When Wan Qing woke up and learned that it was Leng Mingye who had saved her by sacrificing ten years of his internal energy despite his own injuries, her first thought was to go see him immediately and check on his condition.
But considering their current relationship, she hesitated.
“Hong Lian, don’t bother preparing anything. What’s the point of going to see him? It’ll only add to the troubles between us.”
Though she had instructed Hong Lian to prepare things earlier, Wan Qing suppressed her worry. Thinking of the impossible blood ties between them now, she forced herself to stay calm and sighed deeply.
“Alright. But, Miss, after the Crown Prince saved you, Lord Fengye said something, and I think you should know. The Crown Prince’s feelings for you are truly sincere. I hope you’ll consider it.”
Hearing this, Wan Qing recalled how Leng Mingye had desperately saved her. Thinking of the usually aloof man’s actions toward her, Hong Lian and the other maid felt genuinely relieved. Yet, considering their current relationship, they sighed and decided to relay Feng Moli’s words to her.
“I know, but what’s there to consider? What did Uncle say?”
Seeing the concern in Hong Lian’s eyes, Wan Qing understood they meant well. Hearing about Leng Mingye’s care and worry for her, she—who already harbored unusual feelings for him—felt conflicted and helpless. After a pause, she replied gloomily, equally disheartened by her uncle’s words.
“Lord Fengye said that Leng Mingye doesn’t resemble Prince Ji at all but rather someone he knows. Miss…”
Noticing Wan Qing’s reaction—clearly affectionate toward Leng Mingye yet restrained by their current status—Hong Lian relayed Feng Moli’s words.
“Is that so? But it’s just Uncle’s speculation. Let’s not talk about this anymore. By the way, how is Leng Mingye now? I want to see him. After all, he saved me, didn’t he?”
Though Hong Lian’s words offered some comfort, Wan Qing dismissed them as casual remarks. She lay back down, unable to suppress her worry for the man who had sacrificed so much for her. Pretending to be merely repaying a debt of gratitude, she asked about him.
“If you want to see him, then go. He did save you, after all. Qing’er, it’s my fault for not considering things carefully earlier, which led to you suffering such a heavy blow. Are you feeling better now?”
Just as Hong Lian was about to respond to Wan Qing’s feigned indifference, a familiar, caring voice came from outside. It was Prince Ning, who entered with Qingfeng.
“Brother Ning, I’m much better now. Don’t worry, I’m fine—just a bit weak. Let’s go see Leng Mingye.”
Seeing her brother enter, Wan Qing trusted Feng Moli’s revelation about her identity. Recalling Prince Ning’s care and concern since they met, she smiled reassuringly at him, though she knew they might not share any blood ties. She then glanced at Hong Lian.
“Very well. But you’ve just woken up—you should rest more. Qingfeng, quickly arrange a carriage with thick padding inside so she can lie down comfortably. Qing’er, lie back down. Seeing how worried you are about Leng Mingye, do you really like him?”
Without hesitation, Prince Ning gave orders to his attendants. Noticing Qingfeng’s hesitation and glance at Wan Qing before leaving, he helped his sister lie back down, concerned by her earlier reaction. He couldn’t help but ask directly.
“I…” Caught off guard by her brother’s bluntness, Wan Qing hesitated. Even if Leng Mingye were Prince Ji’s son, she wasn’t the Emperor’s daughter—there was no blood relation between them. But since her true identity was still unknown to the Emperor and Prince Ning, she found it hard to answer.
“Qing’er, your expression tells me you feel differently about him. But his father and ours are brothers—half-brothers. You…”
Seeing her conflicted look, Prince Ning waited until Hong Lian and the others left before reminding her painfully of the inappropriate nature of their relationship.
“I know. But Uncle said Leng Mingye and Prince Ji might not be father and son. If he truly cares for me, he’ll confirm it with his father. I…”
Thinking of her existing relationship with Leng Mingye, Wan Qing knew they weren’t blood-related—she wasn’t the Emperor’s daughter. Still, she looked at her brother guiltily.
“If that’s really the case, then it’s manageable. Despite his usual cold demeanor, I know he’s a responsible man. If there’s a chance for you two, I believe you’ll be happy.”
Prince Ning’s expression softened slightly, though he remained cautious, patting her hand reassuringly.
“Mm. I’ll explain everything to him and trust he’ll seek the truth for my sake. But Brother Ning, are you really so willing to entrust me to him? Honestly, I’m a little…”
Touched by her brother’s comfort and understanding, Wan Qing nodded. Yet, recalling her past before transmigrating, she felt uncertain about fully accepting Leng Mingye.
The man from her past had also vowed to cherish only her, yet in the end, he had used her. That was why, despite her undeniable feelings for Leng Mingye, she remained guarded. If anyone else had harassed her as he had, she might have poisoned them—but never with lethal intent.
“Silly girl, if things are truly as Uncle said, I’d be happy to entrust you to him. Though I haven’t interacted with him much, a man willing to sacrifice ten years of his life and all his internal energy for you will surely treat you well. Don’t you think?”
Seeing his usually bold and fearless sister so uncertain, Prince Ning realized her nervousness could only mean one thing: she cared for Leng Mingye too.
Though initially concerned about their relationship, he found himself trusting Feng Moli’s words. Comforting her, he smiled and asked gently.
“Mm. Thank you, Brother. I’ll try to be patient with him.”
Encouraged by her brother’s words, Wan Qing nodded firmly, despite her lingering doubts from past wounds.
“Good. That’s my sister. We’ll discuss everything after we see him.”
Seeing her resolve, Prince Ning nodded affectionately, ready to support her in whatever came next.
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