Though Yong Yishuang had also realized the situation, she had no intention of backing down so easily. She glared fiercely at Ning Huanyi lying on the bed—just because she was a little prettier, why did so many people have to revolve around her?
Ning Huanyi felt the sting of that venomous gaze and slightly lifted her eyes to meet Yong Yishuang’s poisonous stare. It reminded her of the malicious characters in the novels she had read, who would look at others just like that. A shiver ran down her spine.
Xiao Ning’an naturally didn’t miss this. Following Ning Huanyi’s gaze, she turned and saw the undisguised malice in Yong Yishuang’s eyes. With a mocking tone, she asked, “What kind of look is that, Your Highness? Do you have some grievance against this prince?”
Yong Yishuang shook her head repeatedly, denying it, but she couldn’t find any way to explain herself. Ning Huanyi understood the principle of a cornered beast lashing out, and so did Xiao Ning’an. Thus, she didn’t press further, instead focusing on carefully tending to Ning Huanyi on the bed, her heart a tumult of mixed emotions.
Had Huanyi always been like this?
For some reason, Xiao Ning’an felt a sharp pain in her chest, as though nothing else mattered anymore—as long as the person before her was safe and well.
“Your Highness should focus on preparing for the upcoming banquet to inaugurate your residence. This marquis will take my daughter home to rest.”
Just as envy and jealousy swirled among the crowd, a deep, authoritative voice sounded from the entrance of the side hall. Those words made Yong Yishuang feel as though her world was collapsing.
Everyone knew that the Yongchang Marquisate was fiercely protective of its own. Yong Yishuang had only acted out of jealousy toward Ning Huanyi’s beauty and because Liu Jingming had whispered to her about Ning Huanyi’s supposed disrespect. Seizing this opportunity, she had intended to humiliate Ning Huanyi thoroughly, knowing she might never get another chance.
Who could have guessed that before she could even fully voice her insults, she had already suffered such a crushing defeat?
Yong Yishuang’s face instantly paled. If she hadn’t fully grasped the influence of the female regent, there was no one in the capital who didn’t know the capabilities of Ning Yuanxun, the Marquis of Yongchang. He had swiftly replenished the national treasury when the previous dynasty was in desperate need of funds and had actively contributed strategies when leading troops into battle in the current reign.
Because of this, the Yongchang Marquisate—originally just a hereditary title—had been elevated by Ning Yuanxun’s tangible achievements. Though the family was prominent, they conducted themselves flawlessly, never giving others cause for criticism. And if there was one thing the entire Yongchang Marquisate valued above all else, it was Ning Huanyi.
Thus, no one had ever dared to raise objections when Ning Huanyi, citing poor health, declined invitations to noble gatherings throughout her life.
Ning Huanyi was equally shocked. How had her father been alerted to come to the princess’s residence in person?
She looked up at Qingdai standing beside her, who immediately understood her silent question and whispered, “Miss, this was the regent’s doing. She learned that Young Master Liu had been spreading baseless rumors about you behind your back. Today, with so many people gathered, was the perfect opportunity to clear your name.”
In truth, Ning Huanyi was aware of some of the rumors about her. But she had always believed it better to avoid trouble, enduring the injustice as long as the gossip wasn’t thrown in her face.
But now, Xiao Ning’an actually knew about this little grievance of hers and was willing to go to great lengths to clear her name. Though somewhat apprehensive, Ning Huanyi felt an indescribable warmth in her heart.
“Father-in-law, your arrival is timely. Last night, while strolling with my fiancée at the Falling Star Pavilion, I noticed several suspicious individuals tailing us. After capturing and interrogating them, I discovered they were from the Princess’s estate. Given that this matter concerns Huanyi, I felt it necessary to discuss it with you.”
Xiao Ning’an, who seemed to regard no one with importance, was unexpectedly respectful toward Ning Huanyi and her family. After speaking, she waved her hand, signaling her subordinates to bring forward three servants bound like zongzi, who were then thrown before Yong Yishuang and Liu Jingming.
Both of them immediately fell to their knees, their legs giving way. Liu Jingming never imagined that Yong Yishuang would send such fools—people who would tail others while still wearing their Princess’s estate uniforms.
Ning Yuanxun’s face darkened as he motioned for the three to speak quickly. Having endured torture all night, they eagerly seized the chance to plead: “Spare us, my lord! It was Young Master Liu who asked the Princess to send us to follow Ning Huanyi. He said that since she left the estate so late, she must be up to no good. He even claimed to have seen her meeting someone in secret at Ruyi Workshop, hoping to gather evidence to tarnish her reputation and prevent her from marrying well in the future.”
Ning Huanyi’s eyes widened. Though rumors had circulated in the capital that she was the one with improper conduct, leading to Liu Jingming breaking off the engagement, the gossip hadn’t gained much traction, so she had ignored it.
Who would have thought Liu Jingming had orchestrated it all? Had she merely gone out for a stroll last night, she might have faced unknown dangers.
Ning Yuanxun grew angrier with every word, but years of navigating court politics kept his fury hidden beneath a composed exterior. His gaze, however, burned with murderous intent as it locked onto Liu Jingming.
“Uncle Ning… please, let me explain…” Liu Jingming trembled as he tried to defend himself.
Having frequently visited the Yongchang Marquis Estate in the past, Liu Jingming was well aware of Ning Yuanxun’s temperament. Slandering his daughter had undoubtedly crossed an unforgivable line.
“Liu Jingming, I truly underestimated you. To think you would go to such lengths to break off the engagement with my daughter, even resorting to spreading malicious rumors.” Ning Yuanxun spoke each word deliberately, though he had no immediate plans to punish Liu Jingming himself. Instead, he intended to take the matter directly to the Xianyang Marquis Estate—forcing them to choose between protecting their worthless son or facing the consequences of opposing the Yongchang Marquis Estate.
Xiao Ning’an had already heard all the testimonies the night before. In this era, a woman’s reputation was of utmost importance. Yet Liu Jingming, resentful over whispers that the Xianyang Marquis Estate had overreached by betrothing him to the Yongchang Marquis’s daughter, had callously sought to ruin an innocent girl’s name to salvage his family’s pride.
The Xianyang Marquis Estate was unlikely to emerge unscathed from this. Xiao Ning’an’s phoenix-like eyes glinted coldly as she observed Liu Jingming. But then, a soft cough from Ning Huanyi drew her attention. She immediately turned, concern lacing her voice: “Huanyi, are you unwell?”
The coughing didn’t seem feigned. Xiao Ning’an had previously investigated Ning Huanyi’s health and knew that emotional distress or missed doses of medicine could trigger such fits. Given the circumstances, Ning Huanyi’s agitation was hardly surprising.
Xiao Ning’an felt somewhat regretful about handling things this way, but she didn’t know how to apologize. Ning Yuanxun quickly called for someone to help Ning Huanyi back to Yongchang Marquis Manor to rest. However, Xiao Ning’an didn’t step aside. Instead, she scooped Ning Huanyi up in her arms and said, “Father-in-law, please stay here to deal with the rumors. Ning’an will personally escort Huanyi back to the manor.”
The faint fragrance from Xiao Ning’an enveloped Ning Huanyi, who nestled in her embrace, gazing at her striking jawline. Even the frustration she had felt moments ago seemed to melt away.
Xiao Ning’an’s dark robes concealed her graceful figure, but now, as Ning Huanyi instinctively wrapped her arms around Xiao Ning’an’s neck to steady herself, she could feel the softness of her skin—a stark contrast to the titles of “Living King of Hell” or “God of War” that people often used to describe her.
“Ning… Ning’an…” Earlier, she had addressed her this way in front of her father. Gathering her courage, Ning Huanyi called Xiao Ning’an by her name. Xiao Ning’an was surprised, and her hand around Ning Huanyi’s waist tightened unconsciously.
“I like it when you call me that. No need to be reserved.” Xiao Ning’an’s eyes darkened slightly. It had been a long time since anyone had addressed her so intimately.
Encouraged by her words, Ning Huanyi grew bolder. She adjusted her hold on Xiao Ning’an’s neck, settling into a more comfortable position in her arms.
“Ning’an, why are you so good to me?”
“Protecting my wife is only natural.” Xiao Ning’an knew this wasn’t the answer Ning Huanyi wanted, but for now, she couldn’t think of anything else to say.
Ning Huanyi frowned. Even with a displeased expression, her radiant beauty remained captivating. Xiao Ning’an had to lift her gaze to focus on the road ahead as she carried Ning Huanyi all the way to her carriage, still refusing to let go.
“Don’t squirm,” Xiao Ning’an murmured, looking down at Ning Huanyi, who was trying to wriggle free. “The imperial physician’s words earlier may not have been entirely truthful, but your health still needs proper care. That coughing fit just now—were you upset?”
Ning Huanyi nodded. Her chronic cough wasn’t something easily cured, and hearing such infuriating news had made it impossible to suppress.
“Supplements will be sent to your manor later—personally allocated by the Emperor from the national treasury for the Princess Consort of the Regent.” Xiao Ning’an spoke calmly. Though the carriage was spacious, she still wouldn’t allow Ning Huanyi to slip out of her embrace.
Yet Ning Huanyi couldn’t detect any deliberate intention in Xiao Ning’an’s eyes to hold her close. She didn’t understand—if Xiao Ning’an didn’t want to embrace her, why was she doing so?
But Ning Huanyi knew better than to ask such questions now. Instead, she obediently enjoyed the warmth of Xiao Ning’an’s arms.
Princess Consort of the Regent—had she already been claimed under that title before even marrying into the household?
The thought of Yong Yishuang’s venomous glare made Ning Huanyi uneasy. “But… I know your consort can’t be tainted by rumors. I’m afraid today’s incident was too rash. What if she—”
“Fights you to the death?” Xiao Ning’an arched a brow, her phoenix eyes meeting Ning Huanyi’s gaze. “Then I hope you’ll marry into the Regent’s Manor soon. With both the Regent’s Manor and Yongchang Marquis Manor protecting you, no harm will come to Huanyi.”
Xiao Ning’an’s words seemed to carry a joking tone, but Ning Huan’er noticed she was actually quite nervous. Her hand remained in that same position, holding her tightly, much like a child pretending not to care while secretly fearing someone might snatch away the candy right in front of them.