Chapter 127 - Jiang Ying Yue (23)

Jiang Ying Yue fully cooperated when he asked her how she ended up framed. She actually had a guess in mind who the culprit was. As expected. The villainess was naive, but not stupid. In reality, that term should have nothing to do with somebody with a sound brain and a photographic memory.

Since she never felt like she belonged in that household ever since her mother's death, it was easy for her to judge everyone who used to be around her without being biased. She only faltered a bit when her father was mentioned. But it didn't take her much time to recover. How long had she been living in the Jiang estate? How many times had she tasted bitterness and heartache from the Marshal's cold treatment?

Jiang Li's lips got drawn into thin lines when she shared that everyone, even the servants, was against her. 

Perhaps only Jin Yahui and his son were the exceptions since when compared to the other concubines and their children, those two were from a rather humble background. It could also be because Jin Yahui was only thinking of defending her son and herself. No matter the reason, the woman should be glad. In the future, because she came out clean from Jiang Li's investigation, she and her son would be spared from the disaster that would come to the Jiangs.

Jiang Ying Yue, this time, had chosen to release every pent up feelings and frustration she had in her heart and mind. Because of this, the atmosphere in the dining hall turned a bit strange. There was a girl crying and pouring her heart out in front of a man who was only watching and listening. The awkward man even folded his arm.

The servants outside were barely keeping themselves from checking on the two of them. Why was the young miss crying? Was it from being too moved by His Highness' actions these days? Not a few were finding the situation strange.

When silence took over and the mood between them turned so low, Jiang Li left his seat and went to her side. All he did was pat her. And this time, she didn't stop him since she was too engrossed with crying.

"Do you hate me for introducing you to that witch?" Out of a sudden, he asked, to divert her attention. 

Still crying, she shook her head and replied with a cracking voice, "This one has no right to hate nor dislike the one who saved me. All I have in my heart right now for Your Highness is boundless gratitude. If not for your kindness, I would have long died, or started living a life worse than death."

He jokingly laughed. "Repay me then, by being a lot stronger than that witch, the Jiang Family, and even the Imperial Family."

How could a mere seventeen-year-old girl accomplish all of that? Hence, when she nodded, it was without thinking about his words much. A minute later, she raised her head and stared into the man's eyes. She hurriedly wiped away the tears in her eyes and then stood up. Her two hands tightly grabbed on her long complicatedly layered skirt.

Bowing deeply to him, she said, "I am very thankful for everything Your Highness has done for me. For this reason, I will do as Your Highness said. But if it is alright, will you please hear out a request of mine?"

"Pray tell."

"Your Highness, I would like to make up for causing you countless troubles these past few days."

"Oh?" He was anticipating what she would say next.

Jiang Ying Yue squeezed the fabric she was grabbing. After she took a deep breath, she spoke up again. "I beg Your Highness to allow me to go to that place with you and be your attendant. I would like to go with Your Highness to the border!" 

The voice that escaped from her throat was not shaking. She willed her voice not to crack, to convey her sincerity and determination. 

The man looked at her for some time, then haphazardly replied, "Okay."

His answer seemingly did not reach her ears since she continued endorsing herself, "Your Highness, don't worry. I know how to do household chores and how to read. I could be both your maid and assistant. I will be useful to you and will make sure not to be a nuisance."

"Okay."

"I, I can also do hard labor."

"Ah, sure?"

"So, please bring –" The girl finally stopped and realized the man had actually said okay to her twice. She raised her head, allowing him to see her batting her thick eyelashes numerous times. "You'll bring me?"

"Yeah." He nodded. Jiang Li didn't need to think about it actually. If that was what she wants, why not? Anyway, she really supposed to be out of the city for a year, being an experimental subject of an old hag. And speaking of that person... The man thought for a moment then added, "But let me warn you, since you're coming, I'll also have to drag that witch with me."

"I'm not bothered that she will accompany me. But Your Highness, do you really agree? You won't question me why I want to come with you?" 

He laughed then answered, "Yes, and no." 

Concerned on what was going through his mind, she clarified, "I'm not escaping from the bad rumors and hearsays about me. I, I want to..." Jiang Ying Yue paused, realizing she was not ready yet to trust anybody her plans, not even the person before her. She ended up closing her mouth and looking away.

Jiang Li did not pry. If the girl wanted to say something to him, he would listen. Likewise, if she doesn't want to share anything, he wouldn't force her to talk. She was lucky, feigning ignorance and lack of interest was one of his specialties.

After talking about their arrangements for the Southern border with her, he left the residence. When he got back home, he pieced out all the information he gathered from Jiang Ying Yue and the spies, and then threw a few instructions to his two most trusted subordinates.