Stunned, Ning Ye burst into loud sobs, feeling an unprecedented sense of defeat. Shui Huan stood by the bed, observing coldly. He thought the little princess had been spoiled too much; without harsh treatment, she would be of no use. He had originally planned to eliminate her during the previous fire, but since she had survived, he felt that if he could control her, she might still have value.
Ning Ye cried for a long time without any response from Shui Huan. When she looked up with teary eyes and saw he hadn’t left, her heart felt relieved. She sniffled, “Why won’t you comfort me?”
Shui Huan sat beside Ning Ye, stroking her hair. “Men’s affairs are not for women to meddle in. Just be obedient, focus on recovering, and don’t provoke me.”
Though he visited her daily, he had never touched her. As he gently stroked her, Ning Ye felt shy yet joyful, nestling into his embrace, hugging his waist and looking up at him with mixed emotions.
Seeing her soft, tear-filled eyes reminded Shui Huan of Ning Ruan, touching his heart. He leaned down and kissed her eyes.
“Shui Huan…” Ning Ye called in happiness, receiving another tender kiss, feeling she could never leave this man.
“I’ll tell my father I want to marry you,” she said softly, tightening her hold on his waist.
Shui Huan pursed his lips, disliking women’s initiative, which diminished the tenderness he had felt.
“Listen to me, and I’ll tell you what to do.” Sui Huan patted her back soothingly. He had placed his chess pieces in the court and the inner palace, but passing messages there was challenging. If Ning Ye could help connect things, it would be more convenient.
“Come with me, let’s go see your sister first,” he said, standing up. “We’ll depart in half an hour.”
Sun Guifei had waited several days for an opportunity to enter Qixia Palace. Ruan Ning was in the garden pavilion eating snacks, surrounded by several palace maids.
Sun Guifei approached with a smile, exchanged pleasantries, and praised Ruan Ning’s beauty and how deeply favored she was by the Emperor. Then she changed the subject: “Sister, I have a favor to ask you.”
