Jiang Yunshu thus settled into Weiyang Palace.
By day, she ate well, drank well, and slept well.
By night… it was unclear whether she served Xie Lin or Xie Lin served her.
Meanwhile, at Anping Marquis Mansion.
Jiang Zhaohua’s bridal homecoming, originally scheduled for three days after the wedding, had been postponed due to national mourning. It wasn’t until ten days after the marriage that she finally returned.
Jiang Zhaohua wore a silver-red standing-collar gown and a fish-scale pleated moonlit skirt, her hair adorned with an intricate gem-studded crown. She looked dignified, majestic, and exuded an air of opulence.
Duan Jinxing, on the other hand, was dressed in a simple dark blue robe, his only accessory a white jade pendant at his waist.
Yet despite his understated attire, his presence was in no way overshadowed by Jiang Zhaohua’s lavishness. If anything, his aura was even more commanding.
The moment the couple stepped through the gates of Anping Marquis Mansion side by side, Lady Hou, who had been waiting anxiously at the entrance, rushed forward and embraced her unharmed daughter, bursting into loud sobs.
"Zhaozhao… my dear Zhaozhao!"
"Thank heavens you’re safe!"
Clutching Jiang Zhaohua tightly, Lady Hou trembled with lingering fear.
It was a blessing that heaven had taken pity on them, allowing Zhaozhao to dream of the future. A blessing that she and the Marquis had believed their daughter and arranged for her to switch marriages with the second young lady.
Jiang Zhaohua buried herself in her mother’s arms and wept freely.
In her past life, she had bottled up too much fear, resentment, and bitterness… now, it all poured out in tears, an endless flood.
"My Zhaozhao, blessed by fortune and spared by heaven…"
Worried her mother might slip and reveal too much, Jiang Zhaohua quickly hushed her.
"I escaped disaster, but poor Second Younger Sister…"
Before she could finish, her tears flowed even more violently.
After all, Jiang Yunshu was her own flesh and blood. Though no one dared say it outright, many knew Jiang Yunshu had taken her place in the palace.
Jiang Zhaohua couldn’t afford to appear heartless.
Her tears weren’t entirely feigned, either.
By now, Jiang Zhaohua was certain—she and Jiang Yunshu had swapped destinies.
Jiang Yunshu had died in her stead, while she had married the future chancellor in Jiang Yunshu’s place.
Just to be safe, Jiang Zhaohua had sent trusted servants to keep watch near Xie Lin’s private residence, ensuring he hadn’t secretly smuggled Jiang Yunshu out of the palace to hide there.
For some reason, an unease gnawed at her.
She feared Xie Lin might do to Jiang Yunshu what he had done to her in her past life—stash her away in his private home.
No… surely not…
Jiang Zhaohua reassured herself. In her past life, Xie Lin had been captivated by her eyes. Now that it was Jiang Yunshu, he wouldn’t spirit her out of the palace. She would perish with the other imperial consorts.
After ten days of surveillance, her confidant reported that Xie Lin had neither returned to his residence nor brought any woman there.
Jiang Zhaohua finally relaxed.
As expected, she had worried for nothing.
Second Younger Sister was already gone.
Though married life wasn’t as perfect as she had imagined… the thought that she was still alive while Second Younger Sister lay buried made all the minor grievances of marriage seem trivial.
Besides, the hardships were temporary. Her husband would rise to become chancellor! She would be a first-rank noblewoman!
"Mother, I’d like to visit Second Younger Sister’s courtyard and offer incense."
Holding a stick of incense, Jiang Zhaohua bowed solemnly.
Silently, she prayed:
"Second Younger Sister, don’t blame me. In our past lives, you enjoyed a lifetime of blessings while I suffered."
"This time, it’s my turn to prosper. You… you passed quickly, spared the torment I endured."
"One lifetime of happiness each—we’re even now."
"I pray heaven grants you a fortunate rebirth, so you may live in bliss again."
As Jiang Zhaohua closed her eyes in prayer, she didn’t notice Duan Jinxing’s penetrating gaze studying her every move.
Why had the bride sent into the palace changed so abruptly from Jiang Zhaohua to Jiang Yunshu?
Duan Jinxing didn’t believe in coincidences.
After paying respects to her parents, Jiang Zhaohua and Duan Jinxing parted ways.
Duan Jinxing dined with her father and brothers, the Marquis’ household having prepared a lavish feast in his honor.
Jiang Zhaohua remained in the inner quarters, sharing a meal with Grandmother, her mother, and her sisters.
Her mother clung to her hand as if afraid she might vanish like smoke in the wind.
Grandmother, too, watched her with tender affection.
A pang of sorrow struck Jiang Zhaohua. In her past life, after being abducted into the Nine Thousand Year’s inner chambers, she had lived in darkness, cut off from her family.
They had believed her dead, lost to the sacrificial rites. How Grandmother and her mother must have wept—enough to blind themselves!
At least this time, she hadn’t broken their hearts so cruelly.
The people who loved her most were still by her side.
She served Grandmother a dish. "Grandmother, you’ve grown thin. Zhaozhao knows you grieve for Second Younger Sister, but you must take care of yourself."
Her gaze flickered to Third Younger Sister, who shrank slightly under her attention.
Jiang Zhaohua smirked inwardly.
Today, Third Younger Sister hadn’t dared meet her eyes even once.
Did that fool regret currying favor with the imperial consort who had perished so suddenly?
She must be drowning in regret!
Jiang Zhaohua was glad she’d seen through Third Younger Sister early.
Once closest in the inner chambers, she had originally planned to arrange a good match for her once her husband rose to power… but no more!
In contrast, gentle Fourth Younger Sister and innocent Fifth Younger Sister both looked weary, their eyes red-rimmed.
They must have wept often for Jiang Yunshu these past days.
With Jiang Yunshu’s death, Jiang Zhaohua’s hatred for her had dissipated.
Now, seeing her younger sisters’ grief, she felt no anger—only appreciation for their sisterly devotion.
Such sisters were worth her support!
After the meal, Jiang Zhaohua accompanied her mother back to Zhaoyang Courtyard. Her old quarters remained untouched, meticulously cleaned despite her absence, even the flowers in the vases freshly cut, dewdrops clinging to tender petals.
Her eyes reddened instantly.
Lady Hou had brought her daughter here for a private talk.
Seeing Jiang Zhaohua’s distress, she asked urgently, "Zhaozhao, how have you been?"
"Has the Duan family dared mistreat you?"
At her mother’s concern, Jiang Zhaohua’s minor grievances swelled.
Tears spilled forth. "The entire Duan residence isn’t even as large as my courtyard!"
Lady Hou wiped her daughter’s tears, torn between amusement and pity. "Is that all that troubles you?"
"The Duan family is indeed poor now, as I warned you before the wedding. But soon enough…"
She leaned in, whispering, "Your dream of the emperor’s death has already come true. Duan Jinxing becoming chancellor will too."
"A first-rank noblewoman, crying over a small house?"
"You’ll have mansions too vast to live in them all!"
