“Oh, what is it?”
Prince Ning’s eyes were cold, clearly angered by the harm the Ji Manor had caused his sister. Yet, seeing her pitifully pleading with him, though he knew full well this girl was far from as delicate as she appeared, he still found her coquetry and dependence on him endearing.
He nodded faintly, his expression softening into one of indulgence, like a doting elder brother. He tilted his head slightly to look at the little one clinging to his arm, his eyes brimming with an ineffable tenderness, as if merely gazing at her was enough to satisfy him.
“Brother Ning, don’t look at me like that. People might think there’s something between us. Haha, just kidding. I do have a favor to ask. Could you introduce me to a few wealthy patients who need treatment? I’m a bit short on funds lately…”
Seeing the overwhelming affection in Prince Ning’s eyes, Wanqing couldn’t help but tease him lightly. Noticing his expression shift, she playfully dodged as he raised a hand to flick her forehead, catching his wrist instead with a sheepish grin. Then, thinking of the debt she owed to Leng Mingye, she looked at him earnestly.
“How much? Your brother has plenty of money.”
At her words, Prince Ning abandoned the idea of flicking her forehead and instead gently brushed a strand of hair from her temple. Hearing her financial woes, he responded generously.
“I know you’re not short on money, but I want to earn it myself. More importantly, I want to establish my reputation throughout the capital.”
Prince Ning’s generosity made Wanqing certain that if she mentioned needing money, he wouldn’t hesitate to provide it. But aside from the fact that she could easily repay Leng Mingye by pawning the gifts Sun Fengyu had bought her, she had another motive—this was an opportunity not just for wealth, but for fame.
If her medical skills became known to more influential people, she was sure to carve out a place for herself in the capital.
“Oh, I see. So you’re aiming for both wealth and fame.”
Finally grasping her intentions, Prince Ning chuckled softly, his smile as warm as spring. He murmured to himself, already considering potential candidates.
The two continued chatting and laughing as they walked, followed by Qingfeng and Honglian. Unbeknownst to them, shortly after they left, a figure emerged from the gates of Ji Manor. Watching the intimate exchange between Wanqing and Prince Ning, Leng Mingye’s handsome face was icy with fury.
His dark eyes narrowed, burning with suppressed rage. Only when their figures disappeared from sight did he angrily turn and stride away.
“The young master seems fond of this Second Miss Mu. I should report this to the prince and princess.”
As Leng Mingye stormed off, a small figure darted out from the shadows of the garden. Observing Leng Mingye’s frustration and Wanqing’s aloofness, then the warm smiles exchanged between her and Prince Ning at the gate, the figure muttered before slipping away in the opposite direction.
“Qing’er, where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you all morning. Would you accompany me for a walk? There’s a lakeside pavilion ahead where I’ve prepared wine and dishes…”
Midway through their stroll, Wanqing and Prince Ning were intercepted by an unwelcome third party. Sun Fengyu flashed his trademark grin, stepping forward with an air of self-assurance. He greeted Wanqing warmly, then offered Prince Ning a rare show of respect.
“I have matters to attend to…”
Wanqing’s good mood soured instantly at the sight of him. Suppressing her irritation, she made to leave.
“Qing’er, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you. Your Highness, may I?”
Sun Fengyu had spotted Wanqing and Prince Ning earlier—her seated in a wheelchair, him pushing her from behind. Though he couldn’t hear their conversation, the radiant happiness on her face had stung his eyes.
Though he’d always harbored feelings for Mu Wanxia, Wanqing’s recent transformation—her ethereal beauty, the attention from Prince Ning and the Ji Manor’s heir—had stirred an inexplicable sense of crisis in him.
Men were like that: when someone was theirs, they took it for granted. But the moment that person changed and others took notice, insecurity crept in.
Sun Fengyu was no exception.
Seeing Wanqing’s continued avoidance, his handsome face darkened with displeasure. Still, he maintained a polite facade as he addressed Prince Ning.
“Very well, Qing’er. Since Young Master Sun has invited you, it wouldn’t hurt to sit and talk. Young Master Sun, I entrust my sister to you. Should she suffer even the slightest grievance, know that I will make you regret it—even if it costs me my princely title. Let’s go.”
Prince Ning’s warning ignited a flicker of anger in Sun Fengyu’s eyes, but he suppressed it. As Prince Ning departed, Sun Fengyu turned to Wanqing with feigned nonchalance.
“Shall we? Qing’er… Here, take a seat. I asked your family’s chef to prepare all your favorite dishes. There’s also excellent tea…”
Ignoring Prince Ning’s threat, Sun Fengyu extended a hand to help her.
“I have hands and feet of my own—no need for your assistance. Speak. What exactly do you want to discuss?”
Wanqing brushed off his offered hand and sat down with deliberate casualness. Honglian and his attendant waited outside the pavilion. Leaning back in her chair, she regarded him with a blend of languid indifference and icy detachment as he eagerly served her dishes.
“Qing’er, can’t we talk properly? I know you’re upset about what happened at Linglong Pavilion, but I was truly unwell that day. I… I apologize sincerely. I…”
His awkward smile faltered under her cold stare. He reached across the table to grasp her hand.
“Enough. Speak if you must, but keep your hands to yourself. Fine, I’ll let that matter slide. But tell me—what are your true intentions? I know you don’t love me. You’re infatuated with my elder sister.”
Annoyed, Wanqing pulled her hand back and took a sip of tea before setting the cup down with deliberate calm. She met his gaze squarely.
“Qing’er, it’s true I once adored your sister and even vowed to marry no one else. But these past days have shown me how much you’ve grown on me. Qing’er, if you’re willing, I’ll go to the palace right now and ask my aunt, the empress, to arrange our marriage. Marry me, Qing’er. Lately, all I’ve wanted is to take you home and cherish you. This is my greatest wish in life. Will you grant it?”
Sun Fengyu’s face twisted with a mix of regret and determination. Mistaking her aloofness for jealousy, he seized her hand again, his eyes pleading.
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