Chapter 158
Chapter 158: Entering the Palace
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
As he spoke, Jiang Hong glanced at Deputy General Liu. The latter took a step forward and stuffed a small pouch into the hands of the young eunuch. The pouch was very light and did not weigh much. The young eunuch touched it and knew that it was silver notes.
The smile on his face deepened.
The carriage from the General’s Mansion drove directly into the royal palace, bypassing the queue of other family carriages waiting for inspection. On witnessing this scene, many onlookers showed a hint of dissatisfaction. However, considering the notable merits of the Jiang Family, no one dared to say anything.
Still, there were murmurs of complaint. “We’re all lining up, but the Jiang family get special treatment.”
The one who made this remark was none other than Yan Xin.
At that moment, Yan Xin was seated in Lin Mengyao’s carriage.
Following Yan Xin’s gaze as she lifted the curtain, Lin Mengyao also spotted Jiang Peihuan’s carriage.
Seeing that Jiang Peihuan’s carriage advanced directly ahead, without the need to queue or undergo inspection, Lin Mengyao’s eyes were filled with complex emotions.
Just then, the curtain of Jiang Peihuan’s carriage was abruptly lifted.
It wasn’t Jiang Peihuan, but Jiang Ruyun who had raised the curtain.
Jiang Ruyun had heard Yan Xin’s voice and, looking at Yan Xin seated next to Lin Mengyao, she said with a smug look, “There’s nothing to be done. King Cheng is considerate of my elder sister and can’t bear to see her waiting in line.”
“If you don’t want to wait in line, you could also go and plead with Prince Qing.”
“You…”
Upon hearing Jiang Ruyun’s words, Yan Xin’s eyes filled with anger, but she was unable to rebute.
Seeing the triumph in Jiang Ruyun’s eyes, Yan Xin suddenly sported a faint smile. She didn’t dare to offend Jiang Peihuan, but she wasn’t afraid of Jiang Ruyun. “Jiang Ruyun, if 1 were you, I wouldn’t dare to step outside now.”
“A disgraced woman like you still dares to… Ah…”
Yan Xin’s words were cut off by a sudden intense pain in her hand that held the curtain.
With the sudden pain, she instinctively released her grip, and the curtain was promptly lowered.
Across from her, Jiang Peihuan elegantly retracted her whip, then turned to Jiang Ruyun and said, “There’s no need to talk with these people.”
“Yes, elder sister.”
Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Jiang Ruyun let go of the curtain.
Meanwhile, Yan Xin in the carriage across was looking at the red mark on her back, her eyes full of gloom.
Beside her, Lin Mengyao, having witnessed this scene, had an equally unpleasant expression on her face.
As Jiang Peihuan’s carriage was about to disappear into the distance, Yan Xin couldn’t help but turn to Lin Mengyao and ssl, “Yao Er, Prince Qing is also presented today. Why hasn’t he sent someone to escort you in first?”
Lin Mengyao’s expression turned even uglier when she heard Yan Xin’s words.
However, she softly replied, “Today, His Highness specially invited the emperor to visit the palace. It’s important for him, let’s not trouble him with these trivial matters.”
Yan Xin wanted to say something else, but seeing the frosty expression on Lin Mengyao’s face, she shut her mouth.
By now, Jiang Peihuan had already made her way into the palace. As she descended from the carriage, she noticed Xiao Nanye standing there.
The man was dressed in black, accompanied by Han Feng.
“Master, Eldest Miss is here.”
Xiao Nanye, previously enveloped in coldness, instantly softened upon hearing these words.
Stepping forward, Xiao Nanye acknowledged Jiang Hong and Xue Yan with a nod. “Great General, First Madam.”
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
“No need for such formalities.”
Upon seeing Jiang Hong and Xue Yan bowing to him, Xiao Nanye quickly intervened.
Once he stood upright, Jiang Hong turned to Xiao Nanye and said, “Your Highness, we are grateful that you sent someone to usher us in early today.”
“No need to thank me, Great General. It’s a minor matter.”
Although he was speaking to Jiang Hong, Xiao Nanye’s gaze was fixed on Jiang Peihuan the entire time. Xue Yan noticed this and gave a slight smile. “Your Highness, did you come to see Huan Er?”
“The palace grounds are quite scenic. 1 thought to give Huan Er a little tour.”
Upon hearing Xue Yan’s words, Xiao Nanye immediately responded.
Xue Yan, with her forthright personality, chuckled at Xiao Nanye’s words and said, “Then, Your Highness, please go ahead and show Huan around.”
“Thank you, First Madam.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Nanye looked pleased. After a moment’s thought, he gave Xue Yan a sincere bow. “First Madam, 1 appreciate the food that you asked Huan Er to deliver to me. I am deeply grateful for your kindness.”
Seeing Xiao Nanye bowing to her, Xue Yan quickly reached out to stop him. “Your Highness, there’s no need.”
She thought for a moment and then said softly, “We’re all family now. The food is nothing.”
“Understood.”
Hearing this, Xiao Nanye didn’t say anything else, but his attitude towards Xue Yan became much gentler.
Jiang Peihuan, who was standing at the side, watched the scene with a strange feeling in her eyes.
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
Jiang Ruyun saw Xiao Nanye and bowed respectfully.
Xiao Nanye nodded and didn’t say anything.
Everyone from the Jiang family slowly walked away, leaving only Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan.
Looking at the back of the Jiang family, Xiao Nanye looked at Jiang Peihuan and asked,” Why didn’t Third Miss come today?”
“Sijin is still in the military camp.”
Hearing this, Xiao Nanye nodded.
He wanted to hold Jiang Peihuan’s hand, but seeing the many people nearby, he restrained himself. His gaze towards her, however, was full of tenderness. “Let’s go, I’ll show you around.”
“After all, you might not get a full view later.”
When he said the last sentence, the man’s voice was very low, but Jiang Peihuan still heard it clearly.
She subconsciously looked at the man beside her, only to see Xiao Nanye nodding.
Seeing this, Jiang Peihuan didn’t say anything but followed Xiao Nanye.
In her previous life, Jiang Peihuan had also visited this palace once, accompanied by Xiao Junhao.
She remembered that when she came to this palace, her heart was full of excitement, and her eyes were filled with thrill.
But now, the scenery remained the same, the person beside her was different, and so was her state of mind.
“It’s only June, and there are lotus seeds already?”
As they arrived near a scenic river, Jiang Peihuan looked at the swaying lotus in the middle of the river with a bit of surprise.
Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Xiao Nanye also looked at the lotus seeds in the river.
He chuckled, then suddenly leapt up. Jiang Peihuan looked up to see him flying over the river surface, bending down to pluck two lotus seeds, and then flying back to her side.
Handing the lotus seed pods to Jiang Peihuan, Xiao Nanye said softly, “I remember you like eating lotus seeds.”
Jiang Peihuan did indeed like eating lotus seeds, especially fresh ones, but considering that everything in the palace belonged to the Emperor, she couldn’t help but speak out, “Isn’t it inappropriate to directly pluck this lotus pod?”