Novel Bin Chapter 181 - 181: Request To Escort The Grain
After some thought, Jiang Peihuan whispered, “Xin Er, on behalf of the army’s soldiers, I thank you. Let me handle this matter.”
“Very well, Sister Jiang, we will await your update.”
“Understood.”
Once the Liu siblings were sent to Elegant Garden, Jiang Peihuan took Ye Xiao and departed.
“Ye Xiao, are you familiar with the location of the Prince An Mansion?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Take me to Prince An.”
“As you wish.”
Upon leaving the General’s Mansion, Jiang Peihuan, with Ye Xiao, headed straight to Prince An’s Mansion.
Xiao Junmo was coincidentally at home. Hearing that Miss Jiang, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, sought an audience, he promptly had her ushered in.
Xiao Junmo awaited in the main hall. As Jiang Peihuan entered, he swiftly approached. “Eldest Miss Jiang, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit to my mansion? Is there a matter at hand?”
Jiang Peihuan advanced, offering a formal bow, then murmured, “Your Highness, I am here today with an urgent request.”
“What is it? Tell me. As long as it’s within my power, you have my assistance.”
“I wish to meet with the Emperor. Can your highness escort me into the palace?”
“You seek an audience with Imperial Father? Eldest Miss Jiang, might 1 inquire the purpose of your visit?”
After briefly outlining the grain issue, Jiang Peihuan added, “I intend to supply the army directly with one hundred thousand ton of grain. However, the Emperor must be informed.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Junmo promptly concurred, “Eldest Miss Jiang, allow me to introduce you to the Emperor. Follow me.”
Being the youngest prince, Xiao Junmo was bestowed by Emperor Qi Ming with the unique privilege of unhindered access to the Imperial Palace.
Even accompanied by Jiang Peihuan, none dared to stop Xiao Junmo.
It wasn’t until they reached Chengqian Palace that Xiao Junmo turned to Jian Peihuan, gently instructing, “Eldest Miss Jiang, I shall speak with my Imperial Father first. Please wait here.”
“Yes.”
Upon Xiao J unMo’s departure, Jiang Peihuan spotted Xiao Junhao exiting with a radiant smile.
However, upon noticing Jiang Peihuan, Xiao Junhao’s mirth vanished. “Why are you here?”
“Greetings, Prince Qing.”
Rather than answering Xiao Junhao’s inquiry, Jiang Peihuan gracefully bowed. Despite her internal disdain for the man before her, she acknowledged the solemnity of the palace and accorded the necessary respect.
“Jiang Pehuan, 1 am asking you a question. Did you not hear?”
“Prince Qing, it was Prince An who invited me.”
A hint of scorn flashed across Xiao Junhao’s eyes, clearly skeptical of Jiang Peihuan’s claim.
Just as he was about to speak, Xiao Junmo walked over with a smile in his eyes. He waved at Jiang Peihuan and said excitedly, “Miss Jiang, come quickly. Imperial Father has agreed to see you.”
Without sparing Xiao Junhao another glance, Jiang Peihuan proceeded directly into Qianqing Hall.
“This humble servants pays her respects to Your Majesty.”
Walking to the table, Jiang Peihuan knelt down, offering a deep bow to Emperor Qi Ming.
Observing the person kneeling before him, Emperor Qi Ming remarked calmly, “Prince An has informed me that you bear important news. What is it?”
“Your Majesty, the Liu family wishes to present King Cheng with one hundred thousand ton of grain as a testament to their loyalty as imperial merchants. However, they are uncertain about delivering this grain to the military and thus approached me for assistance.”
“I too am uncertain about ensuring the safe delivery of this vast amount of grain to our troops, which is why 1 sought an audience with you.”
Jiang Peihuan’s voice notably emphasized her intent to deliver every grain without loss.
Hearing this, a wave of surprise flashed across Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes, swiftly followed by a glimmer of joy, which just as quickly vanished.
Directing his gaze at the still kneeling Jiang Peihuan, the Emperor inquired, “You’re here because you fear the court ministers will misappropriate the Liu family’s grain, correct?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.” Jiang Peihuan confirmed without hesitation.
Taken aback by her frankness, Emperor Qi Ming remarked coolly after a brief pause, “You seem bolder than your father.”
“This humble servant would not dare.”
“Enough of pretenses. 1 gather that you wish to send the grain directly to the army, avoiding any interference from the court. The question then remains, who will oversee this transport? Your father?”
“No, Your Majesty.” She shook her head, then raised it to meet the Emperor’s gaze, stating, “I volunteer to personally escort the military supplies.”
“You?” the Emperor echoed, clearly surprised.
“Yes,” she affirmed, her eyes unwavering.
Their gazes locked; hers full of determination, his laden with conflict. Trusting such a significant task to Jiang Peihuan wasn’t a decision made lightly. However, her intentions were clear: the grain was meant for Xiao Nanye and Jiang Changbai, and she wouldn’t allow anyone else to intervene.
“Jiang Peihuan, are you aware of the dire consequences if any mishap befalls the grain transport?”
“Should the grain face any misfortune under my watch, I am prepared to pay the ultimate price.”
“Very well, if you are bold enough to make such a pledge, then I shall entrust you with this task. The one hundred thousand ton of grain will be under your protection.”
“Your Majesty, I have one more request.”
“And what might that be?”
“Although I am but a woman, 1 have been trained in martial arts since childhood and have accompanied my father into battle. This time in Jiangzhou, I wish to join my brother on his campaign. Upon the army’s return, I shall head back to the capital.”
“I’ve heard you sustained injuries in a past battle, leaving lingering ailments.” Concern flickered in Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes.
She bowed her head in gratitude, responding, “Your concern warms my heart, Your Majesty. However, I assure you my health has since recovered.”
“Since you since, I shall grant your wish. 1 await your return alongside Xiao Nanye.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Mention of Xiao Nanye prompted Jiang Peihuan to offer a deep bow of respect.
Shortly after, she exited the palace.
Upon returning to the General’s Mansion, an imperial edict from Emperor Qi Ming awaited her. The decree conferred upon Jiang Peihuan the esteemed title of General, charging her with the safe escort of the grain and to accompany the departing troops.
Jiang Hong and Xue Yan were informed just as Jiang Peihuan finished her preparations. Beholding her in full military attire, their eyes mirrored a complicated emotions.
“Huan Er, are you certain?”
“Mother, worry not. I will return unscathed.” Jiang Peihuan reassured, noting the worry in Xue Yan’s eyes.
Xue Yan sighed, “It’s best if we handle the grain transport ourselves. Huan Er, for this campaign, I bequeath command of the Flying Feathers Army to you.” With those words, she handed a black command seal to Jiang Peihuan.
The rhythmic march of soldiers soon echoed, as a regiment arrayed themselves before her. Leading them were Lin Xiao and Wang Ying, both offering their salutes, “At your command, Miss Jiang..”