Chapter 247 - 247: Meeting Xiao Junhao

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

In the end, Xue Ru still boarded Xiao Junhao’s carriage, but upon seeing Lin Mengyao sitting inside, a look of displeasure filled her eyes.

“Is she the prince’s servant? Why does she seem so lacking in manners?”

Lin Mengyao’s attire had always been rather modest. Coupled with her sleepless night, she appeared rather haggard today.

Additionally, she did not wear any jewelry today. Upon seeing her, Xue Ru’s first impression was that of a servant.

Both Xiao Junhao and Lin Mengyao were unpleasant upon hearing this.

Had it not been for Xue Ru’s sincere expression, she might have suspected it was said on purpose.

“This is Yao Er, my side consort who hasn’t officially entered the household yet.”

“Side consort? Isn’t that just another word for a concubine?”

Xiao Junhao was speechless.

Lin Mengyao was speechless as well.

Technically, side consort was indeed a concubine. But who would dare look down upon a royal concubine?

After a while, Xiao Junhao inquired, “May I ask about Miss Xue’s relationship with the General’s Mansion?”

“My aunt is the main wife of the General’s Mansion.”

“So, Miss Xue is the cousin of Miss Jiang?”

“Does the prince know my cousin, Huan Er?”

Upon hearing Xue Ru’s question, Xiao Junhao nodded.

At that moment, a voice from outside announced, “Prince, we’ve reached the shop.”

Subsequently, Xiao Junhao led Xue Ru into the shop. Even though he promised to compensate with just a dress.

He ended up buying several dresses and pieces of jewelry for Xue Ru.

Xiao Junhao personally escorted Xue Ru back to the General’s Mansion.

Watching Xue Ru’s gleeful departure, the smile and the joyful sign of Xiao Junhao’s eyes vanished instantly.

This woman was not only arrogant but also naive.

If not for her affiliation with the Xue family, Xiao Junhao wouldn’t even spare her a glance.

“Your Highness, are you thinking of taking Miss Xue into your mansion?” Lin Mengyao asked

Xiao Junhao was surprised to hear Lin Mengyao’s words.

“While the Xue family might not have a strong foundation in the capital, they are influential in Qing Zhou. If you were to integrate Miss Xue into your palace, it would undoubtedly be beneficial for Your Highness’s future endeavors.”

Xue Ru looked down on the title of a side consort, but from the way she looked at Xiao Junhao, Lin Mengyao discerned it all too well.

Xue Ru may wish to become the princess consort of Prince Qing’s Mansion, she could only be a side consort.

Lin Mengyao couldn’t differentiate her feelings of like or dislike towards him anymore. Apart from Xiao Junhao, she had no other priorities, so the only thing she could do was to propel this man to a higher position. Only then could she have Jiang Peihuan beneath her feet.

“Yao Er, rest assured, 1 won’t let you down.”

Xiao Junhao reached out and pulled Lin Mengyao into his arms.

Leaning against Xiao Junhao, Lin Mengyao whispered, “I trust Your Highness.”

Her voice was incredibly gentle, but her eyes lacked warmth. If one looked closely, they were filled with coldness.

In the following days, Xiao Junhao frequently invited Xue Ru out for outings.

And Jiang Peihuan was oblivious to all of these events.

The coldest season finally passed. The decreasing number of beggars on the streets and fewer refugees outside the city, Jiang Peihuan’s mood considerably improved.

Unbeknownst to them, half a month had passed.

During this half a month, Xiao Nanye accompanied Jiang Peihuan almost every day.

Just like now, as soon as Jiang Peihuan sat down, Xiao Junhao offered her a cup of tea, “Huan Er, have a sip first.”

“Thank you.”

Looking at the tea cup in the man’s hand, Jiang Peihuan whispered her thanks.

She didn’t know when, but it seemed she had become accustomed to this man’s presence.

Jiang Peihuan initially thought it was just tea, but upon tasting, she realized it was ginseng tea.

“Xiao Nanye, you should have some too.”

“Mm.”

As he took the tea cup from her, he drank the remaining ginseng tea she left behind in one gulp.

Even though this wasn’t the first time Xiao Nanye had done this, seeing this scene made Jiang Peihuan’s cheeks turn slightly red.

Just as Jiang Peihuan was about to speak, a flurry of hoofbeats sounded nearby.

Turning her head, she saw Zhao Yong dismounting from his horse.

Apart from the time she diagnosed Zhao Yong’s biological mother, Jiang Peihuan hadn’t seen him again. Meeting Zhao Yong now, she noticed he was covered in injuries, his face pale, yet his expression remained steadfast.

“I greet King Cheng.”

He bowed to Xiao Nanye, then turned his attention to Jiang Peihuan, “Miss

Jiang, the two herbs you told me about, 1 have found them.”

“You found the Nine Spirit Fox and the Black Snake?”

“Yes.”

A hint of surprise appeared in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.

“Miss Jiang, you said that if I gathered the herbs, you’d treat my mother. Does that still stand?”

“Of course it does. I’ll come with you right now.”

“Thank you!”

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, a hint of a smile appeared on Zhao Yong’s composed face.

Moments later, Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye got into a carriage.

It was the same small courtyard. When Jiang Peihuan saw Madam Zhao again, she noticed her complexion had worsened.

After taking Madam Zhao’s pulse, Jiang Peihuan said to Zhao Yong, “Show me the herbs.”

In the living room, Zhao Yong handed two porcelain bottles to Jiang Peihuan.

Upon opening the white porcelain bottle, Jiang Peihuan detected a faint, mysterious aroma. “Yes, this is the blood of the Nine Spirit Fox.”

Opening the other bottle, Jiang Peihuan took a sniff. It was indeed the gallbladder of the Black Snake.

After setting the two bottles down, Jiang Peihuan looked at Zhao Yong, “Prince Zhao, do you remember the third ingredient I mentioned?”

“Of course, Miss Jiang. You said the third ingredient is half of my liver.”

Hearing Zhao Yong’s words, Jiang Peihuan nodded.

“To extract half of your liver, I need to cut open your abdomen and then slice off a portion of your liver. Are you still willing?”

“Just go ahead, Miss Jiang.”

“I’ll bear all the consequences. If Miss Jiang is worried about complications from treating my mother, I can provide a written guarantee right now..”