Chapter 23

Inside the room, Grand Tutor Jiang was severely reprimanding Jiang Xuan. He stated to Shen Su that the matter should be handled as justice dictated, without any regard for the Jiang family's reputation. Jiang Xuan remained kneeling with his head bowed, saying nothing.

Shen Su took a sip of tea and said leisurely, "The Sixth Young Master of the Jiang family is a rare talent within my Capital Guard; he is bold, meticulous, and skilled."

Lady Gu and Jiang Shen exchanged bewildered glances. Hadn't Prince Shen come here to hold them accountable because the Sixth Young Master had struck the Heir of Prince Fu? What could be the meaning of this praise?

Jiang Shen said cautiously, "Lord Shen, regardless of the circumstances, it is my son's fault. The Heir is the Emperor’s nephew; striking a member of the royal family is inexcusable, no matter how one spins it."

Shen Su didn't seem to care, waving a hand dismissively. "There is no need for you to be so humble, Reader Jiang. Murong Sheng has been pampered for too long and truly needs to be reined in. After all, jade must be carved to become a masterpiece."

As the four men of the Jiang family all held government positions, they were referred to by their official titles to distinguish them. Jiang Shen served as a Reader in the Grand Secretariat, hence the title "Reader Jiang."

Murong Sheng entered just as Shen Su spoke those words. Shen Su wore a look of feigned shame as he said to the Grand Tutor, "Conflicts between the younger generation should be handled by their elders. Although I am Murong Sheng’s cousin, I am still but a junior before you, Grand Tutor; it would be improper for me to decide this alone. Before coming, I sent for my uncle."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Murong Fan and Jiang Si entered, one after the other. One was a man whose presence seemed to belong only to the heavens, ethereal and divine; the other was a girl whose skin was as delicate as ice and whose grace was as natural as a fairy’s. They were like peach blossoms reflected in a jade pool—a beauty and refinement rarely seen throughout history.

The Grand Tutor squinted slightly and stepped forward to welcome them. "I am ashamed to have disturbed you, Your Highness." Though he and Murong Fan were friends across generations, their interactions were always devoid of political or worldly concerns; they had never met privately due to social obligations. This was the first time they had encountered each other under such circumstances.

"It is nothing," Murong Fan said, gently helping him up. "Since it concerns the descendants of the Murong clan, I could not remain indifferent."

Jiang Si had already silently moved behind Lady Gu. Upon meeting her mother’s anxious, questioning gaze, she shook her head slightly to indicate that she was fine.

Seeing this, Shen Su was inwardly astonished. *A face like a lotus, soft as jade—truly soul-stirring.* Looking across the entire capital of Yongjing, there were few who could compare to this girl’s beauty. It was a pity that such a stunning woman possessed that particular fate; if she were to marry without knowing it, she would inevitably be branded a femme fatale.

"Sheng, apologize to the Fifth Young Lady of the Jiang family at once."

Murong Sheng: "..." This was a grudge between him and Jiang Xuan; why involve the Fifth Miss?

"I have already learned the cause of this incident. The reason Jiang Xuan has been at odds with you is entirely due to your previous harassment of the Fifth Young Lady. It is precisely for this reason that I am making you apologize to her."

In truth, Jiang Xuan's actions were not solely due to that one incident. There was another factor: rumors had spread that Jiang Si had a secret admirer, and those unaware of the truth all assumed it was Murong Sheng. Because of this, Jiang Xuan’s old grievances and new resentments had boiled over, leading him to strike.

Murong Sheng looked at Jiang Si and spoke solemnly, "Fifth Young Lady, I was wrong before. I am sorry!" This apology was far more sincere than the first. He remembered how reluctant he had been then, but this time, the apology came from the heart.

Jiang Si hid behind Lady Gu, her shyness entirely genuine. Murong Sheng, wishing to see her face more clearly, instinctively took two steps forward.

Seeing this, Jiang Xuan’s temper flared again. "Heir, watch yourself! My sister is an unmarried lady. If you dare to be insolent again, do not blame me for my fists!"

Murong Sheng, also a hot-blooded youth, turned beet red. Caught between guilt and defensiveness, he snapped back, "Sixth Young Master, don't think I'm truly afraid of you!"

"You are the Heir, of course you aren't afraid of me, nor the Jiang family—otherwise you wouldn't have dared to be rude to my sister while studying at our family academy!"

"Who was the rude one?" Murong Sheng pointed to his own face. "Grand Tutor, look at me. This is what your Sixth Young Master did. He pretended to spar with me, but actually struck with intent to kill. If not for my good fortune, I might have been beaten to death!"

This was a serious accusation. The Grand Tutor’s face darkened, and he ordered Jiang Xuan forward. "Striking a member of the royal family is a crime the law cannot tolerate. My family will not shield you. Guards, bind this lawless wretch!" As he spoke, he kept glancing at Murong Fan to gauge his reaction.

Everyone turned to look at Murong Fan, waiting for the "Buddhist Son of the Heavenly House," whose words were said to carry the weight of gold, to deliver the final verdict.

"All things have their causes and effects. Fifth Young Lady, you are the root of this matter. How do you suggest we handle it?"

When those calm eyes looked toward her, Jiang Si felt a momentary disorientation. Murong Fan was giving her a choice!

"Your Highness," she replied, "I am young, raised under the protection of my parents, and ignorant of the ways of the world. I cannot judge the Heir’s true intentions toward me. However, I know that there is a distinction between men and women, a hierarchy to be respected, and the importance of propriety. I only ask that the Heir refrain from taking advantage of my youth and ignorance in the future, and that all interactions remain within the bounds of courtesy. As for my brother..."

Jiang Xuan, who doted on his sister, felt a sharp pang in his heart at her words. Hearing her mention him, he quickly interjected, "I am the one who struck him; it was my rashness, and it has nothing to do with my sister. Your Highness, Grand Tutor, you may punish me however you wish, but I hope the Heir will not bully my sister again. Otherwise, even if I must pay with my life, I will strike him again!"

"You insolent boy!" the Grand Tutor barked. "Do you hear what you are saying? You dare threaten to strike the Heir again? Do you believe I won't break your legs right now?"

"Grandfather, forgive my unfilial conduct. If my sister is bullied and I remain indifferent, am I still a man? Am I worthy of being a descendant of the Jiang family?"

Lady Gu and Jiang Shen remained silent. They loved their daughter more than life itself, and while they did not approve of their son’s violence, they deeply identified with his words.

Murong Fan looked at Murong Sheng and asked, "Sheng, do you feel this beating was unjust?"

Because of Jiang Si’s words, Murong Sheng was feeling a strange sense of unease. He paused, the bruises on his face looking somewhat comical. He looked at Jiang Si, and upon meeting her clear, limpid eyes, he felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of shame. He realized how much his past behavior had troubled her.

"It was not unjust; I owe it to the Fifth Young Lady. I was in the wrong first, so let this beating settle the score."

*Settling the score is good.* The Jiang family let out a collective sigh of relief.

Shen Su toyed with his cup, his playful gaze shifting between the members of the Jiang family. Suddenly noticing his uncle watching him, he immediately set down his cup, rubbed his nose, and stood up. He patted Murong Sheng’s shoulder firmly and said, "Sheng, this beating was not unjust. Remember, never be rude to the Fifth Young Lady again." He then turned to Murong Fan and said, "Thank you for the trouble today, Uncle."

Murong Fan, however, looked at Jiang Si and asked, "Fifth Young Lady, do you have any other requests?"

Jiang Si shook her head. "Your Highness has been fair and impartial. I am deeply grateful and have no further requests."

The Grand Tutor stroked his beard, a sharp glint in his eyes. "Striking a royal is no small matter. My family will not be lenient. Guards, bring the family rod!"

Hearing that the Grand Tutor intended to discipline Jiang Xuan, Murong Sheng tried to ignore the sense of loss in his heart and couldn't help but smirk, his eyes darting toward Jiang Xuan with undisguised schadenfreude. Jiang Xuan huffed and looked away.

The Jiang family’s punishment involved rattan canes, administered in public. The sturdy canes striking a back were agonizing. Even the tough Jiang Xuan felt the veins in his neck and forehead bulge with pain. Lady Gu was heartbroken, but she had more pressing concerns.

As she rushed out, Jiang Si knew exactly what she intended to do.

"Your Highness!"

Murong Fan stopped. He stood against the light, his appearance as refined as jade. Even with his calm gaze and lack of overbearing presence, he remained an imposing figure, commanding instinctive reverence.

Lady Gu took a deep breath, hesitated, and then asked in a low voice, "I am bold enough to ask, Your Highness—is there any way to break my daughter’s fate?"

Jiang Si had followed close behind and, hearing the question, subconsciously waited for the answer.

Murong Fan’s voice was calm and distant, like a chant from beyond the world. "Third Lady of the Jiang family, do not be so attached. The mortal world is but mist and smoke. Marrying does not guarantee happiness, nor does staying single guarantee misery. Everything has its destiny; follow your heart and let nature take its course."

This answer extinguished the last flicker of hope in Lady Gu’s heart; she was naturally saddened and disappointed. But hearing such words from Murong Fan provided her with a strange sense of peace. She bowed respectfully and thanked him repeatedly.

When Murong Fan looked back, Jiang Si’s eyes curved into a smile, and she curtsied with the utmost grace.