The moonlit Yueli Terrace shimmered with a play of light and shadow, while the lamps inside the room glowed brightly. Xiao Yan and Tang Ning sat side by side by the horizontal railing.
Below the waterside pavilion, ripples danced across the lake. When Jin Yun and Cang Lang entered the room, Cang Lang couldn't help but glance at the young lady inside. She was casually leaning against the table with an air of nonchalance.
Seeing them enter, she immediately attempted to rise, but their Lord Governor was faster, resting his hand firmly on the edge of the table. Only after the young lady stepped aside did he withdraw his hand.
Cang Lang, carrying a tray of food, placed it on the table with his head lowered, reflecting silently on his past foolishness.
He truly had been blind in recent days.
How had he even considered matching the young lady with that lad from the Fu family?
It must have been the blessings of his long-deceased parents that spared him from being beaten to death by the Governor.
Tang Ning, oblivious to Cang Lang's inner turmoil, stood up and anxiously asked, "Commander Jin, how is the Cheng Prince’s residence? Is my aunt all right?"
"Rest assured, Miss, the princess is well," Jin Yun replied.
Tang Ning let out a sigh of relief, only to hear Jin Yun continue, "However, the Dowager Consort at the Cheng Prince's residence is not doing so well."
"She's really sick?" Tang Ning asked in surprise.
Jin Yun nodded. "Indeed, gravely ill. Ever since the princess came to Jiyun Alley, her health has deteriorated. Today, she even coughed up blood. The imperial physician Sun, who was stationed at the Cheng Prince’s residence, has admitted he can do no more. He said that without Lady Qin’s needlework, the Dowager Consort might not survive the night."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Ling Yin reported that Lady Qin is attending to the Empress Dowager in the palace and cannot leave. The heir of the Cheng Prince’s residence is quite displeased. He insisted that Lady Qin be brought to the residence for treatment before being sent back to the palace."
Xiao Yan's originally indifferent expression turned frostily cold.
"Who does he think he is?"
It was unclear whether he referred to Xie Yin or the Dowager Consort of the Cheng Prince’s residence.
Jin Yun’s gaze also turned icy for a moment. "The Cheng Princess reprimanded him in kind."
Tang Ning didn’t have much of an impression of the Dowager Consort from the Cheng Prince's residence. The Dowager had disliked both her aunt and her. Although Tang Ning had frequently visited the Cheng Prince’s residence and occasionally stayed overnight, her interactions with the Dowager Consort had been few. The times they did meet, the Dowager's stern demeanor left no room for warmth, not even the pretense of cordiality.
The Dowager Consort’s grave illness had little to do with her, and Tang Ning's concern lay solely with the Cheng Princess.
"What about my aunt? She’s not in good health. The residence wouldn’t make her attend to the Dowager, would they?"
"No," Jin Yun reassured her. "After the princess returned, apart from the clueless heir, everyone in the Cheng Prince’s residence, both masters and servants, treated her with great care. The Cheng Prince, concerned for her pregnancy, wouldn’t let her attend to the Dowager. Instead, he personally looks after the Dowager himself."
Xiao Yan immediately caught the key detail. "How did the Cheng Prince find out the princess is pregnant?"
Tang Ning also looked up in surprise. Her aunt had mentioned she wouldn’t disclose the matter to the Cheng Prince for the time being.
Jin Yun explained, "It was Nanny Jiang. After accompanying the princess back to the residence, she kept urging her to reconcile with the Cheng Prince. While she didn’t meet with the Cheng Prince privately, she did speak to a kitchen servant in the back courtyard. That servant then used the excuse of delivering medicine to inform the Dowager."
The information Ling Yin relayed was sparse but sufficient to reveal Nanny Jiang’s duplicity.
Tang Ning's face changed. "I must bring my aunt back!"
She hurriedly moved to leave, only for Xiao Yan to grab her wrist firmly.
"Brother…" Tang Ning turned back, anxious.
Xiao Yan didn’t let go. "Have you forgotten what I’ve told you? No matter the situation, you must never act recklessly without a plan. Even in the gravest danger, there’s always a chance to turn the tide."
"Sometimes, impulsiveness marks the beginning of failure. Do not lose your composure out of fear. Only by staying calm can you navigate any situation effectively."
"But my aunt—"
"With Ling Yin there, the princess will not lose her life."
Xiao Yan could feel her trembling and saw her pale face. He did not release her but instead gently tugged her closer to his side.
He sat down silently, as steady as a mountain, his presence unassuming yet unyielding. His grip on her hand remained firm, waiting for her to calm down.
Tang Ning stood for a moment before her earlier panic subsided.
Sensing her breathing even out, Xiao Yan softened his tone.
"Nanny Jiang’s loyalty is questionable. The Cheng Prince’s residence is indeed unsafe, but drawing out the Cheng Prince’s true intentions is not difficult."
Tang Ning quickly sat upright. "Really?"
"Really."
Her wide eyes brightened. Sitting on the jade and sandalwood seat, she placed her hands on her knees, her back straight as an arrow. "Teach me, Brother."
Xiao Yan, amused by her obedient posture, chuckled softly. He picked up his gold-threaded chopsticks and placed some food in her dish. "First, eat."
"Brother!"
Tang Ning was exasperated. She had no appetite!
Xiao Yan, unfazed by her protests, leaned back lazily, his long sleeves cascading down his sides. He tapped the edge of her bowl lightly. "Eat."
She was already too thin, almost all skin and bones. Holding her felt like holding a bag of sticks.
Seeing her pout, he coaxed gently, "Eat quickly. After you’re done, I’ll teach you."
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You can read ahead to chapterr 234 (100+ extra chapters) here
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