Chapter 268 - 268: Substitute Marriage

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Looking back and forth, Jiang Peihuan thought that Zhao Yong was the most suitable candidate.

Even though Zhao Yong had become the heir of Huainan King, because of his birth mother, Emperor Qi Ming did not have any taboos against him. Therefore, Zhao Yong’s entry and exit from the capital was very convenient.

After finalizing with Zhao Yong, Jiang Peihuan called Yue Er and Lu Er into the room.

Both of them looked worried. They never expected such a thing to happen on their wedding day.

“You two stay in the mansion, keep things quiet, and act as if I’m still here.”

“Yes.”

Jiang Peihuan still didn’t know who the real mastermind behind this was, so she didn’t dare let outsiders know the current situation of the Cheng Mansion.

After everything was prepared, Jiang Peihuan left the mansion with Xiao Nanye.

Zhao Yong was already waiting at the back door.

After Jiang Peihuan got on the carriage with Xiao Nanye, a white figure darted into the carriage.

Zhao Yong immediately reached for his long sword, but Jiang Peihuan quickly shouted, “Hold on, Prince! That’s my pet.”

The one who rushed into the carriage was none other than Xiao Bai.

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Zhao Yong put back his sword, but a surprised look appeared in his eyes, because he clearly saw that it was a white wolf.

However, Zhao Yong didn’t say anything more and ordered his men to move out.

Inside the carriage,

Jiang Peihuan looked at the suddenly appearing Xiao Bai and gently stroked its head, “Why did you come? Didn’t 1 ask you to stay with Yue Er in the mansion?”

Xiao Bai, unable to speak, licked Jiang Peihuan’s hand in response.

The capital city was destined to be restless that night.

With Xiao Nanye poisoned, the Prince’s Qing Mansion was in chaos.

“Why is it you?”

Looking at Xue Ru sitting on the bed, Xiao Junhao’s eyes were filled with doubt. After a few seconds, his expression turned to fury.

After picking up Jiang Yan from the post station, Xiao Junhao went to the city center to fetch Lin Mengyao.

But when he unveiled the bride’s veil, it wasn’t Lin Mengyao, but Xue Ru.

Seeing the anger in Xiao Junhao’s eyes, Xue Ru’s heart trembled, but she looked at him pitifully and said, “Your Highness, I’ve already lost the child in my belly, 1 can’t lose you too.”

“No matter what, you are the one who welcomed me at the door today, so from now on, I’m the second consort of Prince Qing’s mansion.”

“Where’s Yao Er?”

Hearing Xue Ru’s words, the anger in Xiao Junhao’s eyes intensified, but he held it back.

“Your Highness, Miss Lin is here.”

As soon as Xiao Junhao’s voice fell, a servant’s voice came from outside.

Soon after, Lin Mengyao was brought to Xiao Junhao.

Seeing Xue Ru in a bright red wedding dress, Lin Mengyao’s expression darkened. She never expected Xue Ru to dare knock her out and wear her wedding dress.

More importantly, the person who had the wedding ceremony with Xiao Junhao today was Xue Ru, not her.

And this ceremony cannot be redone, making Lin Mengyao even more sullen.

“Your Highness, she knocked me out and changed into my wedding dress, she…”

“So what? If it weren’t for your suggestion, asking me to go to the General’s Mansion, how would my child have been lost? Why would 1 have knocked you out?”

Before Lin Mengyao could finish speaking, Xue Ru interrupted her.

Hearing this, Lin Mengyao’s expression turned even more fierce.

Xiao Junhao’s eyes were filled with hostility.

If this matter spreads, he would be the laughing stock of the entire capital. Or perhaps, he already is.

“Your Highness, Main Princess consort has arrived.”

“What is she here for?”

Upon hearing the steward’s words, Xiao Junhao’s already dark expression darkened even more.

“She mentioned it’s about the two side princess consort.”

“Let her in.”

Shortly after, Jiang Yan entered the small hall, still dressed in her bright red wedding dress. The vivid color deeply hurt both Lin Mengyao and Xue Ru.

Yet, Jiang Yan acted as if she didn’t see them, bowing only to Xiao Junhao, “Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Get up.”

“Your Highness, I’ve heard about side consort Lin’s situation. However, since you did welcome Miss Xue into the palace today, 1 suggest we make both Miss Xue and Miss Lin side consort.”

Upon hearing Jiang Yan’s proposal, Lin Mengyao frowned deeply, while Xue Ru’s eyes were filled with joy.

Originally, when she knocked out Lin Mengyao, it was based on Ye Xiao’s idea. Xue Ru hadn’t thought she could truly become a side consort, but now, she started to trust Jiang Peihuan’s intentions more.

Lin Mengyao wanted to protest against Jiang Yan’s proposal, but found herself at a loss for words, given that Xiao Junhao did indeed bring Xue Ru into the palace himself.

“Let’s proceed according to the main princess consort wishes.”

After a moment of silence, Xiao Junhao coldly responded.

Then, Jiang Yan continued, “Your Highness, will you be visiting my chambers tonight or…?”

“I will be in your chambers.”

Even though Xiao Junhao had a preference for Lin Mengyao, Jiang Yan was the main princess consort. Because of this, he could only stay in her chambers that night.

Lin Mengyao’s eyes were filled with despair as she watched Xiao Junhao and Jiang Yan leave together.

After she woke up, she rushed to the Qing Mansion. She thought that Xiao Junhao would give her an explanation, but she did not expect such an outcome.

Yet, she now had no right to object. After all, the current head of the Lin family was Lin Xingchen, not her father.

“This is my courtyard. Side Consort Xue, please leave.”

After a long time, Lin Mengyao looked at Xue Ru coldly and said.

This courtyard was where Lin Mengyao used to stay in the Qing Palace. This time, Xue Ru didn’t say much. Upon hearing Lin Mengyao’s words, she left immediately.

But, just before exiting the door, Xue Ru stopped, “I’ll remember everything you’ve done to me.”

With that, she left Lin Mengyao’s courtyard.

Meanwhile, Jiang Peihuan, accompanied by Xiao Nanye, had left the city area.

Seeing Xiao Nanye lying in the carriage, a worried look crossed Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.

She had sealed Xiao Nanye’s acupuncture points with golden needles. She thought that this would stop the spread of the poison, but when Jiang Peihuan checked Xiao Nanye’s pulse, she found that the poison was still spreading, but the speed was slow.

Originally, Jiang Peihuan had estimated that it would take ten days, but it seemed that it would only take eight at most.

After covering Xiao Nanye with a blanket, she couldn’t help but ask the rider outside the carriage, “Could we possibly go faster?”

From outside, Zhao Yong, riding on his horse, heard her request. He frowned but eventually responded softly, “Yes.”

After that, Jiang Peihuan could feel the carriage moving at a much faster pace.

By dawn, they had already left the capital, but the snowstorm outside intensified.

“Queen, please eat something..”