Chapter 304 - 304: Informing The Plan of Great Empress Dowager

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

But for some unknown reason, he suddenly nodded, “Yes.”

Looking at the Great Empress Dowager, Zhao Yong whispered, “I dare not refuse the Empress Dowager’s decree.”

“You are indeed a smart person.”

Seeing Zhao Yong agree so readily, a satisfied look appeared in the Great Empress Dowager’s eyes.

Half a tea time later, Zhao Yong left the Cining Palace.

“Prince, are we going straight back to the Huainan Mansion?”

As they approached the palace gate, Zhao Yong’s attendant asked him.

Hearing this, Zhao Yong shook his head and whispered, “To the General’s Mansion.”

When Zhao Yong entered the plum garden, Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan were brewing tea in the pavilion.

The water used for the tea was snow collected by Yue Er during a snowfall.

When Zhao Yong was led into the pavilion, he saw Xiao Nanye reading in a chair while Jiang Peihuan was preparing tea.

Jiang Peihuan’s sleeves were neatly tied up. Whether she was brewing or pouring tea, in her hands, it looked like a painting.

Hearing footsteps, both Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye looked towards the pavilion entrance.

“Prince, you can go in by yourself.”

When Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan were together, maid like Yue Er, Lu Er, and Ye Xiao wouldn’t disturb them.

When Yue Er led Zhao Yong to the pavilion, she left.

Zhao Yong then lifted the curtain and entered.

Seeing him come in, Jiang Peihuan gestured to the seat opposite and said softly with a smile,” Prince Huainan, please have a sit.”

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s invitation, Zhao Yong sat down across from her.

As he sat, Jiang Peihuan poured him a cup of tea.

When she picked up the teacup, Zhao Yong quickly reached out to take it.

When he took the teacup, Zhao Yong’s hand accidentally touched Jiang

Peihuan’s fingertip. He reacted as if burnt and withdrew his hand quickly.

The tea was spilled instantly.

The boiling hot tea splashed everywhere.

As the cup overturned, Xiao Nanye quickly reached out and shielded Jiang Peihuan with his sleeve.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hold it steady.”

Jiang Peihuan shook her head at Xiao Nanye and then looked at Zhao Yong,

“The tea was hot, were you burned, Prince Huainan?”

“I’m fine.”

Jiang Peihuan poured another cup of water for Zhao Yong. But before she could hand it to him, Xiao Nanye had already taken it.

Placing the teacup in front of Zhao Yong, he said softly, “Prince Huainan, try this tea.”

“Thank you.”

Zhao Yong took a sip and then looked at Xiao Nanye, “The Emperor has conferred upon me the title of Huainan Marquis.”

“Also, I was summoned by the Great Empress Dowager today.”

Zhao Yong briefly repeated what the Emperor and he discussed, then continued, “Your Highness, the Great Empress Dowager summoned me to plot against you.”

Hearing this, neither Xiao Nanye nor Jiang Peihuan showed any signs of surprise.

Seeing this, Zhao Yong chuckled, “It seems the King and Queen Cheng were already aware.”

Hearing Zhao Yong’s words, both of them nodded in acknowledgment.

A moment later, Xiao Nanye said to Zhao Yong, “Regardless, thank you, Prince Huainan, for bringing me this news.”

“Prince, since the Empress Dowager has come to find you, she must see the results. How are you going to deal with the Empress Dowager?”

“The Queen once accompanied the Great General in battles, what do you think of the current situation in the Northern Border?”

“You want to be stationed at the Northern Border.”

As soon as Zhao Yong’s voice fell, Jiang Peihuan spoke directly.

Jiang Peihuan stated affirmatively, and seeing this, admiration flashed in Zhao Yong’s eyes, “The Queen is truly clever.”

“Once I’m at the Northern Border, the Great Empress Dowager will be powerless against me.”

“But Queen Cheng, today, I came to seek a favor from you.”

“Prince, please tell. If I can help, I won’t refuse.”

During this period of time, Zhao Yong had helped her a lot, so when Jian

Peihuan heard his words, she said directly.

Meeting Jiang Peihuan’s gaze, Zhao Yong whispered, “If I go to the Northern Border, there will be no one to care for my mother. I hope the queen can look out for her.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Peihuan agreed without hesitation.

A moment later, Zhao Yong left the plum garden.

After he left, Jiang Peihuan looked at Xiao Nanye, “It seems the Great Empress

Dowager’s tolerance towards you has reached its limit.”

“If it wasn’t for the threat I posed back then, she probably would have already sent assassins to the general’s mansion.”

There was a mocking look in Xiao Nanye’s eyes as he spoke.

After a brief silence, Jiang Peihuan asked, “Have you thought about telling

Emperor Qi Ming about this?”

“Although my imperial brother has been lenient with me, all this is because I’m the King Cheng of QI Kingdom. Once he knows I’m not from the Xiao family, I fear he might be the first to kill me.”

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan didn’t know how to respond. She had witnessed the ruthlessness of the royal family in her past life.

“Never mind, let’s not talk about this. Tomorrow is the day your sister marries into the Cao family. As the elder sister, have you prepared a gift?”

“I almost forgot if you didn’t mention it.”

Jiang Peihuan had been so engrossed in the plum garden these days she’d forgotten entirely.

When Xiao Nanye heard this, his eyes revealed a hint of helplessness.

As Jiang Peihuan was pondering whether to visit Jiang Ruyun that night, Jiang

Ruyun herself came to the plum garden.

“Your Highness, Elder Sister?”

Upon seeing Xiao Nanye, Jiang Ruyun promptly greeted him.

Although Xiao Nanye’s attitude towards her had softened a lot, Jiang Ruyun still looked a little scared when she saw Xiao Nanye.

“You guys can have a chat.”

Xiao Nanye nodded to Jiang Ruyun and then told Jiang Peihuan before heading straight to his study.

With Xiao Nanye gone, Jiang Ruyun noticeably relaxed.

Facing Jiang Peihuan, she whispered, “Elder Sister, I came today to discuss something.”

“What is it?”

“Tomorrow is my wedding day. Mother has prepared many dowries for me to look respectable.”

“But Father disagrees.”

Jiang Ruyun continued when she saw the puzzled look on Jiang Peihuan’s face, “Father says he must leave some assets for my brother and cannot let me take everything.”

“Because of this, Mother and Father have been arguing for days. I really had no choice but to come to you for advice.”

Jiang Peihuan listened quietly as Jiang Ruyun spoke. Once she finished, Jiang Peihuan gently asked, “And you? What do you think?”

“If possible, 1 naturally hope for more dowry. After all, this will be my foothold in the Cao family. But Father’s salary is not high, and now that my brother is born, I naturally can’t be that selfish..”