Frustrated, Ruan Ning rose to dress and groom herself.
“Sister!” A charming young girl rushed into the room and embraced her.
Ruan Ning was hesitant, unsure of who this was.
“Sister, I finally made it back. Why aren’t you paying attention to me?” The girl pouted.
Ruan Ning then realized who she was. Reports indicated that the princes and princesses of Chen Emperor had been located, except for the youngest, Princess Ning Ye, now before her.
So Ning Ye and Ning Ruan were close? Ruan Ning cautiously patted her shoulder, trying to appear nurturing: “Good girl, was your journey smooth?”
Ning Ye lifted her chin proudly: “I encountered several people trying to steal food, and I dealt with them! Later, General Sui’s subordinates found me and brought us back.”
Once again, it was Sui Huan, who seemed to care deeply about the princesses of Chen Kingdom. Was it because of Ning Ruan’s connection, or for other reasons?
Ruan Ning felt a headache from her sister’s antics. Used to being alone, she stiffly said, “Stop it. Everything will be arranged by Father Emperor.”
Ning Ye rolled her eyes and rushed over to grab Sui Huan. When he slightly turned, she lunged into empty air. Undeterred, she continued, “General Sui, you don’t have anything important to do anyway. Just take me out for a stroll!”
“The marriage alliance between Chen and Ji nations is a major event,” Sui Huan said, showing impatience. “As the envoy, I have significant responsibilities and cannot bring the princess along.”
Disappointed, Ning Ye looked at Ruan Ning. “Sister, you promised to help me. Why aren’t you saying anything?”
Ruan Ning replied, “I said I have no position to interfere, but I never said I would help you.”
Ning Ye shouted, “You’re always deceiving me,” and stormed out.
Chen Emperor, feeling embarrassed, tried to placate Sui Huan. Knowing his youngest daughter was willful and might cause trouble, he soon chased after her.
After Chen Emperor left, Sui Huan had less reason to stay but stubbornly remained, watching Ruan Ning. Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Ruan Ning ordered the palace servants to withdraw. Once alone, Sui Huan asked, “What did Princess Qingping want you to do?”
“She… She likes you,” Ruan Ning hesitated.
“So you agreed to help her?” Sui Huan’s face darkened, voice cold.
