Chapter 214 - 214: Warning
However, the man avoided her hand. Before Jiang Peihuan could react, Xiao Nanye had already grabbed her ankle.
Sitting beside Jiang Peihuan, Xiao Nanye gently held her ankle with one hand, and pulled the sock onto her foot with the other.
Upon grasping her ankle, he realized just how delicate Jiang Peihuan’s foot was, barely fitting into his palm.
Although Jiang Peihuan maintained a calm demeanor, she was internally taken aback by his actions. Once Xiao Nanye had finished putting on both of her socks, she hurriedly covered them with her skirt.
Seeing that the man was only wearing a single garment, she couldn’t help but suggest, “You should wear the cloak first. It’s cold outside. Isn’t this the cloak that…” She paused, suddenly recalling that the cloak had just wrapped around her wet feet.
However, without hesitation, Xiao Nanye picked up the cloak from the carriage and draped it over his shoulders right in front of Jiang Peihuan.
Outside the carriage, Han Feng’s voice could be heard, “Master, are we heading back?”
Xiao Nanye didn’t answer Han Feng immediately, instead, he looked at Jiang Peihuan, “Shall we return?”
“Yes, let’s go back.”
Despite the lively atmosphere outside, the sight of Xiao Junhao had quashed any interest Jiang Peihuan had in staying. She nodded in agreement.
Seeing her nod, Xiao Nanye directed to the outside, “Return to the general’s mansion.”
“Yes.”
Soon after, Han Feng began driving the carriage back to the general’s mansion.
From a distance at the city river, Xiao Junhao could clearly see Xiao Nanye’s carriage. As the carriage moved further away, he clenched his fists, his eyes filled with mixed emotions.
“Your Highness, would you like to proceed?” asked Lin Mengyao, noticing Xiao Junhao’s fixed gaze. She followed his line of sight but saw nothing, prompting her to inquire softly.
Hearing her voice, Xiao Junhao collected his thoughts. He lost any interest in staying and said to Lin Mengyao, “I just remembered I have some matters to attend to at the palace. You can continue to enjoy here. But don’t stay out too long, be wary of catching a cold.”
Turning to Jiang Yan, he continued, “Miss Jiang, 1 have urgent matters to attend to.”
“Of course, Your Highness. Please, attend to your affairs,” Jiang Yan replied.
Xiao Junhao nodded at Jiang Yan and turned to leave.
Once Xiao Junhao left, the smile on Jiang Yan’s face vanished instantly. Similarly, Lin Mengyao’s playful demeanor faded.
Lin Mengyao turned to Jiang Yan, “Miss Jiang, I’m feeling a bit unwell. 1’11 take my leave.”
Having said that, Lin Mengyao turned around and left.
Even though Jiang Yan is to be Xiao Junhao’s main consort in the future, the Chujiang Mansion has no influence in the capital, so Lin Mengyao was not afraid.
However, after only a few steps, Jiang Yan’s voice stopped her, “That ice hole earlier, it was your doing, wasn’t it?”
Jiang Yan’s tone was one of certainty. Upon hearing this, surprise filled Lin Mengyao’s eyes. But when she turned around, her face was filled with confusion. Looking at Jiang Yan, she smiled and said, “I don’t understand what Miss Jiang is referring to.”
“Miss Lin, although you acted swiftly, I believe the scent of the medicine still lingers on your fingertips.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Mengyao’s expression changed.
Facing Jiang Yan, Lin Mengyao directly spoke up, “Miss Jiang, are you trying to threaten me with this?”
“No, it’s not a threat, it’s a warning.”
Meeting Lin Mengyao’s puzzled look, a faint smile curled up at the corner of Jiang Yan’s mouth, “Miss Lin, 1 know the Emperor has decreed me to be the main consort of Prince Qing. I’m aware that this angers you.”
“But what’s done is done, so you just have to accept it.”
“Considering we will both be members of the Qing Mansion in the future, I just want to remind you: crossing Miss Jiang is not in your best interest. If you’re the only one who ends up unlucky, I wouldn’t care. But 1 don’t want my future to be jeopardized because of you.”
“Otherwise, 1 can’t promise 1 won’t take action.”
By the end of her sentence, Jiang Yan’s gaze towards Lin Mengyao was an unmistakable threat. However, Lin Mengyao just laughed lightly, “Miss Jiang, you must’ve noticed, the prince seems to have special feelings for Miss Peihuan.”
“So what if he does?”
As soon as Lin Mengyao finished her sentence, Jiang Yan responded indifferently.
However, upon hearing Jiang Yan’s reply, Lin Mengyao was stunned.
Facing her puzzled expression, Jiang Yan continued,” Do you really think that 1 will fall in love with the Prince Qing just because I marry into the Qing Mansion? Miss Lin, I think you’re a smart person. You should know that feelings are the most useless thing.”
“I have never entered the Qing Mansion for love.”
After saying this, Jiang Yan left the city river with her servant girls.
Lin Mengyao watched her leave with a complicated look in her eyes.
Jian Peihuan was completely unaware of what had happened at the city river.
Xiao Nanye’s carriage went straight to the general’s mansion, and then they went to the Chrysanthemum Hall.
Because they had already agreed to have dinner in the old madam’s courtyard, the old madam had been waiting for them in the main hall.
The room was warm with the charcoal burning.
Seeing Jiang Peihuan enter, the old madam smiled and asked, “Is it still lively outside?”
“Very lively. When the weather gets better, I will accompany you outside.”
“In this cold weather, I’d rather stay in. Once you marry into the Cheng Mansion, you won’t be able to leave at will.”
“Don’t worry, after Huan marries into the Cheng Mansion, she can still leave whenever she wants, and even come back to the general’s mansion. 1 can accompany her to stay for a few days,” Xiao Nanye, sitting by the old madam, softly replied.
When Old Madam Jiang heard this, her eyes lit up. She turned to look at Xiao Nanye and asked softly, “Is what Your Highness said true?”
“Of course, it is.”
“That’s good.”
“Old Madam, the pots are ready.”
The sky darkened quickly in winter. Not long after they sat down, it was already dark outside. Nanny Xu walked in and said to Old Madam Jiang.
Hearing her words, Old Madam Jiang said softly,” Then let’s start eating.”
When Jiang Peihuan helped Old Madam Jiang into the dining room, the table was already filled with all kinds of dishes. There was a small pot in front of everyone.
“There aren’t many dishes in winter, so your highness can eat as you please. “After sitting down on the chair, the old madam looked at Xiao Nanye and said softly..