Chapter 340: Xue Ru’s Gift

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Did Mother say why she wanted to see me?”

“First Madam didn’t specify. She just asked for you.”

“I see.”

Nodding, Jiang Peihuan got up from her seat. Seeing this, Xiao Nanye immediately stepped forward to support Jiang Peihuan’s hand.

Seeing the man’s careful actions, a hint of amusement appeared in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.

Three months later, Jiang Peihuan’s belly began to show signs of her pregnancy. While Jiang Peihuan herself didn’t feel particularly burdened, Xiao Nanye was constantly by her side, save for when the Emperor summoned him. At first, everyone was astonished by this, but as time went on, everyone got used to it.

“How do you feel today?”

When Xue Yan saw Xiao Nanye assisting Jiang Peihuan into the main hall, she immediately approached and whispered her inquiry.

“Just like any other day. No reactions,” replied Jiang Peihuan.

“That’s good to hear.”

Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Xue Yan let out a sigh of relief.

A few days prior, Jiang Peihuan had bouts of morning sickness which worried everyone. Old Madam Jiang was particularly distressed, praying continuously for her wellbeing. After a few days of self-care, Jiang Peihuan no longer felt nauseous.

Not only did she stop vomiting, but her appetite had also greatly improved, much to everyone’s relief.

“Your Highness, you’ve worked hard taking care of Huan Er during this period,” said Xue Yan as she turned her attention to Xiao Nanye.

After taking a seat next to Jiang Peihuan, Xiao Nanye replied with a smile, “The child in Huan Er’s womb is my flesh and blood. I can’t bear the pains of pregnancy for her, so the least 1 can do is take good care of her. It’s my duty.” Hearing this, Xue Yan’s smile deepened.

“Aunt?”

At that moment, Xue Ru entered, leaning on her maid’s arm for support. Hearing Xue Ru’s voice, the smile on Xue Yan’s face disappeared instantly. “Huan Er, King Cheng.”

Xue Ru walked up to Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye and bowed respectfully.

Seeing this, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes were filled with confusion. Then, a cold glint appeared in her eyes, “What brings the Secondary Consort Xue, to our Mansion today?”

Turning her gaze to Xue Ru, Xue Yan asked directly.

“Aunt, must you treat me so distantly?”

With that, Xue Ru immediately knelt before Xue Yan.

Watching this, Xue Yan’s face displayed confusion, “What are you doing?”

“Help the Secondary Consort Xue up,” Xue Yan commanded the maid.

But Xue Ru pushed her maid away, then looked at Xue Yan with tearful eyes, “Aunt, everything that happened before was my fault. 1 was deluded into wanting to marry Prince Qing. It was all my mistake.”

“I’ve realized my mistakes, and I came here today to sincerely apologize to you, Aunt. As long as you forgive me, you can punish me in any way you see fit, and 1 won’t complain.”

Hearing Xue Ru’s words, Xue Yan’s eyes reflected a mix of confusion and uncertainty.

Seeing Xue Ru’s tearful regret, Xue Yan’s expression grew more complex. After a moment of silence, she finally said to Xue Ru, “If you knew you’d feel this way now, why did you make that choice in the first place?”

“Even if you regret it now, it’s too late.”

“I know, I know 1 can’t make up for my mistakes, but Auntie, Ru Er only has you as her kin in this capital.”

“Grandmother and the rest won’t forgive me. Auntie, 1 beg you, please forgive Ru Er. Let me have a place to go in the capital.”

“You should know, even if you regret certain things, they can’t be undone.”

Xue Yan remained unmoved by Xue Ru’s pleas. She hadn’t forgotten how Xue Ru had placed that letter in Jiang Hong’s study.

Seeing that Xue Yan was unyielding, a hint of coldness flashed in Xue Ru’s eyes. But when she looked up at Xue Yan, her face was filled with guilt.

“I know I wronged you, Auntie. If that’s the case, 1’11 atone with my death.”

Saying this, Xue Ru dashed towards a nearby pillar.

“Ye Xiao.”

As Jiang Peihuan saw Xue Ru’s actions, she spoke softly.

Ye Xiao, standing behind Jiang Peihuan, immediately stepped forward upon hearing her.

Even though Ye Xiao acted quickly, Xue Ru’s head still hit the pillar, bleeding profusely in an instant.

Witnessing this, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes flickered.

“Go get the doctor.”

Seeing the injury on Xue Ru’s head, Xue Yan urgently called out.

As the maid went to fetch the doctor, Xue Yan frowned at Xue Ru, “What are you doing?”

“Auntie, 1 truly know my wrongs. Please forgive me. Otherwise, I truly have no other way but death.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Xue Yan was known to be compassionate and not harsh. If Xue Ru continued her self-harming acts, Xue Yan wouldn’t care.

But now, hearing Xue Ru’s sincere apologies, Xue Yan couldn’t help but ask. “The prince found oleander powder at my residence. He claimed I killed the child in the princess’s consort womb. He almost had me beaten to death.” After briefly explaining the events at the Prince Qing Mansion, Xue Ru continued, “Auntie, please allow me to come and go in the General’s Mansion. Give Ru Er a chance to live.”

Hearing this, Xue Yan’s brow furrowed.

In the end, Xue Yan spoke softly, “In the future, if you wish to visit, come to my Yanlin for a while.”

“Thank you, Aunt.”

Upon hearing Xue Yan’s concession, Xue Ru’s eyes were filled with elation.

“That’s enough, have someone tend to your wound.”

“Yes, I’ll listen to Aunt.”

Xue Ru stood up, respectfully bowed to Xue Yan, but as she turned to leave the main hall, her respectful demeanor vanished, replaced by a dark look.

After Xue Ru left, Xue Yan looked at Jiang Peihuan, with a hint of guilt in her eyes, “Huan Er, about this…”

“Mother, you don’t need to say more, I understand.”

Before Xue Yan could finish, Jiang Peihuan gently interrupted.

As for Xue Ru, Jiang Peihuan had already treated her as a stranger.

For Xue Yan’s sake, Jiang Peihuan wouldn’t do anything to Xue Ru, but that’s where it ended.

After a brief conversation with Xue Yan, Jiang Peihuan left Yanlin.

As she left Yanlin, Jiang Peihuan immediately said to Ye Xiao, “Whenever Xue Ru comes to the General’s Mansion, keep a close eye on her.”

“Yes.”

“Huan Er, you don’t need to worry about her. If you’re concerned she’ll cause more trouble, I’ll just have Han Feng kill her.”

Xiao Nanye, who was nearby, spoke upon seeing Jiang Peihuan’s furrowed brow.

Hearing his words, a hint of helplessness appeared in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.

“If we simply kill her like that, wouldn’t it cause more trouble?”