But the one who spoke was the legitimate princess of the royal family, the cherished treasure of the Imperial Noble Consort.
The Imperial Noble Consort’s elder brother was none other than the currently prominent Grand General of the Southern Garrison. If this little ancestor so much as frowned, their family would be stripped of a layer of skin! How could they afford to offend her?
Even though she grieved over her grandson’s unjust death, she dared not show any sign of displeasure that might upset the princess.
She could only swallow her bitterness and force a smile: “Yes, Your Highness, rest assured.”
Jiang Yu watched coldly. Power, it turned out, was the sharpest blade in the world.
In her previous life, they had used their power to oppress her. Now, they too were being crushed by even greater power.
How laughable.
“Your Highness.”
Hearing the voice, the princess turned around, and Jiang Yu followed her gaze.
There stood a tall guard in black in the courtyard.
At his waist hung a long sword, its tassel adorned with a black jade-carved qilin.
That was the unique token of the Xuanyi Guards under the command of the Grand Eunuch Xie Jichen.
“Commander Wei?”
A look of confusion crossed the princess’s face: “Where is Your Excellency?”
Wei Cang: “Your Excellency is feeling unwell and will be staying at the temple for two more days. He has ordered this subordinate to arrange for Your Highness’s return to the capital.”
Wei Cang maintained a serious expression on the outside, but inside, he was filled with bitterness. His Excellency had been drained of his yang essence and was now unable to even get out of bed.
The princess, however, was indifferent. She let out a faint “oh” and glanced at Jiang Yu. Jiang Yu understood and signaled with her eyes for the princess to rest assured.
Only then did the princess leave, surrounded by guards and maids.
Once the princess was gone, the remaining people dared not continue their discussions, fearing they might bring trouble upon themselves. They quickly dispersed as well.
Jiang Wei remained kneeling pitifully on the ground, her expression dazed, tears still clinging to her cheeks. She couldn’t understand what had gone wrong.
She had personally administered the drug and watched as the servants carried Jiang Yu back to the meditation room. It should have been foolproof.
Why would the ever-noble and arrogant Princess Yong’an, who looked down on everyone, vouch for Jiang Yu?
Gu Yanchuan helped Jiang Wei to her feet, his concern unconcealed. He even reached out to wipe away her tears.
“Are you alright?”
Jiang Wei shook her head, feeling somewhat comforted.
Even if Jiang Yu truly had extraordinary means, she still couldn’t win a man’s affection.
Gu Yanchuan’s heart belonged only to her, Jiang Wei.
The two gazed at each other, their eyes filled with tenderness.
The Dowager Lady of Cheng’en Marquis saw this at a glance and frowned deeply.
These two fools!
Every member of the noble families was shrewd. They saw through things but chose not to speak of them.
Now, with the Xue family still present, this was clearly inviting suspicion!
“Yan’chuan!”
The Dowager Lady of Cheng’en Marquis stepped forward and pulled Gu Yanchuan away: “We should also head down the mountain.”
Behind them, Old Madam Xue’s gaze fell upon Gu Yanchuan and the Jiang sisters, her eyes filled with venom.
Jiang Yu watched coldly as the Xue family took Xue Ji’s body away.
The crowd dispersed as if nothing had happened.
Jiang Wei walked over to Jiang Yu and affectionately linked arms with her: “Sister, how do you know Her Highness the Princess? You never mentioned it before.”
Jiang Yu looked at the hand holding her arm, a flicker of disgust flashing in her lowered eyes. When she raised her head again, however, she smiled gently.
She patted Jiang Wei’s hand: “We met by chance yesterday and found we got along very well. Her Highness asked me to accompany her. It happened so suddenly, I didn’t have time… to tell you.”
Jiang Wei’s expression froze for a moment before she said meaningfully: “Sister, someone of Her Highness’s status is not someone commoners like us can associate with. If we accidentally offend her, it could bring great disaster.”
Jiang Wei's expression was sincere. Jiang Yu looked at her calmly, having to admit that she was truly skilled at pretending.
If not for having witnessed her merciless turn of face in her previous life, Jiang Yu would almost believe she was genuinely concerned for her.
She merely smiled, "I know, rest assured. With the Princess's status, I wouldn't dare aspire so high."
As these words were spoken, she saw relief and a barely detectable trace of disdain flash across Jiang Wei's face.
Having already extracted the information she needed, Jiang Wei said she needed to return and pack her things, then left with her attendants.
Jiang Yu watched her figure disappear before slowly turning her head to look at Lan Xiang, who stood frozen by the door.
Lan Xiang's face was deathly pale, clearly frightened out of her wits.
Jiang Yu walked over unhurriedly and patted her shoulder, "Lan Xiang, pack our things. We're leaving the mountain."
Lan Xiang jolted, quickly coming to her senses, "Y-Young Lady, this servant will go pack right away."
She glanced fearfully into the room, hesitating a moment before entering.
Jiang Yu knew why she was so afraid—because it was Lan Xiang herself who had let Xue Ji inside.
She knew that when Xue Ji entered, she herself was still in the room.
Jiang Yu didn't understand; she had treated Lan Xiang well, so why did Lan Xiang hate her so much?
But none of that mattered anymore…
The temple bell tolled, and Jiang Yu suppressed the seething hatred in her heart.
No need to rush, no need to hurry. Take it slow, one by one.
She turned to look at the sky. There was no wind today—truly fine weather.
Before leaving Lingquan Temple, Jiang Yu went to the main hall.
Facing the hall full of deities and buddhas, she did not bow in worship, only coldly gazed up at the statue looking down with lowered eyes upon all living beings.
Suddenly, a small blue bird flew right before her.
Jiang Yu was slightly taken aback. The little bird before her was covered in bluish-blue feathers, like ink spreading in water.
Perched on the offering table, it tilted its head, its pair of dark, bright eyes fixed intently on her.
Finding it adorable, Jiang Yu reached out her hand. The bird didn't flee; instead, it gently sniffed her fingertip, hopped onto her hand, and affectionately nuzzled her palm with its head.
This was the first time Jiang Yu had encountered such a friendly bird, and she found it quite rare.
"Little sparrow, shall I take you home?"
The little bird seemed in high spirits, chirping twice and swaying its body to rub against her palm.
Jiang Yu's heart softened at its nuzzling, and even her gloomy mood improved considerably.
Suddenly, a sharp whistle sounded. The little bird immediately raised its small head and fluttered its wings, flying toward the back of the hall's statue.
Jiang Yu followed and discovered a small path behind the statue leading outside.
Emerging from the path, she found a hidden gem—an exquisite water garden.
Under the garden's corridor lay a reclining chair, upon which a man was resting.
The man was draped in a black sable fur cloak that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Half his face was hidden within the cloak's fine fur, making his skin appear even more snow-white, smooth, and flawless.
The blue bird now stood on his shoulder, affectionately nuzzling the man's face.
Jiang Yu's eyes widened. This person… was yesterday's living corpse.
In the darkness of night with dim lamplight, she hadn't seen clearly, but in daylight, he appeared even more stunningly beautiful. She wondered which family's young master he was; she had attended countless banquets yet had never seen him before.
She couldn't help but walk forward.
Xie Jichen had just taken medicine and was resting. Sensing someone approaching, he abruptly opened his eyes and looked over.
Jiang Yu's steps froze in place, her gaze filled with shock.
He was awake? He wasn't a living corpse after all.
Seeing Jiang Yu, Xie Jichen frowned deeply, "Who are you?"
It seems he didn't recognize her.
Jiang Yu took two steps back. "Just passing by."
Passing by?
The path leading here was filled with traps. Unless guided by the Azure Sparrow, no one could enter.
The Azure Sparrow would not guide strangers—it recognized the aura on this woman.
Xie Jichen's expression darkened. "You're the woman from last night!"
Jiang Yu stiffened and turned to leave.
"Stop!"