To Marry the Elder Brother of One's Late Husband - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Sister-in-law, do you no longer value your life?

The voice was low and chilling, like ice and snow clinging to pine branches in midwinter, making one tremble uncontrollably.

Jiang Shu stood frozen on the spot. She wanted to turn her head to look at Lu Changji, but her neck felt stiff, as if it had seized up and refused to turn.

A woman who was usually steady and composed, she felt panic for the first time. Jiang Shu hesitated, unsure of how to deal with Lu Changji.

Flatly denying everything seemed like the safest bet. If she swore she had never gone to the foot of the hill and had never overheard the conversation between Lu Changji and Cheng Yong, perhaps her chances of survival would be higher.

Yet, even knowing Lu Changji was ruthless and cold-blooded, Jiang Shu did not want to lie to him.

She wanted to take a gamble!

Jiang Shu turned around, raising her eyes to meet Lu Changji’s. Her shimmering eyes held a steady, resolute light: “I heard everything you and Mr. Cheng said.”

That single sentence seemed to sap all her strength. Once spoken, she inconspicuously leaned against a nearby railing, staring at Lu Changji without blinking.

She was waiting for his verdict.

Lu Changji’s expression remained unchanged, still wearing that same refined and elegant mask. The more inscrutable he remained, the more her heart hammered against her ribs.

After an unknown amount of time, Lu Changji’s lips curled slightly. His smile was like the man himself—extremely faint and subtle. It was like winter sunlight: sparse, and because it was so rare, it felt exceptionally precious.

He looked at Jiang Shu and chuckled softly, “You certainly are quite bold.”

In that short sentence, the unease and terror in Jiang Shu’s heart were swept away.

Jiang Shu exhaled a long breath and said candidly, “I wouldn’t dare try to show off my meager skills before you, Uncle.”

He was as wise as a demon and possessed overwhelming power, holding the position of Senior Grand Secretary at a young age. How could she possibly deceive him? Since she was no match for his intellect, her only option was sincerity.

Just as Jiang Shu finished speaking, she heard several voices calling her name from across the lake. It was Zhu’er, leading a search party.

Only then did Jiang Shu realize she had run out wearing only her sleeping robes. In the dead of night, for a younger brother’s wife to be standing alone with her husband’s elder brother while dressed in nightwear—it was a scene that would make anyone’s imagination run wild.

A woman’s reputation was paramount; a single slip could cost one’s life. Jiang Shu didn’t dare linger. She bid Lu Changji a hasty farewell and ran toward the opposite side of the lake.

Her pace was fast, but the man behind her followed like a shadow. Even though it was Lu Changji, Jiang Shu couldn’t help but feel a flicker of annoyance.

She turned back to him and whispered, “Uncle, why are you—”

Before she could finish, Lu Changji held out a white satin shoe embroidered with wisteria flowers.

Only then did Jiang Shu realize she was wearing only one shoe. Her silk sock on the other foot was unprotected, already trampled and filthy from the ground.

Lu Changji knelt before her, took hold of her ankle, and began cleaning the dirt from the bottom of her silk sock.

Standing on one foot, Jiang Shu’s center of gravity was unstable, and her body swayed slightly. She frowned, her hands finding nowhere to rest as she struggled to maintain her balance.

“Hold onto my shoulder.” Amid her hesitation, Lu Changji’s voice sounded in her ear.

Jiang Shu followed suit, resting her hands on his shoulders. They were broad and steady, supporting her firmly.

From years of holding a brush, Lu Changji’s fingertips had a thin layer of callouses. The rough skin brushed against the sole of Jiang Shu’s foot, bringing a slight itch.

Jiang Shu bit her lip, nearly letting out a soft moan. Fortunately, Lu Changji had already cleaned her sock and deftly slid the embroidered shoe onto her foot.

With both feet back on the ground, her heart finally settled. Then, a chilling thought struck her. With a pale face, she asked him: “Where… where did you find this shoe?”

“At the foot of the hill.”

In other words, from the very first moment Lu Changji saw her, he knew she had overheard his conversation with Cheng Yong.

Jiang Shu felt a wave of retrospective fear; cold sweat broke out on her back, and her body began to tremble slightly.

“If… if I hadn’t told the truth, what would you have done to me?” she asked in a trembling voice, looking at him.

Before Lu Changji could speak, Zhu’er’s voice reached them from around the corner. Fearing a misunderstanding, Jiang Shu hurried forward to meet her.

Zhu’er grabbed Jiang Shu’s hand, overjoyed: “Miss, I finally found you! It’s the middle of the night—even if you and the Young Master had a disagreement, you could have dealt with it during the day. Why run into the garden alone? If something dangerous happened, it would be too late for regrets.”

As Zhu’er’s words reached his ears, Lu Changji’s brow furrowed slightly. Everyone in the manor knew that Lu Changyi treated Jiang Shu like a precious pearl, even clashing with Madame Zhao repeatedly to protect her. How could they have had a disagreement?

Jiang Shu was calm and refined, a woman of inner grace; she would never go looking for trouble. Could Lu Changyi really bring himself to mistreat her?

Zhu’er held Jiang Shu’s hand, finding it ice-cold without a hint of warmth. She didn’t think much of it, simply taking off her outer garment and draping it over Jiang Shu’s shoulders.

Tightening the garment around her, Jiang Shu forced a smile and said softly, “I won’t run out like this again.”

When she first married into the Marquis’s manor, though she cared for Lu Changyi diligently, she hadn’t invested a shred of emotion in him, viewing him only as her support. Over time, she had actually forgotten her original intent—she was truly looking for trouble where there was none.

As long as a woman puts a lock on her heart, she becomes invulnerable to all poison.

…

Conflict and Resolve

When they returned to Xinchun Pavilion, the lights in the hall were still burning. Lu Changyi was pacing back and forth, appearing extremely anxious.

Seeing Jiang Shu, he hurried to the door, took her hand, and led her to the bedroom.

The silk quilts were scattered messily on the bed. Seeing the chaotic scene, Lu Changyi’s heart grew even more unsettled.

“Shu’er!” He rubbed his hands together helplessly and whispered, “I was wrong just now. I was lard-brained to think of treating you like that. I… I…”

As the Heir of the Marquis who had been pampered since childhood, he had never apologized to anyone in his twenty-some years. The words of apology that had rolled around in his mind countless times simply refused to come out when it mattered.

She curled her lips into a thin smile and said softly to Lu Changyi, “Let’s never mention this matter again.”

She said “never mention it again”—not “forgiveness,” and certainly not “forgetting.”

Lu Changyi took it to mean she had forgiven him, and his heavy heart immediately felt lighter. He led her back to bed, and just like any other day, they drifted into sleep while talking.

Because of the commotion that night, Jiang Shu was a bit listless the next morning. While she was unenthusiastically sipping a beverage, Fang Yu lifted the curtain and entered the room.

Fang Yu presented an invitation to Jiang Shu, saying warmly, “Second Young Mistress, this is an invitation sent by the Wen family.”

Jiang Shu opened the invitation; it was from Madame Lin. It didn’t specify the reason, only expressing a wish to invite Jiang Shu for a visit.

Jiang Shu surmised that Madame Lin’s invitation must be related to Jiang Ran’s attempt to frame her. After all, when she was set up, the invitation and the carriage truly belonged to the Wen family.

It was better to clear things up. Jiang Shu didn’t refuse; she picked up a brush and replied, saying she would visit in three days.

After replying, she suddenly thought of Jiang Rong. Bringing Jiang Rong to meet Madame Lin first to test the waters would be killing two birds with one stone.

On the appointed day, Jiang Shu first went to the Jiang house to pick up Jiang Rong before heading to the Wen residence.

Jiang Rong rarely left the house. Learning that Jiang Shu was taking her to have tea at the home of the Provincial Governor, she was incredibly nervous and whispered, “I usually don’t go out. Why did Big Sister think of taking me out today?”

Since nothing was set in stone yet, Jiang Shu didn’t want to pressure her. She said warmly, “You can’t hide in the back courtyard forever. Being overly cautious isn’t the way; you need to learn to interact with people sooner.”

Realizing her sister was taking her out to see the world, Jiang Rong felt apprehensive but knew Jiang Shu had her best interests at heart. Though she was timid, she didn’t want to be a wet blanket. She puffed out her small chest and said, “Don’t worry, Sister. I will definitely listen and learn more, and not let your kind intentions go to waste.”

While they spoke, the carriage arrived at the Wen residence. Seeing the carriage from the Xinyang Marquis Manor, the gatekeeper quickly opened the gates and led Jiang Shu to the inner courtyard.

As soon as they entered, Madame Wen came out to meet them. Madame Wen had snow-white skin and a slender figure, exuding a strong scholarly air.

Madame Wen first saw the radiant Jiang Shu, and then her gaze moved to Jiang Rong. She found the young girl’s features elegant and her demeanor quiet and peaceful, like a lily blooming in solitude—very likeable.

After some pleasantries with Jiang Shu, Madame Wen turned her gaze to Jiang Rong and said with a smile, “This young lady looks unfamiliar; I haven’t seen her before.”

Hearing the inquiry, Jiang Shu replied happily, “This is my younger sister. She just turned fifteen this year. Because she was young, I never brought her out before.”

Madame Wen was a meticulous person. Since she wanted to associate with Jiang Shu, she wouldn’t do so blindly; she had already researched Jiang Shu’s family background and character.

Knowing how selfish and harsh Jiang Shu’s stepmother was, Jiang Rong likely hadn’t stayed home because she was “young,” but because her legal mother had deliberately suppressed her, not wanting her to see the world.

Madame Wen had a compassionate heart. She didn’t look down on Jiang Ran for her timidity but rather felt pity for her. This child was clearly charming, but she had been born into the wrong family, only getting to socialize at fifteen—truly pitiful.

Madame Wen took off a twisted gold bracelet from her own wrist and slid it onto Jiang Rong’s, saying with a smile, “You are around the same age as my daughter, but you are much more sensible than she is.”

“If you have time in the future, come to my house to play. As the saying goes, ‘stay near the cinnabar and you will turn red’; if you come more often, perhaps my little ‘monkey’ of a daughter will become as quiet and refined as you.”

The gold bracelet was nothing to Madame Wen, but to Jiang Rong, it was extremely precious. She felt embarrassed to accept such a heavy gift and immediately tried to take it off to return it.

Seeing this, Jiang Shu said warmly, “This bracelet is so exquisite. Third Sister, quickly thank Madame Wen.”

This was a signal for her to keep it. Jiang Rong put the bracelet back on and curtsied to thank Madame Wen.

After more pleasantries, Madame Wen got to the point: “A few days ago, I heard that the Heir’s wife was nearly framed, only to later find out that a treacherous servant of my own house was involved. It is all due to my lax management that a servant stole a family invitation to deceive you. I am truly ashamed.”

“I should have come to your manor personally to apologize, but since the Heir is not in good health, I took the liberty of inviting you here to avoid disturbing his rest.”

Jiang Shu quickly said it was fine: “Madam, do not blame yourself. That matter was the fault of the servants; it has nothing to do with you. Please do not trouble yourself over such a small matter.”

While Jiang Shu was lenient, Madame Wen was not one to let things slide easily. She said, “The Heir’s wife is a generous person, but I cannot allow the servants of my house to play such deceitful games. I must give you an explanation.”

She looked up and said to the servant waiting outside, “Bring up the woman from the Zhu family and Manager Wu.”

In a moment, the servants brought in Mother Zhu and Manager Wu, both tied up tightly.

Jiang Shu almost didn’t recognize Mother Zhu. She had clearly been severely disciplined, walking with a limp and her eyes swollen into mere slits. Manager Wu beside her was in even worse shape.

Madame Wen appeared gentle, but her methods were sharp. Mother Zhu knew there was no hope of mercy from Madame Wen, so she pinned her hopes on Jiang Shu.

She thudded to her knees before Jiang Shu, tears streaming down her face: “Young Mistress, please show mercy and spare this servant’s life! My young son fell ill, and I had no money for a doctor, which is why I took a risk and did something lower than a dog or pig.”

“This servant was wrong a thousand times over, but the heart that loves her child cannot be wrong. Young Mistress will be a mother one day too—please, for the sake of my love for my son…”

“Shut up!” Before Mother Zhu could finish, she was sharply interrupted by Madame Wen. “There are countless suffering people in this world. If everyone were like you, committing theft and deceit for the sake of their children, wouldn’t the world fall into chaos? Since you did wrong, you must face the consequences. Stop crying here to sell your misery and act unreasonably.”

The authority of a matriarch was bred in her bones. Having been scolded by her mistress, Mother Zhu didn’t dare speak again, only lowering her head.

The air finally cleared. Madame Wen handed two deeds of sale to Jiang Shu and said, “The Wu couple are domestic servants of my house. These are their deeds. Today I hand them over to you; whether you beat them or kill them is entirely up to you. I will not say a word.”

This was the true style of a great family—not protecting the guilty, not fearing outsiders, and acting with order. She was truly a model matriarch.

Since Madame Wen had made such a gesture, Jiang Shu couldn’t well take the domestic servants away. She said, “Madam is righteous, and I appreciate your intent. However, the Wu couple are servants of your esteemed residence; for me to take people from your house would not look good. Let them remain here; as for how to deal with them, it is entirely up to you.”

If Jiang Shu had taken them, it might show Madame Wen’s impartiality, but it would inevitably invite gossip about her lax household management. Leaving them for Madame Wen to handle was the most considerate approach.

Madame Wen’s lips curled into a smile. The Jiang family was small, yet the daughter they raised was quite agreeable—this was truly unexpected.

She no longer refused and said to Jiang Shu, “In that case, I will not stand in the ceremony.”

She then turned to the managing mama beside her: “Our house does not keep those who betray their masters. The Wu couple cannot stay. Take them and kick them out. Remember to throw out their belongings as well.”

The Wu couple were nearly forty. If they were kicked out by the Wen family, where else would they find work? They looked at each other and kowtowed together to beg for mercy, but Madame Wen didn’t even bother to look at them again, waving her hand for the servants to drag them out.

An Unexpected Encounter

After dealing with the Wu couple, it was time for lunch. Madame Wen warmly invited them to stay. Jiang Shu couldn’t refuse and ate lunch at the Wen house, silently deciding that she must return the favor next time.

In the summer, every household had the habit of taking a nap. Jiang Shu didn’t want to delay her host’s rest and bid farewell to Madame Wen, who didn’t insist further and personally escorted her to the gate.

Just as they walked out of the flower-hung gate, they saw a man in a moon-white round-collar robe walking quickly toward them. The man looked refined and shared some resemblance with Madame Wen. Jiang Shu assumed he was a son of the Wen family, but unexpectedly, he cupped his hands and called Madame Wen “Aunt!”

The nephew of Madame Wen was the legendary Lin Yunzhi—Vice Minister Lin, who was said to have the fate of a “wife-killer.”

Madame Wen was somewhat surprised and asked, “Yunzhi, aren’t you on duty today? Why aren’t you at the Ministry of Justice?”

Lin Yunzhi replied, “An urgent and major matter just occurred in the palace. The Minister sent me to borrow Uncle’s troop deployment tally.”

Master Wen managed the Capital Garrison; while his rank wasn’t the highest, he held actual power with heavy troops in hand.

Madame Wen, possessing the discretion of a high-born lady, didn’t ask what exactly had happened. She gestured toward the study and said to Lin Yunzhi, “Your uncle is off today and is resting in the study. Go on over!”

Lin Yunzhi said his thanks and was about to head to the study when he realized the two ladies beside his aunt seemed to be leaving.

He kindly offered a tip: “Tongque Alley is currently under martial law, and soldiers are stationed at Shajin Street as well. If you ladies are heading to those two places, you must be extremely cautious.”

Tongque Alley and Shajin Street were adjacent. The Jiang residence was located in Tongque Alley. Madame Yang was harsh; even without an excuse, she mistreated Jiang Rong and her mother. If she caught Jiang Rong leaving the house without permission, who knew how she would react?

Jiang Shu didn’t dare delay too long. Surmising that with soldiers present, no major trouble would break out, she asked Lin Yunzhi, “Is Tongque Alley currently allowing carriages through?”

Lin Yunzhi said, “As long as martial law hasn’t fully started, it’s permitted.”

Jiang Shu had brought two guards with her. Their skills were exceptional, so with their protection, she didn’t need to be overly cautious.

She said, “If it hasn’t started yet, it’s fine. My mother manages the house strictly; I must return my third sister home early.”

“Do not worry, Heir’s wife,” Madame Wen interjected. She looked at Lin Yunzhi and asked, “Are you heading toward Tongque Alley later anyway?”

Lin Yunzhi nodded. Borrowing the troop tally from Master Wen was precisely for the purpose of deploying troops to the Tongque Alley area.

Madame Wen smiled and said to Jiang Shu, “Although Yunzhi isn’t particularly capable, he does hold a position in the Ministry of Justice. With him escorting you, it’s better than you two weak women traveling together.”

She then looked at Lin Yunzhi and pointed at Jiang Shu: “This is the wife of the Heir of the Xinyang Marquis Manor. Go quickly and get the tally, then personally escort her to Tongque Alley.”

Only then did Lin Yunzhi learn Jiang Shu’s identity. Since she was the wife of the Heir of the Xinyang Marquis Manor, she was also the sister-in-law of his superior, Lu Changji.

He bowed to Jiang Shu and said warmly, “Please wait a moment, Madam. I will get the tally right away.”

The Ambush

Lin Yunzhi was fast. Having taken the tally, he walked out with Jiang Shu.

Through the thin silk carriage curtain, one could see the scene outside. Lin Yunzhi, on horseback, had a straight back and looked quite valiant. Jiang Shu was entirely satisfied with him, but not knowing Jiang Rong’s thoughts, she asked her, “What do you think of Vice Minister Lin?”

Jiang Rong was a bit confused; she didn’t know Jiang Shu’s intention, so she spoke very candidly: “Vice Minister Lin is handsome and has a helpful, warm heart. He is a rare good man!”

Jiang Shu smiled; in that case, her younger sister should be satisfied. She leaned close to Jiang Rong and whispered, “I want to try and arrange a match between you and Vice Minister Lin.”

Jiang Rong’s eyes suddenly widened in disbelief. Although she had reached the age of adulthood (pinning her hair), she had never considered her own marriage because the elder Jiang Ran hadn’t married yet.

With Jiang Shu’s reminder, she only felt a sense of inadequacy. Although Vice Minister Lin was a few years older than her, both his family background and looks were superior. How could a concubine-born daughter of a seventh-rank county magistrate be worthy of him?

Jiang Rong shook her head and whispered, “Big Sister, a great family is not a match. I… I am not worthy.”

As she said she wasn’t worthy, a layer of red clouds unconsciously drifted onto her cheeks.

Seeing her blushing face, Jiang Shu understood everything. She said, “Although Vice Minister Lin is good, no one in Bianjing dares to marry him. I wonder if the Third Sister has the courage?”

She then told Jiang Rong about how Vice Minister Lin’s two previous wives had both died.

Jiang Rong wasn’t without fear, but because of the surging emotions in her heart, she became exceptionally brave. She sat up straight and looked at Jiang Shu, saying, “I’m not afraid. I… I… I’m not afraid of anything!”

This was likely the power of love—love at first sight, so beautiful it was enviable. Unfortunately, Jiang Shu had never felt it. She had lived for eighteen years, always living cautiously and never thinking of changing herself for anyone.

Her sister, though timid, was brave.

Jiang Shu reached out and touched Jiang Rong’s head, whispering an instruction: “Sister knows you are very satisfied with Vice Minister Lin, but do not tell anyone about this yet. Only once things are settled can we let others know.”

Jiang Rong already knew this without being told. She nodded obediently.

As the carriage entered Tongque Alley, the atmosphere suddenly became solemn. Both sides of the street were lined with soldiers, with a guard every three to five steps, as if a dragnet had been cast.

Such a scene meant only two possibilities: either an extremely noble person was traveling and soldiers had been deployed for protection, or a major fugitive was being hunted.

Tongque Alley had a grand name, but the streets were actually very narrow—not even wide enough for a six-horse carriage. A noble would never come here. Excluding that, it meant a major fugitive had escaped to this place.

Jiang Shu sat up straight, becoming alert. Just then, she heard a commotion. Opening the curtain, she saw a group of men on horseback chasing two men in tight-fitting combat gear, one tall and one short, galloping toward them.

There were few pedestrians on the street, and the carriage of the Xinyang Marquis Manor was conspicuous, naturally becoming the target of the men in combat gear. They flew toward the carriage, clearly intending to take the people inside as hostages.

The Lu family’s guards were incredibly valiant, blocking the men with their swords and fighting them. Lin Yunzhi was a civil official, but he didn’t retreat. He leaped from his horse and stood in front of the carriage curtain.

The men in combat gear had superb martial arts skills. In just dozens of moves, they knocked the Lu family guards to the ground. They were trained fighters and could tell at a glance that Lin Yunzhi didn’t know martial arts. Therefore, they didn’t take him seriously, striding to the carriage and throwing him off the coachman’s seat with one move.

The tall assassin, with his long legs, quickly stepped into the carriage. Before the shorter man could step onto the carriage seat, he felt a piercing pain under his foot. Looking down, he saw that Lin Yunzhi, crawling on the ground, had stabbed a dagger into the sole of his foot.

The shorter assassin was enraged. He turned and raised his long sword to stab Lin Yunzhi’s chest. Lin Yunzhi was agile enough to twist his body to the side; although his shoulder took a sword wound, he at least saved his life.

The short assassin wanted to stab again, but suddenly a whistling arrow sounded. Before he could even see the long arrow, his chest had been shot through.

…

The Rescue

Having failed to assassinate the young Emperor, the tall assassin had thought he was doomed. To his surprise, he encountered the Xinyang Marquis Manor’s carriage on the street.

Truly a “willow shade and bright flowers” moment. If Lu Changji hadn’t been hounding him so relentlessly, he wouldn’t have been scurrying like a stray dog.

Now it was fine; with the female members of the Xinyang Marquis Manor as hostages, he wasn’t worried that Lu Changji wouldn’t show him some leniency.

He crawled into the carriage and saw two women inside. The older one was dressed luxuriously and was radiantly beautiful, protecting the younger woman behind her like a hen protecting her chicks.

He didn’t know their relationship, but he knew that the more luxuriously dressed someone was, the higher their status. Without hesitation, he held his dagger across Jiang Shu’s neck.

Jiang Rong screamed and stood up to pull at the assassin. The assassin was not at all polite, throwing Jiang Rong to the floor with a wave of his hand.

Jiang Shu, distressed for her younger sister, shouted in a low voice: “Rong’er, don’t worry about me. Just stay in the carriage!”

How could Jiang Rong stay there? She stumbled out of the carriage behind the assassin.

The cold blade pressed against her skin, sending a chill through her body. Jiang Shu shrank back slightly, doing her best to suppress the fear in her heart, and said sternly to the man behind her: “I have no grudge or enmity with you, sir. Why must you—”

Before she could finish, she was interrupted by the assassin. He sneered and said mockingly, “No grudge or enmity? How can it be no grudge or enmity? If your Marquis Manor’s Lu Changji hadn’t been pushing me step by step, I wouldn’t bother kidnapping a woman like you. Since you are protected by Lu Changji, you should suffer for him.”

It wasn’t exactly an unprovoked disaster. Although Jiang Shu feared Lu Changji, she had to admit she had received many favors from him. She dared not say more and silently followed the assassin out of the carriage.

The ground was slippery. Jiang Shu lowered her eyes; the wet slipperiness was actually bright red blood. Following the trail of blood, she saw Lin Yunzhi leaning against a wicker chair.

His eyes were closed, and even his lips had lost their color—clearly he was severely injured. Jiang Shu felt a tremor of guilt; she and Lin Yunzhi had only just met, yet she had caused him such a grave injury. She must repay him well in the future.

While she was feeling guilty, a loud, booming voice sounded in her ear as the assassin said: “Lu Dog! If you don’t let me go today, just wait for your Marquis Manor’s lady to be buried with me!”

Jiang Shu raised her eyelids and saw Lu Changji standing in the middle of the crowd. His face was dark and his thin lips were pressed tight, as if he were suppressing a titanic rage.

Jiang Shu knew Lu Changji was in a dilemma. Given her status in his heart, it wasn’t enough to make him give up the chance to capture the assassin and gain fame. But under the watchful eyes of the public, as a pillar of the court, he couldn’t ignore her, if only for his reputation.

If it were before, she might have pinned her hopes on Lu Changji. Since witnessing his methods that night, she not only dared not trust him fully, but even a hint of fear had grown in the depths of her heart.

She stopped focusing on Lu Changji and gripped the pure gold hairpin in her sleeve. Ever since they entered Shajin Street, she had hidden her hardest piece of jewelry in her sleeve.

The sharp point of the gold hairpin was slowly tilted up, silently aimed at the assassin’s lower abdomen. At this moment, the opposite of Lu Changji spoke. He stared at the assassin and said heavily, “Let her go, and I will let you leave!”

His voice was powerful and very firm.

The assassin seemed to have expected Lu Changji to yield. He laughed twice and said loudly, “Lu Dog! Have these barbarians of yours step aside, and bring a Ferghana horse to me!”

Lu Changji looked at the servant beside him, gesturing to do as the assassin requested.

A Ferghana horse was worth a thousand pieces of gold and was extremely rare to others, but to Lu Changji, it was easily obtainable. In just fifteen minutes, a man in commoner’s clothes led a Ferghana horse to the assassin’s side.

The assassin was careful despite his rough appearance. Although he held Jiang Shu, he didn’t relax his guard. He focused on his surroundings, intending to pull Jiang Shu onto the horse. Jiang Shu took advantage of the moment his attention was on the soldiers to fiercely stab the gold hairpin into his abdomen.

The assassin grunted in pain, and his hand holding the dagger loosened slightly. Jiang Shu took the opportunity to slip out from under his arm.

She thought she was being clever, but the assassin was more agile than she imagined. He gripped the dagger and stabbed backward toward her throat. It was as fast as lightning; she couldn’t dodge it even if she wanted to.

Jiang Shu instinctively closed her eyes. A moment later, the expected pain didn’t come. Instead, she heard a muffled groan.

Opening her eyes, she saw the assassin lying flat on the ground, a long arrow protruding from his chest.

…

The Aftermath

Lu Changji signaled Cheng Yong to put away the crossbow and strode to Jiang Shu’s side. He gritted his teeth and said, “Jiang Shu, you certainly are capable. Do you no longer want your life?”

Jiang Shu looked up in fear. Her shimmering eyes weren’t as lively as before, but instead revealed a hint of terror and helplessness.

Lu Changji stared into her eyes for a few moments and finally couldn’t bring himself to scold her further. He softened his voice and said, “It’s not peaceful here. Go home quickly!”

She definitely had to go home, but Jiang Shu was entirely focused on Jiang Rong’s future. Once her mind cleared, she had the idea to play matchmaker for the two of them.

She said, “Thank you for your kindness, Uncle. I know this place is chaotic and I shouldn’t stay, but Vice Minister Lin was injured to protect me and my sister. I need to bandage him first before I can be at ease.”

Lu Changyi was in poor health, so the Lu family carriage always carried medicine and gauze. Jiang Shu returned to the carriage to get the gauze and looked meaningfully at Jiang Rong, whispering, “Third Sister, go quickly and bandage Vice Minister Lin’s wound.”

The area was surrounded by soldiers. Jiang Rong had never seen so many people and was momentarily timid, but thinking of the severely injured Lin Yunzhi, she suddenly mustered her courage.

Her elder sister had handed her the opportunity; no matter how scared she was, she couldn’t let her down.

The two sisters walked together to Lin Yunzhi. Jiang Rong mustered her courage and said, “Lord Lin, your wound is a bit serious. I will help you bandage it first to stop the bleeding.”

The girl’s voice was slow, showing she was very nervous, but her eyes were wide and full of sincerity.

A gentle curve appeared on his lips as Lin Yunzhi said warmly, “Then I shall trouble you, Miss.”

Lin Yunzhi’s injury was severe. Fearing Jiang Rong couldn’t handle it alone, Jiang Shu stayed beside her to assist. It was a very common act, but in Lu Changji’s eyes, the scene took on a different meaning.

He had an excellent memory and clearly remembered that Jiang Shu had inquired about Lin Yunzhi’s family background and character more than ten days ago. He also remembered how Lin Yunzhi had protected her in front of the Xinyang Marquis Manor’s carriage just now.

He stared coldly at Lin Yunzhi, his eyes filled with a gathering storm, as if a thunderclap were imminent.