Chapter 20: Making a Fake

Pei Ji didn’t say anything but waited for Mo Ying’s response.

“Fuyao said the prince copied the pattern of the military token on paper, then put it back and left.”

“What do you think Yunhe Gongzi is thinking? Such a good opportunity, yet he didn’t take it.” He Lan leaned against the doorframe, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his eyes.

Pei Ji watched the person who had already left the study. His dark pupils grew even deeper: “Have Fuyao keep watching.”

“Yes.”

After leaving the study, Jiang Huaiyue held the pattern in her arms, planning to make a fake military token.

Just as Wanwan had said, now she had to deceive both sides. There was only one military token, and if she took it, Pei Ji would surely find out and she wouldn’t survive.

Besides, everything had gone too smoothly. Who knew if this was part of Pei Ji’s rotten conscience’s long-planned scheme?

She went to the street and found a shop specializing in making swords, knives, and daggers, then showed the pattern to the owner.

“Boss, can you make this?”

The owner wiped the sweat from his forehead and casually glanced at it: “Can do.”

“How much?”

“Ten taels of silver.”

Without saying more, Jiang Huaiyue took out the money from her pouch and put it down. “How long will it take?”

“Three days.” The owner took the money and the pattern.

“Good. I’ll send someone to pick it up in three days.” Jiang Huaiyue nodded. After making the arrangements, she left the shop.

Walking through the busy marketplace, Jiang Huaiyue spent some silver on snacks before heading back to the mansion.

No sooner had she returned than Pei Ji already knew what she was up to.

He Lan laughed heartily after hearing the whole story: “No way, does Yunhe Gongzi really think Jiang Jingchen has never seen a military token? She can’t fool him with some random fake.”

Mo Ying fully understood why He Shizi laughed so joyfully, because he had thought the same when he first heard it.

The military token was specially made by the best blacksmiths the royal family hired, with unique engravings. How could an ordinary smith make a convincing fake?

Pei Ji suddenly spoke: “Switch the one in the study with the fake.”

Since she was going to use a fake to fool Jiang Jingchen, he might as well help her.

“Yes.” Mo Ying took the order, turned, and left.

He Lan gave him a suspicious look: “You’re helping her?”

Wasn’t it said that whether she lived or died was none of their concern? Why bother switching the military token? Although it was a fake, at least it could pass for the real thing.

“Sit back and watch the tiger fight, why not enjoy the show?” He picked up a teacup from the table, sipped, and said meaningfully.

He Lan pursed his lips and clicked his tongue softly: “Is that so?”

“Are you free?” Pei Ji raised his eyelids and looked at him coldly.

“The whole capital knows I’m a playboy. What can a playboy do but wander around?” He Lan sighed and replied loudly.

Pei Ji: “……..”

Three days later.

Qiuchan came into the courtyard and from afar saw the princess holding a rice ball that was becoming plumper, playing with it.

“Princess, the item has arrived.” She walked to Jiang Huaiyue’s side and took something out of her sleeve, handing it over.

Jiang Huaiyue put the rice ball on her lap, looked at what Qiuchan had taken out, and examined it repeatedly.

This thing was made too well — it was exactly the same as the one she had seen in Pei Ji’s study.

Could it be that she just randomly picked a spot to hide it, and it just so happens she’s a master at hiding things? Otherwise, how could she have hidden it so well?

“Qiuchan, clean up a bit. We’re heading into the palace,” Jiang Huaiyue thought, since she had already gotten the item, she wanted to quickly bring it to Jiang Jingchen to avoid further trouble.

“Understood, Mistress.” Qiuchan bowed and picked up the rice ball, placing it back in its little nest.

Just as Jiang Huaiyue and Qiuchan stepped out of the mansion gate, they saw Pei Ji’s carriage stopped at the entrance.

She thought for a moment and walked over, asking, “Moying, where is the prince headed?”

“Reporting to Mistress, the prince has urgent business and is heading to the palace,” Moying answered truthfully since their master hadn’t said anything.

Hearing this, Jiang Huaiyue’s eyes lit up—just the chance to catch a ride.

She called through the curtain, “Prince, I’d like to go to the palace as well. Could you give me a lift?”

“Come up,” Pei Ji’s clear voice came through. Seeing his agreement, Jiang Huaiyue quickly lifted her skirt and climbed into the carriage.

“Thank you for the ride, Prince,” Jiang Huaiyue said softly, then found a corner to sit down.

She looked up at Pei Ji, who was reclining inside, dressed in a purple brocade robe that gave him a unique charm. His long legs took up most of the space in the carriage.

He had kept his eyes closed the entire time since she came in, never opening them. Jiang Huaiyue glanced quickly and then lowered her gaze.

“What are you going to the palace for?” he asked.

Pei Ji slowly opened his eyes and looked at her.

Jiang Huaiyue pressed her lips together and replied, “I just remembered I left something behind at Weiyang Palace, so I’m going to retrieve it.”

Weiyang Palace was the residence of the Empress Dowager inside the palace. She picked a casual excuse—she couldn’t tell Pei Ji she was actually delivering something to Jiang Jingchen.

“Is that so?” Pei Ji said ambiguously and lazily.

“Mm-hmm, what about you, Prince?” Jiang Huaiyue asked, worried that if she said more, she might show some unusual expression in front of him.

Pei Ji noticed her attempt to change the subject but didn’t press: “Some official business.”

“Oh,” Jiang Huaiyue answered and then shut her mouth, saying no more.

The carriage traveled on, but since neither spoke, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward, making Jiang Huaiyue feel a bit helpless.

She thought the mood was too stifling, and holding herself upright while sitting was making her waist ache terribly.

Finally, after she had been hoping for a long time, the carriage stopped.

“Prince, we’ve arrived. I’ll get off first,” she said eagerly, lifting the curtain and stepping out, taking Qiuchan with her.

After she left, Pei Ji remained seated in the carriage without moving. After a few moments, he said, “Moying, return.”

“Yes.” Moying flicked the reins and the carriage turned around to head back.

He couldn’t understand what the prince was fussing about—was it really just to give the Mistress a ride? When had he ever been so kind?

Jiang Huaiyue walked a short distance away, then turned back to look. Seeing no sign of Pei Ji, she immediately changed direction to find Jiang Jingchen.

Longqian Palace.

Jiang Huaiyue looked at the magnificent golden palace in front of her, walked over, and bowed to the little eunuch standing guard at the door: “Greetings, Mistress.”

“Stand up. Is the emperor here?” she asked.

The little eunuch replied, “His Majesty has been waiting here for the Mistress.”

Jiang Huaiyue nodded and said to Qiuchan behind her, “Wait here.”

“Yes.” Qiuchan stepped aside, unable to help worrying about the Mistress.

Longqian Palace was the emperor’s sleeping chamber. Every brick and tile inside was supremely luxurious. Jiang Huaiyue took a deep breath and stepped inside.

She entered the inner hall and saw Jiang Jingchen seated at the imperial desk. She bowed, “Yunhe greets the emperor.”

Hearing her voice, Jiang Jingchen looked over: “You actually came? I thought you’d forgotten your own emperor brother.”