Chapter 54: The Prince Said No

Jiang Huaiyue’s mouth twitched. Damn, it seemed she had been deluding herself—he wasn’t interested in her at all, but in the person behind her, Pei Ji.

But unfortunately for her, she couldn’t persuade Pei Ji.

“Miss Chu, I’m truly sorry. Your request is something I cannot fulfill. I have no way to get the Prince to cancel the engagement. You’ll have to accept that,” Jiang Huaiyue said.

Although she wanted to help, she really couldn’t interfere with such a matter and couldn’t lie to her.

Chu Nanxi looked up and said calmly, “It doesn’t matter. Even if I can’t cancel the engagement, saving the prince is worth it.”

Since that path was blocked, she would find another way.

Jiang Huaiyue was surprised to hear this—she hadn’t expected her to say that. This woman was too noble.

After thinking for a moment, she hesitated and said, “Since you’ve taken this from Miss Chu, I’ll do my best to try, but I can’t guarantee success.”

Well, since she said so, she might as well try, though she thought the chance of success was slim.

Hearing this, Chu Nanxi smiled: “Thank you, Prince.”

Jiang Huaiyue thought for a moment and asked, “Miss Chu, may I ask why you don’t want to marry my elder brother?”

Could it be because she and Wanwan had interacted and changed the storyline?

Also, according to the script, the male lead is supposed to be a heartthrob, but she hadn’t seen any signs of that.

After she asked, Chu Nanxi gave her a strange look.

“Prince, not all women want to be trapped in this deep palace harem, sharing one man with many women, scheming day and night.”

Although she once hoped for true mutual love, the man she liked had already married. Now that he was no longer single, their fate was forever apart. Why cling to it?

Seeing the calm expression of this woman as she slowly told her thoughts, Jiang Huaiyue felt ashamed.

Wanwan was right—since coming into this world, the people around them were real, with flesh and blood. They had long since broken free from the constraints of the storyline.

“Miss Chu, I’m sorry,” Jiang Huaiyue said softly. At this moment, she sincerely admired the woman before her and understood that Jiang Jingchen truly didn’t deserve her.

Chu Nanxi shook her head lightly: “It’s alright. It’s late; Prince, please leave soon.”

“Miss Chu, if you take the insect control device and elder brother finds out, what will you do?” Jiang Huaiyue frowned, worried.

This control insect was Jiang Jingchen’s method of controlling her. If it was lost and he found out, he would immediately suspect Chu Nanxi.

Noticing Jiang Huaiyue’s concern, Chu Nanxi replied, “I put another one inside it. After you leave, cut your palm, let the blood attract the insect, then burn it with fire.”

“Thank you. I’ll leave now. I promise to keep your instructions in mind.”

Chu Nanxi said, “Prince, try your best. If it doesn’t work, I’ll find another way.”

Jiang Huaiyue nodded and turned to leave.

On the way out, she looked at the bottle Chu Nanxi had given her and smiled slightly.

Now that there was a way to get rid of the insect, that was good.

But she still wondered what exactly Chu Nanxi wanted her to do. She also didn’t know if Chu Nanxi had directly asked Pei Ji for help.

Jiang Huaiyue thought about it the whole way but couldn’t come up with a solution. After returning to the mansion, she decided to go see Pei Ji.

After asking around, she learned he was in the study, so she carried the snacks she had made and headed there.

Inside the study, Pei Ji and Xiao Qingrong were discussing matters when a shadow knocked at the door: “Prince, the princess is coming to the study.”

He Lan raised an eyebrow: “Oh, look who’s here—our Lady Pei Dawei’s wife.”

Xiao Qingrong had long heard about the Yunhe lord’s marriage to him but hadn’t met the person yet. Hearing from He Lan that Pei Ji seemed to treat her differently, she couldn’t help but feel curious.

Shen Yanli, however, was indifferent.

Pei Ji glanced at He Lan. He originally wanted to tell Mo Ying to stop them, but for some reason, he said to the three of them, “Go behind the folding screen.”

He Lan mockingly shook his head and said to Shen Yanli and Xiao Qingrong, “Let’s go, don’t be annoying.”

The three hid behind the folding screen. Pei Ji then told Mo Ying at the door, “Let them in.”

Mo Ying nodded and went to give the order.

When Jiang Huaiyue arrived, she walked in without obstruction. Seeing more people guarding the study door than usual, she felt something was off.

She carried a food box into the study. Pei Ji was seated, wearing a dark-colored robe, his eyes sharp and scrutinizing her.

“Husband, I made some peach-flavored cakes for you to try.”

As she spoke, Jiang Huaiyue walked over, set down the food box, opened it, and took out the snacks, offering them to him.

Pei Ji looked at the delicate pastries before him, then his gaze fell on her.

Her light green long dress accentuated her graceful figure, her waist slender like a willow swaying in the breeze, her beautiful face adorned with a faint smile, every movement full of charm.

“What is it?” Pei Ji knew she wouldn’t come without a reason.

Jiang Huaiyue put down the snacks, clenched her fingers, and said, “I have something I want to ask for your help with.”

She was truly out of options and had no choice but to ask him—after all, Chu Nanxi had even sneaked into the palace to steal the poison to save her.

Although they had made prior agreements, and she had already done what she promised, regardless of success, she had to try.

Pei Ji replied nonchalantly, “Speak.”

“Today I ran into Miss Chu in the palace. She said she doesn’t want to marry the Imperial Brother. Husband, can you help her?” Jiang Huaiyue thought of many reasons but finally chose to be straightforward.

“What, the lord wants to marry herself?” His eyes flashed with sarcasm, his voice cold.

Jiang Huaiyue was momentarily stunned, rolled her eyes inside, but said nothing out loud: “What are you saying, husband? I just think Miss Chu is too good for the Imperial Brother. Besides, she helped me, and I want to help her.”

She knew he was very suspicious, but she didn’t understand why he thought she would like Jiang Jingchen.

Besides, he seemed very particular and awkward.

“The lord also said, she helped you, but she never helped me,” Pei Ji said coldly, lowering his eyes.

Seeing he was unmoved, Jiang Huaiyue was almost annoyed.

“Then just treat me as your wife, okay?” she tentatively asked.

Pei Ji lifted his eyelids: “What do you think you’re bargaining with? Your little clever schemes?”

Pretending to be affectionate and polite every day—did she really think he couldn’t see through it?

Jiang Huaiyue’s plan was exposed. Knowing she wouldn’t get anywhere with him, she said, “I understand, then I won’t bother you anymore, my lord. I’ll leave first.”

She was holding back frustration, picked up the snacks on the table, and was about to leave.

Pei Ji reached out and pulled her back. Jiang Huaiyue stumbled and fell into his arms, seeing the displeased expression on his face.

“Did I say I wouldn’t agree?” His boldness was growing; now she even dared to show him attitude.

Jiang Huaiyue looked at him in surprise—did he just mean he agreed?