Chapter 337: Reprimand

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“So, the Princess Consort intentionally went to the General’s mansion, trying to frame someone?”

As soon as the chief doctor finished speaking, Xiao Junhao immediately responded.

Hearing this, Xiao Junhao quickly knelt before Emperor Qi Ming, “Imperial father, there’s absolutely no truth to this.”

“Enough!”

Before Xiao Junhao could say anything further, Emperor Qi Ming rebuked with a cold glare, “You couldn’t even protect a child. Indeed, it seems you lack fortune.”

“Enough, go back. Before a child is born, do not inform me, so as to avoid false hopes.”

“It’s all my fault. I beg your forgiveness, Imperial father.”

“Alright, go now.”

At this moment, as Emperor Qi Ming looked at Xiao Junhao kneeling before him, he felt a sense of annoyance.

And Xiao Junhao, sensing the Emperor’s displeasure, tightly clenched his fists. However, he still respectfully paid his respects before leaving.

After Xiao Junhao left, Xiao Nanye spoke to Emperor Qi Ming, “Imperial brother, if there’s nothing else, we’ll be on our way.”

With that, Xiao Nanye, holding onto Jiang Peihuan’s hand, began to walk out.

However, as they approached the main hall’s entrance, Emperor Qi Ming’s voice echoed, “Stop.”

Upon hearing this, both Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan halted.

“Does Imperial brother need something?”

Xiao Nanye turned around to face Emperor Qi Ming and casually inquired.

Seeing his demeanor, Emperor Qi Ming remarked with annoyance, “How much longer do you plan to stay at the Jiang Mansion? Do you intend to be their son-in-law?”

“If you approve, Imperial brother, I would be more than happy.”

“You… just be silent!”

“Fine, just go. If there’s nothing, do not appear before me again.”

“Let’s go, Huan Er.”

Hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s words, Xiao Nanye, without even offering a courtesy, pulled Jiang Peihuan to leave. She, on the other hand, gave a respectful nod before following him out.

After exiting the Qianqing Palace, the couple didn’t immediately leave the imperial palace but headed to the Running Palace.

In the past few days, Jiang Peihuan had regularly visited the Empress for medical examinations, so the people in Running Palace had grown accustomed to her visits.

Seeing the couple enter, the Empress’s maid greeted them with a smile, “Queen and Ring Cheng have arrived. Please sit down. I’ll prepare the milk that the Queen likes.”

“There’s no need to trouble yourself, nanny. I’ll just check on the Empress and then we’ll be on our way.”

“It’s no bother at ail. Please have a seat, Queen Cheng.”

Seeing this, Jiang Peihuan chose not to decline.

Although the Empress was pregnant, she still had to manage palace affairs. After Jiang Peihuan had a drink, she saw the Empress, supported by a maid, enter the room.

As Jiang Peihuan was about to bow, she heard the Empress’s voice, “It’s said that you are pregnant now, no need for formalities.”

After Jiang Peihuan sat down, the Empress asked, “I heard that Princess Qing had a miscarriage at the Jiang Mansion. What happened?”

“I’m not entirely sure about the details.”

After briefly explaining the circumstances of Jiang Yan’s miscarriage, Jiang Peihuan spoke softly.

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, the Empress frowned, “This Princess Qing, she’s too…” The Empress wanted to say ‘useless’, but recalling her past experiences, she chose not to.

“Your Royal Majesty, allow me to check your pulse.”

At this point, Jiang Peihuan softly spoke.

The Empress didn’t say anything more and offered her hand to Jiang Peihuan.

Though she checked the Empress’s pulse daily, Jiang Peihuan was always meticulous with each examination.

Upon gripping the Empress’s pulse, Jiang Peihuan frowned.

Afterwards, she took a careful sniff.

“Huan Er, is there something wrong with the child in my womb?”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan’s frown, the Empress grew anxious.

Jiang Peihuan sniffed again, then softly said, “Your Royal Majesty, I detect a faint scent of sandalwood on you. Have you been paying respects to Buddha recently?”

What’s more significant is that within the sandalwood aroma, there was a faint scent of musk. Though subtle, Jiang Peihuan noticed it.

“I haven’t been worshipping. Regarding your sandalwood scent, I visited the Great Empress Dowager this morning to greet her. 1 must have acquired the fragrance from her chamber…” Realizing something, the Empress stopped speaking abruptly.

The Empress didn’t say anything more but gave a look to her maid.

“All of you, leave.”

Seeing the Empress’s expression, the nanny quickly gave the order to the surrounding attendants.

Once all the maids and eunuchs had left, the Empress, with a grave expression, turned to Jiang Peihuan, “Huan Er, is there something wrong with this scent?”

“This sandalwood has a hint of musk.”

“How could that be?”

Jiang Peihuan’s voice was soft, but it clearly reached the Empress’s ears. Upon hearing her words, the Empress’s face turned pale.

By her side, Xiao Nanye, upon hearing the conversation, also showed an uneasy look.

The Empress was full of confusion but, being the queen, she couldn’t accuse the Great Empress Dowager of wrongdoing. She looked anxiously at Jiang Peihuan and asked, “Huan Er, will this affect the child in my womb?”

“As you weren’t there long, the effect is minimal. However, if you frequently visit and are exposed to it for extended periods, it could harm the child.”

The Empress turned even paler upon hearing this.

After a long silence, the Empress said to Jiang Peihuan, “Reep this matter to yourself to avoid trouble.”

Upon hearing the Empress’s words, Jiang Peihuan paused for a moment before replying softly, “Your Royal Majesty, don’t worry. 1’11 protect both you and the child in your womb.”

“I’ll return home now and come back tomorrow to check on you.”

“Take care on your journey.”

“Nanye, take good care of Huan Er.”

“Don’t worry, Imperial Sister-in-law.”

Xiao Nanye nodded at the Empress and left Run Ning Palace with Jiang Peihuan.

Once outside the palace gate, Jiang Peihuan asked the man beside her, “Why would the Great Empress Dowager harm the Empress?”

“She’s not targeting the Empress. It’s you.”

“Me?”

Hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, confusion appeared in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes. A moment later, a cold smile curled her lips. “The Great Empress Dowager really went to great lengths.”

Indeed, the entire palace knew she visited daily to check on the Empress. If something happened to the Empress’s child, even if she did her best, the Empress might still resent her.

The Emperor, who was already somewhat dissatisfied with her, would likely blame her and possibly her entire Jiang family if something happened to the child.

Realizing the implications, Jiang Peihuan suddenly regretted her decision. She shouldn’t have agreed to check on the Empress due to a momentary soft-heartedness..