“What’s wrong? I’ve never seen you like this before?” Behind closed doors, Bai Yingying wore an even more gossipy expression. She knew that Ning Huanyi wasn’t as unapproachable as she appeared on the surface. In fact, due to her years of frail health, she longed for warm friendships even more.
Bai Yingying had always been straightforward and outspoken. In the intricate social circles of the capital, she particularly despised the pretentious affectations of noble young ladies. Surprisingly, this made her get along exceptionally well with Ning Huanyi.
And as Ning Huanyi spent more time with her, she no longer hid her true thoughts. Over time, Bai Yingying became the only person with whom she could speak her mind freely.
The two often joked that this was what it meant to find a kindred spirit.
The red bridal veil fabric Ning Huanyi had been holding was now clearly visible to Bai Yingying. Unaware of Xiao Ning’an’s involvement, she was shocked: “What? A-Huan, don’t tell me you’re still planning to marry that hypocritical scoundrel from the Liu family after the way they humiliated you? Forget about saving face—let’s go, I’ll take you to your mother to demand justice!”
Bai Yingying wasn’t usually this impulsive, but when it came to those she cared about, she sometimes lost her rationality.
Ning Huanyi quickly realized Bai Yingying had misunderstood and gently stopped her: “Yingying, don’t jump to conclusions. This isn’t about Liu Jingming… Oh, I was just about to tell you what happened.”
Bai Yingying looked at Ning Huanyi’s stunning face and finally managed to calm her agitation. Knowing that Ning Huanyi was still unwell and wouldn’t have much strength, she reluctantly sat back down, letting Ning Huanyi recount everything—from meeting Xiao Ning’an to her coming to the estate to propose marriage.
Contrary to Ning Huanyi’s expectations, Bai Yingying didn’t freeze in shock. Her mind was always quick to come up with unconventional ideas, and though the news took a moment to process, she didn’t short-circuit.
“Silly Huanhuan, I know exactly what you’re worried about. But first, let me ask you a few questions.” Bai Yingying wagged her plump fingers, adopting the air of a fortune-teller, deliberately mysterious. “What do you think of the Regent’s looks?”
Looks… Ning Huanyi recalled Xiao Ning’an’s face—one that could steal half a soul even without a smile—paired with a slender, delicate figure despite her martial prowess. Though Ning Huanyi herself was no slouch in the looks department, in this regard, marrying Xiao Ning’an would be no loss.
“She should be the capital’s number one beauty…” Ning Huanyi lowered her head shyly.
But in Bai Yingying’s eyes, Xiao Ning’an could only rank second. This wasn’t out of bias for her friend, but because Xiao Ning’an’s beauty was wild and untamed, like a scorching sun. Combined with her status and imposing aura, it was breathtaking yet intimidating—hard to gaze upon directly.
Ning Huanyi, on the other hand, was radiant in a more refined way, blending striking beauty with soft elegance. Her face and transparent sincerity were her greatest assets, making Bai Yingying feel that Xiao Ning’an was getting the better end of the deal.
“Though your words are like ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ I won’t argue with you now.” Bai Yingying had no intention of contradicting her at this moment. “Next question!”
“What do you think of the character of this Regent?” Bai Yingying held the tea handed to her by Qingdai, her eyes narrowing with a smile. Her expression made it clear she already had an idea in mind.
Ning Huanyi carefully recalled the few encounters she’d had over the past couple of days. The Regent had seemed humble and courteous, at least ensuring she wasn’t embarrassed in front of so many people. Moreover… earlier in the main hall, despite having met only a handful of times, Xiao Ning’an had still managed to lay the entire Regent’s residence before her, putting both her and her parents at ease.
Compared to the other young noblemen in the capital, this Xiao Ning’an was already the best choice by far.
Ning Huanyi truthfully shared all her thoughts, counting Xiao Ning’an’s virtues on her fingers in a daze. Suddenly, she realized just how suitable a match this was.
This realization didn’t even require Bai Yingying’s persuasion—it was unlikely she’d ever find such an excellent candidate again.
Bai Yingying watched Ning Huanyi’s expression shift from sudden understanding to lingering naivety. She reached out and pinched Ning Huanyi’s cheek, delighting in its warmth. “Ah, Ah-Huan, your skin is so delicate and smooth—it feels even better than that pair of mutton-fat jade bracelets I just acquired the other day!”
Ning Huanyi’s cheeks flushed, and she swatted Bai Yingying’s hand away, pretending to be angry. “Yingying, if you keep being so frivolous, I’ll have someone throw you out!”
Bai Yingying knew it was just a joke and continued sipping her tea cheerfully, eyeing Ning Huanyi like a matchmaker sizing up a bride.
Because of this, Ning Huanyi grew even more flustered. She balled her hands into little fists, playfully hitting Bai Yingying, though her weak strength made the blows feel more like kitten scratches. This only deepened Bai Yingying’s concern about how Ning Huanyi would manage alone in the vast Regent’s residence.
“Silly Ah-Huan, everything seems perfect, but the Regent’s residence isn’t just enormous—it also lacks close allies. You won’t even have a mother-in-law to guide you. If you rush into this marriage, won’t it wear you out…?” Bai Yingying was genuinely worried for her. While the match with the Regent’s household seemed like a stroke of luck, it also came with headaches—especially since this was a union between two women.
A marriage between women, carrying the weight of fulfilling the late Empress’s wishes, would test Ning Huanyi’s ability to manage a household. If she could set an exemplary standard after the wedding, all would be well.
But if not, many might argue that marriages between women simply don’t work, pushing things further from the desired outcome.
Ning Huanyi wasn’t oblivious to this. Since childhood, she had studied household management and poetry. Though her frail health had kept her from pursuing the imperial exams, she had learned everything expected of her.
In theory, there was no issue. But Ning Huanyi knew her own body. Now, in early summer, when the weather was neither too hot nor too cold, she was at her healthiest. Come autumn and winter, she would be bedridden, coughing incessantly…
Could such a frail constitution truly endure life in the Regent’s residence?
Ning Huanyi also began to doubt herself. Bai Yingying noticed her dear Ah Huan lowering her head and felt a pang of discomfort. She immediately comforted her, saying, “Ah Huan, don’t be afraid. If it really comes to it, I can go over every day to help you out. Life is meant to be lived. Since Xiao Ning’an was willing to spend such a fortune to marry you, she certainly won’t treat you poorly.”