Chapter 58: Telling Father About Some Dreams

Chapter 58: Telling My Father About Some Dreams

After being abruptly awakened, it was difficult to fall back asleep immediately.

"Where are my parents?"

Hearing her mistress's question, Hong Zhu quickly responded.

"Father has fallen ill; I heard he caught a severe cold. The mistress sent word instructing that you, Second Sister, and Eldest Brother should not visit the main courtyard for the next few days to avoid catching the sickness. Earlier, Zi Yu mentioned that the mistress seems to have gone out."

Though young, this maid spoke clearly and concisely, articulating everything in an orderly manner.

Jiang Wan, recalling the plan her parents had discussed the previous night, simply waved Hong Zhu away.

"Close the door for me. I’ll rest a little longer."

"Yes, I’ll wait outside in the courtyard. Rest well, mistress."

Watching the maid tiptoe out and quietly shut the door, Jiang Wan closed her eyes and let her thoughts run wild.

Could it be that Li Yuanxiu died around this time? But then again, probably not—otherwise, how could he have become Crown Prince Yuande?

Therefore, her father’s feigned illness likely wouldn’t last long. The Li family would surely settle their internal conflicts soon, and her family just needed to remain low-key for now.

Yet one thing remained unclear: was Li Yanxiu involved in this matter? Otherwise, how could he retreat so smoothly and even deliberately pass information to her? What was he planning?

Ah, if only Li Laosan were as easy to handle as that fool Li Laosi, her family could avoid so much trouble. When she read the book, she remembered him as cunning and ruthless—though not outright vile or despicable in his actions.

Failing to seize the throne and dying doesn’t make someone a villain.

From her family’s current standpoint, the bastard who ultimately rose to power, as described in the book, should be considered the true villain!

Speaking of which, who exactly is Li Shenxiu? Why is there no such person in the Li family? Did I misremember?

Impossible!

I’m not delusional—why would I fabricate something like that?

The book clearly stated that Li Shenxiu was the sixth prince. So why has Li Sixth now turned into a girl? It’s maddening—I can’t even identify the enemy I need to eliminate early.

Back then, disbelieving, I personally observed for quite some time and confirmed that Li Li is indeed a delicate, tearful girl.

So what exactly is going on?

Where has that dog Li Shenxiu gone?

Countless thoughts swirled in her mind, making her head spin. She opened her eyes and stared at the plain canopy above the bed, sighing.

Recalling last night’s conversation with her father, she once again marveled at her father’s loyalty to his sworn brother. Still, the Prince of Huai truly deserved such devotion.

From now on, the Jiang family’s status would change dramatically—rising from obscurity to the highest ranks of nobility. Figuring out how to behave around the royal family was truly worrisome!

Especially with the ticking time bomb of the Second Daughter being the tragic heroine of a tragic novel. It would either explode or be exposed sooner or later; otherwise, constant anxiety would make sleep impossible.

Tossing and turning for a while, Jiang Wan finally got up, dressed, put on her shoes and socks, and pushed open the door.

"Eldest Daughter, why are you up already?"

Hong Zhu, who had been guarding the door while embroidering, quickly set down her work and hurried over.

"I can’t sleep during the day either. Bring me some water; I’ll freshen up first."

"Yes, right away."

After the mistress and maid washed up and quickly ate a few pastries, Jiang Wan left the courtyard.

"I’m going to check on my father first. Hong Zhu, stay here. If Second Daughter and Eldest Son return, tell them I said each must practice writing five large characters in the study. I’ll inspect later."

"Yes."

Hong Zhu was composed and never overstepped or contradicted her mistress—exactly what Jiang Wan valued most about her.

Walking briskly to Anran Ju, she entered and saw her father in the courtyard, loudly chopping with his large axe.

"Father, aren’t you sick?"

Jiang Huailiang awkwardly set down his weapon.

"Well, I was just stretching. Being cooped up indoors all morning was uncomfortable. Why are you here again?"

"I couldn’t sleep either, and I wanted to talk to you about something. Did Mother go to the Li family?"

"Yes, she got up early, packed, and rushed over. What did you want to say?"

"Let’s speak inside."

"Alright."

Father and daughter entered the main room one after the other. Jiang Wan imitated her father’s actions from the previous night, opening all doors and windows to ensure no one outside could eavesdrop.

"Why are you acting so secretive in your own home? Just say what you need to say!"

Jiang Huailiang didn’t believe his young daughter could have secrets serious enough to warrant such caution. But clearly, she thought otherwise. Jiang Wan retorted unhappily.

"How is this secrecy? This is called caution—I learned it from you!"

"Alright, it’s good for my Eldest Daughter to be cautious. Hehe, that’s excellent. This cleverness is just like your old man!"

Knowing his daughter was sensitive, Jiang Huailiang quickly said a few kind words to soothe her.

Jiang Wan walked over and sat in the chair beside her father.

"Don’t flatter me; I’m not like that fool Jiang Laosan. Father, I really have something important to tell you."

Seeing his eldest daughter frowning with a serious expression, Jiang Huailiang gradually dropped his casual, condescending tone.

"Speak. What is it?"

"Father."

Having hesitated for a long time in her own courtyard, Jiang Wan had finally resolved to warn her father. But when the moment came, she could still hear her voice trembling slightly.

"Whether you believe me or not, what I’m about to say are things I truly dreamed about some time ago. Please hear me out first!"

She quickly cut him off before he could speak, afraid that if she lost this surge of courage, she wouldn’t dare reveal things that should never be disclosed.

"I don’t know if Mother told you, but I fell into the ditch behind our old house and nearly drowned, and somehow it cleared my mind.

Actually, during that period when my thoughts were chaotic and gradually clearing, I seemed to have experienced many fragmented dreams.

I didn’t pay much attention to them before, but after you came back from the dead and brought us to Maocheng, I suddenly encountered people from my dreams at the Li family’s school!"

"What do you mean?"

Jiang Huailiang, who had been gentle and affectionate moments before, suddenly changed. A fierce, blood-chilling aura radiated from him, striking Jiang Wan full force.