Chapter 7: The Battle Before the Gate

After a few days, the long-awaited day finally arrived for Xia Jiujiang to return to her family home. To showcase the grandeur of the Prince Jin’s Manor, Steward Meng had made all the necessary arrangements at dawn—preparing the carriages, attendants, and the gifts for the return visit, all in perfect order.

Xia Jiujiang arrived fashionably late, but the moment she appeared, Jun Buwen’s eyes lit up. She wore a floor-length gown in a soft, misty lotus pink, with a delicate jade gourd ornament hanging from a teal sash that set off her porcelain-white skin. Her long, raven-black hair was swept up into a simple spiral bun, and her charming smile was both gentle and captivating.

She walked naturally to Jun Buwen’s side and said, “Let’s get in the carriage.”

Steward Meng looked at her and said, “Princess, His Highness is accustomed to riding alone in his carriage.”

Was he hinting that Xia Jiujiang should take a different carriage?

Xia Jiujiang tugged at Jun Buwen’s robe, whispering in his ear, “If we’re going to put on a show, we might as well do it thoroughly. Since we’re partners, you’re the prince and I’m your princess. You’re my pillar; in front of others, we must at least appear affectionate.”

Jun Buwen found Xia Jiujiang’s quiet muttering as she clung to his sleeve unexpectedly amusing.

He said nothing and boarded the carriage.

Seeing that she was about to get into Jun Buwen’s carriage, Steward Meng grew anxious. If Jun Buwen lost his temper with Xia Jiujiang within the manor, that was one thing—no one would gossip. But on the public street, tongues would surely wag.

Steward Meng called out, “Princess—”

Xia Jiujiang replied, “Don’t worry, His Highness’s silence means consent.”

Ye Sha rolled his eyes. Just because His Highness didn’t say anything didn’t mean Xia Jiujiang could join him in the carriage. Everyone in Liguo knew the prince shunned the company of women and always rode alone. Even Princess Anya had been unceremoniously thrown out—how could Xia Jiujiang think so highly of herself?

Ye Sha waited gleefully for Xia Jiujiang to be tossed from the carriage, but the next moment disappointed him. The prince, who had always ridden alone, actually allowed Xia Jiujiang to share his carriage!

Steward Meng was stunned. Had the prince’s wooden head finally cracked open?

He glanced at Ye Sha and muttered, “Has spring come at last?”

Ye Sha, oblivious to the mood, retorted, “Steward Meng, you’ve got the seasons mixed up. It’s autumn, not spring.”

Steward Meng rolled his eyes. This big oaf might be handsome, but which girl would ever fall for such a blockhead?

With both Xia Jiujiang’s return and the old matron’s birthday, the Xia residence was abuzz with double joy. The household had been waiting in anticipation for her arrival.

Prime Minister Xia Wentao, Lady Lin Baixue, Concubine Wei with Chun’er, Xia Chan, and Xia Yue’er all stood together. Of the prime minister’s inner chambers, only Xia Jiujiang, daughter of the late Jiang Ruan, remained. Both Lin Baixue and Concubine Wei had a son and a daughter each.

Lin Baixue, as a concubine-born daughter of the Marquis of Guanyuan, had a son, Xia Mingxuan, now a young general at the border, and a cherished daughter, Xia Yue’er.

Concubine Wei, daughter of Minister Wei’s mistress and of even lower birth, was cunning enough to defeat many rivals upon entering the Xia family. Her daughter, Xia Chan, was the third miss, and her son, Chun’er, was just four years old. To secure a place in the Xia household showed her skill.

Xia Chan muttered discontentedly, “We’ve waited nearly an hour. Why hasn't she arrived yet? Xia Jiujiang really knows how to put on airs. Does that simpleton truly believe she’s a princess now?”

Xia Wentao shot her a glance. “Watch your tongue. Jiang’er returns today as Princess Jin. This is not the time or place for your loose words.”

Chastened, Xia Chan bowed her head. Xia Wentao then looked at Xia Yue’er, who stood poised at the gate, unruffled—a true daughter of his.

People bustled in all directions; even the walls had ears, let alone so many present. To slight Princess Jin was to disrespect the Prince Jin’s Manor and the emperor’s decree—a grave offense.

Yet Xia Wentao glanced at the busy street, having already received word by carrier pigeon that the prince had set out, but an hour had passed and there was still no sign of them.

No sooner had he spoken than several lavish carriages appeared near the prime minister’s residence. Draped in black silk with golden threads, the horses armored in white, two teams of guards flanked the carriages, exuding an aura of nobility.

As the carriages halted before the Xia gates, they drew everyone's attention.

Today was also the old matron’s birthday, and the entire household was preparing for the evening banquet. The arrival of these splendid carriages made the Xia residence even more impressive.

Of course, many came for the spectacle. The so-called simpleton, Xia Jiujiang, had become Princess Jin overnight. What would her return look like? Would the prince accompany her—or would she arrive alone, to be mocked and ridiculed?

Everyone held their breath as the curtain was lifted. The first to emerge seemed to have stepped from a painting—features sharp as a blade, eyes bright, every movement capturing the crowd.

Prince Jin, Jun Buwen, exuded aristocratic grace, drawing all eyes to him. With such a dazzling presence, anyone who followed would pale in comparison.

When Jun Buwen appeared, everyone was struck by the thought: Was the prince truly accompanying Xia Jiujiang?

Xia Chan stared at him, having feared that Xia Jiujiang would return alone to be humiliated. She never expected the prince to come too. If so… her plans were already half successful.

Xia Yue’er lifted her chin haughtily. So what if Xia Jiujiang was Princess Jin? In the Xia household, she was insignificant, always underfoot. Even as a princess, she could not shake the reputation of being useless.

But when Xia Jiujiang appeared, Xia Yue’er’s expression froze.

Xia Jiujiang glided gracefully forward, every step elegant, her eyes shining with a limpid, springlike light. Her slender fingers rested lightly in Jun Buwen’s outstretched hand. Every gesture was enchanting—like a fairy who had descended to earth. Standing beside Jun Buwen, she was not overshadowed in the least; together, they shone even more brightly.

Was this really Xia Jiujiang? How could she possess such poise and dignity?

For a moment, Xia Yue’er felt thoroughly humiliated. She had hoped to see Xia Jiujiang timid and disgraced. But since becoming Princess Jin, she seemed transformed.

The entire Xia family was stunned. Could a change of status truly alter one’s very aura?

Xia Yue’er could not bear to see Xia Jiujiang outshine her. As a legitimate daughter, she had comforted herself with the thought that, in the Xia household, Xia Jiujiang’s life was worse than a servant’s. When she became Princess Jin, her mother assured her Xia Jiujiang would not survive in the Prince Jin’s Manor.

Yet now… Xia Yue’er waited for her own moment as the legitimate daughter, but Xia Jiujiang returned as a princess. If she were still as easily manipulated as before, that would be one thing. But now, Xia Jiujiang’s entrance revealed a new, formidable presence.

Xia Wentao and Lin Baixue stepped forward, adopting the faces of loving parents. “Our eldest daughter is now a princess,” they said, “it feels like a lifetime has passed.”

Lin Baixue dabbed at her eyes, sighing, “Indeed, it seems only yesterday you were just a little girl, and now you’ve returned as a bride.”

Seeing Xia Wentao and Lin Baixue’s hypocrisy, a shadow flickered over Xia Jiujiang’s cold face. How revolting—who was their performance for?

She looked at them icily and said, “Though today is my return, I come as Princess Jin. Let us not give others cause for gossip. The proper courtesies must not be omitted.”

Her words made it abundantly clear to the Xia family—she was now Princess Jin. They had best pay their respects without delay.