bao Guang Temple according to the plan. However, the plan was not the original one.
If it succeeded, it would naturally be good. She only needed to wait and reap the benefits. If it did not succeed, it would have nothing to do with her.
Li An's plan was bold and crazy, but even if something happened, the sudden appearance of a sinner would have nothing to do with her. Originally, the plan was foolproof. Who knew that Jiang Xin Zhi would appear midway and change the carriages. With four identical carriages, it was inevitable that Li An's men would recognize the wrong one.
If it was wrong, she could not help but shudder. Immediately after, she comforted herself that it would not happen. The people she had sent would quickly be notified. Today, during the trip to Bao Guang Temple, Jiang Ruan was bound to be unable to escape. In the past, it was only because of her good luck that she had managed to escape. But now, what awaited Jiang Ruan at Bao Guang Temple was an inescapable net. Even if there were two imperial bodyguards who were highly skilled in martial arts, it would not matter.
This was because Li An was not bringing one or two people, but a group of soldiers.
The real elite soldiers that the Prime Minister fu had raised outside.
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