Jiang Shuyue climbed into the carriage. The Crown Prince had personally sent someone to guide her.
The parties met at the city gates, where Jiang An had arrived early with Jiang Liuli to wait.
"Why have you only just arrived? Don't you know His Highness has been waiting for ages? Such behavior brings disgrace upon the Jiang Family!"
Seeing that Zhou Yunshen was absent, Jiang An's attitude immediately took a complete turn. None of his courtesy from the past few days remained.
Jiang An turned toward the Crown Prince's carriage and called loudly, "Your Highness, your humble subject has failed to discipline his daughter. For the sake of this old servant's tireless devotion to the court, please forgive my daughter this once."
Holding the little prince, the Crown Prince smiled faintly, though the smile never reached his eyes.
Had he not heard Jiang Shuyue's thoughts earlier and spoken at length with his mother afterward, he really would have remained in the dark.
The Crown Prince smiled lightly. "You exaggerate, Lord Jiang. The invitation I sent to the Marquisate of Southern Pacification clearly stated the time. They are not late, so what is there to blame them for?"
Jiang An's heart tightened.
He had intended to tarnish Jiang Shuyue's reputation and lower her standing in the Crown Prince's eyes.
Why did the Crown Prince sound as though he truly didn't mind?
"She has seen Your Highness, yet still refuses to leave her carriage. Such a rebellious daughter truly disgraces our family. This old servant cannot help feeling ashamed."
"Lord Jiang."
The Crown Prince's tone cooled. "Lord Jiang, I have not blamed the marchioness. You keep bringing this up. Are you trying to make me punish her?"
"Lord Jiang, a married daughter is like water poured away. She is now the marchioness