Chapter 2168: Come with Me to the Marquis's Residence (Patreon)

Chapter 2168: Come with Me to the Marquis's Residence

"I wouldn't say I know her well, but County Princess Jiahui is the daughter of the Grand Princess Consort. The Grand Princess Consort used to be inconspicuous and had no presence at court. She couldn't even converse with the late emperor. However, two years ago, during the chaos in the capital city, the County Princess Jiahui happened to be delivering something to the empress and blocked an assassin's attack on her. This caught the emperor's attention, and he later conferred the title of County Princess Jiahui upon her."

Previously, despite her status as a princess, she wasn't highly regarded and lacked influence. However, now that she had risen in favor, she seemed somewhat arrogant.

But attempting to harm someone's wife to replace her was going too far.

Shu Yu found it strange and asked, "How is she so sure that if something happened to Sister Xiao, she would become Madam Xiang?"

"Because of the sword incident. The empress has developed a close relationship with the Grand Princess Consort due to that incident. Perhaps County Princess Jiahui believes that with their current relationship, obtaining an imperial decree won't be difficult."

While speaking, Xiang Weinan couldn't help but glance at Xiao Shi.

At first, she didn't understand, but in the next moment, she realized. This County Princess Jiahui was trying to emulate her methods. Earlier, her marriage to Xiang Weinan had been requested by the former Empress Dowager, and now, she sought...

Shu Yu strangely felt a bit sympathetic for Xiang Weinan. Why were all these people trying to marry him without following the proper procedures?

Feeling guilty, Xiao Shi said, "I'm sorry."

Xiang Weinan replied, "It's in the past. You are my wife now, so there's no need to dwell on it. What matters now is the situation with County Princess Jiahui. It's different from before. Even if she goes to the empress to request it, the emperor's side will surely intervene."

Previously, the late emperor didn't favor the Xiang family, so when the former Empress Dowager made the request, the late emperor, not bothering to consult Xiang Weinan or his parents, had directly agreed.

At that time, Xiang Weinan didn't have the power to oppose the imperial decree, and he didn't want to expose his secret alliance with the Fifth Prince. Thus, the marriage had proceeded.

Now it was different. His relationship with the current emperor was different. The emperor was also aware of Xiang Weinan's aversion to the marriage decree. As a close minister to the emperor, he wouldn't issue a decree without asking questions.

So Xiang Weinan wasn't worried. What concerned him was...

"Although the emperor won't grant the marriage, that's a matter for later. Our immediate concern is whether County Princess Jiahui truly intends to harm Xiao Shi. If that's the case, we can't let it go. After I return to the marquis's residence, I'll investigate this matter thoroughly. But for now, Xiao Ruojun, you must come with me to the marquis's residence."

Xiang Weinan turned to look at Xiao Shi with a serious expression.

Xiao Shi hesitated and said, "But..."

"Your estate is quite far from the city, and if something were to happen, it might be difficult for us to intervene."

Shu Yu agreed, "The estate has few staff members, and people come and go easily. It would be too easy for someone to tamper with things there. Once you're back at the marquis's residence, even if County Princess Jiahui truly intends to harm you, it won't be that simple."

She believed that with Xiang Weinan's capabilities, he could fortify the marquis's residence to the point where nobody could easily gain access. At least, it wouldn't be as easy as it might be in the remote estate.

After hesitating for a while, Xiao Shi finally nodded, though she still seemed reluctant. "What about my parents?"

"I'll assign people to keep an eye on your parents. Their target is you, and once you return to the Capital City, they won't harm your parents," Xiang Weinan assured her.