Chapter 84 - 84: Send the Corpse to the Cining Palace

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“When you’re ready to share, you will,” Xiao Nanye said.

This wasn’t the first time he’d said these words. He’d used them before when Jiang Peihuan had pinned the blame for Meng Yi’s actions on him.

Jiang Peihuan found herself at a loss for words. She was clearly aware of Xiao Nanye’s sincerity, but the more sincere he was, the heavier the burden she felt.

She could already feel the man’s sincerity, but the more he was like this, the more she felt burdened.

Perhaps sensing the change in Jian Peihuan’s mood, Xiao Nanye spoke gently, “It’s getting late. We’ve had our share of the beautiful scenery today. I should take you back.”

“Alright,” she nodded.

Upon seeing her nod, Xiao Nanye gave a sharp whistle and Zhui Yun, his horse, dashed over. He swung himself onto the horse, pulling the reins with his right hand and extended his left hand to Jiang Peihuan.

As soon as her hand found his, he gripped it firmly and with a swift pull, Jiang Peihuan was hoisted up to sit in front of him.

Glancing at the corpses strewn across the ground, Jiang Peihuan inquired, “What about these bodies?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll have someone take care of it,” he reassured.

With that, he wrapped his arms securely around Jiang Peihuan and spurred Zhui Yun forward with a gentle squeeze of his legs. Once again, they chose to climb over the wall.

Han Feng, who was dozing off in a tree, woke at the sound and quickly opened his eyes.

“Get some rest,” Xiao Nanye advised as he dropped Jiang Peihuan off at her door.

Jiang Peihuan’s gaze fell upon his injured arm. After a moment of consideration, she softly warned, “Avoid getting the wound wet and remember to change the dressing regularly.”

“Understood,” he nodded.

Watching him nod in agreement, Jiang Peihuan turned around and entered the room.

“Master, you’re injured,” Han Feng voiced out his concern in a low whisper, picking up on the scent of blood on Xiao Nanye.

“Let’s discuss this outside,” he dismissed, delaying the conversation.

Only after seeing the light from Jiang Peihuan’s room extinguish, did Xiao Nanye retreat, with Han Feng in tow.

Once they’d left the plum garden, the tenderness that had softened Xiao Nanye’s eyes vanished, replaced by a chilling harshness.

He turned to Han Feng, his voice cold and stern, “She really believes she can trample all over me.”

“Go to the outskirts and bring those corpses to her,” he ordered.

“Yes, Master,” Han Feng complied, promptly heading towards the outskirts.

That night, within the imperial palace.

Cining Palace.

The Grand Empress Dowager placed great emphasis on her daily wellness routines, but age was relentless, affecting the quality of her sleep.

Restlessly, she turned on her bed and opened her eyes.

However, upon opening her eyes, she froze. Moments later, her screams echoed throughout the Cining Palace.

“Niangniang…”

Hearing the unsettling sounds, the palace maids and old nanny standing guard rushed into the Grand Empress Dowager’s chambers, but were met with a horrifying sight. “Ah…”

The moment the door swung open, the maid spotted the seven lifeless bodies sprawled across the floor. She shrieked in horror.

“Silence!”

One of the old nanny beside the Grand Empress Dowager, agitated by the maid’s screams, promptly slapped her.

“This servant deserves punishment!”

Realizing her mistake, the startled maid promptly knelt down, offering frantic apologies to the Grand Empress Dowager.

“Leave us.”

Spotting the Grand Empress Dowager’s grave expression, the old nanny ordered coldly.

The palace maid was stunned. She hesitated for a few seconds before quickly exiting the room.

“What of these bodies?”

“Niangniang, these are our people. They were dispatched tonight.”

“So, that scoundrel has deduced that all of this was orchestrated by me.”

Upon hearing this, the old nanny remained silent, not daring to utter a word. But it was clear as day, this was indeed the outcome. Otherwise, these bodies wouldn’t have ended up here.

“He’s taunting me, proclaiming that I’m powerless against him.”

“Has everything been prepared on our end?”

“Everything has been arranged.”

“Which day did he choose?”

Upon the Grand Empress Dowager’s question, the old nanny remained quiet for a moment before speaking in a low voice, “He chose the night of King Cheng’s wedding.”

“A fitting date indeed,” the Dowager Empress chuckled.

At the General Mansion

As the sky had just begun to lighten, Jiang Ruyun found herself hurriedly heading towards the plum garden.

“Second Miss,” greeted Yue Er, her eyes filled with curiosity as she saw Jiang Ruyun entering the courtyard. “Where is Elder sister?”

“Eldest Miss is practicing her skills in the backyard,”. Upon hearing this, Jiang Ruyun dashed off towards the backyard.

Upon reaching the backyard, she found Jiang Peihuan engrossed in sword practice. The swift motion of her blade against the trees and flowers resulted in leaves falling all around her.

Jiang Ruyun’s eyes widened with surprise at the sight. She had always known of Jiang Peihuan’s remarkable martial arts skills, but witnessing her in action was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

“Elder Sister.” she called out softly. Not wanting to interrupt her practice, she held back, waiting until Jiang Peihuan finished before she walked forward, handkerchief in hand.

As soon as Jiang Ruyun approached, Jiang Peihuan noticed her. She accepted the handkerchief from her and delicately wiped the sweat off her forehead. Handing the handkerchief back to Yue Er, Jiang Peihuan then turned her attention to Jiang Ruyun. “What brings you here so early?” she inquired.

Jiang Peihuan handed the handkerchief to Yue ‘Yue Er and looked at Jiang Ruyun.” Why are you here so early?””

“The woman has left the mansion, Elder Sister,” Jiang Ruyun revealed.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Peihuan’s eyebrows arched slightly. She had expected Jian Mei to wait a bit longer but seemed she couldn’t hold back.

Looking at Jiang Ruyun, Jiang Peihuan asked gently, “Did you have someone trail her?”

“Yes, Lan Er is on her tail.”

“I’ll change my outfit. Follow me out of the mansion.”

“Of course, Elder Sister.”

A little while later, Jiang Peihuan and Jiang Ruyun left the General’s Mansion, shortly crossing paths with Lan Er, who had been waiting for them.

On spotting Jiang Peihuan and Jiang Ruyun, her eyes lit up with excitement. “Eldest Miss, Second Miss, I saw Miss Jian entering the Pine and Crane Pavilion.”

“Do you know which room she’s in?”

“I do. I’ve kept a close eye on her.”

Hearing Lan Er’s words, Jiang Peihuan nodded approvingly. “Good job.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Eldest Miss.”

“Elder Sister, what’s our plan now?” Jiang Ruyun asked.

“We wait,” replied Jiang Peihuan calmly. She noticed Jiang Ruyun’s confused look and explained, “Once we uncover Miss Jian’s real intentions, we can successfully remove her from our Second Uncle’s life.”

But thinking about the information she had gathered the night before, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes flickered with complexity. Technically, Jian Mei was the daughter of an noble family, but she was willing to become Jiang Yuan’s concubine. Jiang Peihuan had a hard time believing there wasn’t an ulterior motive behind it.

“Eldest Miss, Second Miss, we’re here,” announced Lan Er as they reached the second floor of the Pine and Crane Pavilion, pointing to the farthest private room.

Looking at the securely closed private room, Jiang Peihuan guided Jiang Ruyun to a room on the opposite side.

Once seated, Jiang Peihuan looked at Lan Er and Yue Er and instructed them quietly, “Keep an eye on that room. If their door opens, let me know immediately.”

“Understood,” they both acknowledged, standing by the door, alert and silent.

Meanwhile, in the private room across.

“Uncle Meng, why have you summoned me?”

At this moment, Jiang Mei’s eyes no longer had the gentleness in front of Jiang Yuan. Her eyes were full of coldness. Looking at Jian Mei, who was sitting opposite him, Meng Yi whispered Xiao Junhao’s instructions to her..