Jiang Yueli fell silent. She had overlooked this possibility—if Gu Xiangling was right, Su Xuewei might really marry the Crown Prince. With her status, even if she didn’t become the Crown Prince’s main consort, she would at least be a secondary consort. But Jiang Yueli was not afraid of her. If provoked, she had more than enough ways to make Su Xuewei die in a mysterious and untraceable manner.
They chatted a little longer until Shen Nanzhi’s maid came to call them to the front hall for the banquet. A group of young ladies, dressed like fluttering butterflies, walked together with gentle laughter. Jiang Yueli was tugged along by Gu Xiangling to hurry.
Originally, Jiang Yueli intended to sit at her grandmother’s table, but Gu Xiangling led her to sit with Gu Huaizhao and his companions instead. Jiang Yuebai and Fu Qingchen were at the table as well. She sat between Fu Qingchen and Gu Xiangling, unconcerned about the gendered seating norms, and so said nothing.
Seeing her sit, Fu Qingchen skillfully poured her tea. Jiang Yueli drank it in one go. Just as the birthday ceremony was about to begin, a voice at the entrance announced the arrival of the Crown Prince. Everyone rose in unison and saw the Crown Prince, adorned in a purple-gold robe and crown, walking slowly through the main gate.
Nangong Jin’s tall frame, coupled with the regal purple-gold attire, made him appear even more distinguished. His dark eyes gleamed with wisdom, his features refined, and his lips lightly pressed together.
“Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince,” everyone said in unison.
Nangong Jin glanced at the group and waved them off. “No need for formalities. Today I am also here to celebrate Old Madam Jiang’s birthday.”
He handed a box held by the guards behind him to Old Madam Jiang, smiling. “I hope Old Madam does not mind my unannounced visit?”
Old Madam Jiang hurried forward, astonished and delighted. “Your Highness, you are too polite. Your presence is our blessing. It is a pity that Shian is not here, leaving no one to accompany Your Highness in drinking.”
In truth, the Zhenyuan General’s Residence was not lacking company—they simply were not of high enough status to sit with the Crown Prince. It would be inappropriate for the Crown Prince to sit alone.
The Crown Prince handed the birthday gift to Old Madam Jiang’s maid and looked toward Jiang Yueli’s side. Smiling, he said, “Old Madam need not be formal. I will sit with Qingchen and Yuebai.”
Old Madam Jiang hurriedly nodded. With the Crown Prince seated, others completed their birthday greetings. The Jiang family grandchildren then approached to pay respects. When Jiang Yueli presented the birthday peach cake, it drew much curiosity, though no one asked what it was.
After sitting down, Jiang Yueli noticed Gu Xiangling tilting her head, quietly asking Nangong Jin about Su Xuewei.
“Crown Prince, did you meet Su Xuewei at the gate?”
Nangong Jin did not hide it. “Yes, I did. She seemed to have twisted her ankle and wanted me to help her inside to celebrate Old Madam’s birthday.”
Gu Xiangling was stunned. “Then? You didn’t bring her in?”
Nangong Jin, puzzled, asked, “She is not my Crown Princess. It would be improper for her to enter with me. Since she injured her ankle and could not move easily, I had the guards escort her back to the Censor Su Residence.”
“Pff~”
Gu Xiangling could not contain her laughter. Jiang Yueli gave Nangong Jin a thumbs-up—true to form, a straightforward man, well done.
At first, Nangong Jin did not understand the two girls’ intentions, but after some thought, he realized they were teasing him.
He glanced at Jiang Yueli, a faint smile in his eyes. The little girl was growing fast—she would reach coming-of-age soon.
Fu Qingchen, noticing the Crown Prince’s gaze, frowned. Could it be that Nangong Jin had taken an interest in her?
Nangong Jin was of similar age, so it would be reasonable if he admired Jiang Yueli. With her beauty, she could easily be considered the most beautiful woman in Nangyao. He had assumed she was still young, yet so many were already noticing her.
Fu Qingchen quietly peeled a grape and placed it in Jiang Yueli’s bowl, continuing until a small pile of glistening grapes had accumulated. Jiang Yueli felt no discomfort, having grown up accustomed to Fu Qingchen’s care—she regarded him like an elder brother and enjoyed his indulgence.
The entire Zhenyuan General’s Residence was immersed in joy, unaware of Jiang Shian’s serious injury. Only Fu Qingchen and Nangong Jin knew, silently keeping the matter secret to preserve the celebratory atmosphere.
Jiang Yueli, perceptive as ever, noticed Fu Qingchen’s unusual behavior. She also wished to ask about her father, leaving her distracted during the meal.
Finally, the banquet ended. Seeing her grandmother, mother, and uncle busy sending off guests, Jiang Yueli pulled Fu Qingchen into the back garden.
“Qingchen, my father was supposed to return today, but there’s no news. Is it because the border conflict hasn’t ended and he cannot come back yet?”
Jiang Yueli had an uneasy premonition but dared not dwell on it, asking instead.
Fu Qingchen remained silent for a long moment before speaking. “Ali, your father was gravely injured at the border and remains unconscious. The emperor has sent the palace’s best physicians to assist with his treatment. He should return soon.”
“Boom~”
Jiang Yueli’s mind went blank. She felt dizzy, nearly collapsing, but Fu Qingchen caught her. She could not focus on his words; all she could think of was her father’s severe injury and unconscious state.
“Ali,”
Fu Qingchen steadied her by the shoulders. Though initially shocked, Jiang Yueli’s strong mental fortitude allowed her to regain composure after a moment. Her grandmother was elderly and could not bear such news, so she could not reveal it yet—but she knew it would be hard to keep it hidden for long.
“How much do you know? Tell me everything,” Jiang Yueli said, looking at Fu Qingchen. She wanted to understand the circumstances of her father’s injury. Being perceptive, Fu Qingchen knew the details, as even Prime Minister Fu would not disclose such matters to just anyone.