Chapter 293: Xue Ru Was Rejected Outside the Door

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Thank you, Queen Cheng, but this humble one doesn’t deserve the care and effort you’ve put in.”

“Chief Wang, you serve closely to the Emperor and should take good care of your health.”

As Wang Kun spoke, Jiang Peihuan softly replied. Hearing her words, gratitude filled Wang Kun’s eyes, but he remained silent.

He was the chief eunuch serving beside Emperor Qi Ming. While everyone would show him a certain degree of respect, in private, no one truly respected him.

Yet, every time Jiang Peihuan spoke to him, her demeanor was gentle and her words carried respect.

“It’s getting late. King and Queen Cheng, please take care on your way.”

After bowing to Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan, Wang Kun softly spoke.

The couple nodded and left immediately.

After leaving the palace, they went straight to the General’s Mansion.

The Jiang family was awaiting news. Seeing Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan, Xue Yan immediately asked, “Huan Er, why did the Emperor summon you to the palace?”

Jiang Hong and the others didn’t speak, but their gazes naturally turned towards Jiang Peihuan.

Meeting everyone’s eyes, Jiang Peihuan briefly recounted the situation regarding Yan Xin and Ha Chi, then continued, “The Emperor ordered me to find the real culprit within three days.”

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, concern filled the eyes of the Jiang family members.

As Jiang Peihuan was about to speak, Xiao Nanye’s voice interrupted, “Father, Mother, don’t worry. I will ensure this matter is thoroughly investigated.” Hearing Xiao Nanye, Jiang Hong and Xue Yan’s gaze shifted to him.

Aware of Xiao Nanye’s capabilities, Xue Yan nodded, “King Cheng, we’ll rely on you for this matter.”

“Mother, Huan Er and I are husband and wife now. There’s no need for formalities between us.”

Hearing this, Xue Yan smiled without saying anything else.

With Xiao Nanye’s presence, the Jiang family felt somewhat reassured.

However, after returning to plum garden, both Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye wore expressions of concern.

“Huan Er, do you have any leads on this matter?”

Hearing Xiao Nanye’s question, Jiang Peihuan shook her head. “The Jiang family has offended many over the years, so 1 don’t have any leads for now.” “It might not necessarily be against the Jiang family. It could be against me.” Meeting Jiang Peihuan’s puzzled look, Xiao Nanye smiled, “1 have as many enemies as the Jiang family.”

Although he smiled as he spoke, his eyes were cold.

“No matter who it is, I’ll find them.”

“You don’t need to worry about this. I’ll have Han Feng investigate.”

Jiang Peihuan believed that Xiao Nanye had more means to investigate than she did, so she didn’t object.

After all, they are now husband and wife. They are one, so when faced with issues, they should support each other.

That night, Xiao Nanye did not stay in plum garden.

Emperor Qi Ming only gave them three days, so the time was quite pressing.

However, Jiang Peihuan did not receive any news from Xiao Nanye, but the next day she learned that Old Madam Xue intended to return to Qing Zhou. Immediately, Jiang Peihuan, along with Xue Yan, Jiang Changbai, and Jiang Sijin, went to the Xue residence in the capital.

The Xue family’s residence in the capital is relatively small and out of the way, so it took a while by carriage.

When Jiang Peihuan alighted from the carriage, she saw the Xue family packing.

Old Madam Xue stood at the entrance with Wang Fengyi and Xu YunNian. Behind them were Xue Qi and Xue Zhi among others.

Behind him stood Xue Qi, Xue Zhi, and the others.

“Greetings to Queen Cheng.”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan approaching, everyone, led by Old Madam Xue, began to bow. Jiang Peihuan rushed forward to support Old Madam Xue, “Grandmother, what are you doing?”

“We can’t neglect the etiquette. You are already a queen. According to the rules, we have to bow to you.”

“Grandmother, customs shouldn’t override affection. You are my elder, and it’s improper for me to accept such courtesy from you.”

Old Madam Xue still insisted. Jiang Peihuan had no choice but to look at Xiao Nanye.

Catching her glance, the man immediately approached, “Grandmother, we are all family, there’s no need for formalities.”

Seeing even Xiao Nanye speaking in this manner, Old Madam Xue refrained from further objections.

Originally, Old Madam Xue just didn’t want Jiang Peihuan to be put in a difficult position in front of Xiao Nanye, lest the royal family would say they lacked manners. But now, hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, she felt somewhat relieved.

However, after hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Old Madam Xue was relieved. “Grandmother, why are you in such a hurry to return to Qing Zhou? Why not stay in the capital a little longer?”

Jiang Peihuan took Old Madam Xue’s hand and whispered as they walked inside.

Hearing this, Old Madam Xue gently patted Jiang Peihuan’s hand, whispering, “I originally came to the capital for your wedding. Now that your marriage with King Cheng is concluded, it’s time for us to return.”

“Moreover, an extended stay might arouse suspicions.”

When mentioning this, Old Madam Xue lowered her voice. However, Jiang Peihuan still heard it.

She understood the implication. The Xue family was a significant power in Qing Zhou, and if they stayed there, no one would suspect anything. However, an extended stay in the capital could raise Emperor Qi Ming’s suspicions.

After all, the incident with King Chujiang had just happened.

They continued walking in silence until Xue Ru’s voice interrupted them.

However, just as they were about to enter, Jian Peihuan heard Xue Ru’s voice from behind.

“Grandmother?”

“Mother?”

Hearing the voice, everyone instinctively turned around.

Xue Ru, looking well-off, descended from a carriage, supported by a maid. As Jiang Peihuan observed, she thought Xue Ru must have been leading a comfortable life in the Qing Mansion.

“Grandmother, you’re returning to Qing Zhou. Why wasn’t I informed?”

Anger flashed in Xue Ru’s eyes as she approached and accused Old Madam Xue.

Old Madam Xue looked at her granddaughter, her eyes filled with coldness. Turning to Xue Ru, she said coldly, “You are no longer a member of the Xue family. Whether we stay or leave has nothing to do with you.” “Grandmother, can you really be so heartless towards me?”

“It’s not that I am heartless, but you who lack any semblance of familial affection.”

“If it weren’t for the lingering ties of blood, do you think you’d still be standing here? Have you forgotten that you placed that treasonous letter in your uncle’s study?”

Xue Ru didn’t expect Old Madam Xue to bring up that incident; her expression turned unsightly.

She wanted to retort and explain, but she couldn’t find any justification.

Jiang Peihuan looked at Xue Ru with indifference. From the moment Xue Ru had placed that letter in Jiang Hong’s study, in Jiang Peihuan’s heart, Xue Ru was no longer considered family.