Chapter 95
Chapter 95: Delivering Betrothal Gifts
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Upon hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, a wave of confusion swept over Han Feng. However, the following day, he soon understood why his master could confidently stride through the main entrance.
...The second day, early morning.
At the General’s Mansion’s gate.
“All of you be careful. This was personally prepared by His Highness for the young miss.”
Han Feng quickly came to the aid of the attendant who nearly bumped the box into the door.
Being used to clandestinely scaling walls with Xiao Nanye every day, Han Feng found this open, daylight entrance a bit jarring.
But in proposing marriage, wasn’t it customary to enter through the main gate?
In the Plum Garden.
“Eldest Sister, go and take a look! King Cheng has prepared so many gifts.”
Just finishing her morning training, Jiang Peihuan saw Jiang Sijin sprinting towards her, eyes shining with excitement. Hearing her sister’s words, Jiang Peihuan was puzzled.
Yue Er walked forward and whispered,” Eldest Miss, His Highness King Cheng has come to deliver the betrothal gift.”
On hearing the man’s name, Jiang Peihuan involuntarily recalled the kiss from last night.
She couldn’t tell if her rising temperature was due to the aftereffects of training or something else entirely.
“Eldest Sister, you should change your clothes quickly. Father and Mother are waiting for us in the main hall.”
As Jiang Sijin spoke, she turned to Yue Er, “Help Eldest Sister pick a prettier dress later.”
With Jiang Sijin’s urging, Jiang Peihuan was lead straight into her room.
Shortly after, Yue Er pulled out two flamboyant long dresses from Jiang Peihuan’s closet, one in emerald green, and the other in sapphire blue.
The emerald green dress, embroidered with green bamboos, radiated vitality and youthfulness.
The sapphire blue dress, adorned with patterns of auspicious clouds, conveyed an ethereal elegance.
“Miss, which one do you wish to wear?”
Examining the gorgeous dresses, Jiang Peihuan scrunched her brow, “These are too intricate. I’d rather wear my everyday clothes.”
“Young miss, today is the day His Highness comes to deliver the betrothal gift. You… Yes, I’ll go get it.”
Yue Er instinctively tried to persuade her but, seeing Jiang Peihuan’s resolute face, she held her tongue, turned, and left with the dress in hand.
However, looking at Yue Er’s back as she left, Jiang Peihuan seemed to reconsider. In a low voice, she said, “Never mind, to avoid the hassle, bring me the blue one.”
“Yes.”
Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, a spark of surprise lit up in Yue Er’s eyes. As if fearing Jiang Peihuan might change her mind, Yue Er swiftly brought the blue dress for her to change into.
“Young miss, you used to dress too plainly. Look at how beautiful you look today.”
Yue Er, standing behind Jiang Peihuan, meticulously helped her fix her long hair.
The reflection in the mirror revealed a beautiful girl with striking features. The sapphire blue dress made her fair skin look even more fairer.
Jiang Sijin sat alone in the courtyard and waited. When she heard the sound at the door, she turned her head subconsciously and saw Jiang Peihuan walking out of the room. Jiang Sijin’s eyes sparkled with joy as she playfully circled Jiang Peihuan, landing two playful punches on her. With a broad smile, she complimented, “Eldest sister, you look incredibly beautiful in that dress.”
“Alright, let’s go.”
At Jiang Sijin’s words, a soft smile broke out on Jiang Peihuan’s face.
Both of them headed towards the grand hall.
The main hall of the General Mansion was buzzing with activity.
Apart from Old Madam Jiang of the house, nearly all the important members of the General Mansion were present. Even the newly designated Aunt Mei stood beside Jiang Yuan.
The grand hall and its entrance were swamped with boxes, yet more kept coming. Xiao Nanye sat calmly at a table with Jiang Hong and Xue Yan, enjoying his tea.
At this moment, he heard familiar footsteps. Xiao Nanye subconsciously put down the teacup in his hand and turned to look at the entrance.
Jiang Peihuan saw countless boxes along the way. She wondered if Xiao Nanye had virtually cleared out the Cheng Mansion..
“Father, mother…”
Jiang Peihuan moved forward, giving everyone a respectful bow before shifting her attention to Xiao Nanye. Just as she prepared to greet him, she heard his voice, “Huan Er, you look extraordinarily beautiful today.”
Upon hearing his voice, Jiang Peihuan subconsciously turned head to find the Jiang family carrying on as usual, and she realized only she could hear his words.
She glared at the man sitting on the chair, but the latter did not care at all. Instead, his smile only seemed to deepen.
“Huanhuan, you truly are fortunate. These betrothal gifts are nearly overflowing.”
The person who spoke was Zhou Rongfang, who had been brought home by Jiang Yuan late last night.
Initially, Zhou Rongfang was quite satisfied with the Cao family. However, faced with the spectacle of gifts, a hint of jealousy crept into her eyes.
Upon seeing this, Jiang Ruyun quickly nudged her. “Mother, please stop.”
Zhou Rongfang wanted to retort but swallowed her words upon seeing Jiang Ruyun’s stern face. However, Jian Mei, standing nearby, smirked, “The second miss has just gotten engaged. I wonder how many betrothal gifts the Cao family will bring.”
Everyone frowned upon hearing this.
Despite the tension, especially with Xiao Nanye present, the Jiang family had to swallow their pride.
Xiao Nanye, however, wouldn’t stand for it.
Turning towards Jian Mei, he inquired coldly, “This lady seems rather unfamiliar. Who might she be?”
In response, Jiang Yuan started, “Your highness, this is my concubine, she…”
Interrupting him, Xiao Nanye ordered sharply, “Even a concubine dares to speak out of turn in front of me? Han Feng, slap her.”
“Yes, sir.”
Before Jiang Yuan could finish, Han Feng’s hand had already made contact with Jian Mei’s face.
Jian Mei was left dazed, but Han Feng’s actions didn’t cease. As a shadow guard, he harbored no sense of sympathy for women and didn’t hold back. After a series of harsh slaps, blood began to trickle down from the corner of Jian Mei’s mouth.
However, Xiao Nanye still had no intention of stopping. As they witnessed the scene, the faces of the Jiang family displayed a mix of emotions.
A grimace marked Jiang Yuan’s face, while Zhou Rongfang looked gleeful. Noticing Zhou’s clear intention to stir up trouble, Jiang Ruyun tugged forcefully at her hand.
Realizing she too had spoken out of turn, Zhou Rongfang hastily retreated two steps.
“Your Highness,” began Jiang Hong calmly, seeing that Jian Mei was about to lose consciousness, “Today is the day of your betrothal gift ceremony. I beseech you to show some restraint, for my sake.”
Upon hearing his future father-in-law’s plea, Xiao Nanye smiled, “Since the great general has spoken, we shall leave the matter be.”
“However,” he continued, his gaze turning towards Jiang Yuan, “when I visit the General’s Mansion in the future, I would rather not see her.”
When he said this, Xiao Nanye didn’t look at Jiang Hong. Instead, he looked at Jiang Yuan.
Meeting Xiao Nanye’s gaze, Jiang Yuan swiftly replied, “I understand your wishes, Your Highness.”
Following this, Jiang Yuan glanced towards Xi Er, and Jian Mei was promptly escorted away.
A heavy silence hung over the grand hall. Everyone present dared not utter another word carelessly.
It was at this moment that they truly recognized the identity of Xiao Nanye as King Cheng, the Imperial Uncle, ranking second in the entire kingdom.
Then, except for Jiang Hong and his wife, everyone gazes shifted towards Jiang Peihuan, filled with a newfound mix of awe and apprehension..