With Wangfei’s firm insistence, Cui Gugu and Steward Sun no longer tried to persuade her and quickly went to prepare the palanquin.
After they left, Luo Momo finally spoke up, frowning deeply, “Your Highness, what are you planning to do?”
Qingge smiled. “I’m, of course, going to hold His Highness accountable for breaking his promise.”
Luo Momo sighed helplessly, “Don’t you see? That Cui Gugu is not easy to be trifled with. His Highness dislikes being attended by women to the extent that it’s rumored not even a single female mosquito dares enter his chambers, yet he’s entrusted the management of the manor to Cui Gugu. She must possess exceptional abilities.”
“Luo Momo, with your keen insight, can’t you see it? His Highness’s supposed disdain for women merely shows his disregard for those with ulterior motives. For those loyal to him, he makes no distinction between men and women, only between the competent and the incompetent.”
Apart from Cui Gugu, who served in the capacity of a steward, there were actually quite a number of female secret guards serving in the manor, including Qingge herself. Ning Wang had always treated everyone equally, rewarding and punishing without regard to gender.
“Of course I understand these things, Your Highness.” Luo Momo looked exasperated. “But just think for a bit—Steward Sun was reluctant to prepare the palanquin, while Cui Gugu readily did so. What do you think that suggests?”
“It shows that Cui Gugu knows her place and respects me as the Wangfei,” Qingge chuckled.
“How could that be?” Luo Momo stomped her foot. “She’s clearly setting a trap, waiting for you to walk right into it.”
Seeing Qingge still showing no response, Luo Momo sighed. How ignorant these poor folks are—she can’t even see through such a simple scheme!
Keeping her annoyance in check, Luo Momo then carefully explained. “While showing respect on the surface, she’s purposely letting you go to His Highness so that you’ll violate the boundary His Highness set and incur his anger. This way, he’ll grow cold toward you.”
“It seems to make some sense,” Qingge nodded.
Seeing her finally get it, Luo Momo continued, “That Cui Gugu, her age is getting on, and soon it would no longer be suitable for her to remain in Ning Wang Manor. As a court lady, her option is either to return to the palace or find herself a husband. However, given His Highness’s temperament, she won’t dare mention it lightly, lest she risk losing her current position altogether. Right now, she’s likely looking for a way to secure a place in this manor, ideally as Ning Wang’s concubine.”
For a court lady, attaining the status of a proper concubine to an imperial prince would be a dream come true, far beyond what they could hope for.
Luo Momo’s analysis was spot-on, which was precisely why Cui Gugu willingly obeyed Noble Consort Tan’s arrangement to serve at Ning Wang Manor.
‘However…’
With a light chuckle, Qingge looked at Luo Momo, “Momo, you should keep in mind that I am the esteemed daughter of the Xiahou clan. Now, I am Ning Wang’s Wangfei, the legitimate daughter-in-law of the imperial family.”
Luo Momo was taken aback, looking at Qingge in confusion.
“As a Xiahou daughter, should I tolerate such treatment? Even if my husband is a prince, being overly submissive would appear unnatural, even raising suspicion. Have you ever seen an aristocratic young lady behave like that?”
Seeing the regal demeanor Qingge exuded, making her seem every bit the true Wangfei, Luo Momo was momentarily at a loss for words. Still, although it came off as arrogant, this attitude would undoubtedly make her role more convincing, so the momo reluctantly conceded, “Well, you do seem right…”
…
It did not take long for Steward Sun to ready the palanquin. Qingge gracefully got on it, and Cui Gugu walked alongside the procession with Qingge’s attendants, personally leading the way to the Tianhong Pavilion.
Ning Wang Manor sprawled across a vast expanse, showcasing a variety of scenic elements like verdant parasol trees, lush willows, flowing streams, and elegant ponds. Architectural elegances dotted the estate, such as pavilions, gardens, and bridges that harmonized with the natural surroundings, creating a scene of tranquil beauty that delighted the heart. However, Qingge knew very well that these secluded pavilions and winding corridors were meticulously built according to the principles of Qimen Dunjia, creating a mysterious effect that ensnared any intruders. Without knowledge of the precise path, one would struggle to find their way out.
As she sat in the palanquin, Qingge carefully observed the security arrangements, eventually concluding that no significant changes had taken place since her departure.
Before long, the procession entered a long corridor. As they followed its straight, open path, the distant outline of a glazed-tile roof came into sight. Further along, the bamboo thickets lining the railing grew denser, and after rounding a bend, a grove of towering pines and cypresses appeared. Nestled within them stood a magnificent building—the Tianhong Pavilion.
Although it looked like a regular building, the Tianhong Pavilion was guarded meticulously and filled with hidden mechanisms. From her palanquin, Qingge could sense two secret guards positioned on either side of the roof, slightly toward the rear.
The sudden appearance of the procession prompted the secret guards to exchange signals. Qingge subtly raised her gaze through the dense bamboo, capturing their movements.
One of the secret guards drew a circle in front of his eyes and pointed at his ears, making a snake-hiding gesture—a secret signal that meant to stay alert, keep silent, and, if needed, retreat slightly to avoid offending the noble personage.
Information traveled quickly within Ning Wang Manor. By the time Qingge boarded the palanquin, the secret guards on duty were already aware that Ning Wangfei was on her way to Tianhong Pavilion. Still, the fact that they made no attempt to stop her suggested that Ning Wang afforded a certain level of respect to his Wangfei.
In short, Ning Wang did not want to completely alienate ‘Xiahou Jianxue,’ since he still needed cooperation from her family.
Soon, the procession made its way along the walkway leading to the Tianhong Pavilion, finally stopping at the white jade steps just below the building. Qingge had just stepped out of the palanquin when she heard familiar footsteps, causing her to instantly freeze in place.
Because of the impediment on his leg, Ye Min relied on a silver cane for mobility. This was widely known, yet most people couldn’t detect any obvious limp in his gait, causing many to question whether he truly needed the cane at all.
But Qingge knew the truth. Ye Min depended on the cane to maintain his balance, creating the impression that he walked no differently from any regular person. However, this disguise wasn’t flawless; if observed closely, one would notice that he was slightly unsteady when walking up steps. His feet landed unevenly, with his right leg bearing noticeably less weight.
So, Qingge instantly recognized the distinct footsteps that were Ye Min’s gait—along with the faint scent of oak leaves.
Two towering oak trees stood within the precinct of Qianying Pavilion, right next to the second-floor balcony where Ye Min often spent his free time playing the zither and sipping tea. As a result, he was always enveloped in the fresh, earthy aroma of oak leaves. It was quite a strange contrast—a cold, gaunt, and somber man carrying the lingering fragrance of oak leaves, reminiscent of the scent of sticky rice dumplings enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival.1
The moment she realized who was coming, Qingge immediately retracted the leg she had extended out of the palanquin and settled back in her seat.
Almost immediately, Ye Min’s figure appeared in sight, descending the stone steps.
A chill ran down Qingge’s spine—had she let her guard down even slightly or not known Ye Min so well, she would have stepped out of the palanquin and come face-to-face with him.
If he saw her face, how could he not be suspicious?
What a close call!
The maidservants who were ready to assist the Wangfei out of the palanquin were puzzled to see her suddenly pull back. Her mind working quickly, Qingge glanced at the bright sunlight and said, “The sun is rather strong today. Did we bring a parasol?”
“We… did not.” They shook their head.
Cui Gugu glanced up at the bright, mild spring sky, perplexed by the request. What kind of parasol could be needed? Does the Xiahou clan raise their daughters so delicately?
Upon hearing that no parasol was available, Qingge seized the excuse to express her displeasure, “Didn’t bring one? Even in spring, a sun is still a sun; you should have prepared one.”
Cui Gugu stepped forward respectfully. “If Your Highness desires a parasol, this servant will send someone to fetch one immediately.”
An errand servant quickly rushed off, and by then, Ye Min had descended the steps. His piercing gaze, needle-sharp in its intensity, slowly settled on the procession. Even when looking at the gorgeous palanquin, belonged to someone of high status, his expression remained impassive.
Though he uttered no words, his questioning gaze clearly inquired about the identity of the person in the palanquin.
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