It turned out to be Murong Ling's cousin—the Crown Prince, Murong Chi.
He gently patted Murong Ling on the head. "Matters of marriage are meant to be mutual consent."
"Even if you are a princess, you cannot force others against their will. Blocking the road like this in public disgraces more than just you, Murong Ling."
He looked at her calmly, like one would at a child throwing a tantrum. "Someone, escort the princess back to her residence. Tell my imperial uncle to keep a close watch on her. If he cannot manage it, I shall stay at the manor tonight and lend him a hand."
"Brother Crown Prince…"
Princess Le'an had never been one to follow the rules, nor would she submit obediently.
But in the Crown Prince's hands, she could hardly gain any advantage. The Crown Prince had deliberately brought female guards just to restrain her.
The Crown Prince flicked his finger, and Princess Le'an found herself unable to speak.
The female guards escorted her back to the carriage, and before long, the street was clear again.
The Crown Prince walked up to Lu Jiangnian with a smile. "Didn't you have someone summon me? Why the rush to act on your own?"
"Someone like Xuanying—having him dismantle a carriage is a waste of his talents."
Lu Jiangnian cast him a faint glance, knowing the Crown Prince meant well.
Many in the court had their eyes on him now, and Prince Qin was deeply favored by the Emperor. Laying hands on Princess Le'an would have been nothing but trouble.
"I thought you'd come after dinner," Lu Jiangnian retorted without courtesy.
One was a gentleman like jade, noble yet exuding warmth and ease; the other was cold and profound, radiating an aloofness that kept others at arm's length.
Yet standing together, they were unexpectedly harmonious.
From their words and mannerisms, it was clear their bond ran deep.
Yuan Wanru recalled the plot in the book where they turned against each other, and found herself staring blankly at the Crown Prince.
"I set aside all my important affairs to rush over and help you out of trouble, and you're not even grateful."
"Don't worry—tomorrow, Le'an will not appear at the Marquis of Loyalty's residence."
Yuan Wanru couldn't help but nod.
Indeed, that was true. The person who would appear tomorrow was the female lead of the book—Murong Ling had no part in it.
Lu Jiangnian noticed her gaze fixed on the Crown Prince. Recalling how she had schemed against him by falling into the lake, he wondered—could she be setting her sights on the Crown Prince now?
Displeasure rose in his heart. "What are you standing there for? Get in the carriage."
His tone carried undisguised disdain, and Yuan Wanru found it utterly baffling.
She gave a light snort, smiled as she bowed to the Crown Prince, and turned to leave.
The Crown Prince watched her retreating figure with a grin. "Your betrothed is quite the surprise. She actually dares to give you the cold shoulder."
He and Lu Jiangnian were close friends. When Lu Jiangnian had told him about the Wangzhu Lake incident, the Crown Prince had already labeled Yuan Wanru as: deeply scheming.
But seeing her today, she didn't seem like that at all.
Lu Jiangnian had no desire to discuss Yuan Wanru with the Crown Prince. "The matter is settled. You can leave now. I still have things to do."
Only Lu Jiangnian would dare treat him like this—using him and discarding him.
"Fine, I know you're busy with your wedding tomorrow."
Then, his expression turned serious. "Le'an went to the outskirts of the capital for several days. The day before yesterday, the Crown Princess specifically went to see Princess Consort Qin to have her keep Le'an company, ensuring word of your marriage wouldn't reach Le'an's ears."
"Her appearance today is no coincidence. Be careful."
Lu Jiangnian understood his meaning.
Prince Qin and Princess Consort Qin were both shrewd people. The Qin Manor had remained safe and favored all these years precisely because the couple always kept to themselves.
The Lu family held military power. The Emperor would not be pleased to see the Qin Manor form a marriage alliance with them.
Add to that Lu Jiangnian's obvious avoidance, and Prince Qin and his wife were even less willing to marry their only legitimate daughter into the Lu family.
For someone to have instigated Princess Le'an to return to the capital and cause trouble despite Princess Consort Qin's tight watch—whoever was behind it had put in considerable effort.
The Crown Prince said flatly, "Likely someone got word and could no longer sit still."
In March of this spring, Lu Song and Lu Jiangnian had decisively defeated the Mohe.
The Mohe were severely weakened and signed a tribute treaty. The Emperor was overjoyed.
Lu Jiangnian currently held the position of Huaiji Zhonglang General, fourth rank. For this achievement, the Emperor intended to promote him to Weiwei Qing, third rank.
In the Great Jing Dynasty, the position of Weiwei Qing had always been held by the Emperor's trusted confidants, overseeing the palace gates' garrison and inner palace security, directly under the Emperor's command.
Although Lu Jiangnian was close to the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince was the heir chosen by the Emperor himself. He might not avoid the Crown Prince, but that didn't mean he wouldn't avoid Prince Qin.
If Prince Qin and the Lu family became in-laws, the Emperor would inevitably harbor some misgivings.
The Emperor sat high above, unable to see many things—or unwilling to see them.
Which court official didn't understand? The princes were all grown now. Though the succession had long been decided, until one sat on the throne, others could still contend for it.
So there were plenty who didn't want Lu Jiangnian to take the position of Weiwei Qing.
"So what? The Emperor's will is not something others can easily sway."
The Crown Prince's position was secure. Those people, in their desperation, would only make more mistakes the more they did.
Lu Jiangnian didn't take these matters to heart.
Those people had miscalculated. He and Murong Ling had never had the slightest connection.
"Alright, as long as you know what you're doing."
At the entrance of the residence on White Horse Street hung a plaque reading "Joyful Retreat."
This was a three-courtyard estate, spacious and exquisitely designed with delicate craftsmanship.
Ponds, flowers, and trees surrounded the grounds in lush greenery, with small bridges over flowing water—a charm reminiscent of a Jiangnan courtyard.
Yuan Wanru fell in love with the place at first sight. She was delighted, her smile bright and pure, full of vitality.
Lu Jiangnian watched her smile, his gaze filled with curiosity.
This woman—how was it that she seemed like a completely different person?
In his memory, he had never seen her smile like this before, let alone dare to deliberately provoke Murong Ling under her threats today.
Quite bold, indeed.
On second thought, she had probably been putting on an act before. As expected, her mind ran deep.
"You've arrived. I'll be going now."
Nanny Pang tried to keep him: "It's getting late. Why not stay, Young Master, and have dinner with the young lady?"
Lu Jiangnian naturally declined.
Yuan Wanru spoke up before Nanny Pang could, saying politely, "Brother Lu must be busy. I won't see you off then. Take care."
Her eagerness seemed to wish he would vanish on the spot.
He gave her a long, searching look, then turned and strode away.
Nanny Pang shook her head in frustration: "Young lady, you're to marry the Young Master tomorrow. Why didn't you take the chance to keep him here so the two of you could get to know each other?"
Yuan Wanru laughed especially brightly. "Since we'll have plenty of time to get acquainted sooner or later, why rush it now?"
"Nanny, I'm hungry. Let's hurry and eat."
With a full stomach, she'd have the strength to "catch ghosts" tonight.
Joyful Retreat was decorated with great festivity. In the night, red lanterns hung everywhere, adorned with colorful silk, glowing brilliantly.
Once the hour of Zi passed, drowsiness crept over everyone.
Several maids on night watch fell into a Drowsy Slumber, unaware that the door to the western chamber had been pushed open.
A figure holding a lamp slipped inside quietly, approached a carved wooden chest, and opened it to pour candle wax inside.
Then, raising a candlestick to light a fire, she saw clearly that the clothes inside were not the bright red wedding gown at all.
But a bolt of old, worn fabric.
She hurried back toward the door, but there was no retreat left.