Chapter 177
Chapter 177: Expedition
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
In front of Jiang Peihuan, the man took off the jade pendant from his waist and then put on the pendant that Jiang Peihuan had carved. “This was carved by your own hands, Huan Er. It’s more precious than any treasure in the world.”
“While speaking, he gently touched the jade pendant on his waist.”
“I wasn’t sure about the design you’d like, so 1 chose this bamboo pattern. Do you like it?”
“I love it. I really do.”
As soon as Jiang Peihuan spoke, Xiao Nanye quickly added,
“By the way, your elder brother is also joining this expedition.”
“My elder brother is going too?”
It was only then that Xiao Nanye remembered this matter, and Jiang Peihuan’s eyes widened in surprise.
If Jiang I long were the one going on the expedition, Jiang Peihuan wouldn’t have been so surprised. But she couldn’t understand why Emperor Qi Ming would send Jiang Changbai along with Xiao Nanye.
Perhaps sensing her confusion, Xiao Nanye whispered, “Even though your father has handed over his military seal, Imperial brother still has his reservations. The Great General’s fame outside is already high. Unless necessary, the Imperial brother wouldn’t let him lead expeditions.”
“But Imperial Brother also doesn’t want your father to be displeased, so sending your elder brother is the best solution. Plus, I’m the main commander for this expedition, so Imperial brother is at ease.”
Hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes were filled with a mix of emotions – complexity and helplessness.
Throughout her past and present life, the Jiang family has been loyal to Emperor Qi Ming, yet he never truly trusted them.
In this life, influenced by her, Jiang Hong handed over his military seal early. Jiang Peihuan thought this would set the Emperor’s mind at ease, but it didn’t.
But understanding an emperor’s heart is a challenge.
Seeing Jiang Peihuan’s silence, Xiao Nanye, thinking she was worried about Jiang Changbai, softly reassured, “Don’t worry. Your elder brother has been in the army for years. He will be fine.”
“Mhm.”
“Since you’re leaving for the expedition tomorrow, you probably have a lot to handle tonight. You should return to your mansion.”
Xiao Nanye wanted to spend more time with Jiang Peihuan since he didn’t know when he would return. But hearing her clear hint to leave, he nodded in agreement.
After Xiao Nanye left, Jiang Peihuan went to Jiang Changbai’s courtyard.
Jiang Hong and Xue Yan had just arrived. Seeing them, Jiang Peihuan quickly went up and greeted, “Father, Mother.”
“Huan Er, you’re here.”
“Do you know about the expedition tomorrow?”
Hearing Jiang Hong’s words, Jiang Peihuan nodded.
“Don’t worry, Huan Er. Your big brother will surely protect King Cheng.”
Seeing the worry in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes, Jiang Changbo smiled and said. On hearing this, Jiang Peihuan immediately said, “Elder brother, during this expedition, 1 just hope you can protect yourself.”
After all, Xiao Nanye was the younger brother of Emperor Qi Ming. Jiang Peihuan believed that nothing would happen to him.
But for Jiang Changbai, this time he’s not leading the Jiang family troops, so she’s worried.
“Aunt, Uncle, how about 1 go with Changbai this time?”
Suddenly, Xue Qi spoke.
Over the past few days in Jingdou, Xue Qi had mostly been with Jiang Changbai at the military camp. When he heard Jiang Changbai was being sent on an expedition, his first reaction was to join.
But hearing Xue Qi’s words, Xue Yan immediately refused, “No.”
“Aunt?”
“I said no, and that’s final. This is a battlefield, not a vacation. What if something happens to you? How will 1 face your grandmother and your parents?”
Hearing this, Xue Qi closed his mouth in silence.
“Elder brother, I’ve prepared some items for you. Take them all with you.”
Jiang Peihuan handed the things she had prepared to Jiang Changbai.
“What’s in here?” Jiang Changbai asked as he took them.
“Some medicine for injuries and some health pills.”
“These are valuable items.”
After giving the items to Jiang Changbai, Jiang Peihuan left. She knew that Jiang Hong and Xue Yan still had much to tell Jiang Changbai.
As she left Jiang Changbai’s yard, she saw Lu Er pacing anxiously.
“Lu Er, what are you doing?”
Seeing Lu Er, Yue Er frowned and asked.
Hearing the voice, Lu Er hurriedly approached and, after scanning the surroundings, whispered to Jiang Peihuan, “Eldest Miss, Aunt Mei is pregnant.” “Are you sure?”
During this time, Jian Mei had been staying obediently at the general’s mansion. Jiang Peihuan had always asked Lu Er to monitor Jian Mei.
Hearing this news, Jiang Peihuan looked concerned.
Lu Er nodded and whispered, “They’ve already consulted the doctor. She is indeed pregnant.”
“Eldest Miss, why didn’t Aunt Mei inform the old madam about her pregnancy and instead secretly called the doctor?” Yue Er asked.
After a moment of silence, Jiang Peihuan replied, “Keep this quiet for now. Pretend you don’t know.”
Jiang Peihuan then instructed Lu Er, “Continue watching and inform me of any updates.”
“Understood, Eldest Miss.” Lu Er responded and then left immediately.
Fang Garden.
In Aunt Mei’s room:
“Aunt, should we really not inform the old madam?”
The maid was puzzled. She believed that pregnancy was a joyous event, but she didn’t see any signs of happiness on Jian Mei’s face.
“We shouldn’t tell anyone,” Jian Mei responded, touching her belly with mixed emotions.
She was bearing a child from the Jiang family, her adversaries. The child was innocent. Would she really consider harming the baby?
That night, many in the General’s Mansion had restless nights.
The next day, outside the city:
“Return soon. I’ll await your report,” Emperor Qi Ming said, handing a wine cup to Xiao Nanye.
After drinking the wine, Xiao Nanye replied, “Imperial Brother, rest assured. I’ll bring back the head of King Chujiang.”
“Good, I’ll be waiting.”
Upon hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes lit up with a smile.
It was unexpected for many that Emperor Qi Ming personally bid farewell to Xiao Nanye as he left for the expedition. With the emperor present, all the officials naturally had to attend.
All eyes were on Xiao Nanye, dressed in armor, with various emotions. Among the crowd, only Xiao Junhao wore a somber expression. He stepped forward, saying with a sly smile, “Imperial Uncle, I’m confident you’ll return triumphant.”
“Thanks for your kind words,” Xiao Nanye replied, maintaining his composure in front of the emperor..