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

Chapter 197 : Filing a Petition

Translated by : Mazu

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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Jiang Ruan was left feeling both surprised and amused at the same time. "You're speaking nonsense," she scolded Xuan Pei, tapping his forehead. She did, however, consider his words seriously in her heart. Naturally, Xiao Shao had no idea that she had lived two lives and when her past and present lives were added together, she was a lot older than him. Furthermore, she herself felt it was unreasonable that she was so much older than her man. Even though it didn't show in her outward appearance, this matter still unnerved her.

Seeing Jiang Ruan seriously pondering over this, Xuan Pei's eyes flashed with dissatisfaction. "I didn't know about his relationship with you before," he said, taking Jiang Ruan's hand in his. "When Jinying Wang unexpectedly proposed, I thought it was a bad idea for Mother Consort to marry him. But later, I realized that he was the only one in this world who could stand up to Xuan Li. As a consequence, it is more preferable to marry into the Jinying Wangfu than to become involved with Xuan Li – even though Jinying Wang has gained something priceless without too much effort." Xuan Pei coldly snorted, clearly upset. Before he got reacquainted with her in this life, Jiang Ruan had already married Xiao Shao. Still, he believed that Xiao Shao's position would be secure, regardless of how the dynasty changed in the future because the Jinying Wangfu had extensive influence. However, if he had known earlier that Jiang Ruan had also been reborn in this world, he would not have allowed Xiao Shao to marry her so easily.

Jiang Ruan laughed and patted his head. "Don't pretend to be so mature at such a young age." However, she had forgotten that when she was reborn, she was no different from Xuan Pei.

"Anyway, Mother Consort, it's very fortunate that we can still meet again," Xuan Pei said, holding her hand. "I sense that something is amiss in the palace these days. Besides Xuan Li's lack of action, there is also the matter of poisoning. Someone is secretly observing you. Mother Consort, please be careful."

"Don't worry about me." Jiang Ruan shook her head. "I'm not usually in the palace, and the Jinying Wangfu is heavily guarded, making it difficult for someone to achieve their objectives smoothly. As for you, the deep palace is rife with danger. We are both aware of the perils that lie within. Besides, you are now favoured by the Emperor. I don't know how many people are secretly watching you, waiting to catch even the slightest mistake that can be used against you. Pei'er, you must not confront them head-on, instead if any situation should arise, send someone immediately to the Jinying Wangfu. After I go back, I will ask Xiao Shao to find a few people to protect you."

He finally felt his mother's long-lost care again. Xuan Pei had witnessed the palace's indifference and experienced poignant desolation in this life. He never trusted anyone and refused to accept kindness from others. Jiang Ruan was the only one who could penetrate the most vulnerable part of his heart. Thus Xuan Pei was touched by her gentle and caring words, and he almost cried.

However, he was no longer the child who would cry and laugh freely like he did in his past life. He blinked, fighting back the tears. "Mother Consort, don't worry too much," he reassured her with a smile. "The people around me are not to be trifled with. Xiao Shao's men are too noticeable. Placing them by my side will quickly raise people's suspicions. Although many people in this palace want to deal with me, let them come if they have the ability, and we'll see who ends up being unlucky. Besides, Imperial Father has a lot of trust in me now and should anyone even think of causing me harm, he will not stand by and take things lying down."

Jiang Ruan couldn't detect any unusual emotions in his tone when he mentioned the Emperor. For a moment, she couldn't tell what Xuan Pei was thinking, so she looked at him and reminded, "Pei'er, now that His Majesty trusts you, in the eyes of others it could be misconstrued as having ulterior motives. Furthermore, you are aware that this is not unfounded. What do you think? I'd like to hear your thoughts." She asked hesitantly. Every prince's ultimate ambition was to sit on the throne, nonetheless, she didn't want Xuan Pei to compete for the position and deny himself the happiness he deserved. However, if the reborn Xuan Pei had this ambition, she would gladly support him without any hesitation. There was no need to say anything between mother and son, regardless of what Xuan Pei decided to do, she was always on his side.