Chapter 2 Chapter 2 "He is good at deceiving people. ...
The wind blows in all directions, and the flags tremble slightly.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and the situation seemed tense even before the weapons were drawn.
Under the carriage, Yin Shuang and Wan Niang were terrified and fell to their knees, shouting, "General, spare us! The girl is innocent!"
Jiang Ci suddenly raised his hand and signaled them to stop.
She stood before the soldiers, looking at the superior man, without saying a word, without kneeling or retreating, her expression as calm as before.
Jiang Ci was unwilling to kneel to him.
She never believed that humility could win her mercy. If he really wanted her to die, then it was a foregone conclusion and there was no point in begging.
In that case, she would die standing.
Not far away, a Dongyang Army soldier drew his sword, its gleaming cold in the light of the sky just clearing after the rain. He approached slowly, his steps steady and relentless.
The guards following Jiang Ci drew their swords in panic, but were forced back a step by other soldiers.
In full view of everyone, Jiang Ci suddenly took action and snatched the long sword from the hand of a person beside him with lightning speed.
The movements were quick and decisive, without any hesitation.
Everyone was shocked and couldn't stop her. She had already placed the sword across her neck, her eyes pointed directly at Ji Yang on the horse, and said calmly:
"The governor doesn't need to let your men take action."
"Since the day I left Liangzhou, I have come as your future wife. If you want me dead, I will do it myself, which is more respectable."
"Otherwise, if word gets out that the bride of the dignified Dongyang Grand Commander died at the hands of his subordinates, it would be a bad thing to hear."
The sword in her hand did not tremble, her gaze did not avert, and her tone was cold, but it struck like thunder in the hearts of everyone present.
Ji Yang looked down at the woman who raised her head to look at him, his eyes darkening.
There was indeed no fear in her eyes, only a calmness. She was truly not afraid of death.
He said in a cold voice: "You and I haven't even gotten married yet, so how can there be any talk of a new bride?"
Jiang Ci said nothing, but the corners of his lips slightly raised, his expression calm, but the hand holding the sword was quietly exerting force.
Without waiting for his response, she flicked her wrist and was about to slash the blade down.
At that moment——
“clang!”
An arrow came through the wind, as fast as a meteor, and the long sword flew down and fell to the ground. Everyone held their breath for a moment.
As the sword slipped out of her hand, the sharp blade left a thin red blood mark on her neck. The blood slowly seeped out and flowed down her snow-white skin.
Jiang Ci didn't move at all, and his expression didn't change.
Yin Shuang and Wan Niang had already knelt on the ground, bent over, not daring to make a sound, their faces pale.
Ji Yang put away his bow and said coldly, "Since my mother insists on seeing you, I will let you live a few more days."
After saying that, he casually threw the bow to the soldier beside him, reined in his horse and turned around.
"Walk."
Lu Linchuan followed without saying a word. Before leaving, he looked back at Jiang Ci.
The woman stood in the chaos, her wedding dress stained with blood, but her posture was straight. She slowly raised her hand and bowed to the two of them.
His eyes and brows were calm, as if he had never been disturbed.
The carriage moved slowly, and when the curtain fell, the noise of the world was cut off outside.
Yin Shuang and Wan Niang helped Jiang Ci sit down, and only then did they notice that her knuckles were white, her whole body was trembling slightly, her back was stiff as a bow under her wedding dress, and cold sweat soaked through her clothes, wetting the corners of her shirt.
She never uttered a word until she sat down, and the calmness on her face finally collapsed.
Tears welled in her eyes, and she bit her lips and teeth, as if she was using all her strength to suppress the fear churning in her chest. She stubbornly held on, but in the end, fear brought out her true nature.
Tears fell one by one, and she whispered:
"Just now...we almost died there..."
His voice was slightly hoarse and trembling violently.
Yin Shuang couldn't hold it in any longer and sobbed softly, "Girl, you scared me to death just now... I thought you were really going to..."
Jiang Ci turned his head to look at her, his eyes were still clear, with a hint of fatigue, but no regrets.
"Yes," she replied softly, "At that time... I was indeed prepared to die."
She lowered her head and stroked the sword scar on her neck that was bandaged by Wanniang. Her tone was slow but very clear:
"This marriage was arranged by Madam Ji. I heard that Ji Yang lost his father and his brother has been seriously ill for many years. He has single-handedly taken on the responsibility of supporting the entire Ji family. Madam Ji is the only one he loves and values."
"He can doubt me or hate me, I just bet he respects his mother."
"No matter how ruthless he is, he will never publicly disobey the marriage alliance made by his own mother."
The bloodshot eyes and tears were still there, but her words were calm and calculated, with the sharp rationality of a gambler.
Wan Niang held her hand, her eyes full of complicated emotions, and whispered:
"This girl is... risking her life to survive."
Jiang Cihui held her hand and nodded slightly.
"Bo Sheng, it's more of a gamble. If I also kneel down and beg him, he will look down on our Jiang family."
Only if she is alive can she stand on this military chessboard and have a chance to save Liangzhou. She remembered that her father said Ji Yang was a hostage for three years and suffered humiliation and pain. If she fell in Fengdu, Liangzhou would be trampled by his cavalry.
Yin Shuang looked at her, her throat choked with sobs, and she could only lower her head and remain silent.
In front of the Dongyang Marquis Mansion, there are red walls and black tiles, and it is solemn and majestic.
As soon as the carriage stopped, before the servants could report, a middle-aged woman in a crimson cloak came out and stood there, with an upright posture and a steady gaze.
Her hair, though gray, was neatly tied, her features still radiant with heroism, and her steps firm and confident. Although over fifty, she exuded the air of a seasoned warrior.
She was the mother of the Governor of Dongyang, Lady Ji, who had fought alongside her husband on the battlefield in the past and had made military achievements.
Jiang Ci had just stepped off the carriage and had not yet spoken when Madam Ji came quickly to meet her, took her hand in hers, and looked at her face intently with a look of surprise.
After a long while, she sighed softly:
"You and your mother... look so much alike."
Jiang Ci was startled and quickly bowed, "Greetings, Madam."
Madam Ji reached out and helped her up, saying in a straightforward tone, "There's no need for so many formalities between you and me."
Jiang Ci blinked and asked hesitantly, "Madam... do you know my mother?"
When Madam Ji heard her mention the old friend, a faint layer of memories appeared in her eyes, and her tone slowed down:
"More than just knowing each other, we grew up together and have been best sisters since childhood."
"But later, she married the Jiang family of Liangzhou, and I followed Ji Yang's father to the military camp. From then on, we were separated from each other. That farewell... was actually a final farewell."
"With war raging and life being difficult, even the thought of seeing each other again has become a luxury."
She paused as she spoke, as if she didn't want to dwell on the past anymore. Her gaze returned to Jiang Ci and she smiled softly, "Let's not talk about this anymore."
"My dear girl, you are tired from the journey. Come in with me."
Jiang Ci looked at the heroic female general in front of him, and a sense of peace that he had never had before appeared in his eyes.
Madam Ji personally led Jiang Ci into the inner house. She did not place her in a remote courtyard, but walked around the corridor and stopped directly on the east side of the main courtyard.
"Here." She pointed to the vermilion-painted gate before her. "It's only a few steps away from your future husband's courtyard, separated by a wall. If you need anything, just call out and he'll hear you."
Jiang Ci was stunned and a little surprised.
Madam Ji seemed to see through her thoughts. She looked back at her with a smile, then stopped smiling and her eyes fell on the gauze on the side of her neck. Her expression was a little complicated and helpless.
"I know Zisu's temper." She sighed softly, "You don't have to be afraid. A man may be decisive and ruthless outside because he's forced to do so by the situation. But if there's a sensible and gentle woman at home, he'll soften up sooner or later."
Her tone was calm, yet very measured.
"Besides, I'm here." She paused, speaking with the assurance and protection of an elder, "I won't let him do anything reckless."
Jiang Ci lowered his head and responded in a low but extremely respectful voice.
"Thank you, ma'am."
Madam Ji patted her hands and instructed several capable maids and the old maid, "From now on, this courtyard will be Miss Jiang's main residence. You will be responsible for everything related to her daily life and meals. If you neglect her in the slightest, you will be held accountable."
Everyone responded in unison.
After giving all the instructions, Madam Ji asked Jiang Ci to have a good rest before turning around and leaving with her men.
The courtyard door is closed, isolating from the hustle and bustle.
Jiang Ci slowly stepped into the room and looked around. The furnishings were exquisite yet not vulgar. The windows and tables were clean and elegant. The curtains were made of fine-grained Shu brocade. The incense burner beside the couch burned with warm, calm sandalwood.
There was an unwritten piece of paper on the desk, with a jade paperweight pressed against the corner; but there was no portrait of a man on the wall, and the atmosphere was completely tranquil, like a woman's boudoir.
Obviously, this courtyard was arranged temporarily, but it was arranged with great care and detail.
At this moment, Jiang Ci finally felt, even if only for a moment, his heart was a little at peace.
Wanniang and Yinshuang had already opened the suitcases and were spreading out clothes, arranging things, and putting things in place.
Outside the house, a gentle spring breeze blew, gently swaying the curtains. Jiang Ci gently stroked the clothes hanger beside the couch, and his fingertips touched the warm wood grain. Somehow, a subtle sourness suddenly welled up in his eyes.
She will have to walk the road ahead alone.
Everything was tidied up, the house was filled with warm incense and soft lights.
Jiang Ci put on a coat and leaned against the gate, gazing at the moonlit horizon. The night was as dark as water, so quiet that one could hear the gentle rustle of the wind blowing through the bamboo shadows.
Just as I was lost in thought, a low, angry voice suddenly came from the other side of the wall:
"Mother! What are you—?"
Jiang Ci frowned slightly, turned around, quietly walked out of the side door, followed the corridor and turned to the east path, just in time to see a familiar tall figure fleeing in the courtyard next door, and another female general figure who was still as majestic as ever was chasing after him, waving a bamboo.
Madam Ji's hair was neatly tied, her robes fluttered in the wind, and the bamboo stick in her hand rustled like the wind. She chased and cursed:
"Ji Zisu! Do you think I'm blind? Did the wound on the Jiang family girl's neck appear out of thin air? And you keep saying that you didn't embarrass her?"
Ji Yang hid while shouting, "I really didn't embarrass her! She pulled out the sword herself! I just... I just scared her!"
"You say it's easy to scare her!" Madam Ji dropped a bamboo stick on his leg and angrily said, "You still say that beauty is a scourge to the state? You want to kill her, right? Are you crazy?"
"That's a military order! Hey, hey, hey, mother! Be gentle!" Ji Yang's steps became unsteady, and as soon as he turned around, his eyes met the plain-clothed figure standing outside the courtyard gate.
Jiang Ci stood under the moon, dressed in clean clothes, with a calm expression, neither saying a word nor moving.
Ji Yang paused, his eyes turned slightly cold, and before he could speak, Madam Ji hit his thigh with the bamboo stick in her hand, making a crisp "pa" sound.
Ji Yang didn't even frown, he just stared at Jiang Ci with displeasure in his eyes.
Jiang Ci's eyes moved, and then he turned his head away gently.
Madam Ji also noticed the person coming from outside the courtyard gate. Her expression froze for a moment, and then she snorted coldly. She threw the bamboo stick aside and said to Ji Yang, "I'll save some face for you today. Apologize to Miss Jiang."
After saying that, he turned and was about to leave.
Seeing this, Jiang Ci hurriedly took a half step forward, bowed gracefully, and spoke gently, "Madam, you are too kind. The governor did not embarrass me."
"This matter... was initiated by me."
She raised her eyes to Madam Ji, her tone clear yet gentle, "After all, Liangzhou and Dongyang were once enemies. It's understandable that he's wary of me. I... may also harbor hostility towards him. These are all past events, Madam, please don't blame me."
Upon hearing this, Madam Ji paused slightly, looked back at her, a hint of relief appeared in her eyes, and she said softly:
"You are a sensible child."
After saying this, he turned away.
Only Ji Yang and Jiang Ci were left in the yard, and the atmosphere became silent for a moment.
The night wind blew, and the fallen leaves swirled. Ji Yang stood in the moonlight, looking at the woman who had not yet entered the courtyard gate with a heavy look in his eyes, and sneered:
"He's a master at deceiving people."
"You can actually make her turn and talk to you."
Jiang Ci stood outside the door and never stepped beyond the courtyard gate.
She did not argue, but just looked quietly at the old tree under the moon, the shadows of the branches slanting down to the ground in the wind.
Ji Yang pursed his lips, his tone becoming even colder: "If you're waiting for me to apologize to you, give up on it as soon as possible. I've already done my best to spare your life for now."
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