Ning Wanwan’s polo skills were taught by Ning Laotai, but she had never displayed them publicly, only practicing alone at the suburban estate—something even He’s mother and daughter didn’t know.
Ning Laotai patted Ning Wanwan’s hand, speaking earnestly: “I was worried you’d be influenced by He’s mother and daughter, but now I trust your discretion.”
Ning Wanwan considered and shook her head: “I won’t go. The young Marquess is arrogant and competitive. Her event is just to gain fame. If I go, conflicts will be inevitable.”
Ning Laotai sighed in agreement: “What a pity about that excellent Fire Lingzhi.”
Upon hearing “Fire Lingzhi,” Ning Wanwan was energized. She suppressed her excitement and casually asked: “What Fire Lingzhi is Grandmother talking about?”
Fu Yi, holding the crescent moon staff, followed Ning Wanwan and excitedly whispered, “Miss, look, the King Yi is here too,” while pointing at Si Zhan on the viewing platform.
Ning Wanwan looked up and saw Si Zhan. He was initially focused on his tea but suddenly seemed to sense her gaze and looked up at her. Their eyes met, and Ning Wanwan felt Si Zhan’s gaze was different today—aggressive and fiery. She quickly averted her eyes.
Meanwhile, Si Yi, on the main viewing platform, noticed Ning Wanwan’s expression. After seeing Si Zhan smile at her, he felt an inexplicable irritation. He gulped down his tea and slammed the empty cup onto the table.
The empress, sitting nearby, frowned at the Crown Prince’s gloomy demeanor and thought he was still upset about being confined earlier.
At that moment, the female polo team members entered the field from both sides, led by Shao Yin in red robes, riding confidently towards Ning Wanwan and her group.
When the two teams met, Shao Yin was surprised to see Ning Wanwan leading the yellow team, her surprise mixed with hostility.
“Hmph, it’s actually you?” she remarked.
Ning Wanwan knew she would inevitably clash with Princess Shao Yin. Both were princesses of equal status, but Ning Wanwan’s background in the Duke’s mansion and her future Crown Princess title made her slightly more noble. Nonetheless, Shao Yin believed her bloodline was superior, viewing Ning Wanwan, whose father was a poor scholar, as less worthy.
