Chapter 109: Xiao Jian’s Answer

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Wang Weiwei watched Xiao Jian’s eager expression as he looked at the woman inside the cabin. She clenched her fists beneath her sleeves but said nothing, following him inside.

In the elegant room of the ship’s cabin, a young girl lay with her eyes closed, resting on a couch.

She wore a long blouse in a soft pink hue, draped with an off-white shawl over her shoulders. The clear, vibrant colors only served to brighten her complexion, which was as serene as autumn moonlight or spring water—a picture of tranquility.

Wang Weiwei and Feng Ling narrowed their eyes slightly.

A smile involuntarily tugged at the corner of Xiao Jian’s lips. This was Xue Qiniang, a woman he had met at the Xie family banquet. Regardless of her background, she was undeniably beautiful. Moreover, she was the niece of the venerable General Xue. Since the general had no wife or children, all his efforts ultimately benefited the main Xue family branch. Xue Qiniang happened to be a favored daughter within that main house. Befriending her would be tantamount to gaining the general’s support.

Of course, although General Xue had many military achievements, he could not compare to great families like Wang or Xie. It would be inappropriate for Xue Qiniang to become his official consort, and he feared she would refuse the position of secondary consort. Therefore, this matter required careful consideration and could not be rushed.

With these thoughts, Xiao Jian approached the couch and smiled gently. “Qiniang, are you feeling better?”

The girl on the couch was none other than Xue Jiaoyue. Since Xue Fanzhi had gone out without a carriage, it was she and Madam He who used it first. Xue Jiaoyue herself had gone out to meet Xiao Jian.

Now, having heard the movement, she opened her eyes and, seeing Xiao Jian, prepared to rise and bow.

Xiao Jian quickly said, “Don’t bother if you’re seasick and uncomfortable!”

In truth, it wasn’t that serious—she could still have risen if she wished. She was merely feeling slightly ill, but she was playing it up to earn special attention from Xiao Jian. It seemed her gamble was paying off.

Because it was indeed paying off, Xue Jiaoyue cast a provocative glance at the two other women who had entered. These women were all known to have ambiguous relations with the Eighth Prince and clearly were no good. Being so beautiful herself, and favored by the prince, she naturally wanted to overshadow them.

Wang Weiwei and Feng Ling caught the meaning and simultaneously narrowed their eyes in irritation.

Xiao Jian had other matters on his mind and, since Xue Jiaoyue was avoiding him, he hadn’t noticed the tension among the three women.

He continued to look at Xue Jiaoyue with concern.

Xue Jiaoyue smiled softly and weakly said, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I had hoped to enjoy this trip with you, but instead I have become a burden. I am truly ashamed.”

Xiao Jian replied, “It’s no trouble. I have many companions on this journey. You only need to take care of yourself.”

Many companions? So she wasn’t that important after all? A pang tightened in Xue Jiaoyue’s heart. She wasn’t sure if that was what he meant.

Yet the prince’s tone afterward was full of playful concern, urging her to take care, so it probably wasn’t meant that way. It was just a comforting gesture to help her recover.

Grateful, Xue Jiaoyue said, “Your Highness is truly understanding.”

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Pah, as if the prince had done something to her.

Wang Weiwei and Feng Ling exchanged looks of disdain toward Xue Jiaoyue—what an aristocratic daughter she claimed to be, but clearly she was a sly vixen.

Xiao Jian, however, appreciated Xue Jiaoyue’s gentleness and smiled. “Actually, I am not really so considerate of you. The real reason I came is to ask you, Eighth Lady, a question!”

Xue Jiaoyue’s heart tightened in nervousness. What question could it be? Surely it wasn’t about that gang led by Zhang San and the others? That was Xue Fanzhi’s affair, not hers, and any scandal should be attributed to Xue Fanzhi.

Sensing her anxiety, Xiao Jian soothed her. “No need to be nervous. It’s not a particularly difficult question, just a tricky one. You are clever and quick-witted, perhaps you can answer it!”

So if she couldn’t answer, it meant she wasn’t clever or quick-witted.

Xue Jiaoyue became even more anxious. “What question is it?”

“On the ninth day of the second month in the Wuyin year…”

“That’s my birthday!” Xue Jiaoyue interrupted eagerly, then blushed. “What does Your Highness want to know? Is it about how I plan to celebrate my birthday?”

How else could she celebrate? Since it was her coming-of-age ceremony, she would have to stay home. She had not yet invited the prince, but now his question implied he might attend.

Xiao Jian and the others who had entered were all taken aback. They had never expected that day to be this young lady’s birthday. Surely the answer couldn’t be “Xue Qiniang’s birthday”—that would be absurd. What kind of important day was that?

Xiao Jian felt disappointed and slowly straightened his posture.

Noticing the change in atmosphere, Xue Jiaoyue hurried to ask, “What’s wrong? Your Highness, you haven’t told me the question yet!”

Was that really important?

Xiao Jian shook his head slightly. “The question passed down from the largest pleasure boat is: what significant event occurred on the ninth day of the second month in the Wuyin year? It can’t be just that you were born that day.”

Xue Jiaoyue frowned in confusion. “What kind of question is that? Have you guessed, Your Highness?”

Xiao Jian regretted coming to ask her. If he had already guessed, why would he need to? Outside, some had said Xue Qiniang had a poor reputation, but he had investigated and learned it was due to conflicts with her sisters—a matter not to be taken seriously. What surprised him was how clueless Xue Jiaoyue was—could she not even think of an answer?

His interest in Xue Jiaoyue diminished, and he smiled perfunctorily. “I haven’t guessed.”

Xue Jiaoyue knew her question was pointless.

Blushing, she said, “Then Your Highness might as well write that day is Qiniang’s birthday. If the Eighth Prince can give that answer, it will show he cares for me.”

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Everyone: “...”

Xiao Jian smiled instead and asked, “Qiniang, do you know who the patron is?”

Though seasick and not having heard the question clearly, Xue Jiaoyue had been briefed on the situation before boarding.

She shook her head shyly. “I don’t know!” If she did, she could help the prince answer. That would make all the difference.

But really, writing her birthday as the answer was reasonable—it was indeed the day she was born. If she married the Eighth Prince, wouldn’t that be a momentous occasion?

“Very well, let’s do that!” Xiao Jian said with a smile.

What was very well about it?

Xue Jiaoyue realized the prince had agreed to her request—to write her birthday as the answer.

It seemed the prince truly liked her very much.

Feeling proud and sweet, she no longer cared about Wang Weiwei and Feng Ling and coquettishly thanked Xiao Jian.

Xiao Jian smiled and said, “You should rest now. I will go deliver the answer.”

Xue Jiaoyue responded with a faint “Hm,” then lay back on the couch.

When Xiao Jian and the others stepped outside, Feng Ling’s tone was tinged with jealousy and discontent. “Your Highness, are you really going to write her birthday? What kind of important day is that?”

Xiao Jian sneered inwardly. Was he crazy to write a little girl’s birthday as the answer? It was only to temporarily soothe Xue Jiaoyue.

Although she was a bit foolish, she could be useful. At present, he lacked military contacts of higher rank than Xue Qiu. He had to make use of this advantage.

He shook his head. “Better not to answer than to be ridiculed.”

Wang Weiwei and Feng Ling both smiled.