Day Three
Sun Ningning was sternly lectured by Grand Secretary Sun for half an hour.
She lay prostrate while responding, doing her best not to anger the elderly man.
What if his blood pressure spiked from anger?
Grand Secretary Sun’s long white beard framed a deeply furrowed brow, the wrinkles forming a distinct “川” character.
Seeing his once lively and adorable second granddaughter wilted like a flower deprived of water, pitifully sprawled on the bed with an innocent expression…
His anger flared up uncontrollably!
Still wearing his Silk Crane Official Robe after court, Grand Secretary Sun had come directly to see Sun Ningning, taking the opportunity to scold her.
Before leaving, he turned back.
His slightly clouded eyes fixed on his young granddaughter, who was now able to turn over on the bed.
In a firm tone, he declared, “Your grandfather has chosen a husband for you: the current Third Prince, Wu Wang Bai Ling.”
“I observe that he is not only exceptionally talented in literature, but also disciplined and courteous in conduct. Furthermore, his household has only ever included one concubine—a common-born daughter who once saved his life. This shows he is both sentimental and grateful.”
Sun Ningning endured the pain as she turned over, and Xiaoyue hurried forward to help her sit up properly.
Sun Ningning lifted her head, her eyes glistening with moisture, her tone softening.
“Grandfather… I’ve never met Bai Ling, and I already have feelings for His Highness Prince Qin. The Second Prince doesn’t contend for the throne. When he eventually goes to his fiefdom in Jiangling, I intend to follow him. Jiangling is only five hundred li from Jinling…”
Oh no.
She had nearly forgotten!
In the original story, though Sun Ningning wasn’t even a supporting character who lasted more than a few chapters…
As the female lead’s younger sister, the author had given her a very favorable outcome.
She was early on arranged to marry Wu Wang Bai Ling.
The Wu Wang in the book was indeed commendable—possessing the royal family’s superior genes, accomplished in both literary and martial arts, gentle and polite, with handsome features.
In the book, the two were mutually fond of each other.
Wu Wang deeply respected his wife, the original character, and they supported each other throughout their lives.
They even had a son and a daughter, making it quite an admirable match.
What should she do… She had truly been careless, forgetting this matter wasn’t resolved yet!
Grand Secretary Sun’s tone turned displeased as he immediately stated:
“Little Ning’er, let me be straightforward with you today. Even if you don’t like Bai Ling, and you wish to marry the son of a censor, the son of an inspector, or even some minor seventh-rank official… don’t even think about marrying Prince Qin!”
Stimulated by these words, blood rushed to Sun Ningning’s face. She reached out to grasp the hem of Grand Secretary Sun’s robe.
Clutching it tightly in her palm, she shook it and urgently asked aloud:
“Why, Grandfather? Prince Qin might have a somewhat tarnished reputation, but your granddaughter likes him! Truly, I do!”
Grand Secretary Sun gently pried Sun Ningning’s fingers open. Seeing her pale, pitiable complexion after her serious injury, his tone softened accordingly.
He let out a long sigh, his heart aching with sorrow.
Stepping forward, he patted Sun Ningning’s head, his expression both affectionate and helpless.
“Little Ning’er, Prince Qin is ruthless and cruel, and… he is simply not a suitable match.”
“Let me ask you: Your grandfather has strictly educated you and Wanwan, especially you, since childhood—you’ve received so many strikes with the hand ruler. Do you hold a grudge against me?”
Sun Ningning looked at this kind, nearly seventy-year-old man. Having never experienced familial love in her own life, she recalled the original host’s childhood, and her eyes grew slightly moist.
Supporting herself on half her body, Sun Ningning replied in a choked voice:
“I never resented the ruler strikes, and I’ve never held a grudge. Ningning and my elder sister understand Grandfather’s well-intentioned efforts!”
Although this old man’s thinking often carried the outdated rigidity and male chauvinism of classical scholars…
He had lost his beloved wife in middle age, and within a few years, lost his only son and daughter-in-law.
He never took a concubine in his entire life.
Grand Secretary Sun single-handedly raised Sun Ningning and Sun Wanwan, never neglecting their education and etiquette.
This was how he cultivated a female lead like Sun Wanwan—dignified, principled, and clear-headed about right and wrong—
And a lively, amusing Sun Ningning who lived a happy life.
Grand Secretary Sun patted Sun Ningning’s head and said calmly:
“Then do you think the Emperor and Empress… who indulge His Highness Prince Qin in killing today, setting fires tomorrow, and threatening court officials the day after—earning him a notorious reputation among the common people—are truly good to him?”
Sun Ningning was stunned.
She opened her mouth, only to find herself at a loss for words.
Yes.
In the original book, Xiao Ze was ultimately a tragedy, but his identity destined him to be one.
Yet clearly, in the book, everyone loved him.
The Crown Prince treated him like a full-blooded younger brother, always protecting his interests, even willing to yield the throne to him;
Xiao Ze was raised under the Empress’s care since childhood, and she doted on him more than the Crown Prince, always giving him the best food and toys first;
Although the Emperor was a smiling tiger in the book, at least he had genuinely loved the child of the woman he cherished.
Even if he ultimately sacrificed him for the sake of the nation…
Why have so many things changed now?
The Xiao Ze in the book would never use such cruel punishments.
Nor would he fail to send a single word of concern after she took a knife for him.
Why did everyone say the Crown Prince always yielded to Xiao Ze, prioritized him in everything, and never scolded his younger brother no matter what mistakes he made?
Isn’t this setting him up for a fall?
Sun Ningning’s entire aura deflated.
Grand Secretary Sun left her with the words, “Focus on recovering. You and Prince Qin are impossible.”
He walked away slowly, his back appearing so aged, his hair completely white.
After her grandfather left, Sun Ningning stared blankly at the carved wooden door.
After a long while.
Her crimson lips parted, and Sun Ningning murmured:
“No.”
“Xiao Ze is good.”
There must be a reason.
Besides, reality unfolds every moment, while the novel was only a few hundred thousand words, focusing mainly on the male lead, the Crown Prince.
It’s only natural that the tragic second male lead wasn’t described in extensive detail.
No, she felt even more heartbroken for Xiao Ze now.
She needed to recover quickly and hurry to make her presence known!
The System, having listened to the Host’s inner thoughts: …
So she’s convincing herself all on her own?
Actively making excuses for Bai Ze?
Does this mean it can continue lying low for a while longer?