Chapter 269 - 269: Rong Mo’s Companion

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

At this moment, Ye Xiao’s voice sounded outside the window. Jiang Peihuan lifted the curtain and saw ration in Ye Xiao’s hand.

Because they were outside, there was no way to prepare food, so they had to make up for ration. And they couldn’t delay due to Xiao Nanye’s condition.

Jiang Peihuan did not have much of an appetite, but she still took a steamed bun from Ye Xiao’s hand and said softly,” Tell everyone to drink more hot water.”

“Yes.”

After closing the curtain, Jiang Peihuan took a bite of the bun.

Such a journey was nothing new for Jiang Peihuan. She had faced more challenging times with Jiang Hong on the battlefield.

While Jiang Peihuan was eating, she heard the sound of horse hooves from behind.

Soon after, the carriage Jiang Peihuan was in stopped.

“Queen, it seems someone is chasing us from behind.”

Hearing Ye Xiao’s voice, Jiang Peihuan immediately stepped out of the carriage.

People from behind caught up.

At the forefront was a black horse, and the man on its back, dressed in white, was Rong Mo.

Seeing him, Jiang Peihuan was full of surprise.

Moments later, Rong Mo joined Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye in their carriage.

As the group continued their journey, looking at the man sitting opposite her, Jiang Peihuan softly asked, “Young Master Rong, why are you here?”

“I heard from Han Feng about King Nanye’s poisoning. I’m quite familiar with the Western Regions, so 1 came.”

“You’re familiar with the Western Regions?”

Jiang Peihuan caught on to this remark.

Seeing him nod, Jiang Peihuan immediately asked, “Young Master Rong, have you heard of the Soul-Returning Grass?”

“You need the Soul-Returning Grass?”

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, a hint of surprise appeared in Rong Mo’s eyes.

Jiang Peihuan, noticing his reaction, said confidently, “So, Master Rong knows about the Soul-Returning Grass.”

Rong Mo paused for a moment before nodding, “The Soul-Returning Grass is a treasure of the Western Region Palace.”

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan frowned.

She only knew that the grass was in the Western Regions, but she had no idea it was a treasure of the palace.

No matter what, she had to get this grass.

“By the way, about the poisoning, Han Feng has already found out about it.”

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan instinctively looked at Rong Mo.

Rong Mo’s expression was calm, but a hint of anger appeared in his eyes. He softly said, “The one who poisoned King Cheng was the steward, Uncle Zhong.” “Who’s the mastermind behind it?”

Jiang Peihuan had already suspected Uncle Zhong, but she also believed there must be someone behind the scenes.

“It’s someone from the palace.”

After a long pause, Rong Mo said in a low voice.

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan responded without hesitation, “Is it the Great Empress Dowager?”

“How did you know?”

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Rong Mo’s surprise deepened.

Jiang Peihuan didn’t answer Rong Mo’s question but counter-asked, “Do you know why the Great Empress Dowager would do this?”

She had asked Xiao Nanye the same question before, but he didn’t provide an answer at that time. However, after recent events, she couldn’t help but want to know.

“Do you know about King Cheng’s origin?”

Upon hearing Rong Mo’s words, Jiang Peihuan nodded, “I’ve heard bits and pieces.”

“So the Great Empress Dowager repeatedly targeted Xiao Nanye because she suspected he wasn’t the late emperor’s biological son.”

“It’s not a suspicion.”

“What did you say?”

Rong Mo’s voice was soft but clear to Jiang Peihuan. Hearing his words, she was taken aback.

Looking at Rong Mo, her eyes widened in shock.

At this moment, as Rong Mo met Jiang Peihuan’s gaze, he continued, “King Cheng, indeed, is not the biological son of the late emperor.”

Rong Mo’s voice was so soft that if one wasn’t paying close attention, they wouldn’t hear it.

But Jiang Peihuan heard it clearly.

Xiao Nanye was not the biological son of the late emperor.

Was this the secret he mentioned before?

Jiang Peihuan looked down at the man lying in the carriage, her eyes full of complexity.

“Xiao Nanye knows this himself, doesn’t he?”

“Yes, King Cheng knew about it quite early on.”

“Because he knew, that’s why he went to war at a young age, wishing to distance himself from the court. However, even so, some people never intended to let him go.”

As Rong Mo spoke the last line, his eyes were filled with disdain.

Silence pervaded the carriage; neither Jiang Peihuan nor Rong Mo spoke further.

In her previous life, Jiang Peihuan had no knowledge of these matters. Back then, she knew Xiao Nanye was a powerful King, but in her previous life, Xiao Nanye died early.

When Jiang Peihuan heard this news back then, she found it puzzling.

Thinking back now, perhaps in her past life, Xiao Nanye was murdered by the Great Empress Dowager.

However, in this life, Xiao Nanye met her, leading to changes in the past events.

Jiang Peihuan didn’t speak but gently held Xiao Nanye’s hand.

She was aware of his affection and the things he did for her. Now, it was her turn to protect him.

Seeing Jiang Peihuan’s gesture, Rong Mo’s eyes softened.

However, recalling the news he received on his way here, Rong Mo’s expression turned grave again.

Looking at Jiang Peihuan, he whispered, “You should prepare yourself mentally. The news from King Cheng’s mansion means the Great Empress Dowager must already be informed. She won’t let this go.”

“I won’t let anyone harm him.”

Hearing Rong Mo’s words, Jiang Peihuan replied with determination shining in her eyes.

In the Imperial Palace.

Cining Palace.

The moment the door to the inner chamber was pushed open, the Great Empress Dowager looked towards the entrance.

Seeing the person who entered, the Great Empress Dowager immediately asked, “Well?”

“Your Majesty, King Cheng has indeed been poisoned, but Queen Cheng is taking him towards the Western Regions.”

Hearing the old nanny’s words, the Great Empress Dowager’s eyes darkened. “So that bastard Xiao Nanye is still alive?”

“Your Majesty, the poison is difficult to cure, and the journey from the capital to the Western Regions is very far. Perhaps before reaching there, King Cheng might already be dead, we…”

“No!”

Before the old nanny could finish, the Great Empress Dowager interrupted her.

Looking at her, the Great Empress Dowager whispered, “1’11 only be at peace once I’m sure he’s dead.”

“Call Zhao Yang for me. I’ve protected him for so many years; it’s time he did something for me.”

“Your Majesty, are you calling for King Huainan?”

Hearing the Great Empress Dowager’s words, shock filled the old nanny’s eyes.

Seeing her reaction, the Great Empress Dowager softly said, “Others might not know, the seemingly powerless King Huainan has never been a simple person..”