Chapter 66 - 66: Would you be willing to marry me?

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Seeing Jian Peihuan’s undisguised defiance, a hint of pleasure crossed Xiao Nanye’s face.

“If my guess is correct, the Emperor intends to use you to control the entire Jiang clan,” he stated.

With Jiang Peihuan’s gaze filled with displeasure, he continued, “Don’t worry about this, I’ll devise a plan to discourage the Emperor from this idea.”

“But there’s one thing I must ask you.”

“Please speak, Your Highness.”

“Would you be willing to marry me?”

At Xiao Nanye’s words, Jiang Peihuan fell into silence once again.

Observing her silence, Xiao Nanye carried on, “If you become my wife, you will be the only woman I desire. In the whole Cheng Mansion, there won’t be any other woman but you.”

Jiang Peihuan, who was about to respond, was stunned by his words. She instinctively looked into the man’s eyes, meeting his unblinking gaze.

Xiao Nanye’s eyes were deep, his focus unwavering as he watched Jiang Peihuan. She could clearly see her reflection in his eyes, giving her the impression that she was the only person in his world.

“Is it true what you’ve said, Your Highness?” She found herself asking, as if driven by some unknown force.

Hearing her question, a trace of a smile appeared in his eyes. “My word is my bond. I promise, I won’t lie to you.”

“If it’s as you say, then I, Peihuan, am willing to marry,” she said.

“Good. You needn’t worry about this, I will handle it,” he assured.

Upon hearing her acceptance, a look of sheer joy flooded Xiao Nanye’s eyes. He yearned to reach out and hold Jiang Peihuan, yet hesitated, fearing it would come off as impetuous.

Amidst his dilemma, a voice echoed from the entrance of the courtyard. It was Jiang Changbai, “Your Highness, King Cheng, it’s a late hour and the dew is dense. Why aren’t you in your Cheng Mansion? Why are you here in my General’s Mansion?”

“Could it be that my General’s Mansion possesses a unique charm?”

“Indeed, the beauty of the General’s Mansion is truly unique,” he agreed.

Jiang Changbai had spoken those words on purpose, but to his surprise, Xiao Nanye took them seriously and nodded. Hearing Xiao Nanye’s agreement, Jiang Changbai’s eyes blazed with anger.

Seeing Jiang Changbai about to step forward, JJiang Peihuan turned to Xiao Nanye and said, “It’s late, Your Highness. Please return. Thank you for coming to inform me about today’s matter.”

“There’s no need for thanks with me.”

Seeing Jiang Changbai’s scowl deepen, Xiao Nanye murmured, “Then, I’ll take my leave now.”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan’s nod of approval, the man swiftly departed.

Watching his retreating figure, Jiang Changbai irritably took a seat opposite Jiang Peihuan. “Huan Er, do you realize this could harm your reputation? You…”

“Big brother, indeed King Cheng had important news to share with me today.”

“What important news?”

In Jiang Changbai’s mind, it seemed like an excuse from Xiao Nanye. However, when he heard what Jiang Peihuan said next, he bolted upright.

“You, what did you just say?”

“The Emperor is planning to bring me into the Palace.”

“He, he’s of such a ripe age, and you’re so young, how could he…” Rage flared in Jiang Changbai’s eyes, but thinking of the Emperor’s power, he closed his mouth in silence.

Upon hearing this, a trace of sarcasm flashed in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes. “Perhaps the Emperor thinks of this as a gracious gift to the Jiang family.”

“No, that can’t happen.”

“I won’t let you enter the palace. I’m going to our parents right now.”

With those words, Jiang Changbai headed towards the exit, but Jiang Peihuan tugged at his sleeve.

“Big brother, it’s late now. Our parents are resting. Even if we have to discuss this, it’s better to wait till tomorrow.”

Looking at the darkened sky, Jiang Changbai’s eyes were filled with worry, but he nodded his agreement.

Seeing his anxiety, Jiang Peihuan whispered, “Don’t worry, big brother. Maybe in a few days, the Emperor will change his mind.”

“You make it sound so simple.”

Despite his complaints, Jiang Changbai eventually left at Jiang Peihuan’s request.

The following morning arrived quickly.

A flurry of knocks on the door roused Jiang Peihuan from her slumber. Soon after, Yue Er stepped unbidden into her room. “Miss, we have a decree from the palace,” she announced.

“A decree? From whom?” asked Jiang Peihuan. The first thing that popped into her mind was what Xiao Nanye had shared with her the previous night. The thought sent a jolt of adrenaline rushing through her, rousing her completely.

However, Yue Er shook her head, “Not sure yet, it’s the Empress’s decree. She wants your mother to go to Kun Ning Palace for a discussion.”

“The Empress?”

Upon realizing it wasn’t an order from the Emperor, Jiang Peihuan sighed in relief. But then, considering what was behind it all, her eyes flashed with urgency.

Looking at Yue Er, she quickly commanded, “Hurry, help me get ready and let’s go to Mother’s place.”

“Yes.”

After a short while, Jiang Peihuan, along with Yue Er, made their way to Yanlin where Jiang Hong and Jiang Changbai were present.

Upon seeing Jiang Peihuan, Xue Yan instantly took her hand, “Huan Er, your elder brother has already informed us about the matter. Don’t worry. Even if it means I have to die, I won’t let you marry into the palace.”

“Mother, if it means saving you, then I’d rather marry into the palace.”

“Let’s not rush,” Jiang Hong interjected, “we still don’t know the full story.” He then addressed Xue Yan, “If the Empress brings up Huan Er, find an excuse to deflect it.”

“Don’t worry, I know what to do.”

The palace’s guests were still waiting in the parlor, so after a brief exchange, Xue Yan proceeded to the carriage that would transport her to the palace.

Looking at Xue Yan’s back as she left, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes filled with worry. The palace was a world beyond her control.

In the Imperial Palace.

“Madam, the carriage can only take you this far.”

Upon arrival at the palace gate, a young eunuch spoke to the carriage, and then Xue Yan, lifted the curtain and held the servant girl’s hand as she walked down.

“Thank you, Eunuch.”

As she spoke, her servant girl discreetly handed the eunuch a pouch. After weighing the pouch, a wider smile spread across the young eunuch’s face. “I’ll escort you to the Empress’s Kun Ning Palace,” he declared, leading the way while Xue Yan, holding her servant’s hand, followed.

As she spoke, she walked forward. Xue Yan held the servant girl’s hand and followed behind.

Some time later, Xue Yan entered the Kun Ning Palace.

Observing the Empress seated at her throne, Xue Yan advanced, knelt, and saluted, “Your servant pays respect to the Empress.”

“Please rise, Madam.”

The Empress was poised and majestic, appearing only in her early thirties despite her actual age of over forty, thanks to her excellent self-care routine.

Upon seeing Xue Yan, the Empress greeted her with a warm smile.

“Please be seated, Madam. I invited you here today just for a friendly chat.”

“Thank you, Empress.”

With respect, Xue Yan took her seat and then asked, “May I know what the Empress wishes to discuss?”

“I’ve heard that your eldest daughter, Miss Jiang, is endowed with beauty and talent. Does she have any marital arrangements yet?”

Upon the Empress’s mention of Jiang Peihuan, Xue Yan felt her heart skip a beat, yet she replied calmly, “In response to the Empress, my daughter is yet to be married..”