The timeline paused for a moment.
"How about I take it back for you, sir? You're not in the capital right now."
Pei Xuan was somewhat surprised: "Where did she go?"
After speaking for a moment, he shook his head again, "Never mind, she forbids me from interfering in your affairs."
His thin lips parted slightly, and his dark eyes reflected a faint glimmer of light.
"It's alright, I can wait for her to come back."
Time sequence: "...Young master is very kind."
"You'll stay here for the next couple of days and rest well." Pei Xuan patted his shoulder. "Don't let any illness develop, or she'll blame me later."
It was a rare opportunity to meet Shi Xu, and Pei Xuan had many questions he wanted to ask.
"By the way, Qingwu never gets involved in court politics, so why is she taking on the Song family's military supplies...?"
"Your Highness."
Jiang Wan, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly looked up, interrupting their conversation.
"Shixu's injury has not healed and he needs rest."
"How about I keep you company and have a chat?"
"You?" Pei Xuan looked at her coldly: "What do I have to say to you?"
"You have kidnapped Princess Anyang and committed a grave offense. You shall await the Emperor's punishment."
"I have indeed caused trouble, and the Crown Prince is eyeing me covetously. He will surely add fuel to the fire before the Emperor and wish to sentence me to death."
Jiang Wan's eyes crinkled into a smile.
"So after returning to the capital, I can only rely on Your Highness."
Pei Xuan scoffed: "You expect me to plead for you?"
Stop dreaming.
Jiang Wan smiled and said calmly, "Does Your Highness still remember the man who had a secret rendezvous with Song Tingyue at the manor that night?"
"Your Highness is wise and naturally knows why the snakes have come tonight."
She lowered her voice.
"With such capable and extraordinary people by her side, is Song Tingyue's return to the capital this time truly only for visiting relatives and giving birth?"
Pei Xuan glanced sideways, his eyes turning cold.
"Your Highness, rest assured, I am not interested in why you are spying on Song Tingyue, nor do I want to know what royal secrets she may have."
Jiang Wan said softly.
"I only want to make a deal with you."
"I can lure that person out again. In return, Your Highness will guarantee my safety upon my return to the capital. What do you say?"
Pei Xuan's expression was unreadable.
After a moment, he nodded: "Okay."
He glanced at Jiang Wan, his dark eyes filled with coldness.
"But you'd better not try anything funny. In the capital, the people who die the most are the clever ones."
Jiang Wan smiled and said, "Deal."
The next day, the rain stopped and the sky cleared up.
Because many officials' families were injured on the trip, the group did not return immediately, but rested on the mountain for a while.
Jiang Wan was confined to her tent.
When the sun was high in the sky, the curtain was lifted a crack, and a figure slipped in from outside.
It was Pei Xi.
He changed into a bamboo-green robe with gold trim and brocade boots, regaining his noble prince appearance.
Only a stubble of burnt hair at her temple still bore the marks of yesterday's disheveled state.
He glanced at Jiang Wan, who was bound hand and foot, and looked down at her, saying, "Speak, what do you want with me, this prince?"
"Third Prince, wasn't that the figure that flashed past outside last night when the First Prince tried to shoot me?"
A smile appeared on Jiang Wan's lips.
"Are you planning to come and save me with that short bow in your hand?"
Pei Xi was somewhat embarrassed and angry when his secret was exposed.
"No need for your thanks! This prince has no intention of saving you! I... I just don't like owing favors!"
Although Jiang Wan was malicious and constantly opposed An Yang, he really disliked her.
But she did save his life when the snakes attacked last night.
He couldn't just stand by and watch Jiang Wan be killed by his elder brother.
Pei Xi's face turned bright red.
Last night, he impulsively wanted to save Jiang Wan, but then felt it would be a betrayal of Song Tingyue. He ran back to his tent and blamed himself all night.
But this morning, Pei Jin stammered and told him that Song Tingyue was not poisoned at all.
He felt guilty all night for nothing.
Pei Xi was filled with mixed feelings, his mind in turmoil.
“The Third Prince is loyal, righteous, and grateful. I admire him greatly.”
Jiang Wan said in a serious tone.
"But then again, you didn't come to my rescue last night, so this favor... can't be considered fully repaid, can it?"
Pei Xi looked wary: "What else do you want to do?"
Jiang Wan smiled nonchalantly: "I just need the Third Prince to do me a small favor."
After stepping out of the tent, Pei Xi looked conflicted.
He lingered in the camp for a long time before finally making up his mind and heading towards Song Tingyue's tent.
"The Third Prince?"
When Song Tingyue saw him enter, she personally went to greet him with a gentle smile on her face.
“I was really worried about you when the snakes attacked yesterday, but now that I see you are safe and sound, I can rest assured.”
If Pei Xi had heard these words in the past, he would have been moved.
But at that moment, a thought popped into his mind.
If he was really worried, why was there no movement from Song Tingyue's tent when those venomous snakes were surrounding him?
On the contrary, it was that wicked woman, Jiang Wan, who saved me…
Pei Xi sat at the table, poured himself a glass of cold tea, and gulped it down.
Damn it.
He must have been bewitched by Jiang Wan to doubt Sister Anyang.
Last night the situation was critical, what's wrong with her, a weak woman, choosing to protect herself!
From a young age, An Yang had always treated him with gentleness and care; she was the kindest woman in the world…
Seeing his unusual expression, Song Tingyue asked, "What's wrong with you?"
"It's nothing. I just passed by Jiang Wan's tent and she looked quite pitiful," Pei Xi blurted out in a moment of confusion.
Yes, that's right.
Song Tingyue smiled gently.
"Although she almost hurt me, she is still my sister-in-law. After we return to the capital, I will plead with His Majesty on her behalf."
"Really?" Pei Xi's heart skipped a beat.
But Jiang Wan's words lingered in his mind: "If you want to see Song Tingyue's true colors, do as I say."
As if possessed, he suddenly spoke up: "Sister Anyang, actually I... I overheard something outside the tent where Jiang Wan is being held."
Song Tingyue's teacup trembled, and she asked urgently, "What?"
Perhaps realizing she was being too hasty, she asked softly, "Third Prince, what did you hear? Tell me."
Pei Xi paused for a moment: "Someone went to meet with Jiang Wan. I overheard them discussing how to rescue Jiang Wan at midnight tonight and then escape through the mountain path in the western forest."
Song Tingyue looked surprised.
“Sister Anyang, since you don’t want her to die either, then let’s pretend we don’t know anything about this.”
Pei Xi whispered.
"Let's not tell anyone. Let her escape and fend for herself."
Song Tingyue glanced at him, her smile deep.
"Okay, I promise you, I'll pretend I don't know anything."
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