Chapter 96
Chapter 96: Searching for Information
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“General, Madam, we have run out of space in the courtyard, but we still have numerous boxes outside. Where should we place them?”
...Deputy General Liu’s voice shattered the quietness of the main hall.
Hearing his words, Xue Yan pondered for a moment before responding, “Move all the remaining boxes to the Plum Garden.”
“Yes.”
“Great General, Madam, I’ve heard that the views in the General’s Mansion are quite exquisite. May I have the honor of seeing it?”
Although he addressed Jiang Hong and his wife, Xiao Nanye’s gaze remained unwaveringly fixed on Jiang Peihuan.
Upon witnessing this, a smile danced in Xue Yan’s eyes. Before Jiang Hong could utter a word, she chuckled softly, “Absolutely, you’re most welcome.”
Finishing her words, she turned her eyes to Jiang Peihuan, “Huan Er, why don’t you guide His Highness on a tour?”
“Yes, Mother.”
Next, Xue Yan glanced at Xiao Nanye, “Your Highness, since you have graced us with your presence today, why not stay for lunch? I will instruct the kitchen to prepare a meal.”
“To refuse would be impolite. Thank you, Madam.”
Listening to Xue Yan’s offer, Xiao Nanye nodded, his tone imbued with a new sense of respect.
After a short while, Jiang Peihuan led Xiao Nanye towards the garden. When she was sure that no one was trailing behind, she turned to the man beside her, “You were just…”
“She displeases you.”
The moment Jiang Peihuan opened her mouth, the man interjected immediately.
Caught off guard by his statement, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes widened in surprise, “Even though you didn’t utter a word, 1 noticed you didn’t enjoy her presence.” “So you let Han Feng teach her a lesson?”
“Indeed.”
The man simply nodded and whispered, “Anything that brings you discomfort will vanish from your sight.”
Witnessing the sincerity in the man’s eyes, Jiang Peihuan’s gaze became a complex mix of emotions. After a moment of silence, she addressed the man, “1 may not appreciate her, but she can’t hurt me. Therefore, Your Highness, you don’t need to go to such lengths. It could tarnish your reputation.”
“Heli…”
Listening to Jiang Peihuan’s caution, Xiao Nanye suddenly burst into laughter. Seeing his smiling eyes, Jiang Peihuan was filled with confusion.
Perceiving her confusion, the man cast a downwards glance at her, “Huan Er, do you think I’m a man who values reputation?”
Remembering Xiao Nanye’s notorious reputation for being audacious and domineering, Jiang Peihuan decided to stay silent.
Observing her silence, the man spoke again, softly this time, “Why don’t you show me the splendors of the General’s Mansion? Despite my numerous visits, I’ve never had a chance to appreciate its beauty.”
“Very well, Your Highness, follow me.”
With that, Jiang Peihuan led Xiao Nanye towards the mansion’s lakeside and rockery.
Just as they entered the pavilion, Han Feng arrived hastily.
He walked to Xiao Nanye and Jian Peihuan and bowed respectfully. Then, he stood up.” Master, the things have been sent to the Eldest Miss ‘Plum Garden.”
“Good.”
The man nodded and then extended his hand to Han Feng, “Hand it over to me.”
At that moment, Jiang Peihuan noticed Han Feng cradling a small, white puppy in his arms.
The puppy was incredibly delicate and cute. After taking it from Han Feng’s hands, Xiao Nanye directly handed it over to Jiang Peihuan.
She accepted it instinctively, cradling it within her arms before looking questioningly towards the man beside her.
Xiao Nanye reached out to gently pat the puppy’s head before whispering, “I brought this dog from the palace. It appeared quite spirited, so I thought you might like it.”
“Do you?”
He had previously gifted her numerous pieces of jewelry, but she seemed uninterested in such items. After much thought, he decided on this little white dog.
He noticed many princesses and concubines within the palace seemed to enjoy the companionship of small pets.
He saw that many princesses and concubines in the palace seemed to like raising small animals.
In both her past and present life, Jiang Peihuan had never had a pet. This was her first encounter with a small animal in both lives. But as soon as she cradled the little creature, it extended a paw to lick Jiang Peihuan’s fingertips.
The soft touch from her fingers naturally led Jiang Peihuan to caress its fur.
Upon witnessing Jiang Peihuan’s expressions and movements, Xiao Nanye breathed a sigh of relief.
“Does this puppy have a name?”
“Not yet, you should name it.”
“Given its fur is as white as snow, let’s call it Snowflake.”
Because of Snowflake, Jiang Peihuan decided to returned to the plum garden directly with Xiao Nanye.
Yue Er was busy having someone transfer a box into the adjacent room. As soon as she saw Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye, she immediately stepped forward to greet, “Your Highness, Miss.”
“Yue Er, arrange a little nest for Snowflake.”
As she spoke, Jiang Peihuan handed Snowflake to Yue Er, but the little creature clung tightly to Jiang Peihuan’s sleeve, adamant on not leaving.
Witnessing this, Yue Er laughed, “Miss, it seems this little one only has eyes for you.”
A soft smile appeared in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes. She reached out to gently pat the little one’s head, softly saying, “Never mind, go prepare its little nest first. I’ll keep holding it.”
Xiao Nanye, looking at Snowflake nestled in Jiang Peihuan’s arms, felt a tinge of regret.
After a moment’s thought, he reached out, grabbing Snowflake by the scruff of its neck, lifting it from Jiang Peihuan’s hold.
Suddenly lifted, Snowflake bared its baby teeth, but upon realizing it was Xiao Nanye who was holding it, it quietly lowered its head.
Handing Snowflake over to Yue Er, Xiao Nanye whispered, “From now on, you’ll take care of it.”
“Yes.”
Yue Er smiled, carrying Snowflake away.
Facing Jiang Peihuan’s puzzled expression, Xiao Nanye softly said, “You’ll tire yourself if you keep holding it.”
“Eldest sister?”
Just as Jiang Peihuan was about to speak, she saw Jiang Sijin rushing towards them.
“Your Highness.”
Upon approaching, Jiang Sijin gave Xiao Nanye a respectful bow.
“Please rise, Third Miss.”
Knowing the close bond between Jiang Sijin and Jiang Peihuan, Xiao Nanye always treated her with gentleness.
“Eldest sister, lunch is ready. Mother asked me to invite you and His Highness to join.”
“Alright, understood. We’re on our way.”
At that, Jiang Sijin dashed off again. Watching the little girl’s retreating figure, Xiao Nanye couldn’t help but smile. “This young lady certainly knows how to read a situation.”
Jiang Peihuan remained silent.
Instead, she led Xiao Nanye towards the main hall.
By the time the pair arrived at the main hall, the entire Jiang family had already assembled, awaiting their arrival.
Xiao Nanye’s seat was arranged at the head of the table, but upon seeing Jiang Peihuan’s seat, he spoke directly, “My visit today is as a junior, not as a king. There’s no need for strict formalities, General and Madam.”
“I’ll sit here.”
As he spoke, Xiao Nanye settled himself in the seat next to Jiang Peihuan. Jiang Sijin, who had been about to approach, noted this and silently moved to another seat nearby.
“Your Highness, I heard rumors that the Emperor plans to refurbish the palace. Is there any truth in this?”
Once seated at the table, Jiang Hong turned to Xiao Nanye with his question.