Chapter 101 : Rejecting The Marriage

The first to voice out a refusal was actually Empress Dowager Yi De.

Xuan Li, who had yet to say anything, paused for a moment and the warm smile on his face stiffened. Everyone was puzzled, except for Jiang Xin Zhi, who secretly felt relieved. Even the Emperor would not easily refute the words of Empress Dowager Yi De. Even if Imperial Consort Chen was favoured, it wasnt to the point where the Emperor would defy the Empress Dowager for her.

Imperial Consort Chen was usually like a fish in water at the palace, rarely having conflicts with Empress Dowager Yi De, and she was also popular with everyone. The Empress Dowager also wasnt close with any consorts besides the Empress, so her life was peaceful. Nobody would have expected that today, the Great Jin dynastys most respected woman would so ruthlessly go against her in front of hundreds of civil and military officials. If just Empress Dowager Yi De disagreed then forget it, but why would Jiang Ruan refuse?

With a smile on her lips, Imperial Consort Chen re-examined Jiang Ruan. At first glance, Jiang Ruan bore herself well, and didnt seem like a daughter who was unfavoured while growing up. In accordance with Xuan Lis evaluation, she merely appeared to be a person with some smarts. But now it seemed as though not only was she smart, but also very bold. Faced with Imperial Consort Chens smiling eyes, Jiang Ruan returned a warm smile back, courteous and calm. Her eyes contained such a mysterious emotion within that Imperial Consort Chen was stunned for a moment. Shed never seen such an emotion towards herself before.

This was a provocation!

Not only was it a provocation, it was also full of ambition to win.

Empress Dowager Yi Des sudden words had stopped Xiao Shaos action just as he was about to stand.

Mo Cong wondered, Huh, doesnt Old Dowager usually never care about these trivial matters? Could it be that Eldest Jiang Miss is so lovable that it makes even the Empress Dowager treat her differently?

Xiao Shao fell into thought, his pitch black eyes locked onto Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan never did things that were uncertain, thus she must have known that Empress Dowager Yi De would refuse. But how?

Everyone present was equally puzzled, but no one dared to ask. Jiang Ruans eyes were cold. She naturally knew why.

Imperial Consort Chen thought herself to be invulnerable, so she dared to brazenly invite her into the Eighth Prince fu in front of hundreds of civil and military officials. However, today, Jiang Ruan had dressed similarly to Princess Yuan Rong from head to toe. If it was any other topic it would be fine, but they had to bring up marriage. In this situation, how could Empress Dowager Yi De not remember how the princess was forced to marry into a foreign country that year?

She purposefully dragged things out by appearing unwilling yet embarrassed to refuse, just to remind Empress Dowager Yi De of Princess Yuan Rong who sacrificed her happiness for Great Jins current stability. Therefore, it was impossible for Empress Dowager Yi De to feel indifferent to a forced marriage happening right in front of her.

The Empress Dowager would sympathize with her, and at the same time, she would hate Imperial Consort Chen in her heart!

In this way, no matter how much Imperial Consort Chen was favored, after offending such a noble lady in the palace, how could it be possible for her to continue to rise in the same way in the future.

Her (JR) life was so precious that she calculated every second. How could she ever be reconciled with this marriage proposed by Imperial Consort Chen?

Imperial Consort Chen didnt speak a word, instead she just looked at the Emperor with a pair of beautiful eyes covered with a layer of mist, seeming aggrieved and sad. It would cause anyone to feel distressed for her with just a glance.

Indeed, the Emperor asked, Imperial Mother, why would you say this?

Today, aijia wanted to reward Jiang familys eldest daughter. But what Imperial Consort Chen proposes isnt a reward but a robbery, Empress Dowager Yi De lightly replied. With some thorns in her words, she continued, The Jiang familys eldest daughter is Deputy General Jiangs treasure, how could he bear to marry his sister out so early.

Jiang Xin Zhi was a little shocked, but also grateful to the Empress Dowager. Without caring about other things, he first stood and gave a deep salute to her. Many thanks for Empress Dowagers understanding, it is true that this General doesnt wish to leave my sisters side too soon.

Sounds of sighing spread throughout the hall. No matter what Empress Dowager Yi De said, with her status, no one would dare protest. But Jiang Xin Zhi refuted the Emperors most beloved consort when he only recently gained some merit. The siblings were acting so foolishly, it was ridiculous.

Naturally, Xia Yan felt delighted. She only wished that the two would keep offending Imperial Consort Chen until they aroused the Emperors fury and would be punished to death. On the other hand, Jiang Su Su was slightly flushed. When she first heard that Imperial Consort Chen wanted to make Jiang Ruan Eighth Princes consort, she almost fainted. She just couldnt figure out why such a gentle and elegant man would want someone like Jiang Ruan, who was vicious, cruel, and scheming, to be his princess consort. It was only when the Empress Dowager intervened that she slowly came back to herself.

Needless to say, Jiang Li was extremely jealous. She envied Jiang Ruans luck and hated that she didnt have an elder brother who made great contributions to the state. Jiang Dan lowered her head and picked at her fingernails, seeming very nervous.

Zhao Guang had just lowered his heart from his throat when Jiang Xin Zhis words shocked him again.

Guan Liang Han frowned, muttering, This foolish brother! Covering for her like this, others would think she was his daughter.

Even the Emperor showed a hint of displeasure. It was true that Jiang Xin Zhi made achievements, and he also appreciated brave young men like him, but this didnt mean he could tolerate Jiang Xin Zhis disrespect towards an imperial consort. If he didnt respect imperial power, then he couldnt stay in the imperial court no matter how great his talent.

It was in this tense atmosphere that Jiang Ruan watched Jiang Xin Zhi with a smile. No matter what happened, she would always have Jiang Xin Zhi by her side in this life. He would stay with her without reservations even if he had to turn against the entire world. Hed always protect her without hesitation.

When Jiang Xin Zhi saw that Jiang Ruan could still smile, he relaxed a bit.

Upon hearing Empress Dowager Yi Des words, Imperial Consort Chen laughed. Thats true, bengong actually forgot. Its just that, Deputy General Jiang, no matter how much you dote on her, there will be a day in the future when Eldest Jiang Miss will marry out, right? She smiled at Jiang Ruan with a gaze as soft as Jiangnans spring rain and as cold as the morning dew that slowly burrowed into peoples hearts. She said, Eldest Jiang Miss, dont you agree?

Ruan niangs status is low, and cannot compare to His Highness. This one is ashamed. Jiang Ruan lowered her head, and her tone was quite sincere.

Xuan Li didnt believe this act for a moment. How could Jiang Ruan be someone with low self-esteem? He also wondered why such a young girl would always have a hint of hostility towards him. Xuan Li considered himself a warm and sociable person with countless young ladies who admired his gentle jade-like countenance. Jiang Ruan was still young and shouldnt have understood matters between men and women, but then where else could the hostility have come from? He hadnt done anything wrong in front of Jiang Ruan before. Could it be because of Jiang Su Su?

Thinking up to here, he slowly relaxed. If it was just because of Jiang Su Su, then it would be simple to get her trust.

Imperial Consort Chen sighed softly. Child, how is this an arranged match? If it wasnt for Little Eighth to personally request it, why would bengong suddenly bring it up?

Everyone gave a start. It was actually Eighth Prince who brought it up!

Xuan Li restrained his smile, collected himself, and walked to the center of the hall. He was handsome and elegant, with a noble temperament unique to the royal family. With a solemn expression, he knelt before the throne high above. Imperial Father, those truly are my thoughts. When he glanced at Jiang Ruan, his visage softened like the coming of spring. Ever since I saw Eldest Jiang Miss on the Ling Long boat, I was captivated by her splendour, thinking of her daily. I feared that Eldest Jiang Miss would reproach me for this impetuous action of mine, so I begged Consort Mother to request to bestow this marriage on my behalf. I am willing to take Eldest Jiang Miss as my wife, to protect and love her all our lives.

He turned to Jiang Ruan and slowly spoke, word by word: Miss Jiang, are you willing to be my wife?

Such a handsome young man showing off his affections bravely in front of so many officials was attractive enough, not to mention this was the gentle and well-regarded Eighth Prince. Countless young ladies watched on with both love and hate in their hearts. Love for the outstanding young man who wasnt afraid to be affectionate, and hate that they werent lucky enough to be in Jiang Ruans place.

Jiang Su Sus whole body swayed when she heard Eighth Princes words. Her previous joy was instantly replaced by a deep rooted hatred. There was never a moment where she was more jealous of Jiang Ruan than now, jealous to the point of madness! How dare Jiang Ruan steal her identity as Jiang fus eldest di daughter, then steal her beloved? How dare she!

Jiang Ruan looked at Xuan Li indifferently. Since her rebirth, shed avoided him at every turn this was the closest to him shed ever been. It was clear that he didnt speak lightly, and his words were moving and sincere. She thought back to that time in the past, before she travelled against the stream of time, when Ning Shui Valleys peach blossoms bloomed so brilliantly. At that time, she didnt know what to do when Xuan Li stood under a peach tree with a gentle and compassionate smile and said: Ruaner, I truly like you.

I truly like you, how moving it is to hear. He said like, and yet didnt propose marriage. He said he couldnt give her an official status, and she believed him just like that and was even so considerate of his difficulties. In that life, how much did she wish to hear with her own ears for Xuan Li to say: Would you be willing to be my wife?

In order to be his wife, in order to be worthy of his love, she took the place of Jiang Su Su and entered the imperial palaces murderous depths. She was abused, was wronged, was ridiculed, and was finally stomped into pieces in the dust.

How could he not have known? When she was no longer useful and he declared her a demoness who brought ruin, when her haggard self stood in the great hall, he should have remembered that day in Ning Shui Valley, below that peach tree, the words that he spoke: Ruaner, I truly like you.

In this life, she finally heard those words: Are you willing to be my wife? But so what, she no longer wished for them.

Xuan Li quietly watched Jiang Ruan, confident that she would agree. Jiang Ruans mother died early and shed received little favour since then from her father, plus shed lived in a rural village for the past five years. This kind of person would be exceedingly grateful for even tiny fractions of kindness. To move her heart was too easy.

But as he held gazes with Jiang Ruan, his smile gradually faded.

What a pair of eyes. They were clear like a mountain spring, yet as cold as black poppies on a desolate land, the emotions within fierce yet calm. They didnt contain any gratitude nor admiration, or any joy at all. It wasnt love, but hate.

Xuan Li froze. He didnt see wrong, it was hate, the kind of hate that penetrated deep into the bones, the kind where she wanted no less than to devour his flesh and drink his blood. And there was also disgust, as if he was some rotten thing.

His expression slowly stiffened. Why?

Under such intense emotions and that complicated look, Xuan Lis mind became blank and he didnt know what to do next. He even felt a slight fear when facing such a Jiang Ruan.

Why is it like this?

He tried hard to figure it out, but saw the tender girl before him give a cold sneer and say with some sarcasm, I. Am. Not. Willing.

With her chin raised arrogantly, Jiang Ruans tone was courteous yet her expression was like the most noble princess. This subject gives thanks to Your Highness kindness, but doesnt dare accept. Your Highness words are too much for this lowly subject. Saying so, she immediately bowed to the Emperor. May Your Majestys wishes be fulfilled.

No matter how moving Xuan Lis words were, her heart remained like a stone, not budging an inch.

The smile on Imperial Consort Chens face deepened, and a light flashed in her eyes. Unexpectedly, she wasnt angry at all.

Although the Emperor was furious at Jiang Ruans impudence, he couldnt force her to agree in front of all the officials. He waved his hand irritably. In that case, just take it as you not having fate together.

Xuan Lis expression was a little unsightly. He didnt expect that todays perfect plan would fall through just because of a few words from Jiang Ruan. As he looked at her curiously, he really couldnt understand why she would refuse him without even thinking, with such a cold face at that. This kind of deep hate, was it really just because of Jiang Su Su?

Jiang Ruan looked at Xuan Lis expression and sneered silently in her heart. In this life, he still used the same methods as her past life, hoping to buy her heart and use her. Nothing in life was so cheap. Did Xuan Li think that if he condescended to deceive others, they should be grateful?

Mo Cong shook his head, saying regretfully, Eighth Prince is romantic, but its a pity he met the Jiang familys cruel Miss. Hes probably going to get ignored, hey.

Xiao Shao glanced lightly at Jiang Ruan. As a martial artist, his observational abilities had always been good, and he clearly saw that Jiang Ruan looked at Xuan Li not with love but with hate. She despised him. For a moment there it seemed as though she had disappeared for an instant, as if she didnt belong to this world.

Suppressing the thoughts in his heart, Xiao Shao suddenly frowned. Many years of trusting his intuition told him something in the air wasnt right. He lightly pressed the dagger at his waist court officials werent usually allowed to carry weapons to court, but the Emperor personally exempted him from this rule.

Xuan Li gave Jiang Ruan a bow, then retreated to his seat with regret. That dejected appearance made the women present feel profoundly distressed. On the one hand they rejoiced that Jiang Ruan didnt accept Xuan Li, but on the other, they hated her for not being able to distinguish between good or bad, making such a gracious person sad.

Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi just smiled softly. After such a show, the Emperors mood was also quite disturbed, so he waved his hand and ordered, Start the feast.

The serving maids filed in, each holding a tray. The lead palace maid was particularly beautiful and slender, dressed differently from the other maids, and was followed by two more palace maids dressed similarly. The three approached the Emperor. One stood in place, while the other two began to serve wine for the Empress and Empress Dowager.

A maidservant by the Empress took out a silver needle, preparing to dip it in the wine to test for poison. The head palace maid reached over to pour wine, and just as her hand lifted the jug, she suddenly drew a dagger from beneath the white cloth and thrust it towards the Emperors chest.

With a pu sound, there came a strong wind with something mixed in that struck the palace maids dagger aside, preventing the wound from becoming fatal. It turned out to be a golden button.

At practically the same time, Xiao Shao flew up and rushed to the Emperors side. Guan Liang Han froze for a moment then slammed the table as he stood. How could the womenfolk see such a scene? Piercing screams rose one after another. Among the palace maids dressed in pink, several flew up together pulling out soft swords from their waist, and charged towards the Emperor.

Damned Emperor, accept your fate! the women shouted.

They were disguised among the serving maids!

Todays banquet had hundreds of serving maids present. As soon as such a ruckus occurred, things instantly became chaotic. The Emperor received a terrible shock, desperately yelling, Guards! Guards!

Security around the Emperor was so tight that not even a fly could escape, but it was a different story elsewhere. The assassins didnt limit themselves to only aiming for the Emperors life, they slaughtered anyone they could get their hands on. The women and girls had no way to defend themselves, as the assassins target them as well. Endless screams and cries filled the hall, accompanied by the sickening smell of blood. Their cruelty was clear to all.

Jiang Su Su, who had immediately hidden underneath the table, saw a delicate young lady be cut in half right in front of her. Though she was so scared her face turned chalk-white, she was still calmer than Jiang Li who was screaming her head off. Also terrified for her life, Xia Yan, who was also hiding beneath the table, tightly held Jiang Su Su in her arms. The table over them was soon piled up with corpses.

Jiang Dan was also terrified but she neither hid nor screamed like Jiang Li. Amid the chaos, she showed a surprising calmness. After a moment of thought, she picked up her skirt and ran towards the mens section.

No one had expected such a twist. Everyone thought that the assassins would stop after the Emperor was whisked away, but who knew they would go on a rampage and keep killing haphazardly. It was easy for there to be accidents in such a chaotic situation. Jiang Xin Zhi could no longer see Jiang Ruans figure, but as a military officer, he couldnt abandon all the women and children. He could only fight the assassins while desperately searching for her.

The Zhao familys sons also joined the battle. However, the assassins, who were evidently well prepared for the situation, chased after the women and children instead of confronting the men. In addition, the guards and officers present had to take care to not accidentally hurt their families but the assassins had no such qualms, allowing them to behave even more unscrupulously.

Zhao Jin and Wen Fei Fei, coming from military families, faced the situation with a rare calmness. Zhao Jin said, Fei Fei, you take a few sisters out first, Ill go look for Ruan Meimei and Yinger.

Wen Fei Fei hesitated. Can you do it by yourself?

Its fine, Ill be careful. Zhao Jin settled a few girls, then picked up a sword from a slain assassins body. She coincidentally caught sight of Dong Yinger being forced into a corner by an assailant whose sword pointed towards her chest. Zhao Jins heart tightened. She hurriedly threw her sword into that assassins back. The sword was thrown with so much force that the assassin had no chance to dodge and their sword slipped from their grasp. Dong Yinger had long been scared to tears. Seeing Zhao Jin now was like seeing her lifes saviour. Jiner.

Zhao Jin rushed over to help her up. Are you okay?

However, before she could reply, Dong Yingers eyes widened when she looked behind her, causing Zhao Jin to feel strange. She turned to see a fierce face staring at her.

Die!

A silver light flashed. Zhao Jin closed her eyes in despair.

Unexpectedly, her body became light, then she heard the sound of something heavy hitting the floor. When she opened her eyes, her sight was filled with a young man who was holding both her and Dong Yinger. With a longsword in hand, his movements appeared as graceful and smooth like those of a dancer. Zhao Jin had watched her father and elder brothers practice swordplay all her life, but this young man had the most beautiful moves shed ever seen. His features werent as rough as her father or brothers, rather they seemed to belong to an elegant and handsome scholar while carrying a trace of boldness.

Dong Yinger also became dumbfounded, and a blush arose on her cheeks.

Jiang Xin Zhi lowered the two and stationed them in a corner. Stay here, dont move. He waded into battle again without turning back.

Dong Yinger whispered, Whos that?

Zhao Jin shook her head. Dont know. Seeing his silhouette disappear into the hall, a hint of anxiety for him arose in her heart.

In the midst of all of this, Jiang Ruans previous actions were greatly surpassed by the arrival of the assassins. The Emperor was already evacuated but the Empress was still there in the hall, however she had many guards by her side so there was no need to worry. With a turn of her head, Jiang Ruan saw several assassins approaching Empress Dowager Yi De. For some reason, there were quite a few of them working together to attack the Empress Dowager.

Xuan Li had just checked on Imperial Consort Chen when he saw this scene and wanted to run over to help.

Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow. Without a pause, when an assassin was about to stab Empress Dowager Yi De, she exclaimed, Empress Dowager! Her actions were faster than her words. She leapt towards the Empress Dowager and pushed her away, replacing her to face the sword.

Then, she turned to give the stunned Xuan Li a sneer.

See, the show has just begun.