In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, the Jiangs make a strategic move to secure a marriage alliance between a late bloomer, Jiang Ying, and the crown prince, Lan Xichen. However, their plans are disrupted when Jiang Ying is abducted before the mee...
Jiang Cheng pushes open the door to his brother's room and steps inside, letting out a ragged breath. He finds Nie Huaisang pacing back and forth and Jiang Yanli sitting on the edge of the bed with her head down. He can feel the frustration that has been building up inside them for two days. He clenches his fists, his mind trying to find a way to handle the situation at hand.
"Jiang Cheng," Nie Huaisang stops in his tracks and looks up with a mixture of relief and worry in his eyes.
"What are we going to do?" Jiang Yanli raises her head. "The imperial family will be here any moment, and we still haven't found A-Ying," she says, her voice trembling slightly.
Jiang Cheng takes a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He knows that the pressure is on, but he also knows that he needs to stay strong for his family. "We will figure something out. We always do," he says, trying to sound more confident than he feels.
There is a knock on the door, asking if they need help with anything. It is the third time the servants have asked if they can help Jiang Ying get ready, and Jiang Yanli declines each time, but they still keep coming like bees to a particularly pretty flower. She sighs and shakes her head, knowing that time is running out.
"If someone replaces A-Ying, we will gain some time." Nie Huaisang voices his thought aloud, looking around the room for a possible solution.
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Jiang Cheng considers the suggestion for a moment and looks at Jiang Yanli before nodding in agreement. They grab Nie Huaisang and make him sit in front of the mirror, tying his hair up in a high bun. "Hey, what are you doing?" Nie Huaisang asks, looking confused.
"You can take his place for a while," Jiang Cheng explains, his tone serious. "In this situation, we can't trust others."
A sudden rush of worry forms a dark cloud over Nie Huaisang's head. He stares down at the makeup in front of him and then back at the mirror. He doesn't think his idea will apply to him. He thinks about what to do and jumps slightly when a servant knocks on the door. "Young Master, the imperial family is arriving."
"We will bring A-Ying to greet them," Jiang Yanli responds, placing a comforting hand on Nie Huaisang's shoulder and encouraging him to stay strong.
Nie Huaisang nods and attempts to calm his nerves before accepting the role he must play in this dangerous game of deception. His brother will kill him if he finds out about his deceit toward the imperial family. However, with his friend's safety at stake and his honor on the line, Nie Huaisang feels compelled to go along with the plan. After all, it is his plan, so he must take on the major role to ensure its success.
With a deep breath, he dresses in the most elegant robes, along with Jiang Ying's inner robes, which carry a sweet lotus scent. The hems are embroidered with intricate designs that shimmer in the sunlight. His face is painted with a serene expression, masking the turmoil and fear that churn within him. As a final touch, Jiang Yanli brings a veil and ties it delicately over his head, completing his disguise.
