Chapter 77

Chapter 77

It had already been raining for nearly a month, but the relentless pitter patter of rain in Great Jin showed no signs of stopping. Many farms were devastated by the flooding, and in turn the price of rice began to escalate, even for stale rice. In this world, naturally there would not be sufficient provisions for everyone. Other than for the wealthy who were capable of paying premium prices for fresh produce from out of town, the common folk could only watch their provisions dwindle with each passing day; there were even some who weren’t able to even have a meal. People were praying fervently for this bout of spring rain to come to an end, but alas the sky did not fulfil mankind’s desires, and the rain showed no signs of stopping.

Jiang Quan had already settled the matters regarding the private temple and had planned for Jiang Su Su to be taken there in a few days time. Although Xia Yan and Jiang Chao had been trying to dissuade him, Jiang Quan was still determined. Since the Xia family had not interceded for Jiang Su Su because of Xia Jun, this matter was to proceed as planned.

As expected, not long after Old Jiang Madame’s longevity birthday celebration, the capital indeed erupted with an increasing number of rumors and gossip regarding the Jiang Family. One top rumor was that of the false prophecy made by Taoist priest, Xu Kong, who, when she was sent to him as a young child, stated that Jiang Ruan had been born under a cursed star. As a result, Jiang Ruan was sent to the countryside residence and made to suffer five years of unnecessary misfortune. Obviously, within the capital there were some from the upper echelon that were neither blind nor deaf. They were wise and insightful enough to see the subterfuge within all of this. The matter regarding Xia Yan’s reputation as the genteel, virtuous and talented lady now required some reflection. That said, based on Jiang Ruan’s performance the other day, it was evident that her disposition was not to be taken lightly. For a while now, the people of Great Jin were aware that the Jiang Family’s di daughter was not one to be underestimated.

Jiang Ruan was lost in thought whilst sitting by the window looking out at the curtain of rain. The hole in the roof of the house had finally been fixed, and on that day, not just the hole, even their monthly allowance had been restored to its rightful amount. In retrospect, it was probably due to Jiang Quan having lost face in the presence of Gu Furen and so he had warned Xia Yan about it.

Lu Zhu carried a flower pot of fresh China Rose and placed it by the front of the courtyard. She was smiling as she entered the house, “Miss, today this servant heard from others that Xu Kong dao zhang was arrested by the city guards because it was said that he was a conniving charlatan, a liar. Furthermore, it appears that while in prison he has received the board as corporal punishment, and it is said that one of his legs has been crippled.” She seethed as she continued, “He surely deserved it. Who gave him the right to be so ruthless and lacking in conscience, and to even go to the extent of fabricating the lie about the cursed star to vilify my young miss.”

Jiang Ruan declined to comment. That day, there were lots of furens present, and it was inevitable that they would spill the beans on Xu Kong dao zhang. Over the years, Xu Kong dao zhang had not been only of service to Xia Yan’s family, and when the other families who had engaged his services came to know of his deeds, naturally it was bound to stir up anger and hatred. In turn, it was to be expected that a formal lawsuit would be submitted to the constabulary[1].

[1] Xunbufang ( 巡捕房 ) – (old) police station in a foreign concession.

Lian Qiao followed Jiang Ruan’s line of sight and looked out the window. Sighing deeply she lamented, “Don’t know when this rain will stop.” Then in a quiet voice she said, “Miss, now that the capital has a shortage of provision, why don’t we take some of our provisions to sell. We would be able to make tonnes of money[2].”

[2] Pén mǎn bō fān ( 盆满钵翻 ) – literally means pots filled and monks’ earthen alms bowl doubles = tonnes of money.

Jiang Ruan shook her head, and Lu Zhu voiced, “Miss is thinking of waiting it out for a few more days? Who knows when this rain will stop, therefore, the opportune moment is now.”

“Buying those provisions wasn’t meant for resale.” Jiang Ruan smiled.

“Then what’s it for?” Lu Zhu was perplexed.

“To save someone.”

“Save someone.” Lu Zhu deliberated those two words when suddenly her eyes lit up, “Miss is planning to wait a few more days before taking those provisions out to aid the disaster relief, providing for the victims of the disaster, thus saving their lives.”

“You’ve only got half of it right,” Jiang Ruan smiled in reply, “I’m not planning to save their lives.” The ones that she intended to save were the Zhao family.

Lu Zhu’s eyes fluttered but she did not ask any further. After a moment’s thought, she suddenly said, “Miss, this servant heard that the reservoir in the north of the capital is starting to overflow and the Emperor has ordered Eighth Prince to manage the overflow situation. He has also transferred back the Grand Councillor Li fu’s Young Master Li An to go along.” Lu Zhu was a second-rank servant and would naturally get more opportunities to mingle with people from the marketplace and visit the local haunts of the common people. Moreover, she was good at establishing relationships and connections and had the ability to get firsthand information quickly.

“Ah, Li An.” Jiang Ruan smiled and the gleam in her eyes was rather chilling, “Finally, the wait has brought results.”

Li Dong had two sons. Li Yang, who was lustful and a dandy, unwilling to learn martial arts, and a devout follower of the hedonistic lifestyle. Unfortunately, currently Li Yang was handicapped. Undoubtedly Li Dong was not willing to take things lying down, however, he had been biding his time and had not struck out at the Jiang fu yet. This was due most likely to the work of his younger son, Li An. Li An was sinister and cunning, and extremely intelligent. In the past life, Xuan Li had thought rather highly of him, and so at that time his efforts to entice Li Dong were only worth 30 percent for his power and influence, whereas the 70 percent was primarily meant for Li An’s intelligence and wisdom.

Li An was a person who would protect others even when knowing that the other person was wrong, and presently he viewed Li Yang with utmost importance. Jiang Ruan smirked. In her previous life, Xuan Li had told her a secret, a secret concerning Li An. A secret that even Li Yang and Li Dong were not aware of, and this secret would be her biggest bargaining chip.

She said to Lu Zhu, “Tell Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi to come back quickly, and also take out a deck of Ye Zi cards[3].”

“Miss wants to play the Ye Zi cards?” Lu Zhu chuckled, “This servant will go and return with the other two.”

[3] Yezi Pai ( 叶子牌 ) : Leaf card is a kind of card , also called “Niang Niang card”, harmony card, evil talisman card. Its gameplay was called ” Leaf Play ” in ancient times. This ancient gambling game is an important part of China’s traditional culture, a traditional Chinese entertainment project, and a treasure of the Chinese nation . The gameplay and algorithm are the same as Mahjong. More.

* * *

The Grand Councillor’s fu in the capital.

Li Dong was sitting on a soft couch in the middle of the main hall. A beautiful concubine was massaging his shoulders and at his feet, there was another concubine gently pummeling his legs with her fist. Both concubines had scared expressions on their faces, while Li Dong’s disposition was stormy, and his facial expression was fierce, devoid of his usual phoney smiling facade. Given his savage and murderous aura, it was evident that his frame of mind was not good at the moment..

Just then, a boy servant entered, reporting, “Second Young Master has returned.”

From outside the hall walked in a young man who looked to be around 17 or 18 years of age. He was wearing azure coloured jacquard woven silk attire, and around his waist was a yellow tiger patterned belt. His face was handsome and his skin was pale, as if he had not been in the sun for many years, and he had a pair of deep black eyes that was shrouded in gloom.

Upon seeing the young man, Li Dong immediately rose from his seat, “What took you so long!”

“Father.” Li An knitted his brows, “How is Elder Brother now?”

At the mention of Li Yang, a hint of cruelty flashed across Li Dong’s face, “What is there to expect, his life can be considered worthless now. I am determined to see Jiang Su Su buried with him.”

“We can’t act rashly.” Li An shot Li Dong a tumultuous look. Upon hearing him say that, Li Dong retorted in fury, “In your letter to me, you asked me to refrain from taking action against the Jiang fu. What was that all about? Your elder brother is currently bedridden, and yet, we are not able to murder that slut?”

“Does Father really think that the Jiang fu’s Second Miss was responsible for Elder Brother’s predicament ?” Li An queried.

“What do you mean?”

Li An looked at him mockingly, “It is so obvious, yet Father has allowed your rage to cloud your judgement and thus rendered you unable to clearly judge the matter. This whole situation is actually a deliberate provocation of someone, with the sole intent of driving a wedge between the Jiang and the Li families- for only the fisherman will reap the benefit[4].”

[4] Shouyuwengzhili ( 收渔翁之利 ) – Fisherman that reaps the benefit – this is part of a fable-cum-idiom. The fable is known as ‘The Battle of the Sandpiper and Clam.’ While the sandpiper and clam were busy fighting, the fisherman gained a big haul. Their fight allowed the third party to enter and gain the upper hand. The fable tells people to be vigilant against the true enemy in the intricacies of conflict.

“Are they from Fifth Prince’s faction?” Li Dong asked. Currently the courts were trying to gain Xuan Li’s favor, but none at present could surpass the most influential Fifth Prince.

“No.” Li An interrupted him, “While the Jiang fu was the location of the matter, the person who plotted against Elder Brother had most certainly infiltrated the fu. Furthermore, it is very likely that this person is from the Jiang family. I have deliberated and concluded that  Second Jiang Miss is the least likely to plot against Elder Brother. As for the Jiang family’s other daughters, the maternal family of  Third Jiang Miss is closely involved with Jiang Quan’s official career, therefore they would not burn their bridges. So we are left with Eldest and Fourth Miss. Both of their birth mothers are not alive, and in addition, they do not receive Jiang Quan’s affections. So if anyone would be more likely to make things difficult for Jiang Quan, then I’m afraid it would be one of these two. Finally, if we were to look at the outcome after the incident, then the person who benefitted the most would be Eldest Jiang Miss.”

“Are you saying that Eldest Jiang Miss plotted against your elder brother and implicated Second Miss? That slut!” Li Dong’s face contorted.

“Not necessarily, but that is also the reason why I must take a trip to the Jiang fu so that I can personally meet with these two young ladies to verify my suspicions.” A sliver of determination flashed within Li An’s eyes, “To have the nerve to plot against Elder Brother, with such audacity, if you were to be caught by me….” Li An’s lips curled up with an anticipatory smile. His elegant face at that moment looked to be exceptionally insidious, “…a slow torture will be more fun.”

* * *

Jiang Ruan was at the moment playing Ye Zi cards with Lian Qiao and the others, and had successfully won each round. Lu Zhu pursed her lips saying, “Miss always wins. Shouldn’t Miss at least lose one set for us servants to gain some happiness too, or could it be that Miss is trying to swindle us?”

Lian Qiao rapped her head, “What rubbish are you spouting. Just because you aren’t as skillful as others, you have to go and say that Miss is cheating. Don’t you feel ashamed of yourself?”

Jiang Ruan’s brows rose, “Didn’t you learn how to play Ye Zi cards from a young age? Why then would you require others to give you a handicap?”

Lu Zhu’s face flushed red, “Miss is a natural born expert.”

As they were chatting and laughing, a maidservant suddenly appeared at the door saying, “Eldest Miss, Li family’s Second Young Master is in the main hall and would like to meet with you.”

Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi’s expression immediately changed, looking rather anxious as they looked towards Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan didn’t reply but said, “Rather quick to take action.”

“Miss, be careful,” Lu Zhu beseeched earnestly, “Second Young Master Li is shrewd and contriving, and this time, I’m afraid he must have found out something”

“It was done intentionally for him to notice.” Jiang Ruan grinned, “Lian Qiao, Bai Zhi, let’s go.”

The three of them arrived at the main hall, to find that Jiang Su Su and Jiang Dan were already there. At that moment, Jiang Su Su was chatting with the youth. “Second Miss is such a clever person, but to be possessed by a demon and having to enter a private temple certainly makes one feel pity.” Li An said in a somewhat regretful manner.

Jiang Su Su’s beautiful eyes gradually filled up with tears, appearing to be bravely restraining herself while under duress. It took just one glance to notice her woeful disposition. She lamented, “This is all….Su niang’s fate.” This Second Young Master of the Li family was completely different from Eldest Young Master. After the incident, Li Yang had become incapacitated. Thus with the arrival of Li An today, and having him specifically request to meet her, Jiang Su Su’s heart initially felt somewhat apprehensive. However, upon meeting up with Li An, he was very affable, without the slightest trace of reproach. On the contrary, when he had heard that she was going to be sent to the private temple, he gently consoled her. Jiang Su Su’s heart flashed a thread of hate and resentment. This was the match that Xia Yan was going to arrange for Jiang Ruan- this compassionate, handsome and good-looking man. Why was Jiang Ruan always so fortunate!

Jiang Ruan stood at the front of the main hall, so naturally she was able to take in the whole scene of Jiang Su Su’s bashful act. Her heart could not help the momentary flash of contempt racing across it. Jiang Su Su could really be so naive as to think that the person before her was some affable noble young master. This particular young master’s intentions were even more poisonous than the most venomous snake.

From the side, Jiang Dan had all along maintained a jittery and foreboding expression. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw Jiang Ruan arrive and exclaimed, “Da Jiejie!”

In accord, Jiang Su Su and Li An turned towards Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan smiled as she slowly went up to Li An and offered her greetings, “A pleasure to meet you, Second Young Master Li.”

Li An very quickly sized up Jiang Ruan, and smiled in reply, “Eldest Jiang Miss.”

Jiang Ruan took a seat beside Jiang Dan and looked towards Li An, “Second Young Master Li, is anything the matter?” She was not bothered with superfluous words, so she got straight to the point and asked Li An.

Li An’s eyes flashed with a hint of brilliance as he smiled and said, “It’s not really any matter, it’s just that something happened to my elder brother at your esteemed residence….”

“Oh, then how is Eldest Young Master Li?” her voice expressed her concern, but her eyes were serene.

“Not too good.” Li An’s head drooped and he sighed, “On that day, my elder brother was seriously injured.”

“That is most unfortunate,” Jiang Ruan said. Her intonation was simple and monotonous, but unbeknownst to all when Li An heard those words, they evidently became very acerbic, as they seemed to carry with them a taunting snicker.

“What is Eldest Miss’ understanding of this matter?” Li An raised his voice in query.

“It merely was all a misunderstanding,” Jiang Ruan smiled in reply. “Second Younger Sister is young and ignorant, but Ruan niang thinks, your elder brother is not entirely without fault too.” She had cleanly removed herself, very simply making light of the situation.

Alongside, Jiang Su Su listening in was beginning to rage within her heart, “You….” She forced herself to swallow the rest of her words as earlier in the main hall, she had surreptitiously disclosed some information to Li An, pushing the whole debacle towards Jiang Ruan.

“Only a misunderstanding?” Li An smirked, “I am of the thought that this was intentionally set up by someone, yet Eldest Miss perceives it to be a misunderstanding?”

“Ruan niang personally thinks it’s a misunderstanding,” Jiang Ruan smiled lightly, “However if Young Master thinks otherwise, you could go to the Capital Magistrate to request a resolution. If that doesn’t yield results, you could also have the Grand Councillor accuse Father in court and His Majesty will definitely take responsibility and make a decision on your eldest brother’s behalf in indicting my father. Though Ruan niang is from the Jiang family, one can only adhere to the law. Nonetheless, Ruan niang would like to give Young Master a few words of advice. From the onset, with regards to the cause of the matter, your eldest brother has to bear half of the culpability. However, if the Jiang fu has to suffer under the onslaught of investigation, I’m sure the Li family will not remain unscathed either.”

Li An pinned his gaze directly on Jiang Ruan’s eyes. She obviously was aware that if this matter were to be reported to the Capital Magistrate, then the whole of the capital would know that Li Yang had been castrated. Furthermore, should the news that had remained under lock and key accidently leaked out, based on Li Yang’s character, his whole life would suffer under the weight of humiliation. Besides, if that really happened, there would be a big reshuffle with regards to the Grand Councillor’s office. Thus, if the matter couldn’t be brought up to the Capital Magistrate, it was inconceivable for the accusation to be brought before the Emperor. Jiang Ruan might have seemed to be magnanimous, but in actuality, her every suggestion essentially led to a dead end. His interest was suddenly piqued and he asked, “Then in Eldest Miss’ opinion, what would be the best option to resolve the matter?”

“That really depends on what the Grand Councillor would like to do?” Jiang Ruan softly smiled, “Nonetheless, once this matter gets out, the future of the Grand Councillor’s office might have to depend on Second Young Master.” She spoke calmly, but her eyes communicated profound implications.

Li An was momentarily dumbfounded, then suddenly he laughed and clapped, “Interesting, absolutely interesting! Eldest Miss is so witty, it really makes it hard for anyone not to be moved.”

Jiang Su Su’s body stiffened, a sliver of resentment flashing from the depth of her eyes, only to hear Jiang Ruan’s insipid reply, “Previously, Eldest Young Master Li was very moved by Second Younger Sister too.”

Li An switched the topic, “I heard that Eldest Miss’ birth mother was the young lady of General Zhao’s fu, so how is it that this relationship has been cut off?”

Without batting an eyelid, Jiang Ruan replied, “The personal matters of the deceased, as well as all of their issues, have turned to dust. Including that of enemies.”

“That’s not possible,” Li An seemed to be intentionally teasing her, “in a few days, I’ll be going with Eighth Prince to manage the flooding situation in the north; His Majesty has been closely watching the flooding in the capital. Moreover, I heard that Eldest Miss’ biaoge, Zhao Yi daren, is with the capital’s garrison so if he manages to grab hold of this good opportunity, then I’m sure he will gain great meritorious commendations.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ruan’s fingers clenched slightly, however, her face did not reveal an iota of chagrin as she replied, “Even so, that has nothing to do with Ruan niang.”

“General Zhao has spent more than half his life fighting on the battlefield, he must have been bestowed many rewards. At present, the plight of the people within the capital who are lacking in provision and are poverty stricken causes one to worry. Zhao daren’s heart cherishes the people of the land, and should he be able to distribute some food provisions to the victims of the flooding, the commoners will definitely be immensely grateful.”

“Young Master, do consider one’s words.” Jiang Ruan replied indifferently. She was aware that Li An was deliberately provoking her. Even if General Zhao’s fu had mountains of gold and silver, the victims in the capital were just too many. Before long, there would also be an influx of refugees pouring in, therefore there wouldn’t be enough provisions to buy even at a higher price. Furthermore, even if one had mountains of gold and silver to use it would be quickly depleted.

Li An laughed boisterously, “This chat with Eldest Miss has been very beneficial. It is getting rather late and I have to make my way home. I hope that the next time we meet, Eldest Miss will be like today, chatting merrily and with such wit.” Although on his elegant face there was a smile, his deep eyes seemed fathomless with darkness, almost like they were steeped in venomous poison.

Jiang Ruan nodded, “Definitely.”

Without another word, Li An turned and went off. With the turn of his head, the smile on his face came off like a cloak and his expression turned ominously sinister and terrifying. Once he stepped out of the Jiang fu, the young manservant by his side asked, “Young Master, was it the work of Eldest Jiang Miss?”

“Definitely her.” Li An leaped onto the horse. That immature and inexperienced girl had a pair of ambiguous eyes. When confronting his probing and interrogation, she had taken it in stride and had even countered with provocation!

He flicked his whip and the horse neighed and in a blink of an eye sprinted off.

On the street in the capital, naturally it wasn’t just this horse galloping, and as Li An was riding by, another horse happened to brush past his. The other horse was a rare colt with a magnificent and gleaming jet-black coat, and on its back its rider wore a cape and a bamboo hat. He stopped in front of a restaurant in the city centre, handing his horse to a waiter, and entered the establishment.

Arriving at the second level, a maidservant led him towards a private room. He parted the pearl curtains and walked in, and when those seated within the room saw him enter, one of them who sat to the side, eyes lit and he exclaimed, “Second Brother!”

Guan Liang Han was the Great Jin Dynasty’s General-in-chief, heroic and accomplished in battle, and his title of ‘War God’ resounded across the four corners of the land. At this time, he had returned triumphant with his contingent and was returning to court. However, he did not accompany the troops but had instead slipped away and returned on his own. He had always possessed a carefree and unfettered character, and even though the Emperor was aware of it, he often turned a blind eye to his antics. He looked towards the youth who had called out “Second Brother”, and indeed it was Mo Cong.

Mo Cong added, “Second Brother, where is the jackal cub from the northwest you said you’d bring back for me?” He had always wanted to secretly rear that particular breed of jackal in his manor.

“In a few days’ time when the troops return, I’ll have it sent to you,” Guan Liang Han was just slightly past 30 years of age, had a tall stature and was good-looking. However, his face was covered with a beard making him appear like a devil at first glance. “I think you have been immersed in the feminine air within the capital that you’re almost like a woman. Next time, you can come with me to the desert for some training. You’re so skinny that you look like a monkey.”

Mo Cong was disgruntled, “Second Brother, how can that be a good idea? All of your knowledge is about fighting battles, a real waste of your outstanding stature. Moreover, what’s wrong with being skinny? Third Brother is also skinny and he too is doing just as well.”

“Can you even be compared to Third Brother?” Guan Liang Han struck a posture as if he was going to give him a thrashing, “Your Third Brother would crush you with just one finger.”

All this time, Xiao Shao who had been sitting contemplatively to the side, finally lifted his head, “Second Brother.”

“I say Third Brother, do you alway indulge this young lad? It’s been a year, and there has not been an iota of improvement.” Guan Liang Han stated.

When they were younger, they had all come from the same sect. There were a total of eight sect brothers. Guan Liang Han was ranked as second, Xiao Shao was third, Mo Cong was seventh and in eighth position was Xuan Li. At that time, Xuan Li went up the mountain to learn skills, but after learning halfway, something happened. Henceforth, the Sect consequently treated him as if he didn’t exist, and by tacit agreement, everyone had never brought the matter up again. No one outside of their sect knew about their relationship and it was only privately in conversation that they would address each other so.

“How long will you be in the capital this time? Xiao Shao asked.

Being accustomed to Xiao Shao’s glacial character, Guan Liang Han scratched his head, “The northwest has sent some people for a peace negotiation- if there isn’t any trouble or provocation, I should be stationed in the capital for the time being.”

“Ah, Second Brother, then we will have more opportunities to hang out together and have some fun.” Mo Cong exclaimed joyfully.

“Who fricking wants to hang out with you, sissy.” Guan Liang Han had always looked down on Mo Cong’s weak dandy demeanor. Moreover, Mo Cong’s martial arts was the weakest amongst them as he essentially only learned a hair width of skills.

Xiao Shao asked, “Second Brother, I would like to make some enquiries about a person.”

“Who?” Guan Liang Han queried.

“Jiang Xin Zhi,” He inquired, “Do you have such a person under your command? Jiang family’s Eldest Young Master.”

“Jiang family?” Guan Liang Han’s brows creased, “As in the capital’s Jiang Quan, that Jiang family? I don’t know of anyone under my command surnamed Jiang but I can’t say about the junior soldiers. Why are you looking for Eldest Young Master Jiang? Since when do you have any relationship with the Jiang family? Third Brother, don’t blame me for being a nag and giving you the heads up. That Jiang family is one large pool of muddy waters, and they have the Xia family as their backers. You should know what kind of people the Xias are, and their relationship with Eighth Brother is ambiguous and complicated. Eighth Brother is like stinky mud and whoever comes into contact with him will fricking suffer untold misfortune!”

“I have no dealings whatsoever with Xuan Li.” Xiao Shao stated.

“Second Brother, Third Brother was not inquiring for Eighth Prince,” Mo Cong sarcastically retorted, “he is doing this for the Jiang family’s Eldest Miss.”

“What Eldest Jiang Miss?” Guan Liang Han asked, “Doesn’t Jiang Quan only have one di daughter, that gifted young lady or whatever? Third Brother, have you taken a fancy to her? That can’t be, since when has your judgement deteriorated so low?”

Guan Liang Han had not been in the capital for over a year and was completely unaware of matters pertaining to Jiang Ruan. Xiao Shao shot Mo Cong a glacial glare but Mo Cong was unmoved, and touching his nose he continued, “Third Brother, Ye Feng told me all about it. Didn’t you assign him to investigate on Eldest Jiang Miss’ behalf. What’s that all about?” He laughed mischievously at Guan Liang Han, “This Eldest Jiang Miss has only returned to the capital towards the end of last year. Minister Jiang’s late wife gave birth to her. Born with a peerless beauty, it is just that her personality is somewhat shrewish, yet at the same time utterly enigmatic. Her machinations have managed to lead Second Jiang Miss and Jiang Furen around in circles.” After seemingly thinking of yet another thing, Mo Cong suddenly smiled, “I’m afraid even Second Young Master Jiang has also fallen into her ploy.” Mo Cong inherently was intelligent, and with regards to Jiang Chao, he was able to hazard a guess from those minute hints. Hearing Mo Cong’s account, Guan Liang Han’s brows creased, “Based on what you’ve said, isn’t this young lady ruthlessly malevolent and vicious?”

“What kind of a person she is isn’t relevant,” Xiao Shap offhandedly replied. “You really don’t know anyone called Jiang Xin Zhi within your command?”

Guan Liang Han noticed his seriousness, hence he stopped being frivolous and replied, “I don’t know of any Jiang Xin Zhi but I do know of one Zhao Xin Zhi.”

Zhao Xin Zhi? Xiao Shao’s brows rose, “It’s him.” Jiang Xin Zhi naturally loathed the Jiang family, so it’s understandable that he would use his mother’s surname when he enlisted.

“Where is he now?” Xiao Shao asked.

“I’ve entered the capital ahead of the others, so he would be with the troops coming in behind me.” Guan Liang Han explained, “He is my Deputy General, yet you say he is the Eldest Young Master of the Jiang family?”

“Deputy General?” Mo Cong glanced towards Xiao Shao, “Third Brother, Your brother-in-law is pretty good.”

Guan Liang Han and Xiao Shao both regarded Mo Cong as air, ignoring him, then Guan Liang Han said, “One should not underestimate this Zhao Xin Zhi. Over time, he has slowly risen up the ranks from camp cook, showing great accomplishment and step by step he has earned his promotions. When he first joined the military, he was as scrawny as Seventh Brother. One look and you would think he was a scholar and would easily be blown off by a gust of wind. He kept requesting to go to the frontlines but I didn’t approve it. Much later, after observing that his training was not bad, I then took him to battle. He was not afraid of dying, though initially he was apprehensive of killing others, but he soon killed with hardened ruthlessness, losing all the aura of a scholar. I saw him as a man among men. His fighting skills have improved tremendously, furthermore, he has obtained a number of meritorious achievements in combat[1]. As such he was promoted to Deputy General. This time, it was he who took the initiative and requested to accompany me back to the capital.”

[1] Jun gong ( 军功 ) – military merit. The system of military merit (军功爵制) was implemented most thoroughly by the Qin dynasty, although previous dynasties had implemented various forms of this system. With this system, all soldiers regardless of class or background who achieved military merit were able to enter the nobility and enjoy the attendant privileges e.g. land ownership. Military merit was not easy to achieve, as it was awarded according to the number of enemy soldiers felled as weighed against the number of one’s own soldiers killed in battle i.e. if no. of enemy soldiers killed > no. of own soldiers (in one’s unit) dead, then merit was awarded. We are not sure if the military merit system in Rebirth is based on the Qin dynasty system, or has its own variation. More here.

Xiao Shao looked at him and Guan Liang Han continued, “According to what you’ve said with regards to this Eldest Jiang Miss, and should Zhao Xin Zhi be Jiang Xin Zhi, then she ought to be his younger sister. I’ve heard about Zhao Xin Zhi’s younger sister. In the past when I asked him why he was so fearless when he was in battle, his reply was that he needed to obtain many great military achievements in order to advance in his military career so that he could one day protect his sister.” He paused and looked towards Mo Cong saying, “however, when Zhao Xin Zhi spoke to me of his younger sister, she was described as innocent, charming and amiable, gentle and sweet tempered, always being bullied by others. So how did she turn out as you described, a malicious lady?”

Mo Cong spurted out a mouthful of water, and wore a strange expression, “Innocent, charming and amicable? Gentle and sweet tempered? Always being bullied?” He reached out and grabbed Xiao Shao’s arm, “Third Brother, I’m most definitely assured that you’ve got the wrong person. This Zhao Xin Zhi and Jiang Xin Zhi are definitely not the same person. No matter how I look at it, Eldest Jiang Miss in no way would be the one to suffer being bullied. More accurately, it would be best if one wasn’t being bullied by her.”

Xiao Shao brushed his hands off, “What’s your thought about Zhao Xin Zhi?”

Guan Liang Han observed that Xiao Shao’s expression was without humor, so he replied astringently, “If he really is Jiang Quan’s child, even then, he is nothing like Jiang Quan. Regardless of when he looked like a scholar til now as a Deputy General, he is indeed a man among men.”

“Is there anything special about him,” Xiao Shao’s cold vivid eyes conveyed a profound expression, 'such as the gift for prophecy?”

“Prophecy?” Guan Liang Han was stunned, “Third Brother, you’re not sick are you? What’s this talk about prophecy? If he had that ability, then we would be victorious in every battle. Why would they need me then, this general?”

Upon hearing what Xiao Shao said, Mo Cong’s expression shifted, “Third Brother, did you discover something?”

“It’s nothing.” Xiao Shao languidly said, “The emperor has assigned Eighth Brother to manage the flooding situation, and also stuck Li An along.”

“Li An? Why’s he back?” Mo Cong queried. He was totally antagonistic towards Li An. Li An was highly intelligent, but unfortunately his intelligence wasn’t used uprightly. When those noble young masters were younger and had even the slightest association with him, undoubtedly, amongst them could there be found any who successfully managed to escape from being set up by him? Mo Cong was among those, and because he was also rather intelligent, when Li An was younger, he had tripped him up many a time. Furthermore, as Li An grew, his covert and veiled underhanded machinations were honed to perfection. His modus operandi had also become more sinister and malicious.

“What does the Emperor mean by this? Is he favouring Eighth Brother?” Guan Liang Han asked. Should such talk be heard by others, these presumptuous comments concerning the imperial family was reason for beheading, but Guan Liang Han did not care at all. If Xuan Li succeeded in managing the flooding situation, he would gain much recognition. This would not only elevate his standing within the imperial court, but he would also garner the support of the common people. On the other hand, the Crown Prince’s position would imminently become more and more perilous. The thoughts of the person seated on the Jiu Zhong palace’s dragon seat was not something these subjects were able to fathom, moreover, over these past few years, it was getting even more unpredictable. The mirage of what is true and what is false, one is afraid even Xuan Li himself wasn’t able to decipher the emperor’s true motives.

“If he is sincere and acts favourably towards Xuan Li, then the Crown Prince would not have survived till now.” Xiao Shao stated grimly.

“Third Brother, what should we do now?”

“Wait.” Xiao Shao was playing with the dagger as he said indifferently, “It is definitely not by chance that Li An has returned to the city. I would like to see what the Li family is really up to.”