Chapter 296 - 296: Investigation

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Huan Er, what do you want to tell me?”

Seeing the seriousness in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes, Jiang Hong whispered.

After sitting down in the chair opposite Jiang Hong, Jiang Peihuan talked about the investigation of Xiao Nanye, and then continued, “Father, these bows and arrows came from you.”

Hearing this, Jiang Hong frowned.

A moment later, he softly said, “Those in charge of casting the bows and arrows have been with me for many years.”

“Father, Meng Yi has also been with you for many years.”

Jiang Peihuan responded coldly to Jiang Hong’s words.

Hearing Meng Yi’s name, Jiang Hong’s expression instantly darkened.

After a moment of silence, he turned to Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye, “I understand. 1’11 have someone investigate this.”

“I’ll wait for your news.”

Seeing Jiang Hong nod, Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye left Yan Lin.

After leaving Yan Lin, Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye went straight back to

Plum Garden without going out again.

That night, Jiang Hong didn’t sleep.

Early the next morning, Jiang Peihuan’s door was knocked on by Yue Er.

When the knocking sounded, Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan opened their eyes and both looked at the door.

“King, Queen Cheng, the great general wants to see you.”

Hearing this, Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan glanced at each other and got up together.

Yue Er came forward to assist Jiang Peihuan, while Xiao Nanye quickly prepared himself.

Both were very efficient, and they left their room shortly after.

As soon as they reached the courtyard, Jiang Peihuan saw the waiting Deputy General Liu.

“King, Queen Cheng.”

Seeing Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan, Deputy General Liu quickly stepped forward to salute.

After a gesture towards him, Jiang Peihuan softly said, “Father sent you to fetch us.”

“Yes, the general asked me to take you both to a place.”

Without saying anything, Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye left the general’s mansion.

The three of them rode to a house in the suburbs.

Entering the courtyard with Deputy General Liu, Jiang Peihuan heard cursing from inside, “Jiang Hong, you’ll get your retribution.”

Hearing this voice, a look of displeasure and a hint of anger appeared in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.

A man was tied up, pinned to the ground. Jiang Peihuan recognized him as one of Jiang Hong’s generals, close to Meng Yi, named Wang Ke.

At that moment, Wang Ke’s eyes were filled with resentment, glaring at Jiang Hong with hatred.

In contrast, Jiang Hong’s expression was quite calm.

Hearing footsteps, Jiang Hong turned to the entrance. When he saw Jiang

Peihuan, his eyes softened, “Huan Er, King Cheng.”

“It seems Father has found the traitor.”

It was Xiao Nanye who spoke.

Looking at Wang Ke on the ground, a faint smile appeared on Xiao Nanye’s lips. But that smile had a cold undertone, and upon closer inspection, it was also a bit bloodthirsty.

Upon hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Jiang Hong nodded and then said softly, “It has been confirmed that he is the one who sent out those bows and arrows.” “So what if 1 sent them out? This is all your retribution, Jiang Hong.” “Wang Ke, I always treated you fairly. Why did you do this?”

Jiang Hong had been silent, but at this point, he couldn’t help but address Wang Ke directly.

Hearing this, Wang Ke let out a burst of laughter, as if he had heard a joke.

Looking at Jiang Hong, he said mockingly, “You actually ask me why? Have you forgotten how Brother Meng died?”

“So, all of this was in revenge for Meng Yi?”

“You make it sound so noble. You just wanted wealth and glory.”

As soon as Jiang Hong finished speaking, Xiao Nanye, standing next to Jiang Peihuan, let out a derisive laugh.

Hearing this, Wang Ke looked at Xiao Nanye with a gloomy expression. Meeting his gaze, Xiao Nanye continued, “Did 1 get it wrong? All you did was because Prince Qing promised you wealth. Why use a dead man as an excuse?” As he spoke the last sentence, Xiao Nanye’s eyes were filled with contempt. Wang Ke, whose eyes were already filled with anger, hissed, “You’re talking nonsense.”

“Heh…”

Facing Wang Ke’s ferocity, Xiao Nanye chuckled.

Xiao Nanye looked at Jiang Hong and asked, “Father, are you aware of Wang

Ke’s financial situation?”

“He has been impoverished since childhood.”

Most soldiers come from poor families. Those from slightly better backgrounds usually choose the path of academia.

Studying requires money, but being a soldier does not. Not only is there no tuition, but there’s also a monthly salary.

“If 1 remember correctly, a captain like you would earn only a hundred or so taels a year without indulging in any luxuries. Yet, you have tens of thousands of silver notes at home.”

“You better not tell me that’s your family’s private property.”

On the way here, Jiang Peihuan learned from General Deputy Liu that Wang Ke was the traitor. Immediately, she and Xiao Nanye went to Wang Ke’s house to look for evidence.

Hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Wang Ke’s already dark expression darkened even further. He wanted to refute, but he couldn’t find the words.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Hong was stunned.

After a long pause, he looked at Wang Ke and said, “I never dreamed that one day you would betray your original intentions for such external possessions.” “Heh… You nobles wouldn’t understand our suffering.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Hong frowned.

Before he could say more, Jiang Peihuan stepped forward and held Jiang Hong’s hand, “Father, from the moment he chose to betray you, he wasn’t worth your attention.”

“Today is the last day the Emperor granted me and King Cheng. Leave him to us.”

Looking at Wang Ke on the ground, Jiang Hong wanted to say something, but in the end, he simply looked at Jiang Peihuan and said, “Alright, I’ll leave him to you.”

After saying that, Jiang Hong left with Deputy General Liu.

Wang Ke watched Jiang Hong’s retreating figure with a complicated expression.

After Jiang Hong left, the warmth in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes disappeared instantly.

Looking at Wang Ke, she directly asked, “When did you start colluding with Prince Qing?”

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s question, Wang Ke looked up at her. But his eyes were full of disdain and mockery. He remained silent as if he hadn’t heard her at all.

“The Queen is talking to you. Are you deaf?”