Due to Chu Youqi’s presence, Lady He spoke with concern: “Yan’er’s health is delicate; she cannot withstand Jiang Yunxu’s torment.”
“Madam, rest assured, This Prince will protect Yan’er.”
Only after Chu Youqi repeatedly assured her did Lady He feel at ease.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yunxu made her way to the backyard with practiced ease. Along the way, everyone who saw her kept their distance, afraid to provoke her.
Finally, she found Mad Mother in a small woodshed. Seeing Mad Mother sleeping on a pile of straw, Jiang Yunxu’s anger flared up once more.
It seemed that cutting off one of Nanny Lin’s hands was not enough to make Lady He behave.
Mad Mother’s condition appeared worse than before, suffering from severe anemia due to malnutrition. Seizing the moment when no one was watching, Jiang Yunxu took some glucose from Kongjian and fed it to Mad Mother.
“Jiaojiao…” Mad Mother gradually regained some consciousness, grinning at Jiang Yunxu and tugging at her sleeve, murmuring, “It doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t hurt.”
Suppressing her anger, Jiang Yunxu comforted her for a while. Only after confirming that Mad Mother was temporarily out of danger did she leave.
Before departing, she ran into Prime Minister Jiang at the main gate. His sharp gaze still carried a murderous intent as he warned her: “You should know your limits in certain matters!”
“Limits? Like locking my mother in a small woodshed and feeding her pig slop?” Jiang Yunxu retorted with a raised eyebrow. “Even a cornered dog will bite. What limits do I need to observe?”
Hearing this, Prime Minister Jiang’s tone softened: “I will make new arrangements for this matter.”
He never interfered with affairs in the backyard. As for Mad Mother’s situation, he was aware but rarely intervened.
But now, the treatment of Mad Mother had indeed gone too far.
Jiang Yunxu had lost all trust in the Jiang family. Now, she was willing to serve as a weapon in the hands of Emperor Lingzhou and the Empress.
Ignoring Prime Minister Jiang, she turned and left. She headed straight for the Jingzhao Yin’s residence, pulling out some evidence of crimes from her bosom as she walked, reciting aloud: “Yi’an Bo Fu is utterly devoid of conscience, murdering daughters-in-law, abusing legitimate grandchildren, favoring concubines, and committing every evil imaginable.”
The common people quickly gathered around, and the news spread like wildfire, from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred.
“Prime Minister, Third Princess Consort is heading toward the magistrate’s office with evidence of crimes, as if she intends to file a lawsuit against Yi’an Bo Fu,” a servant reported hastily upon receiving the news.
Upon hearing this, Lady Liu slammed the table and stood up from her chair: “That wretched creature, what does she think she’s doing!”
If they had known this would happen, they should have strangled her at birth.
A murderous glint flashed in Prime Minister Jiang’s eyes but was quickly suppressed: “Jiang Yunxu now has the backing of the Empress and has just made an appearance in the palace. We cannot touch her for now.”
To act against her now would be tantamount to openly opposing the Emperor.
Lady He was so furious her chest heaved uncontrollably, gritting her teeth in hatred: “We cannot just let her run wild!”
The Lady of Yian Bo was her own cousin.
“The evidence against the Lady of Yian Bo can no longer be concealed. Stay out of this matter. Additionally, treat the second branch of the family well.”
Prime Minister Jiang spoke calmly. If anyone was to blame, it was the Lady of Yian Bo for being careless and getting caught red-handed.
Faced with Prime Minister Jiang’s icy gaze, Lady He was sufficiently frightened into compliance.
…
In front of the magistrate’s office
Jiang Yunxu made no attempt to conceal her identity. In full view of the crowd, she beat the drum to appeal for justice, publicly exposing and denouncing the Lady of Yian Bo.
Not long after, the Jingzhao Yin arrived upon hearing the commotion. Glancing at the crowd behind her, his eyelids twitched. “Third Princess Consort, if you have something to say, say it properly. Why make such a big scene?”
“These are the evidence of Lady of Yian Bo’s crimes.”
She handed several pieces of evidence to the Jingzhao Yin. “I ask that Your Honor handle the case impartially and promptly arrest the criminal, Lady of Yian Bo.”
From the start, she had never intended to expose Lady of Yian Bo. Who would have thought the Lady would seek out Lady He and cruelly abuse Mad Mother?
How could she tolerate this?
She wanted to see how the ever-capable Prime Minister Jiang would shield Yi’an Bo Fu this time.
Soon, the news reached Yi’an Bo Fu. Upon hearing it, Lady of Yian Bo nearly fainted and couldn’t help cursing under her breath. “That wretch, is she deliberately trying to humiliate me?”
As a dignified Lady of a Bo, she would actually be summoned to the magistrate’s office—how utterly mortifying!
“Just say I’m too ill to get up,” Lady of Yian Bo decided firmly that she would not go. She then turned and sent her personal maid to deliver a message to Lady Liu.
Soon, the maid returned and said, “The Prime Minister’s wife has also fallen ill. An hour ago, Third Princess Consort went to Zaixiangfu and said something, after which the Prime Minister’s wife became ill.”
Lady of Yian Bo’s eyelids twitched, and she felt a sudden sense of foreboding. Even her cousin had fallen ill—was Jiang Yunxu insane?
Anxious and flustered, with the maids at the door urging her again and again, she had no choice but to dress up and go to the magistrate’s office.
Jiang Yunxu watched as Lady of Yian Bo hurriedly arrived. Grinning, she greeted her, and paired with her ugly face, it nearly made Lady of Yian Bo faint from anger.
“Third Princess Consort, you caused a scene at Bo Fu, hitting and making trouble, and I didn’t hold it against you. Now you’re trying to pin this on me—how utterly shameless!”
Jiang Yunxu replied calmly, “You can explain this to the Jingzhao Yin. I believe His Honor will not wrong an innocent person, nor will he let a guilty one go free.”
With so many commoners present, all of whom had seen the evidence, she didn’t believe the Jingzhao Yin could twist the truth this time.
She yawned. “Lady Bo, take your time explaining. Farewell.”
“You!” Lady of Yian Bo felt like tearing her apart right then and there. Swallowing her anger, she went to find the Jingzhao Yin.
From then on, Third Princess Consort Jiang Yunxu not only gained a reputation for ugliness but also became synonymous with fierceness.
Returning to Sanwangfu, Jiang Yunxu first went to see Tuan Ge’er. As expected, Hong Fei was guarding him closely.
Little Tuan Ge’er stared innocently at Jiang Yunxu with wide eyes, then suddenly grinned, called out “Auntie,” and stretched his arms toward her.
“So well-behaved.” Jiang Yunxu let down her guard and pulled him into her arms. How could anyone bear to bully such an adorable child?
After playing with Tuan Ge’er for a while, Hong Qiao walked in, followed by a furious Chu Youqi.
He had just returned from Zaixiangfu when he heard about Third Princess Consort’s fierce reputation—how she had single-handedly thoroughly offended Yi’an Bo Fu.
“Tuan Ge’er, stay with Hong Fei. Auntie will come back later,” Jiang Yunxu coaxed.
Tuan Ge’er nodded and snuggled into Hong Fei’s arms, refusing to come out.
She sighed helplessly—this child was still too timid.
Leaving the room, Jiang Yunxu sat leisurely by the railing. “Your Highness should be grateful that I haven’t settled accounts with you yet.”
The whip wounds on her back still hurt.
“Jiang Yunxu, how could you be so vicious?” Chu Youqi found himself increasingly unable to understand Jiang Yunxu. She had once been so timid and weak—how had she become like this?
Jiang Yunxu sneered and retorted, “In your opinion, should I just let myself be bullied, allow Tuan Ge’er to be abused, watch my mother descend into madness, and accept being beaten to death so Jiang Yan’er can take my place as Wangfei?”
“You!” Chu Youqi was left speechless once more. After collecting his thoughts, he continued, “Looking at your face disgusts This Prince. You’d better cause less trouble, or else…”
Chu Youqi’s gaze shifted toward the interior of the room, his warning unmistakably clear.
Jiang Yunxu sprang to her feet. “Chu Youqi, if you dare lay a hand on that child, I’ll fight you to the death!”
How could there be such a shameless person in this world, threatening a child?
Chu Youqi grabbed Jiang Yunxu’s wrist with a tight grip. “This Prince’s patience has its limits. You’ve repeatedly caused trouble, yet I’ve already married you in accordance with the late emperor’s decree. Don’t push your luck!”
With that, Chu Youqi abruptly released her hand and stormed off, his sleeves flaring.
Jiang Yunxu rubbed her wrist and muttered, “Madman.” Hong Qiao hurried over upon hearing the commotion. “Master, are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
It was just like being bitten by a dog—utterly disgusting.
Meanwhile, at Yulouge…
“Cefei, the current Wangfei is acting like a complete madwoman—reckless and defiant, not even showing respect to Madam.”
Nanny Lin gritted her teeth in anger. She had lost an arm, all thanks to Jiang Yunxu, and she was determined to settle that score sooner or later.
Jiang Yan’er frowned. She had watched this younger sister grow up—timid and cowardly by nature. How had she suddenly become a different person?
“Cefei, could someone be advising Wangfei behind the scenes?” Nanny Lin speculated.
“That possibility can’t be ruled out. Keep a close eye on those maids who know martial arts. Report any movements immediately.”
“Yes.”
Outside, Chu Youqi returned in a rage. Jiang Yan’er immediately put on a gentle expression and approached him softly. “Your Highness, why are you so angry? Perhaps I can offer some advice.”
Facing Jiang Yan’er, Chu Youqi’s anger subsided considerably. He reached out and drew her into his embrace.
“Yan’er, you’ve suffered by staying with This Prince.”
“I haven’t suffered at all,” Jiang Yan’er said, though inwardly she felt anything but content. As the legitimate eldest daughter of Zaixiangfu, she had to settle for being a concubine. It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement—once Jiang Yunxu died, she would be elevated to Wangfei.
But instead, Jiang Yunxu not only survived but also caught the Empress’s favor.
Jiang Yan’er had no intention of remaining a concubine for life.
“Today, when This Prince left Zaixiangfu, your father advised against moving against that wretch for now, to avoid arousing His Majesty’s suspicions. You’ll have to endure a little longer.”
Jiang Yan’er was displeased by this. How much longer would she have to wait?
“I’ll follow Your Highness’s lead,” Jiang Yan’er said softly, nestling into Chu Youqi’s embrace while exchanging a meaningful glance with Nanny Lin.
Nanny Lin quickly added, “Your Highness, Cefei is kind-hearted and tolerant, unwilling to hold grudges, but this servant can’t stand it. Wangfei has gained more people around her, and even in my dreams, I fear being plotted against. What if one day Wangfei goes mad and targets Cefei?”
“She wouldn’t dare!” Chu Youqi roared, recalling how Jiang Yunxu had belittled Yan’er while confronting Lady Liu at Zaixiangfu earlier.
Perhaps she really would try to harm Yan’er.
Chu Youqi grew increasingly uneasy, a flash of ruthlessness crossing his eyes. “Yan’er, rest assured, this prince will spare no effort to protect you.”
“Your Highness…” Jiang Yan’er nodded delicately.
Night deepened.
Occasional cicada chirps drifted through the window. As a breeze brushed past, Hong Qiao rose to close the window but suddenly heard faint movements on the roof.
“There’s someone on the roof.” Jiang Yunxu closed the book in her hand, gently patted Tuan Ge’er’s shoulder, and pricked up her ears. Footsteps sounded again from the eaves.
Soon after, a faint scent of knockout incense wafted into the room. Jiang Yunxu immediately said, “Cover your noses quickly, and put out the lights!”
“Yes.”
After the lights were extinguished, the room fell silent. Jiang Yunxu gripped a silver hairpin, her entire body on high alert.
The sounds of fighting soon broke through the darkness.
Jiang Yunxu held Tuan Ge’er, hiding in a corner. Before she could react, the skirmish had already ended.
The candlelight was relit.
Hong Qiao and Hong Fei stood before her unharmed. Hong Qiao said, “Mistress, just now over a dozen skilled fighters came, and someone was secretly helping us.”
As she finished speaking, Yin Feng in the tree couldn’t help but roll his eyes. He had merely come to deliver a message and encountered an assassination attempt. For the sake of his master’s legs, he was forced to intervene.
With just these few words, Jiang Yunxu deduced that those trying to kill her were either Chu Youqi or Prime Minister Jiang, while the rescuer was undoubtedly Chu Xuanzhi.
Calculating the time, today was the day for Chu Xuanzhi’s dressing change.
After handing Tuan Ge’er over to Hong Fei, Jiang Yunxu draped a coat over her shoulders and stood beneath the corridor. Unfazed by the corpses scattered on the ground, she smiled and said, “Thank you for your assistance. Since you’ve already done a good deed, please see it through and return these bodies to their original owner. Meet me at the back hill in one hour.”
Upon hearing this, Yin Feng rolled his eyes again. He was the chief guard of the Iron Cavalry, not a laborer hired to carry corpses.
But for his master’s sake, he endured it!
Thus, Yin Feng reluctantly made over a dozen trips himself, dumping all the corpses in Chu Youqi’s courtyard, stacking them in a pile right outside the door.
Half an hour later, Yin Feng waited at the back hill.
Jiang Yunxu no longer pretended. This “Xiao Cui” persona simply couldn’t hold up in front of Chu Xuanzhi.
“Third Princess Consort, aren’t you changing your clothes?” Yin Feng couldn’t resist teasing.
Jiang Yunxu raised an eyebrow. Indeed, even a lowly guard recognized her. Chu Xuanzhi must have known all along.
“Treating your master’s injury is urgent. Let’s go quickly.”
Reluctantly, Yin Feng led Jiang Yunxu out through the back door, swiftly driving a carriage toward Xuanwangfu.
Under the night sky, Xuanwangfu was exceptionally quiet, larger than Sanwangfu, its opulence undiminished even by the hazy moonlight.
Upon entering, she indeed saw Chu Xuanzhi sitting on the couch, his face contorted in pain. Jiang Yunxu hurried forward, lifted his pant leg, and was startled to see his leg had turned a bluish-black. She immediately frowned. “What happened? Weren’t you recovering very well just a few days ago?”
Moreover, judging by the color of his leg, it was clearly poisoned!
“During the day, His Majesty sent an Imperial Physician to examine the master. Worried it might be exposed, the master poisoned himself,” Yin Feng explained.
Jiang Yunxu was speechless. This man was truly ruthless.
“And the antidote?”
“The antidote…” Yin Feng was too embarrassed to say. Duke Fan had suddenly paid a visit, startling him so much that he spilled half the antidote.
After hearing the whole story, Jiang Yunxu rolled her eyes. She lowered her head, staring gravely at the leg, which had taken on a sinister purplish-black hue. This man had certainly been heavy-handed.
“Third Princess Consort, please save our master. This subordinate will repay you as your ox or horse in the future.” Yin Feng truly had no other recourse, as the antidote was unique.
Beside him, Chu Xuanzhi stared intently at Jiang Yunxu’s face, noticing that the marks on her face today seemed different from the first time he saw her.
As if recalling something, a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes, only to vanish quickly.
“Third Princess Consort, you have taken a risk by coming here. Name your price.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yunxu frowned and let out a long sigh. “This matter began because of me, so it is only right that I see it through.”
If she had not revealed her medical skills, Emperor Lingzhou would not have sent the Imperial Physician to probe the truth.
Chu Xuanzhi glanced at Jiang Yunxu in surprise, his gaze shifting slightly.