Wanqing woke up again and opened her eyes to see Honglian standing before her. She found herself lying in the very room she had once occupied in the Marquis’s residence.
“Young Mistress, you’re finally awake! Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”
Seeing her stir and attempt to sit up, Honglian hurried forward to support her, her voice laced with concern.
“I… just feel a bit heavy in my chest, but otherwise, I’m fine. I’ve troubled you all…”
Wanqing frowned slightly at Honglian’s worried expression. Aside from the dull ache in her chest, she felt no major discomfort. She guessed they must have used their inner energy to heal her and administered the restorative pills she had previously concocted, which had helped her recover significantly.
Though the mere act of smiling tugged at her wound, sending another pang of pain through her chest, she still managed a grateful look at Honglian.
“Trouble? We’re family. If you hadn’t woken up soon, I truly wouldn’t have known what to do.”
Just then, a voice sounded from the doorway as a tall, elegant figure stepped in. His refined demeanor exuded an air of nobility and grace—none other than Prince Ning.
“Brother Ning… Your leg—it’s healed?”
Though Wanqing had seen him move slightly before, his steps had been unsteady. Now, seeing him standing perfectly before her, she couldn’t contain her surprise and joy. He looked radiant, almost ethereal, like an immortal untouched by worldly concerns.
“Yes, I’ve actually been able to walk for a while now, though my movements were still a bit stiff, so I didn’t tell you. I’m just relieved you’re alright. If anything had happened to you, how could I ever face our late mother…”
Prince Ning smiled faintly, his eyes filled with relief as he spoke of her condition.
“See? I’m perfectly fine. No need to worry…”
Noticing the lingering fear and unease in his gaze as he held her hand, Wanqing felt an overwhelming warmth in her heart. She patted his hand reassuringly, her tone playful.
“I swear to you, as long as I’m here, no one will ever harm you again—no matter who they are. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to see our grandmother. I’m certain she’ll adore you…”
The memory of watching her being framed while he stood helpless still haunted him. His grip tightened around her hand, his eyes burning with determination.
“Perhaps it’s best not to reveal my identity just yet. Remember, Mother’s enemies are still out there. But I do want to enter the palace—to see if I can uncover who orchestrated her downfall.”
Wanqing’s voice was cautious as she studied the resolve in her brother’s eyes. His recovery meant he was ready to take action. Yet, the thought of those who had torn their family apart made her wary.
“Very well, we’ll proceed as you suggest. But I still wish to take you to the palace. I want Grandmother to grant you the title of County Princess. Even if it’s just a nominal rank, it will deter anyone from disrespecting or scheming against you as they did before.”
Though Prince Ning had his reservations, he nodded in agreement. The thought of her being bullied at the Grand Princess’s banquet—by the Liu family’s daughter and even Wu Qingyang’s associates—still angered him. While he trusted her resilience, a title would offer an extra layer of protection.
“That sounds reasonable. I’ll leave the arrangements to you, Brother. But we’ll need the right opportunity… and I worry about the Emperor and Empress…”
Wanqing nodded, though her expression remained troubled. While the title wouldn’t free her from Wu Qingyang’s oppression, it was still a safeguard. Yet, the palace’s unpredictable politics weighed heavily on her mind.
“Though I’m unsure how the Emperor and Empress will react—given how much you resemble Mother—Grandmother still holds considerable influence. Both Father and the Empress are filial toward her, so there’s no need to worry. Leave everything to me.”
Prince Ning’s voice was steady, though his gaze lingered on her face, so eerily similar to their mother’s.
As the siblings spoke, a knock came at the door.
“What is it?” Prince Ning turned to see Honglian waiting hesitantly.
“Your Highness, Young Mistress… Young Master Sun has come again.”
Honglian sighed, her expression resigned as she relayed the unwelcome news.
“Sun Fengyu? What does he want?”
Wanqing glanced at her brother, puzzled.
“He’s been visiting daily since you fell unconscious. Though I don’t understand why the Empress arranged a betrothal between you two, it’s clear you have no feelings for him—and he’s utterly unworthy of my remarkable sister. That’s why I had him barred. By the way, how do you plan to handle this engagement? The Empress sent betrothal gifts the day after you collapsed, informing the Marquis that the wedding is set for the eighth of next month…”
Prince Ning’s tone darkened as he spoke of Sun Fengyu. From what he knew, the man had initially shown no interest in Wanqing, only to suddenly pursue her later. Whether his affections lay with her or her elder sister remained unclear.
But given the Sun family’s dubious reputation and Sun Fengyu’s fickle behavior—not to mention Wanqing’s own disdain—Prince Ning felt compelled to warn her.
“How long was I unconscious?”
Wanqing’s voice tightened. She had tried multiple times to dissuade Sun Fengyu privately, yet now the wedding date was set. Panic flickered in her eyes as she looked to her brother.
“Over three days. Qing’er…”
Prince Ning studied her reaction carefully.
“I… What I don’t understand is why his attitude changed so suddenly. Brother, do you know the reason?”
Three days of unconsciousness—who knew what had transpired in that time? Suspecting Sun Fengyu’s ulterior motives, Wanqing lowered her voice, unsure if her brother knew about the Dragon-Tiger Token in her possession. She recounted everything in hushed tones.
“So, Sun Fengyu’s sudden interest is solely because of what you hold? I remember Mother and Aunt Bai mentioning it when I was young—I never imagined it was truly in your hands. Aunt Bai likely kept it from me because of my disability. But now that my leg is healed, it’s time to investigate this matter thoroughly.”
Prince Ning’s expression darkened as he processed her words. If their mother’s death was tied to this artifact, the truth had to be uncovered. The weight of years of injustice settled heavily upon him.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage