In celebration of the Zhonghe Festival, Lize Lake was open to the public today. The streets were bustling with stalls, hawkers shouting one after another, and a constant flow of pedestrians. Qingge rarely had the chance to stroll down the street, so she particularly enjoyed this lively moment.
For instance, the freshly picked spring wild vegetables peddled by excited hawkers, the loud noises of children crying and begging their parents for snacks, or the sight of colorful silk banners, announcing the arrival of spring, which adorned the trees and shops—this was the lively world of ordinary people, a place Qingge had never truly belonged to.
She had walked these crowded streets before, many times over, and yet, she always felt fundamentally different from the rest of the people. They belonged to the bright light of day, while she seemed like a ghost hiding in the shadows.
Thus, freeing herself from sla∨ery, obtaining household registration, and walking openly under the sun became an extraordinarily beautiful goal—her ultimate hope in a life filled with constant danger.
In fact, with her skills, it wasn’t impossible to disguise herself and blend into the crowd, and she could still live a decent life even without a household registration. But people often couldn’t help but covet what they’ve never had. The more unattainable, the more desirous it seems.
As Qingge wandered leisurely through the lively streets, savoring the moment, a sudden pang of envy struck her—how wonderful it must be to be a daughter of the Xiahou clan.
If she truly were the real person and not a fake hired to play the role, how wonderful would that be?
But it was all just a fleeting thought, as Qingge rarely allowed herself to yearn for the unattainable.
As she was lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard a voice calling her: “Excuse me, Your Highness.”
Qingge turned her head and saw a familiar figure. The man wore a blue indigo headscarf, a neat blue short jacket, and fitted leggings. She immediately recognized him as one of Ning Wang’s attendants.
Startled, she almost instinctively raised a hand to touch her face. But she quickly remembered that her disguise had been removed. In the eyes of others, she now appeared as the Xiahou clan’s legitimate daughter, the Ning Wangfei.
The attendant approached respectfully and said, “His Highness is in the tea pavilion.”
Qingge raised her eyes, meeting a gaze from the tea pavilion.
It was indeed Ning Wang. His deep eyes were calm and indifferent, with his thin eyelids drooping slightly as he glanced at her from his elevated position. When his gaze met hers, he nonchalantly withdrew it.
Qingge recalled their brief encounter at Qianying Pavilion not long ago. Only one incense stick of time had passed 1, and yet here he was, already taking leisure at the tea pavilion. After Ning Wang broke their eye contact, Qingge glanced discreetly around the tea pavilion, relieved to find Ye Min was not there.
Because of his leg impediment and fondness for a quiet environment, Ye Min seldom showed up in such lively settings.
Having one less thing to worry about, Qingge let the guards escort her to the tea pavilion where Ning Wang, a teacup in hand, leisurely admiring the sight of pleasure boats drifting about the lake. Without even turning his head, he asked in an indifferent tone, “Why are you alone? What are you doing?”
In that instant, Qingge’s mind raced, weighing how she should behave. Should she obediently apologize, explain that she had got lost, and then helplessly ask him to escort her back? Or should she confront him head-on?
But it took only a moment for her to choose the latter—because she was no longer the secret guard Qingge, but the noble young lady of the Xiahou clan.
It’s reasonable to stand firm on her ground, isn’t it? It was he who had denied her the Duzhong Royal male flower she badly needed, and yet he still wanted her to serve him on the bed. He’s daydreaming!
So, Qingge responded coolly, “Why? Can’t I take a walk?”
Ning Wang’s tone was even icier, “Has the Xiahou clan protected you so well that you remain so ignorant of the world?”
“Back in my natal family, I often strolled about during the festivals and celebrations. It’s nothing out of the ordinary. Why is it that now, in Yuning, I can’t even walk freely in the city? Surely, under Your Highness’s superb governance, Yuning hasn’t declined to such a state, has it?”
Ning Wang finally turned around, his gaze fell on her face. “You’re good with your words.”
Qingge responded, “Nothing as such. Simply stating a reasoned argument and standing up for what’s right.”
Hearing this, Ning Wang unexpectedly gave a rare smile. “Sophistry.”
His features were too sharp and striking, resembling the frosty edge of a blade on a winter night. Even when he smiled, he didn’t look warm or inviting—it only meant that he was deliberately restraining his nature.
Qingge’s reaction was a chilly silence. She had made such a great effort to see Ye Min today, but failed to have a proper talk because of his presence.
’It’s all his fault! If not for him, I would have negotiated my withdrawal from Qianying Pavilion!
Ning Wang noticed her displeasure. “Are you still upset?”
Qingge snorted softly. “How could this consort dare to be upset with your Highness?”
His dark eyes lingered on her for a moment, then he slightly raised his brow. “It’s a big festival today, how about we put our differences aside and take a stroll together? What do you say?”
Qingge hadn’t expected him to concede first—it was completely out of character for him, to say the least. She recalled his serious expression while speaking with Ye Min earlier and the faint mention of ‘Xiahou Zhilan’ in their conversation. Clearly, the two sides had come to some agreement, and she, the precious bride sent by the Xiahou clan, was very important to their plan, so he was making a concession.
The proud and unruly Ning Wang now found himself caught in a marriage alliance, forced to show goodwill to a wife he didn’t like—this realization gave her an indescribable feeling.
‘Who would have imagined that one day he’d need to rely on his charms to gain the upper hand?’ Qingge suddenly felt like laughing. She also grew curious about how far Ning Wang’s so-called ‘taking a stroll together’ would go. She wanted to see him lower himself, even grovel—though she doubted it would be easy.
Now completely intrigued, Qingge lost interest in bickering. She gave Ning Wang a scrutinizing look, noticing how he was still dressed in an elegant brocade robe of young bamboo patterns. However, his jade headdress had been replaced with a simpler silk band, an obvious attempt to keep a low profile and conceal his identity.
No disguise could mask the innate arrogance and dominance in him and yet, watching a bloodthirsty wild hawk pretend to be tame was pretty amusing.
“Well, this consort does intend to take a stroll. Having Your Highness’s company would be an honor,” she replied, her tone deliberately casual.
Ning Wang’s thin lips curved slightly. Smiling, he remarked, “Wangfei says all the right things, but why does it sound like you are still harboring some resentment?”
Qingge glanced at him coolly. “Do you think your Wangfei is being petty?”
Ning Wang pondered briefly. As she looked at him that way, her clear, expressive eyes seemed as though they might overflow with water. “It seems this prince has been rather inconsiderate,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
“Oh?” Qingge raised an eyebrow, smiling back as she waited for this proud and arrogant man to lower his head and admit his mistake.
“However, the Duzhong Royal male flower has already been given to Pavilion Master Ye, and it would indeed be inappropriate to take it back.” He continued, “To make it up, you may name any condition as compensation. How about that?”
Qingge pondered for a moment and told herself not to make any demands. If she asked for too little, she’d lose out; if she asked for too much, he’d think she was insatiably greedy. So she replied diplomatically, “Since we are husband and wife, we should act as one. There’s no need for such formalities, Your Highness.”
Ning Wang chuckled lightly. “Wangfei is right. However, such an incident happened shortly after our marriage. This prince feels bad for you. How about this? When we return to the manor, you shall take charge of the inner yard affairs.”
Qingge was genuinely taken aback. To have such a responsibility suddenly thrust upon her—was it a blessing or a burden?
If she were to take charge of the inner yard, it would give her an opportunity to investigate Cui Gugu. But managing the household would require a great deal of effort, and she was only a temporary Wangfei for a few months… was it really worth the trouble?
“Thank you for your offer, Your Highness,” she smiled gently. “But this consort has just arrived and is still unfamiliar with everything. It’s better to wait a while until I’ve gotten accustomed to things before making any decisions.”
Ning Wang’s lips curled into a faint smile. “The steward and other staff can assist you, but you’re right. We’ll discuss this in detail once we return to the manor.”
Qingge found this response satisfactory. “Understood.”
“Why are you alone?” Ning Wang changed the topic. “Where are your guards and maids?”
“…” Qingge hesitated for a moment and vaguely replied, “We got separated by accident.”
Noticing her somewhat evasive demeanor, Ning Wang smiled knowingly and let it go. Instead, he asked, “Why did you suddenly decide to go out?”
“Well, as Ning Wangfei, I simply want to better understand the local customs and culture.”
“Should I commend you for being so diligent and responsible?” A soft chuckle escaped Ning Wang’s lips. His laughter was clear and pleasant, carrying a crispness reminiscent of fresh bamboo.
“This consort’s just looking around. It’s not to earn your praise, Your Highness,” Qingge shook her head. “Didn’t you promise to accompany me for a stroll? Why, then, has it turned into an interrogation?”
Ning Wang hummed lightly. “Was it interrogating? This prince was just asking questions. It seems our Ning Wangfei is quite adept at shifting blame.”
Qingge cast him a glance. “If that’s the case, then let’s just go our separate ways. I’ll return to Ninghe Courtyard, and you can go back to Tianhong Pavilion…”
Ning Wang’s lips curved into a slight smile. “Why the hurry? Can’t you wait for me to finish speaking?”
“And what if this consort simply doesn’t?”
Ning Wang smiled again, his thin eyelids drooping slightly. His strikingly beautiful face now carried a faint warmth. “Let’s have a cup of tea first, alright? Take this chance to rest your feet and moisten your throat.”
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LOL now he has to learn to flirt