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

Chapter 144 : Xuan Lang's Probing

Translated by : Moondancer

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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The night passed but nothing happened. Taking into account Xiao Shao's personality, he wouldn't do anything to overstep the bounds of what was proper, but their relationship should still be considered a bit closer. Unexpectedly, when the servants opened the door early the next morning, the two people's expressions were both indifferent with none of the expected bashfulness .

Everyone knew that they had made a mistake, so the servants obediently went to receive punishment.

After Xiao Shao left, Jiang Ruan dismissed everyone then sat down with a stack of books in the study. Within one of them was a map of the area between the southern border and Tian Jin kingdom. At Great Jin's southern border was a river, beyond which was Tian Jin. Last night, Xiao Shao had returned from outside the capital with severe injuries. Although he didn't say anything, Jiang Ruan felt it had to be related to Tian Jin in the south, and on thinking deeper, it was plausible that something must have gone wrong on the battlefield.

However, she had no way of going to the battlefield herself to check. And ever since news spread of Tian Jin's successful counterattack, Jiang Xin Zhi hadn't sent any letters back home. Furthermore, with Jiang Xin Zhi's temperament, he would definitely hide it from her to keep her from worrying, but if he hadn't even sent letters to the main house, the state of affairs must be very worrisome.

Jiang Ruan faintly frowned. If Tian Jin was trying to make trouble, the imperial court could easily solve the urgent need by sending reinforcements.

However, the Zhao family could only raise 200,000 soldiers. Moreover, some people had to remain behind to guard the capital. The remaining warriors were either privately employed by the Eighth Prince or from the Fifth Prince, Xuan Hua's faction. Thus, how could Xuan Li obediently send them as reinforcements? Even if the Emperor issued an imperial decree, it was inevitable that he'd try to manipulate the situation in his favour. Jiang Xin Zhi was now in high demand – with Xuan Li's character, he'd definitely kill him if he couldn't use him.

If Jiang Xin Zhi really landed in prison, it wouldn't be a surprise if Xuan Li kicked him while he was down.

Jiang Ruan got up, thought for a moment, then said, "I'll make a trip to the palace."

* * *

In the imperial study, the Emperor put down the letter he held and knocked on his desk. Only after a long time did he raise his head to look at the young man in front of him. "Ah Shao, you want to lead troops?"

Xiao Shao was silent.

"Imperial Mother (Empress Dowager) won't agree," the Emperor commented. "Back then..."

"I have already forgotten it," Xiao Shao interrupted. "Your Majesty needn't mention it again."

"That's good." The Emperor continued, "Let's not speak of this for the time being. Zhen heard that you and Hong'an Junzhu are very close, and you even rested in her courtyard when you were injured last night?"

"Since Your Majesty knows everything, there is no need to ask this subject."

The Emperor's tone became stern. "She is from the Jiang family!"

"So what?"

"Could it be that you truly like her?" The Emperor became agitated, causing Eunuch Li, who was standing next to him, to come forward and pat his back to calm him down. The Emperor waved him away. "Zhen knows you have your own ideas, but it can't be Jiang Ruan."