When Jun Ning looked toward Xiao Moyuan, he was resting his head on one hand, his eyes half‑lowered, dressed in snow‑white robes, his demeanor gentle and refined.
In terms of temperament, even ten Xiao Yunjies could not compare.
“Du Yi, Ah Ning is looking at me—she must have forgiven me!” Xiao Yunjie beamed with joy. He had always said so: Ah Ning liked him so much that as long as he showed her a little kindness, she would never bear to stay angry with him.
Du Yi nodded in agreement, though he wondered if his master was mistaken. Jun Ning’s gaze seemed clearly directed elsewhere. Still, whatever the prince said must be so.
The music gradually faded. On the dais, Consort De covered her smile and said: “Your Majesty, it seems today’s prize falls to the Pingkang household.”
At her words, the crowd’s expressions shifted, and all eyes turned toward Jun Ning, seated calmly at her place.
“Hahaha! My beloved consort speaks truly. Jun family girls, what reward do you wish for?” The Emperor had not wanted to mention Jun Qingnian after her disgrace, but since he had already promised a prize, he had no choice.
Jun Ning and Jun Qingnian stepped to the center of the hall, hands folded, and bowed.
“Your Majesty, may we ask for any reward at all?”
Emperor Yongchu raised his brows. He thought to himself: so, this girl truly wishes me to grant her a marriage. Otherwise, she would not ask in this way.
“Once I have spoken, I will not go back on my word. Tell me, what reward do you desire?”
At this, tension rippled through the hall.
Shen Qingtang clenched her hands so tightly that her long nails pierced her flesh, drawing blood. She knew what Jun Ning was about to say. Once Jun Ning spoke, she would forever lose the chance to become Brother Yunjie’s Princess Consort Jing.
Jun Ning dropped to her knees, speaking each word with solemn clarity:
“This humble daughter wishes to ask His Majesty to grant a marriage—to wed Prince Xuan.”
Her words sent a ripple of shock through the hall.
Shen Qingtang froze, belatedly feeling the sting of her palms digging into her flesh.
Xiao Yunjie’s mind roared. He leapt up from his seat, forgetting decorum, his face burning with humiliation. “Jun Ning, what did you just say?!”
“Prince Jing! I am still here—what do you think you’re doing?” Emperor Yongchu despised challenges to his authority. Xiao Yunjie’s outburst had touched his reverse scale.
Seeing the Emperor’s shifting expression, Consort Yan quickly whispered, “Prince Jing, sit down at once.”
Doused like with cold water, Xiao Yunjie forced himself back into his seat, choking down his fury.
The Emperor’s gaze shifted to Xiao Moyuan. Jun Ning thought—perhaps it was her imagination—but there was a trace of gentleness, even apology, in his eyes.
“Marriage is no trifling matter. Prince Xuan, are you willing?”
Though as sovereign he could decree without asking, the Emperor’s tone made Jun Ning certain: if Xiao Moyuan shook his head, the marriage would be denied.
All eyes turned to him—the once-celebrated prodigy, long silent, now again the center of attention.
Supported by Cang Ying, Xiao Moyuan rose and bowed.
Beside him, Xiao Yunjie seethed, wishing to devour him alive, but Xiao Moyuan ignored his rage.
“Father, this request should have come from me. I met Ah Ning long ago, and had planned to ask Your Majesty for this marriage at the right time. I did not expect Ah Ning to speak first.”His words were natural, sincere, without a hint of falsehood.
Jun Ning nearly applauded—he acted even better than she did.
Emperor Yongchu nodded eagerly, as if afraid she might retract. “Good! Today I shall grant this marriage!”
“This daughter (this son) thanks Your Majesty (Father).” They spoke in unison.
For some reason, the Emperor’s face glowed with barely contained delight.
Jun Ning lifted her head, meeting Consort Yan’s gaze without fear.
“Jun Qingnian, what reward do you seek?”
Before Jun Qingnian, the Emperor’s tone shifted.
“Your Majesty, this daughter also wishes for a marriage.” Her face was still pale, but she had not forgotten her plan.
“Oh? Tell me—which young gentleman?”
At once, the noble sons lowered their heads—none wanted to be chosen by a madwoman.
“This daughter has long admired Prince Jing. I beg Your Majesty to grant it.”
The Emperor: “…” This summer banquet was full of surprises. One sister refused Prince Jing and chose Prince Xuan; the other dreamed of marrying Prince Jing.
“Very well. I grant it.” He agreed so quickly that even Consort Yan had no time to intervene.
Xiao Yunjie’s eyes burned red with rage.
Jun Qingnian was overjoyed at first, but her smile soon froze. Consort Yan whispered something to the Emperor, who nodded.
“The Grand Tutor’s daughter, Shen Qingtang—is she here?”
“This daughter greets Your Majesty.” Startled, Shen Qingtang hurried to kneel beside Jun Ning.
“Mm. You are graceful and refined. Grand Tutor, you have raised a fine daughter.”
“Your Majesty flatters us. All is thanks to your benevolence.” The Grand Tutor seized the chance to flatter.
The Emperor laughed heartily. “No need for modesty.”
“Shen girl, three princes are of marriageable age. Prince Xuan is now betrothed. Between Prince Ding and Prince Jing—do you favor one?”
Jun Ning lowered her head, hiding her smile. Everything was unfolding exactly as planned. She would turn Prince Jing’s household into a living hell.
At the mention of Prince Jing, Shen Qingtang’s heart leapt. “Your Majesty, both princes are outstanding. I am honored beyond measure. Since I have known Prince Jing since childhood, I wish to marry him.”
The Emperor and Consort Yan exchanged satisfied glances.
At that moment, Zhao De returned, whispering into the Emperor’s ear.
The Emperor’s gaze chilled, and the hall fell silent.
“Imperial Physician Zhang.”
“This servant is here.”Trembling, Imperial Physician Zhang knelt.
“Your skills are renowned. Today, accompany the Ear Pingkang household’s carriage to their manor and examine the Jun family’s illegitimate daughter.”