In her previous life, the female protagonist was not naive; her kindness made her vulnerable to the manipulations of He’s family, causing her to fall into their trap.
Rest assured, the cannon fodder will soon be dealt with by the female protagonist.
Chapter 9 Imperial Court Assembly
With only three days until the New Year’s grand imperial court assembly, Lin Yuetong visited Ning Wanwan at Chuyun Pavilion.
“Sister, please believe me. My mother and I never meant to harm you. Although he is my cousin, he is notorious in our clan for causing trouble and chasing women. The clan couldn’t control him, so they thought of my mother’s good marriage in Biandu and sent him here. We were going to find him a job in the mansion, but he stole your portrait and hid in the Lotus Cave to harm you.”
Lin Yuetong wiped her tears and continued, “Now that the truth is out, he seeks our help. But in front of Grandmother, how could we acknowledge him? He became furious and tried to frame my mother and me.”
Ning Wanwan lazily reclined on the couch, expressionlessly watching Lin Yuetong kneeling and crying. She raised an eyebrow and asked, “So, you’re saying all this for…?”
Ning Wanwan’s blue-black hair was styled in a cross-shaped bun, and she wore no hair ornaments, just three red plum blossom designs on her forehead that complemented her jade-like skin, giving her an ethereal nobility.
Some people didn’t need gold or jewelry to stand above others, making them unattainable.
Lin Yuetong’s eyes flashed with jealousy, but she suppressed it. Crawling to Ning Wanwan, she took her hand and looked up with teary eyes, pleading, “Sister, since childhood, Mother has always given you the best. If you wanted stars from the sky, she would risk her life to fetch them. For this kindness, please speak to Grandmother and ask her to spare Mother.”
Ning Wanwan had heard such words too many times. She ruthlessly pulled her hand away and said coldly, “I’m afraid I can do nothing.”
Lin Yuetong’s eyes darkened, and she dropped her head in despair, hatred churning inside her. She couldn’t understand why Ning Wanwan had become so cold and heartless. Had she discovered something?
Impatient, Ning Wanwan urged, “If there’s nothing else, you can leave. I want to rest.”
Lin Yuetong quickly looked up, “Sister, I have one more request.”
Ning Wanwan watched Lin Yuetong’s deep, dark eyes, unable to comprehend her shamelessness.
“What is it?” she asked, curious about Lin Yuetong’s intentions.
“Three days from now, the Empress will host a New Year’s banquet in the inner palace. I want to ask you to take me to the palace,” Lin Yuetong replied, her voice filled with anticipation. “I’ve already informed Father, and he agreed, asking for your opinion…”
Ning Wanwan smiled slightly, “Okay.”
As she approached the monument, she heard a voice announce: “Ning Guogong Manor’s Old Madam Ning, Ning Guogong Manor’s Yunxiang Junzhu.”
The curtains were lifted by two palace servants.
Ning Wanwan helped Old Madam Ning down from the carriage. Fuli had prepared hand warmers for them, tucked inside their sleeves, while they waited on the side for the palace servants’ instructions.
Suddenly, Ning Wanwan saw a carriage with the “Yi Wang Fu” nameplate stop across from the right wing. A cold-faced man in a blue-green outfit stood at the front, raising the curtain.
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?”
A noblewoman across the long table covered her mouth and laughed, signaling to the other noblewoman with her eyes: “Countess, open your eyes and look carefully.”
The real Yunxiang Junzhu is sitting next to Old Madam Ning.
Old Madam Ning, a first-rank titled lady, sat in the most honored seat, with only the Queen and Empress Dowager above her rank.
The Countess recognized Old Madam Ning’s position and then focused on Yunxiang Junzhu.
The Empress reached out and reproached Ning Wanwan, “I noticed you sitting listlessly earlier, and suddenly you disappeared. I found out you were wandering in this garden after asking the palace guards. You made me search everywhere.”
Ning Wanwan apologized, “Your Majesty, forgive me. This servant is young and playful, and simply could not sit still.”
The Empress smiled, “Don’t say only you can’t sit still; I can’t either. It’s just right to take a walk.” She pulled Ning Wanwan forward, “I heard you nearly drowned recently. Are you feeling better?”
“I have recovered completely. Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern.”
“That’s good.” The Empress looked at Ning Wanwan gently, “During your coming-of-age ceremony, I intended to bring Yi’er to observe, but the Emperor caught a cold and had a high fever. After finally recovering, I was preparing for the New Year’s banquet and have not had a chance to personally apologize to you.”
Ning Wanwan stepped back, maintaining a respectful distance, and bowed gracefully, “Your Majesty is too kind. I do not dare to accept such favor.”
The Empress moved forward and patted Ning Wanwan’s right hand, saying warmly, “Once you marry Yi’er, we will be family. Why speak of favor?”
At these words, Ning Wanwan’s heart trembled. Had they already decided her marriage to Si Yi so quickly? If the wedding date were set, the Empress would have told her directly. The Empress must have discussed this with her grandmother first, who likely left the decision to her, given her current cold attitude towards the Crown Prince. The Empress was here to probe her thoughts.
Ning Wanwan withdrew her hand and bowed slightly, “Your Majesty, this servant has a request.”
“Oh? What is it?” The Empress, noticing Ning Wanwan’s distance today, seemed curious.
“This servant wishes to enter the Zishangtang.”
