Chapter 12

Xiao Nanye?

Why him again?

Jiang Peihuan looked at Ye Xiao kneeling on the ground, her eyes showing confusion. After a moment of silence, she directly addressed Ye Xiao, “You should go. Go back and tell your master not to do such things again.”

With that, Jiang Peihuan got up from her chair and walked into her room. A gust of wind brushed past her ears.

A hint of hostility in her eyes, Jiang Peihuan swung her whip behind her.

“I’ve long heard that the eldest daughter of the Jiang family has practiced martial arts since childhood. Her skills are outstanding. She truly lives up to her reputation.”

This voice?

Speak of the devil.

“Greetings to King Cheng.”

Releasing the whip in her hand, Jiang Peihuan walked forward and bowed. Xiao Nanye looked at the person in front of him. Because she had been practicing, her long hair was tied up behind her with a hairband. She wore a green narrow-sleeved top and a long dress. There was no makeup or jewelry on her, but she had an ethereal aura.

Xiao Nanye was momentarily stunned.

“Elder Sister, I heard from Cui Er that you’re going to distribute porridge outside the city. You… King Cheng?”

Jiang Sijin rushed into the plum garden, only to unexpectedly see Xiao Nanye. “Your Highness, why are you in my elder sister’s garden?”

“Miss Jiang, please stand up.”

Hearing Jiang Sijin’s voice, Xiao Nanye regained his senses.

Looking at the curious Jiang Sijin, Xiao Nanye said seriously, “I was attacked yesterday. Fortunately, your sister saved me. I came here today to thank her.”

“Young miss, this is the thank you gift I prepared.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a wooden box appeared in Xiao Nanye’s hand. He opened the box, revealing a pair of daggers inside.

“Elder Sister, it’s the Yuan Yang dagger.”

Before Jiang Peihuan could speak, Jiang Sijin exclaimed in surprise.

“Third Miss has good eyesight.”

Xiao Nanye glanced at Jiang Sijin and said gently. Then, he looked at Jiang Peihuan.

“Jin, go find Cui Er first. We’ll go outside the city to distribute porridge in an hour.”

“Yes, Elder Sister.”

Jiang Sijin looked at the Yin Yang dagger reluctantly but bowed to Xiao Nanye and left after hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words.

Ye Xiao glanced at Xiao Nanye and moved to the side.

Then, Xiao Nanye looked at Yue Er. Under his gaze, her legs trembled, but she stood her ground. Jiang Peihuan noticed this and frowned, saying coldly, “Your Highness, are you aware that barging into a lady’s chamber could harm her reputation?”

“Who would dare?”

The man’s simple words conveyed power and dominance. Jiang Peihuan was momentarily speechless, “Of course, no one would dare to tarnish Your Highness King Cheng’s name. It’s just that I am a mere girl and don’t dare to joke about my reputation.”

“So, Your Highness, please leave and don’t return in the future.”

“Also,, please take your people with you.”

Casting a glance at Ye Xiao, Jiang Peihuan headed to her room. She had only taken two steps when she felt a grip on her wrist. “Are you angry?”

Jiang Peihuan didn’t know if it was her imagination, but she actually saw some nervousness in Xiao Nanye’s eyes.

She looked at the man’s hand and frowned. Seeing her expression, he quickly let go but still reached out to stop her. “Rest assured, I will handle those rumors…”

“Your Highness, you need not worry about those rumors. They are just idle talk and will fade with time.”

When she said this, Jiang Peihuan’s expression was calm and indifferent. She was neither angry nor concerned, as if it was irrelevant.

For some reason, seeing her like this, Xiao Nanye felt a sense of defeat.

However, he was always patient and not in a hurry.

Xiao Nanye suddenly smiled as he pushed the wooden box into Jiang Peihuan’s hands. In a low voice, he said, “This is my gift to you.”

“Your Highness is too kind. The pendant was just a token of my gratitude for you saving my life that day. You should take back this gift…”

” I will never take back what I have given out. If Young Miss doesn’t like it, just throw it away. ”

Before Jiang Peihuan could finish, Xiao Nanye interrupted her.

Seeing the warmth in the man’s eyes diminish, she realized that the person before her was King Cheng, the powerful Imperial Uncle. She couldn’t afford to offend him and bring trouble to the Jiang family.

After a few seconds of silence, she bowed to Xiao Nanye. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“No need for such formalities.”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan accept the gift, Xiao Nanye’s uneasiness vanished, replaced by a smile. As she observed the changeable man, Jiang Peihuan grew more cautious.

Having accepted the item, it was time for him to leave.

“Ye Xiao is my secret guard, skilled in disguise and medicine. Although yesterday’s assassins are all dead, I can’t guarantee that you won’t be affected by my presence. Having Ye Xiao by your side ensures your safety, so let her stay with you.”

“Ye Xiao, from today, I officially declare that your only master is Miss Jiang. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Greetings, Young Miss.”

Ye Xiao approached Jiang Peihuan and respectfully bowed.

Jiang Peihuan wanted to refuse, but the recent events made her realize the man before her was dominant and couldn’t be denied, so she nodded.

Just an hour later, Jiang Peihuan, accompanied by Cui Er and Ye Xiao, took Jiang Sijin out of the city.

“Elder sister?”

“Go ahead, speak your mind.”

From the moment they left the residence, Jiang Peihuan noticed that Jiang Sijin kept glancing at her, looking like she wanted to say something but hesitated.

“Elder sister, you and His Highness King Cheng…”

“Don’t speak nonsense.”

Before Jiang Sijin could finish, Jiang Peihuan interrupted her softly. “King Cheng is the Emperor’s brother, and the powerful Imperial Uncle. He is not someone for you to discuss. Don’t bring this up again. Understand?”

“I understand, Elder Sister. I apologize for my mistake.”

Jiang Hong had been fighting all year round, and Xue Yan had to manage the entire Jiang Mansion. Her health had been worsened over the years, so the task of disciplining Jiang Sijin fell to Jiang Peihuan.

Jiang Sijin, the youngest daughter of the Jiang family, had been pampered since childhood, and was arrogant. However, she held immense respect for her elder sister, Jiang Peihuan.

Seeing how obedient Jiang Sijin was, Jiang Peihuan couldn’t help but think of her previous life. Her heart softened and she reached out to hold Jiang Sijin’s hand. She gently reminded her,”Sijin, I’ll protect you. Just grow up peacefully and be happy.”

“Eldest Sister, I’ve grown up, and I’ll protect you too. I won’t let anyone bully you, especially Second Sister.”

Hearing Jiang Ruyun’s name, a flicker of coldness flashed through Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.