"Isn't that so?"
Of course not.
Xiao Nanye instinctively wanted to deny it, but upon seeing Jiang Peihuan's guarded and cold gaze, he nodded instead.
"That's correct. I do wish to establish closer ties with General Jiang."
Upon seeing Xiao Nanye nod, Jiang Peihuan breathed a sigh of relief.
She wasn't afraid of others scheming against her, but rather not knowing their plans.
"Your Highness, forgive my candor, but I fear your plan may fail."
As Xiao Nanye remained silent, Jiang Peihuan continued, "Although my father holds military power, he is still a subject. He follows His Majesty's orders in all matters."
"Furthermore, I will also persuade my father to surrender the commander's seal. If Your Highness has any designs on my father's military power, I'm afraid it will be a futile effort."
"You intend to persuade General Jiang to relinquish his military power?"
Hearing this, Xiao Nanye's eyes widened with surprise. Others might not know the Emperor's thoughts, but he was well aware.
On the surface, the Emperor held Jiang Hong in high regard. In reality, however, the Emperor had long harbored suspicions, unbeknownst to the Jiang family.
Now, hearing Jiang Peihuan's words, Xiao Nanye realized he had underestimated the Jiang family.
"Indeed, as long as my father surrenders his military power, the Jiang family will be no more than ordinary officials. We'll hold no value to the princes, nor to Your Highness."
"Miss Jiang, I fear you may be oversimplifying matters."
Xiao Nanye looked at Jiang Peihuan approvingly before speaking in a light tone. Upon hearing his words, Jiang Peihuan's eyes revealed a hint of confusion.
Seeing the look in her eyes, Xiao Nanye continued, "Don't you know how highly respected your father is in the army? Even if he relinquishes his military authority, it won't affect his ability to deploy troops. Soldiers in the army only recognize Jiang Hong and not the commander's seal."
"In that case, do you think His Majesty's will feel at ease if your father hands over his military power? Can your Jiang family still be safe?"
In her previous life, Jiang Peihuan was unaware of these matters. However, after being reborn, she clearly understood that Xiao Nanye's words were true.
As she remained silent, Xiao Nanye suddenly smiled. "Miss Jiang, I have a solution to ensure the safety of the Jiang family."
"What solution?"
Hearing Xiao Nanye's words, Jiang Peihuan subconsciously asked.
However, the smile in the man's eyes grew deeper. "Marry me."
If it weren't for the earnest look in his eyes, Jiang Peihuan would have thought that Xiao Nanye was deliberately teasing her. Even so, there was a hint of anger in her eyes. "Your Highness, that is not funny."
"I am not joking."
"I am the Imperial Uncle and the Emperor's only brother. If you marry me, the Jiang family's military power will fall into the hands of the royal family. When this prestige is held by the Emperor himself, he will naturally not doubt your father."
"Miss Jiang, my suggestion is indeed a good strategy. You should consider it."
Xiao Nanye spoke softly as he heard footsteps approaching.
"Elder sister…"
Just as Jiang Peihuan was about to speak, she heard the voices of Jiang Sijin and Jiang Songbo. They ran towards her but stopped when they saw Xiao Nanye.
"Your Highness, why are you here? Did you come specifically to see my elder sister?"
Jiang Sijin saw Xiao Nanye standing beside Jiang Peihuan, looking surprised. Jiang Songbai also revealed a shocked expression upon hearing King Cheng's name.
He couldn't help but glance at Xiao Nanye.
He had naturally heard of King Cheng's reputation but had never met him.
Now that he saw him, Jiang Songbai finally understood why King Cheng was so renowned. The man before him was truly exceptional.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Jiang Sijin and Jiang Songbai bowed to Xiao Nanye. He smiled gently, "Third Young Master and Fourth Miss, please rise."
"Elder sister, it's time to offer incense. Grandmother and Third Aunt are waiting for us."
"Let's go then."
After saying that, Jiang Peihuan bowed to Xiao Nanye, "Excuse me, I will take my leave."
"Miss Jiang, you may consider what I have said. If you have any thoughts, you can…"
"Thank you for your kind intentions, Your Highness. I currently have no other thoughts."
Before Xiao Nanye could finish speaking, Jiang Peihuan interrupted and turned to leave.
After bowing to Xiao Nanye, Jiang Sijin and Jiang Songbai quickly followed Jiang Peihuan.
"Elder Sister, what's wrong?"
Jiang Sijin noticed that her sister was walking much faster than usual and couldn't help but hold her hand.
Jiang Peihuan's expression returned to normal once the gaze behind her disappeared. Hearing Jiang Sijin's words, she shook her head, "I'm fine."
"Elder Sister, did King Cheng bully you?"
Jiang Songbai suddenly spoke, his eyes revealing a hint of anger. Hearing his words, Jiang Peihuan quickly replied, "Don't talk nonsense. King Cheng is the Imperial Uncle, how could he bully me for no reason?"
"Let's go in. We shouldn't make Grandmother wait anxiously."
Seeing that Jiang Peihuan didn't want to discuss it further, Jiang Sijin and Jiang Songbo followed her into the temple without further comment.
Meanwhile, at Merlin's side.
Han Feng was standing guard not far away. After seeing Jiang Peihuan leave, he immediately appeared in front of his master. "Master, why do I feel that Miss Jiang looked unhappy when she left?"
"Did you say something you shouldn't have?"
"Do you think I'm you? Someone who don't even know how to speak."
Han Feng was speechless.
He shouldn't have said that.
"Master, Prince Qing is here."
Xiao Junhao originally intended to catch up with Jiang Peihuan, but the plum forest was deceptively large. One wrong turn could lead in the opposite direction.
He didn't find Jiang Peihuan but unexpectedly encountered King Cheng and his servant.
Xiao Nanye, the emperor's uncle, held a position above all princes due to the emperor's favor.
Thinking of this, Xiao Junhao's eyes darkened. However, when he approached Xiao Nanye, he still smiled and bowed. "Uncle, what brings you here?"
"And why are you here?"
Xiao Nanye countered with his own question, clearly unhappy with Xiao Junhao since learning of his intentions toward Jiang Peihuan.
"I heard that the scenery at Lingyun Temple is lovely, so I came to take a look."
"Are you truly here to admire the scenery?"
Upon hearing Xiao Junhao's words, Xiao Nanye spoke with a deeper meaning, his eyes revealing undisguised mockery.
Xiao Junhao frowned, puzzled by the animosity. He had no known grievances with Xiao Nanye, so why did he feel targeted?
"May I ask why you said that, Imperial Uncle?"
"Xiao Junhao, some people are beyond your wildest dreams."
Xiao Nanye glanced at Xiao Junhao and spoke with a fierce look in his eyes. Xiao Junhao was stunned by his words. After a few seconds, he asked with a hint of defiance, "Is the person you're talking about... Miss Jiang?"