Chapter 75 The Pastry Is Poisoned!

Chapter 75: The Pastries Are Poisoned!

The night was deep and still. Inside Jinghe Palace, Xiao Lingchuan sat opposite Ning Xiang.

"The task Your Highness entrusted, I have completed," Ning Xiang said respectfully, bowing her head. "I have relayed your words to the Third Prince. Upon learning that the 'Fragrance Pill' could cause infertility, he lowered his guard against me. He even asked me to speak well of him before His Majesty and whisper in his ear."

A faint, confident smile curled at the corner of Xiao Lingchuan's lips.

"Proceed as he suggested. Let my father the Emperor believe you are his person; it will only do you good, no harm. Rest assured, as long as you regularly take the antidote I provide, even daily consumption of the 'Fragrance Pill' will not affect your fertility. In the future," his gaze sharpened, a glint of malice flashing in his eyes, "even after His Majesty's passing, you can secure your place in the Daye palace with a prince you bear, and no one would dare to bully you."

"Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Your Highness!" Ning Xiang was overwhelmed with gratitude. She knelt on the floor, kowtowing repeatedly, her forehead thudding heavily against the ground.

"Enough," Xiao Lingchuan stopped her. "If you injure your forehead and the Emperor sees it, he may become suspicious. Ling Feng, escort Beauty Su back to Chuxiu Palace. Ensure no one sees you."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Ling Feng accepted the order and discreetly escorted Ning Xiang away from Jinghe Palace.

After Ning Xiang left, a cold, calculating smile appeared on Xiao Lingchuan's handsome face.

Now, he had already persuaded the Emperor to reclaim the military authority from Xiao Xiuzhan's maternal uncle. The next step was to chip away at the favor Consort Xi had enjoyed for many years.

He hoped Ning Xiang would not disappoint him.

—

"What? A betrothal?" Upon hearing this, Jiang Tianze's face was filled with shock and resistance. "Eldest Sister, I'm but fifteen. Isn't it too early to arrange a marriage now?"

"Fifteen is actually considered late for an engagement. It's not like you're getting married immediately, why are you so nervous?" Jiang Shuning chided gently, her tone soothing. "Father and Mother have already made arrangements. Just go meet Miss Zhang, treat it as making a new friend. There's no need to be formal."

Jiang Tianze glanced at her, a trace of barely perceptible bitterness hidden in his eyes. "Is Eldest Sister so eager for me to get engaged?"

"Men should marry when they come of age, women should be wed when they are ready. Now that you are the heir of the Chancellor's estate, I naturally pay extra attention to your marriage prospects," Jiang Shuning advised softly. "Moreover, Miss Zhang is virtuous, kind, and lovely. You are sure to like her."

"Does Eldest Sister only care about Tianze's status as the heir to the Chancellor's estate, and not care at all about Tianze's own feelings?" Jiang Tianze's tone was dejected, a flicker of loneliness passing through his eyes. "No matter how good this Miss Zhang from the Zhang family is, she was originally betrothed to our eldest brother, Tianen. She is not someone I chose for myself."

Seeing his resistance, Jiang Shuning softened her tone, coaxing gently, "Tianze, Eldest Sister naturally considers your preferences first. It's just a meeting. If you don't like her, we can look for another suitable match, alright?"

This marriage arrangement with the legitimate daughter of Minister Zhang was originally secured early by Chancellor Jiang and Madam Jiang for their eldest son, Jiang Tianen.

However, as Jiang Tianen repeatedly failed to pass the imperial examinations, Minister Zhang was quite dissatisfied, and the Zhang family had remained noncommittal about the engagement.

Now, hearing that Jiang Tianze had become the heir to the Chancellor's estate, Minister Zhang actually took the initiative to propose a meeting between his daughter and Tianze.

Such a favorable opportunity was naturally gladly accepted by Chancellor Jiang.

"Alright then, I'll listen to Eldest Sister and go meet this Miss Zhang," Jiang Tianze agreed obediently on the surface, but a trace of imperceptible gloom flashed in his eyes.

No woman could compare to his Eldest Sister.

He would never agree to this marriage.

Minister Zhang set the meeting location at a prestigious capital teahouse.

This teahouse was known for its tranquil, elegant atmosphere, fragrant tea, and the provision of many exquisite pastries, making it a famous spot for refined gatherings in the city.

To show the Chancellor's estate's regard for this marriage prospect, Chancellor Jiang brought his wife, Jiang Shuning, and Jiang Tianze to the meeting.

Minister Zhang came with his sixteen-year-old daughter, Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan was fresh-faced and pretty, her demeanor dignified and graceful. Every smile and gesture carried the elegant bearing of a Noble Maiden from a prestigious family.

Such a fine lady, if she could become the mistress of the Chancellor's estate, would surely be a virtuous and capable hostess.

Madam Jiang and Jiang Shuning exchanged glances, their eyes filled with unconcealed satisfaction.

Only Jiang Tianze showed no trace of joy on his handsome, refined face, remaining silent throughout.

When Minister Zhang asked questions, he merely offered a faint smile, letting Madam Jiang and Jiang Shuning answer on his behalf.

Beneath the obedient and compliant facade lay a rebellious heart.

Zhang Yan seemed quite satisfied with this handsome prospective match before her. She took the initiative to ask, "I wonder if Young Master Jiang has any particular favorite pastries? I know a bit about pastries. Next time, I could make some for you to taste."

Jiang Tianze responded with a gentle, warm smile but remained silent.

Jiang Shuning grew anxious watching from the side. If he continued not saying a word, Minister Zhang and Zhang Yan might think he was mute!

She secretly reached her hand under the table and pinched the back of Jiang Tianze's hand, urging him to respond quickly.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Tianze grasped her hand in return, looked up at her, and flashed an innocent, harmless smile.

Jiang Shuning was so irritated by his uncooperative act she could grind her teeth. If this continued, how could Zhang Yan possibly take a liking to him!

She quickly smiled and said to Zhang Yan, "My third brother has always loved pastries the most! He enjoys all kinds. If Miss Zhang personally makes pastries for him, he would surely be delighted."

"That's wonderful!" Zhang Yan didn't seem displeased by Jiang Tianze's silence; her attitude remained eager.

She picked up a pastry shaped like a peach and placed it in Jiang Tianze's bowl, saying softly, "This is the signature peach cake of this teahouse. It's delicately sweet and delicious, just like a fresh peach. Would Young Master Jiang care to try it?"

Perhaps because he was holding Jiang Shuning's hand, Jiang Tianze was in a surprisingly good mood and actually spoke for the first time. "Since this pastry resembles a peach and tastes like one, why not just eat a real peach? What's the point of making it into a pastry? Isn't that rather pointless?"

The smile on Zhang Yan's face froze instantly; she was momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

Seeing this, Jiang Shuning quickly adopted a stern elder sister's demeanor, shooting Jiang Tianze a reproachful glare. "You haven't even tasted the pastry yet, how do you know it's pointless? Try it quickly, don't disappoint Miss Zhang's kind gesture."

Only then did Jiang Tianze reluctantly pick up the pastry from his bowl and bring it to his lips.

Suddenly, a familiar, bitter scent wafted into his nostrils. His expression changed drastically.

He looked up abruptly just in time to see Chancellor Jiang pick up a piece of pastry, about to eat it with his tea. Jiang Tianze quickly reached out and pressed his hand down.

"Father, you mustn't eat this!" he said gravely. "This pastry is poisoned!"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present changed dramatically.