Reborn Spoiled Girl Tames the Regent

Chapter 88 Getting Closer to Him Again

They soon arrived at the gate of Duming Garden.

The servant was perceptive and did not stop them, leading the two straight into the courtyard.

As Jiang Mian walked around, he observed that the ordinary courtyard, after some renovations, looked quite presentable. However, it was still far inferior to the Qingxin Palace where he resided in the palace.

Wen Qian walked to the side, wrinkled her nose and sniffed: "Miss Jiang, can you smell something?"

Jiang Wan was slightly taken aback, sniffed carefully, and nodded, saying, "It seems to have a fragrance."

Following the scent, the two found a man sitting by the stone well in the courtyard, who was none other than Duan Zhi'an.

He was focused on brewing incense, the fire beside him flickering slightly, and a delicate fragrance filled the courtyard.

Wen Qian ran forward excitedly, looking at the flowers inside, her eyes showing a hint of surprise: "Uncle, so you also like making incense?"

Duan Zhian nodded and handed her the wooden cane: "Qianqian, would you like to try?"

"Okay!" Wen Qian nodded happily, moved a chair to sit down, picked up a wooden cane, and carefully stirred a pot of rose petals.

She doesn't have many hobbies, but she loves doing handicrafts, such as making sword tassels and sachets. Although she's not very skilled at it, at least she's not idle and letting herself overthink.

Before long, the flower water was boiled, and the fragrance became even stronger.

Duan Zhi'an sat beside her, fetching utensils and fanning the fire, acting just like a servant.

Jiang Mian rolled her eyes inwardly as she looked at his peacock-like display of power.

No wonder everyone's been saying lately that the Grand Tutor doesn't like tea ceremony but is obsessed with incense making; it turns out it's because Wen Qian likes it.

Fortunately, Wen Qian is already married and only has Li Zhijing in her heart. Otherwise, if it were any other innocent woman, she might have really been lured away by his gentle appearance.

She sneered inwardly and muttered, "The old fox certainly knows how to coax the little rabbit."

Duan Zhian heard the rustling sound and then realized that there was another person standing behind him.

He looked up, pretending not to know she was standing behind him, and said with slight surprise, "I thought only Qianqian came, I didn't know Miss Jiang was here too, my apologies."

Ignoring his aloof demeanor, Jiang Mian composed herself, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, "Grand Tutor, I am here with the Crown Princess to celebrate your new residence. We thought we would bring a small gift, and we hope you will accept it."

Wen Qian then realized the important matter of the day, put down what she was doing, and asked Mo Ping to bring her the wooden box.

"I am very grateful for your help before, Uncle, but I haven't had a chance to thank you. I didn't know what you liked, so I only prepared this. I hope you like it."

Duan Zhian smiled and accepted it, gently patting her head: "It's a gift from Qianqian, of course I like it."

He turned his head and glanced at the boiling pot of flowers behind him: "Miss Jiang and I have something to discuss. Qianqian, would you mind watching this pot of rose petals for me?"

Wen Qian nodded vigorously and went to boil the flowers again.

Duan Zhi'an then led Jiang Mian to a stone table and sat down. His expression changed from gentle to calm.

He looked at Jiang Wan and asked bluntly, "Miss Jiang, you've come here today for more than just a congratulatory gift, haven't you?"

Jiang Mian took a deep breath and, seeing that he was being direct, skipped the pleasantries.

"I have indeed come today for a matter. I presume His Highness the Crown Prince has already discussed the matter of the Crown Princess with the Grand Tutor."

Duan Zhian nodded slightly, signaling her to continue.

"I know I have no right to influence the Crown Prince's choice of a consort, but yesterday, Prince Xiao... already petitioned the Emperor to arrange my marriage with him..."

Duan Zhian's expression slightly darkened, and his gaze became more subdued.

He was unaware of this news yet, because Xiao Hengzhi was an extremely perceptive and difficult person to keep an eye on; it was truly hard to find out what he had done.

Jiang Mian continued, "These words are somewhat abrupt, but I have no feelings for the Prince, nor do I wish to marry him. However, if the imperial decree is issued, I will have no choice but to comply. Therefore, I have come to ask the Grand Tutor... is there any way for me to stay by His Highness's side?"

Duan Zhian remained silent for a long time before his gaze shifted to Jiang Wan's face, as if trying to discern some truth from her expression.

He tentatively asked, "Why is Miss Jiang so resistant to Your Highness? And why do you want to go to His Highness's side?"

"I..." Jiang Wan lowered her head and slowly began to speak, "The matter between me and the Prince is too complex to explain in a short time, but I have no feelings for him whatsoever. Moreover, I believe His Highness will be a wise ruler in the future, and I want to help him..."

Duan Zhian watched her change in expression and felt that she was hiding something, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

However, he had a gut feeling that Jiang Wan was indeed on the Crown Prince's side.

He smiled slowly: "Miss Jiang has a discerning eye for talent."

"Does the Grand Tutor have any plans?"

"plan......"

Duan Zhian narrowed his eyes slightly, pondering. Xiao Hengzhi was already in danger because he was a Red Slave. Now, he and the Crown Prince were clearly determined to fight to the end. Today they could fight for women, and tomorrow they could fight for the dragon throne.

This person must not be allowed to live, no matter what.

He recalled the letter the Crown Prince had sent earlier that day, saying that the assassins who had infiltrated the Prince's residence the previous night had been completely wiped out.

He knew the Red Slaves were difficult to deal with, so he specifically sent extra assassins, but it was clear that Xiao Hengzhi's strength far exceeded his expectations. It was also possible that he had other experts by his side, or that they were also Red Slaves like him...

Since a direct confrontation won't work, we have to find another way.

For example, winning hearts and minds...

Jiang Wan is a good choice. The two of them grew up together and should know each other very well. He could also sense that Jiang Wan had aversion and resistance towards Xiao Hengzhi.

The question is, to what extent does this dislike extend, and whether it will spur her to take drastic measures?

Duan Zhian tapped his fingers lightly on the table and tentatively said, "Your Highness is a man of deep obsession. Even if I could persuade the Emperor to grant you and His Highness a marriage, I'm afraid Your Highness would not give up so easily."

Jiang Wan sighed, "He is indeed...very difficult to deal with..."

"Miss Jiang, haven't you thought about solving this once and for all?"

Jiang Wan paused for a moment, vaguely guessing his intention: "Grand Tutor, you mean...?"

"The Prince's mansion is heavily guarded, making it difficult for outsiders to enter. But if someone he trusts gets close to him and lowers his guard... wouldn't that eliminate any future troubles and make everyone happy?"

"Does the Grand Tutor want me to get close to him and then take the opportunity to get rid of him?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Zhi'an smiled faintly: "Miss Jiang, didn't you want to help His Highness? There is no other way."

"But he is now the Empress Dowager's grandson and a prince of the court. Isn't it too frivolous for the Grand Tutor to entrust this matter to me?"

“Child's play? I think no one is more suitable to do this than Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Mian remained silent, a sense of resistance rising within her, her mind filled with the filthy and vulgar images from her past life.

Should we make her fawn over him again?

Seeing that she did not answer for a long time, Duan Zhian stood up and said, "If Miss Jiang is unwilling, I will not force her. Just pretend that I never said it."

After saying this, he walked towards Wen Qian.

He had been glancing at Wen Qian out of the corner of his eye. She seemed to have been scalded by the splashed flower juice and was scrambling around.

Jiang Wan sat there, stunned, recalling Duan Zhi'an's suggestion, her thoughts churning.