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Jiang Changbai looked at Jiang Peihuan, his voice softening. “Father’s served in the military for a long time. His reputation extends far beyond the symbolic authority of the Tiger Tally. Lots of soldiers are loyal to him, not just to the Tiger Tally.”

“So, even if dad gives up the Tiger Tally, it may not entirely resolve the situation.”

“But you’re right. We certainly need to surrender this military authority.”

“But let’s put this aside for now. Huan Er, there’s something 1 want to ask you.”

Noticing Jiang Peihuan’s silence, Changbai spoke in a softer tone. “How did you discover my poisoning when you were in the capital? And why did you send a letter to dad warning him about Uncle Meng?”

Jiang Changbai had returned earlier than planned, partly to reassure the Jiang family of his safety and partly to get these answers from Jiang Peihuan.

Jiang Peihuan had expected these questions from Jiang Hong and Jiang Changbai, so she was ready with an answer.

She looked at Jiang Changbai and simply said, “King Cheng told me.”

“King Cheng?” he repeated, “Why would he tell you all this?”

Jiang Changbai wasn’t surprised that Xiao Nanye knew about these events. It was common knowledge that King Cheng wielded immense power in the Qi Kingdom, second only to the Emperor himself.

What puzzled Jiang Changbai was why Xiao Nanye, upon discovering these facts, had chosen to convey them through Jiang Peihuan instead of informing their father directly.

“I’m not sure,” Jiang Peihuan admitted, “but 1 can confirm that it was King Cheng who informed me.”

“In that case, there may indeed be hidden secrets surrounding Uncle Meng,” he concluded.

Hearing Jiang Changbai’s words, surprise and disbelief filled Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.

Although her father and brother were willing to believe her, they didn’t fully trust her. But surprisingly, Xiao Nanye’s words seemed to have convinced her brother.

Considering this, she asked directly, “Elder Brother, why do you trust King Cheng’s words so strongly?”

“I’ve dealt with King Cheng a few times. He’s not one to make unfounded claims,” he explained.

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan choked on her saliva, but Jiang Changbai thought her reaction was due to residual pain from her injuries. He quickly apologized, “I shouldn’t have kept you talking for so long, knowing you’re still hurt.”

“Huan Er, you should rest. Dad and the others will be back in a couple of days. They’ll worry if they see you injured.”

“Alright, you should rest too, elder brother,” she advised, noticing the tiredness in Jiang Changbai’s eyes.

After Jiang Changbai left, Peihuan quickly called out, “Ye Xiao?”

“Yes, Young Miss?” Ye Xiao, who was on guard outside, responded promptly and entered.

Seeing her, Jiang Peihuan simply said, “Ye Xiao, please invite King Cheng over. I need to discuss something with him.”

“Understood, I’ll go right away,” Ye Xiao replied, and quickly left the Jiang Mansion.

Xiao Nanye was deep in a chess game with the emperor at the palace.

Although Emperor Qi Ming was nearing fifty, he looked only in his thirties. His face was average, but his commanding presence added an aura of authority.

As his white chess pieces dwindled, Emperor Qi Ming shot a frustrated look at the young man opposite him, “Can’t you let me win just once, lad?”

“Imperial brother, I’ve been going easy on you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have a single piece left now.”

Xiao Nanye casually leaned on a nearby armrest, his right hand supporting his head, his left foot resting on the couch, lightly swaying from time to time.

Seeing his relaxed posture, Emperor Qi Ming became even more frustrated. Just as he was about to speak, his personal eunuch, Wang Kun, walked in.

“Your Majesty, the King of Huainan requests an audience.”

“What does he want?” grumbled the Emperor, his eyebrows furrowing at Wang Kun’s words. “Tell him I’m…”

“Imperial brother, let him in. You could use a break.”

“You troublemaker, always stirring things up, aren’t you?” Qi Ming accused, though his tone was more playful than angry.

At this, Wang Kun quickly retreated, his respect for Xiao Nanye growing. He was a man Wang Kun dared not offend.

“This humble servant offers his respect to Your Majesty.”

“Rise. What brings you to court today?”

“Your Majesty, I seek justice from you.”

With that, Zhao Yang, King of Huainan, dropped to his knees. “Jiang Hong’s son, Jiang Changbai, is unbearably arrogant.”

Upon hearing of the incident, King Zhao Yang immediately rushed to the palace. His original plan w⁷as to pressure Zhao Fuqing into an apology, but after seeing Zhao Fuqing’s injuries, he had a change of heart.

Briefly summarizing the actions of the Zhao family, Zhao Yang, with fury blazing in his eyes, said, “My son went to welcome his bride, but he was attacked by Jiang Changbai. Such open disregard for the law is intolerable.”

“King of Huainan, it seems you have only shared half the truth.”

“Your Highness, King Cheng?”

Upon entering, Zhao Yang w⁷as so lost in thought that he failed to notice Xiao Nanye lounging on the couch. Now’ seeing him, King Zhao Yang expressed mild surprise.

However, he quickly regained his composure. “Everything I’ve said is true. Your Majesty,

I beseech you to discern the truth.”

Upon hearing King Zhao Yang’s words, Emperor Qi Ming’s brow⁷ furrowed, a flash of anger in his eyes. But hearing Xiao Nanye’s voice, he shifted his attention from the King of Huainan to Xiao Nanye. “So, you know⁷ about this matter?”

“I am not aware of the details of Young Master Jiang’s assault, but I am familiar with the marriage arrangements between the Huainan Mansion and the Jiang Mansion.”

“Oh?”

“The Prince of Huainan was initially betrothed to the eldest Miss Jiang. However, after she had an unfortunate accident and fell into the w⁷ater, the Huainan Mansion heard rumors that she might have difficulty bearing children. So, they proposed a change of bride while she was still recuperating.”

“Is that so?”

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qi Ming instinctively looked towards King Zhao Yang of Huainan. A hint of perspiration w⁷as visible on Zhao Yang’s face. He wanted to deny these accusations, but the truth was undeniable. He could only manage a weak response. “Emperor, I only have one son, so…”

“This is somewhat understandable.”

“This wouldn’t have been an issue by itself. The Jiang family even agreed to the bride sw⁷ap. However, the Huainan Mansion had already welcomed a grandson before the second Miss Jiang had joined the family.”

“Outrageous! How could a servant girl give birth to a child before the legitimate wife even steps into the house?”

At these words, Emperor Qi Ming’s anger erupted, and he slammed a chess piece onto the table. Witnessing this, King Zhao Yang appeared utterly horrified.

“Imperial Brother, there’s more to the tale. Just yesterday was the Prince of Huainan’s wedding day. But on the very night of the wedding, he ended up injuring his bride.” “Zhao Yang, are King Cheng’s words accurate?”

“Your Majesty, this…”

“You just need to tell me, is this true or false?”

“It is… It is true.”

“Hmm… Now, 1 understand why Jiang Changbai lashed out at your precious son. If 1 were in his place, I might have even contemplated killing him. And you dare to come here and complain. Leave my sight immediately..”