"What if I do take it seriously?"

During this time, she believed she had gained control over her emotions. But when she saw Xiao Junhao, she realized she had overestimated herself.

The deep-seated hatred for the extermination of her family weighed heavily on her mind. As she thought about the fate of the Jiang family in her past life, Jiang Peihuan's hand gripping the whip tightened until it nearly bled.

"I came specifically to see you today, but I didn't expect to receive such a welcome gift."

Xiao Junhao examined the wound on his arm, his eyes turned cold. When he looked at Jiang Peihuan, he saw her expression was equally cold, as though she was looking at a stranger.

Frowning, he approached her and whispered, "Please forgive me, King Qing. I thought there was a villain, so I attacked."

Forcing herself to suppress the hatred in her heart, Jiang Peihuan replied with a distant look in her eyes.

Though her words conveyed an apology, her eyes held no trace of remorse.

Her gaze even held a faint hint of mockery.

Though her whip was fast, Xiao Junhao could have dodged it. Yet, he maintained the appearance of having no martial arts skills.

However, Jiang Peihuan knew full well that the man before her was not weak.

"It's fine, I don't blame you."

"Huan Er, I came this time because I wanted to..."

"Your Highness, please address me as Miss Jiang."

Before the man could finish speaking, Jiang Peihuan interrupted him. Upon hearing her words, Xiao Junhao's eyes darkened. The warmth he once had vanished, replaced by a cold stare. "What do you mean by this?"

"Your Highness, the Qing King, I am a lady of the inner chamber. If you call me by my name so casually, I'm afraid it will tarnish my reputation."

"So, please have some self-respect, Your Highness!"

Jiang Peihuan's tone grew heavier with the last sentence.

Xiao Junhao was stunned upon hearing her words. He stared deeply at the woman before him, and if not for her familiar face, he would have doubted whether this Jiang Peihuan was an imposter.

Not long ago, she was brimming with love for him and was completely submissive.

Why did she suddenly become so cold?

What had happened between them?

"Huan... Miss Jiang, are you angry with me?"

Upon seeing her cold demeanor, Xiao Junhao couldn't help but change the way he addressed her, anger flickering in his eyes.

Jiang Peihuan seemed oblivious to his reaction. When she heard his words, she replied directly, "There is no conflict between you and me, so there is no reason for me to be angry."

"Then why have you suddenly become so distant with me? Could it be... you have truly fallen for someone else and developed feelings for King Cheng?"

As if struck by a thought, Xiao Junhao glared at Jiang Peihuan, his eyes filled with rage.

Hearing his words, Jiang Peihuan's eyes flashed with complexity.

In her past life, she had been completely devoted to Xiao Junhao at this point in time. In this life, she wished she could end him with a single stroke. How could she harbor any affection for him now?

"King Qing's guess is accurate. I indeed fell in love with King Cheng at first sight. So please, refrain from any actions that could lead to misunderstandings in the future."

"After all, if this matter reaches King Cheng's ears, it might alter his perception of me."

"You, you really like King Cheng?"

Although he had suspected as much, Xiao Junhao's eyes filled with confusion and a hint of inexplicable jealousy when he heard Jiang Peihuan confirm it.

Jiang Peihuan did not know Xiao Junhao's thoughts. After hearing his words, she nodded, "At this moment, my heart and eyes are filled with King Cheng. I don't wish to have any further entanglements with you, Your Highness, to avoid any misunderstandings."

"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

Fearing that she might lose control and harm the man before her if she continued, Jiang Peihuan turned and left without waiting for Xiao Junhao's response.

However, just as she rounded the corner, she saw Xiao Nanye and Han Feng standing beneath a plum blossom tree.

The master and servant looked at Jiang Peihuan with peculiar expressions.

In this plum grove, there was nothing to obstruct their view or conversation. He must have heard everything...

"Greetings to King Cheng."

Biting her lip, Jiang Peihuan slowly approached and bowed to Xiao Nanye.

Xiao Nanye did not look at Jiang Peihuan but instead turned to Han Feng.

Seeing his master's cold and warning expression, Han Feng quickly spoke, "The scenery of Lingyun Temple is quite beautiful. I'll go take a look."

With that, he hurriedly left, as if something were pursuing him.

After Han Feng departed, Xiao Nanye finally turned his gaze to Jiang Peihuan.

He remained silent, his eyes calmly studying her, but their depths burned with intensity. Jiang Peihuan found it difficult to meet his gaze.

After a moment of thought, she said, "Did Your Highness heard everything I said just now."

Xiao Nanye nodded in response to her statement.

Upon seeing his nod, a rare hint of embarrassment crossed Jiang Peihuan's eyes.

Jiang Peihuan bowed to Xiao Nanye and spoke softly, "King Cheng, I apologize for today's events. I used you as an excuse because I was left with no other choice."

"Your Highness, please consider my words today as a mere joke. Don't take them seriously. I…"

"What if I do take it seriously?"

"What did you say?"

Before Jiang Peihuan could finish speaking, Xiao Nanye gently interrupted her.

He stepped closer, his deep eyes gazing intently into hers.

As he spoke, his eyes were filled with earnestness. Seeing his expression, Jiang Peihuan was shocked.

Xiao Nanye had feelings for her?

How could that be possible? They had no connection in their past lives, and Xiao Nanye had passed away early.

Could her rebirth have altered the course of her previous life?

Regardless, she would not become entangled with the Xiao family again in this life.

Realizing this, Jiang Peihuan's expression quickly regained its usual coldness. "I'm not sure what you mean, Your Highness."

Seeing the change in her expression, a hint of a smile appeared in Xiao Nanye's eyes. "What if I said that my marriage proposal at the general's mansion was genuine?"

Upon hearing Xiao Nanye's words, Jiang Peihuan fell silent.

Who was King Cheng? The Emperor's own brother, an esteemed royal uncle who stood above countless others. She couldn't believe that she could genuinely captivate this man, making him fall in love at first sight.

As countless thoughts raced through her mind, Jiang Peihuan ultimately surmised that the man before her might also have designs on the military authority held by the General's Mansion.

"Your Highness, the gravest taboo today is for King to engage in secret dealings with ministers. If the Emperor learns that you covet my father's military power, I doubt it will benefit you in any way."

"Do you believe that I proposed to you because I desire the military power your father holds?"