Chapter 37

“Your Highness, what brings you here?”

When Sijin saw Xiao Nanye, her eyes widened in surprise. “Prince An mentioned that the scenery here is beautiful, so he invited me to come and admire it.”

Knowing that Jiang Sijin and Jiang Peihuan were very close, Xiao Nanye’s tone was gentle.

However, both Prince An and Sijin revealed puzzled expressions upon hearing this.

Especially Prince An, his eyes showed surprise and confusion, but he didn’t reveal that it was Xiao Nanye who had taken the initiative to find him.

Jiang Peihuan didn’t mind their expressions. After bowing to Xiao Nanye and Xiao Junmo, she whispered, “In that case, I won’t disturb Your Highnesses King Cheng and Prince An.”

With that, she looked at Jiang Sijin. “It’s getting late. Let’s return to the manor.”

“King Cheng, farewell.”

When Jiang Sijin heard this, she waved at Xiao Nanye and then followed Jiang Peihuan.

However, as soon as they entered the manor, Jiang Sijin couldn’t help but grasp Jiang Peihuan’s hand. “Elder Sister, why is King Cheng here?”

“Didn’t the King already say? He’s here to enjoy the scenery.”

“Eldest Sister, that excuse would only fool a three-year-old. In the entire Qi Kingdom, who doesn’t know that King Cheng has been gifted several beautiful courtyards and villas? If he wanted to enjoy the scenery, why would he come here?”

“No matter the reason for King Cheng’s visit, it’s not for you to discuss. Don’t bring this up again.”

Turning around and glaring at Jiang Sijin, Jiang Peihuan spoke angrily. But the young girl beside her didn’t seem concerned. Instead, she held her sister’s hand. “Elder Sister, could it be that King Cheng…”

“Enough nonsense.”

Before Jiang Sijin could finish, Jiang Peihuan interrupted her. Seeing the sternness in her eyes, Jiang Sijin silently covered her mouth, indicating she would remain quiet.

After giving her a sharp look, Jiang Peihuan walked towards the manor. But just as she took a step, a familiar voice called out from behind her. “Miss Jiang, please wait.”

“Elder Sister, it seems to be King Cheng.”

As Jiang Sijin heard the voice, her interest was piqued. Jiang Peihuan looked at the man slowly approaching, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

“Greetings to His Highnesses King Cheng and King An.”

“Young Miss, please rise.”

“I came here today because I heard that your manor has many loquats and peaches. Coincidentally, I enjoy both these fruits, so I came to ask for some. Eldest Miss, would you be willing to give me some?”

As soon as Xiao Nanye finished speaking, the expressions in everyone’s eyes varied. Han Feng, who was next to Xiao Nanye, widened his eyes. His master was clearly allergic to peaches, so when did he start liking them?

He was going all out to get close to the young miss.

After hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, a strange look appeared in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes. If she remembered correctly, Xiao Nanye hated peaches the most.

This was something she had learned from Xiao Junhao in her past life.

“Is the Young Miss unwilling?”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan hesitating, Xiao Junmo, who was nearby, asked softly. Hearing his voice, Jiang Peihuan gathered her thoughts and respectfully replied, “Of course not. I’ll ask the manor’s steward to prepare some loquats and peaches for your highness.”

“There’s no need to rush. I’ve heard the manor has beautiful scenery. Since we’re here, I’d like to take a look. Eldest Miss, could you please accompany me for a walk?”

As he spoke, Xiao Nanye glanced at Xiao Junmo, who quickly smiled at Jiang Sijin. “Third Miss, I’d like to personally pick some fruits to present to my father and mother. Could you please show me the way?”

“That’s easy! I’ll take you there right now.”

Upon hearing Xiao Junmo’s words, Jiang Sijin spoke without thinking. However, after she finished speaking, she remembered Jiang Peihuan and quickly looked at her. “Elder Sister?”

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan nodded but softly reminded her, “You are the hostess. Remember to entertain His Highness well.”

“Understood, Elder Sister.”

With that, Jiang Sijin left with Xiao Junmo.

Then, Han Feng also walked away, glancing at Ye Xiao. However, Ye Xiao seemed not to notice and stood firmly behind Jiang Peihuan.

Until Jiang Peihuan said, “Ye Xiao, you may leave as well. I’ll accompany Prince Cheng for a walk.”

“Yes.”

Watching Ye Xiao’s retreating figure, Xiao Nanye said softly, “It seems that in Ye Xiao’s heart, your words carry more weight than mine now.

“What brings Your Highness here today?”

After everyone had left, Jiang Peihuan looked directly at the man beside her and spoke. Her eyes were filled with indifference and a hint of distance.

For some reason, seeing Jiang Peihuan like this made Xiao Nanye’s heart ache. He didn’t answer her question but looked at her hand instead. “This ring looks lovely on you.”

Hearing Xiao Nanye mention the ring on her finger, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes filled with a hint of helplessness. “For some reason, I can’t remove this ring. Once I manage to take it off, I’ll return it to its rightful owner.”

“If you can’t remove it, then don’t bother. There’s no reason for me to take back something I’ve given away.”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan wanting to say more, Xiao Nanye continued, “I gave this ring to Miss Jiang because I need your help with something.”

“What is it?”

When Jiang Peihuan heard Xiao Nanye asking for her help, she felt a sense of relief. For some reason, every time she saw Xiao Nanye’s expression, she couldn’t look directly at him.

“I can’t tell you about this matter just yet. You’ll know in a few days.”

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan furrowed her brow. Seeing the expression in her eyes, Xiao Nanye smiled and reassured her, “Don’t worry, Miss. It won’t be anything that puts you in a difficult position.”

With that, the man walked ahead, and Jiang Peihuan had no choice but to follow.

After walking some distance, a small river appeared before them. A gentle breeze blew, making it quite comfortable.

Xiao Nanye stopped by the river and admired the view, “The scenery here is indeed beautiful.”

“Your Highness, you flatter me.”

When they were together, it was mostly Xiao Nanye who spoke while Jiang Peihuan responded softly. If the other young nobles of Qi Kingdom saw this scene, they would doubt their eyes. The usually cold and ruthless King Cheng actually had such a gentle side.

In fact, Jiang Peihuan also harbored some doubts. In her previous life, when she was with Xiao Junhao, she had always heard people describe King Cheng as a man of few words and cold-hearted.

Yet, the man before her couldn’t stop talking.

“Elder sister?”