Madam Fu didn’t hurry to leave, and the Cheng Princess Consort was equally keen on strengthening ties with the Fu family. In her eyes, Fu Laiqing was indeed a suitable match for her niece, Tangning. Asking her to consider him wouldn’t be a bad idea; if they ended up marrying, it would be a good arrangement for Tangning.
Even without a marriage arrangement, Fu family was worthy of forming connections with—Madam Fu had been of help multiple times, and Cao Dejiang had spoken up for Tangning in court on several occasions. Both women were tactful and respectful, understanding each other’s intentions without making Tangning the subject of teasing. Tangning’s embarrassment gradually faded, allowing her to chat comfortably with them.
As the sky outside darkened and rain loomed, Madam Fu finally rose to take her leave. After personally seeing her out, Tangning returned to find the Cheng Princess Consort smiling at her.
“Auntie…” She felt a flush of heat creeping up her cheeks for reasons she couldn’t quite pinpoint.
Seeing her niece’s shyness, the Cheng Princess Consort chuckled. “What’s there to be embarrassed about? The feelings between young men and women are often intense. When one meets someone good, it’s only natural to take an interest. That Fu family gentleman has a good eye to see your worth, and there’s nothing shameful about romantic feelings as long as boundaries are respected.”
Who hasn’t had a youthful crush? Tangning’s upbringing at the Lu household and the Duke Song’s manor had been filled with outdated teachings. Snuggling close to her aunt, she whispered, “Did you feel the same way back then, Auntie?”
“Of course.” The Cheng Princess Consort’s eyes gleamed with pride. “Ask Mammy Jiang how many young men were interested in me back then.”
Mammy Jiang, bringing over some hot tea, chuckled at the mention. “The Princess Consort isn’t exaggerating. Back in the day, the two daughters of the Rong family were celebrated in the capital. Both the Princess Consort and the eldest daughter were much sought after by noble families.”
“When the eldest daughter married, the Princess Consort became the apple of many young men’s eyes. Whenever she stirred, crowds would vie for her attention. Young Master Gu, your uncle, had to go to great lengths to fend off the competition. On her wedding day, some young men even shed tears. The capital’s gentlemen conspired to drink the Prince under the table; the Prince was harassed quite a bit after winning her hand…”
Tangning blinked, intrigued. “Some cried? Who were they?”
“Well…” Mammy Jiang stammered a bit.
The Cheng Princess Consort’s cheerful expression also paused, and she quickly changed the subject. “That’s all in the past; who remembers the details?”
“But…”
Tangning started to press, knowing that stories like these were unforgettable. Who could forget something as rare as a man shedding tears for a woman? But before she could ask more, the Cheng Princess Consort flicked her on the forehead. “That’s grown-up gossip, little one. No need for you to pry.”
Tangning pouted in frustration. Then why bring it up if you don’t want me to know? That’s just cruel…
“What are you mumbling about?” The Cheng Princess Consort shot her a look.
Tangning quickly tucked her head down. “Nothing.”
The Cheng Princess Consort let it go and changed the subject. “I’m thinking of going back to Cheng Manor tomorrow.”
Tangning’s face changed slightly. “Auntie, you’re going back?”
“Don’t worry, I’m not moving back. The old princess dowager is very ill, and the manor has sent word several times. I can’t just ignore it. Besides, there are matters I need to discuss with Xie Tianyu in person.”
She gently touched her stomach and, seeing the concern on Tangning’s face, spoke softly. “There’s no need for you to worry. Whether I reconcile or separate with Xie Tianyu, I’ll make the decision carefully.”
“Then let me go with you.”
“No, you stay here.”
“But, Auntie…”
Before Tangning could continue, the Cheng Princess Consort said, “You shouldn’t go. You’ve just had a major confrontation with the Lu family, and it wouldn’t look right to get involved in the Cheng Manor’s affairs now.”
“The Cheng Manor is under strict watch, and Xie Tianyu is under house arrest. He wouldn’t dare to harm me. I’ll take Mammy Jiang with me, and after I see him, I’ll return to Jiyun Lane.”
Whether or not she reconciled, she wasn’t yet prepared to move back to the manor. She had a long way to go before she could fully forgive or forget.
Tangning tried to persuade her, but the Cheng Princess Consort had made up her mind. She didn’t want the younger generation meddling in her relationship with Xie Tianyu, nor did she want Tangning to attract more unwanted attention. When she finally left her aunt’s chambers, Tangning’s face was still full of worry. She paused, thinking for a while, then turned and headed to the neighboring Xiao manor to consult Xiao Yan about his investigation into the Cheng Prince’s affairs.
Ever since Xiao Yan became aware of the growing affection he held for Tangning, he’d found himself bewildered.
He couldn’t pinpoint when his feelings shifted, but the thought of “keeping her by his side” had taken root and grown like wild grass in a storm, nearly overpowering his reason.
Dismissing everyone around him, he submerged himself in the medicinal pool beneath the He Li Pavilion, letting the warm water engulf him completely. He desperately tried to empty his mind, yet no matter how he tried, Tangning’s name lingered in his thoughts like an inescapable thread, filling his vision even when his eyes were closed.
Once a certain desire was born, it was like wildfire, impossible to control.
Her eyes, her lips, her every expression… vivid as a spring blossom.
Instead of calming, his heartbeat grew faster, his breaths more labored as he almost thought he could smell her faint fragrance.
“Tangning…”
A wave of heat surged within him, and he couldn’t help but murmur her name softly. Even with his eyes closed, he could almost hear her gentle voice calling him “Brother.”
The heat continued to rise, a blaze that threatened to consume his reason, and Xiao Yan couldn’t help but curse under his breath as he pushed himself deeper into the pool, trying to submerge the turmoil in his heart.
Tangning, crouched by the edge of the medicinal pool, saw him nearly submerged, his eyes closed as if he were completely unaware of her presence.
The bandage around his waist had loosened, and faint traces of blood seeped into the water. Worried, she glanced around, saw no one else in sight, and, after calling his name twice without response, assumed he’d fainted from his injuries. Without a second thought, she jumped into the pool to help him.
“Splash—”
The sudden sound jolted Xiao Yan awake. Before he could open his eyes, he felt someone swimming toward him. That familiar scent made him instinctively hold his breath.
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T/N: Tangning is trying to find out if the eunuch rumors are true or not
You can read ahead to chapterr 300 (100+ extra chapters) here
I vote that Princess takes that Female Shadow Guard with her as a maid when she goes back to talk to her husband, because he’s shown he’s a liar and he tried to keep her there by force last time…
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