Chapter 79 - 79: Call Me Husband

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

He stuffed the box into Jian Peihuan’s hands and said with a smile,” Huan Er, this is all the silver I’ve saved up over the years. I’ll give it all to you as your dowry.””

A quick glance told her there were several million taels of silver.

Surprise flashed across Jiang Peihuan’s eyes, yet she set the box back on the table. “Your Highness, I can’t accept this.””

“Why not?”

“My dowry will be prepared by the Jiang family. Moreover, there is no reason for the groom’s family to prepare dowry. What Your Highness should prepare is the betrothal gift.”

“My imperial brother will handle your betrothal gifts. I want this to be your dowry.”

He placed the box back into her hands. Before she could voice a protest, Xiao Nanye interjected, “Huan Er, my heart is already yours. These worldly possessions are nothing to me. They can’t even compare to a single strand of your hair.”

“When you marry into the Cheng Mansion, I would have to give these to you anyway. I’m just giving them to you ahead of time.”

“So, will you accept them?”

There was a hint of affection mixed with amusement in his eyes. Jiang Peihuan could clearly see his sincerity. After a pause, she nodded. “Alright, I’ll accept it.”

“However, it’s late. Shouldn’t Your Highness…”

“Huan Er, we’re soon to be husband and wife. Shouldn’t you change how you address me? I don’t want you to use formalities with me.”

He would feel distant if she did.

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan seemed troubled. After a moment of thought, she looked at him and asked, “So, how do Your Highness wish to be addressed?” “If I tell you how to address me, will you do it?”

A smile suddenly flashed across the man’s eyes. For some reason, when she saw the smile in Xiao Nanye’s eyes, she suddenly had a bad feeling.

Just as she expected.

“Why don’t you try calling me ‘husband’?”

“Does Your Highness genuinely want to hear that?”

Xiao Nanye just wanted to tease Jiang Peihuan. In his memory, she always seemed to be calm and steady.

Yet when he heard her response, he couldn’t hide his anticipation.

“May I?” He asked instinctively.

“Of course… you may not.”

Before Xiao Nanye could react, a cold gust of wind blew across his face. He stepped back instinctively and, before he knew it, he was outside, with the door firmly shut behind him.

Jiang Peihuan’s voice floated from inside the room, “It’s late. Your Highness, you should go back and rest.”

The lights went out and Xiao Nanye could only watch her delicate silhouette fade into the darkness.

Although he was chased out, Xiao Nanye’s eyes revealed a smile.

Han Feng, who had descended from the tree, saw Xiao Nanye’s expression, flicker of doubt crossed his eyes. Despite being chased out, his master seemed oddly content. The young miss must’ve cast a spell on him. “Master, shouldn’t we leave now?”

Xiao Nanye had been able to sit inside Jiang Peihuan’s room. In contrast, Han Feng had spent hours sitting on a tree, and his back was sore.

“Let’s go.”

With a soft affirmation, Xiao Nanye sprang into action and disappeared into the night.

Inside the house.

Jiang Peihuan listened to the fading footsteps, a smile gracing her eyes. She safely stowed the box in her hand and laid quietly upon the bed.

The next morning.

To Jiang Peihuan’s surprise, she found herself waking up half an hour later than usual.

Sitting up, her gaze was immediately drawn to the boxes on the table. She hadn’t had the chance to examine their contents last night, but now a spark of interest ignited in her.

Seating herself at the table, Jiang Peihuan nonchalantly opened one of the boxes, revealing a pink pearl necklace.

As she proceeded to open the rest, each contained a rare piece of jewelry. Even for someone like Jiang Peihuan, who’d seen plenty of fine things since childhood, the array of jewels before her was stunning.

“Young Miss?”

The voice of Yue Er drifted in from outside the door. “Come in,” Jiang Peihuan replied, prompting Yue Er to push the door open.

Upon entering, Yue Er almost tripped over a box. “Miss, where did all these jewels come from?”

Jiang Peihuan’s belongings were primarily organized by Yue Er, so she immediately noticed these pieces of jewelry weren’t Jiang Peihuan’s.

“It was sent by King Cheng.”

“King Cheng?”

“Is this the betrothal gift from His Highness?”

Yue Er subconsciously spoke, but Jiang Peihuan gently shook her head. “No, it’s a dowry.”

“What? Dowry?”

Had Yue Er not been confident in her hearing, she would’ve doubted what she’d just heard.

Jiang Peihuan nodded, then told Yue Er, “You and Lu Er arrange these items. We’ll take them to Mother shortly.”

“Yes, Young Miss.”

Following a soothing cup of tea, Jiang Peihuan found herself at Xue Yan’s residence, Yan Lin.

Upon seeing Jiang Peihuan, Xue Yan beamed brightly. “You’re a bit late today. Did yesterday’s shopping tire you out?”

After offering her respects to Xue Yan, Jiang Peihuan softly responded, “No, I just stayed up a bit late last night.”

“Well, if you’re up late, sleep in. No need to visit me so early.”

“Mother, I came to discuss something with you.”

“What is it, my dear?”

After a brief summary of last night’s events, Jiang Peihuan continued, “I’ve accepted the jewelry already. Therefore, Mother, there’s no need for you to prepare any additional dowry jewels.”

Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Xue Yan showed a flicker of surprise, soon replaced by a warm smile. “I must admit, I had my concerns about your marriage to King Cheng. But now, I find myself reassured.”

“Huan Er, in my opinion, King Cheng truly cares for you.”

“That’s why, Huan Er,, I accepted these items.”

“Very well, if that’s the case, I won’t arrange for any more jewelry. Instead, I’ll convert the remaining silver into properties and farmlands for you.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

Jiang Peihuan did not object to Xue Yan’s plan. The man she was to marry was King Cheng, a man of paramount status, thus her dowry mustn’t appear modest. This wasn’t merely about maintaining Xiao Nanye’s dignity, but also the honor of the Jiang family.

This concerned not only Xiao Nanye’s reputation but also the Jiang family’s reputation.

“Miss, Lan Er is here.”

While Jiang Peihuan was conversing with Xue Yan, Yue Er approached her and spoke in a hushed voice.

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What brings her here?”

Lan Er was Jiang Ruyun’s maid.

“She didn’t mention anything specific, only requested to see you, Miss.”

“Let her in.”

After a brief contemplation, Jiang Peihuan instructed softly. Shortly after, Lan Er entered.

As soon as Lan Er saw Jiang Peihuan, she immediately knelt on the ground. “Miss, I beg for your help.”

“If there’s an issue, stand up first and then we can talk.”

“Yes.”

Lan Er rose from the ground and looked at Jiang Peihuan, “Miss, could you accompany me to the Orchid Garden?”

“Did something happen to Ruyun?”

“It’s not Second Young Lady, it’s the Second Master..”