The Revolutionary Plot

Wang Yuling waited for Jiang Xicheng to enter the room. As soon as the door closed, her smile instantly turned to a deep scowl. Her face became engulfed in bitterness as if a cloud was suddenly settling on her. Her expression was unreadable as if she was trying to shield whatever emotions were lurking beneath the surface.

Jiang Guangyi arrived back from his hunting expedition with a satisfied smile on his face. As soon as Wang Yuling saw her son, she ran to him and greeted him with a warm embrace.

Jiang Guangyi had seen Jiang Xicheng closing the door. His expression changed. In a low growl, he asked, ''Mother, what's he doing here?''

"Xudong's birthday celebration is the perfect excuse for us to keep him around," Wang Yuling said as she firmly patted Jiang Guangyi's shoulder. "I have no fear -- I know my son will handle any situation that arises."

Jiang Guangyi's face remained stony, dissatisfaction radiating from him. No hint of a smile graced his lips.

The very next morning Jiang Xicheng stepped into the crowded market, his eyes widening in awe at the colorful array of goods laid out before him. Everywhere he looked, he saw bright fabrics, fruits and vegetables, and lacquered trays overflowing with spices and candied nuts.

Stallholders hawked their wares, their voices ringing in harmony with the happy chattering of the market-goers. Jiang Xicheng watched with wonder as the people bustled from one stall to the next, some haggling good-naturedly for a better price while others discussed the quality of local produce.

Young children ran between the legs of their mothers, giddy with excitement. Everywhere was the sound of happy laughter, for this was the heart of the community, a place where people could meet, eat, bargain, and socialize. It was easy to forget the worries of the outside world here in this vibrant, bustling market.

Jiang Xicheng smiled to himself as he continued to wander the aisles, admiring the diverse cuisines and interesting wares. The markets were a place of joy.

Jiang Xicheng felt the warm sun on his skin and the energy of the bustling crowd, and for a moment, his troubles were forgotten

Lady Jiaxin Xu along with a maid swished into the boutique, her eyes taking in the array of beautiful clothing that lined the shelves from floor to ceiling. She marvelled at the intricate details that went into each of the gowns.

The silks were dyed to perfection and the hand-painted scene along the hem of one dress reminded her of a hazy story she had read long ago.

She moved forward to browse the selection of exquisite gowns, running her fingers along the soft materials. She paused at a stunning red and gold dress that adorned the centre mannequin.

As she reached out to examine its embroidery, a tailor standing to the side stepped forward.

"Ah, Lady. That dress has been chosen for you. We can tailor it for your figure immediately," he said with a bow.

Lady Jiaxin Xu flushed with pleasure. She cast her gaze around the boutique, taking in the quality of the materials and the artistry of the designs.

The tailor scurried off to make the necessary modifications to the dress and, moments later, Lady Jiaxin Xu stepped out of the changing room.

Looking into the full-sized mirror, she examined herself from every angle with a critical eye. Everything seemed impeccable now. With a satisfied smile, she stepped back and then noticed a movement on the other side of the shop.

Startled, she whirled around to find Jiang Xicheng standing casually against a mannequin, his intense gaze forcefully locking with hers.

She commanded her heart to steady and with a determined voice told her maid, "Go to the market on the corner and purchase some red ribbons -- quickly!"

Lady Jiaxin Xu scowled; the maid quickly scurried away. As she watched the maid leave, Lady Jiaxin Xu marched up to Jiang Xicheng.

''Master Xicheng!''

Jiang Xicheng smiled. ''Glad you remember my name!''

Lady Jiaxin Xu gave a weak smile. ''How could I ever forget you? You're the spitting image of my beloved Jiang Yuan!''

Jiang Xicheng stared at her face, ''If you were so in love with him, why didn't you marry him in the first place?'' he asked her.

Lady Jiaxin Xu shook her head. ''Master Xicheng, sometimes we lose those battles which we wanted to win wholeheartedly''.

Jiang Xicheng remained silent.

Lady Jiaxin Xu peered through the door, eyeing her maid's return.

"Master Xicheng, you didn't follow me here without a purpose. Speak quickly - my maid could return any moment." She said.

''So afraid of a mere maid?'' Jiang Xicheng demanded.

''I refuse to be intimidated by her; it is Jiang Guangyi who makes me quake. This maid passes on all my information to him, from the places I visit to the people I interact with''. She replied.

"There's no time to waste - let's get straight to it: I require your assistance to take down Jiang Guangyi," declared Jiang Xicheng.

Lady Jiaxin Xu vehemently shook her head. ''Jiang Guangyi will surely kill my mother if I go against him. I cannot aid you in any way''.

"Do you want to condemn your mother to a life of peril, constantly in danger of being slain by your husband's sword? A single misstep and her life would be forfeit!" Jiang Xicheng demanded, his voice thundering with rage.

Lady Jiaxin Xu sighed heavily, ''What do you want?''

Jiang Xicheng whipped out a golden key from his pouch and sternly declared, ''Lady Jiaxin Xu, remember: This key will be returned to me tomorrow''.

''Why are you giving me a key?'' Lady Jiaxin Xu demanded.

"No suspicious objects will be tolerated; everything will be checked thoroughly according to security protocols before the party begins tomorrow''. Jiang Xicheng elaborated on Jiang Guangyi's conversation with his mother to Lady Jiaxin Xu that he overheard.

Jiang Xicheng thrust the potion bottle into Lady Jiaxin Xu's hands and sternly commanded, "Take this''.

Before she could question him, he spoke, ''Since you don't know anything about the vaults of Jiang's family. I would need to drug that foolish Jiang Xudong''. His cold, calculating gaze weighed heavily on her, threatening repercussions should she fail to comply.

''Master Xicheng, you would get us both killed''. Lady Jiaxin Xu hid the small bottle and key securely.

Jiang Xicheng bowed lightly and left without a trace.