The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 184 : The Wedding Draws Near

Translated by : Shl

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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Jiang Ruan was slightly taken aback. Feeling that Xiao Shao's words contained an indescribable emotion and finding this strange, she lifted her eyes to look at him. The young man was directly gazing back at her; his deep, cold, black eyes were almost boring into her soul.

Xiao Shao appeared cold and indifferent, but he was actually powerful and domineering. For instance, his words indicated, to some degree, that he wanted to claim her as his own. After Jiang Ruan thought for a moment, she inwardly shook her head. Xiao Shao was reserved, and was not one to expose his emotions like this; it was very likely that something had happened. Therefore, after a moment longer, she replied, "I don't have to do anything." She then changed the topic, saying, "Today, you are returning to Great Jin in triumph. I think His Majesty will have a headache trying to decide what reward to bestow upon you."

Xiao Shao already held a high position that came with great authority, and it was no exaggeration to say that, among all the Great Jin officials, his advancement was a given. His meritorious deeds were piled up so high that he might even be considered a threat to the Emperor, so he had absolutely no need for this opportunity (to gain such merit). Many years ago, the Emperor seemed to have done his best at every opportunity to bestow every possible honour on Xiao Shao- apart from the throne itself. And so, because he had gained merit so often, he had no shortage of gold, silver, money, or valuables, and he had reached the first-rank of officialdom. Truly, there was nothing lacking at all.

A thought suddenly came to Jiang Ruan's mind. Smiling faintly, she said "After thinking about it, it seems that the Emperor can only confer a few beauties on you."

Xiao Shao never imagined that Jiang Ruan would come up with such an idea out of the blue. He glanced at her and coolly said, "No need."

"His Majesty supports you with all his heart," Jiang Ruan replied as she looked at the teacup in front of her. "You are returning in triumph to the imperial court, and the Empress Dowager's imperial edict is to be fulfilled. However, the Jiang fu is currently in a state of collapse, and marrying me will not bring you any advantage. His Majesty is always thinking about you, and will not be willing for this marriage to take place. In the past, I heard that His Majesty intended to betroth the di daughter of the Yao family to you and now you have performed such a meritorious service. A destined marriage in exchange for assistance would be much more beneficial than any amount of gold, silver, or precious stones."

Jiang Ruan's words were not groundless[1]. When news of the great victory at the border reached them, Jiang Ruan had entered the palace and heard Empress Dowager Yi De's personal servant, Yang gugu, say that the Emperor had once again begun to summon Governor Yao more frequently. Jiang Ruan knew that Xiao Shao harboured many secrets, just as she did. She did not understand why the Emperor protected him so fervently, but it was obvious that the Emperor was partial to Xiao Shao. The Emperor had always been highly dissatisfied with the idea of her being the Jinying Wangfei, and if it were not for Xiao Shao himself, the Emperor would long ago have replaced her with someone else. Now that Xiao Shao was re-entering the imperial court after so many years, and had achieved such great merit, how could the Emperor let this opportunity slip from his grasp? Since ancient times, Emperors have always loved to arrange the lives of others.

[1] 空穴来风 (kong xue lai feng) – lit. wind from an empty cave; fig.unfounded (story) / baseless (claim),

She said all this in a level tone, without any hint of a bad mood and Xiao Shao quietly observed her without saying anything. He had always been good-looking, but perhaps, his having been at the border for a period of time had stimulated all the chill in his bones to come forth. On his return this time, it seemed as if his temperament was even colder, and his entire being gave off a bitingly cold aura. However, he was as handsome as the subject of a painting, and his face was peerlessly elegant. But then suddenly, he hid a small smile, which immediately made him seem cold and evil.