Chapter 197
Chapter 197: Returning to the Capital
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
A few seconds later, Jiang Yan helplessly looked at her brother and said, “What are you thinking? Do you think I want to have any relationship with King Cheng?”
Seeing the confusion in Jiang Cheng’s eyes, Jiang Yan whispered, “Just by seeing how King Cheng treats Miss Jiang of the Jiang family, 1 know that he has no interest in me.”
Thinking of Xiao Nanye’s cold expression when he looked at her, a trace of disappointment appeared in Jiang Yan’s eyes.
Initially, when she came, she did harbor such thoughts, but upon seeing Xiao Nanye’s care for Jiang Peihuan, she instantly let go of this idea.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Cheng let out a sigh of relief. Looking at Jiang Yan, he lowered his voice and said, “Although I haven’t had much contact with King Cheng, I can see that he is very attentive to Miss Jiang.”
“That Miss Jiang is really fortunate.” he added
At this point, envy filled Jiang Yan’s eyes.
While the Jiang siblings were discussing Jiang Peihuan, she also mentioned the two of them.
Looking at the man beside her, Jiang Peihuan could not help but ask, “Jiang Cheng brought his sister to the capital this time. What do you think?”
“He is just seeking a chance to survive,” the man replied indifferently.
Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, the man spoke lightly.
“That Miss Jiang Yan is indeed very beautiful. Perhaps things will take a turn.”
“In terms of beauty, no one can compare to you in my eyes,” the man said, unable to resist taking Jiang Peihuan’s hand.
Jiang Peihuan glared at him and tried to puli her hand back, but the man held on tightly.
“Let go.”
Seeing that Jiang Peihuan was really getting angry, Xiao Nanye finally released her hand.
Soon, news from Jiangzhou reached the capital.
In the Prince Qing’s Mansion.
Pei Wu rushed into Xiao Junhao’s study anxiously. Hearing his words, Xiao Junhao’s face turned grim. “You said Prince Cheng is fine?”
“Yes.”
“Ha…”
Hearing Pei Wu’s words, Xiao Junhao’s eyes revealed a touch of mockery and complexity.
“Your Highness, there’s one more thing that you need to prepare early.”
“What else?”
“Meng Yi has been found and is on his way back. If he is brought before the Emperor, it’s uncertain whether you will be implicated or not.”
“Worthless.”
After a long silence, Xiao Junhao said gloomyly.
In the early years, he had drawn Meng Yi to his side simply because Meng Yi had always been by Jiang Hong’s side. But now, Xiao Junhao realized that without Jiang Hong, Meng Yi was useless.
Pei Wu stood aside and said nothing. After Xiao Junhao finished cursing, Pei Wu whispered, “Your Highness, we have to decide this matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, when they arrive in the capital, it will be too late.”
“You will personally handle this matter. Tell him to keep his mouth shut and say that I will find a way to save him.”
“No matter what, clam him down first.”
“Yes.”
Pei Wu left after bowing to Xiao Junhao.
Xiao Nanye brought Jiang Peihuan into the city. Instead of going to the palace, Jiang Peihuan went straight back to the Jiang Mansion.
After all, she had already drawn attention by delivering the grain. If a woman like her appeared in the court at this time, she would probably incur the displeasure of many people.
“Huan Er?”
As Jiang Pei Huan walked to the entrance of the General’s Mansion with Ye Xiao, she saw a group of people waiting at the entrance. At the forefront was Old Madam Jiang.
Seeing the old madam standing at the entrance, Jiang Pei Huan quickly approached and said, “Grandmother, why did you come out?”
In the past, even when Jiang Hong returned from a military campaign, the old madam rarely came out to welcome him.
Therefore, when she saw Old Madam Jiang waiting at the entrance, Jiang Pei Huan’s eyes were filled with gratitude.
Old Madam Jiang held Jiang Pei Huan’s hand tightly and looked at her carefully. Then, she said softly, “It’s good that you’re back. Grandmother was really worried when you weren’t around.”
“I made grandmother worry; it’s all Huan Er’s fault.”
“Don’t say such things. It’s good that you are back.”
“You just returned and must be tired. Go and rest for a while, and we’ll dine together at my place in the evening.”
“Yes, grandmother.”
In fact, Jiang Pei Huan did not feel very tired. After all, she was in a carriage on her way back. But hearing Old Madam Jiang’s words, she still nodded gently.
After Jiang Pei Huan bowed to everyone in the Jiang family, she returned to her own Plum Garden.
Upon arriving at Plum Garden, Jiang Pei Huan turned to Ye Xiao and said,
“Keep an eye on the palace and inform me of any news. I want to know how the Emperor will deal with Meng Yi.”
“Yes.”
Hearing Jiang Pei Huan’s words, Ye Xiao immediately left the plum garden.
The Imperial Palace, Qianqing Hall.
“Who sent you to Jiangzhou?”
Looking at Meng Yi, who was bound tightly, Emperor Qi Ming asked with darkened eyes.
Standing below, Xiao Junhao clenched his fists when he saw this scene.
Meng Yi’s gaze swept across Xiao Junhao, and then he replied softly, “Your Majesty, I went there by myself. No one ordered me.”
“Why have I heard that you have been frequently visiting the Prince Qing Mansion recently?”
At this moment, Xiao Nanye, who was sitting on the chair, spoke calmly.
At his words, everyone turned to look at Xiao Junhao.
And upon hearing this, Xiao Junhao’s heart tightened. He hadn’t expected that Xiao Nanye would know about Meng Yi’s frequent visits to his mansion, as he thought that no one knew.
Emperor Qi Ming hated it when princes and his ministers got close, so when he heard Xiao Nanye’s words, he looked coldly at Xiao Junhao. “Prince Qing, is this true?”
Denial was no longer an option.
After a moment of thought, Xiao Junhao nodded. “Imperial Father, It is true. However, 1 invited General Meng into the mansion only because I wanted him to teach me martial arts.”
Everyone saw through this clumsy excuse immediately, and their eyes revealed mockery.
“Imperial Father, to my knowledge, my imperial uncle also frequently visits the General’s Mansion.”
Hearing Xiao Junhao’s words, Emperor Qi Ming turned his gaze towards Xiao Nanye.
Xiao Nanye remained seated, not changing his posture.
When he met Emperor Qi Ming’s gaze, he nodded directly, “That’s right. I often go to the General’s Mansion. I’m about to get married with the Eldest Miss of the Jiang Family. Can’t 1 go and see my future wife?”
“Prince Qing, you claim that you invited Meng Yi to your mansion to teach you martial arts. Yet, I have heard that he spent a long time in your mansion the night before he left for Jiangzhou. Are you sure you had nothing to do with this?”
“Imperial Uncle, what do you mean by this? Are you suspecting that I sent General Meng to Jiangzhou? What benefit would that bring me?”
“I don’t know what benefit it would bring to Prince Qing, but I am very clear about the harm it could bring to me.”
“Imperial Uncle, how can you be so suspicious of me?”
“Your Majesty, someone from the King Chujiang Mansion seeks an audience.”
At this moment, Wang Kun walked in front of Emperor Qi Ming.
Upon hearing the words ‘King Chujiang’s Mansion,’ Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes revealed a hint of malice. The heads of King Chujiang and his son were right there in the box next to him. Seeing this, Emperor Qi Ming’s expression eased slightly.
He glanced at Wang Kun and said calmly, “Let them in..”