I've Got This Cannon Fodder Trope Covered!

Chapter 29

Wei Hanzhang looked at the dark jade in his hand, which was engraved with an elegant "Xiao" character.

The "Xiao" of the royal family.

Stunned for a moment, Wei Hanzhang asked directly, "Lord Xiao, do you like me?"

Even if she was a bit slow, she could sense that this person's feelings were definitely not simple; there was no reason to exchange jade pendants like this!

Taken aback by her directness, Xiao Junzhan's eyelashes trembled slightly, feeling particularly awkward at her question. 

After a moment of silence, he steadied himself, looked down, and met her gaze. "This jade was a gift from my grandfather; I have worn it for ten years."

The implication was that this pendant held significant meaning; if he didn't truly like her, he wouldn't casually give it away.

"I can't accept it." Wei Hanzhang understood his meaning, and her expression turned cold as she decisively said, "Since you know I have a marriage proposal in discussion, you should understand that I won't accept tokens from other men."

Being rejected so decisively made Xiao Junzhan's expression darken slightly. He slowly withdrew his hand and said, "The so-called marriage proposal is only under discussion and hasn't been formally established. Besides, you seem quite troubled by this matter."

"You are mistaken; I have grown up alongside the Gu family's young master. We are childhood friends with innocent affection for each other. Just now, we were merely bickering, and we'll soon make up."

Wei Hanzhang said, "Rather than rejecting marriage to seek out an unknown character, I think this marriage proposal is quite good."

In her heart, she constantly criticized: as expected, one cannot judge a person by their appearance. This person, who looked ethereal and detached from the world, unexpectedly had such a heart of a beast.

His legitimate wife had died in childbirth just half a year ago, and he was already trying to entice a young girl. She had heard there were also two concubines in the backyard, and those side concubines of the prince's house could attend gatherings and make friends, all being daughters from high-ranking families, which was why the Jiang family noted it down. (Translator Xiaobai: She mistook him for Prince Yan because she didn't know what the Crown Prince looked like yet..)

This was merely what the Jiang family had noted; she didn't know how many more concubines didn't even have their names spread around. Compared to being coveted by such a man after rejecting marriage, Wei Hanzhang suddenly felt that Gu Yunran was simply delightful.

Xiao Junzhan silently watched her, his gaze gradually turning cold, and he remained silent for a long time.

Wei Hanzhang did not shy away from him. She raised her gaze to meet his for a moment, then slightly bowed and said, "Thank you for turning my reputation around a few days ago. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"There is something," Xiao Junzhan said gently. "Regarding the Jiang family that you just mentioned, if we count the days, it won't be long before they are escorted to the capital. According to the law, the officials involved in the case will be imprisoned in the sky prison..."

"!!" Wei Hanzhang's eyes widened suddenly. "You know about the Jiang family's case?"

"I know," Xiao Junzhan said with a faint smile. "I also know that what Jiang Zixiu has done could lead to minor or major consequences. Whether it implicates the entire Jiang family or only punishes his branch depends on the Crown Prince's thoughts."

"You know the Crown Prince?" Realizing he was a member of the royal family, it was natural for him to have met the Crown Prince. Wei Hanzhang hurriedly said, "They say the Crown Prince is generous and kind. My maternal grandfather has served in two dynasties, dedicating himself to the country and the people. Now that he is in his old age, could the Crown Prince show some leniency and spare the other members of the Jiang family?"