Chapter 319 122: Prime Minister's Mansion in Trouble? Jiang Ruxian's Early Move, Emperor Xia's Warning

A flurry of thoughts raced through Jiang Lan's mind. He was truly shocked and shaken. 'Emperor Xia probably isn't testing me,' he thought. 'This must be real.'

After all, in the original plot, Jiang Ruxian was meant to appear much later, but the memories he had implanted for the Liu Clan contained no information about Jiang Ruxian still being alive.

'Even if Emperor Xia wanted to test me, she wouldn't be foolish enough to use someone who was supposed to be dead.'

In other words, things had taken an unexpected turn.

"What have you learned?" Jiang Lan quickly composed himself and asked calmly.

Jiang Ruxian's early appearance had completely disrupted all his plans.

With his current strength, he was no match for Jiang Ruxian. In the original plot, she was already invincible from the moment she appeared.

Even the overpowered original protagonist, Lin Fan, was like a mouse before a cat when he encountered her, forced to flee in disgrace.

'The hatred between us stems from our mother, Li Qingshu. Theoretically, it could be resolved by clearing up the misunderstanding and explaining everything.'

'But... I'm not the original Jiang Lan.'

'I'm just a selfish villain, someone with a vested interest in the current situation.'

'After absorbing the original's memories and learning the story's original plot, I have absolutely no affection for Jiang Ruxian.'

'The grudge between my original self and Jiang Ruxian was settled the moment she ran him through the heart with her sword.'

'If I owe her anything now, it's the Seven-Aperture Exquisite Immortal Heart inside my chest...'

'The original's heart was already dead. After I fused with his memories, that person ceased to exist entirely.'

'I have no right to forgive Jiang Ruxian on his behalf, nor can I ask her to forgive our parents.'

'Now that Jiang Ruxian wants to kill me, she is nothing more than an enemy with immense fortune in my eyes—a pawn to be schemed against and used.'

'Nothing more.'

He certainly wasn't about to feel any unnecessary emotions like guilt over it.

"I only know that this mysterious woman seeks revenge against the Prime Minister's Mansion."

"The Southern Hunting is imminent, and I don't want any surprises," Emperor Xia replied coolly.

She had sought out Jiang Lan personally simply to warn the Prime Minister's Mansion through him, lest the mysterious woman disrupt her grand design.

"Thank you." Those two words from Jiang Lan were not merely perfunctory. Without Emperor Xia's warning, he would have remained oblivious to Jiang Ruxian's early arrival.

"There's no need for thanks."

"I am merely acting for the sake of the bigger picture," Emperor Xia stated, her tone still cool.

Jiang Lan had to admit she was a good emperor. 'A pity she was born in the wrong era,' he thought. 'She can't hold the throne on her own.'

But this thought didn't in the least affect Jiang Lan's plan to continue siphoning Emperor Xia's fortune.

"As a token of my gratitude, should you encounter trouble in the future, I will help you once," Jiang Lan offered.

Emperor Xia merely glanced at him, her expression noncommittal.

'He's the Young Master of the Prime Minister's Mansion. If he helps me, what does that make his position?'

"You know that mysterious woman, don't you?" Emperor Xia asked.

"I do." Jiang Lan nodded, making no attempt to hide it.

"I had my people look into you, so I've learned a few secrets..." Emperor Xia's gaze fixed on him as she continued.

"I figured as much when I saw the portrait," Jiang Lan cut in. "You don't need to explain. I'm not interested in whether you investigate me or not."

Emperor Xia seemed accustomed to his attitude and showed no anger.

"I am, however, rather interested in what happened to you over a decade ago," she said, her curiosity piqued.

Jiang Lan asked casually, "Are you a woman? Why so curious?"

"..."

Emperor Xia's eyes narrowed, and a dangerous aura began to radiate from her body.

Jiang Lan's expression remained composed, showing no change.

"If you don't wish to speak of it, then forget it. The Southern Hunting is upon us. I, for one, would like to see how Young Master Jiang performs," said Emperor Xia.

"I'm afraid I will have to disappoint Your Majesty, then," Jiang Lan replied.

"Heh..."

In response, Emperor Xia simply let out a noncommittal chuckle. With a flick of her sleeve, her figure vanished from the small cabin.