Chapter 72.1 - Shu Xiang’s Fate (Part I)

The tables seemed to have turned.

When Xia Cheng saw that the situation was not good, he immediately responded to the physician angrily, “Quack! How dare you lie to us! “

“No, my Lord.” The physician took a few steps back. He didn’t know what had gone wrong as everything was different from the expected scenario. All of a sudden, he broke out into a cold sweat.

“There’s no need for Old Marquis Xia to get angry. Perhaps, as Eldest Jiang Miss said, this poison had no effect on her.” Even though Xia Cheng had no idea what the Crown Prince meant, it sounded like random nonsense. Nevertheless, beads of cold sweat started to appear on Xia Cheng’s back.

No matter how muddleheaded and incompetent the Crown Prince was- having no talent and devoid of morals- he was after all a member of the royal family. How could he tolerate his subjects playing petty tricks before his very eyes?

At this very moment, Xuan Li’s voice rang out. “Since it’s the quack’s fault, just tie him up immediately. If they’re kept, such quacks will only harm people’s lives in the future.” Then, he ordered his attendants to bind the physician. The physician didn’t foresee this sudden misfortune and shouted, “It’s obviously Old…” However, before he could finish speaking, he was gagged and pinned down.

Jiang Su Su glanced at Xuan Li gratefully. However, a trace of fury crossed Jiang Li’s face. Jiang Ruan smiled, “Your Highness the Eighth Prince, why did you have the physician tied up? This way it’s still unclear whether the pastry was poisonous or not, or whether Ruan niang is guilty or innocent.”

She actually didn’t give Xuan Li a way out of this situation.

On hearing her say this, Xuan Li was disappointed. He thought that the Jiang family’s Eldest Miss was a smart person; when a wise man encounters this kind of situation, he should not continue to look into it.

Did she still think that the people here would grant her justice, especially as the Jiang family’s unfavoured daughter? It was better to settle the matter now, which would save a lot of trouble. Thinking along these lines, he glanced at Jiang Ruan. But he was stunned to see that Jiang Ruan was currently looking his way calmly. There was a kind of indescribable emotion in those beautiful eyes. He had seen that emotion many times. It was unforgettable. Hatred?

Hatred?

How could this Jiang family’s Eldest Miss hate him for no reason? Because he spoke on behalf of the Xia family? Xuan Li paused and then took another look at Jiang Ruan but she had already turned away. It was as if the emotions in her eyes were merely his illusion. But, Xuan Li knew for sure that it was not an illusion. The girl across from him did have an inexplicable hatred for him.

Just then, an indifferent voice suddenly broke the silence. “In that case, Ye Feng, take my official seal and go to see the Great Physician Qiu.” Everyone’s eyes were immediately focused on him, yet Xiao Shao’s expression remained unchanged as he continued, “We’ll bring the truth of this matter to light[1].”

[1] Shuǐluòshíchū ( 水落石出 ) – idiom, as the water recedes, the rocks appear / the truth comes to light

The Xia family couldn’t help but ponder. Did this represent speaking on behalf of Jiang Ruan? It was strange that both Jinying Wang and the Crown Prince came here suddenly today. The Jinying Wang rescued Jiang Su Su aboard the Ling Long Boat. How come he seemed to be an ally of Jiang Ruan now?

Jiang Ruan herself was also baffled. Xiao Shao suddenly helped her. What was his objective?

Xia Jiao Jiao had been looking at Xiao Shao either furtively or deliberately since the moment he came in. When she heard what Xiao Shao had said, her pretty face turned pale. She bit her lower lip tightly, looking like she was about to cry.

Xuan Li glanced at Jiang Su Su who was covered with a veil. Her eyes misted over with tears that wouldn’t fall. It was really pitiful. Looking at the other members of the Xia family, several daughter-in-laws had precisely the same expression as that of Xia Yan. They were panic-stricken- three points due to restlessness while seven points were due to weakness. It was truly unbearable for them.

Jiang Ruan, standing in the middle of the hall, had a completely different expression from them. Her face was wreathed in smiles while her gaze was cold and indifferent. Each movement was incomparably sharp. Unexpectedly, she wanted to put people to death cruelly.

Xuan Li finally started speaking, “Brother Xiao, why should you trouble Great Physician Qiu. It seems to me that the truth in this matter has been revealed. It’s only harm caused by the quack. He misdiagnosed Xia Furen’s illness. The pastries on the table are not poisoned, and Eldest Jiang Miss is also innocent. In the end, it was just a misunderstanding. You’re all one family. Our Emperor Father has taught us from an early age that if the family lives in harmony, all affairs will prosper.”

His words were really fortuitous. Jiang Ruan sneered inwardly. If the family lived in harmony, all affairs would prosper. But whose family was harmonious and whose affairs were prosperous? It had nothing to do with her. With Xuan Li’s words, Xia Cheng breathed a sigh of relief. Next he gave a meaningful glance to Xia Yan, who was momentarily taken by surprise. She then walked up to Jiang Ruan and said, “Ruan’er, it’s my fault. If Mother had been more careful, and not misled by the quack’s words, you wouldn’t have had to suffer this injustice. Now, Mother can only ask for your forgiveness by getting down on my knees.” With that, she bent down and knelt down to Jiang Ruan.

Jiang Ruan moved aside slightly to avoid Xia Yan’s grand ceremonial gesture and spoke with a smile, “Mother is joking.” If she accepted Xia Yan’s kowtow today, the reputation of disrespecting her father’s di wife would spread out in the capital city tomorrow.

She looked at Xia Cheng. “Everyone here is one family. If the family lives in harmony, all affairs will prosper. His Highness Eighth Prince spoke really well. I had no idea; it’s as if Eighth Prince is a member of the Xia family.”

Xuan Li’s expression turned stiff. Jiang Ruan spoke again, “But, it’s a small matter for Ruan niang to suffer a little grievance. On the other hand, Maternal Grandmother’s illness is a big matter. For no apparent reason, how could she lose consciousness after eating a piece of Ruan niang’s pastry? It’s really strange when you think about it. It’s so strange that everything is still unresolved after much deliberation.” She stood in the hall in the same posture and her face was wreathed with smiles. “But today, I would like to thank Wangye (Xiao Shao) for speaking out and giving clarification on behalf of Ruan niang. Otherwise, the quack would be at large and perhaps Ruan niang would have to go to prison. The crime of plotting to murder Maternal Grandmother is not small. Ruan niang couldn’t bear it even if I wanted to risk my life.”

In fact, this matter had nothing to do with Xiao Shao. It’s just that in the roomful of people, she highlighted that only Xiao Shao spoke fairly, which was like slapping everyone in the face. The Crown Prince suddenly laughed. “Eldest Jiang Miss is right. I too feel that this matter wouldn’t happen without any reason. In the imperial court, misjudgments and wrong verdicts also come at a price. From what I see, the young lady of Xia family, two daughter-in-laws, Jiang Furen, as well as Jiang family’s Second Miss and Second Young Master, all denounced Eldest Jiang Miss. Old Marquis Xia is advanced in age, so I’ll let it pass. The rest won’t be spared. Since Eldest Jiang Miss wanted me to make the decision for her, I will do this one thing. Since you have all accused her wrongly, let’s have each one of you take 20 lashings as corporal punishment.”

“What?!” Xia Jiao Jiao cried out. “Your Highness, how can you do this?”

Shen Rou pinched her arm in a hurry and spoke in dismay, “This child is not sensible and only babbling nonsense. Your Highness, please spare her this time.”

“There’s no harm,” the Crown Prince laughed heartily. “Bengong is always benevolent. Go ahead, I am here to watch you all receive the corporal punishment.”

Xia Yan was stupefied while Jiang Chao and Jiang Su Su stared blankly for a while. Xia Cheng got so angry that the flesh on his cheeks trembled slightly. The Crown Prince’s move was like slapping him in the face! He had gone so far as to make all of the Xia family’s womenfolk lie on the stools to be flogged, including the young girls who had not married out yet!

“Your Highness…” Xia Cheng still wanted to plead.

“Wangye!” Xia Jiao Jiao fell on her knees in front of Xiao Shao. “You are kind and generous. Since you have just helped Biaomei, please intercede for us and ask the Crown Prince for mercy. Please help us!”

Jiang Ruan watched her action. In the past, when she was in the palace, Xia Jiao Jiao always appeared tyrannical. She had never seen her in such a mess before. After all, it’s said that a dog threatens others based on its master’s power.

Before everyone’s eyes, Xiao Shao took a step back slowly. His elegantly handsome face remained unmoved, as cold as before. He spoke in an indifferent manner, “What does it have to do with me?” It was pure disdain. He actually showed no pity and tenderness toward the fairer sex at all.

Xia Jiao Jiao turned stiff at his words. Her body started to shiver. She looked at Xiao Shao full of anguish and helplessness. It’s a pity that the waterside flower sheds petals for love, while the heartless brook babbles on[2]. She shed her tears in vain.

[2] Luòhuāyǒuyì, liúshuǐwúqíng ( 落花有意，流水无情 ) – idiom, lit. the falling flowers are yearning for love, but the heartless brook ripples on; fig. one side is willing, yet the other one remains indifferent (usually of unrequited love).

“Are you questioning my decision?” The Crown Prince was displeased.

Xia Jiao Jiao was startled. Jiang Su Su cast a pleading glance at Xuan Li but he looked at her apologetically. In a scenario like this, he couldn’t overtly challenge the Crown Prince.

Jiang Su Su gritted her teeth. “It’s my fault. Su Su voluntarily accepts the punishment and asks Da Jiejie for forgiveness.” After speaking, and without looking at the crowd, she walked straight towards the courtyard.

The Crown Prince waved his hand. “Set up the stool. Bengong will see them receive the punishment in person.”

Jiang Chao and Xia Yan looked at each other. They could only grit their teeth and follow towards the courtyard. Shen Rou and several others were very much unwilling in their hearts. However, seeing Xia Yan obediently step forward, they didn’t dare to refuse.

The young manservant in the courtyard soon found a stool and a wooden club to administer the punishment. The ones tasked for it were the Xia family’s own old female servants. Originally, they wanted to show mercy, but the Crown Prince declared, “If bengong sees anyone not doing the task according to the public duty, immediately, they will be dragged out and chopped up to feed the dogs.” Upon hearing this, the servants promptly dispelled that idea from their minds.

Xia Cheng was angry and distressed. Watching his children and grandchildren being punished in the courtyard, his heart was filled with resentment. All these years, his life was smooth sailing. He didn’t expect that by framing a little girl today they would suffer such a great humiliation.

The Crown Prince stood in the courtyard watching lazily. The old female servants were fat and strong. They struck without mercy. Those on the scene were all delicate-skinned and fair-complexioned daughters of a noble family. They had never received such a heavy punishment. Soon, their cries of utter anguish and continuous shrieks were resounding in the courtyard. Jiang Su Su laid on a stool with unbearable pain on her behind. She was more incensed about the humiliation than the pain. In front of Jiang Ruan and these royal princes and Wangye, she had no prestige left. Like a dead pig, she was tied to the stool and tortured. Right then, she made an oath. If this hatred was not avenged, she vowed, she’s not human!

Jiang Ruan stepped out slowly from the crowd and watched Xia Yan’s punishment. Was it painful? The agony they had inflicted on her was a hundred, even a thousand times worse than that. There was no one to offer help nor plead for her when she painfully struggled at death’s door. Xia family, this pain was just the beginning.

Xuan Li walked up to her and asked, “Eldest Jiang Miss, don’t you think they’re pitiful?”

“Those who are pitiful must have something hateful about them.” Jiang Ruan smiled. “Besides, the order is from His Highness the Crown Prince, Ruan niang is powerless.”

Xuan Li choked. It was almost within reach, but for some unknown reason, there was a weird feeling inside his heart. The Jiang family’s eldest di daughter before him had never shown even an ounce of fear in the face of all kinds of situations today. It seemed that from the beginning till now, she had maintained a gentle and proper smile.

At such a young age, either she was extremely cunning or she had foreseen all the possibilities that might happen today. Was it all within her grasp? Xuan Li immediately negated this idea. A myriad of things in the world were constantly changing. How could anyone control everything? He looked again at the smiling Jiang Ruan and doubted his guess just now.

Jiang Ruan looked at what was happening in front of her calmly. Yesterday, she had ordered Lian Qiao to replace that box of pastries. She naturally understood what Xia Yan had intended. Moreover, the Crown Prince suddenly paying a visit to Old Marquis Xia’s fu today was also her handling.

The Crown Prince had a subordinate who usually pretended to be a story-teller at the Dong Feng Lou. She had heard Xuan Li mention it in her last life. When Xia Yan came to inform her about going to Marquis Xia’s fu, Jiang Ruan told Lu Zhu to go to Dong Feng Lou, pretending to be Xia fu’s servant girl, and mention it inadvertently.

The relationship between Xuan Li and Xia Cheng was a bit subtle. This matter was viewed as very sensitive among the princes. Once the news that Xuan Li was paying a visit to Xia Cheng was leaked, His Highness the Crown Prince would naturally come to the Xia fu to join him. However, she didn’t foresee Xiao Shao’s coming.

As for the current Crown Prince, she had heard a lot about his conduct in her last life inside the palace. The Crown Prince had no political insight, moreover, his mind was not very deep. Early on, the Emperor wanted to change the Crown Prince, but his plan failed due to Xiao Shao’s obstruction. Everyone thought that the Crown Prince was unfavored, but it was this unfavored prince who remained at the end when all the other princes in the palace were disposed of one after another by Xuan Li. It remained unknown whether the Emperor had anything to do with it.

The Crown Prince’s main trait was actually considered to be his biggest shortcoming: his simple-mindedness. Similar to Jiang Ruan, the Crown Prince was a part of the royal family and found himself to be unfavoured in front of everyone. He was supposed to have a profound mind, but in fact he was rather simple-minded and emotional.