Chapter 31 Words Contrary to One’s Heart

Chapter 31: Saying One Thing, Meaning Another

Because Xiao Lingchuan was injured by an arrow during the hunt, the hunting festivities were cut short, and everyone began the journey home.

Xia Yan suggested, "Shuning, since the Fourth Prince once saved your life, perhaps you could take this opportunity to visit him in the palace?"

Jiang Shuning lowered her gaze and shook her head. "No need. We are nothing more than casual acquaintances; a visit would be inappropriate."

Xiao Lingchuan was a reborn individual, his mind as deep as an abyss, already aware of everything in this life.

This poisoned arrow was suspicious; it might very well be a scheme of his own making.

Jiang Shuning's lips curved in a self-mocking smile. She realized now that his previous assassination attempt in the palace was also a meticulously staged act.

She had even blamed herself for pushing him into the lotus pond, giving the assassin an opportunity to wound him, and had carried that guilt for a long time.

It was clear that whether it was her, the imperial family, or the entire court, they were all merely pawns in his game.

Reborn in this life, she must avoid any entanglement with him to avoid getting burned.

"Xia Yan, help me pack my things. We should be heading back too." Having just recovered from a serious illness, Jiang Shuning found it somewhat difficult to organize her belongings alone.

Xia Yan agreed and efficiently began packing the clothes, but she kept stealing glances at Jiang Shuning, her gaze full of meaning.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Jiang Shuning felt somewhat uncomfortable under her scrutiny and frowned.

Xia Yan stopped what she was doing and smiled meaningfully. "Shuning, I think you might be saying one thing but meaning another." "What do you mean?"

"You probably forgot..." Xia Yan deliberately drew out her words, being deliberately cryptic. Seeing Jiang Shuning's growing confusion, she slowly continued, "Last night, while you were feverish and delirious, you kept calling out the Fourth Prince's name, repeating over and over, 'Your Highness, you must believe me'..."

"What?!" Jiang Shuning felt as if struck by lightning. Her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, a wave of heat rushing from her chest throughout her body, threatening to consume her.

She wanted to explain, but facing Xia Yan's teasing eyes, her thoughts were in turmoil, leaving her at a loss for words.

In her previous life, she had been hopelessly in love with Xiao Lingchuan. Her youthful feelings were like spring blossoms, impossible to hide completely, and she often mentioned him to Xia Yan.

Now, she had buried those emotions deep within her heart, never expecting that her delirious dreams during the high fever would expose her innermost thoughts.

How mortifying!

She could only hope Xia Yan would quickly forget what she said last night!

The carriage slowly stopped in front of the Jiang residence. As soon as Jiang Shuning alighted, she sensed an unusual heaviness enveloping the surroundings.

Household guards stood solemnly at the entrance, each with a grave expression. The faint, jarring sound of suppressed sobs could be heard from within the compound.

Her heart tightened, and she hurried towards the main hall.

Crossing the threshold, the scene before her hit her like a punch to the gut—Jiang Tianen knelt on the ground, his upper body bare, lashed with bloody welts.

A guard held a thick rod, bringing it down again and again without mercy.

Madam Jiang stood to the side, tears streaming down her face, her hand covering her mouth, swallowing her sobs.

Chancellor Jiang, flushed with anger, roared furiously, "You unfilial son! You've ruined your sister's virtue! I'll beat you to death!"

Jiang Shuning's mind went blank. In her panic, she pulled Ling Wu beside her and whispered urgently, "What on earth happened?"

Ling Wu leaned close and whispered, "Last night, the Eldest Young Master ordered Second Miss to deliver a pot of wine to the Third Prince. Who would have thought that after drinking it, the Third Prince... lost control and violated Second Miss."

Jiang Shuning's pupils contracted. Memories from last night flooded back—being led by the eunuch to the Sixth Prince's tent, the frightening lust in the Sixth Prince's eyes.

She looked at Jiang Yaozhen, seeing her red-rimmed eyes and pitiful, aggrieved appearance. Jiang Shuning felt only rage churning in her gut.

"Father, this definitely wasn't Elder Brother's doing!" She rushed in front of Jiang Tianen, throwing herself in front of him to block the guard's rod.

The guard, afraid of accidentally injuring her, quickly stopped.

"Elder Brother, quickly explain to Father what exactly happened last night?" she urged anxiously.

Jiang Tianen slowly raised his head, his face full of remorse. "Ning, don't say anymore. Let Father punish me. It was my fault. I harmed Zhen and ruined your marriage prospects with the Third Prince."

He had always hoped Jiang Shuning could become the Third Prince's Consort. The Third Prince had also shown interest, and even Consort Xi had hinted at such a possibility.

Now, things had gone awry. Jiang Tianen took all the blame upon himself, feeling deeply ashamed and heartbroken.

Jiang Shuning knew that while Jiang Tianen was simple and honest, he was by no means foolish. How could he do something as absurd as having his sister deliver wine late at night?

She turned her gaze to Jiang Yaozhen, her eyes gradually turning cold.

It was no secret within the residence that Jiang Yaozhen was unwilling to marry the Sixth Prince.

Now, her entanglement with the Third Prince clearly suited her desires even more!

Chancellor Jiang was furious. "You're still protecting him? This fool has ruined Zhen's virtue! The marriage with the Sixth Prince is hopeless! How am I to explain this to His Majesty?!"

Jiang Shuning gritted her teeth and said solemnly, "Father, Elder Brother would never do such a thing! There must be something suspicious about this matter. I implore you to investigate the truth!"

Chancellor Jiang's anger had not subsided. He was about to speak when a low, cold laugh came from outside the door. "Investigate? Hah, is the Jiang family's disgrace not shameful enough already?"

Third Prince Xiao Xiuzhan, dressed in brocade robes, slowly entered the main hall. A cold smile hung on his face, but his gaze swept over everyone like a sharp blade, finally settling on Chancellor Jiang.

"Chancellor Jiang, you certainly know how to teach your children well!"

Chancellor Jiang hurried forward, knelt, and pleaded for forgiveness, his face filled with fear. "Third Prince, please forgive this offense! This old minister failed in teaching his son. I deserve ten thousand deaths!"

A flash of malice appeared in Xiao Xiuzhan's eyes, his tone icy. "Since you failed in teaching, then teach properly now! Someone, bring a chair. This prince wishes to see how Chancellor Jiang disciplines his family!"

Guards quickly brought a chair. Xiao Xiuzhan sat down, crossed his legs, and cast a frosty gaze upon the guard. "Strike! Why have you stopped?"

Jiang Shuning caught the murderous intent flickering in his eyes. Her heart sank heavily, and she quickly said, "Your Highness, last night's incident is full of suspicious points. Your Highness has always been clear-headed and self-restrained. How could you lose control after drinking? Don't you suspect..."

Xiao Xiuzhan gave her a cold glance and interrupted, "Is Miss Jiang suggesting that last night, your sister, Second Miss Jiang, drugged the wine, causing this prince to lose his senses and take her virtue? If that were truly the case, the Jiang residence deliberately plotted against a prince. Tell me, how many heads does your family have to spare?"

Jiang Shuning was stunned.

In her eagerness to save her brother, she hadn't considered that if it were proven Jiang Yao had indeed intentionally drugged the wine, not only would Jiang Tianen face severe punishment, but the entire Jiang family would bear the grave crime of offending a royal heir.

Jiang Yaozhen chose that moment to burst into loud sobs. "Your Highness, please see clearly! This humble girl is innocent! If Your Highness does not believe me, you can order the imperial physician to examine the pot of wine from last night. If there was indeed any drug, I am willing to die to prove my innocence!"

"Did you hear that, Miss Jiang? It wasn't your sister's fault." Xiao Xiuzhan's gaze was cold and cruel. "In that case, it was your elder brother's fault! Someone, strike for me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his guards stepped forward, seized the wooden rod from the Jiang residence guard, and began beating Jiang Tianen fiercely, each blow heavier than the last.

After just a few strikes, Jiang Tianen was already vomiting blood.

Witnessing this, Madam Jiang fainted on the spot from overwhelming grief.

Jiang Shuning knew well of Xiao Xiuzhan's cruelty. In her previous life, he hadn't spared even his own flesh and blood, let alone a legitimate son of the Jiang family.

She trembled all over, kneeling before him and desperately kowtowing: "Your Highness, Third Prince, I beg for mercy! Please spare my brother's life—it was his first offense! If this continues, he will die!"

"First offense?" Xiao Xiuzhan sneered. "So, does Young Master Jiang plan on making a habit of it? This time he destroyed his second sister's virtue—next time, will he ruin his eldest sister's? Miss Jiang, could it be that you also wish to marry this prince?"

These words were unbearably harsh, leaving Jiang Shuning shaking with rage, her face flushed crimson.

Chancellor Jiang clenched his teeth and roared angrily: "Shuning, silence! Do not plead for your brother! Let them continue beating him until His Highness is satisfied!"

Jiang Tianen had always been robust since childhood, never uttering a complaint even when subjected to family discipline in the past.

But this time, his agonized screams grew more and more piercing, each one lancing through Chancellor Jiang and Jiang Shuning like a knife, their faces streaming with tears...