“Taking care of the old madam is my duty as an old servant,” Chang Mama said, handing a box to Ning Wanwan with a smile. “These are zongzi made by the old madam for the Dragon Boat Festival. She wanted you to take some back to try.”
Ning Wanwan accepted the box, her voice choked, “Okay, I love the zongzi my grandmother makes.”
*
“Are you missing your grandmother?” Si Zhan looked at Ning Wanwan, who was holding the box tightly, staring blankly at the carriage wall.
Ning Wanwan snapped back to reality, looked down at the box, and nodded, “…Yes.”
“Then I’ll accompany you back every half month.”
“I…” Ning Wanwan’s throat tightened, her eyes reddening. “In a year, when we go to our fief, my grandmother will be left alone in Biandu. The thought makes me feel terrible.”
Si Zhan hugged her gently, resting his chin on her hair, and said softly, “Don’t worry. If we can go to Qinan a year later, we’ll take grandmother with us, and then we’ll be together forever.”
Ning Wanwan felt her gloom lift. They could take her grandmother with them.
But then she caught the hidden meaning in Si Zhan’s words—”if”?
She asked, her tone subdued, “Do you mean… we might not be able to leave smoothly?”
Si Zhan pondered and replied, “…Based on my understanding of Ling Zirou, she won’t let us go so easily.”
The previous gloom thickened, making Ning Wanwan feel somewhat suffocated.
Si Zhan smiled reassuringly down at her, though his voice was cold, “But don’t worry, if we want to leave, no one can stop us.”
They could indeed be stopped, but only at a great cost.
*
In her previous life, Ning Wanwan organized similar gatherings, associating mostly with superficial acquaintances. Only Yang Zhiru and Zheng Jiayuan could be considered genuine friends.
Initially, Ning Wanwan did not intend to go, but after reflecting, she realized that since her rebirth, she had only attended a polo match for the fire spirit herb. Now that her status had changed from county princess to wife of the King of Yi, she needed to socialize for her household’s reputation.
So, she agreed.
On the first day of the sixth month, the area around the Golden Bright Pool buzzed with activity, with the Rainbow Immortal Bridge separating the visitors.
To the left of the main gate, groups of ten imperial guards formed a passage leading to the Peony Terrace.
Ning Wanwan and her maid entered through the left side gate with their invitation.
After walking a few steps, her arm was suddenly pulled by someone behind her. Turning back, she saw it was Zheng Jiayuan.
“Jiayuan?”
Zheng Jiayuan looked at Ning Wanwan with surprise. “Wanwan, it’s really you. Why are you here?”
“Shaoyin invited me.”
Zheng Jiayuan looked around mysteriously and leaned close to Ning Wanwan, whispering, “I thought you wouldn’t come. You should leave quickly. Shaoyin invited you just to humiliate you…”
Suddenly, Shaoyin appeared, laughing and interrupting, “Yunxiang, you finally came. I thought I couldn’t persuade you.”
Zheng Jiayuan’s expression changed, and she quickly shut her mouth. Ning Wanwan glanced at her, who secretly gave a ‘do not enter’ eye signal.
Shaoyin then hooked her arm with Ning Wanwan’s, blocking her view, and said enthusiastically, “The peonies on the terrace are so beautiful today. Let’s go appreciate the flowers.”
Ning Wanwan sensed something unusual but could no longer retreat. She decided to take it step by step and see what trick Shaoyin was planning.
As she turned, Shaoyin glared at Zheng Jiayuan and then cheerfully led Ning Wanwan inside.
The Peony Terrace was on a small island in the Golden Bright Pool, connected by a nineteen-arch bridge adorned with colorful peony pots. Many noble ladies and young gentlemen were chatting in small groups on the bridge.
Ning Wanwan was surprised to see not only noble ladies but also young gentlemen from Biandu’s noble families present.
Shaoyin hooked arms with Ning Wanwan, holding her head high like a proud peacock, drawing attention as they walked onto the bridge.
Soon, discussions about Ning Wanwan emerged.
“Isn’t this Yunxiang County Princess?”
“No, she should be called the King of Yi’s wife now.”
“Heh, King of Yi’s wife? Probably in two years, she won’t even be called that.”
“Indeed. Some are destined to never become phoenixes, only wild geese… perhaps even a lonely goose…”
Hearing these remarks, Ning Wanwan understood Zheng Jiayuan’s hint but was puzzled as to what Shaoyin hoped to gain from humiliating her in such a manner.
Finally, she realized why Shaoyin had invited her to appreciate flowers and smiled sincerely at Shaoyin, “Is that so?”
Then congratulations to Princess Shao Yin.”
Upon hearing this, Shao Yin’s delicate eyebrows furrowed, seemingly perceiving this as an unexpected reaction.
Ning Wanwan couldn’t engage in mind games with Shao Yin, so she led Fu Yi to appreciate the flowers instead.
After a while, Yang Zhiru and Zheng Jiayuan quickly pulled Ning Wanwan aside.
“Wanwan, you’ve never participated in such gatherings before. Why did you come today?” Yang Zhiru asked.
Ning Wanwan replied, “Just feeling bored, out for a stroll.”
Zheng Jiayuan regretfully added, “If I had known you would come, I should have visited your mansion to warn you. Shao Yin clearly has ill intentions this time, using her engagement to the Crown Prince to humiliate you.”
“Humiliation? What are you talking about?”
Zheng Jiayuan and Yang Zhiru exchanged glances, then carefully said, “Everyone says you were rejected by the Crown Prince and became a discarded wife, with no one wanting you. The King of Yi exchanged a life-saving token for your marriage, essentially just to entertain himself before dying. Everyone is waiting to see you regret becoming a widow.”
Ning Wanwan frowned and remained silent.
Yang Zhiru sighed, “Ah, ever since you married into the King of Yi’s mansion, we sisters have had less contact. We didn’t dare visit casually. If you’re truly miserable, you can come find us to gather.”
Ning Wanwan smiled, “Marrying the King of Yi was my choice, and he treats me well. I’ve never regretted it; in fact, I’m very happy.”
Seeing Ning Wanwan’s calm demeanor, the two realized their concerns were unnecessary, and soon the three were chatting and laughing.
Suddenly, someone interrupted them. A man in brocade robes stood behind them, holding two small white porcelain wine bottles and looking at Ning Wanwan with a frivolous expression.
Ning Wanwan frowned and said seriously, “Please address me as the King of Yi’s wife.”
The man laughed, “I am Di Huan, son of the Left Chancellor of the Secret Service.”
Displeased, Ning Wanwan raised an eyebrow, “Is there something you want?”
Di Huan shook the wine bottles, “Nothing much, just admiring your beauty and wanting to invite you for a drink.” His words were crude and inappropriate, especially since this was a flower appreciation gathering, not a banquet.
No one would bring alcohol while appreciating flowers. Ning Wanwan knew this person was looking for trouble.
As the son of Di Yan, the Left Chancellor who controlled military power, she couldn’t cause a scene. Si Zhan’s situation was difficult, so she tried to avoid offending anyone. Suppressing her anger, she said, “Young Master Di, please be careful with your words. I am a married woman and cannot bear your admiration. Farewell!” Then she pulled Fu Yi to leave.
“Hey—” Di Huan blocked their path, forcing them to step back.
The noble ladies and young masters who were appreciating flowers gathered to watch the drama. Di Huan’s arrogance grew as he said, “Princess Yun Xiang, me offering you a drink is a sign of my favor. Today, you will drink this wine, whether you want to or not.”
