Chapter 176 - 176: Jiang Peihuan Gift A Jade Pendant

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Fifty thousand taels? Are you trying to rob me?”

Before Jiang Peihuan could even respond to the store manager’s quote, Jiang Si]in, with fiery eyes, glared at him in indignation.

“Third Miss, you might not be aware, but this jade is genuinely rare.”

“Just wrap it up for me.11

Although the jade’s price of 50,000 taels was not cheap, Jiang Peihuan felt that the quoted price wasn’t too outrageous. She directly addressed the store manager.

Seeing Jiang Peihuan1 s prompt decision, the manager’s eyes brimmed with smiles, “Wait a moment, young lady. I’ll have someone pack it for you.” “Elder sister, you’re spending 50,000 taels for this piece of rock? It’s not even wearable. Why are you buying it?”

“I have my reasons.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Sijin refrained from saying anything more.

After another round of shopping, they returned to the general’s mansion.

After returning to the plum garden, Jian Peihuan looked at Yue Er and said,” Help me find a set of carving tools.”

“Eldest miss, do you plan to carve the jade?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll get them right away.”

Yue Er returned shortly after with a set of tools. The jade was about a finger’s length. Jiang Peihuan started carving, and by the time she had outlined the pendant, half of the jade had already been wasted.

Examining her handiwork, Jiang Peihuan recalled the pendant Xiao Nanye typically wore and decided to engrave a bamboo pattern onto it.

However, what she imagined and what she produced were quite different.

Six hours later, she stared at the not-so-perfect bamboo carving on the jade, a wave of frustration washing over her. While skilled in drawing, she realized that carving was an entirely different skill set.

Staring at the the arguably “ugly” jade pendant, Jiang Peihuan felt a bit helpless.

“Eldest Miss, perhaps you should take a break. You’ve been working on this for quite some time,” Yue Er gently suggested.

Upon hearing Yue Er’s words, Jiang Peihuan set down her tools, held up the jade pendant, and asked her, “Tell me honestly, is this pendant urgly?”

Yue Er, gazing at the pendant in Jiang Peihuan’s hand, let out a soft chuckle. “Eldest Miss, is this intended for King Cheng?”

“Yes,” Jiang Peihuan confirmed, giving a simple nod.

Seeing her affirmation, Yue Er’s smile grew more pronounced. “As long as it’s a creation of the Eldest Miss, 1 believe His Highness will cherish it.”

For two full days, Jiang Peihuan dedicated herself to refining the jade pendant. With each passing hour, her craftsmanship improved, enhancing the pendant’s aesthetics.

After a final assessment, she felt a measure of satisfaction. The pendant looked significantly better than its initial iteration. After much perseverance, the jade pendant was finally polished to a smooth finish.

Lifting her head, Jiang Peihuan realized that it had grown dark outside.

A feeling of unease settled in Jiang Peihuan’s heart. Lately, Xiao Nanye had made it a routine to visit her every evening. Yet, including today, three days had gone by since their last meeting.

Lost in her thoughts, she was jolted back to reality by Yue Er’s respectful greeting, “Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Where’s Huan Er?” Xiao Nanye asked, his tone even, as he observed the bowing Yue Er.

Yue Er took a step back, replying in a soft voice, “Eldest Miss is in her room.”

Acknowledging with a nod, Xiao Nanye proceeded to push open the door.

The sudden sound made Jiang Peihuan turn instinctively.

“Why are you here?” she blurted out upon seeing Xiao Nanye.

He offered a faint smile and replied, “’Did you miss me over the past two days?”

Jiang Peihuan’s face remained impassive, but Xiao Nanye could sense the faint warmth in her voice. However, she responded with a slight glare.

Nevertheless, she poured him a cup of tea, placing it before him, and gently inquired, “Has there been any decision in rhe court?”

Taking a sip, Xiao Nanye answered, “Huan Er, I’ll be leading the troops into battle tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

Jiang Peihuan wasn’t surprised about Xiao Nanye’s military role, but she hadn’t expected it to be so soon.

He nodded and continued, “King Chujiang has rebelled. If we wait too long, neighboring vassals might get restless. We need to resolve this quickly.” “Huan Er, I came tonight for two reasons,” he continued, “Firstly, to bid you farewell, and secondly, to inform you that if this campaign extends beyond two months, our wedding might be delayed.”

T understand,” Jiang Peihuan responded with a nod.

Seeing no trace of resentment in her gaze, Xiao Nanye looked somewhat contrite. “If I can’t make it back in time, I’ll personally apologize to your parents.”

“There’s no need for apologies. It’s not your fault.”

Looking into his eyes, Jiang Peihuan showed a soft smile, “Xiao Nanye, haven’t you forgotten? Both my parents are from the military. They understand you better than anyone.”

His expression lightened with a smile, but it soon faded as he gravely added, “Be wary of Xiao Junhao after 1 leave.”

“A few days ago, he was ambiguous about Chujiang King’s rebellion. But today, he’s strongly advocating for war. I suspect he has ulterior motives.”

Hearing this, a thoughtful look crossed Jiang Peihuan’s face. Seeing Xiao Nanye’s concern, she reassured him, “Don’t worry, I’ll be cautious.”

“While I’m in the general’s mansion, he can’t really harm me. After all, the people in the mansion are no pushovers.”

Interrupting the somber mood, she announced, “i have a gift for you.”

At the mention of a gift, Xiao Nanye’s curiosity was instantly kindled.

Jiang Peihuan then presented the jade pendant she had carved. She initially planned to give it to him at a later time, but since he’s departing tomorrow, she decided to give it now.

Receiving the jade pendant, Xiao Nanye’s eyes lit up with surprise, “Is this for me?”

Jiang Peihuan was initially worried since Xiao Nanye typically used nothing but the best. However, seeing his delighted reaction, she felt relieved.

But as she looked at Xiao Nanye, she softly said, “My carving skills aren’t that good, so…”

“Did you carve this yourself?”

Before Jiang Peihuan could finish, Xiao Nanye interrupted her with a gentle question. Seeing her nod, the smile in his eyes deepened even more..