Chapter 139: Avoidance

Chapter 139: Avoidance

Liangyi Hall.

The Emperor had finished the morning court and was dealing with state affairs in the main hall, while Jiang Hui was to meet with the Marquis of Ningyuan and his wife, Jiang Yun, in a side hall.

Even as close blood relatives, they had to complete the formalities of paying respects to Jiang Hui before engaging in conversation.

"Huayang, this is your maternal grandfather, this is your uncle, and this is your aunt."

It was Huayang's first time meeting her maternal grandfather, uncle, and aunt, and Jiang Hui guided her in recognizing each one.

"Maternal grandfather! Uncle! Aunt!"

Huayang was thrilled, especially as each greeting was rewarded with a carefully prepared gift, making her even more delighted. She eventually clung to her uncle, playing the game of being lifted high.

Nian'er, having met them before, did not need Jiang Hui's reminder and went forward to greet and pay respects on his own.

The Marquis of Ningyuan smiled and patted Nian'er's tender shoulders. His chin and lips now bore a long beard, groomed neatly for the palace visit to see his daughter.

However, Jiang Hui could clearly see his white hair at the temples, wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, and somewhat cloudy eyes.

He had aged.

Since he stepped down from the Northern Frontier and after the passing of Princess Chengping, he was no longer the iron-blooded general who had taken over his father and brothers' command and slain tens of thousands of enemies.

"Father…"

Jiang Hui concealed the tears in her eyes well, smiling as she approached him, "Father, I've sewn some knee pads recently, filled with goose down. You have many old wounds, and your body is not as strong as before. Wearing these will keep you warm. Didn’t the Imperial Physician say that your legs ache when it's cold and rainy?"

"Ah! My Hui'er can actually sew now!" The Marquis of Ningyuan, with a smile, took the knee pads Jiang Hui handed him, teasingly said, "It's already spring, and I’m still short a few robes. Can Hui'er tailor clothes too?"

Jiang Yun, holding Huayang in his arms, also chimed in, "Sister, I want one too!"

"Go on, you scamp! Why compete with your father? You have a wife! Ask her!" The Marquis of Ningyuan playfully spat at him and gently pushed him towards Lin Qingshu, who was fitting Nian'er for clothes.

Lin Qingshu promptly responded, "I'm busy making clothes for the eldest prince and Princess Huayang. My husband, please wait a bit longer."

She then held up a small garment, comparing it, and laughed, "I made some adjustments to the size based on my nephew's measurements from when he was little, and it fits perfectly!"

Without needing Jiang Hui’s reminder, Nian'er politely said, "Thank you, aunt."

Inheriting the good looks from both Xiao Sheng and Jiang Hui, Nian'er smiled at Lin Qingshu, making her eyes crinkle with joy.

Huayang, in Jiang Yun's arms, stretched out her hand and loudly said, "Aunt! Huayang wants one too!"

"Everyone will get one!" Lin Qingshu then brought out two dresses, one red and one light yellow, both bright and beautiful colors, perfect for Huayang.

While there was warmth and happiness there, Jiang Hui steadied herself and, after a moment's hesitation, finally asked, "Father, there's something that's been troubling me for a long time."

Her voice was low, but the Marquis of Ningyuan clearly heard it.

His smile slightly faded as he responded to Jiang Hui, "What is it?"

Jiang Hui met his gaze, then lowered her eyes, softly asking, "What really happened with mother’s illness?"

The Marquis of Ningyuan glanced towards Jiang Yun and Lin Qingshu, then suddenly said, "Hui'er, did you search your siblings for your mother’s belongings secretly because of this?"

"Yes. I just felt that mother’s illness… was too sudden."

Jiang Hui felt a sinking feeling, sensing something odd about the Marquis's demeanor.

"This matter…" The Marquis let out a soft sigh, his gaze lifting as if lost in memories, murmuring softly, "...was my fault."

"Father?"

Jiang Hui called out to him.

However, the Marquis refused to elaborate. Standing up from his chair, his face regained its smile, "The room feels stuffy with the charcoal fire. I will go out for a walk. Hui'er, you and your brother and sister should talk."

Without waiting for Jiang Hui's response, he left the side hall, clearly avoiding the topic.

"Sister."

Compared to his earlier playful demeanor, this statement was much more solemn. Jiang Hui turned and saw Jiang Yun holding Huayang, standing quietly behind her.

Being cautious of the attendants in Liangyi Hall, his voice was very low.

"I’ve returned to the Right Xiao Guard. If you have any urgent matter and can’t inform the family in time, send someone directly to Xuanwu Gate to find me."

The Left and Right Xiao Guards, when guarding the Imperial City, are stationed near Xuanwu Gate.

"Alright," Jiang Hui nodded slightly, then advised him, "Take good care of father."

"Sister," with his period of mourning at home, Jiang Yun's originally tanned skin had lightened. He smiled at his biological sister, "Don't worry. Even if I overlook something, Qingshu will remind me."

Lin Qingshu, leading Nian'er over, heard this and chimed in with a smile, "Yes, sister, rest assured."

"Alright."

Jiang Hui nodded, swallowing back the words she initially wanted to say. Since her father was avoiding the topic, and with Jiang Yun and Qingshu leaving, she likely wouldn't get any answers soon.

After a short farewell, the people from the Marquis of Ningyuan's residence were led out of the palace by the eunuchs. Jiang Hui asked the little eunuch waiting outside the side hall, "Is His Majesty still busy?"

"In response to the Empress's query," the little eunuch bowed respectfully and said, "His Majesty has just summoned several senior officials for a discussion."

Jiang Hui nodded, softly saying, "In that case, I shall return first. If His Majesty asks for me later, tell him I'm waiting for him in the Fengyi Palace."

"Yes, I understand," the little eunuch quickly replied.

Jiang Hui returned to Fengyi Palace with Nian'er and Huayang. Nian'er, sensing his mother had things to attend to, took his sister to play in the eastern annex.

Okra entered, speaking in a low voice, "My lady, while sorting the congratulatory gifts from various palaces with Hongying, we found this in the sachet sent by Consort Yi."

She handed Jiang Hui a rolled-up note and a half-open embroidered sachet.

"Consort Yi?"

Jiang Hui frowned slightly, unrolling the note to read the neatly written words: "Huaiqing, Noble Lady Sun, Your servant."

Jiang Hui re-rolled the note and handed it to Okra, instructing, "Burn this."

After a pause, she asked, "What was the name of the palace maid who previously sent a message about Princess Huaiqing wanting to take care of the Second Prince?"

Okra immediately replied, "Her name is Miaoyun."

Jiang Hui nodded, softly asking, "Has Miaoyun sent any messages?"

"Not for the time being," Okra shook her head.

After a moment of thought, Jiang Hui said indifferently, "Just keep an eye on Wangyou Palace for now. Consort Yi has been promoted for some time. Tomorrow, you should go to Jinlan Garden personally and ask Consort Yi to select a few people from the Internal Affairs Office to join her staff."