Chapter 326 - 326: Want to bestow a marriage

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Indeed, a reward is in order.”

Upon hearing the Empress’s words, Emperor Qi Ming turned his gaze to Jiang Peihuan.

Originally, Emperor Qi Ming held some reservations about Jiang Peihuan, but now, that hint of displeasure vanished in an instant.

Meanwhile, the chief doctor beside them looked on with astonishment.

He had previously diagnosed the Empress’s pulse, and given her health condition, it seemed nearly impossible for her to become pregnant.

But in just a few months, the Empress was now pregnant.

The chief doctor was full of surprise and confusion.

After some thought, he directed his gaze at Jiang Peihuan, “Queen Cheng, there’s something I don’t understand. May I inquire?”

“Do you wish to ask about Iler Royal Majesty’s pregnancy?”

Jiang Peihuan anticipated his question without even needing to think.

After seeing him nod, Jiang Peihuan continued, “Her Royal Majesty was indeed weak before, but I have since provided some treatments to strengthen her.”

Jiang Peihuan’s response was straightforward and seemed to resolve the doctor’s doubts.

Hearing her explanation, the chief doctor was all the more amazed, but he chose not to comment further. Certain matters related to the palace’s secrets were not to be discussed openly.

Facing Jiang Peihuan, he bowed slightly and said, “Your medical skills are outstanding, Queen Cheng. I’m truly impressed.”

“It’s merely basic knowledge; you flatter me too much, Chief.”

“Queen Cheng, you’ve accomplished a lot this time, and combined with the matter in Anzhou, both officially and personally, I should reward you handsomely.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“All these are my duties.”

“Then, 1 will arrange a marriage for your elder brother to the Fourth Princess.”

“You’re already the Queen of Cheng Mansion. I don’t know what more I could reward you with. I remember your elder brother hasn’t married yet, and the Fourth Princess is of marriageable age. Thus, I want to bestow the Fourth Princess to your brother. What do you think?”

Upon hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s words, Jiang Peihuan was stunned.

When she thought of her elder brother, Jiang Changbai, the first person that came to her mind was Liu Xin.

Jiang Peihuan’s first instinct was to decline, but an emperor’s decree wasn’t something she could simply refuse.

After a pause, Jiang Peihuan said to Emperor Qi Ming, “Your Majesty, I cannot decide on my elder brother’s marriage. This matter should be returned to my parents.”

“That’s reasonable. Wang Kun, summon Jiang Hong to the palace.”

“Imperial brother, let’s discuss this tomorrow. Huan Er and I have just returned from Anzhou, and our father is waiting for us at home.”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan’s discomfort, Xiao Nanye intervened, addressing Emperor Qi Ming.

Heeding Xiao Nanye’s advice, Emperor Qi Ming decided not to pursue the matter further, focusing his attention on the Empress instead.

Seeing this, Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye took their leave.

Upon exiting Kun Ning Palace, Jiang Peihuan’s face revealed a troubled expression.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Nanye saw Jiang Peihuan’s troubled face and reached out to hold her hand, whispering, “It’s alright, don’t worry. This marriage proposal might not even come to pass.”

“I’m afraid my elder brother only has Xin Er in his heart.”

“Although Grandmother hasn’t given her consent, she hasn’t shown the same level of opposition as before. 1 believe it’s only a matter of time.”

“If news of the bestowed marriage breaks out now, both my elder brother and Liu Xin will be devastated.”

“It’s okay. As long as the imperial decree isn’t issued, there’s still room for change.”

Now, that was the only way. Especially since Jiang Changbai was still on his way back from Anzhou..

Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye didn’t return to the Cheng Mansion, but went straight to the General’s Mansion.

Just as they arrived at the entrance, they saw a crowd waiting.

Led by Jiang Hong, the entire Jiang family was there, including Jiang Ruyun, who had recently married. By her side stood Cao Jun.

Cao Jun’s mental state had improved considerably compared to before.

Seeing this, Jiang Peihuan let out a sigh of relief.

However, recalling what Emperor Qi Ming had said in the palace earlier, Jiang Peihuan couldn’t help but frown.

“Huan Er, you’re finally back?”

“Yes, eldest sister, you have no idea how much mother has been missing you these past days.”

Beside them, Jiang Sijin laughed softly in response to Xue Yan’s words.

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan smiled and held Xue Yan’s hand, “I’m sorry for making mother worry.”

“It’s good that you’re back.”

“By the way, your grandmother is waiting for you in the Chrysanthemum Hall. You should go greet her.”

“Alright, I’ll go now.”

With that, Jiang Peihuan headed in the direction of the Chrysanthemum Hall.

Meanwhile, Jiang Hong spoke kindly to Xiao Nanye, “I heard the Empress is pregnant?”

“Yes, when we were in the palace, both Huan Er and the chief doctor confirmed it. Imperial sister-in-law is indeed pregnant.”

“That’s good news.”

“If the Empress gives birth to a prince, it’ll be great for consolidating the central palace’s power.”

“If it’s a prince, of course it’s great. However, Father, don’t forget that the child in Imperial Sister-in-law’s womb could also be a princess.”

Xiao Nanye’s tone was very calm, but upon hearing this, Jiang Hong’s excitement quickly faded.

“Yes, it could also be a princess.”

“Given this situation, the Empress might be under a lot of pressure.”

This was said by Xue Yan.

Upon hearing her words, everyone fell silent.

Jiang Peihuan’s eyes also revealed some complicated emotions.

When she first helped the Empress improve her health, she never imagined the Empress would become pregnant so soon. Initially, everyone was elated at the news, but now, Jiang Peihuan began to doubt whether it was truly a blessing.

“Huan Er?”

Lost in her thoughts, Jiang Peihuan arrived at the entrance of the Chrysanthemum Hall.

As she entered, she immediately saw Old Madam Jiang standing at the entrance.

“Grandmother?”

Upon seeing her, Jiang Peihuan quickly approached, but before she could bow, Old Madam Jiang grasped her hand, “I’m so glad you’re back.”

“Of course I would return. I promised to be here for your grand birthday celebration.”

“Come, sit with me.”

“Oh, Nanye, you’re here too.”

Holding onto Jiang Peihuan, Old Madam Jiang started walking in, but after a few steps, as if remembering something, she stopped and turned to Xiao Nanye, smiling warmly.

Hearing her words, Xiao Nanye replied with a gentle smile, “Thank you, grandmother.”

The longer he stayed with the Jiang family, the more he cherished their warmth and hospitality. It felt like home.

“Brother-in-law, this is fruit wine I brewed myself. Please have a taste.”

Just as Xiao Nanye settled down, Jiang Sijin hurriedly approached him, presenting a small porcelain bottle, “For you.”

“For me?”

Seeing the porcelain bottle in Jiang Sijin’s hand, Xiao Nanye replied with a smile.

Meeting his gaze, Jiang Sijin nodded in confirmation..