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“Your Majesty, this matter isn’t as it appears…”

“Get lost!”

The King of Huainan wanted to offer an explanation, but Emperor Qi Ming cut him off before he could finish his sentence. Seeing the anger simmering in the emperor’s eyes, Zhao Yang dared not say more and exited the room, his head hung low.

However, as he departed, his eyes lingered on Xiao Nanye, an intricate blend of emotions playing on his face.

Xiao Nanye did not care at all.

Emperor Qi Ming had noticed the lingering glance. Once Zhao Yang was gone, he turned his attention to the man seated across him, “You typically steer clear of court politics, Nanye. Why the sudden interest in the Jiang family’s affairs?”

“Well, it’s a long story.”

Xiao Nanye succinctly described his rescue of Jiang Peihuan and then casually addressed Emperor Qi Ming, “The ones 1 despise most are those who break their promises.”

“The King of Huainan, though he shares no blood ties with us, has squandered your benevolence, Elder Brother.”

“Regardless, the Zhao family still holds royal power. Don’t let your arrogance get the best of you.”

Seeing Xiao Nanye’s undisguised contempt, the emperor shot him a stern glare. Unfazed, Nanye only grew more defiant, “Why should 1 fear him when 1 have you, Elder Brother?” “Sometimes 1 just can’t deal with you.”

Hearing Nanye’s brazen words, Emperor Qi Ming’s frustration surprisingly didn’t escalate. Instead, a touch of indulgence flickered in his eyes.

By the time Nanye was born, the Emperor had already entered his twenties. The late emperor, during his reign, was particularly indulgent towards his youngest son, Nanye. The emperor’s father, before his death, entrusted Nanye to Qi Ming. He then appointed Qi Ming as the crown prince. Qi Ming was fully aware that his ascension was largely due to Nanye’s existence.

Initially, his concern for Nanye was out of respect for his father’s wishes, but with time, Qi Ming developed a genuine affection for his younger brother.

Despite royal life’s cold, unfeeling nature, Nanye lived as he pleased, without hiding his true self, and Qi Ming found himself willing to indulge him.

“By the way, I received a letter from Jiang Hong. He intends to return to the capital in a couple of days, having won another victory.”

Upon hearing Qi Ming’s words, Nanye set down his chess piece and looked at him, “General Jiang won a significant battle. Are you not pleased, Elder Brother?”

“If it were anyone else, I would be overjoyed. But Jiang Hong’s growing fame, especially after this victory, will undoubtedly increase his influence in the military.”

“Elder Brother, if 1 were in your shoes, I wouldn’t worry about it at all.”

Hearing this, Qi Ming subconsciously turned to Nanye. Meeting Qi Ming’s gaze, Nanye spoke plainly, “No matter how heroic Jiang Hong might be, he remains a servant.”

“And you, Elder Brother, are the emperor. As long as Jiang Hong harbors no traitorous intentions and remains loyal to you, his fame only underscores your wise leadership.”

“Well, while that is true…”

“No matter. When Jiang Hong returns, we shall lavishly reward the three armies.”

“Wang Kun, what’s the time now?”

“Your Majesty, it’s already late in the evening.”

Upon hearing Wang Kun’s reply, Emperor Qi Ming turned towards Xiao Nanye across him, “Are you staying in the palace tonight?”

“No way, it’s too dull in here.”

“I’m heading back home. Speaking of which.”

Xiao Nanye, already stepping forward, suddenly paused and swiveled back towards Emperor Qi Ming, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous calculation, “1 heard that you’ve recently acquired some exquisite Eastern Pearls. How about…”

“Drop it, those are out of bounds. In two days, it’s our sister’s birthday, and I’ve already decided to gift these pearls to her.”

Emperor Qi Ming impatiently cut Xiao Nanye off before he could finish his sentence.

Xiao Nanye shrugged it off, nonchalantly grabbing onto Emperor Qi Ming’s sleeve, “Elder Brother, I just remembered 1 haven’t prepared a birthday gift for our sister yet. You’ve got an array of treasures stashed away, how about letting me pick a few?”

“Looks like I’m to provide two gifts for our sister’s birthday.”

Emperor Qi Ming chuckled in exasperation, freeing his sleeve from Xiao Nanye’s grasp. He then jokingly made a kicking motion towards him, “Dream on. Off you go.”

Dodging swiftly, Xiao Nanye retorted casually, “Fine. 1’11 secretly get it another day.” Having said that, he sauntered off with a swagger.

Watching his retreating figure, Emperor Qi Ming shook his head and mumbled, “That kid, he’d love to empty my entire treasure collection if he could.”

“His highness is indeed forthright with you, Your Majesty. None of the other would dare to behave like this,” Wang Kun commented quietly.

Once he left Emperor Qi Ming’s palace, Xiao Nanye’s demeanor shifted back to its habitual iciness.

He headed towards the palace gate, only to be greeted by Ye Xiao, who came forward to pay her respects.

Upon seeing her, Xiao Nanye revealed a hint of surprise, “What brings you here?”

“Master, the young lady wishes to see you.”

“She does?”

At these words, Xiao Nanye’s eyes lit up with delight. However, recalling past events, the excitement quickly dimmed a notch. He then turned to Ye Xiao, asking quietly, “Do you know why she wants to meet me?”

“I’m afraid 1 don’t.”

“However, the eldest master has returned home today.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Nodding in understanding, Xiao Nanye quickly mounted his horse, Zhui Yun, and set off towards the General’s Mansion.

Jiang Peihuan had been anxiously waiting for Xiao Nanye, and at the sound of his arrival, she hastily sat up, accidentally pulling at the wound on her abdomen.

“Be careful,” a voice sounded as a hand landed on her shoulder.

The man looked concerned as he swiftly fetched a cushion and placed it behind her.

Once Jiang Peihuan had settled comfortably, he faced her and asked, “Ye Xiao mentioned that you wanted to see me. What can 1 do for you?”

It seemed that somewhere along the line, his form of self-address had shifted in her presence. Xiao Nanye didn’t notice the change, but Jiang Peihuan certainly did.

Pondering over Jiang Changbai’s question, she turned her attention to the man in front of her, voicing her request directly, “1 sought your presence, King Chen, because 1 require your help.”

“Go ahead.”

“A while back, 1 delivered some medication to my elder brother and discovered there was a traitor among my father’s close associates. Unsure of how to explain this to my father and brother, 1 considered involving you.”

“Today, when my elder brother questioned me, 1 told him it was you who informed me.”

Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, surprise flickered in Xiao Nanye’s eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He met Jiang Peihuan’s gaze and gave a nod of understanding. “Alright, I’ve got it.”

“If your father or brother questions this matter in the future, I’ll take care of it.”

Receiving a positive response, relief swept over Jiang Peihuan.. Even though she had anticipated his assistance, she couldn’t resist asking, “Aren’t you curious about how 1 came to know about this, Your Highness?”