Ning Huanyi raised the cup and drank it all in one go, finally washing away the lingering taste in her mouth. She then asked for some petal-infused water to rinse, finally overcoming the ordeal of taking her medicine.
Like a child seeking praise, Ning Huanyi tilted her delicate face upward, as if waiting for a reward.
Xiao Ning’an tapped the tip of Ning Huanyi’s nose and then slid the ice-jade bracelet from her own wrist onto Ning Huanyi’s.
Ning Huanyi had been pampered since childhood, raised amidst gold, silver, and precious gems, making her exceptionally familiar with fine jade. The moment she saw the superior quality of the newly acquired bracelet on her wrist, she was startled. Such a piece had not yet made its way into the capital—its most likely origin was an imperial gift.
“This won’t do… Was this bestowed by the Emperor?” Ning Huanyi ventured, studying Xiao Ning’an’s expression. Xiao Ning’an nodded subtly. As expected, the Yongchang Marquis’s household had seen such treasures before. Ning Huanyi, with her refined tastes since childhood, knew that such an item could not have appeared in the capital at this time. The only possibility was that it had been granted from the imperial treasury. (Note: Although jade bracelets do not grow seasonally like crops, due to the slow transportation in ancient times, goods took time to reach the capital. In this setting, they would only arrive in the imperial city around the latter half of the year.)
Realizing her guess was correct, Ning Huanyi was even more determined to return the bracelet to Xiao Ning’an.
But Xiao Ning’an refused to take it back, securing the bracelet firmly on Ning Huanyi’s wrist. “If you truly feel undeserving, then consider this bracelet as part of my additional betrothal gifts.”
Ning Huanyi was at a loss for words. Before she could react, a servant from Ning Yuanxun’s side arrived to summon Xiao Ning’an to the study. Ning Huanyi immediately stood up, wanting to delay her departure, but night was already falling.
Though both were women, propriety still mattered. Not wanting to appear overly eager, Ning Huanyi remained where she was, offering a slow, respectful curtsy. Xiao Ning’an cast a deep glance at her before following the servant to the study.
The moment Xiao Ning’an left, the atmosphere in Qiyan Pavilion instantly lightened. The maids, who had been holding their breaths all evening, quickly gathered around.
“Miss, you actually drank the medicine first today!”
“Truly, only Her Highness the Regent can keep you in check.
Though the Yongchang Marquis’s household was strict, the maids were still young, barely eighteen or nineteen—full of curiosity. The prospect of their young lady marrying another woman was novel, but given Xiao Ning’an’s status, they had all observed silently.
Having suppressed their excitement all evening, they now eagerly gossiped. Ning Huanyi didn’t mind their teasing, even feigning anger with flushed cheeks, raising a fist as if to strike them.
But after years of illness, even her raised fist held little intimidation—like an angry kitten.
Xiao Ning’an hadn’t gone far. Hearing the laughter behind her, the corners of her lips curled into a faint smile.
The next morning, while Ning Huanyi was still deep in sleep, she was awakened by Bai Yingying’s voice shouting outside the Qiyan Pavilion. Qingdai, who had risen early to prepare Ning Huanyi’s washing supplies, hurried over to stop her.
To everyone’s surprise, after a hushed conversation between Bai Yingying and Qingdai, the latter actually let her in. Bai Yingying then approached Ning Huanyi’s bedside and gently shook her awake.
“Miss, it’s time to wake up… Today, someone is coming to the manor to offer a formal apology. Miss Bai suggests you go to the front hall to witness the spectacle.” Qingdai felt a bit uneasy phrasing it this way, but given yesterday’s incident at the princess’s residence, it was indeed necessary for her mistress to be present.
Rather than being summoned abruptly by the madam later, it was better to prepare Ning Huanyi’s attire and makeup now.
Ning Huanyi, who usually had a bit of a temper upon waking, swallowed her irritation when she recalled the previous day’s events and the impending apology.
With a forced smile, she sat up, rinsed her mouth, and took her medicine first thing in the morning. The bitter taste lingered on her tongue, and Qingdai quickly handed her petal-infused water to rinse several times before the flavor subsided.
After a round of grooming, a radiant yet frail beauty emerged before Bai Yingying, who eagerly examined her from head to toe, her eyes filled with admiration. “Truly a bride-to-be! Our Ningning grows lovelier by the day!”
Ning Huanyi swatted Bai Yingying’s hand away, feigning annoyance. “You disturbed my rest this morning, and I haven’t even settled that score yet. If there’s no spectacle worth seeing in the front hall, you’ll have me to answer to!”
“Fine, fine! Just wait and see! Last night, I overheard my mother saying both the princess’s residence and the Liu household were shrouded in gloom. The maids and servants sent to inquire reported that Liu Jingming was to be disciplined by his family and forced to apologize today.” Arm in arm, the two walked as Bai Yingying grew increasingly animated, her excitement mounting.
But Ning Huanyi felt a pang of displeasure. Liu Jingming had been the one with the foul mouth—why did he need to be beaten before offering an apology?
Noticing Ning Huanyi’s sullen expression, Bai Yingying comforted her, “You know what kind of person Liu Jingming is—he never acknowledges his faults. If you’re still upset, today’s the perfect chance to give him a hard time. Make sure you vent properly!”
That was Bai Yingying for you—she understood social niceties. Though the Liu family’s collective apology today should, by convention, be met with a gracious acceptance by the Ning family, Bai Yingying shared Ning Yuanxun’s stance: Ning Huanyi’s grievances must be addressed first.
By the time the discussion in the front hall was winding down, Ning Yuanxun waved for a servant to fetch Ning Huanyi. The attendant had barely run halfway when he spotted Ning Huanyi and Bai Yingying approaching arm in arm. Wiping sweat from his brow, he relayed in a hushed tone, “Miss, the master and madam sent me to invite you to the front hall. The master specifically said you may make any demands of Young Master Liu—venting your anger is paramount.” Hearing this, both Ning Huanyi and Bai Yingying couldn’t help but smile.
“See, my uncle would never let you suffer any injustice!” Bai Yingying smiled, growing even more eager to see what would unfold in the front hall shortly. She tugged at Ning Huanyi’s arm, quickening their pace slightly.
When the two arrived at the front hall of Yongchang Marquis Manor, an eerie silence hung in the air. Liu’s father and his wife sat in their seats, occasionally shooting dagger-like glances at their rebellious son, Liu Jingming, who knelt on the floor.
Meanwhile, Pei Ruan and Ning Yuanxun leisurely savored the newly-tributed tea of the season, showing no signs of impatience. Yet they made no move to speak first either.