Yi Wang Si Zhan stepped down from the carriage.
Today, he wore a light blue-green robe and a wide-sleeved bamboo-patterned long jacket. His hair was held back by a jade hairpin, enhancing his aloof and noble demeanor in the cold weather.
His casual outfit resembled that of a leisurely scholar rather than someone at a formal gathering.
A gust of wind made his hair dance, prompting him to cough into his fist. Ning Wanwan felt a pang of worry: Could his condition have worsened? She recalled that Si Zhan was especially sensitive to cold, always shivering in winter regardless of how many layers he wore. Coming out in such weather must be difficult for him.
She quickly turned to her grandmother, saying, “Grandmother, I see an acquaintance. I’ll go greet them and be right back.” Her grandmother nodded, cautioning her not to take too long.
Ning Wanwan, holding her hand warmer, hurried towards Si Zhan, unaware of Crown Prince Si Yi approaching her.
If she could get next to Ning Wanwan, her appearance might catch the Queen’s attention. A successful impression at the New Year’s banquet could win the Crown Prince’s favor, possibly leading to the position of Crown Princess…
She cast a vicious glance at Ning Wanwan, her hand secretly touching the armrest of the stone tablet chair as she shifted onto the chair.
Ning Wanwan sensed the movement beside her, glancing at Lin Yutong with an ambiguous look before returning to her indifference, a cold smile playing at the corner of her lips.
Just as Lin Yutong settled into the chair, she heard someone behind her ask, “May I ask… who this noble lady is?”
Lin Yutong jumped up, startled. Turning around, she saw a noblewoman wearing a seven-pearl flower hairpin crown and a seventh-rank blue-green embroidered robe, the formal dress of a third-rank titled lady.
Faced with the nobility, Lin Yutong’s confidence evaporated. She stepped aside and stood timidly, glancing quickly at Ning Wanwan, who was engrossed in conversation with Old Madam Ning and ignoring her.
Embarrassed, she said, “I am from the Ning Guogong household.”
“Ning Guogong?” The noblewoman’s sharp voice scrutinized Lin Yutong, asking, “Are you the Yunxiang Junzhu of the Ning Guogong residence?”
