“What are you talking about?” Jiang Yun Qiao waved her hand. “We’re family. Your matters are my matters.” She then whispered, “Fortunately, we found you and fulfilled Father Emperor’s wish, so I can enjoy time with my darlings. You know I prefer dealing with these birds and beasts rather than court affairs.” She winked at me. “It’ll be tough for you from now on.”
Was she indicating she had no intention of competing for the throne? Did I show my wariness so obviously?
I smiled awkwardly, “Actually, I don’t want to—”
She became serious. “This isn’t about what you want. These things were always meant to be yours. Father Emperor has decided, and you cannot refuse.”
I was stunned, but she suddenly laughed. “This is a predetermined path. Don’t try to escape responsibility and leave the burden to me.”
I chuckled and changed the subject. “You really know how to enjoy life, with a good husband, lovely child, and plenty of leisure time.”
“You’ve claimed all the good things in life.”
Jiang Yun Qiao smiled, a hint of melancholy on her face. “Although that’s true, but—”
I raised an eyebrow. “What? You’re still not satisfied?”
She paused, shaking her head. “As you said, I have everything I should have. If there’s anything I want, it would be something beautiful but untouchable, like a mirage.”
The more I interacted with Jiang Yun Qiao, the more I felt she was indifferent to power. Her heart did harbor a desire, but it wasn’t for the imperial throne. As long as she meant me no harm, it was fine.
However, the Wujin Token was no longer with me, and I couldn’t hand it over. Emperor Hong only consoled me, saying he had sent people to search, but I knew the token had fallen into the hands of the Third Prince Xia Zhichun, who was now missing.
Since Xia Zhichun was collaborating with Yan Huo, even if he hadn’t handed the Wujin Token to Yan Huo, Yan Huo must know his whereabouts. Perhaps starting with Yan Huo, I could locate the token. If I could go to Xiliang and retrieve it, I could silence Cen Taixiang and convince all the officials.
I kept this idea to myself.
