YM778.TV Chapter 67 - 67: King Cheng has Arrived
The Empress was already aware of Jiang Peihuan’s marital status, but formalities required her to ask.
Once she’d heard Xue Yan’s words, the Empress spoke directly, “I’ve heard that the eldest Miss Jiang is both graceful and brilliant. I’ve been contemplating finding someone for the Emperor who can truly understand him. It seems to me that Miss Jiang could be just the person.”
“Niangniang, you are too generous. I must admit, my eldest daughter has been a troublemaker since young and I’m afraid may not be able to serve the Emperor adequately.” Xue Yan said modestly.
Xue Yan hadn’t anticipated the Empress would be so forthright. Stunned, she found herself sinking to her knees.
Everyone in the harem was far from naive, particularly the Empress. Upon hearing Xue Yan’s words, she instantly grasped their implications.
She frowned, her gaze settling on Xue Yan with evident displeasure. “Are you implying that Madam Jiang does not wish for her daughter to join the palace?”
“No, not at all, Niangniang. It’s just that… my daughter may not be up to the task… I fear…”
“That’s enough, Madam. No need for such empty excuses.”
The Empress cut Xue Yan off before she could finish, her gaze intense on the woman’s pale face. Remembering her own daughter, she softened a bit. “You may rise now.”
“Thank you, Niangniang.”
Once Xue Yan had regained her feet, the Empress spoke again. “Let me be honest with you. The reason for your summoning today was per the Emperor’s wishes. I believe you are smart enough to understand the implications.”
“Whatever was said here today will remain within these walls. Even if the Emperor enquires, I will protect you. But remember, if the Emperor issues a decree, I don’t believe the Jiang family can afford to disobey.”
“Servant!.”
At the Empress’s call, a Nanny entered the room.
Upon her entry, the Empress instructed her without hesitation, “Escort Madam Jiang out of the palace.”
“Of course, Niangniang.”
The Nanny turned to Xue Yan and said, “Madam, if you please.”
“I shall take my leave now.”
After offering her respects to the Empress, Xue Yan left the Kun Ning Palace
As soon as she stepped outside the palace gates, a chill ran down her spine, and cold sweat drenched her back. The Emperor’s resolve was clear from the Empress’s words.
“Madam?”
The servant from the Jiang Mansion were waiting at the palace gate. Upon seeing Xue Yan exit, they hurried to meet her.
“Return to the mansion, quickly.”
Noticing Xue Yan’s grave expression, the attendant of the Jiang Mansion wasted no time in cracking his whip. As the carriage arrived at the entrance of the Jiang Mansion, Jiang Peihuan and Jiang Changbai were seen standing there, waiting.
“Mother?”
“Why arc you three standing here?”
Upon seeing her children, Xue Yan forced a smile. Although Xue Yan appeared cheerful, Jiang Peihuan noticed the icy chill of her mother’s fingertips when she moved forward to steady her.
With a concerned frown, she gently asked, “Mother, did you catch a chill on your journey here?”
“It’s nothing. Let’s go inside and talk.”
Seeing the worried look in Jian Peihuan’s eyes, Xue Yan patted her eldest daughter’s hand. Outdoors, Xue Yan managed to hold herself together, but once they entered Yan Lin, her discomfort became apparent.
Staring at Jiang Hong, seated at the head of the table, she voiced her dismay, “Brother Hong, the Emperor is actually considering admitting Huan Er into the palace. How can he do this?”
Hearing Xue Yan’s words, a shadow crossed Jiang Hong’s eyes, but he gripped Xue Yan’s hand firmly. “Yan Er, don’t fret. Until the Emperor formally declares it, there’s still hope.”
“But it seems like the Empress believes the decree will come soon.”
“Had I known this would happen, I wouldn’t have surrendered the commander seal.”
“Mother, be cautious. The walls have ears.”
When Xue Yan spoke without restraint, Jiang Peihuan quickly interrupted her. Realizing what she had just said, Xue Yan sighed heavily, slowly regaining her composure.
Looking at her husband and eldest son, Xue Yan asked, “What do you think we should do?”
“Father, mother, His Highness King Cheng also has feelings for sister.”
At this point, Jiang Sijin suddenly chimed in.
Hearing this, Jiang Hong and Xue Yan involuntarily turned their gaze toward Jiang Peihuan, especially Xue Yan, whose eyes immediately took on a guarded expression. “Huan Er, what is Sijin suggesting with these words?”
“It’s a long story.”
Jiang Peihuan hadn’t anticipated her sister would suddenly voice such a sentiment. After giving her a pointed look, she recounted her experience of falling into the water and Xiao Nanye’s marriage proposal.
Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, a spark ignited in Xue Yan’s eyes. She turned to Jiang Hong and asked directly, “Brother Hong, you’ve had some interaction with King Cheng. What’s your impression of him?”
Hearing Xue Yan’s question, Jiang Hong pondered a moment before responding, “My encounters with King Cheng have been limited. But from our conversations, he seems like a gentleman.”
“Father, some people aren’t always as they appear on the surface.”
Jiang Changbai, who had been silent until now, couldn’t help but murmur his disagreement with his father’s assessment of Xiao Nanye.
Although his voice was soft, everyone in the living room – all being practitioners of martial arts – could hear him.
Turning his gaze to Jiang Changbai, Jiang Hong frowned. “Changbai, it’s not fair to make assumptions about others behind their backs. Why would you say such a thing?”
IIJ II
Jiang Changbai wanted to reveal to his parents the incidents of Xiao Nanye’s late-night visits to Jiang Peihuan’s room, but he hesitated, not wanting to get Peihuan into trouble. Instead, he voiced, “I’ve spotted him a few times, scaling our walls and entering our estate.”
“Are you certain it was King Cheng?”
Upon hearing Jiang Changbai’s words, Jiang Hong’s eyes were filled with suspicion. In his understanding, King Cheng had always been a noble and cold person. How could such a person climb over a wall?
It was not until later that Jiang Hong witnessed it himself, understanding how delicately his eldest son had put it.
Seeing the skepticism in Jiang Hong’s gaze, Jiang Changbai felt wounded. “Father, do you think I could mistake someone else for him?”
“This?”
“General, His Highness King Cheng has arrived…”
At this moment, Deputy General Liu’s voice, echoed from the entrance. Hearing this, Jiang Hong’s eyes held a flicker of confusion, “Who did you say?”
Shortly after, Xiao Nanye sauntered into the Jiang Mansion, followed by Han Feng. They carried dozens of large boxes. Witnessing this grand scene, Jiang Hong and Xue Yan exchanged glances, each mirroring the confusion in the other’s eyes
Only Jiang Peihuan, her eyes held a hint of helplessness. She probably had an idea of the man’s intention for this visit.
“Greetings, Great General. Greetings, Madam.”
Approaching Jiang Hong and Xue Yan, Xiao Nanye gave a slight nod. The pair hastily returned the formalities. “Your Highness, to what do we owe this visit today?”
“I’ve come today to propose marriage.”
“These arc gifts I’ve brought for the young Miss. If you, the Great General and First Rank Lady, consent to betroth Peihuan to me, I will ensure more betrothal gifts are prepared..”