On the other side of town, Jiang Xuan and Nangong Liu Yun returned to the Imperial City.
Along the way, Nangong Liu Yun asked with a teasing smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes:
“Husband, why did you pull me away so quickly? Is there something you’re hiding from me? Don’t worry; I won’t hold your past against you. So go ahead, fess up.”
If it weren’t for the scanning system showing her current approval rating at -9999, Jiang Xuan might have believed her.
It wasn’t until now that he truly realized his fiancée was nowhere near as gentle and caring as she appeared on the surface.
Who knew what he would endure with an approval rating like -9999.
For now, calming her down was his top priority.
“I’m sorry, I acted without asking when I brought you away. I was worried about accidental harm since we didn’t bring guards in the mountains outside the city. You and I are both mere mortals with no martial arts skills; I feared Xia Xiao Yu might flip out and hurt you. That’s why I hurried to take you back.”
After hearing Jiang Xuan’s explanation, Nangong Liu Yun was stunned but immediately bounced back to a 10000 approval score.
“I see, so you do care about me after all. But why are you suddenly so formal? I still prefer being called ‘wife.’ Our marriage is already fated. Just bear with it for a while.”
Jiang Xuan: “……..”
After Jiang Xuan reluctantly agreed to change his address, Nangong Liu Yun happily escorted him back to the Jiang family and invited him to visit the Nangong family the next day to discuss marriage details.
In the Jiang family’s main hall…
Jiang Yu Yan smiled and asked him:
“Xuan, how are things going with your fiancée? If you like her, we’ll just go ahead with the wedding. Of course, if you don’t, I promise to beg the Empress herself to revoke the decree.”
“I… There’s no problem. Nan Gong is… um… a good wife.”
“Then it’s settled! We’ll follow the protocol for arranging a wedding.”
After confirming marriage plans with his adoptive mother, Jiang Xuan returned to his room.
He pondered the character of Nangong Liu Yun. All he knew was that she was a formidable boss with high approval, almost bordering on possessive.
Danger level around her was off the charts.
But if he refused the marriage, and she used her strength without restraint, no one in the entire imperial dynasty could stop her.
Essentially, he had no choice.
Forget it. Take it one step at a time. Ultimately, his trump card was far too weak. Otherwise, these worries would be unfounded.
Scanning System: [What else can I do?]
As Jiang Xuan planned to get some rest, a figure suddenly appeared at his door.
Alertness instantly spiked.
Had assassins infiltrated the Jiang family?
Unlikely, but not impossible.
Just as Jiang Xuan considered summoning help from the family’s powerhouses, a faint voice came through:
“Brother Xuan, it’s me. I need to talk to you about something. Can I come in?”
Realizing this was Xia Xiao Yu, Jiang Xuan relaxed.
But it was late. And considering what happened outside the city earlier, he hesitantly said:
“Xiao Yu, come back tomorrow.”
“No. I need to know what you think right now.”
With no further ado, Xia Xiao Yu barged in.
“What—what are you doing? Even if our family ties are good, bursting into my room in the middle of the night? That’s inappropriate.”
Before Jiang Xuan could finish, Xia Xiao Yu handed him a storage ring.
“This contains five million high-grade spirit stones. Please, Brother Xuan.”
Startled, Jiang Xuan saw she was richer than he remembered. She had clearly been misunderstood as being bankrupt years ago.
After discreetly pocketing the rings, Jiang Xuan asked:
“Xiao Yu, I’ll ignore your intrusion. What brings you here? I’ve already been clear about everything from before.”
“Xuan brother, let’s clear misunderstanding and reveal the truth behind my sudden departure three years ago.”
“There’s no need for explanations. I’m not interested…”
Jiang expected her to avoid the question, common for a client to run without a good reason. He, a faithful employee, didn’t pry or care about one former employer more than another.
However, seeing her offer a second storage ring filled with five million high-quality stones, Jiang, always responsible, changed his stance.
“No need to explain. I’ve always believed big things must have happened to make you suddenly disappear. You were missing for a long time, eventually found out to be in the sect’s intensive training. I mourned deeply.”
Jiang hadn’t been lying; any honest person would feel hurt by such an abrupt departure.
Xia Xiao Yu, however, burst into tears:
“Sniffle, I knew you’d care. When I awakened, my new form required immediate intensive training. I couldn’t properly say goodbye, leaving me tormented over you for three years. Now, I fear I’ll lose myself without you.”
Jiang: “…..”
Under the scanning system’s 9999 approval rating, Jiang knew Xia Xiao Yu’s words rang true.
He recalled her previous approval rating was merely 999, yet now it was tenfold higher.
Though the heartfelt display was touching, Jiang wanted to say something comforting, like “You’re exactly in time” or similar. After all, she’d just given two million high-grade spirit stones—overgenerous, normal for service.
But under his fiancée’s watchful eye, he couldn’t. Comforting Xia meant provoking more actions. After all, she already boasted about winning.
Convinced, Jiang calmly replied:
“I understand the past. Unless there’s more, it’s time for you to leave. I need rest.”
“Xuan brother, just us. Can’t you at least confess your true feelings?
I investigated everything. Your fiancée was forcibly matched by the Empress. She’s unworthy of you. Just name it and I’ll help get rid of her.
Don’t worry, an empire is nothing to me. I’ll even defy it. Just share your real thoughts.”
Jiang: “…..”
At that moment, Jiang thought:
“Should I really spill the beans about her martial emperor peak strength? Not only would nobody believe, leaking this would expose my advantage.”
On the surface, Jiang shook his head,
“Our marriage is destined. Maybe our fate has ended.”
“Whatever happens, I’ll go with her. Threaten her, and d*ath will follow.”
Hearing this, Xia fell to the floor.
Believing she and Jiang would clear the misunderstandings and that he’d choose her over the notorious wastrel, she didn’t expect him choosing his fiancée to such depths.
Xia suddenly realized she lost, utterly defeated.
Yet she was extremely bitter. She got there first, only to be interrupted by this bossy woman.
Why did she throw away years of nurturing?
If not for that incident three years ago, he’d be a married man and father.
She even had names picked out for their ninth child.
Now regretting, she heard her inner voice:
“Still so helpless. Small setbacks defeating you?”
“Fool, now with night and loneliness, you waste opportunity?”
“Since he didn’t choose you, no burden to carry.”
“Didn’t mother teach? Men deny but act sincere.”
“In this situation, there’s clearly only one way.”
“Step aside, I’ll take charge. I can help since I am you…”
Xia’s golden eyes turned blank as inner voices echoed.
Jiang thought:
“Oh no, did I strike her too hard? She’ll understand later.
I’ve already tried my best, for old friend and client.
Can’t stand by and watch her walk into danger.”
Suddenly, Jiang furrowed his brows. Xia’s approval rating plummeted to -6666.
Assuming she finally gave up, she rose from the floor.
Her eyes turned crimson, now more seductive, triggering Jiang’s instinctual danger sense.
Xia licked her red lip and greedily scrutinized Jiang.
She then gently grabbed his face and spoke:
“First meeting, you wouldn’t want others to know us alone, especially your fiancée.”
