BXBX NOVEL Chapter 50 - 50: Inform in Advance
“If I asked, would you tell me?”
Xiao Nanye returned the question to Jian Peihuan with a playful smile.
Caught off guard, she descended into silence.
Unfazed by her silence, he maintained his grin and spoke further, “See? You’re hesitant to speak up.”
“If that’s the case, I shall abstain from asking. Whenever you feel ready to share, feel free to tell me.”
His words were gentle, and his eyes held a soft smile, a stark contrast to the stern persona she was accustomed to.
Witnessing this unfamiliar facet of Xiao Nanye left Jian Peihuan with a multitude of mixed feelings.
She was not some naive, inexperienced girl. Having lived two lifetimes, she was adept at discerning the sincerity in his eyes. However, she had resolved to abstain from indulging in emotional ties in this life.
Especially with those from the Xiao family.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
A moment of silence followed before Jian Peihuan expressed her gratitude, her gaze brimming with sincerity..
“Knock, knock…”
Xiao Nanye was about to respond when he was interrupted by a knock at the door. Jiang Changbai’s voice echoed from the doorway, “Huan Er?”
At the sound of Jiang Changbai’s voice, a look of surprise flashed in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes, followed by a fleeting panic. What if her elder brother discovered a man in her room?
“Huan Er, I’m coming in.”
With no response from Jiang Peihuan, a frown marred Jiang Changbai’s features as he pushed open the door.
Seizing the moment the door swung open, Xiao Nanye swiftly vaulted onto the room’s beam.
“Huan Er, why didn’t you respond when I called?”
“I just woke up, still trying to gather my senses.”
“Big brother, why are you here? You should be resting after your return from the battlefield.”
“I’m sturdy. A short nap will be enough for me. On the other hand, have you been feeling better?”
“I’m much better.”
Seeing Jiang Changbai’s worry, Jiang Peihuan smiled. Seeing this, he nodded, “That’s good.”
Then, Jiang Changbai took out a box and handed it to Jiang Peihuan. He said, “I brought this from the Northern Region. The girls there like these earrings. I saw them and got a pair for you too. Do you like them?”
“Are these earrings?”
As she spoke, Jiang Peihuan carefully opened the box. A pair of blue earrings lay quietly inside.
The earrings were made of dark blue agate, showing off a unique ethnic style. They weren’t very expensive, but they were a kind gesture from Jiang Changbai.
Closing the box, Jiang Peihuan smiled at Jiang Changbai, “Thank you,big brother. I really like them.”
“If you like them, that’s great. You’ll look good wearing these earrings.”
Xiao Nanye, sitting on the beam, watched the two with a complex look. So, she could smile like this too.
However, these smiles were reserved only for those dear to her.
“Brother, you’ve just returned and need more rest. If there’s nothing pressing, you should get back and rest early,” said Jiang Peihuan. She remembered someone hiding in the rafters of her room, so after a brief moment of thought, she suggested this to Jiang Changbai.
Jiang Changbai, being rather unsuspecting, responded warmly to his sister’s suggestion. Nodding his head with a smile, he said, “Alright, I’ll head back for now. I’ll visit you again tomorrow.”
“Alright, take care, big brother.”
As Jiang Changbai took his leave, closing the door behind him, the figure from the beam descended. “So, you share quite a bond with your elder brother,” he remarked.
“Of course. Big Brother and I are born of the same mother,” she replied. The moment Jiang Changbai left, her smile faded.
Wary of possible further visitors, Jiang Peihuan turned to the man before her, “Your Highness, I thank you once more. However, it’s getting late, you should head back early.”
“I understand, you should rest as well,” Xiao Nanye replied with a soft voice, noticing her paleness.
Then, without delay, he headed for the door.
Jian Peihuan heaved a sigh of relief as she watched the man disappear through the door.
Yet, she was unaware that as Xiao Nanye reached the entrance to the plum garden, a long sword was thrust towards him.
Guarding the spot was none other than Jiang Changbai.
In fact, upon entering Jiang Peihuan’s room earlier, he had detected an unfamiliar presence. But seeing that everything seemed normal with Jiang Peihuan, he chose not to expose her and waited for the intruder instead.
Xiao Nanye effortlessly dodged Jiang Changbai’s sword, but as if the sword had a will of its own, it swiftly followed his movements.
Jiang Changbai, a seasoned warrior from countless battles, was quite surprised to see his opponent easily deflect his attack.
“Not bad.”
“Young General, you flatter me.”
Xiao Nanye responded while parrying Jiang Changbai’s sword with his fan and aiming a blow at his neck. At the same time, Jiang Changbai’s sword was directed towards Xiao Nanye’s heart.
Their eyes locked, and surprise flashed through Jiang Changbai’s eyes, “King Cheng?”
“Young General.”
“Why were you in my sister’s room, Your Highness?”
“I was concerned about Miss Jiang’s injuries and came to visit.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Changbai furrowed his brow. He remembered what Jiang Peihuan had mentioned to him earlier. Unable to help himself, he glanced at the man standing before him and said, “King Cheng, the Jiang family is indebted to you for saving my sister’s life.”
“However, a lady’s reputation cannot bear even a slight blemish, so I implore you, Your Highness, to exercise self-restraint.”
“Indeed, I was hasty today, Young General. I ask for your forgiveness.”
In the corner, Han Feng’s eyes nearly popped out of his head upon hearing this. Could this really be his domineering and untamed master?
He was exhibiting such unexpected gentleness and manners.
Seeing Xiao Nanye’s earnest attitude, Jiang Changbai found it hard to further reprimand him, and his countenance softened as well. “I may have overstepped earlier. Allow me to escort you out.”
“No need for that, I’m familiar with the way.”
“Young General, there is a matter I wish to inform you in advance.”
“Please, Your Highness, go ahead.”
Upon witnessing Xiao Nanye’s sudden shift to a serious demeanor, Jiang Changbai promptly responded.
“The proposal I made that day was not in jest. Thus, when General Jiang and his wife return, I will personally come to their doorstep to propose.”
“You…?”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Changbai froze on the spot. After a few seconds, his eyes ignited with rage. He no longer cared if the person in front of him was the respected imperial uncle, he lifted his sword and lunged towards him.
But Xiao Nanye was clearly ready. He effortlessly dodged the attack and scaled the wall. “I merely wanted to inform the Young General beforehand.”
With those words, Xiao Nanye leaped away.
“Master, wait for me.”
Watching Xiao Nanye’s retreating figure, Han Feng hastily called out. He did not wish to bear the brunt of Jiang Changbai’s wrath..