So when she spoke these words, those once dazzling and striking phoenix eyes now slowly lowered at the corners, like a wronged little fox. The aura of solemnity and fierceness had completely dissipated, leaving only a pitiful, aggrieved demeanor.
Ning Huanyi couldn’t help but laugh, and even the inexplicable melancholy that had lingered since evening instantly vanished. With a shy expression, she said, “Your Highness is very good. This humble girl is willing to marry you.”
Hearing such words come from her own mouth, Ning Huanyi felt nothing but overwhelming shame, wishing she could vanish into the ground the moment she finished speaking. Yet, observing Xiao Ning’an’s expression, she seemed even happier than herself.
Never before had she seen Xiao Ning’an’s eyes shimmer with such joy. Emboldened, Ning Huanyi reached out to touch Xiao Ning’an’s loose, cascading hair, then gently patted her head.
“Hurry back to the manor and rest. Don’t you have an early court session tomorrow?” Ning Huanyi remembered how her own father would drag himself out of bed for morning court, looking half-dead and often muttering about resigning on the spot. If they stayed out any later, Xiao Ning’an probably wouldn’t get much sleep.
But Xiao Ning’an, having her head patted, seemed to trigger some hidden mechanism. Despite being three years older, she now fidgeted awkwardly. “M-Miss… would you honor me with your presence tonight? The Falling Star Pavilion offers a rare view of the moon and stars—a sight worth a thousand pieces of gold. May I take you there?”
Ning Huanyi blinked. Xiao Ning’an couldn’t even meet her eyes as she spoke, as if afraid of being rejected. Ning Huanyi had only ever seen such an expression on her three-year-old nephew in the Bai household. Who knew Xiao Ning’an could have such rich, childlike emotions?
The reverence she once held for the regent gradually melted away. Mimicking the way she had comforted her little nephew Bai Yingying, Ning Huanyi took Xiao Ning’an’s restless hand, transferring warmth from her own palm. Her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“Of course! I’ve never seen it before!”
Ning Huanyi’s smile was disarmingly tender. She held Xiao Ning’an’s hand until they stepped out of the Yongchang Marquis’s residence, only then realizing the impropriety. Blushing, she quickly let go.
Xiao Ning’an, however, fretted, “Coming out at night—will your father be displeased?”
Ning Huanyi shook her head. Since that afternoon, Pei Ruan had lifted the restriction requiring her to report her outings. Now, as long as she dressed warmly to avoid catching a chill, she was free to go out at night.
The cloak Qingdai had brought earlier was more than enough to keep her warm, in Ning Huanyi’s opinion.
This time, neither of them brought any attendants. Under Xiao Ning’an’s careful protection, Ning Huanyi stepped onto the bustling streets of the capital.
“I never knew the capital’s night scenery could be so beautiful.” Ning Huanyi marveled at everything around her, turning left and right in wonder. Thanks to the open customs of the era, the markets didn’t close at night—instead, they thrived even more. The streets were lined with fragrant snacks, and countless lanterns illuminated the city. The river that ran through the capital was always dotted with floating lotus lanterns, no matter the occasion.
A string of lotus lanterns drifted gently with the early summer breeze, carrying the secrets of young maidens toward the distant horizon. Ning Huanyi rubbed her slightly chilled hands, but her eyes were alight with joy and fascination.
Xiao Ning’an’s attention was entirely focused on Ning Huanyi. Seeing her rub her hands together, Xiao immediately enveloped Ning’s small fists with her own warm hands—her slender fingers easily wrapping around Ning’s clenched little fists.
It was utterly adorable and fitting.
Ning Huanyi noticed this gesture, the faint blush on her cheeks never fading. As she gazed at the snacks, a gentle warmth blossomed in her heart.
Xiao Ning’an wasn’t in any hurry to take Ning Huanyi to the Stargazing Tower. Instead, they strolled leisurely through the bustling night market of the capital. Before long, Xiao’s other hand was laden with purchases, yet she still insisted on keeping one hand free to hold Ning’s.
After walking for a while, Ning Huanyi felt this arrangement was improper and wanted to help carry some of the items. To her surprise, Xiao simply handed her a stick of candied hawthorns: “Huanyan, how about holding this for me? If you eat it, you’ll be doing me a great favor.”
Xiao Ning’an never used formal titles like “this prince” in front of Ning Huanyi, and she also discouraged Ning from addressing her as “Your Highness.” The two walked side by side like an ordinary married couple. The pairs of lovers around them could tell how well-matched they were and couldn’t help but offer congratulations.
Ning Huanyi hadn’t realized that, though same-sex marriages were still rare since the decree was issued years ago, society had grown remarkably accepting.
Lowering her head, Ning smiled faintly, clearly in good spirits. When they passed a shadow puppet show, she couldn’t tear herself away.
Knowing the young woman rarely had the chance to stroll at night, Xiao Ning’an indulged her, letting her take the best seat to enjoy the performance while she watched Ning’s profile and peeled roasted chestnuts for her.
After taking her evening medicine, Ning’s mouth had been bitter. The candied hawthorns had whetted her appetite, and now she was hungry again. Just as she turned to Xiao, the latter handed her a few plump, golden-brown chestnuts—their glossy sheen alone was enough to delight the heart.
“So sweet…” Ning Huanyi took a bite, and the chestnut’s delicate fragrance and sweetness instantly filled her mouth. She couldn’t help but glance at Xiao, thinking how rare such thoughtfulness was, and said sincerely, “Thank you…”
Xiao Ning’an, never one for words, simply nodded and continued peeling until the entire bag was filled with round, shelled chestnuts, while her handkerchief was now covered in husks.
Seeing Xiao’s delicate hands toiling away for her, Ning Huanyi grew embarrassed, remembering the noble status of the woman before her.
“Give me that handkerchief—I’ll wash it clean,” Ning said, eyeing the modest square of fabric, resolved this time to clean and return it properly. After having a waiter dispose of the husks, Xiao frowned at the handkerchief: “But I’ve only just returned to the capital, and court affairs are hectic. I may not have time to visit the Yongchang Marquis Estate for days…”
Xiao was genuinely troubled—she might not see her betrothed for quite some time. But Ning Huanyi didn’t mind. Leaning in, she smoothed the wrinkles from Xiao’s skirt and adjusted the white jade hairpin in her dark tresses, smiling gently. “What if I wash it and bring it to you instead?”
“If… if you don’t want to, that’s fine!” Ning Huanyi, afraid that Xiao Ning’an wouldn’t respond, hastily added this line. Unexpectedly, Xiao Ning’an’s smile became even more devastating, her phoenix eyes brimming with intense joy as her red lips parted slightly: “Then I must thank the future Princess Regent for her kindness toward this prince.”
Under the dim glow of the street lanterns, Ning Huanyi gazed at Xiao Ning’an like this, feeling as if something within her heart had collapsed, sinking endlessly into oblivion.
The two strolled further to the Falling Star Tower, where crowds jostled at its base. Xiao Ning’an frowned, worried that Ning Huanyi might dislike being squeezed in such a place. To her surprise, Ning Huanyi lifted her skirt with childlike curiosity and stepped forward slowly.
Her slender figure was left behind for Xiao Ning’an, who, fearing the crowd might push Ning Huanyi, hurried after her, using her hands to part the throng, forcibly clearing a path for Ning Huanyi.
The Falling Star Tower stood directly in front of the city’s central river. It was built by the previous dynasty’s empress, who, upon learning of the ever-changing celestial phenomena and during the most prosperous years of the empire with a full treasury, commissioned this resplendent tower. Not only did ministers who observed celestial signs regularly watch from its highest level, but every evening it was opened to the public, allowing all citizens to enter freely and admire the view.
This policy made the nights livelier, and the current emperor, pleased with the outcome, maintained the tradition. Almost every night, people came to admire the sights, making it a must-visit spot for the capital’s residents after dinner.
Ning Huanyi had never been here before. Her frail health in the past made crowded places like this unthinkable for Pei Ruan and Ning Yuanxun to allow her to visit. The few times she had ventured out in her life were either to pray at temples or attend palace banquets.
Only after Ning Huanyi came of age did her illness become less severe. Moreover, the wandering head of the Imperial Medical Bureau finally returned to report for duty and poured the finest medicines into Ning Huanyi’s care, enabling her to maintain her current health.
The entire capital was a novelty to Ning Huanyi. Though she knew of its various attractions, she had never seen them in person. Because of this, many young women in the capital had little to talk about with her.
When people spoke of Ning Huanyi of Yongchang Marquis’s household, they would only think of her as an unparalleled beauty—nothing more was known.
Ning Huanyi’s almond-shaped eyes reflected the twinkling lanterns of the capital’s long streets. Looking up, she saw a celestial market above. With each step she took upward, she discovered new joys and beauty at different heights.
“Such a wonderful place, and this is my first time here,” Ning Huanyi murmured. Though not afraid of heights, she still cautiously clutched the hem of Xiao Ning’an’s robe. Despite their earlier intimacy while watching shadow puppetry, whenever Ning Huanyi met Xiao Ning’an’s inscrutable gaze—still as stagnant water—she felt a pang of fear.
Recalling the many rumors about the Prince Regent and comparing them to the person who had willingly shelled chestnuts for her, Ning Huanyi knew one shouldn’t judge by hearsay. Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to trust Xiao Ning’an wholeheartedly either.
Xiao Ning’an noticed the little one’s expression had shifted from the earlier intimacy, but she didn’t feel particularly disappointed. After all, these things took time. She hadn’t expected Ning Huanyi to like her much—protecting her was enough.
“I’ll help you recover your health. Once you’re better, I’ll take you out of the capital for some fun. How does that sound?” Xiao Ning’an rarely smiled when she spoke, but the flickering candlelight in the Falling Star Tower cast irregular shadows on their robes and skirts, their long hair tangling together in the summer night breeze. Ning Huanyi’s cheeks flushed slightly, but the thought of leaving the capital in the future brought a look of anticipation to her rosy face.
Ning Huanyi turned and walked away, murmuring to herself, “I never thought… I’d have the chance to leave the capital in this lifetime. I’ll hold you to that—you can’t go back on your word.”
She said it lightly, knowing that after marriage, there would still be many responsibilities. Since Xiao Ning’an had decided to return to the capital, she must have long-term plans to establish her influence here. How could she possibly have time to travel with her?
Yet Xiao Ning’an silently committed this promise to heart.
As the night deepened, the vendors in the market below the Falling Star Tower began packing up their stalls and heading home. Ning Huanyi finally set aside her curiosity and obediently followed Xiao Ning’an downstairs.
The tower was still dotted with small groups of people, though not as crowded as before. Ning Huanyi noticed three men in dark robes who had been following them since they entered. She hadn’t paid them much mind earlier, but now, with fewer people around, their presence grew increasingly suspicious.
“Your Highness… why have those three men been following us for so long?” Ning Huanyi tugged lightly on Xiao Ning’an’s sleeve, careful not to draw attention. As they descended the stairs, she leaned closer and whispered her observation.
Xiao Ning’an had also sensed something amiss. She was the most perceptive of the two. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she glanced back with sharp phoenix eyes and quickly assessed the situation. The three men trailing them had no combat experience—despite being grown men, their hands bore no calluses. They were likely just servants from some household, disguised for the occasion.
“It seems my future consort has caught someone’s eye,” Xiao Ning’an murmured, a smirk playing on her lips. Her long arm wrapped around Ning Huanyi’s slender waist, pulling her close enough to catch the faint scent of the young woman’s perfume.
Ning Huanyi was taken aback. The usually reserved Xiao Ning’an, who had once been flustered just holding her hand, was now boldly closing the distance between them.
She could even feel the warmth of Xiao Ning’an’s breath. Her cheeks burned, and only when the three suspicious figures had passed did Xiao Ning’an withdraw, reverting to her usual composed demeanor—even offering an apologetic look. “Forgive me. That was just to hurry them along.”
In truth, she also wanted the men to move ahead so she could observe them more closely, looking for any identifying marks or clues to their origins.
Ning Huanyi froze for a moment, stunned that such an intimate encounter had vanished in an instant. But the moment she realized what she was thinking, she immediately chastised herself.
Not even married yet, and already so eager to get close to Xiao Ning’an—how utterly unbecoming.
Thus, Ning Huanyi quickly waved her hand in refusal: “It’s fine. It’s getting late now. Could you escort me back home first?”
Ning Huanyi was terrified that Xiao Ning’an might abandon her the moment they stepped out of the Falling Star Pavilion. This outing had already brought her face-to-face with three suspicious individuals, significantly increasing the uncertainty of her journey back home.
Utterly defenseless, Ning Huanyi was genuinely frightened. Xiao Ning’an, however, nodded naturally, her voice delicate and pleasing to the ear, yet still tinged with her characteristic coolness: “Escorting my future princess consort home is the least I should do.”
With her slender waist leading the way, Ning Huanyi clutched the hem of Xiao Ning’an’s robe as she walked slowly forward, suddenly reminded of Bai Yingying’s little nephew tugging at his friend’s clothes while playing.
Ning Huanyi felt as though Xiao Ning’an was treating her like a child and couldn’t help but huff in protest. Placing her hands on her hips, she stepped in front of Xiao Ning’an, her spoiled, coquettish demeanor—cultivated over years of pampering in the Yongchang Marquis Household—on full display as she declared, “I want to walk beside you! I refuse to be some helpless chick always under your protection.”
Xiao Ning’an’s eyes flickered, her phoenix-like gaze unusually misty. Walking side by side… Ever since her days of battling on the frontlines, Xiao Ning’an had found herself less attuned to emotions, her face often devoid of expression throughout the day. But ever since returning to the capital, deciding to propose to Ning Huanyi, and then “reuniting” with her, the surge of emotions within her had surpassed anything she’d felt in the past year.
Moreover, she found herself hanging onto Ning Huanyi’s every word. Walking side by side… Perhaps it was just a whim of Ning Huanyi’s, but for the first time in her life, Xiao Ning’an felt the presence of someone beside her, a newfound sense of security.
As the regent princess, Xiao Ning’an had never feared anyone. On the battlefield, she had beheaded enemies without batting an eye. Yet now, she found herself acutely attuned to the emotions of this delicate beauty beside her. Xiao Ning’an felt as though she had become a rough brute, inexplicably smitten with such a woman.
Like a fragile piece of art, she feared even holding her too tightly lest she break. Yet Ning Huanyi was anything but quiet, brimming with the coquettishness of a young maiden. Xiao Ning’an gazed at her for a long while, only snapping out of her reverie when Ning Huanyi had already walked ahead.
“Alright, side by side.”
Early the next morning, Ning Huanyi rose at dawn once again—this time, even Qingdai was taken aback. Given how late they’d stayed out the night before, she had expected her mistress to either cancel the day’s banquet or sleep in. Never had she imagined Ning Huanyi would rise so early.
“Young Mistress, last night, the master and mistress didn’t retire until you returned home. You mustn’t stay out so late again…” Qingdai muttered as she styled Ning Huanyi’s hair. Staring at her own charming reflection in the bronze mirror, Ning Huanyi noticed the faint dark circles beneath her almond-shaped eyes.
She grabbed some rouge and powder to conceal them, then smiled in satisfaction. Having just endured the bitterness of her medicine, her radiant smile now shone all the brighter.
Qing Dai swallowed all the words she wanted to say and simply focused on dutifully selecting clothes and hair accessories for Ning Huanyi. As the only young lady of the Yongchang Marquisate, it was an unwritten rule that her jewelry and outfits must never be repeated within seven days—even if she rarely went out before, repetition was absolutely forbidden.
Today, Ning Huanyi wore a smoke-pink pleated skirt adorned with auspicious motifs. Qing Dai rummaged through the wardrobe and pulled out an exquisite lotus-silk pipa-collared upper garment, its delicate fabric perfectly complementing Ning Huanyi’s refined and accomplished demeanor in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
Not only was Qing Dai dexterous with her hands, but she also had an innate sense of how to pair garments. Ning Huanyi greatly admired her taste, which was why she often left the task of selecting outfits to Qing Dai whenever she felt too lazy to decide.
As for today’s banquet—though undeniably important—Ning Huanyi had no desire to mingle with certain shameless individuals. But since attendance was unavoidable, she resolved to simply go through the motions.