The Double-Chapter 356 - 126: Relieving the Siege_4

Jiang Li also bowed in salutation.

Zhou Dezhao’s words had now become a self-fulfilling prophecy, coming true so quickly. Jiang Li had not wished to encounter Prince Cheng here, yet unexpectedly, before even entering the Golden Throne Hall, they had already met on this narrow path.

Prince Cheng said, "So this is Miss Jiang the Second." He smiled faintly, "I saw Miss Jiang the Second’s grace at the Inspection Field some days ago, quite captivating. Who could have thought, after several days’ absence, Miss Jiang the Second’s talents have grown even more impressive, truly surprising His Highness day by day."

His words carried a hint of frivolity. Ye Mingyu’s eyes flashed with discontent, and Jiang Li, fearing he might create trouble here, said to Zhou Dezhao, "Lord Zhou, please go ahead and enter the hall with my uncle. I have a few words to say to His Highness Prince Cheng, and will be there shortly."

"How can that be acceptable?" Before Zhou Dezhao could speak, Ye Mingyu objected, "If we go, we go together." At first glance, Prince Cheng did not seem like a good person, and Ye Mingyu had heard that this time, it was Princess Yongning who was targeted. Prince Cheng was Yongning’s brother; he would undoubtedly stand up for her. Moreover, Prince Cheng’s words just now had been utterly arrogant. He really did not feel at ease leaving Jiang Li alone with Prince Cheng.

Zhou Dezhao also felt surprised. At this time, instead of hurriedly finding a way to avoid Prince Cheng, Jiang Li was actually taking the initiative to approach him. Was she not afraid of Prince Cheng? ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

Indeed, Jiang Li was not afraid. She explained to Ye Mingyu with a calm and composed expression, "It’s nothing serious, Uncle. His Highness Prince Cheng and I are just a few steps away from the Golden Throne Hall. People are constantly coming and going here, so we will not be in any danger. It’s just that I have some words to say, and I will come in shortly. If you stay here, Uncle, you might delay Lord Zhou’s business, wouldn’t you?"

Ye Mingyu still wanted to say something, but Zhou Dezhao had already made a bowing gesture, "If that is the case, then I shall take my leave first." He motioned to Ye Mingyu, and after hesitating and seeing Jiang Li giving him a look, he reluctantly followed Zhou Dezhao into the hall.

Jiang Li always had her own ideas about what to do, and Ye Mingyu was also afraid that acting rashly might disrupt her plans.

After Ye Mingyu and the others had left, Prince Cheng narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Jiang Li with a meaningful gaze.

The words Jiang Li said to reassure Ye Mingyu were actually meant for him as well. They were just a few steps away from the Golden Throne Hall, with people coming and going, so it was impossible for him to harm Jiang Li. She had calculated this point precisely, which was why she had the courage to speak to him alone here.

"Miss Jiang the Second has quite the courage," said Prince Cheng. "Prime Minister Jiang has always been steady, yet I did not expect his daughter to possess such a brave spirit. His Highness admires you."

Jiang Li smiled lightly, "Your Highness flatters me."

She accepted the compliment with grace and poise.

Prince Cheng was taken aback, then suddenly burst into hearty laughter, saying, "Miss Jiang the Second always surprises people. Why do you always seem so confident? Are you truly convinced today’s matter will inevitably involve Yongning and therefore so fearless?"

Jiang Li abruptly looked up, fixing her gaze on Prince Cheng, her heart sinking slightly.

She had long known about Prince Cheng’s influence within the palace. After all, anyone with ambitions for that position would not fail to place their pieces everywhere. But the memorandum she had written was supposed to be very secretive. Now that Prince Cheng was aware of it, this meant that there were eyes for Prince Cheng close to Emperor Hongxiao. Furthermore, to have access to such confidential matters, this spy must be someone close to Emperor Hongxiao.

"What is Miss Jiang the Second thinking? Wondering how His Highness came to know?" Prince Cheng pressed further, suddenly lowering his voice, speaking fiercely, "In this world, there is nothing His Highness does not know. Miss Jiang the Second, trying to deceive under His Highness’s watch and use tricks, is far too naive. Even your father does not dare to do so; you, a mere young girl, are quite bold."

When he was not smiling, the gloom on his face was not feigned, and it was genuinely frightening. If the real Miss Jiang the Second or any other young lady were here, they might indeed have been terrified by Prince Cheng. But it was Jiang Li, who even contemplated in her mind that despite Prince Cheng’s considerable power, he seemed much like his mother, Empress Dowager Liu, truly unable to restrain himself, too arrogant, and over-proud. Such a disposition ensured that he would eventually suffer. In terms of strategy and deliberation, he was not as skilled as the less powerful Emperor Hongxiao.

Seeing that Jiang Li did not display the apprehensive expression Prince Cheng had anticipated, he felt even more displeased. He said, "Miss Jiang the Second has quite the nerve, but I wonder how long can you maintain it? Do you know that offending His Highness means not even your father can protect you!"