The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort

197 - 198

Chapter 197 : Filing a Petition

Jiang Lisa 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 Jungkook 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 Lisa 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 Lisa’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 Lisa had already married Xiao Jungkook. Still, he believed that Xiao Jungkook’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 Lisa had also been reborn in this world, he would not have allowed Xiao Jungkook to marry her so easily.

Jiang Lisa 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 Lisa 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 Jungkook 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 Lisa 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 Jungkook’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.”