Chapter 35

Ye Xiao looked at Han Feng’s pitiful expression with disdain.

However, Han Feng didn’t seem to notice and continued, “Young Miss, you are beautiful and kind-hearted. Please consider this as saving my life. I will definitely repay you in the future. I will certainly…”

“Enough,” Jiang Peihuan interrupted, feeling that if she didn’t, Han Feng could talk until dawn.

“I’ll accept the ring. You can go back and report.”

“Thank you, Young Miss. Han Feng takes his leave.”

Upon hearing this, Han Feng immediately stood straight, his demeanor returning to normal. His face showed no signs of sadness.

Seeing him like this, Jiang Peihuan was somewhat speechless.

She couldn’t fathom how a man with such a cold demeanor could tolerate a subordinate with such a volatile temperament.

At King Cheng’s Mansion.

“Master, I’m back,” Han Feng announced.

Xiao Nanye was examining a portrait on the table. Hearing the voice, he raised his head with anticipation in his eyes. “How did it go?”

“Did she say anything?”

“Master, not to criticize you, but others give girls gifts like jewelry. But you, if it’s not a dagger, it’s a concealed weapon.”

“What do you know? Can the person I’m interested in be ordinary?”

“Enough with the nonsense. Did she accept the gift?”

“With me on the task, success was inevitable.”

“Did she say anything?”

Hearing Xiao Nanye’s question, Han Feng hesitated for a moment before responding softly, “Young Miss said she will thank you personally another day.”

“Did she really say that?”

Joy filled the man’s eyes. Seeing the expression on his master’s face, Han Feng’s eyes flickered, but he still nodded affirmatively. “Yes.”

Plum Garden.

“Achoo…”

“Miss, it’s quite cold. Let me fetch a coat for you.”

Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s voice, Yue Er hastily spoke up, but she was stopped. “No need, it’s getting late. You can go and rest. I’m going to sleep too.”

As she spoke, Jiang Peihuan went straight into her room.

As she passed by the table, she noticed the wooden box. Jiang Peihuan opened it and put the ring on her finger.

The red gemstone emitted a faint glow under the light. Her skin was much fairer than most people, making the red gemstone on her hand appear even more exquisite.

Seeing the ring, Jiang Peihuan couldn’t help but think of Xiao Nanye. She frowned and tried to remove the ring, but…

Jiang Peihuan looked down at the ring on her hand, exerting more strength, but she still couldn’t take it off.

How could this be?

After some time, Jiang Peihuan felt a bit of pain in her hand. Her previously fair fingers were already red and swollen, but the ring still wouldn’t come off.

“Young Miss, is there a problem?”

Ye Xiao was a secret guard, accustomed to watching over Jiang Peihuan. Hearing the commotion inside, she stood outside the door and asked softly.

“Nothing.”

After Ye Xiao left, Jiang Peihuan gave up on removing the ring. If she continued, her finger would likely be injured.

Although she had slept late the previous night, Jiang Peihuan still woke up early the next morning.

Thinking of last night’s events, she instinctively looked at her hand. The red gemstone ring rested on her middle finger. Upon closer inspection, her finger was still a bit red and swollen from trying to remove the ring.

“Miss, may we come in?”

“Come in.”

After getting permission, Yue Er pushed the door open and entered.

Seeing Jiang Peihuan already dressed, Yue Er couldn’t help but ask, “Miss, you slept so late last night. Why are you up so early today?”

“It’s nothing. I just couldn’t sleep.”

“Why is that? Miss Sijin sleeps until seven every morning, but you…”

“Yue Er, how dare you gossip about me behind my back?”

Jiang Sijin pushed the door and entered, feigning anger. Yue Er quickly bowed. “Miss Jiang, I realize my mistake. Please punish me.”

“Hey, what are you doing? I was just joking with you.”

Seeing Yue Er’s panicked eyes, Jiang Sijin quickly approached her. Yue Er, now standing, chuckled softly. “I was just joking with Miss Sijin too.”

“Very funny, Yue Er.”

“Elder Sister, look, Yue Er is actually teasing me now.”

“Elder Sister, when did you start wearing rings?”

Just as Jiang Peihuan was about to speak, Jiang Sijin grabbed her hand. With her shout, everyone’s gaze fell upon her hand.

For some reason, at that moment, Jiang Peihuan felt slightly embarrassed.

She quickly withdrew her hand and looked at Jiang Sijin. “Why did you come here so early in the morning?””

“Sigh…”

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Jiang Sijin let out a long sigh. “It’s all because of Second Aunt. She wants everyone to know she’s marrying off her daughter, so she had people start decorating the garden early in the morning. It was so noisy I couldn’t sleep.”

“Third Brother has returned to the Academy, so I had no choice but to come to you.”

“In that case, how about I take you out to play today?”

“Really, Elder Sister?”

Jiang Sijin’s eyes sparkled when she heard they were going out to play.

Although the General’s Mansion didn’t restrict their movements, Jiang Sijin was still young, so she needed someone to accompany her whenever she went out.

“Yes, the loquats at Mother’s manor should be ripe soon. Let’s stay there for two days.”

“That’s wonderful, Elder Sister. Let’s leave right away.”

“Don’t be hasty. We have to inform Grandmother first.”

Seeing Jiang Sijin’s delighted expression, Jiang Peihuan’s mood lifted as well.

Old Madam Jiang didn’t object when she heard the sisters were going to the manor; instead, she encouraged them. “It’s good to go out and have fun for two days. Just make sure to return before the wedding.”

“Sijin, you must listen to Peihuan while at the manor, understood?”

“I understand, Grandmother.”

In front of the old madam, Jiang Sijin appeared obedient. After leaving the chrysanthemum hall, she excitedly grabbed Jiang Peihuan. “Elder Sister, let’s hurry.””

“You look like you haven’t been out in ages.”

“Elder Sister, the weather is perfect for hunting. Once we reach the manor, let’s go hunting on the mountain behind it.”

“Father, Mother, and Big Brother will return soon. I want to catch a few rabbits to make hand warmers for them. They’ll come in handy when the weather gets cold.”

“I think you just want to eat rabbit meat yourself.”

“Elder Sister…”

Seeing the smile in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes, Jiang Sijin playfully stretched her tone. “Although I enjoy rabbit meat, isn’t this just a bonus?”

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan shook her head, and the maids nearby also giggled.

When leaving the General’s Masion, Jiang Peihuan brought only a few people: Ye Xiao, Lu Er, and several attendants.

A single carriage sufficed.

Unbeknownst to Jiang Peihuan, as soon as she left the General’s Mansion, two people had already departed separately from a nearby corner.

“Master, there’s news.”