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When Violet heard this, her eyes turned ugly. She wanted to stop him, but before she could finish, a hand grabbed her. It was Lin Mengyao.

Mengyao shot a quick glance at Madam Lin, then turned her smile towards Lin Ruhai. “Father, you’re correct. These rewards were probably given by the Emperor in honor of you. It’s only fitting that you handle their distribution.”

“Well thought, my dear.”

Following his statement, Lin Ruhai got up and addressed Madam Lin, “Madam, you can manage the distribution of these items.”

“Mengyao, accompany me.”

“Understood.”

Mengyao followed Lin Ruhai into his study, marking her first time entering his study in the 19 years of her life.

In the Lin family, sons were valued over daughters. Despite being the eldest daughter from the primary branch, Mengyao’s standing couldn’t compete with that of her elder brother, who was born to a concubine, or even her younger brother.

“Yao Er, how are things between you and Prince Qing now?”

Hearing Xiao Junhao’s name caused Mengyao’s eyes to flicker. Looking up at Lin Ruhai, she questioned, “Father, what do you mean?”

” Yao Er, I understand that Prince Qing holds some genuine affection for you, but his position among his royal siblings isn’t promising. Without support from either his mother’s or maternal family, being with him limits your prospects.”

“As I see it, you…”

“Father, please choose your words carefully.”

Before Lin Ruhai could finish his statement, Mengyao interrupted him. Lowering her voice, she said, “Father, regardless of what Prince Qing is like, he’s still a prince.”

“You surely haven’t forgotten that the circumstances back then weren’t significantly better for the reigning Emperor compared to Prince Qing.”

“But who is it that occupies the throne now, if not the current Emperor?”

A sense of sternness took hold in Mengyao’s eyes. While others might be oblivious to Prince Qing’s temperament, she knew him well. If he ever learned about her father’s intention to hedge his bets, he would surely be distressed.

Hearing Mengyao’s words seemed to bring some clarity to Lin Ruhai.

Looking at her, he murmured, “I was mistaken.”

After a moment’s thought, he added, “Yao Er, regardless of the circumstances, you must stay close to Prince Qing.”

Given that he had many daughters, he could always arrange for others to get involved with the other princes.

“Knock, knock…”

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

“Master, Prince Qing has arrived.”

“A short while later, Xiao Junhao was ushered into Lin Ruhai’s study.”

“Honored to meet you, Your Highness.”

Lin Ruhai and Lin Mengyao stepped forward to greet him. Xiao Junhao raised his hand to wave them off. “No need for formalities.” Then, he took his scat at the head of the room.

With Lin Ruhai standing before him, Xiao Junhao spoke plainly, “Lord Lin, I’ve come to see Yao Er. You can carry on with your tasks.”

“As you wish.”

“Yao Er, ensure that His Highness is well catered to.”

“Yes, Father.”

With a final glance at Lin Mengyao, Lin Ruhai exited the study. As soon as the door was shut, Xiao Junhao seized Lin Mengyao’s hand, drawing her into his lap.

“Your Highness?”

Her eyes flamed with a hint of shyness as Lin Mengyao attempted to stand, but Xiao Junhao refused to release her. After a few struggles, Lin Mengyao ceased her efforts.

“Yao Er, you’re finally back.”

Leaning into Lin Mengyao, Xiao Junhao spoke gently, his eyes warm. Seeing his tender gaze, Lin Mengyao chuckled, “Yes, Yao Er is back. Your Highness, from now on, you won’t be alone. Yao Er will help you achieve everything you wish for.”

Xiao Junhao remained silent, his grip on Lin Mengyao tightening.

“Your Highness, General Jiang is about to return to the capital. How are you and Miss Jiang of the Jiang family doing…”

“Enough about her.”

Before Lin Mengyao could finish her sentence, Xiao Junhao interrupted, his eyes hardening with a cold edge. “Your Highness?” Lin Mengyao looked at him with confusion, puzzled by his icy demeanor.

In response to her expression, Xiao Junhao softened his tone, whispering, “Yao Er, I won’t be marrying her. In my heart, you’re the only one worthy of being the Qing Princess.”

“Your Highness, Yao Er will not let you down.”

Moved by Xiao Junhao’s words, gratitude filled Lin Mengyao’s eyes. She reached out and tightly embraced the man beside her.

Jiang Peihuan, behold, the man you yearn for only has eyes for me.

Little did Lin Mengyao know, Jiang Peihuan not only had no affection for Xiao Junhao but also harbored a deep aversion towards him.

General Manor, Plum Garden.

Just as Jian Peihuan was about to settle in, she caught the sounds of movement.

Recognizing the familiar sound of footsteps, she turned to see Xiao Nanye appearing in her room.

Eyeing the man who made himself comfortable, Jian Peihuan couldn’t hold back, “Your Highness, if others knew of your behavior, it might tarnish your good name.””

“When have I ever cared about what others think?”

“Let’s put that aside for now. I’ve come today to give you a token of gratitude.”

While speaking, he pulled out a decorative box from his robes and carefully set it before Jiang Peihuan. He asked, hopeful, “Take a look. Do you like it?”

Caught by his eagerness, Jiang Peihuan instinctively opened the wooden box.

To her surprise, it was filled with Eastern Pearls.

An Eastern Pearl the size of a thumb was precious enough, but he had presented her with a whole box.

“Your Highness, this is too valuable, I…”

“No matter how valuable, can it surpass the value of my life?”

Before Jiang Peihuan could finish, Xiao Nanye softly interrupted her. Struck by his words, she found herself at a loss, unsure of how to react.

“I’ve been curious, could you possibly satisfy my curiosity?”

“Is Your Highness asking how I knew the wine was poisoned?”

Before he could answer, Jiang Peihuan spoke up, guessing his question. He simply nodded in response.

Meeting his gaze, Jiang Peihuan replied with a complex look, “Please forgive me, Your Highness, I can’t reveal that.”

Xiao Nanye wanted to press further, but the fleeting sorrow in her eyes made him close his mouth.

Standing up, he pushed the wooden box towards her, “Since it’s a gift, you should accept it.”

“If you truly don’t wish to keep it, then throw it away. I see the security in your garden has tightened, I’ll be leaving now.”

Saying this, Xiao Nanye swung open her room’s window and jumped out.

But just as he left, a sword swung at him.

“King Cheng, you are looking down on my General Mansion.”

Jiang Changbai glared at the man leaping out from his sister’s room, his eyes full of fury, his movements more ruthless.

Inside, Jian Peihuan heard the commotion and rushed out.

Seeing Jiang Changbai’s sword aimed at Xiao Nanye’s heart, she quickly cried out, “Big Brother, show mercy.”

As she called out, she whipped out her own weapon, a black whip, and ensnared Xiao Nanye, yanking him to the side. Jiang Changbai’s sword met only air.