Sun Fengyu’s solicitude towards her left Wan Qing somewhat incredulous. Yet, recalling his ulterior motives for approaching her, she evaded his outstretched hand with a light, dismissive gesture.
“Master Sun, please maintain your dignity. Though we are betrothed, we are not yet wed. I hope you can observe propriety in public. I have other matters to attend to and must take my leave. Honglian, let’s go.”
Wan Qing glanced at Sun Fengyu, whose expression turned awkward after being rebuffed, and offered him a faint smile. Without waiting to see if he would protest, she departed with Honglian in tow.
“Qing… Second Young Master… So you’ve come to this matchmaking event without even drinking today?”
As the petite figure turned to leave, Sun Fengyu instinctively called out. But before he could follow, he was intercepted by the Second Prince of Ji Manor, Leng Minghao, who had just arrived. Pausing, Sun Fengyu addressed him with a question.
“Master Sun, you’re here despite being engaged—why shouldn’t I be? Miss Song, wait, wait…”
Leng Minghao, who had been pursuing a young woman in a pale yellow gauze dress with striking beauty, halted at Sun Fengyu’s obstruction. Annoyed at being interrupted, he shot Sun Fengyu a sidelong glare and retorted sharply. Noting Sun Fengyu’s awkward expression, he smirked dismissively before resuming his pursuit of the retreating figure in yellow.
“Hmph, what insolence…”
Sun Fengyu muttered disdainfully at Leng Minghao’s mockery, watching his retreating figure before turning his attention back to Wan Qing.
“Prince Ning…”
Wan Qing, accompanied by Honglian, arrived where Qingfeng and his brother stood. They nodded courteously and stepped aside, allowing her to approach the aloof and solitary Prince Ning.
She strode forward confidently and greeted him softly.
“Qing’er, you’ve arrived. What happened earlier? Are you alright? I intended to follow, but I was delayed…”
Prince Ning’s handsome, gentle face softened into a smile as Wan Qing approached. He had evidently witnessed the earlier incident and offered an apologetic explanation for his absence.
“It was nothing—just an ill-mannered woman. With so many young ladies present, has Prince Ning not found anyone to his liking?”
Wan Qing responded with a light laugh, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she teased him.
“You little imp, even daring to jest with your elder brother. It seems nothing serious occurred, so I’ll rest easy. By the way, how do you plan to handle matters with Sun Fengyu?”
Prince Ning chided her playfully, though his expression grew serious as he broached the subject of her engagement.
“Him… Ugh, he’s like a persistent ghost. I don’t know if he’s blind or what…”
At the mention of Sun Fengyu, Wan Qing’s brow furrowed in distaste. The man who had once doted on her now pursued her for ulterior motives. Even Mu Wanxia had nearly humiliated her publicly earlier. His fickleness and opportunism disgusted her. Just then, she caught sight of the unwelcome figure approaching and nearly rose to leave in irritation.
“Elder Brother can see you dislike him, though whether he truly cares for you is debatable. Given the earlier situation, I hope you’ll understand…”
Prince Ning observed her agitation with a faint smile, offering his perspective before suddenly adding,
“Prince Ning, so it was you… Never mind, I’ll go elsewhere for now…”
Realizing that Sun Fengyu’s presence was likely due to Prince Ning’s intervention, Wan Qing sighed. Knowing the man’s nature, she doubted he would have publicly slighted Mu Wanxia without prompting. Still, his appearance had inadvertently aided her. With her true identity still concealed, causing a scene at the Princess’s estate would have repercussions beyond herself—possibly implicating the entire Marquis household.
For now, discretion was paramount.
As Sun Fengyu drew nearer, she exhaled in frustration and turned away.
“Let me accompany you for a while. Ziqian, Zhuoyun…”
Prince Ning smiled and guided her toward a nearby pavilion where two young men sat conversing quietly with a pair of ladies. Upon entering, he called out to them.
“Prince Ning, Second Miss Mu, Zhuoyun, this is the young lady who healed your grandmother. I, too, owe her my recovery…”
At his introduction, the two men rose and bowed respectfully to Prince Ning. Song Ziqian, ever affable, clasped his hands and introduced Wan Qing with familiarity.
“Ah, so you all know each other. This is Wang Wenting, grandson of Lord Wang. The young lady in light red beside him is the daughter of Minister Qian—you may have met before. And next to Song Ziqian is his younger sister, Song Meiling.”
Prince Ning chuckled at Song Ziqian’s informal introduction and proceeded to identify the others in the pavilion, including the two young women.
“Oh, so this is Young Master Wen, Miss Qian, and Miss Song. Wan Qing greets you all…”
Recognizing them as the children of families she had previously treated, Wan Qing smiled and returned their courtesies.
“My grandfather often spoke of Miss Mu’s medical skill and character. Meeting you today, I’m even more awestruck. Meiling, this is the elder sister who saved our grandfather and your brother…”
Having only visited at night, Wan Qing had never met Minister Qian’s granddaughter in person. The young woman now stepped forward with a warm smile and introduced her to Song Meiling.
“Elder Sister Mu, you’re so beautiful…”
Song Meiling, though shy, offered a polite bow. When Wan Qing gently helped her up, she blushed and couldn’t resist complimenting her.
“You’re lovely as well—such a sweetheart.” Wan Qing couldn’t help but laugh at the girl’s endearing shyness.
“Alright, enough pleasantries. Since we’ve all gathered, why not tour the gardens together? Later, we’ll join the Princess for her birthday celebration.”
Song Ziqian, ever the lively one, interjected with a suggestion.
“A fine idea. We’ll stroll and chat until it’s time to dine—we’ll all be in the same place anyway.”
Prince Ning nodded in agreement, glancing at Wan Qing for her input.
“How could I miss out when everyone’s going?”
The group’s demeanor—the men dignified or refined, the women graceful and sincere—was a refreshing contrast to the likes of Wu Qingyang and Mu Wanxia. Though unspoken, Wan Qing sensed their families’ alignment with Prince Ning. Comfortable among allies, she smiled and joined them.
As they walked, chatting and admiring the garden’s beauty, they made their way toward the Princess’s courtyard.
Just then, two women hurried into view. The leader, clad in a pale yellow gown, exuded elegance and poise. Flanked by two maids, she seemed to be evading someone as she darted from behind a floral arrangement—only to collide abruptly with Prince Ning, who sat in his wheelchair at the front of the group.
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