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.
From various signs, it was clear that the Wujin Token held great importance for Nanrui. Cen Taixiang’s proposal to hand it over for a trial, coupled with official support and Emperor Hong’s dilemma, felt like a trap ready for me to foolishly reveal its location. My mistrust towards Emperor Hong and Jiang Yunqiao lingered, particularly since Cen Taixiang was Jiang Yunqiao’s father-in-law—could his actions also be influenced by her?
The weight of suspicion and scheming was exhausting. The An family’s downfall seemed rooted not only in inherited poison but also in their endless plotting. More unbearable was the helplessness of not being able to trust even my own relatives.
I needed to go to Xiliang, not just to obtain the Wujin Token but also to seek An Jin. A perfect opportunity soon arose.
Chapter 58: A Little Sister’s Heart
The heir of Xiliang’s new emperor was born, prompting global celebrations. Emperor Hong planned to send an envoy to express goodwill, and I volunteered to go. He hesitated, mentioning fears of encountering the Crown Prince of Qi Kingdom, which could provoke painful memories or entangle me in their schemes again.
Emperor Hong was furious when he learned that the Qi Emperor and the Crown Prince had used my family as leverage to force my marriage to the Crown Prince. He vowed to make Qi Kingdom pay by raising import tariffs on Qi goods by thirty percent and restricting salt transportation from Nanrui. Because Nanrui produced the only salt, Qi Kingdom had to buy it at a high price from Xiliang, causing public discontent. My involvement had severely strained relations between Nanrui and Qi Kingdom, and if we encountered the Qi Crown Prince in Xiliang, it would be a confrontation between enemies.
However, my status was now established, and this trip to Xiliang represented all of Nanrui. Despite their hatred, they would not harm me at this time. I explained this to Emperor Hong, but he remained worried until Jiang Yunqiao spoke up for me, leading him to reluctantly agree while mumbling to be careful.
If he were not the emperor, he would seem like a loving elder. Despite my caution, I instinctively liked him, just as I did Jiang Yunqiao and her A’fu, which felt contradictory.
Although Emperor Hong agreed, he assigned a large group of palace experts to accompany us and ordered General Shen to ensure my safety.
It seemed that Emperor Hong was deliberately matchmaking me with General Shen. Before departure, he hinted that General Shen was unmarried, had excellent character and appearance, and would be an ideal companion for starting a family and traveling.
Was he trying to make up for An Jin’s absence? It was both amusing and frustrating. Jiang Yunqiao, noticing my helplessness, suggested I bring my little sister along.
After consideration, I realized there was some merit to it. Though my little sister and General Shen occasionally bickered, they had never fallen out and seemed to grow more familiar with each other. This could be the classic example of a love-hate relationship.
My little sister, lively and fond of traveling, was thrilled to go to Xiliang, and General Shen didn’t seem to object. Thus, the plan was set.
However, after just one day on the road, I regretted my decision. My little sister found reasons to argue with General Shen daily, insisting on exchanging sharp words, only stopping when he darkened and called her “unreasonable” before walking away.
This scenario became a daily occurrence, and I was growing visually fatigued.
I had a heart-to-heart talk with my little sister. When I asked if she had special feelings for General Shen, she reacted defensively, eyes wide.
“Me and him?! Big sister, you’re thinking too much! I clearly hate him, okay?”
I raised an eyebrow at her.
Feeling uncomfortable, she shrank her neck. “W-why are you looking at me like that…”
“Years ago, I also disliked my brother-in-law,” I recalled. “I bullied him, stealing his sugar cakes and toys.”
She shuddered, puffing out her cheeks. “That’s completely different.”
Ignoring her, I continued, “When you like someone, you fight for their attention. It might be naive, but isn’t it also sweet?”
She shouted, “Who said I like him?! Who would like a man who keeps turtles as pets?”
“Really don’t like him?”
“Of course not!” She was resolute. “He’s not even that good-looking, has no talent, and always makes cold remarks. What’s there to like?”
“So General Shen has many shortcomings?” I feigned realization. “So you have no interest in him?”
“Absolutely no interest!”
“She opened her eyes wide, trying to maintain eye contact to show she was speaking from the heart.
“That’s good,” I said.
“Huh?” Her almond-shaped eyes were filled with confusion.
“General Shen,” I pointed outside the door. “He just left. He must have heard everything you said. Since you have no interest in him, let him know clearly.”
Little Sister’s expression froze as she quickly turned her head to look. My attempt revealed her true feelings, and I secretly laughed.
“This is good,” I sighed. “You know your brother-in-law is now missing and can’t be found. His Majesty the Emperor wants to match me with General Shen. It’s not impossible…”
“Elder Sister!” She looked shocked. “How can you forget about your husband so quickly?”
“If I don’t forget, what else can I do?”
“—Then you don’t have to choose that general!” She became agitated. “He’s incomparable to my brother-in-law! Aren’t there any other choices?”
“I think he’s quite good! Although he doesn’t talk much, he’s reliable and knows martial arts. Better than those pretty boys.”
Her expression was conflicted. “In any case, he’s not good. I don’t want him as my brother-in-law!”
I sneered, “Then what do you want him to be?
“I—” She was speechless, then suddenly realized. “Elder Sister, are you scheming against me?”
I smiled noncommittally. She turned her head and sat down, gritting her teeth: “You’re playing favorites, bad elder sister.”
“Elder Sister is doing this for your own good,” I sighed. “A man like General Shen is worth entrusting your life to. If you don’t want him, someone else will snatch him up. If he’s taken away and you regret it, it’ll be too late.”
Little Sister fell silent, lost in thought.
