Everyone in the capital knew that the eldest daughter of the Yongchang Marquis’s household, though rarely seen in public, was the most well-versed in the latest fabrics and styles trending in the city.
At times, the designs she favored would sweep through the capital the very next day. Even her casual attire was the most sought-after, let alone her appearance at a formal banquet like this. Many noble ladies had gone to great lengths to dress up, yet they often harbored insecurities about their outfits. Some, lacking a sense of style, simply piled on all the jewels they could, adorning themselves in the most extravagant garments—only to end up as little more than gaudy backdrops.
Now that Ning Huanyi had spoken, everyone was eager to hear her opinion, hoping to glean some valuable insight.
“The color of these embroidered shoes is rather dull. From a distance, one might mistake them for a pair of worn-out shoes.” Seeing that the crowd still hadn’t grasped the implication of her words, Ning Huanyi had no choice but to spell it out more plainly.
Worn-out shoes…
At this point, anyone who still didn’t understand would have to be a fool. Instantly, laughter rippled through the courtyard. The noble ladies mostly restrained themselves, covering their lips with handkerchiefs to stifle their giggles, while the young noblemen laughed outright, far less restrained.
Yong Yishuang finally realized she had just been subtly accused of picking up someone else’s castoffs. She shot a furious glare at Liu Jingming, who looked equally incensed, before snapping, “Ning Huanyi, you’ve got quite the nerve! It was your own frail health that made you unfit to be a wife—it was only natural for the Liu family to break off the engagement. And now, on the joyous occasion of my estate’s inauguration, you dare insult me like this?!”
Though Yong Yishuang was indeed a concubine-born princess, her royal status was no mere pretense. Even the Bai family had been scrambling to prepare this banquet for her. When she invoked her royal title to pressure Ning Huanyi, the others fell silent, unsure how to intervene.
The noblewomen who had been laughing moments earlier now grasped the gravity of the situation. What had started as a petty squabble among girls had escalated into a matter of status and hierarchy—no longer a simple affair.
Seeing that no one stood up for Ning Huanyi, Yong Yishuang felt a surge of satisfaction. Smirking, she stepped closer and patted Ning Huanyi’s shoulder. “No matter how illustrious your Yongchang Marquis’s household is, no matter how renowned your beauty as the capital’s top belle, no matter how sharp your tongue—before the might of the imperial family, you must still bow your head.”
Ning Huanyi bit her lip. This dynasty upheld strict hierarchies, where even the most powerful ministers could never compare to those of royal blood. Though many privately looked down on concubine-born children, a royal concubine-born princess still far outranked any common-born noblewoman.
Bai Yingying wanted to speak up for Ning Huanyi, but the Bai family matriarchs held her back. Though they, too, found Yong Yishuang’s behavior excessive—turning what should have been a celebratory banquet into an awkward confrontation—they would rather let Ning Huanyi endure the slight than risk offending the imperial family. At most, they could personally apologize to the Yongchang Marquis’s household afterward.
The Lady of the Bai family had thought everything through perfectly, but unfortunately, Bai Yingying was anxious. Now that she knew about the Regent’s marriage proposal the previous day, only the Yongchang Marquis’s household and herself were aware of it. Seeing Ning Huanyi’s hesitant demeanor yesterday, she hadn’t told her mother and father about it.
The Regent’s residence was an entity that even the emperor could disregard, let alone a mere princess. If she were to stand by and watch Ning Huanyi suffer now, it would truly be a case of losing the watermelon while picking up a sesame seed. Bai Yingying considered Ning Huanyi a close friend and could clearly distinguish right from wrong, as well as what was important.
Gritting her teeth, Bai Yingying was about to break free from her mother’s grasp and step forward to speak up for Ning Huanyi when a sharp, high-pitched voice rang out, echoing from the main gate of the princess’s residence all the way into the courtyard.
Yong Yishuang, who had long resided in the depths of the palace, might not be familiar with many things, but she certainly recognized the voice announcing an imperial edict. Immediately, she led a group of people to the entrance of the main hall, kneeling to receive the eunuch who was there to proclaim the decree.
“By the gracious decree of the Empress Dowager, the eldest daughter of the Yongchang Marquis, Lady Ning, has long demonstrated virtue and diligence within the inner chambers, her merits shining brightly. The Lady Ning is of upright character, gentle and prudent in conduct. She embodies grace and kindness, with a tranquil and dignified demeanor. Her actions harmonize with propriety, and she upholds diligence day and night without fail. The Empress Dowager has heard of her virtues with great pleasure, and the Regent is equally delighted. Thus, by the Regent’s request, earned through military achievements, a marriage is hereby decreed. Moved by their deep affection, the Empress Dowager specifically betroths Lady Ning to the Regent, Xiao Ning’an. The relevant authorities are ordered to select an auspicious date for the wedding. So it is decreed—”
Once the edict was read, everyone else was left stunned. Wasn’t this the princess’s residence? Why was the marriage decree for Ning Huanyi being proclaimed here?
And the one she was betrothed to was… Xiao Ning’an?! The Regent who had returned with illustrious military achievements and now held immense power?
Ning Huanyi had initially thought she was merely kneeling on the sidelines, but to her astonishment, the edict turned out to be a marriage decree for her. Though shocked, she completed the full set of rituals properly, rising gracefully to receive the edict from the eunuch. She then signaled Qingdai to hand over a hefty ingot of gold, at which the eunuch smiled and spoke.
“The young lady is truly blessed. I’ve heard that the Regent’s betrothal gifts yesterday filled the entire courtyard of the Yongchang Marquis’s residence. It’s the envy of all.” Coming from the emperor’s well-traveled eunuch, these words made everyone’s eyes widen in amazement. What kind of betrothal gifts could they be for the chief eunuch to mention them?
By now, even the slowest among them, Yong Yishuang, understood what had happened. She rose to her feet in disbelief, offering polite farewells before sending the emperor’s eunuch on his way. The atmosphere around Ning Huanyi had shifted dramatically. Anyone with a brain knew that as the future Regent’s consort, her every word and action now carried immense weight.
“I wonder if my consort still needs to bow to you at this moment.” A voice thick with icy disdain rang out from the main courtyard’s entrance. Everyone looked up to see that they had just bid farewell to one formidable figure, only for an even greater one to arrive.
Xiao Ning’an had not even removed her court robes today. The dark-colored garments draped over her slender frame without seeming out of place, her long hair entirely tucked beneath her official hat, leaving only a face of icy, transcendent beauty. She gazed coldly at Yong Yishuang, ignoring everyone else present.
Yong Yishuang’s heart lurched, and she had no time left to admire Xiao Ning’an’s striking appearance. Instinctively, she dropped to her knees, kowtowing in apology.
“Your Highness, spare me! It was Yishuang’s blindness that failed to recognize Mount Tai—I offended your consort. I beg Your Highness not to hold it against me.” Her voice trembled as she spoke, but Xiao Ning’an showed no mercy. Without hesitation, she strode forward, her boot—adorned with inconspicuous yet priceless pearls—crushing down on Yong Yishuang’s outstretched hand. The understated luxury of that single step was worth more than all the finery Yong Yishuang wore.