The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 148 : Kiss

Translated by : Moondancer

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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When Jinying Wangfu received news that Jiang Ruan was coming, Steward Lin immediately ordered the servants to clean the manor from top to bottom. Not even the Emperor experienced such an honour when he visited.

But it was all because Jin Er said, "In short, the marriage edict will come soon. This is the first time that the whole household will greet our Young Furen, shouldn't we be more presentable?"

Steward Lin seemed to have grown younger by a decade overnight. He ran all over the wangfu, making Jin Si shake her head at his enthusiasm. "How is this a steward when even a wet nurse wouldn't be so hardworking."

When Jiang Ruan finally arrived at Jinying Wangfu with Lu Zhu and Tian Zhu, she was greeted with a neat chorus of, "Hello, Young Furen." Their imposing manner reached the sky, causing the birds in the yard to startle and the vicious guard dogs to bark in confusion.

Lu Zhu lowered her head and snickered, while the corners of Tian Zhu's lips twitched. Only Jiang Ruan's expression showed no ripples as she said, "The Empress Dowager asked me to deliver some things to Wangye." It was as if the heralded 'Young Furen' from just now wasn't related to her at all.

The little servants of Jinying Wangfu were all stunned by their future Young Furen'snonchalant and lackadaisical attitude. However, before they could react Xiao Shao walked out. Then, without even sparing a glance at Steward Lin or the others, he said to Jiang Ruan, "Come with me."

And without further ado, he ushered her into the wangfu.

Inside, the servants tacitly dispersed.

Jiang Ruan instinctively followed Xiao Shao step by step. The last time she came, the situation had been urgent and she didn't have the time to enjoy the scenery. Now though, when she looked around, she felt that it resembled Xiao Shao very much. Black stones and crystal clear water features that had clearly stood the test of time, were distinctly clear and cold. As for the densely wooded area, though it appeared a bit varied and irregular, its array was fascinating and gave off a sense of cultured elegance and sophistication.

Furthermore, the plants weren't overly pruned, lending it a more casual air. When compared to the flowers that the ladies carefully tended to in the Jiang fu, she was more impressed by this simple scene.

Xiao Shao's back was as solitary and elegant as always, but for some reason he walked slower than usual today. Thus Jiang Ruan, who was fascinated by the garden's scenery, didn't notice when Xiao Shao had stopped and accidentally bumped into his back.

"......"

Xiao Shao turned to see Jiang Ruan rubbing her forehead. He was so tall, with long arms and legs, that she only reached his chest. It was rare for her to make such a mistake. Her action of rubbing her forehead reminded Xiao Shao of a sika deer fawn he raised while he was studying on Mt. Jianan, which people couldn't help but pet from time to time.

Unconsciously, Xiao Shao acted on his thoughts. The soft touch under his palm suddenly brightened his originally unhappy mood, but when he looked down, he met Jiang Ruan's shocked gaze. He coughed lightly and took his hand back as if nothing had happened.

"The Empress Dowager has decided to grant marriage," Jiang Ruan said, straight to the point without wasting words. "Do you have anything to say to me?"

"Jiang Xin Zhi has been defeated. If Xuan Li and Xuan Hua wish to obtain control over the military power under Jiang Xin Zhi and Guan Liang Han, they are bound to send reinforcements. Currently, the Generals are mostly split into two factions — they are either Xuan Li's people or Xuan Hua's people. The Zhao family cannot act rashly. Although Xirong has bowed its head and now seems harmless, it still has hidden ambitions; if the stationed troops leave from there, Xirong may make some moves. South Xinjiang is also inherently difficult to deal with. If, at that time, there are both internal and external troubles, then Great Jin will be in crisis." Xiao Shao paused, then looked at her. "Xuan Li has you in his sights. If you marry him, the Zhao family will be held hostage, and if Jiang Xin Zhi is still actually alive, he will also fall under his control. You will be the only one pushed out if the wind turns." With eyes as dark as ink, he said lightly, "You're in a difficult situation, I want to protect you."