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“Your Highness, this comes as quite a surprise,” Jiang Hong started.

“It’s not sudden at all. When Great General and First Lady was up in the Northern Territories, I had already spoken to the Old Madam Jiang about this. She just wanted to wait for your return to discuss the matter,” Xiao Nanye explained.

“And now that both you and your wife are back, it’s only fitting that I’m here to talk about this proposed marriage.”

While Xiao Nanye spoke, his words were directed to Jiang Hong and his wife, but his eyes were irresistibly drawn towards Jiang Peihuan.

Jiang Hong was no fool; he noticed the attention on his daughter. Somehow, it confirmed his eldest son’s words; one shouldn’t judge a person solely by their appearance.

Clearing his throat, Jiang Hong shifted his attention to Jiang Peihuan, “Huan Er, please take your sister downstairs.”

“Yes, Father.” she replied.

Upon hearing her father’s words, Jiang Peihuan said nothing more. She bowed to both of them and proceeded to guide her sister out. But as she passed by Xiao Nanye, she caught his whisper, “I’ll find you later.”

However, when she passed by the man, she heard a voice.” I’ll look for you later.”’’

Jiang Peihuan quickly glanced at her parents, finding their expressions unchanged. That’s when she realized that only she had heard Xiao Nanye’s words. A hint of resignation in her eyes, she nodded politely to him before leaving.

Once Jiang Peihuan was out of sight, the warmth in Xiao Nanye’s gaze faded, replaced by his usual cool demeanor.

“Your Highness, may I ask why you suddenly wish to marry my daughter?” Jiang Hong queried, “If this is about saving someone, it’s unnecessary. We, the Jiangs, are from a military background; we don’t fuss over formalities.” “General, you’re worrying too much,” Xiao Nanye interjected, his eyes steady on the couple. “If I don’t care for someone, their life or death wouldn’t matter to me.”

“So my visit today isn’t about following protocols; it’s because I have taken a liking to Huan Er.”

“I like her, hence I want her as my wife. And I’ve decided: in this lifetime, Huan Er will be the only woman for me. She will be the sole queen of Cheng Mansion. No other woman will take her place.”

Xiao Nanye’s soft words were crystal clear in the ears of the Jiang family. Both Jiang Hong and his wife, Xue Yan, looked stunned, as did their son, Jiang Changbai.

Initially, Xue Yan was slightly discontent, but after hearing Xiao Nanye’s candid confession, all dissatisfaction dissipated. She could clearly see the genuine affection in Xiao Nanye’s eyes. This man, indeed, loved her daughter.

Yet, considering the day’s events, worry clouded Xue Yan’s gaze. “Your Highness, perhaps you are unaware that the Emperor wishes to take Huan Er into the palace.”

“I’ll deal with my royal brother,” Xiao Nanye responded immediately.

This statement caused a spark of hope to flare in Xue Yan’s eyes. She looked at Xiao Nanye earnestly, “King Cheng, do you possess a means to dissuade the Emperor from this intention?”

“Yes, I do.”

“How do you plan to do it, Your Highness?” Jiang Changbai interjected.

Meeting Jiang Changbai’s gaze, Xiao Nanye said simply, “By marrying Huan Er, she won’t have to enter the palace.”

Jiang Changbai was tempted to voice his thoughts, but when it came to choosing between entering the palace or marrying into the Cheng Mansion, his preference leaned towards the latter.

Xiao Nanye shifted his gaze towards Jiang Hong, expressing with utmost sincerity, “Great General, my purpose for this visit is to pose a question. Are you in agreement with my marriage proposal?”

On hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Jiang Hong sank into a contemplative silence.

Under usual circumstances, he wouldn’t have consented. However, given the current predicament, he was left with no room for alternatives. Despite this, while looking at Xiao Nanye, he asked coolly, “Your Highness, can you genuinely assure to cherish Huan Er?”

Xiao Nanye solemnly vowed, “I swear upon my life, should I ever be unfaithful to Huan Er, may I perish gruesomely.”

“Alright. Given your readiness to make such a solemn promise, I accept this marriage proposal.”

“I will personally explain the situation to the Emperor.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Upon hearing Jiang Hong’s words, Xiao Nanye responded in a subdued tone. His demeanor towards Jiang Hong softened appreciably. After all, there weren’t many ministers bold enough to defy the emperor for their daughter’s sake.

Confronted by Jiang Hong’s puzzled expression, Xiao Nanye clarified calmly, “My elder brother, the Emperor, knows about this situation. It’s just my impulsiveness, recklessness even. He won’t hold it against me.”

“But, if you were to voice it, Great General, it would be considered defiance of the imperial decree, which would not bode well for the Jiang family.”

“Now that both you, Great General, and your wife have given your consent, I shall proceed to the palace. Please prepare to receive the royal decree.”

Having said this, Xiao Nanye departed. However, he didn’t leave the General’s Mansion, instead making his way to the plum garden.

Plum Garden.

“Eldest sister, in my opinion, you and King Cheng seem well-matched,” ventured Jiang Sijin.

Xiao Nanye intended to walk in, but upon hearing Jiang Sijin’s statement, he instinctively halted, curious to hear Jiang Peihuan’s thoughts.

Subsequently, the woman’s gentle voice echoed, “How are we a match?”

“Eldest sister, you exude nobility and grace, while King Cheng possesses an unmatched charm. Together, you make a pair of exceptional couple.”

“Thank you, Third Miss, for your kind words. I share the same sentiment,” responded Xiao Nanye.

Just as Jiang Peihuan was about to speak, she heard a voice behind her. Turning around, she saw the man standing at the doorway.

Catching her eye, the man advanced slowly. “Third Miss, might I speak privately with your elder sister?”

“King Cheng, as you wish. I’ll take my leave,” Jiang Sijin responded, curtseying to Xiao Nanye before cheerfully darting away. Watching the younger girl’s retreating figure, Jiang Peihuan shook her head in mild exasperation.

As she turned to face the man, she spoke softly, “Sijin still carries the impetuousness of youth. Your Highness, please don’t take it to heart.”

“I find Third Miss’s statement rather insightful.”

“I’ve recently asked for your hand from your parents. Your father has given his consent for our marriage.”

“This… How can this be?”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan’s surprised expression, Xiao Nanye’s eyes gleamed with a hint of pride. “If this were before, your father wouldn’t have agreed so readily. But now, as long as I demonstrate sincerity, he will surely agree.”

“But even if my father agrees, what about the Emperor?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle that.”

Seeing the concern in her eyes, the man unexpectedly reached out and gently touched her head.

The man swiftly withdrew his palm, but its warmth seemed to linger. Jiang Peihuan subconsciously lifted her head. “You?”

“Huan Er, I have feelings for you.”

Looking into her eyes, he said softly, each word pronounced distinctly.

“Why?”

Even as the man’s eyes held an ocean of gentleness, she still dared not believe.

In her past life, she had given everything for Xiao Junhao, only to be met with the total destruction of her family. In this life, she had no deep ties with this man, yet he claimed to have feelings for her.

Jiang Peihuan’s eyes filled with bewilderment. For some reason, seeing her like this stirred a strange ache in Xiao Nanye’s heart.

He stretched out his arms, holding her gently.

“There’s no why. I just do. I simply have feelings for you..”