The Hostage Girl - Chapter 78

Chapter 78

The Crown Prince’s behavior is truly infuriating. However, at this moment, Jiang Xiurun feels that her life is hanging by a thread, and she simply doesn’t have the luxury to be angry. She can only retract her neck and wait for the Crown Prince to finish reading.

Feng Liwu read the letter twice, then slowly looked up at Jiang Xiurun with a gaze that seemed subtly strange. He had been keeping her on edge the entire way back to the residence. She had had enough and just wanted to clear things up, so she spoke frankly, “Your Highness should know that I have no desire to be involved with the people and affairs of my native state. If Your Highness hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have received this letter.”

Feng Liwu had enjoyed her anxious expression enough, and seeing that Jiang Xiurun was about to lose her composure, he finally handed her the letter. Jiang Xiurun bit her lip and took it, realizing it was indeed her father’s handwriting.

It had been a long time since she last saw her father, and his writing was still as eloquent as ever. The letter first passionately scolded her for her audacity in disguising herself as a man to deceive the Emperor of Great Qi. Then it offered some advice, saying that since she now relied on the Crown Prince, she should serve him diligently to make up for her past actions. As for her impersonation of a prince, to save face, they had added the name “Jiang Herun” to the royal family tree of Bo State.

Reading this, Jiang Xiurun could only describe her reaction as “stunned.” Her father had always been good at fabricating family connections. After usurping the throne, he had added two fictional ancestors to legitimize his rule, even including the revered Jiang Ziya. Thinking about how he would later add a godfather with the surname Liu, her father’s ability to forge connections was truly impressive. Adding a son named “Jiang Herun” was nothing in comparison.

After a moment of silence, Feng Liwu asked, “What are the historians and advisors in Bo even doing?”

He meant that if the Emperor of Bo state acted so arbitrarily, surely someone should have stopped him.

Jiang Xiurun smiled bitterly and explained that Bo State was small and easy to govern. Her father’s word was law, and whatever he said went. The historians and advisors were poorly paid and lacked the integrity of scholars from the central plains, so they wouldn’t dare to speak out or record things truthfully.

Feng Liwu thought he had already gotten a sense of Bo Sate’s way of doing things, starting from when they sent a pregnant daughter. He had adapted to the chaotic affairs of Bo State, even from a thousand miles away. Since it was just a family letter, he naturally didn’t care much, but he wanted to know more about the relationship between Ji Wujiang and Jiang Xiurun.

Jiang Xiurun explained that she had only met Ji Wujiang a few times at previous palace banquets.

Back then, she was more interested in pastries than men, so there was no connection.

If His Highness continued to be suspicious, he could just send her away to avoid tarnishing his reputation.

Feng Liwu didn’t like hearing her say that, so he kissed her lips to stop her from saying anything more annoying. Their entanglement led to an intimate moment behind the screen in the study.

Feng Liwu hadn’t been close to her for several days and had been feeling increasingly unsettled.

Now that he finally had the chance to indulge, he released not only his pent-up energy but also the accumulated anxiety of the past few days.

However, because of this letter, Jiang Xiurun’s mind became more active.

Since she now had a legitimate place in Bo State’s records, she could rightfully attend the Mochi Literary Gathering with her mentor. Thinking about it, her father had actually done something useful for once.

Early the next morning, Feng Liwu went to court, while Jiang Xiurun stretched her sore body and remembered something. Since Ji Wujiang had been detained, although his identity had been verified, he still needed a guarantor to be released. Not wanting Jiang Zhi to get involved, Jiang Xiurun decided to handle it herself. After washing up, she went to the prison to sign the papers and bail Ji Wujiang out.

Despite his time in prison, Ji Wujiang didn’t seem disheartened or afraid. It was as if he had been certain Jiang Xiurun would come for him. The early summer morning was still refreshing. Although his clothes were wrinkled, Ji Wujiang looked well and smiled gently.

Jiang Xiurun had never been kind to this old acquaintance, but Ji Wujiang never showed any annoyance, demonstrating his good temper. However, Jiang Xiurun didn’t let her guard down and sternly asked, “I’ve already made myself clear to you, so why do you keep bothering me?”

Ji Wujiang bowed again and said, “Please don’t worry, young master. I understood everything you said that day and deeply agree with your reasoning. Since you don’t want me to disturb the eldest prince’s daily life, I will naturally comply and won’t seek him out privately.”

Jiang Xiurun was surprised by his certainty and couldn’t help but glance at him. Ji Wujiang smiled and said, “The prison guards searched me thoroughly and took all my loose change. Would you be willing to treat me to a small meal?”

Jiang Xiurun signaled to her maid Qian’er, who threw a purse to Ji Wujiang and said gruffly, “Take this and buy yourself something to eat!”

Ji Wujiang shook his head helplessly and said, “I’m not a beggar. Why are you being so dismissive? The emperor has some words for you, young master, and I must fulfill my duty.”

Curious about her father’s sudden decision to recognize her as his son, Jiang Xiurun thought for a moment and then went to a nearby teahouse. They ordered some steamed cakes and pastries and sat down at a table.

Ji Wujiang first bowed respectfully to Jiang Xiurun and then said, “Since our meeting in Shunde, your words have been enlightening. I unfairly placed the burden of revitalizing the state on the Eldest Prince, which was unjust. After reflecting on this, I returned to Bo State and requested an official position. This time, I came to Great Qi because the Emperor heard that Great Qi was building a canal and needed supplies, so he sent twenty ships of wood and stone as a gesture of goodwill. He also asked me to visit you two princes… I boldly revealed your current situation to the Emperor. If you are dissatisfied, you may punish me.”

Ji Wujiang spoke lightly, but Jiang Xiurun knew the process must have been complicated. This refined man before her was no ordinary person. His sudden return to Bo State and his efforts to secure her a legitimate royal identity must have deeper implications. She just didn’t know what he was really after.

So Jiang Xiurun took a sip of tea and said, “Please speak plainly. What is your intention in doing all this?”

Ji Wujiang didn’t hide anything and said directly, “Of course, I hope that one day, you, young master Jiang, can return to Bo State as legitimately as the Crown Prince.”

Jiang Xiurun frowned but remained silent. Ji Wujiang looked at her and slowly said, “The ancestors of Bo State came to the eastern lands after many hardships. I remember the records of the sage leaders’ migration, which included the wise and brave saintess Adai Shan. She led the people to settle in Bo State and brought stability… You are the granddaughter of the old Emperor of Bo State, carrying the blood of Saintess Adai Shan. Perhaps one day, you too can guide the people of Bo State like the saintess did…”

Jiang Xiurun’s pupils contracted sharply. She realized she had underestimated Ji Wujiang’s audacity. He was actually suggesting that she return to Bo state to compete for the position of empress. How bold and insane!

In her previous life, Ji Wujiang had been devoted to supporting her brother Jiang Zhi. Now, in this life, he had suddenly decided to support her instead. This was something Jiang Xiurun had never expected.

Feeling that she had had enough of talking to a madman early in the morning, she thought about leaving. But Ji Wujiang glanced at the guards outside the teahouse and asked, “Do you really want to be trapped in the small courtyard of the Crown Prince’s residence, living like a caged golden canary? If you don’t want that, where can you escape to?”

These words struck a chord with Jiang Xiurun. She slowly sat back down and looked at Ji Wujiang, saying, “It seems you’ve investigated a lot about me. But even if I return to Bo state, what then? Such a weak state in a precarious position could be wiped out by a stronger nation in an instant. What room is there for maneuver?”

Ji Wujiang bowed and said, “You previously warned me about the threat from Liang State, showing your foresight. Even if the state is weak, it has its own way of survival. However, the current emperor of Bo state doesn’t know how to restrain himself or maintain balance. If this continues, there is a real danger of being annexed by Liang state. But now, Liang state is at odds with Great Qi and has no time to conquer other states. As for Bo state, it’s too far from Great Qi, and the meat is too small…”

At this point, he bowed again and looked at Jiang Xiurun with determination, saying, “I believe in my judgment. You are more suitable than the Crown Prince!”

That day, Jiang Xiurun finished breakfast with Ji Wujiang before they parted ways. She wasn’t swayed by Ji Wujiang’s suggestion to become empress, but his words did open up new thoughts for her.

Now, trapped under the name “Jiang Xiuyao” and intimidated by Feng Liwu’s immense power, she had been lying low. But if, as Ji Wujiang said, she could return to Bo state as a legitimate prince, wouldn’t that be justified?

Of course, her father’s current kindness was only because she had ingratiated herself with the Crown Prince of Great Qi, making her suddenly useful. If she returned like this, he certainly wouldn’t be pleased.

But Bo state was never her ideal place to settle. As long as she could escape from Luo’an City in Great Qi, anywhere could be her home. And this Mochi Literary Gathering was something she absolutely had to attend.

Thinking this, Jiang Xiurun’s steps became lighter. After leaving the teahouse, she returned to the Crown Prince’s residence and waited for Feng Liwu to come back so she could bring up attending the Literary Gathering

When Feng Liwu returned from court, Jiang Xiurun followed him into the study, helping him remove his hat and coat, and cautiously mentioned the book conference.

Feng Liwu listened and, without even thinking, sternly said, “I’m too busy to accompany you. I heard this year’s conference is not in Great Qi but in Wei Country, and it will take a long time… No, don’t even think about it!”