Chapter 117 : A So-Called Compet.i.tion between Two Men

Xiao Shao had just arrived only to chance upon the scene of Liu Min tightly holding onto Jiang Ruan’s hand who had a frown on her face. A hint of displeasure flashed quickly in his heart.

The two opposing people turned their heads and Liu Min was taken aback when he saw Xiao Shao, yet his hand still did not release its hold. Xiao Shao took offense at this and his eyes chilled. Taking big strides, he went up to grasp Liu Min’s hand and physically removed it from Jiang Ruan’s arm.

Xiao Shao was a man who trained in martial arts while Liu Min was unaccustomed to doing physical work[1] and was merely a weak young scholar. Thus, in a short span of time, the spot where Xiao Shao had grabbed hold of his hand began to throb, and his face paled.

[1] 手無縛雞之力 (shǒu wú fù jī zhī lì) – lit. lacking the strength even to truss a chicken (idiom) / fig. weak / unaccustomed to physical work.

“Are you alright?” Xiao Shao turned towards Jiang Ruan and spoke directly to her.

Jiang Ruan shook her head in reply, “It’s nothing, I’m alright.”

“Xiao w.a.n.gye, I was having a conversation with Junzhu!” An indignant Liu Min furiously voiced. Possibly it was because Xiao Shao was infamous within the courts as a known “rebel and a scoundrel”, that as an upright official, Liu Min felt a distinct dislike towards him. Looking at the rather familiar relations.h.i.+p between Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao, his brows knitted tightly into a deeper frown. How could she a.s.sociate herself with such a scoundrel?

Xiao Shao was also sizing Liu Min up. This was the current Emperor’s new upstart, and had become the zhuangyuan in one fell swoop three years ago. Within the imperial court, he had steadily climbed and attained the highest rank as a court official and was now a prominent court official. But, while looking over Liu Min, he couldn’t help feeling a sense of jealousy and dislike. Xiao Shao was well aware that three years ago, Jiang Ruan and Liu Min had exchanged correspondence, and the discussion regarding the question asked in the imperial examination was still vivid in his mind. Aside from the fact that it was still a mystery how Jiang Ruan was privy to the imperial question, even the rationale and reason behind helping Liu Min had baffled and caused the investigating Jinyi guards a great deal of duress[2].

[2] 焦頭爛額 (jiāotóulàn’é) – lit. badly burned about the head (from trying to put out a fire) (idiom) / fig. hard-pressed / under pressure (from a heavy workload, creditors etc).

However, once Liu Min had fought for the position, Jiang Ruan had cut off ties with him. Now, with both of them having their little tug of war within the imperial garden, the look in Liu Min’s eyes s.h.i.+mmered with zealousness and emotions, and gone was the usual detached pedantic scholar disposition.

Xiao Shao arched his brows and stated coolly, “The conversation has now ended.”

The frosty cold glare was sufficient enough to cause Liu Min’s heart to shudder.

Lu Zhu glanced at Liu Min, before glancing back at Xiao Shao. Blinking her eyes, her heart felt that their Miss was indeed popular and in great demand. Both Xiao w.a.n.gye and Grand Tutor Liu were pretty good candidates for the role of guye, however if she had to make a choice, Lu Zhu thought for a bit and decided that Xiao w.a.n.gye was slightly better. That’s because not only was Xiao w.a.n.gye much better looking, he also had an awe inspiring authority about him. Whilst Grand Tutor Liu was also good, he was an intellectual. Wasn’t there a saying, ‘Those that uphold justice often slaughter dogs in the name of righteousness[3]’, and most of these heartless people were usually scholars. Of course, Xiao w.a.n.gye wasn’t of this slaughtering dog generation, but rather he was Great Jin’s most respected and honorable w.a.n.gye.

[3] T/N – This is a derogatory term of scholars as they were meant to uphold justice and righteousness in court but many once they’ve attained positions often turn their backs to uphold justice.

At this point in time, Jiang Ruan did not want to have any involvement with Liu Min because if this was seen by others with ulterior motives, it could easily be used against her. Now that Liu Min was aware that the person corresponding with him had been her, should a need arise in the future, based on this Grand Tutor’s character, she strongly believed that he would not look on without lifting a finger. As her thoughts arrived to this point, Jiang Ruan turned to Liu Min with a smile, “Grand Tutor, if there is nothing else, I still have some matters I wish to discuss with Xiao w.a.n.gye.”

With such familiar undertones in her words, Xiao Shao’s eyes flashed his pleasure while Liu Min’s complexion seemed to turn a shade green. However, he was still an arrogant official, and had never done anything beneath his station nor engaged in any complicated entanglement. Even though his heart was somewhat displeased, at the end of it, he chose to give Jiang Ruan a degree of respect. Still, with a penetrating gaze at Jiang Ruan, he cupped his hand, “Junzhu, till we meet again.”

After saying that, he merely nodded at Xiao Shao before taking his leave.

He had never given Xiao Shao the expected formal greeting, but rather a fellow ranking form of greeting. It would appear that Liu Min had taken to heart and ascertained that Xiao Shao was indeed a scoundrel and utterly not deserving of respect.

Xiao Shao dispa.s.sionately watched Liu Min depart, while Jiang Ruan raised her head to look at him. “How come you’re here?”

Turning back his gaze, he replied, “I heard you’ve encountered Xuan You?””

Jiang Ruan supposed this was due to Tian Zhu’s little report to Xiao Shao, but then again she had no intention to keep it from him. Nodding her head, she said, “Yes.”

Xiao Shao arched his brows. With the kind of person Xuan You was, any known beauties within the palace would have him drooling and l.u.s.ting after them. Jiang Ruan was naturally not too bad looking, so how could Xuan You leave her be.

Jiang Ruan was oblivious to the fact that her remarkably stunning appearance would apparently be casually described as “not too bad looking” in Xiao Shao’s eyes. She would probably sneer if she had known. Moreover, Xiao Shao with his bewitching and suave demeanor was himself so beautiful that most people’s appearance would not even warrant a mention from him.

Xiao Shao asked, “So what’s your plan now?”

“What plan?” Jiang Ruan startled as she looked at him.

“You’ve already reached a marriageable age, not to mention someone who was personally bestowed the Junzhu t.i.tle by the Empress Dowager. Jiang Xin Zhi has also been outstanding and made numerous meritorious contributions. Everyone within the palace has been treating you with eyes like a tiger eyeing its prey and many are trying to make an issue out of your marriage,” Xiao Shao pointed out.

Truthfully it had been as such since the time she had returned to the capital. She had encountered all sorts of people within that short period of time and it seemed like nowadays she had become like a hot cake.

“Did Xiao w.a.n.gye think that I would be moved or tempted?” Jiang Ruan asked. “Just as you have said, those are the type of people that I make every attempt to avoid as I have no thought of getting married.” Marriage- to spend a lifetime with a stranger? In this lifetime, she herself wasn’t sure if she had the confidence to take that step, afraid that she would reprise that miserable calamitous ending of her previous life.

Xiao Shao noted the coldness that swept past Jiang Ruan eyes, and his heart paused slightly. He felt a sudden impulsiveness and asked, “Then, what do you think about me?” Once this idea had sprung out, Xiao Shao felt somewhat baffled at himself. He had always addressed situations in a calm and level headed manner, and typically his personality was indifferent and aloof, with little to no emotion involved. However, unbeknownst to him, at some point his heart had already begun to strangely move towards Jiang Ruan, so he stood there rooted to his spot in a daze like any ordinary young man.

Seeing Xiao Shao in a daze, Jiang Ruan asked, “What about you?”

Xiao Shao collected himself and shook his head, “Nothing.” Then looking at her face, “Did you use the wound medicine?”

Since she had last seen the Empress Dowager, Jiang Ruan had been using the medicated cream that Xiao Shao had given her. That medicated cream was definitely one of those amazing miracle creams. After using it, there was a cool soothing sensation and what’s more, there wasn’t any scar to be seen. Because she was in the presence of Empress Dowager Yi De, she had not applied much, however, even that much was sufficient enough that no scars could be seen.

“I did. It is indeed an effective medicine.” Jiang Ruan smiled.

Xiao Shao pursed his lips, “I’ll send you some more later.” That medication was personally concocted by his master, Teacher Ba Qi. It was so invaluable that it could not be bought even with a thousand pieces of gold, yet it was casually given to Jiang Ruan to apply on her face just for a slap mark. If Teacher Ba Qi were to know of this, Xiao Shao would definitely be scolded for being unfilial and wasting natural resources recklessly.

Jiang Ruan found the atmosphere rather strange and could not help looking up at Xiao Shao. Just at that moment, Xiao Shao too lowered his head to look at her. Her stature could already be said to be rather tall, but still, she was only up to Xiao Shao’s chest. From that point of view, it made her look pet.i.te and adorable. Xiao Shao’s pitch-black eyes shone like stars, and seemed to contain some strange emotions. Jiang Ruan only took one look before looking away as her heart had lost control and seemed to wildly accelerate.

Her heart silently reprimanded: darn bewitching demon. However, she did not realise that Xiao Shao had caught her sudden reaction and that his lips had slightly curved up in a smile.

Lu Zhu was trailing far behind the two of them, her heart rather anxious. Xiao w.a.n.gye was such an enigma and her Miss on the surface was gentle and soft yet she was also lonely and remote, so if both of them wanted to walk together, no one knew how long they would continue to dawdle on. Since she had such a witty and lovely personal maid, she had to come up with some ideas to ensure her Miss’ happiness. Silently, Lu Zhu clenched her fist as her heart made a decision: in a few days she would definitely find an opportunity. Whoever said that cold people could not find a match- she was such a clever servant that she certainly could.

* * *

After several days, Jiang Quan, who had been convalescing and thus absent from the imperial court, finally took a step out of the main doors of the Jiang fu.

Notwithstanding all the sneers that were thrown his way before the start of the court session, even after the session, there were still those who were jeering and badmouthing him. Jiang Quan had always carried himself as an honest and respectable aristocrat, just and uncorrupted, but now to experience a slap in his face- never had he ever been so downtrodden. And now, all he could do on the journey home was to hurry the coachman along.

The carriage rumbled along the street and after a length of time traveling along, it suddenly came to a stop. Jiang Quan thought that he had arrived back at the fu but was rather puzzled that the journey home had been so quick, and so when he lifted the carriage curtains, he was stunned. He wasn’t at the familiar fu but rather in some desolate and wild area.

“Coachman, Coachman!” A fl.u.s.tered and exasperated Jiang Quan bellowed, “Where is this place!”

But even after shouting for some time, no one gave him a reply. Jiang Quan’s heart chilled and he felt a foreboding premonition. He jumped out of the carriage, and realised that the driver of the carriage was not his usual coachman but a totally unfamiliar face.

Jiang Quan fought hard to restrain the fear that was gripping his heart as he sternly asked, “Who are you?”

The man simply sneered and clapped his hands. With only the sound of the wind swis.h.i.+ng past, astonis.h.i.+ngly another person appeared before him. It was a woman.

Both of these people were strangely unfamiliar. Jiang Quan took stock of his surroundings again, and it was so desolate and uninhabited that even if he yelled for help, no one would hear it. He calmed down and asked, “What do you both plan to do? If you are seeking wealth, we can definitely strike a deal.”

“Minister Jiang has spoken flagrantly,” the girl laughed boisterously, “but we aren’t after wealth.”

Not after wealth, so that means they wanted his life. Jiang Quan brows broke out with huge droplets of cold sweat as he was clueless as to whom he could have offended. Putting forth a composed demeanor, he stated, “Let’s calmly talk about it…If you murder an official of the imperial court, this is a serious offense…”

Simultaneously, a sliver of ridicule flashed through both their eyes, as they considered this useless sc.u.m; first, he was unpleasant to the eye, and second, he was utterly a waste of a human being who dared to hit their young mistress. It’s no wonder that Master was so infuriated. Then, a smile surfaced on the man’s face, but before Jiang Quan could speak, he felt both his legs weaken as a small rock hit his knees. He collapsed in a heap.

“Tsk, such weak bones.” Jin Er ridiculed as he looked at the woman beside him, “it’s your turn now.”

Jin San rolled her sleeves ready to get into action as she approached Jiang Quan. Since women were usually more soft-hearted compared to men, Jiang Quan attempted to take advantage of the situation and immediately began to beg for mercy, “Young Lady, Young Lady, have mercy and spare my life. I have silver that I can give to you. Who has sent you to kill me?”

“Why is Minister Jiang so anxious? I’m not here for your life.” Jin San smiled appealingly, “It’s just that, as I look at you I find you rather unpleasant. Just a few days ago, I heard that Minister Jiang struck that di daughter of yours quite heavily just for that furen of yours who made you wear a green hat. We, the Jianghu people, detest evil doings just as much as our enemies, and have all wanted to cry out against the injustice wrought on that young lady.” Seeing that Jiang Quan had yet to react, Jin San’s expression changed, “Let us seek justice for her!”

“Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa!” In swift succession, the sound of ten crisp, loud slaps rang out harshly in the wilderness, a sound that would make one’s ears s.h.i.+ver in fear. After hitting, Jin San blew lightly on her hand, “That was rather painful.”

How could one possibly underestimate the people who had come from the Jinyi Guard. Although Jin San seemed like a weak female, the blows she gave were much heavier than the one that Jiang Quan had given that day to Jiang Ruan. Every blow was struck with great strength and each hit had Jiang Quan seeing stars. In the blink of an eye, he had been hit until he looked as swollen as a pig’s head. Perhaps Jin San had set about it too heavily as her fingernails had scratched across his face enough that there were obvious scratch marks left on Jiang Quan’s face.

Jin San gurgled in laughter, “I slipped.”

Jiang Quan wanted to spit up blood in anger- without rhyme or reason, how could he meet with such a disaster! Honestly, it was Jiang Ruan again; this Jiang Ruan was born to act as an ill-fated restraint against him! Now it was all thanks to Jiang Ruan that he had landed in such a state! How could this be a daughter; she was clearly a foe, a demoness that was demanding repayment from him!

Jiang Quan had always considered Jiang Ruan as a thorn in his side, however, he had never once thought through the things that he had done to her: such as how could a father possibly do such things to his own child? There would always be such people in this world, who were completely unaware of their own mistakes, but felt that others owed them.

After Jin Er and Jin San had vented their anger for Jiang Ruan, they no longer wanted to look at Jiang Quan any longer. Thus, they abandoned him in the wilderness and left without a thought. If Jiang Quan wanted to look for a way to return to the Jiang fu, he would need to exert much effort to do so.

As the two strolled along and chatted, Jin San asked, “Master wanted us to return a tooth for a tooth[4]; isn’t returning the ill deed like this good?”

[4] 以牙還牙 (yǐyáhuányá) – a tooth for a tooth (retaliation); an eye for an eye, an ill deed for another ill deed.

“Not bad, we even gave back much more in return,” Jin Er responded, “with the sincere effort that we’ve put in, in the future we will surely earn much face in front of Young Furen.”

* * *

That day, Jiang Quan, whose face showed ten large palm handprints, eventually drove the carriage back to the Jiang fu himself in full view of the public. In the capital, before the mult.i.tude of stares from the crowd, everyone had a glimpse of this Minister Jiang’s sorrowful figure who had always been known for his unique, scholarly charm. Some people surmised that he had been beaten by a young lady from a pleasure house because that handprint on his face did not seem like that of a male; there were even some scratch marks obviously left by a woman’s nails on him.

In a blink of an eye, all of the minstrel houses[5] were bustling with excitement and this matter of Jiang Quan’s had been woven into a story to be retold at the restaurants by storytellers all day long. Moreover, the audiences were rather a-many and the details were brilliantly varied and marvelous- unexpectedly interesting to the ma.s.ses. In a snap, everyone in the capital came to know of this matter.

[5] 說書 樓(Shuōshū lou) – storytelling houses that were accompanied by music.

It was rather pitiful that on the very morning when Jiang Quan’s feigned illness had finally ended, things had turned out in such a manner by the end of the day. This time, he truly had become bed-ridden, lying in his bed as he handed over a scroll for the Emperor. He self-consciously felt that he no longer had any self-respect left as an older man and whilst he was cursing Jiang Ruan endlessly in his heart, he had also begun to wonder- who would support Jiang Ruan to this degree? To consider those two as figures from the Jianghu was unlikely. So could it be the Empress Dowager? Or perhaps it was someone from the General fu. Rather, regardless of who it was, be it the Empress Dowager or Zhao Guang from the General fu, neither were figures that Jiang Quan could provoke. Thus, he could only temporarily swallow down this ball of anger and inwardly mark it against her in his heart.

* * *

While Jiang Ruan was by the Empress Dowager’s side, Lu Zhu heard the young palace eunuchs speak of this matter one day and after making some inquiries, she did not even partake in a sip of the tea before she returned to inform Jiang Ruan of this news. Lu Zhu naturally felt appeased; they, these personal maid servants of hers, had all been protesting against this unfairness for their mistress.

Jiang Ruan pondered for a bit, although Empress Dowager Yi Di would at times aid her on her behalf, she would not use such means that were beneath her status. Looking at it more closely, this was more the General fu’s style. However, for there to be a woman’s nail marks on his face? Jiang Ruan shook her head and someone’s visage appeared in her mind.

If this was Xiao Shao’s doing, it would make sense. The Jinyi Guard had always done as they pleased and sometimes they would not pay heed to nor care what means they used. Moreover, this method of returning an eye for an eye did seem like their intention was to take revenge against Jiang Quan on her behalf.

* * *

In the Jinying w.a.n.gfu, Jin Yi reported on Jiang Quan’s matter to Xiao Shao. Xiao Shao was currently at his study desk reading a missive that had been sent as fast as possible from South Xinjiang. Without even raising his head, Xiao Shao faintly replied, “That was executed well, go and receive a reward.”

“Master, should we not send word to Junzhu to inform her about this, otherwise, Junzhu won’t know that this was your doing.” Jin Yi pointed this out for his master because the path that his master was taking to chase his wife- how could they possibly allow someone else to unfairly reap the benefit and take credit for their Master’s efforts? Although the Jinyi Guards were never concerned about getting recognition for their achievements, this act was done to receive the heart of a beauty. Therefore, naturally they would do their utmost to politely express their goodwill.

“No need.” Xiao Shao’s gaze remained transfixed on the letter, as he had only done this to teach Jiang Quan a lesson. As for how to handle Jiang Quan further, that was left for Jiang Ruan herself to determine how she would finally deal with him. This was a mere slight effort of the hand[6] for him, and furthermore, he had no intentions of letting Jiang Ruan know what he had done. Be that as it may, it was very likely that Jiang Ruan might very well have already discerned the truth of the matter on her own.

[6] 舉手之勞 (jǔshǒuzhīláo) – lit. the exertion of lifting one’s hand (idiom) / fig. a very slight effort.

* * *

Inside Si Meng Palace, Imperial Consort Chen was drinking wine.

The grape wine that had been transported by sea from Persia as a tribute to the Emperor filled a glittering and translucent white jade cup and emitted a beautiful purple glow, as if it were a fine purple gemstone.

Imperial Consort Chen’s drunken eyes were slightly narrowed, as if she were a little exhausted already. Her body appeared to become increasingly softer, as if it were without bones, and her whole person sunk into the soft couch. She looked as supple as the dreamy waterways of Jiangnan. The corners of her lips were slightly raised, and while her voice was pleasant there was a clear headed coldness in her tone.

“You are saying that after seeing Jiang Ruan and Liu Min together in the imperial garden, Xiao Shao still helped her out of her predicament?” Imperial Consort Chen asked.

The palace maid lowered her head, “Replying to Imperial Consort, yes, it was exactly so.”

With a ‘pa’ sound, the white jade cup filled with good wine was violently thrown onto the ground, causing it to shatter. The fine jade shattered into multiple pieces and radiated a glow that was still as beautiful, just like the tattered expression on Imperial Consort Chen’s face at the moment.

If it was said that Jiang Ruan and Liu Min’s involvment only caused Imperial Consort Chen to be astonished, then after hearing that Xiao Shao had helped Jiang Ruan, Imperial Consort Chen felt as if something was tugging at her heart, making her feel fury and hatred.

If it was said that in the palace, nothing could make Imperial Consort Chen take notice apart from Eighth Prince Xuan Li, then Xiao Shao would be the exception. When Imperial Consort Chen had just entered the palace, the Emperor at that time had already embraced three thousand beautiful women. She was gentle and alluring, and spoke demurely and delicately like a tender flower. Hence, she could scheme to get to her current position. However, in truth, everytime she went near the Emperor, she felt a tinge of disgust.

Xiao Shao was different; he was like a perfect dream in every woman’s heart, clean, aloof, elegant and n.o.ble. Despite Xiao Shao being close in age to Xuan Li, Imperial Consort Chen was not deterred from having those secret and dirty thoughts about him. She did not know when it had started, but only remembered that back then, when she was still a young lady, as a youth Xiao Shao had already been reserved. And now, her graceful bearing was no longer like her former self, while Xiao Shao had grown to become a handsome and charming man that moved people’s hearts incessantly.

If it was possible, she had always thought that just having glimpses of this youth close by was good enough. Xiao Shao had always been someone with a distant and indifferent temperament and had never been involved with any women. Yet, now that she had discovered that Xiao Shao was unexpectedly close to Jiang Ruan, it was like the sound of thunder from a clear sky- so sudden that Imperial Consort Chen found it hard to endure her jealousy and resentment.

It was as if the wishful dreams of her youth were on the verge of collapse. Previously, she only felt that Jiang Ruan was an evenly matched compet.i.tor to be provoked, but now from this moment on, Imperial Consort Chen swore with a firm resolution: this person, Jiang Ruan, if she did not have her eliminated, she would not be able to live with herself!

At this moment, that gentle face had contorted tightly into an expression that could not help but cast fear in one’s heart.