The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 116 : The Concerns Held in Grand Tutor Liu's Heart

Translated by : Shl

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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Although the Crown Prince had been called 'the prince with no talent', he was not such a moron that he was unable to hear the meaning in Jiang Ruan's words. Frowning, he said, "What are you saying? How could there be any connection between Fourth Brother and Eighth Brother?"

Jiang Ruan swept an eye across their surroundings and said, "Your Highness, I am on my way to Bi Yun Pavilion to look for some books. If Your Highness is free, you and I can go together."

Bi Yun Pavilion was a repository for many different works. On ordinary days, Empress Dowager and the imperial concubines would send their maidservants there to look for books. The Crown Prince thought for a moment before saying, "All right. It just so happens that bengong is thinking of going there to look around."

The junior eunuch by the side of the Crown Prince was utterly astounded, as it was common knowledge that the Crown Prince hated reading. If the Crown Prince were to walk with Jiang Ruan to Bi Yun Pavilion today, then this would usher in a huge wave of gossip in the palace by the next day. However, the Crown Prince had always been someone who did as he pleased, and would not care one whit about such things. In addition, Jiang Ruan had the support of Empress Dowager Yi De, and thus had no qualms. And so, the two of them headed for Bi Yun Pavilion.

At this time of day, the place was deserted. As the Crown Prince kept Jiang Ruan company while she selected books from the shelves in the upper storey of the pavilion, he said, "What did you mean by what you said just now?"

Jiang Ruan continued perusing the shelves carefully as she said, "Is it possible that Your Highness does not understand?"

The Crown Prince did not say anything further. Even though Jiang Ruan still would not tell him, he had a discomforting feeling in his heart. Once the seeds of doubt are planted, they will germinate and grow uncontrollably. Xuan Lang wanted to win the trust of the Crown Prince as he had done in the past, but this was nigh impossible. If the Crown Prince wanted to investigate, it would not be difficult to find out the connection between Xuan Lang and Eighth Prince.

"Why do you hate Eighth Brother so much?" the Crown Prince asked. He truly did not understand why, as everyone in the palace loved Xuan Li. He treated people in a kindly manner and was multi-talented and virtuous. Yet, Jiang Ruan regarded him as if he were a venomous serpent or wild beast.

Jiang Ruan said, "Eighth Prince is excellent, but he has always made me feel that he is uncannily similar to my Second Sister, and I utterly detest people who are like her."

The Crown Prince looked at her, his interest piqued, and said, "What kind of person is your Second Sister?"

"She's vicious and merciless, with words of honey in her mouth, she'll thrust a sword into your belly. She thinks herself clever, but is no more than a stupid fool."

The Crown Prince could not help but be taken aback by this string of unrestrained criticism. He appraised Jiang Ruan carefully before shaking his head and saying, "I initially believed that Xiao Shao took a fancy to you because you are a natural beauty, but from what I've seen today, you've also got guts." He laughed mischievously as he said, "I must say that now I'm more than a little interested in making you my consort."

"If Crown Prince has this kind of ability, then I would naturally have no complaints." Jiang Ruan finished selecting the books she wanted and walked to the lower level. In the main hall was a big rosewood table, upon which were a writing brush, ink, an inkstone, and paper. Jiang Ruan walked over for a look, and when she found that the ink was top quality peach blossom ink, she could not help pausing.