Chapter 279: Chapter 279

Fate is indeed fascinating.

After much twisting and turning, she ended up reuniting with them, sitting across each other and talking. The long years of love and hatred seemed like they never happened.

Jiang Shaohua looked at the four lovely and vivid young faces before her, her emotions were complex and subtle, but she showed no sign of it.

"Sister Shao Hua," Princess Bao Hua spoke softly, "you have been staying in Nanyang County all these years. This is our first meeting."

Jiang Shaohua replied in equally soft tones, "I have always admired and respected Sister Bao Hua. Now that I see you today, you are more beautiful and gentle, and more approachable than I imagined."

Such pleasantries, coming from Jiang Shaohua, seemed exceptionally sincere.

Princess Bao Hua’s eyes flickered with a hint of a smile.

Jiang Wan Hua and Jiang Yuehua exchanged a glance, leisurely saying, "Sister Shao Hua has always been reluctant to enter the palace. Now that you’ve come, I suppose you won’t leave again. If you stay here in the palace, we can grow closer."

Jiang Yuehua continued, "Empress Dowager so loves you, you must honor Lady well in the future." Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝※𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖※𝕟𝕖𝕥

Their tandem was quite harmonious.

These two usually quarreled over everything, always competing for superiority. Today, with a common external enemy, they united quickly and stood together.

Jiang Shaohua responded calmly, "You both misunderstood. I came to the Capital City for mourning. Once the Emperor is buried and the new emperor ascends, I will return to Nanyang."

Jiang Wan Hua and Jiang Yuehua exchanged a quick look, visibly relaxing.

If Jiang Shaohua leaves soon, it would be good news for them.

The ever-silent Fan Jaining suddenly spoke, "Why does the Commandery Princess refuse to stay? Capital City is the most prosperous, wealthy, and wonderful place under the sky. Why must the Commandery Princess leave?"

Fan Jaining, two years older than Jiang Shaohua, would turn fifteen in two months, reaching adulthood. She was charmingly beautiful, with clear and serene black eyes like water. Like an adorable little deer, anyone would find her endearing.

In her past life, Fan Jaining had always adored Zheng Chen, making them love rivals. However, they never clashed openly.

After marrying Zheng Chen, Fan Jaining died in childbirth within two years, leaving behind only a daughter. Zheng Chen had many beauties around him but never remarried.

Everyone knew that the position of Zheng Chen’s wife was reserved for someone. Refusing to remarry, Zheng Chen did not take a new wife. Thus, the daughter left by Fan Jaining grew up receiving much love, and the Fan Family maintained close and good relations with the Zheng Family.

Old memories flashed quickly in Jiang Shaohua’s mind. She responded calmly, "Though Capital City is good, Nanyang is my home. Of course, I must return."

Jiang Wan Hua and Jiang Yuehua were pricked to the heart by these words and fell silent simultaneously.

Fan Jaining didn’t notice at all, immediately saying, "A girl must grow up and marry eventually. The future husband’s family is the real home. When you return to Nanyang, you’ll have to marry after a few years. You can’t stay in Nanyang County forever."

Jiang Wan Hua and Jiang Yuehua simultaneously looked up, eager to hear Jiang Shaohua’s response.

Jiang Shaohua remained as composed as ever, responding unhurriedly, "I don’t wish to marry. Even if I do in the future, I won’t leave; I’ll welcome a husband into my door."

Fan Jaining was a bit surprised and blurted out, "But which good young man would want to be a son-in-law?"

Realizing the mistake as soon as she spoke.

Jiang Shaohua’s father Lu Xuan was a son-in-law. Saying this meant disparaging Lu Junma too.

Princess Bao Hua quickly glanced at Fan Jaining and coughed lightly, signaling her to stop.

Fan Jaining apologized awkwardly, "I spoke without thinking, a slip of the tongue. Please don’t take offense, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, "Miss Fan’s words do have some truth. A good family’s son indeed doesn’t wish to be a son-in-law. However, I have vowed before my grandfather’s grave never to leave Nanyang County in this life. To pass on my grandfather’s legacy, I can only invite a son-in-law."

Therefore, none of you need to guard against me.

I, Jiang Shaohua, won’t become your rival nor take your loved ones.

The meaning was clear, whether Fan Jaining understood or not, all three of the Jiang-surnamed girls comprehended.

Jiang Wan Hua immediately spoke warmly, "Sister Shao Hua is young; marriage proposals and wedding plans are matters for a few years from now. Perhaps the thoughts may change during that time."

Having lived in the palace for several years and frequently meeting with several Crown Prince’s Companions, Jiang Wan Hua had already chosen her beloved.

"Even if truly inviting a son-in-law, Da Liang is vast enough to choose an agreeable one." Jiang Yuehua breathed a sigh of relief, being a year younger than Jiang Wan Hua, she would be last to discuss marriage.

Princess Bao Hua scolded them with a glance, "Sister Shao Hua is newly arrived, don’t always speak of such matters."

Not discussing these, they spoke briefly of the palace mourning.

Jesting is inappropriate during mourning. Princess Bao Hua, mourning her father, fell silently after a few idle words.

Knock, knock, knock, came the sound of knocking; a palace attendant entered to report, "Your Highness Princess, Prince Dongping and the Princely Heir came to mourn, they have already entered the palace."

Jiang Wan Hua’s eyes lit up, she stood quickly, her voice quivering with excitement, "Have my grandfather and father truly entered the palace?"

The attendant bowed, "Yes, Prince Dongping and the Princely Heir have already entered Zhaohai Palace."

Jiang Wan Hua was so excited she nearly cried.

At eleven, she was brought into the palace and had not seen her family for five years. After the Vassal King was sent to his territory, without a court decree, departure was restricted. After Emperor Taikang’s death, receiving the mourning message, the vassal kings would come to the Capital City to mourn.

Jiang Yuehua also became excited, eagerly asking, "Has my father entered the palace? How about my mother and three brothers, have they all arrived?"

The attendant respectfully replied, "County Princess, the reporting eunuch did not say."

Huaiyang County was far away, Prince Huaiyang and his wife and children were still on the road.

Jiang Yuehua felt deflated, responding listlessly.

Princess Bao Hua gently comforted, "Don’t be anxious, Sister Yue Hua. Within a few days, Uncle Huaiyang and the others will arrive."

Jiang Yuehua nodded, privately grumbling. Of course, you aren’t in a hurry; you live with your grandmother and brother every day. What do you know of our hardships away from family?

Jiang Wan Hua, unable to suppress herself, quietly said to Princess Bao Hua, "I want to send someone to Zhaohai Palace to give father and elder brother a message."

Princess Bao Hua, understanding, replied, "Don’t be too conspicuous, send someone quietly."

Jiang Wan Hua cheerfully agreed, immediately getting up and leaving.

Jiang Shaohua watched Jiang Wan Hua’s silhouette.

In a past life, Prince Dongping secretly conspired with Prince Gaoliang to assassinate the new emperor. After the new emperor’s death, both Prince Dongping Mansion and Gao Liang Prince Mansion were annihilated.

Poor Jiang Wan Hua, she didn’t even manage to marry her beloved before meeting a tragic fate.