Chapter 69 - 69: Entering the Palace

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Jiang Peihuan had convinced herself that she would no longer harbor feelings for sweet nothings of love in this lifetime, yet upon hearing “I have feelings for you,” her heart unexpectedly fluttered.

When she was hugged by Xiao Nanye, she could scent the crisp fragrance wafting from him, a scent that she found oddly captivating.

She couldn’t resist reaching out, but even before her hand touched Xiao Nanye, he released her.

Meeting her gaze, he smiled softly, his eyes brimming with mirth. “Huan Er, I know you aren’t in love with me yet, but it’s alright. I’ll gradually make you fall for me.”

Hearing his words, Jiang Peihuan fell silent.

After a significant pause, she looked at the man before her and asked, “Is there anything you need me to do regarding this matter?”

“No, there’s no need.”

Locking eyes with her, Xiao Nanye went on, “You don’t have to do anything. The mere opportunity for me to love you is more than enough.”

Xiao Nanye didn’t linger much longer. After exchanging a few words with Jiang Peihuan, he promptly left the General’s Mansion.

Watching the man’s retreating figure, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes held a hint of complexity, yet there was an inexplicable happiness tugging at her heart.

Could he be different?

“Master, where are we going now?”

As soon as he saw Xiao Nanye emerge, Han Feng quickly approached.

“To the palace.”

Leaving these words behind, Xiao Nanye hopped on Zhui Yun, directing it towards the palace.

Xiao Nanye headed straight for the Palace of Heavenly Purity, but Emperor Qi Ming was absent. Learning that the Emperor had visited the Empress’s Kun Ning Palace Xiao Nanye promptly rerouted to the Empress’s Kun Ning Palace

In Kun Ning Palance

As the Empress was about to discuss Jiang Peihuan with the Emperor, she heard her maid announce King Cheng’s arrival.

Before the Empress had a chance to speak, Emperor Qi Ming chuckled, “What brings the young man here?”

Xiao Nanye strode into the room. Emperor Qi Ming and the Empress were preparing for their meal. Seeing the array of dishes on the table, Xiao Nanye pulled out a chair and sat down. He looked at the Empress and said, “Imperial Sister-in-law, I’ve always heard about the delightful food in your palace. I finally got the chance to join today. You can’t possibly send me away.”

Hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, a gentle smile formed on the Empress’s face, “You’re a grown man, yet you behave like a child.”

She then directed her gaze at a palace maid, “Quickly, bring a set of bowls and chopsticks for King Cheng.”

Shortly after, a clean pair of bowls and chopsticks was placed before Xiao Nanye.

Once Emperor Qi Ming picked up his chopsticks, Xiao Nanye started eating.

He ate carelessly as if he was in his own home. Even after Emperor Qi Ming and the Empress had finished eating, he continued to eat a few more bites.

Having finished his meal, Xiao Nanye grinned, “The food here indeed tastes wonderful.”

“If you enjoy it, feel free to visit every day. Anything you wish to eat, I’ll have it prepared.”

“That might not work. It’s fine to freeload occasionally, but if I come daily, the Emperor might chase me away.”

“You’re talking nonsense. When have I ever chased you out?”

“You never have… yet. Who knows about the future?”

“You… Enough, leave now. You’re giving me a headache.”

“Imperial Sister-in-law, see? The Emperor is indeed starting to chase me away.”

The Empress laughed upon hearing this but chose to remain silent. While others might not understand, she knew better than anyone the level of affection and indulgence the Emperor had for his younger brother.

After the palace maids and servants cleared away the food, the Empress summoned for tea.

After a sip of tea, Xiao Nanye turned to Emperor Qi Ming, “Imperial Brother, I heard Jiang Hong willingly surrendered his command seal?”

Correct.”

The Emperor wasn’t surprised that Xiao Nanye knew this, as he was the one who spread the news.

Hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s words, Xiao Nanye casually replied, “It appears that Jiang Hong is indeed devoted to you.”

“I truly appreciate his loyalty.”

“By the way, I am considering bringing Jiang Hong’s eldest daughter into the palace. What’s your opinion on this?”

As he spoke, Emperor Qi Ming’s gaze fell on Xiao Nanye. Hearing the Emperor’s words, Xiao Nanye’s fingers subtly brushed his cup before responding, “I’m not particularly keen on the idea.”

“Why?”

Upon hearing Xiao Nanye’s response, Emperor Qi Ming quirked an eyebrow.

“If you genuinely want me to express my thoughts, I will, Imperial Brother. But remember, if I say something you disagree with, you can’t blame me.”

“When have you ever been so timid in my presence, you little bastard?”

“Imperial Brother, you are still young and in your prime. By bringing Jiang Hong’s eldest daughter into the palace and potentially having her bear a prince, don’t you worry that the Jiang family could be swept into a battle for the throne?”

Upon hearing these words, Emperor Qi Ming’s brow furrowed. After a moment of silence, he turned to Xiao Nanye, “And what if I don’t allow her the chance to have a child?”

“If Jiang Hong’s eldest daughter doesn’t bear a prince, it could potentially avoid the conflict, to an extent. But the moment Jiang Hong’s eldest daughter entered the palace, the Jiang family became unavoidably entangled with the royal family. Regardless of whether there’s a prince or not, they could still choose sides, couldn’t they?”

“Therefore, Imperial Brother, the best strategy might be to separate the Jiang family from the royal family.”

“Your point isn’t wrong, but this would result in the Jiang family escaping my control.”

“Imperial Brother, your intention to bring Jiang Hong’s eldest daughter into the palace, was it primarily to keep a handle on Jiang Hong?”

“Precisely.”

Seeing Emperor Qi Ming’s affirmation, Xiao Nanye proceeded, “In that case, you could simply grant me the privilege to marry Jiang Hong’s eldest daughter.”

“To grant you a marriage?”

At Xiao Nanye’s suggestion, Emperor Qi Ming was stunned. If it weren’t for the candid look in Xiao Nanye’s eyes, he would have suspected a scheme at play.

Yet, even so, Emperor Qi Ming regarded Xiao Nanye with a hint of uncertainty, “Why would you want to marry Jiang Hong’s daughter?”

“It’s not that I desire to marry Jiang Hong’s daughter, rather, I wish to assist you, Imperial Brother.”

In response to Emperor Qi Ming’s puzzled expression, Xiao Nanye narrated how he had saved Jiang Peihuan, then continued, “Everyone under the heavens knows I am your blood brother, and in many ways, I am a representation of you.”

“Thus, if I marry the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, the family would still remain within your grasp, Imperial Brother. Plus, this would also mean that the Jiang family would lose their chance to meddle with imperial power.”

Upon hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Emperor Qi Ming fell deep in thought. Xiao Nanye stayed silent, occasionally glancing at the emperor with subtle unease.

After an indefinite period, Emperor Qi Ming turned to Xiao Nanye, “Tell me honestly, do you have any other motives besides wanting to assist me?”

“Heh heh…”

Meeting Emperor Qi Ming’s gaze, Xiao Nanye chuckled, his smile sycophantic. Then, he spoke in a hushed tone, “I’ve seen the eldest daughter of the Jiang family. She’s rather fetching.”

“You?”

Emperor Qi Ming pointed at Xiao Nanye and huffed with vexation, “Enough already, you’re not wrong in this. I will issue a decree to grant the eldest daughter of the Jiang family to you as your wife..”