Chapter 82: Lady Shou'an

“Brother, please stop hitting him!”
“Sit quietly in the car!” Fang Yi, terrified, sat back in the vehicle, tears streaming down her face without pause.

Elsewhere, Yu Yuan was eagerly telling the heir apparent about the eldest son of the Fang family, his gentle grace. “…The eldest young master of the Fang family is the epitome of refinement and courtesy, scholarly and upright beyond compare.”

“This is your definition of gentleness?”

Yu Yuan turned to look and saw the eldest young master of the Fang family outside, fiercely engaged in a brawl, his eyes wide with shock.

So terrifying, so terrifying—just accompanying the heir back to the Duke’s mansion, they’d already made a flamboyant entrance, then happened upon Lord Mu and Fang’s second sister in a “secret meeting,” and now witnessed the paragon of scholarly virtue, the eldest Fang, resort to vulgar fistfights. Oh, his poor heart could hardly take it anymore~

“Who would have thought that Fang Ruo, who looks so frail, actually has some skill, landing blow after blow right on Mu’s face.” Jiang Lan nodded approvingly, “Satisfying!”

Yu Yuan nodded, thinking: It’s indeed satisfying. After all, “seducing” someone’s own little sister—how could you let that go without a good thrashing! This eldest young master Fang is truly remarkable; never mind Lord Mu’s noble status, his martial prowess alone is not something just anyone can easily handle.

Indeed, when scholars turn fierce, they’re more terrifying than ghosts~

Watching two men fight wasn’t much of a spectacle. Jiang Lan pulled herself halfway back through the window, still perched on its ledge, but no longer as conspicuous or brazen.

“Heir, when should we go over?” Yu Yuan, holding a plate of freshly cut fruit, asked with utmost caution.

Jiang Lan took the plate directly, “Old Fishhead, you’re at fault here. Such private matters—we shouldn’t be spying. It’s not too late to go over after they’ve left.”

…Is it the servant who’s curious, or are you just fooling yourself?

Jiang Lan absentmindedly munched grapes as Old Fishhead tugged at her sleeve.

Looking up, she saw Peach Blossom Yao clad in scarlet.

“Do you need something?”

Yu Yuan wished he could raise both thumbs in admiration. Caught peeping and watching the commotion, yet remaining serenely indifferent—apart from the heir, who else could pull this off!

Her innocent expression seemed to say, “You insisted I must watch.”

“No, nothing.”

“Oh, would you like a grape?” Jiang Lan offered the plate. “I think you fought splendidly!”

---

Yu Yuan inwardly protested: Why admit it outright? Hold your ground, heir!

Fang Ruo took the entire plate without ceremony, handing Jiang Lan back an empty one.

“I know what you’re worried about. I’m not one to gossip, but as for them—I can’t vouch.”

Jiang Lan promptly betrayed her companions.

“Well, well…” Yu Yuan wasn’t afraid of Fang Ruo; after all, he was the chief eunuch in the Empress Dowager’s palace, and had no need to concern himself with a mere scholar. Even if Fang Ruo passed the imperial exams and became an official, unless he reached the highest ranks, Yu Yuan wouldn’t give him a second thought. What unsettled him was the heir’s attitude.

What did the heir mean by those words just now?

“But if you answer one question for me, I can help you deal with these people.”

Fang Ruo glanced at Jiang Lan, as if weighing the possibility, then nodded. “You.”

“Who instigated your sister to bully mine last time?”

Fang Ruo looked at Jiang Lan in surprise.

Jiang Lan rolled her eyes. “What, are you the only one here who protects his sister?”

Fang Ruo shook his head. “This place is at least a hundred and fifty paces away from there. I deliberately spoke in a low voice, yet you heard me.”

Jiang Lan’s hand tightened, astonished at his keen observation—truly, meticulous to the extreme.

“You’re allowed to have a photographic memory, but I can’t be keen-eared?” Jiang Lan retorted. Old Fishhead had told her that Fang Ruo was exceptionally intelligent, gifted since childhood with perfect recall.

“Princess Shou’an.”

“What?”

“The person behind it was Princess Shou’an.”

Fang Ruo leaned in, whispering.

Jiang Lan memorized the name, then patted Fang Ruo’s shoulder in brotherly camaraderie, her tone both roguish and heartfelt. “Brother, take care!”

Sitting higher, Jiang Lan looked down at Fang Ruo, who gazed up at her and then stepped back. “You must keep your word, heir.”

---

“No problem, right, Old Fishhead?” Jiang Lan turned to Yu Yuan inside.

“Yes, yes, of course.” Yu Yuan nodded rapidly, now was the time to pledge loyalty.

Jiang Lan returned home in excellent spirits, politely declining Old Fishhead’s red envelope several times before accepting it with righteous reluctance, overwhelmed by his enthusiasm.

These days, earning a little tribute requires true ability. In the past, she hadn’t realized Yu Yuan’s influence, but now, fully aware of her standing with the Empress Dowager, Jiang Lan resolved to indulge herself appropriately, thoroughly embracing her role as a dissolute heir, aiming to surpass Zhao Yang.

Thinking of the heir having accepted his tribute, Yu Yuan practically floated out, his steps light as clouds, exuding a relaxed ease. When he encountered the servants transferred from the Beast Garden, he addressed them with stern reminders.

“From now on, be nimble in your duties at the mansion. Don’t upset General White Tiger. If the general is unhappy, the heir will be unhappy. If the heir is unhappy, there’s no need for the Empress Dowager to intervene—I’ll deal with you myself. Some of you still haven’t experienced my methods, have you?”

That last sentence, sinister and chilling, sounded like a demon crawling straight out of hell. No amount of smiling could mask his bloodthirsty ruthlessness.

“Yes, Chief Yu.”

The palace staff replied, thoroughly frightened. Chief Yu was famous in the palace for his effectiveness and keen judgment. The Empress Dowager and Prince Anping had been at odds for years, and so many servants had come and gone from Chao Yun Hall, yet Chief Yu remained like an evergreen tree, unshakable.

People in the palace recognized his exceptional talents; many sought to follow him.

Jiang Lan returned to her room, changed clothes, and was about to visit the outer courtyard where the white tiger was caged when she saw Carrot waiting at the door, dressed in plain white brocade.

“Ming, what are you doing here?” Jiang Lan looked at the child leaning against the wall, playing with his feet.

“Nanny said Uncle brought home a very adorable tiger.”

Jiang Lan nodded, then added, “Adorable might be a stretch. It’s rather clever. If you’d like, shall I take you to see it?”

Jiang Ruoming looked up brightly, gazing at his uncle, gently holding Jiang Lan’s hand, “Together?”

Jiang Lan nodded, “Let’s go then.”

Jiang Ruoming joyfully grasped three of his uncle’s fingers, carefully mindful of Jiang Lan’s injured palm, and chatted about what he’d learned at the academy that day.

Children are such amusing creatures—even when the old master snores, they find it endlessly fascinating.