The Princess Xing Yue found it normal when she heard that Duke Ning and Meng Jiangming were coming to pick her up, but why was Ji Wuran here?
Not only Xue Xing Yue thought this way, but Meng Jiangming also felt that he was going to pick up Princess Xing Yue, and he was the legitimate驸马 (Imperial Son-in-Law). Why was Ji Wuran going? Da Feng Xiao Shuo.
Little did they know that Ji Wuran replied, "To share the burden of the Emperor," and with this single sentence, he silenced the wagging tongues.
However, Meng Jiangming did not believe it, not one bit, but he was helpless, after all, this was indeed agreed to by the Emperor.
He had intended to go by himself, wanting to see Princess Xing Yue immediately. He never expected Ji Wuran to be on imperial orders, and although they didn't stop and go, the journey was not fast.
Duke Ning was also anxious to see Madam Jiang. He couldn't bear it any longer. Ji Wuran called to the carriage and asked about the journey.
When Ji Wuran heard this, he said, "Duke Ning, please do not worry, we will reach Ming County in a few more days."
Not anxious? How could he not be anxious? But Duke Ning could not get angry with Ji Wuran. Ji Wuran was deeply entrusted with imperial orders, and Ji Wuran was fully responsible for this matter of welcoming Princess Xing Yue.
Duke Ning felt a bit stifled, but who told him he had no real power? Now, Ji Wuran, although only a junior official in the Ministry of War, had an immeasurable future. And since Meng Jiangming became the 驸马, Duke Ning had borne too much glory. He tried his best to appear less conspicuous.
After all, the most favored imperial consort in the harem came from Duke Ning's mansion, and the 驸马 was his son. He was being cautious now. Therefore, when the Emperor proposed that Ji Wuran be fully responsible, he did not raise any objections. At this time, it was better for him not to stand out.
Although Meng Jiangming was not convinced, he also knew that it was better not to speak out at this time, as his identity was quite conspicuous.
Five days later, they finally arrived at Ming County.
In front of the Ming mansion, they saw the person standing gracefully in the courtyard. A jade-colored dress accentuated her slender and tall figure, noble and radiant, momentarily making everyone in the courtyard seem dim and withered.
Her delicate and beautiful face was adorned with eyes that were clear to the bottom, shining with brilliance.
Meng Jiangming looked at the woman before him, his heart pounding wildly. He hurried forward and was about to speak when someone hugged him, "Cousin, you're finally here! I've missed you so much. Did you come to pick me up?"
Meng Jiangming was stunned. Until Madam Jiang angrily rebuked, "Jiang Xiuyi, what are you doing in front of Princess Xing Yue?"
Jiang Xiuyi released Meng Jiangming, tears streaming down her face. She then knelt before Xue Xing Yue and said, "Your Highness, please forgive my offense. This commoner missed the 驸马 too much, which led to this action. I beg Your Highness not to mind."
Jiang Xiuyi was pitiable and appeared vulnerable. Meng Jiangming, who had found her somewhat annoying just moments ago, saw this and leaned down to say, "Your Highness, please forgive my cousin's rashness. She did not mean it."
Madam Jiang, standing beside them, was furious. Was her son foolish? How could he plead for Jiang Xiuyi at this moment? Thinking of this, Madam Jiang bowed and said, "Your Highness, this subject's body is not feeling well. I wish to take my leave."
Xue Xing Yue glanced at Madam Jiang and nodded faintly, "Help Madam back."
Madam Jiang looked at Jiang Xiuyi and said coldly, "Xiuyi, help me back."
Jiang Xiuyi did not want to leave, but seeing Madam Jiang's stern gaze, she knew that no one would speak for her at this moment. Therefore, she absolutely could not offend Madam Jiang again. Otherwise, she would truly be in a situation where no one could help her.
So she could only look at Meng Jiangming with a mournful expression. Meng Jiangming knew that his mother was doing this for his own good. Therefore, even though he sympathized with Jiang Xiuyi, he would not speak up for her again.
Jiang Xiuyi could only reluctantly follow Madam Jiang and leave.
Meng Jiangming came before Xue Xing Yue and said, "I pay my respects to the Princess."
Xue Xing Yue nodded faintly, "The 驸马 has worked hard all the way. Minister Ming has prepared food and wine. Duke Ning and Young Master Ji, please follow this Princess to dine first."
Meng Jiangming felt a sense of loss. He had traveled all this way not to receive such indifference from Princess Xing Yue. He wanted a response from Xing Yue.
However, thoughts were just thoughts. Princess Xing Yue gave him no response, but was cold.
He felt a little disappointed.
For the first time at the Ming mansion, seeing so many court officials, they didn't know how to behave. Fortunately, Princess Xing Yue was here. However, Princess Xing Yue spoke very little today, exuding an aura of being unapproachable. After the meal, she left with an excuse.
Meng Jiangming put down his chopsticks and was about to chase after Princess Xing Yue, but Duke Ning pressed him onto the chair. He looked at Duke Ning in confusion.
Duke Ning also saw his son's disappointment. Although he thought his son was not up to par, no matter what, he was still his son. So, he had to help him. He whispered, "I'll ask your mother tonight, and have her think of a solution."
Meng Jiangming nodded, "Father, you are right."
Mother had spent so much time with Princess Xing Yue, she must understand Princess Xing Yue very well.
"Duke Ning, 驸马, and Minister Ming, I am a bit tired, so I will go and rest," Ji Wuran also said and left.
Ji Wuran did not return to his room but found Princess Xing Yue in the garden of the Ming mansion.
The jade-colored dress surprisingly matched the surrounding chrysanthemums, but she was not the background; rather, the chrysanthemums were her background. She stood there, radiant.
Ji Wuran narrowed his eyes, walked forward, and bowed, saying, "Your Highness."
Xue Xing Yue said, "Does Young Master Ji have something to discuss?"
"This subject is ordered by the Emperor to escort the Princess back to the capital. The Emperor is very worried about the Princess," Ji Wuran said.
Xue Xing Yue would not doubt Ji Wuran's words. She figured that the news from here had reached the capital, and the most anxious person would be her imperial brother.
"Imperial Brother, is he well?" she asked.
Ji Wuran nodded, "It seems he is well for now, but I am afraid..."
Ji Wuran did not continue.
Xue Xing Yue heard this, glanced at Ji Wuran, her eyes cold, "Are you not afraid of being punished by this Princess for speaking of the Emperor like this?"
Ji Wuran said, "This subject is only speaking the truth. If this subject cannot speak the truth before Your Highness, then how Your Highness wishes to punish this subject, this subject will have no complaints."
Xue Xing Yue said faintly, "Retire!"
Ji Wuran did not leave.
Xue Xing Yue said coldly, "Why do you not retire?"
Ji Wuran looked at her, his eyes as brilliant as the Milky Way, "Your Highness, are you happy?"
Xue Xing Yue trembled all over, her eyes slightly cold, "Ji Wuran, you have overstepped your bounds."
Ji Wuran bowed and said, "It is this subject who has overstepped Your Highness. I beg Your Highness to punish me."
After a long while, Xue Xing Yue raised her hand, "Never mind, you may go."