“Brother Prince Ning, does my attire look familiar to you?”
Wanqing smiled faintly as she noticed the sudden change in Prince Ning’s expression. She stood up and stretched her arms before him.
“You… Qing’er…”
Prince Ning furrowed his thick brows, his gaze flickering with disbelief as he took in Wanqing’s familiar attire and the lively, noble aura in her eyes.
“Brother, do you still not recognize me?”
Seeing his expression, Wanqing chuckled softly and gracefully sat back down, questioning him.
“You…” Prince Ning’s handsome brow unconsciously tightened. He placed his large hand on the edge of the table, his heart wrestling with conflict.
“Brother, I already know about Mother Consort. Aunt Bai told me everything. There’s no need to keep pretending with me.”
Seeing him still feigning ignorance, Wanqing thought of all the care he had shown her since their reunion. At first, she hadn’t understood, but after hearing Aunt Bai’s words, she felt an unusual warmth. To have such a brother looking out for her—yet here he was, still hesitating. She pouted slightly and sat down, fixing her gaze on him.
“Aunt Bai told you everything? Qing’er, I… I didn’t acknowledge you earlier because…”
Prince Ning watched as the bright-eyed, mischievous girl before him finished speaking and sat down in frustration. He had known her identity from the moment they met, the moment he saw the jade pendant on her.
But due to various reasons, he hadn’t revealed it. Now, faced with her reproach, he looked at her nervously, his eyes filled with remorse.
“Alright, I’m not blaming you. I’m sure you had your reasons, right? If I’m not mistaken, you recognized me the moment you saw the jade pendant, didn’t you?”
Seeing her brother like this, Wanqing sighed helplessly. She reassured him, and when Prince Ning nodded with a faint smile, she playfully countered.
“Yes. At the time, you know the situation I was in. Though I had Aunt Bai and several ministers supporting me, my leg… was a problem. Meanwhile, the Empress’s son, Prince Ji, is extraordinary, and the Empress has long coveted the crown prince’s position. But Prince Ji is still young, so she can only bide her time. As my leg showed no improvement and Prince Ji grew older, it was only a matter of time before he inherited the throne. If she succeeded, neither you nor I would survive. Even with Aunt Bai and others by my side, I was still a prince who had lost his claim to the throne. I had to consider the stakes carefully. I hope you understand…”
Seeing that the girl before him held no resentment, Prince Ning’s expression softened slightly.
He nodded with a gentle smile and spoke earnestly.
“I understand. I figured as much. But your leg—after today, you should be able to walk again. Brother, do you have plans to make a comeback?”
Listening to Prince Ning’s explanation, Wanqing met his calm yet profound gaze and nodded. She continued applying acupuncture to his leg before looking up to ask him.
“Yes. I must rise again—if not for myself, then for you and our mother. So I’ll need your help.”
Prince Ning’s expression turned solemn as he spoke.
“Mother Consort? Do you know the truth behind her death?”
As Prince Ning spoke, a rare coldness emanated from him. Wanqing continued massaging his acupoints and asked quietly.
“Not entirely. But I’ve discovered that the Empress, the Grand Preceptor, and even our father are involved.”
Prince Ning shook his head regretfully, though he still shared what he knew.
“I see. Brother Prince Ning, have you ever heard of the Dragon-Tiger Token?”
Hearing that her mother, Consort Hui’s death was linked to these figures—and knowing her mother had been a princess of Daqi—Wanqing nodded pensively before asking.
“No. Qing’er, what is that?”
Prince Ning frowned in confusion, clearly intrigued by her sudden question.
“Nothing, just a passing thought. Aunt Bai mentioned that our mother possessed such a token. With it, one could command enough military and financial power to overthrow the entire Great Ming. I wonder if her death was connected to it.”
Though surprised that her mother had entrusted such an important item to Aunt Bai for her, Wanqing spoke lightly, revealing this information while probing further.
“Really? That does give me some clues. But pinpointing the culprit is difficult. Still, Qing’er, I don’t want you involved in this.”
Prince Ning frowned at her words, unfamiliar with the token, but then looked at her with grave seriousness.
“But I’m already involved. Extricating myself won’t be easy. Don’t forget, the Empress arranged a marriage for me when I was very young.”
Wanqing smiled faintly at Prince Ning’s concern. Though she didn’t understand Consort Hui’s intentions, she thought of the betrothal the Empress had arranged between her and Sun Fengyu. Considering everything she knew, it seemed this was all part of a scheme.
Perhaps the Empress had failed to uncover clues from Prince Ning and turned to her instead. But one question puzzled her: If they knew she was Consort Hui’s daughter and possessed what they sought, why hadn’t they openly demanded it from the Marquis’s household? What were they afraid of?
And who had sent Lady Liu? Who was the “Sect Leader” she mentioned?
These questions left her baffled. But thinking of her brother’s imminent return to the palace, she decided to share her thoughts.
“True. Once my leg heals, I’ll go to the palace to see the Empress Dowager. With her support, I’m certain I can reclaim the crown prince’s position. Even if Prince Xiu dares to challenge me, he’ll have to weigh his own capabilities.”
Hearing Wanqing’s words, Prince Ning’s expression darkened as he recalled his outings with Sun Fengyu. But his gaze soon hardened with rare determination.
“Regardless, we’re siblings. I’ll help you. I’ll ensure you ascend the throne and uncover the truth behind Mother’s death.”
Wanqing nodded in agreement, continuing the massage as she spoke.
“In two more days, you’ll be able to move freely. Then you can visit the Empress Dowager. But Brother Prince Ning, I hope you’ll keep our relationship a secret for now. Oh, and there’s one more thing I’d like to ask of you.”
An hour later, Wanqing removed the acupuncture needles and watched as Prince Ning rolled down his pant leg, stood, and slowly walked around the table with support. She spoke firmly, reminding him of their bond before making another request.
“Silly girl, we’re family—no need for formalities. Just ask. Whatever it is, if I can do it, I will.”
Prince Ning chuckled at her hesitation and sat back down, promising earnestly.
“It’s nothing major. I just want you to help me establish a reputation and introduce me to a few influential, wealthy individuals. I need the entire Great Ming to know of my existence.”
Wanqing smiled, her eyes serious as she looked at him.
“Of course. Consider it done.”
Though puzzled by her request, Prince Ning smiled and patted his chest in assurance.
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