Chapter 52 A Seventeen-Year-Old’s Confession

Chapter 52: A Youth's Confession

"We merely *look* the same age," Jiang Shuning said calmly.

Housed within this sixteen-year-old girl's body was a soul from a past life, tempered by life's trials, twenty-nine years old.

In truth, she was much older than the Seventh Prince.

The Seventh Prince, however, mistakenly thought she was mocking his youthful inexperience, and his cheeks flushed bright red instantly.

This sister-in-law and her sharp tongue—she's something else!

He now strongly suspected that his fourth brother had gotten so angry at her he coughed up blood!

"If Your Highness has no other matters, this subject will take her leave," Jiang Shuning said with a slight curtsey, turning to leave.

"Hold on, sister-in-law!" the Seventh Prince quickly called out to stop her.

"What else does the Seventh Prince require?" Jiang Shuning stopped and looked back.

"Fourth Brother is currently weak. I was hoping you could stay and make him some nourishing soup to help him recover sooner." Jiang Shuning: "..."

He really was treating her like a cook!

The Seventh Prince saw the resistance in her eyes and deliberately said, "What's this? Is sister-in-law unwilling? It's so pitiful, Fourth Brother's devotion to you. Not only did he receive punishment for his actions this time, but he also angered the Emperor. And now, he can't even get a bowl of soup from you. How pitiful! Shall I go ask for an imperial decree to make you my fourth sister-in-law and be done with it?"

"Your Highness, you must mind your words!" Jiang Shuning's expression changed slightly. "Very well, I will go."

This Seventh Prince, though young, was deeply skilled in manipulating people's hearts. He must have picked it up from Xiao Lingchuan—corrupted by his influence!

Watching Jiang Shuning's back as she headed for the kitchen, the Seventh Prince smirked smugly.

Mocking him for being young? Now she knew the power of youth?

Stewing in her frustration, Jiang Shuning personally prepared a pot of meat soup to replenish qi and blood, only then managing to leave Jinghe Palace.

She had come to demand an explanation, but not only did she apply medicine for Xiao Lingchuan, she also made soup for him!

She sighed inwardly: What kind of mess was this!

Lost in thought, a familiar figure came toward her: "Miss Jiang!"

Jiang Shuning looked up to see Xiao Huaijin walking towards her in his moon-white brocade robe. His demeanor was as clear and bright as a breeze under the moon, as gentle and refined as ever.

"This subject pays her respects to the Fifth Prince," Jiang Shuning curtsied.

Xiao Huaijin's eyes and brows held a smile. "It really is you! It's been a long time. I trust you have been well, Miss Jiang?"

Well? How could she be well?

The adoption turmoil involving Jiang Tianci and his mysterious death—every single one had her running ragged.

Yet, facing Xiao Huaijin's concerned gaze, she could only offer a faint smile. "This subject is well, thank you for Your Highness's concern."

"Miss Jiang..." Xiao Huaijin took a step forward, his gaze intense. "It has been a long time since you entered the palace to teach Princess Ronghua archery. I wonder if you..."

"Your Highness!" Jiang Shuning interrupted him, apologetically explaining, "This subject has been extremely busy with matters at home recently, truly unable to spare the time. However, I have entrusted my friend Xia Yan to teach Princess Ronghua in my stead. She's a better archer than I am. Her Highness is sure to learn well."

Although Xiao Lingchuan's punishment was not publicly announced, it couldn't be hidden from Consort Rong.

Presumably, Consort Rong would not wish to see her, this "temptress" who schemed against her brother and bewitched a prince.

Hearing this, Xiao Huaijin's expression stiffened slightly, his eyes flashed with deep disappointment.

"Do you... dislike seeing me so much?" His voice was low, carrying a trace of barely perceptible bitterness.

Jiang Shuning was startled and quickly explained, "Your Highness misunderstands. This subject does not dislike..."

Before she could finish, she saw Xiao Huaijin's eyes slightly redden, as if he was trying hard to suppress some emotion.

"I heard about Fourth Brother's matter," he took a deep breath, lowered his gaze, his tone carrying a hint of self-mockery. "When Miss Jiang encountered such a predicament, you chose to seek Fourth Brother's help instead of mine. I should have understood then that in Miss Jiang's heart, I ultimately cannot compare to Fourth Brother. It was my overestimation, my foolish attempt to win Miss Jiang's favor..."

Upon hearing this, a storm raged in Jiang Shuning's heart.

What did Xiao Huaijin mean by these words? Could it be that he felt...

"...Miss Jiang, I respect your choice. I only have one request: could you please stop avoiding me like this?" Xiao Huaijin looked at her with ardent eyes, filled with cautious hope. "I don't mean anything else. I just want to be friends with you. I swear, I will never damage the relationship between you and Fourth Brother."

His tone was so sincere and earnest, making Jiang Shuning feel both moved and guilty.

This man before her, who should have been dazzling like a star, had become so cautious and careful in her presence, even carrying a hint of inferiority.

Xiao Huaijin was only seventeen, still a simple youth who didn't know how to conceal his heart.

Every word he spoke came from the depths of his heart, a genuine emotional outpouring.

Faced with such a sincere heart, how could she not be moved?

"Your Highness, the relationship between this subject and the Fourth Prince is not what you think. The matter is somewhat complicated. Please, Your Highness, do not belittle yourself." After a moment's hesitation, she finally mustered the courage to say, "Actually, the person this subject truly admires... is Your Highness!"

"Really?" Xiao Huaijin was both surprised and overjoyed upon hearing this. A faint blush colored his cheeks, and his eyes shone like stars. "Miss Jiang isn't just saying this to make me happy, is she?"

Of course not.

Having experienced a decade of cold, lonely marriage in her past life, Jiang Shuning yearned for deep affection, to be cherished and treated well.

And in this world, perhaps only a man as gentle and refined as Xiao Huaijin could give her such happiness.

"Absolutely true!" Jiang Shuning gave a bitter smile. "It's just that this subject is now notorious and likely unworthy of Your Highness. Your Highness should choose another suitable match and not waste any more time on me."

"No, I have discussed this with Mother Consort. She believes you must have been forced into a corner to resort to such a strategy." Xiao Huaijin's tone was firm. "Your elder brother passed away suddenly. As the eldest daughter in the family, you naturally wished to find a reliable heir for your parents. If your cousin hadn't been of poor character, you wouldn't have sought Fourth Brother's help."

"Fourth Brother also bears responsibility in this matter. He could have found fault with your cousin, but he shouldn't have used such framing tactics. Even if the reason was justified, the method was still too despicable. Ultimately, you were also implicated because of Fourth Brother."

His tone was sincere.

These words warmed Jiang Shuning's heart immensely.

Though Xiao Huaijin was young, he could view matters with such clarity and understanding, which was truly rare.

Actually, how could Xiao Lingchuan not know this approach was improper?

He deliberately used this method to let the other princes know of her discord with her cousin, so the matter would reach the Emperor's ears and result in punishment.

Such a lose-lose action—only Xiao Lingchuan would do it!

"Thank you for your trust, Your Highness. However, the matter has now become even more complicated." Jiang Shuning hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly. "My cousin was found dead in an alley today, killed by a single sword stroke to the throat. The case is still under investigation, but my second uncle and aunt insist that I hired an assassin to kill him."

"What? Dead?" Xiao Huaijin was greatly shocked. "Could it be Fourth Brother again?"

"I came to the palace specifically to ask him about this. He said it wasn't him."

Xiao Huaijin gazed at her intently. "Do you believe everything the Fourth Prince says?"

"It's not that I trust him completely, but he has no reason to lie to me," Jiang Shuning replied calmly.

Earlier, she had been too anxious. Now, thinking it over, Xiao Lingchuan had already achieved his goal; there was no need for him to go to the extra trouble of killing Jiang Tianci.

Moreover, the laws of Daye were strict—even the emperor is not above the law.

If the Dali Temple investigation proved he had hired an assassin to kill Jiang Tianci, the punishment would be far more severe than mere flogging.

With so much at stake, someone as cautious as Xiao Lingchuan probably wouldn't take that risk.

"Regarding your cousin Jiang Tianci's death, would you like my help in investigating?" Xiao Huaijin asked eagerly. "My maternal grandfather has been in business for many years and has extensive connections. Perhaps he could be of assistance."

"Thank you for your offer, Your Highness, but it's best to leave this matter to the Dali Temple."

Jiang Tianci's death was full of suspicious circumstances. If the imperial family became involved, she would truly have no way to clear her name.

Jiang Shuning's refusal brought a clear look of disappointment to Xiao Huaijin's face.

As expected, whenever she encountered trouble, she would only turn to the Fourth Prince for help.