Chapter 72 - Chapter 72: Xiao Nanye Must Be Eliminated
Chapter 72: Xiao Nanye Must Be Eliminated
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“I must admit, I have indeed spoiled Nanye a bit. But he has never taken undue advantage to do anything outrageous.”
“Isn’t his behavior outrageous enough already? Arc all those tales of his audacity and arrogance untrue?”
Had Emperor Qi Ming not brought it up, things might have been better. But at his words, the Grand Empress Dowager’s eyes flashed with anger.
She wanted to reveal that Xiao Nanye was not the late emperor’s true son, but she couldn’t.
Questioning Xiao Nanye’s lineage equated to questioning the previous emperor, an affront to the imperial family. This had to be dealt with discreetly, not publicly.
Emperor Qi Ming couldn’t fathom why the Grand Empress Dowager disapproved of Xiao Nanye. He presumed it was out of fear. After a moment of contemplation, he said quietly, “Mother, I’ve watched Nanye grow up. I trust his character. For my sake, please don’t give him a hard time.”
“I have already decreed the marriage, so the matter will not change.”
After making this declaration, Emperor Qi Ming left the Grand Empress Dowager’s Cining Palace promptly. As he walked away, the Grand Empress Dowager turned visibly pale.
The old nanny nearby quickly moved closer. “Grand Empress, please look after your health.”
“You saw, you saw how much the emperor guards that miscreant. I can’t wait any longer. I must hasten to eliminate him before he becomes a catastrophe.”
“Send him a message. Xiao Nanye must be eliminated within the next three months.”
“Grand Empress, he is the only one left in King Cheng’s Mansion loyal to us.
Are you sure you want to employ him?”
“As long as I can kill Xiao Nanye, I don’t care about anything else.”
Upon hearing the Grand Empress Dowager’s words, the old nanny quietly left the Cining Palace.
General Mansion.
In the Plum Garden.
“Elder Sister, why are you up so early?”
It was barely dawn, but Jiang Sijin noticed that Jiang Peihuan’s clothes were completely soaked in sweat.
Noticing Jiang Sijin approaching, Jiang Peihuan stowed away the long whip she had been holding..
She accepted a handkerchief from Jiang Sijin, dabbed the sweat off her forehead, then asked softly, “Why are you here so early?”
“Mother sent me to find you. She mentioned that we are going out today.”
On hearing this, Jiang Peihuan nodded.
She hadn’t slept a wink the previous night, her mind awash with turmoil. In her restlessness, she had decided to practice martial arts, which had resulted in her current sweaty state. Interestingly, the exercise seemed to ease some of her tension.
“Miss, I have prepared some hot water for you. You should quickly freshen up and change into clean clothes,” Yue Er urged as soon as Jiang Peihuan stepped inside the house.
“Alright.”
After acknowledging Yue Er, Jiang Peihuan turned to Jiang Sijin and inquired, “Do you know where Mother plans to take us?”
“I’m not sure. Mother didn’t say anything. She just instructed us to be ready to leave.”
“Fine, wait for me for a bit. We’ll join Mother for breakfast.”
“Got it.”
“Third Miss, please have some pastries while you wait.”
After Jiang Peihuan disappeared into the bathroom, Yue Er brought a tray of pastries and tea for Jiang Sijin.
“Thank you, Sister Yue Er.”
After expressing her gratitude to Yue Er, Jiang Sijin began to munch on the pastries happily.
By the time Jian Peihuan came out of the bathroom, Jiang Sijin had already devoured every last pastry from the tray.
Giving her a look, Jiang Peihuan couldn’t resist teasing, “You’ve gobbled up so many pastries. Will you still have room for breakfast?”
“Hchc… Sister Yue Er’s pastries are just too delicious to resist!”
With a playful smile in response to Jiang Peihuan’s teasing, Jiang Sijin stepped forward and wrapped her arm around her sister’s.
A hint of amused resignation flashed in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes. She reached out and lightly tapped Jiang Sijin’s forehead, “Oh, you.”
When they arrived at Yanlin, Xue Yan had already neatly packed up. Apart from Xue Yan, Liu Xiu was also present.
“Third Aunt, what brings you to Mother’s place today?”
At Jiang Sijin’s question, Liu Xiu simply smiled without answering, turning her gaze to Jiang Peihuan.
Confusion filled Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.
Upon seeing this, Xue Yan intervened, “Let’s have breakfast first. We can talk more afterwards.”
Shortly after breakfast, Xue Yan and Liu Xiu led Jiang Peihuan and Jiang Sijin outside.
While the carriage was moving, Xue Yan turned to Jiang Peihuan and said, “Since you and King Cheng have already set a wedding date, your dowry should be prepared sooner rather than later.”
“I have been traveling with your father these past years and have neglected to prepare your dowry. Now, we will have to purchase ready-made items.”
Dowries for noble daughters are typically prepared from a young age. However, Xue Yan had been accompanying Jiang Hong in his travels and battles, causing her to overlook this tradition.
Upon remembering this, guilt shimmered in Xue Yan’s eyes.
Seeing the hint of worry in Xue Yan’s eyes, Jiang Peihuan reached out to reassure her. “Mother, there’s no need to be anxious. We still have three months. We’ll manage everything in time.”
“Indeed, sister-in-law. If we can’t accumulate enough, I can always pick some things from my dowry,” she added casually.
“What nonsense! You still have Songbai. How could you possibly take from your own dowry?”
“My dear sister-in-law, you’re well aware of my situation. I don’t have much, but I’m not short on gold and silver. Although Huan Er isn’t my biological child, she shares a strong bond with Songbai, and I’ve watched her grow up.”
“Third Aunt, does that mean you’ll also prepare a dowry for me?” Jiang Sijin chimed in with a playful grin after hearing the exchange between Liu Xiu and Xue Yan.
Her comment lightened the mood, eliciting laughter from everyone in the carriage. Xue Yan, albeit slightly annoyed, reassured her, “Your father and I wouldn’t dare shortchange your dowry.”
“Ha! Of course not. After all, who could ever complain about having too much money?”
“You’re absolutely right, dear. Don’t worry, when it’s your turn to get married, Third Aunt will certainly prepare a hefty dowry for you.”
Despite the fact that the marriage had been bestowed, Jiang Peihuan hadn’t truly felt its reality until now. Hearing Xue Yan and the others discuss these arrangements touched her in a way she hadn’t anticipated.
Their carriage then came to a halt.
“We’ve arrived at the Treasure Pavilion, madam,” announced a servant from outside.
“Alright, let’s head into the Treasure Pavilion first.”
At Xue Yan’s command, Jiang Sijin was the first to hop off the carriage, followed by Jiang Peihuan. Once they’d assisted Xue Yan and Liu Xiu down from the carriage, the group of four headed into the Treasure Pavilion together.
Since it was still early, the pavilion wasn’t crowded. Nevertheless, Jiang Peihuan instantly noticed Lin Mengyao, who stood by a cabinet.
Upon hearing their entrance, Lin Mengyao turned to look at the doorway. Seeing Jiang Peihuan, her eyes briefly sparkled before she greeted them with a warm smile, “Greetings, madam.”
“And who might this be?”
Xue Yan watched Lin Mengyao, curiosity reflected in her eyes. Jiang Sijin stepped up to clarify, “Mother, this is Miss Lin, the daughter of General Lin Ruhai.”
Upon hearing the name Lin Ruhai, a flash crossed Xue Yan’s eyes. However, she smiled at Lin Mengyao and said, “Miss Lin, there’s no need to be overly formal.”
“Sister-in-law, this white jade necklace is quite remarkable..”