Chapter 54: Xiao Junhao’s White Moonlight
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
As he spoke, Xiao Nanye’s gaze swiftly scanned Jiang Peihuan. As their eyes locked, she noticed a passionate fire in his gaze, causing her to shy away, lowering her head.
Several people caught Xiao Nanye’s look.
Xiao Junhao’s eyes were laden with dark clouds, Xiao JunMo’s brimmed with sarcasm, while Jiang (Shanghai’s were full of rage.
The Eldest Princess smiled lightly, “We have many young ladies attending today. It’s natural you’d find some appealing.”
“Commence the banquet.”
“Yes.”
The nanny beside the Eldest Princess left, only to return moments later with palace servants bearing dishes and wine for the table.
Dancers clad in exquisite attire began to perform.
This was the usual course of such banquets. Jiang Peihuan was indifferent, but Jiang Sijin lit up at the sight of the music and dance. She would frequently tug on Jiang Peihuan, whispering, “Eldest sister, the performances at the princess’s mansion are truly stunning.”
Seeing the joy in her sister’s eyes, Jiang Peihuan found herself smiling. “If you enjoy it, take your time watching.”
“Imperial Aunt, on this day of your birthday banquet, I wish you peace and eternal youth.”
As the music and dance ceased, Xiao Junhao raised his wine glass, expressing his good wishes to the Eldest Princess.
Observing this, the other princes followed suit, raising their glasses. “I wish good health to my Imperial Aunt…”
“Very well, then. Let’s toast to your kind words.”
As the Eldest Princess lifted her glass, so did everyone else. Subconsciously, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes sought Xiao Nanye, only to find him eschewing his wine glass in favor of a teacup.
“Imperial Uncle, it’s Imperial Aunt’s birthday today. Isn’t it improper not to have a drink?”
Xiao Junhao, sitting beside Xiao Nanye, called him out on his choice.
At this moment, all eyes, including the Eldest Princess’s, turned to Xiao Nanye. His face remained impassive as he addressed the Eldest Princess, “Please forgive me, Imperial Sister, I’ve not been well of late. The royal physician has advised against alcohol.”
“If you’re not well, you should abstain from alcohol.”
“Thank you, Imperial sister. I shall make amends another day.”
“No worries. If Imperial uncle can’t drink, I, his nephew, will drink in his stead.”
As he spoke, Xiao JunMo reached for the wine glass on Xiao Nanye’s table. Xiao Nanye attempted to stop him, but Prince An had already downed the drink.
Seeing this scene, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes flashed.
Xiao Nanye took hold of Xiao JunMo’s hand. “Uncle, look how righteous I am, I…”
“Ah Mo?”
Before Prince An could complete his sentence, a torrent of blood erupted onto Xiao Nanye. This sight shocked the room.
The Eldest Princess’s expression changed dramatically. “What is happening?”
“Your Highness, it seems Prince An may have been poisoned.”
“Poisoned? How could he be poisoned out of nowhere?”
“Han Feng, fetch the royal physician at once.”
“Yes.”
Upon witnessing Prince An’s collapse, Han Feng made a hasty exit. Xiao Junhao watched this unfold, his eyes glinting with confusion, quickly followed by regret.
He thought, how wonderful it would’ve been if it were Xiao Nanye consuming the tainted wine instead.
At that moment, Xiao Nanye’s eyes mirrored a maelstrom of emotions. Instinctively, his gaze found Jiang Peihuan, who was also staring back at him.
Jiang Peihuan shifted her gaze, whispering a few words to Ye Xiao. Subsequently, Ye Xiao, as silent as a shadow, walked over to Xiao Nanye. He offered him a porcelain bottle, saying, “Master, Miss Jiang has requested you to administer this medicine to Prince An.”
“Alright, ensure she’s safe,” Xiao Nanye commanded, receiving the bottle from Ye Xiao before making his way towards Prince An.
“Imperial Sister, it appears we must conduct a thorough investigation into today’s events,” he advised.
“Indeed, scrutinize every detail. I’m curious to see who’s causing such mischief within my palace,” the Princess agreed, her tone laced with concern.
Today was her birthday feast. What was meant to be a joyous gathering had been disrupted, with the prince himself falling victim to poison. The entire ordeal was giving her a headache.
“Imperial Aunt,” Xiao Junhao interjected, his tone laced with insinuations, “it’s quite a fortunate coincidence that the Imperial Younger Brother happened to drink the Imperial Uncle’s wine. Otherwise, who knows when we would’ve discovered it was poisoned.”
His words, hinting at a darker implication, were met with the princess’s frosty retort, “Are you suggesting King Cheng is behind the poison?”
“Please, Imperial Aunt, you’ve misunderstood me. I’d never insinuate such a thing.”
“Then what are you trying to say?”
Caught off guard by her direct questioning, Xiao Junhao was at a loss for words. However, their tension was interrupted by a gentle voice, “Your Highness, I have some medical knowledge. Perhaps I could assist with Prince An?”
Upon hearing this voice, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes sparkled.
Lin Mengyao, Xiao Junhao’s pure admiration, had made her appearance.
“And who might you be?” the Princess asked, her gaze shifting to Lin Mengyao. The girl’s elegant white dress and distinguished demeanor prevented the princess from pressing further.
The nanny beside the Eldest Princess had already walked in front of the Eldest Princess and whispered a few words.
“You are Lin Ruhai’s daughter, correct?” the Princess confirmed after hearing the servant’s words.
“Yes, Lin Ruhai is indeed my father,” Lin Mengyao affirmed.
“If your medical skills are as you claim, then by all means, attend to Prince An.”
“Understood.”
With a graceful nod to the princess, Lin Mengyao headed straight towards the fallen prince. Passing by Xiao Junhao, she gifted him a tender look. Her intervention allowed the tension between the Princess and Xiao Junhao to dissipate.
With Lin Mengyao’s words, the Eldest Princess did not say anything more about Xiao Junhao.
After checking Prince An’s pulse and applying acupuncture to his heart meridian, Lin Mengyao managed to revive the unconscious prince. Prince An’s eyes fluttered open.
“Ah Mo, you’re awake?” Relief washed over Xiao Nanye at the sight of his nephew regaining consciousness.
“Imperial Uncle, what happened?” The newly awakened Prince An was visibly confused.
Xiao Nanye explained the situation briefly before comforting him, “Rest assured, you’re safe now. I will ensure the culprit behind this poisoning is brought to justice.”
“Eldest Princess, I’ve used acupuncture to detoxify prince An. However, his Highness will need to rest and recuperate for a while.”
“So, Prince An is out of danger now?”
“Yes.”
“Well done. You deserve a reward.”
Upon hearing that Prince An was safe, the princess couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. If something were to happen to Prince An while he was in her mansion, she didn’t know how she would explain it to the Emperor.
Looking at Lin Mengyao now, the Princess couldn’t help but feel satisfaction well up in her eyes.
But when Lin Mengyao heard the Princess’s praise, she responded modestly, “I only did what was necessary. I don’t feel I should accept any reward, Princess.���
The Princess found her humility appealing. The satisfaction in her eyes deepened. Helping Lin Mengyao to her feet, she said gently, “You saved Prince An. This is a great accomplishment. I want to reward you, and when the Emperor hears of this, he will want to reward you as well..”