Ning Huanyi dared not hesitate any longer and quickly stepped into the main hall, gracefully curtsying: “Your daughter greets Father and Mother, and pays respects to His Highness the Regent.”
Ning Huanyi’s voice was clear and pleasant, carrying the crispness unique to young maidens, along with her own soft and sweet tone. She rarely bowed to her parents at home, as neither of them could bear to see her do so.
Now, with outsiders present, it was only proper to observe full etiquette.
“Rise.” The woman in dark robes slowly turned around. The voice was familiar and melodious, but Ning Huanyi dared not look up, keeping her head bowed as she stood in place, staring only at the tips of her embroidered shoes, her heart flustered.
The Regent was a woman… and so was she…
Just as her thoughts were in turmoil, the Regent extended a hand—calloused from years of wielding weapons—palm up, holding a pair of jade bracelets wrapped in red silk.
The jade was translucent and of the finest quality, the absolute pinnacle of jadeite. Indeed, nothing the Regent presented could be ordinary.
“Look up.” The cool voice came from above. Ning Huanyi steeled herself before raising her head, and when her eyes met the Regent’s, she froze.
After a long pause, Ning Huanyi managed to speak with difficulty: “It’s… it’s you??”
Xiao Ning’an raised an eyebrow and nodded, her composed demeanor masking an unsettled heart.
“Well?” Not satisfied? Xiao Ning’an felt a pang of fear, scrutinizing Ning Huanyi’s eyes for any trace of disappointment. Fortunately, there was none—instead, a faint blush colored Ning Huanyi’s cheeks.
“Ah Huan, you know His Highness the Regent?” Ning Yuanxun, hearing their exchange, seized the chance to break the awkward silence. Unsure how to explain, Ning Huanyi spoke before Xiao Ning’an could.
“Indeed… We met today when I went to Xichan Temple to offer incense. At the time, I didn’t realize it was His Highness the Regent. If I offended in any way, I hope His Highness will not hold it against me.” Beads of sweat dotted Ning Huanyi’s forehead. Seeing this, Xiao Ning’an took out a delicately scented handkerchief from her sleeve and gently wiped them away, continuing Ning Huanyi’s explanation.
“Indeed. At first sight, this prince was smitten and has come to propose marriage. I vow to treat your daughter with utmost care and never let her suffer again.” Every word Xiao Ning’an spoke warmed Ning Huanyi’s heart.
Though Yongli’s customs were open-minded, matters of marriage were still dictated by parental authority and matchmakers. Traditionally, parents decided, and daughters simply married accordingly—there was little room for personal choice.
Yet Xiao Ning’an placed the utmost importance on Ning Huanyi’s feelings, something Ning Huanyi had sensed from the very beginning.
But Pei Ruan wore a troubled expression: “Your Highness may not know, but my daughter has been pampered since childhood and is often frail and sickly. I fear she may displease Your Highness… Perhaps…”
Pei Ruan couldn’t think of any other way to dissuade her. As a mother, how could she bear to see her beloved daughter married off to someone so powerful yet so aloof?
The Regent spoke little and had a cold demeanor—how could Ah Huan be happy after marriage? And once wed, the Yongchang Marquisate would have little say. Was this truly the only way?
Xiao Ning’an remained silent, as if deep in thought, then whispered a few words to an attendant beside her. The attendant promptly hurried out of the Yongchang Marquisate.
“What does this mean?” Ning Yuanxun was puzzled, while Xiao Ning’an bowed respectfully and said, “Lord Ning, please wait a moment.”
Ning Huanyi was led by Xiao Ning’an to sit aside, while she herself remained standing in the center of the main hall, like a son-in-law being interrogated, without any air of the Regent.
Soon, a servant rushed back, sweating profusely, and placed the items from his arms one by one on the table in front of Pei Ruan and Ning Yuanxun.
On the square pearwood table lay several keys and an exquisitely carved red seal. Ning Yuanxun seemed to recognize what they were and quickly asked, “What are these?”
“The keys to the Regent’s treasury and the red seal of the Regent’s residence,” Xiao Ning’an replied calmly, leaving everyone in the main hall of Yongchang Marquis’s residence stunned.
Ning Huanyi also looked up abruptly upon hearing this. According to custom, these items were only handed over after marriage. Why had Xiao Ning’an brought them all out on the day of the marriage proposal?
As if understanding the confusion in Ning Huanyi’s eyes, Xiao Ning’an patiently explained to Ning Yuanxun and Pei Ruan, “Earlier, you expressed concern that your daughter might suffer grievances in the Regent’s residence. Today, I bring these items to present them to Miss Huanyi in your presence. If you approve of this marriage, the financial authority of the Regent’s residence will be entirely entrusted to the Princess Consort. The management of the household will also be fully handed over, and I will assist where needed.”
Xiao Ning’an had spoken more today than usual, but every word resonated with Pei Ruan and Ning Yuanxun. Although Ning Huanyi had been pampered since childhood, she had also learned the duties of managing a household as the future lady of the house.
What Pei Ruan had feared most was that Xiao Ning’an, accustomed to wielding immense power, might restrict her daughter’s daily comforts, such as ice in summer or hotpot in winter. Now that Xiao Ning’an had made her stance clear, Pei Ruan felt somewhat reassured.
At the very least, her daughter wouldn’t suffer undue hardships. With the Regent’s proposal reaching such lengths, Pei Ruan and Ning Yuanxun had no reason to refuse. However, Pei Ruan turned her gaze to Ning Huanyi.
After exchanging glances, Ning Yuanxun took the initiative to engage Xiao Ning’an in other topics, while Pei Ruan stood up and led Ning Huanyi to a side chamber.
Pei Ruan looked at Ning Huanyi with the tenderness of a mother hen, asking, “Are you willing, Ah Huan? If not… our Yongchang Marquis’s residence will spare no effort to ensure your lifelong happiness, even if it means defying the entire family.”
Pei Ruan seemed resolved—if her precious daughter showed even a hint of reluctance, she would immediately reject Xiao Ning’an in the main hall.
To her surprise, Ning Huanyi’s cheeks flushed slightly as she whispered, “Mother, I am willing…” Her voice grew softer, and Pei Ruan noticed the subtle shyness on her daughter’s face.
Pei Ruan was taken aback. Could it be that her daughter had never shown interest in any man all these years because she actually preferred women? But this was just as well—at least she wouldn’t feel wronged by marrying the Regent.
After confirming several times, Pei Ruan finally understood when Ning Huanyi quietly explained the incident at Ruyi Workshop. Only then did she realize why both parties were so willing—they had a shared past.
When Pei Ruan brought Ning Huanyi back to the main hall, Ning Yuanxun was already looking at Xiao Ning’an with admiration. Earlier, the two had been discussing trade cooperation in the Jiangnan region, and a problem that had troubled Ning Yuanxun for a long time was solved by Xiao Ning’an with a fresh perspective.
Not only did she humbly seek advice, but she also respectfully provided the best solution, directly resolving Ning Yuanxun’s workload for the next half month and putting an end to his most pressing headache in recent times.