Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Chapter 803: Chapter 803: Blocking My Path to Wealth_1

On the contrary, I’ve grown accustomed to your presence by my side. If you leave, I might need a long time to adjust.”

Gucheng remained silent.

Jiang Ning added, “Uncle is a general, he is no longer young, and it is very dangerous for him to fight battles outside. You should go to protect him.”

“Yes,” Gucheng agreed.

“You can go back earlier to prepare. If there’s anything, you can discuss it with Uncle. I think the other Shadow Guards need you to return as well.”

“Alright,” Gucheng responded succinctly.

“When are you planning to go back?”

“Anytime, I can,” Gucheng said calmly, “Tomorrow, is that alright?”

“Of course, if you want to,” Jiang Ning laughed, “then go and pack your things.”

“No rush,” Gucheng answered slowly, “I can protect Seventh Miss one more time.”

Jiang Ning laughed, “Alright.”

Thus, both master and servant fell silent.

The Elegant Heir Palace was filled with young girls sent from all over for selection.

These girls were between twelve and eighteen years old, at the tender age of adolescence, their bright laughter and youthful faces filled the palace with vitality.

A few elderly and high-ranking nannies were setting rules and giving lectures to the maidens.

Jiang Ning stood at a distance watching for a while before turning to ask, “Where is the Empress?”

Wenxi promptly replied, “Replying to the Princess Consort, a servant from the Empress just arrived saying that Her Highness’ chronic headache has flared up and she cannot leave her chambers for a few days. The initial selection of the maidens will be conducted according to your discretion. Once it’s time for the second selection, she will join.”

“Her illness sure comes at a convenient time,” Jiang Ning huffed, “The Emperor asked me to assist her, but she has simply dumped all the duties onto me.”

Wenxi laughed, “Princess Consort, don’t be angry. It’s not a tough task, many concubines in the Harem are willing to take charge of it.”

“Oh? Are there any other underlying reasons?”

“Indeed, there are.” Wenxi lowered her voice, “These last few days, numerous officials, princes, and ministers have sent gifts to the ladies in the palace. For what? Isn’t it to have these ladies speak well of the girls their families have sent for the selection?”

Jiang Ning suddenly understood, she laughed and asked, “Strange, why didn’t anyone send me any gifts? Don’t they know that I too, have the right to choose in this selection?”

“Actually, many did intend to send, but they were all stopped.”

“Who dared to stop them?”

“Our Crown Prince.”

“Him again, blocking my path to wealth.” Jiang Ning grumbled.

Wenxi dared not respond to that.

Jiang Ning said, “Let’s go, let’s go and see. Since the Empress has thrown the handle to me, I will select. If any selected girl is not suitable, they should not blame me.”

Xiachu, Wenxi, and Gufeng all quickly followed, while Gucheng remained at a distance behind. By the time Jiang Ning entered the gates of the Elegant Heir Palace, he had already leaped onto the rooftop, concealing his figure.

The nannies who were giving the lectures saw Jiang Ning and immediately knelt.

Though the maidens did not know who Jiang Ning was, they followed the nannies’ lead and bowed in respect.

“You may all rise,” Jiang Ning raised her hand.

Nanny Wu got up and smiled, “Princess Consort came so early, please come in and sit down to rest.”

“No need to thank me, Her Highness the Empress is unwell, so I’m here to help her out. I am young and inexperienced, I hope the nannies could guide me,” Jiang Ning said with a friendly smile.

The nannies immediately replied, “Princess Consort, you flatter us.”

When the maidens heard this conversation, they realized this extraordinarily beautiful woman before them was not one of the Emperor’s concubines, but the Princess Consort.

Of course, some recognized Jiang Ning.

Like the girl standing in the middle in a red dress, Princess Ling’an.