Chapter 358: Becoming the Crown Prince

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

When she opened her eyes, Jiang Peihuan felt a bit dazed.

For some reason, she instinctively touched her belly.

At that moment, a warmth seeped into Jiang Peihuan’s palm, and turning her head, she saw the face of Xiao Nanye.

The man sat by the bed, gently holding her hand. He whispered, “You don’t need to worry. The child in your womb is safe.”

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan sighed in relief.

The man grabbed a cup of water from the bedside. “You’ve slept for a long time, have some water.”

Had Xiao Nanye not mentioned it, she wouldn’t have noticed, but now, Jiang Peihuan felt incredibly thirsty.

Seeing him hand her the cup, she reached out to take it, but he moved it away, choosing instead to bring it to her lips himself.

With the aid of Xiao Nanye’s hands, Jiang Peihuan finished the water in the cup.

After drinking, she felt her throat much more comfortable.

“Would you like more?”

Xiao Nanye asked softly, looking at her.

Hearing his voice, Jiang Peihuan shook her head.

Then, she looked at him and asked, “Is everything settled?”

“Yes,” he nodded in response to Jiang Peihuan’s inquiry.

“Prince Rui has been presented to Imperial brother.”

“And Princess Consort Meng has been handed over to him for punishment.”

“Oh right, I’ve already asked Changbai elder brother to look for Grandmother and the others, so you don’t have to worry.”

“Greetings to the Great General and First Madam.”

At this moment, the voice of Ye Xiao came from outside the door. Shortly after, Jiang Peihuan saw Jiang Hong and Xue Yan enter.

“Father, mother?”

Seeing them, Jiang Peihuan attempted to sit up but was held back by Xue Yan. “Don’t move.”

Coming to the bedside, Xue Yan carefully looked at Jiang Peihuan and then lamented, “Being pregnant, you should have been resting well, but instead, you had to go through this.”

“Mother, don’t worry, I’m okay.”

“The child in my belly is also fine.”

“Father, is the situation in Qianqing Palace resolved?”

While Xue Yan and Jiang Peihuan talked, Xiao Nanye looked at Jiang Hong and spoke.

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan turned her gaze to Jiang Hong.

Meeting their eyes, Jiang Hong gave a complicated nod.

Seeing the look in Jiang Hong’s eyes, Jiang Peihuan couldn’t help but ask, “Father, did something happen in Qianqing Palace?”

“Just now, Prince Qing was appointed as the Crown Prince by the Emperor.” “What did you say?”

Hearing Jiang Hong’s words, Jiang Peihuan exclaimed.

Even in her previous life, Xiao Junhao had never been appointed as the Crown Prince; he only held significant power. How could he be named the Crown Prince in this life?

Surprise filled Jiang Peihuan’s eyes, but Xiao Nanye’s expression remained unfazed.

After Jiang Hong spoke, Xiao Nanye calmly said, “What exactly happened in Qianqing Palace?”

Hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Jiang Hong nodded.

He then whispered, “Prince Rui suddenly broke free from his restraints in Qianqing Palace. When he tried to assassinate the Emperor, Prince Qing shielded the Emperor with his body.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes were filled with mixed emotions.

However, Xue Yan changed the topic immediately.

Looking at Jiang Peihuan, who was lying in bed, she whispered, “This is the empress’s chamber. It’s not appropriate for you to recover here. It’s best if you leave the palace soon.”

“However, 1 heard that the General’s mansion was burned down. You should return to the Cheng mansion with him for the time being.”

“Mother, it will take some time to repair the General’s mansion. During this period, you, father, and grandmother can all stay at the Cheng’s mansion,” Jiang Peihuan suggested.

As soon as Xue Yan finished speaking, Xiao Nanye turned to address her.

However, upon hearing this, Xue Yan shook her head.

Seeing her mother’s reaction, Jiang Peihuan couldn’t help but say, “Mother, are you worried about being a burden? The Cheng Mansion is large, you…”

“It’s not because of that.”

Before Jiang Peihuan could finish, Xue Yan gently interrupted.

Facing Jiang Peihuan’s puzzled expression, Xue Yan continued, “Regardless, now that Prince Qing has been appointed crown prince, the situation in the court will change rapidly. If your father and I move to the Cheng’s mansion now, it might attract unnecessary gossip.”

Hearing this, Jiang Peihuan frowned but remained silent.

At this moment, Jiang Hong softly spoke, “Huan Er, don’t worry about us. Some time ago, your mother bought a house in the city. Although it’s small, it’s good enough for us to live in temporarily.”

“Greetings to the Empress.”

Suddenly, footsteps were heard from the entrance, and Jiang Peihuan saw the empress coming in, supported by a maidservant.

Upon seeing her, Jiang Hong and his wife quickly bowed. Jiang Peihuan also tried to rise in respect, but the empress stopped her, saying, “Huan Er, you’re not in good health, no need for formalities.”

Taking the empress’s advice, Jiang Peihuan didn’t insist.

However, after the empress sat down, Jiang Peihuan spoke up, “Your Royal Majesty, I plan to leave the palace soon.”

“Why so soon?”

“Recovering in your quarters isn’t proper. Your kindness and compassion are evident, but I cannot cause you trouble.”

“What trouble are you talking about? If it weren’t for you, the child in my womb might not have survived.”

“People say that after a great calamity, good fortune follows. After this ordeal, I believe there is good fortune ahead for Your Royal Majesty.”

“I hope what you say is true.”

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, the empress’s eyes were full of smiles.

But when she thought of the recent events in the Qianqing Palace, her smile quickly faded.

Addressing Jiang Peihuan, she whispered, “I assume you already know about the events in the Qianqing Palace?”

Jiang Peihuan didn’t respond verbally but simply nodded.

Seeing her nod, the empress’s eyes revealed a hint of bitterness, yet she didn’t say anything further.

An hour later, Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye left the palace together.

From the moment they left Kun Ning Palace, Xiao Nanye carried Jiang Peihuan all the way.

Even though she repeatedly told him she was fine, he insisted on carrying her, leaving her no choice but to acquiesce.

Xiao Nanye then helped Jiang Peihuan into the carriage.

The carriage then headed towards the Cheng’s mansion.

Though Jiang Peihuan and Xiao Nanye hadn’t lived there for a long time, the mansion was still well-maintained. Yue Er and Lu Er, their servants, had already arrived.

Once they were in the courtyard, Xiao Nanye carried Jiang Peihuan into their room.

Once she was laid on the bed, Jiang Peihuan looked at the man beside her and said, “Xiao Nanye, I’m really fine. You don’t have to be so careful.”

“Ye Xiao already told me. You’ve had two miscarriage scares, so you need to rest and recover.”

For the following days, Xiao Nanye stayed by Jiang Peihuan’s side, even foregoing his duties at court..