Chapter 213: The Jiang Family Has Such Courage?
Thinking of her own matters, she suddenly felt that the Jiang family members’ true nature was inherently greedy; they could do such things to their own biological daughter and biological younger sister, just like beasts—what else wouldn’t they do?
“I heard the Nameless Daoist say that the Imperial Advisor has a heavenly book in his possession, which originally came from Nameless Valley, but no one knows when it ended up in the Imperial Advisor’s hands. If we can find that book, there might be clues.”
Wei Chang frowned. Jiang Kui was a cautious person who kept only his close servants around and did not fancy women, so…
To sneak into his room and steal something would truly be more difficult than ascending to heaven.
“I’ll arrange this matter, but regarding Jiang Rui, I have another idea.”
“What?”
“Perhaps it’s simply because Jiang Rui knew some unspeakable secrets about Jiang Kui, so he wanted to silence him.”
This wasn’t impossible either.
Jiang Ruanxi said, “But what exactly could it be that made Jiang Kui disregard brotherly bonds?”
Moreover, it even involved Emperor Qin’s imperial harem.
And at such a critical juncture.
Wei Chang shook his head. “I don’t know about this either. Tomorrow is Jiang Rui’s funeral; by reason, we should go to mourn.”
Emperor Qin, to cover up the royal scandal, announced publicly that Jiang Rui had only suffered an old illness recurrence. Thus, Jiang Rui could be buried openly.
However, the Jiang Family knew the truth very well, so even their burial arrangements would be simple.
“Right, did His Majesty discuss any countermeasures with you?” Jiang Ruanxi turned her concern to other matters.
Wei Chang shook his head. “General Jiang is determined to return to the Capital no matter what, and now it’s impossible to stop him. He is gravely injured, and with three sons dying in succession, even if His Majesty wants to block him, he must consider his mood—after all, he still commands a hundred thousand troops. With the border in emergency, provoking the Jiang Family might not be good for the Royal Family.”
A hundred thousand troops.
As expected, the Jiang Family had the capital to be arrogant.
But this time, since General Jiang had returned, she wouldn’t hold back.
“Your Highness, given the Jiang Family’s scheming, General Jiang surely didn’t come back alone; he must have left a backup plan.”
If she remembered correctly, in her previous life, a few months from now, the court would fall into great disorder, and the Jiang Family would send troops to suppress and maintain order in the Capital.
The Lin Family would follow the Jiang Family and establish merit.
Lin Ningkun would completely turn his life around.
Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.
If General Jiang really brought troops back, and yet the court was not in chaos…
It would all be his self-directed act, and his behavior would undoubtedly amount to rebellion.
Wei Chang naturally understood what was going on and was greatly shocked, breaking out in cold sweat down his back. “The Jiang Family has such courage?”
Bringing troops back to the Capital—could it be to avenge his son?
“Your Highness, the Jiang Family even dares to touch women from the imperial harem—what wouldn’t they dare to do?”
Wei Chang thought of what the Jiang Family had done, and his expression turned stern. “The Jiang Family is audaciously bold.”
Worried that this matter might lead to complications, Jiang Ruanxi added, “Your Highness, why not seek out General Xu?”
“Xu Yining?”
Jiang Ruanxi nodded.
“Yes, this man is valiant and skilled in battle, a rare talent. He earned great merits back in Mobei. But later, when the Jiang Family went to the border, he was sent to the southwest frontier. If we can invite him back, the generals in Mobei might not obey only the Jiang family members’ orders.”
Jiang Ruanxi didn’t know what had happened in Mobei back then, but after Xu Yining returned, he never mentioned the Jiang Family, showing he had completely fallen out with them and voluntarily requested to guard the southwest.
As a general commanding troops for years, Jiang Ruanxi believed he still had his own connections in Mobei.
Wei Chang was overjoyed. “Xi Xi, you truly are my lucky star.”
“Your Highness, don’t celebrate too soon. I hear this General Xu has a eccentric temper; even if you step in, you might not be able to persuade him.”
“Xi Xi, don’t worry. I will definitely convince him.”
With Wei Chang’s words, Jiang Ruanxi felt much more at ease.
The next day, Wei Chang took Jiang Ruanxi to the Jiang Family to mourn.
Actually, at first, Jiang Ruanxi had been somewhat worried deep down: if they went directly like this, would it displease Emperor Qin?
After all, what Jiang Rui had done was no good deed.
If not for General Jiang’s return, Jiang Ruanxi thought Emperor Qin might not even bear to give the corpse to the Jiang Family.
However, Wei Chang seemed unconcerned and told her to relax.
“The Jiang Family’s matter is a disgrace to Father Emperor, but since Father Emperor allowed the corpse to be sent back, his intent is to let the matter rest. Although General Jiang is about to return, Father Emperor doesn’t want to bring this into the open. But in the world, is there any wall that doesn’t let wind through?
Although the imperial palace matter can be hidden from some people in the palace, it can’t be hidden from everyone. The officials in the court are shrewd; they’re all observing. Our going there will precisely help quell this suspicion. Father Emperor won’t blame us—he’ll even reward us.”
Jiang Ruanxi thought it over carefully and realized it was indeed the case.
With the Crown Prince attending the funeral, the speculations and rumors in the Imperial City would naturally diminish.
After all, if the Jiang Family had truly done something outrageous, would the Crown Prince go to the Jiang Family?
So, when Wei Chang and Jiang Ruanxi arrived at Jiang Rui’s funeral, the Jiang family members were utterly stunned.
Madam Jiang even thought her eyes were playing tricks on her when she saw Jiang Ruanxi.
However, Madam Jiang was worldly and relatively calm compared to He Sheng; she quickly reacted.
“Greetings, Crown Prince, Crown Princess.”
She naturally understood why her son had died, but she hadn’t expected the Crown Prince to come…
Could it be that Emperor Qin was no longer angry?
No, any man facing such a thing would surely feel uncomfortable deep down.
Emperor Qin’s acquiescence was just to cover people’s eyes and ears.
After all, though publicly it was said that Jiang Rui had suddenly succumbed to a severe illness, the Jiang Rui sent back was a pile of rotten flesh, not even retaining a proper form.
Everyone understood Emperor Qin’s explanation; it was merely the Royal Family’s rhetoric.
This was good too—with the Crown Prince here, someone would see her son off, and he wouldn’t leave too miserably.
“Madam Jiang, please restrain your grief.”
Wei Chang said politely, but those words nearly made Madam Jiang burst into tears.
“Third Young Master Jiang devoted himself tirelessly to our Great Qin; His Majesty, deeply mindful of his merits, specially sent me to see him off.” Wei Chang sighed. “May I see Third Young Master Jiang one last time?”
Madam Jiang was stunned but did not refuse. “The mourning hall is inside; please enter, Crown Prince.”
Wei Chang went in, and Jiang Ruanxi naturally followed.
Lifting the cloth covering the face, Jiang Rui’s whole body was red, his flesh shrunken together like a lump; only the outline of his head was visible, impossible to identify. Jiang Ruanxi felt disgust rising in her stomach and turned her head away.
