“Silly girl, if you like it, just take it. If you want more, I can give you some too.”
Prince Ning watched as she clearly disdained the pearls yet accepted them anyway. Though he didn’t understand her intentions, he still gazed at her with indulgent affection.
“Thank you, Brother Leng. But I only like gifts from him—after all, we’ve been betrothed since childhood. Don’t you agree, Brother Prince?”
Wanqing noticed the displeasure and sense of crisis rising in Sun Fengyu’s eyes at Prince Ning’s words, his fists clenching slightly at his sides in barely restrained frustration.
Though she was short on money and desperately needed it, letting a willing lamb go unshorn would be a waste. So, with a faint smile of thanks to Prince Ning, she inwardly sneered while feigning shyness and helplessness as she glanced at Sun Fengyu before turning to Leng Mingye with a teasing question.
“Do as you please. But Sun Fengyu, this little fool has already said you broke off the engagement. Now you’re trying to win her back with gifts? What exactly are you scheming? Or do you truly think so little of her?”
Leng Mingye, puzzled by the man’s sudden change, felt an inexplicable surge of displeasure at the thought of the girl being cast aside. His tone was cool as he spoke, his gaze sharp with the protective air of an elder brother seeking justice for his sister.
“You overthink things, Your Highness. Wanqing and I were just caught in a misunderstanding and spoke in anger. No matter what, she is still my betrothed—this was arranged by Her Majesty the Empress herself. How could I not treat her well? As for gifts, if she desires anything, I will provide it. There’s no need for either of you to concern yourselves.”
Sun Fengyu hadn’t expected these two to care so much about Wanqing’s feelings. Suspicion flickered in his mind: *Had they also caught wind of something and were now trying to win her favor?*
Though he inwardly scoffed at the idea of currying favor with a girl who lacked both beauty and status, he still put on a show of unity with Wanqing, addressing Leng Mingye and Prince Ning with a forced smile.
“Oh? Little fool, do you believe him?”
Leng Mingye, equally puzzled by the Empress’s decision to arrange this match for her nephew, let out a derisive chuckle at Sun Fengyu’s words before turning to Wanqing for her response.
Wanqing observed the tension between Sun Fengyu, Leng Mingye, and Prince Ning with keen clarity.
Though she wanted to avoid further entanglement with Leng Mingye—especially after what had happened between them—she couldn’t outright reject his concern, given that he was acting in her best interest. And as for Prince Ning’s protective affection, she didn’t want him to suffer any embarrassment or mockery because of her.
So, when Leng Mingye finished speaking, she smiled faintly.
“Though he came to apologize and even offered pearls as a gesture of sincerity, it’s not so easy for me to forgive his past rashness and harsh words. I may lack beauty and status, but I’m still your precious little fool, aren’t I?”
She then turned her gaze to Leng Mingye and Prince Ning, who sat nearby.
“Exactly. So, Young Master Sun, why don’t you make your stance clear in front of us? Otherwise, what happened before won’t be so easily forgotten. Don’t you agree, Your Highness?”
Prince Ning nodded in agreement, adopting the tone of an elder brother as he addressed Sun Fengyu before glancing at Leng Mingye for his opinion.
“Aren’t you two overcomplicating things? Wanqing and I have always been fine—just a minor quarrel. Must we take it so seriously?”
Sun Fengyu forced a strained smile, though inwardly he seethed. *He had already humbled himself to appease this ugly wench, and now they wanted him to make a public declaration? It was worse than death.*
“A minor quarrel? A minor quarrel that led to breaking off an engagement? Do you realize what that means for a woman? Shouldn’t marriage be taken seriously? Your excuses sound like evasion—it even makes one question your true intentions toward Wanqing.”
Prince Ning’s voice turned icy as he rebuked Sun Fengyu, his gaze sharp with judgment.
“His Highness makes a fair point…”
Leng Mingye nodded in agreement, adding his own measured commentary.
“Prince Ning, I don’t recall any grievance between us. Why must you press me so harshly?”
Sun Fengyu’s patience wore thin. Even the Emperor treated this man with deference, yet here he was, being cornered into a humiliating display—especially in front of a crippled prince. The thought alone infuriated him.
“I am of royal blood. Though my legs may be useless, I am still a prince. By status, we are equals. If you act improperly, I have every right to judge. I speak only the truth—especially since Wanqing is my sworn sister. What elder brother wouldn’t worry for his sister? So, I suggest you clarify your stance. Otherwise, even if Wanqing forgives you, I will not let this slide.”
Prince Ning’s tone was calm, but his eyes held a warning. Sun Fengyu’s arrogance, as a mere nephew of the Empress, was intolerable.
“Sister, you must have ulterior motives. Wanqing…”
Sun Fengyu sneered under his breath, glancing at Wanqing as if seeking her intervention.
“There’s nothing more to say. Prince Ning is indeed my sworn brother. Without him, I would have died poisoned in the streets long ago. Everything he says is for my sake. If you wish to continue our engagement, you’ll treat him with respect. Otherwise, turn around and leave. Brother Prince, don’t mind his words—I know you only mean well for me. Right, Brother Leng?”
Wanqing cut Sun Fengyu off coldly, her voice firm. She had noticed the deep resignation and sorrow in Prince Ning’s eyes—his hidden pain over his disability and the disdain others showed him.
She refused to let this scoundrel belittle him further.
“Prince Ning speaks wisely. This is entirely your fault, Young Master Sun. Though His Highness may be physically impaired, he is still the Emperor’s son. Your behavior is not only discourteous but borders on contempt for imperial authority. Your Highness, for someone so lacking in manners, a sound thrashing by your servants would suffice. Being too lenient only invites others to take advantage, don’t you agree?”
Leng Mingye’s lips curled in a faint smile as he observed Sun Fengyu’s arrogance—greater even than that of a prince.
“Well said, Your Highness. In that case, allow me to teach this ungrateful wretch a lesson on behalf of our master. Let him learn his place—”
Before Prince Ning could respond, his attendant Qingfeng stepped forward eagerly, cracking his knuckles as he advanced toward Sun Fengyu.
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