Chapter 53 - 53: Someone that Piques My Interest

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Xiao Nanye was stunned. It took him a few seconds before he could look at her, surprised. “Why?”

“I can’t disclose the exact reason, your highness. If you trust me, please abstain from all alcohol.”

After uttering these words, Jiang Peihuan remained silent. She bowed to Xiao Nanye before turning to leave.

This was a secret she knew only from her past life. Naturally, she couldn’t explain much to Xiao Nanye.

She had already reminded him. As for whether he would listen or not, it was not something she could control.

Lost in her thoughts, Jiang Peihuan didn’t notice the approaching person until she bumped into him.

“Sorry, I…”

After regaining her balance, Jiang Peihuan instinctively began to apologize. However, upon recognizing the person in front of her, her regret evaporated immediately.

Xiao Junhao looked at the woman standing before him, his eyes clouded with complexity.

Though they hadn’t seen each other for over a month, he felt Jiang Peihuan was a stranger. Her eyes no longer held the dependency and affection they once did, only distance and apathy.

“Prince Qing, I beg your pardon. I didn’t see you.”

Taking a few steps back, Jiang Peihuan responded, her voice measured and distant.

Xiao Junhao had been severely wounded at the mansion, resting for more than half a month before returning to the capital. Seeing Jiang Peihuan again ignited a throbbing pain in his heart.

“So, you truly have moved on,” he declared, his words laced with bitter sarcasm. It took Jiang Peihuan a moment to understand the meaning behind his words.

She met his gaze, her eyes frosty, and replied sternly, “Your highness and I never had any promises. So, how can one speak of moving on?”

Xiao Junhao had always kept her on a leash, yet never made any explicit commitments.

It was her past naive self that had blindly followed his sweet nothings. Given a second chance, she was now able to sever her ties with this venomous snake.

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s response, Xiao Junhao’s face darkened. As he spotted a distant figure slowly approaching, he said softly, “This Prince harbored genuine feelings for you. Yet, in your heart, our relationship meant nothing.”

“Ha…”

Jiang Peihuan covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed, but her eyes held no mirth, only the glare of evident scorn.

Observing Jiang Peihuan in this state, the expression in Xiao Junhao’s eyes darkened even more. He stared at the person before him, his voice shrouded in a cold veil, “Why are you laughing?”

“I’m amused at the grand charade you’re putting on, If you truly hold feelings for me, then what about Miss Lin?”

Lin Mengyao – she was the light of Xiao Junhao’s heart.

In her past life, Jiang Peihuan only discovered this fact too late.

“You… how could you…”

Upon witnessing Xiao Junhao’s shock, Jiang Peihuan’s smile remained, unabated. She spoke softly, “Your Highness, remember, if you don’t want others to know, then don’t do anything wrong.”

“The banquet is about to start. I’ll take my leave.”

Jiang Peihuan respectfully bowed to Xiao Junhao. Turning to the approaching man, she acknowledged him with a nod. Then, holding Yue Er’s hand, she departed.

Xiao Nanye stood at a short distance. He approached Xiao Junhao only after Jiang Peihuan’s figure had disappeared around the corner. “I thought I had made my intentions clear to the Qing Prince back at the villa.”

At that moment, Xiao Nanye’s eyes were filled with defiance and a hint of disdain.

Witnessing this look, Xiao Junhao gripped his own hands tightly.

Although they were both princes and kings in future, King Cheng, being the Emperor’s younger brother, held a higher status. Meanwhile, Xiao Junhao had struggled to earn the title of King Qing.

“I shall remember your words, Imperial Uncle.”

“You’d best remember this king’s advice – keep your distance from her. Or next time, your wounds may not heal so quickly.”

While speaking, Xiao Nanye patted Xiao Junhao’s shoulder. To outsiders, it appeared to be a casual, familial exchange. However, Xiao Junhao was well aware of the force Xiao Nanye applied. A surge of pain radiated from his shoulder.

“Master, the banquet has started. We should head over.”

Han Feng approached Xiao Nanye and spoke softly at that moment.

Hearing him, Xiao Nanye nodded and followed in the direction Jiang Peihuan had taken.

“Your Highness, are you alright?”

Pei Wu, watching Xiao Nanye’s receding figure, walked up to Xiao Junhao, his voice filled with concern.

A fierce glint lurked in Xiao Junhao’s eyes. However, noticing the approaching crowd, he managed to offer a warm smile. “Let’s go.”

With that, he headed toward the banquet.

Unaware of the events transpiring behind her, Jiang Peihuan moved straight to where the Old Madam Jiang was seated upon entering the banquet hall.

Seeing that she had been gone for such a long time, the old madam’s eyes were filled with worry.” Why have you been gone for so long? Are you feeling unwell?”

“I didn’t mean to worry you, Grandmother. I was just taken by the beautiful scenery of the princess mansion, so I stayed a bit longer,” JianG Peihuan reassured her.

Hearing JianG Peihuan’s explanation, relief washed over the old madam. She chuckled and said, “Since you like the surroundings, feel free to explore. You don’t need to stick by my side all the time.”

“That’s true, Huan Er. I’m here to take care of Mother. You’re still a young girl. Go have fun with Ruyun and Sijin,” chimed in another voice.

“King Cheng has arrived, Prince Qing has arrived, Prince Rui has arrived, Prince An has arrived…”

Just as Jiang Peihuan was about to respond, an announcement from the entrance cut her off. All the princes were present today, with Xiao Nanye, clad in white, at the forefront. His demeanor was relaxed, his aura emanating an undeniable nobility.

The other princes also carried an air of distinctiveness, but standing next to Xiao Nanye, they seemed somewhat overshadowed.

“Why are you all so prompt today? Interesting to see everyone here at the same time,” the Eldest Princess remarked as she strolled out from the backyard, leaning on her maid’s hand. Everyone quickly kneeled to greet her, “Wishing the Eldest Princess good health.”

“Today is my birthday celebration. I appreciate you all making the journey. Please, take your seats,” she offered graciously.

“Thank you, Eldest Princess.”

As Jian Peihuan rose, she subtly examined the Eldest Princess. Despite being in her fifties, she looked no more than early thirties due to her well-maintained appearance.

“Imperial sister, you’ve organized quite a lively event today,” Xiao Nanye commented casually, leaning against a couch in a nonchalant manner that no one else dared to assume in the Eldest Princess’s presence.

In response to Xiao Nanye’s seemingly carefree attitude, the Eldest Princess chuckled indulgently. “I thought you didn’t care for big gatherings,” she teased.

“Imperial sister, you’ve misunderstood. It’s not that I dislike lively settings. I just don’t care for too many uninteresting people. But today’s event has someone that piques my interest,” Xiao Nanye retorted, his eyes sparkling with intrigue..