Chapter Five: The Empress Dowager's Imperial Edict

“It is my utmost fortune to have met Her Majesty the Empress Dowager today. In my chamber, I have always cherished the pure melodies of the pipa; it has been my lifelong wish to dedicate myself entirely to the study of music.”

Jiang Zhuo hesitated briefly before speaking.

In truth, Jiang Zhuo had considered, much like in her past life, first betrothing herself to Prince Jing. As long as she kept a low profile in the inner palace, given Shen Guanzhi’s temperament, she would likely be treated fairly. When Prince Jing ascended the throne, there was a chance she could attain the rank of consort.

However, Jiang Zhuo was betting on a sliver of hope for her father, a turning point for the Jiang family.

Years ago, only days after being betrothed to Prince Jing, the Jiang household was raided. Jiang Zhuo found it difficult not to suspect that Prince Jing had something to do with it.

“Seems Prince Xiang intends one thing, but the Divine Lady feels another,” came a low, gentle voice tinged with teasing laughter.

A hand with distinct knuckles drew back the other half of the curtain. The visitor had sword-like brows and blazing starry eyes. Wearing a crimson brocade robe cinched with a golden jade belt, his noble bearing was undeniable.

“Brother Ling, it seems this time you will be heartbroken.”

It was Prince Jing, Zhao Mingjing.

Jiang Zhuo took a deep breath, striving to suppress the flood of memories rising within.

The Empress Dowager did not comment much on Jiang Zhuo but turned her gaze to Shen Guanzhi beside her.

“And you? I seem to recall you are...”

“I am Shen Guanzhi, daughter of Court Attendant Shen Qishan,” Shen Guanzhi spoke up when the Empress Dowager hesitated to remember her name.

“Is there any reward you desire? Do not tell me you are also resolute in refusing marriage.”

With that, the Empress Dowager shot Jiang Zhuo a displeased glance, her expression cold.

“Regarding marriage, parental command and matchmakers’ words—I shall obey my elders entirely,” Shen Guanzhi bowed her head, appearing meek and obedient.

“Well-behaved,” the Empress Dowager’s expression softened slightly. She nodded and signaled to the attendant, who lowered the curtain once more.

Prince Jing tactfully retreated behind the curtain to take a seat.

Ling Heng, however, shamelessly persisted with Jiang Zhuo, “Little beauty, why not reconsider? The Marquis of Wuwei’s household is rich and powerful; you would be well treated.”

“Marquis Ling, please maintain decorum,” the chief organizer, the Princess, reminded calmly, causing Ling Heng to relent begrudgingly.

The evening continued with performances by several wives of high-ranking officials. Whenever a participant had good looks or a prominent family background, the Empress Dowager often stepped forward to comment.

Once it came to the wives of officials ranked fourth grade and below, the Empress Dowager, appearing tired, left for the palace.

With the guests behind the curtains gone, the banquet was quickly concluded.

Jiang Zhuo noticed that Shen Guanzhi and a few other women the Empress Dowager had questioned received jade pendants, while the rest were given fragrant sachets.

As for herself...

Looking at the embroidered bird-patterned sachet in her hand, Jiang Zhuo couldn't help but give a wry, helpless smile.

“You! How dare you act on impulse just now?” Shen Guanzhi, having just accepted her reward, spotted Jiang Zhuo and hurried over, both shocked and angry. “What if something went wrong...”

Since the performance ended, Shen Guanzhi had a pent-up grievance she wished to express, but the two had been seated far apart, never finding the chance.

“If I hadn’t done that, how would Sister Guanzhi have caught the Empress Dowager’s eye?” Jiang Zhuo smiled faintly. “Didn't you see how Liang Xuan’er from the Taichang Minister’s household sat with you waiting half the time and never got a chance? She was so angry her face turned green.”

“They came all that way for nothing—aren’t you the same?” Shen Guanzhi was visibly upset. “Do you know that you just shut most of the doors to your own marriage? If your father knew...”

“My father doesn’t care about me, and your father ignores you. We’re the same in that,” Jiang Zhuo took Shen Guanzhi’s hand, trying to appease her. “I only ask that if you become prosperous, Sister, you’ll spare a bite for me.”

“You, you...” Shen Guanzhi sighed, patting Jiang Zhuo’s head.

They say marriage is a woman’s second birth. For a single public appearance or a finer hairpin, sisters in a household would contend endlessly.

Yet Jiang Zhuo had so easily given up such an opportunity.

Shen Guanzhi didn’t know whether to call her foolish or simply naive.

But what’s done is done, and with the banquet over, the two parted ways for home.

When Jiang Zhuo returned to the Jiang mansion, Jiang Dun was already waiting in his study.

“How was the banquet today?”

Jiang Dun asked leisurely, sipping the tea beside him, seemingly unconcerned.

“Not very well. I’m afraid I won’t be selected this time,” Jiang Zhuo candidly replied.

“Marriage is always about affinity. Not marrying into the royal family might be a blessing in disguise for you,” Jiang Dun flipped a page of the book in his hand and continued, “I heard you forbade anyone from entering or leaving the mansion yesterday. What happened?”

Noticing the conversation turning serious, Jiang Zhuo nodded gravely.

“Yesterday, I was resting in the meditation chamber at White Horse Temple due to heatstroke but overheard someone mentioning your name…”

Jiang Zhuo paused slightly, trying to appear apprehensive and uneasy.

“Go on.”

Realizing the matter might be serious, Jiang Dun set the book aside and listened attentively.

“They said you and the Fifth Prince have been exchanging secret letters, conspiring—”

“Nonsense! The Fifth Prince is stationed far in the northwest. What connection could he possibly have with me?!”

Displaying the family’s inherited impatience, Jiang Dun slammed his sleeve down before Jiang Zhuo finished, shattering the teacup on the floor. Tea spilled onto Jiang Zhuo’s skirt. He then anxiously pressed,

“What else did they say?”

“They said they would soon report to the Emperor,” Jiang Zhuo stammered, fabricating details to make the story more believable. “That day, I was dizzy from heatstroke and didn’t hear clearly. I only knew two men were talking, one with a softer voice. After I returned, I became more afraid and worried the servants might leak secrets, so I had the gates locked.”

“Truth or lies, it’s hard to say. The court has been turbulent these past days...” Jiang Dun sighed deeply, calming down. “It seems if you weren’t chosen this time, it was heaven’s protection.”

“What do you intend to do, Father?” Jiang Zhuo frowned.

“With the court in turmoil, I told His Majesty last month of my wish to retire and return home, but permission was denied. Now, it seems the position is lost,” Jiang Dun stroked his beard. “It’s a pity for you—I didn’t find a good match for you in the capital. You’ll have to follow me back home.”

Jiang Zhuo was about to speak when a commotion arose outside.

“What is it?” Jiang Dun’s face darkened as he called out.

A servant hurriedly reported,

“Master! Miss! The Empress Dowager’s edict has arrived!”

Jiang Dun glanced at Jiang Zhuo suspiciously. Seeing her equally puzzled, he led everyone out to receive the decree.

Seeing the crowd kneeling before the courtyard, Jiang Zhuo’s heart filled with unease.

The scene was eerily familiar from her previous life—then, amid the household’s joyous celebrations, she had eagerly accepted the betrothal to Prince Jing, unaware that her nightmare was just beginning.

Under the same roof, serving the same husband, every additional possession in the prince’s mansion was taken from her.

The ruthless hierarchy and blatant bullying deepened the rift and enmity between her and Shen Guanzhi.

Such a distorted environment nurtured the darkest desires of the heart.

Now, reflecting upon it, many things in her past life were not truly her own desires but forced upon her.

Reborn, could she really live without jealousy or hatred toward Shen Guanzhi?

Biting her lip, Jiang Zhuo asked herself but found no answer.