Chapter 99 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

Translating Chinese Historical Dramas for your enjoyment... and mine! :)

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 99:

The thorny issue of marriage settles with finality.

Xiao Zhonghua looked at Ouyang Nuan and said, "Are you very anxious?"

Even with Ouyang Nuan's deep cunning and composure, she couldn't help but pause for a moment. What kind of question was this? If she agreed, she agreed; if she didn't, she didn't. What did it mean whether she was anxious or not? This was a woman's lifelong major event. Could she not be anxious?

She looked at the seemingly indifferent and handsome Prince Xiao Zhonghua, her smile appearing somewhat insincere. "As a clueless young lady from a secluded boudoir, naturally, I'm very anxious, very anxious indeed," she said, emphasizing the word "very" as she spoke.

Xiao Zhonghua was taken aback. Being from a royal family, he was trained from a young age to keep his emotions in check and rarely displayed genuine feelings. This was especially true for someone like him, with the solemn demeanor typical of royal family members, from the eldest brother to the youngest brother, all of whom were adept at maintaining an air of mystery and sophistication. Xiao Zhonghua had a deep understanding of this.

He believed that Ouyang Nuan, who always seemed composed and resourceful, was also unfathomably cunning. However, he hadn't expected her to react with a slight raise of her eyebrows and a hint of surprise in her eyes upon hearing him speak, which made her look quite adorable. Objectively speaking, she couldn't compare to Princess Rong's stunning beauty, but her appearance was nevertheless extremely pleasing to the eye.

Seeing her expression, Xiao Zhonghua couldn't help but smile. "Why did you choose to go the long way around for this matter?" he asked. "Instead of seeking help from Crown Prince Yan, you came to me. Isn't that taking the scenic route?"

Ouyang Nuan blinked and countered with a question, "I heard that the Empress Dowager is pressuring you quite tightly. Is it because she's anxious about Princess Rong's marriage?"

Xiao Zhonghua chuckled, "How do you know I'm not willing to marry her?"

Ouyang Nuan shook her head and replied earnestly, "If you truly wanted to, you could have arranged the engagement long ago. Why delay year after year? Moreover, the Empress Dowager has always favored Princess Rong. If she were to arrange it, not only the position of your consort but even the position of Crown Prince Yan's consort wouldn't be difficult to obtain. Now, with you in mourning, even if the Empress Dowager wishes to arrange a marriage, she can't. But there are others..." Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly. "Why doesn't she seek someone else instead of letting Princess Rong wait like this?"

"Go on," Xiao Zhonghua said calmly. His tone was gentle, and perhaps it was just a perception, but at this moment, he sounded somewhat resigned, lacking the usual aloofness even when smiling.

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"Nowadays, the two princes who truly hold military power in the court are Grand Prince Qin and Grand Prince Yan," Ouyang Nuan cleared her throat and chuckled, "And, Your Highness, the Empress Dowager may favor Princess Rong, but she favors Grand Prince Qin even more, wouldn't you agree?"

In response to her assessment, Xiao Zhonghua smiled without saying a word.

Seeing that he showed neither anger nor displeasure, Ouyang Nuan felt relieved. After a brief pause, a hint of cunning flashed between her eyebrows as she began to speak from another angle, "You are one of the few who truly understand. If Princess Rong were to marry into the Prince of Yan's residence, it would be a difficult situation for both you and the Prince of Yan. I suppose, Your Highness, you wouldn't want someone too close to the Empress Dowager as a bedfellow either, right?"

Listening to her ramblings, it seemed like they were unrelated to her marriage matters. However, Xiao Zhonghua understood her intentions. He remained silent for a long time, his gaze becoming sharper in the sunlight, until he lowered his eyes, gently closing them, his eyelashes trembling slightly. Only then did he respond with a smirk, "So, is that the reason you've come to me?"

Ouyang Nuan looked at him, momentarily taken aback by his question. What other reason could she have for seeking him out? It couldn't possibly be a burst of girlish sentiment hoping for a knight in shining armor... He really dared to think so. After Xiao Zhonghua finished speaking, he let out a low sigh, as if he had seen through all her schemes, speaking slowly and lightly, each word hitting her heart mercilessly, immediately unraveling her intentions, "If I want to cancel this marriage, there are naturally other ways. Why must Princess Rong be paired with Chen Jingrui?"

Indeed, she had only said a few words, and he understood her intentions. Ouyang Nuan showed no embarrassment at all; instead, she smiled brightly, "I naturally know the Prince's abilities. It's just that lately, it seems that Princess Rong's thoughts are not on the Prince anymore... If she smoothly marries into the Crown Prince's residence, it will be an even bigger problem in the future, won't it? Moreover, even if the Prince's solution is good, can it truly solve the problem once and for all?"

Xiao Zhonghua's brows unconsciously furrowed, but a smile played at the corners of his lips. "Oh?"

'He's helping me, while also completely resolving the trouble of Princess Rong. It's a win-win situation for him, for Grand Prince Yan, and for herself. Why show such a suspicious expression?' Ouyang Nuan thought to herself.

Xiao Zhonghua's deep eyes suddenly clouded with an emotion that was hard to decipher, but his tone softened as he spoke, "Miss Ouyang, what kind of books do you usually read?"

Ouyang Nuan was taken aback. She hadn't expected the Duke to change topics so abruptly. She blinked, almost doubting whether the man in front of her had heard clearly what she had just said, or if she had spoken too vaguely and he hadn't understood at all.

"What kind of books do you usually read, Miss Ouyang?" Xiao Zhonghua repeated.

Ouyang Nuan finally believed she hadn't misheard. Prince Ming was indeed asking a question seemingly unrelated to the conversation. Her eyebrows raised slightly as she couldn't help but look at him, only to find that he was looking at her too. Their gazes collided, sparking a kind of easily ignited flame that quickly kindled into a subtle exchange.

She smiled. "Just some historical texts."

"If it's a lie, it's better left unsaid," Xiao Zhonghua remarked with a hint of playfulness in his eyes, his voice carrying a slight depth.

Ouyang Nuan paused briefly before responding truthfully, "It's really just some history books."

Xiao Zhonghua chuckled. "Are you still reading historical records? How far have you gotten in 'Records of the Grand Historian'?"

"I've finished 'Records of the Grand Historian' and am now reading 'The Book of Officials' from the previous dynasty," Ouyang Nuan replied. Their conversation then turned to "The Diagram of Fallen Battlefields," and they exchanged many stories from history. Although seemingly unrelated to the present, their discussion carried subtle metaphors.

Hongyu and Changpu stood outside the pavilion, completely baffled by the cryptic conversation between the two inside. Although Ouyang Nuan was feeling anxious, she had to patiently respond to him.

Just then, Shanju came over to invite Ouyang Nuan. "Miss, the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince's Consort have both arrived. They are requesting your presence for a conversation."

Ouyang Nuan was taken aback, then looked towards Xiao Zhonghua. She was waiting for his answer.

Xiao Zhonghua's dark eyes returned to their original calmness, like still pond water without any ripples, completely hiding any emotions. "In that case, I'll take my leave."

Ouyang Nuan instinctively took a step forward.

Xiao Zhonghua seemed to notice her subtle movement, suddenly turning back. A faint smile spread in his deep, abyss-like eyes, yet he offered no explanation, only nodding gently. His lips curved into a reassuring smile as he said, "Don't worry."

Shanju looked puzzled at Xiao Zhonghua's departing figure, unsure of what he had said. But she heard Ouyang Nuan's voice suddenly brighten, "Let's go."

In the Ink Lotus Pavilion, apart from the Crown Princess, the Prince's two consorts, Shishi and Ning, were also present. Zhou Zhijun was there too, with a rosy complexion and excellent spirits. She wore loose-fitting robes, which didn't reveal her slightly bulging belly. The Crown Prince's four concubines were also in attendance, though they lacked the qualification to sit down, standing on the side as decorations.

Upon seeing Ouyang Nuan, the Crown Princess smiled and beckoned, "Miss Ouyang, come over here."

All eyes turned to Ouyang Nuan. She smiled, bowed to them, her demeanor gentle and amiable, like a soft spring breeze, comforting everyone with her soothing words.

Compared to Shishi, Ning was more favored by the Crown Prince. Coupled with her lively personality, she was accustomed to being favored. Thus, she spoke first, "This Miss Ouyang is truly delicate and elegant, isn't she?"

Shishi chuckled, "Indeed, I've heard about her for quite some time but never had the chance to meet her. The sachets you made for the Crown Princess were exquisitely crafted, and the embroidery was excellent."

Upon hearing this, Ning carefully observed Ouyang Nuan for a moment, her gaze seemingly filled with some doubt, yet she smiled and said, "Looking at Miss Ouyang's appearance, she bears a resemblance to the young lady from the Marquis Zhenguo's Mansion back in the day." The Crown Princess nodded in agreement, saying, "Exactly, her mother is indeed the Miss of the Marquis Zhenguo's Mansion."

Ning was momentarily stunned, then she smiled and said, "Ah, that explains it. No wonder there's such a resemblance. Your mother was also a renowned beauty in the capital back then, possessing both talent and beauty, with a gentle and graceful demeanor. With such a prestigious background, countless matchmakers must have knocked on your family's door. Even Grand Prince Yan..." She paused suddenly, as if recalling something, and stopped herself.

The Crown Princess also had some vague knowledge of the past events. She slightly furrowed her brows and said with a smile, "Look at you all, busy talking and forgetting to let the child meet everyone."

Upon hearing Ning mention her mother and sensing the Crown Princess's reluctance to further discuss the topic, Ouyang Nuan began to feel suspicious. She sensed that there was some hidden story behind it all, but due to the presence of others, she couldn't inquire further. Thus, she simply smiled faintly, pretending not to have understood.

Shishi gave her a bracelet adorned with red gemstones, while Ning presented her with a bracelet made of jade and emerald. Perhaps feeling apologetic for her earlier slip of the tongue, Ning then took out a phoenix-shaped brooch adorned with eight treasures. After accepting the gifts and spending some time with them, Ouyang Nuan bid farewell and left, accompanied by Lin Yuanxin, who personally escorted her to the door.

Inside the room, Shishi smiled and said to the Crown Princess, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could bring such a beautiful child home?" Upon hearing this remark, Xiao Yan's expression changed suddenly, his gaze deep as he looked towards Ouyang Nuan, who was currently conversing with Lin Yuanxin in the courtyard.

The Crown Princess was momentarily stunned, then she chuckled and replied, "Look at you, being so greedy. Can't bring every beauty in the world home, can we?"

Shishi initially treated Xiao Yan's remark as a joke and didn't take it to heart. However, Xiao Yan remained calm and lowered his eyes, his gaze obscured by his eyelashes, appearing particularly deep and enigmatic, concealing endless turmoil within. "You jest, I fear Miss Ouyang may have higher aspirations and may not fancy the Prince's residence," he replied calmly. With that, he seemed to lose interest in further conversation and excused himself from the gathering. Seeing Xiao Yan's departing figure, the smile on Zhou Zhijun's face suddenly faded.

Shishi felt inexplicably choked by Xiao Yan's response and took a while to recover. Ning quickly intervened with a smile, trying to defuse the tension. "Indeed, who knows which household Miss Ouyang will end up in?"

Zhou Zhijun responded with a smile, "A lady as beautiful as her would bring good fortune to whichever household she enters." Her smile took on a mysterious depth. At that moment, Lin Yuanxin happened to enter the room from outside, and Zhou Zhijun smiled at her, saying, "Speaking of which, there's some good news. The Duke of Wu's residence has sent my grandmother to propose a marriage alliance to the Ouyang family. Does Princess Lin know about this?"

Indeed, this matter was related to Zhou Zhijun. Lin Yuanxin's thoughts quickly turned, and she had already said, "Is that so? Oh my, if you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have known! But wait, if this matter goes through, shouldn't Grandma have told me about it? It's been so long without any updates; perhaps they haven't agreed yet. You see, Grandma Ouyang dotes on my cousin so much; she'd want to keep her around for a few more years!" Her expression was sincere, and her tone became quite serious. "Moreover, whether this matter succeeds or not, it's not something to be casually discussed. Even if an engagement is made, there's always the possibility of it being broken off. Besides, this matter hasn't even started yet."

Lin Yuanxin's face remained gentle, but her words seemed to silence Zhou Zhijun. She was subtly implying that if Zhou Zhijun spread rumors about something that hadn't even taken shape yet, she would be seen as a gossip. Zhou Zhijun inwardly sneered and continued slowly, "When my mother visited me, she mentioned this matter occasionally. I thought it was a done deal..."

The Princess Consort watched their lively exchange with a lowered gaze, quietly sipping her tea without uttering a word, though she couldn't help but sigh softly in her heart.

After leaving the Prince's residence, Prince Ming received a report from his attendants that the Empress Dowager had issued an imperial decree summoning him to the palace. He pondered for a moment and instructed his personal guards to deliver a letter to the Grand Princess's residence while he himself changed his clothes and headed to the palace.

The Taiji Palace, adorned with orange-colored glazed tiles, red palace walls, white jade railings, and emerald green pond water, presented a particularly splendid scene. Elegant peonies complemented each other, adding to the grandeur.

The sun in the east cast a golden glow on the window paper, bathing the southern hall in a warm yellow light. Inside the main hall, a carved golden incense burner emitted wisps of delicate smoke, perfuming the air with a soothing fragrance. In the center of the hall lay a couch, covered with a thin felt mat and adorned with a soft embroidered peony canopy. The Empress Dowager reclined half-sitting and half-lying on the couch, propped up by cushions embroidered with the luxurious peony pattern.

The Grand Princess took a golden tobacco pouch and filled it with the finest tobacco leaves before placing it on top of the tobacco container. There were two containers, alternately used on the tobacco pouch. She prepared the tobacco, placed the container on the pouch, struck a fire with flint, lit the paper wick, and knelt halfway to present the tobacco container to the Empress Dowager.

The Grand Princess's palace attire shimmered with a silky sheen, and the delicate hairpins in her Yunmo-style hair trembled slightly with her movements. Among the other court ladies similarly attired, she appeared exceptionally beautiful, standing out conspicuously. The Empress Dowager held the smoking pipe in her mouth, gently drawing on it as the Grand Princess lit it, while wisps of faint smoke lingered in the air. The tobacco was the finest Yun silk from the southern regions, completely pure and devoid of impurities, its subtle aroma soothing to the senses.

Upon Prince Ming's entrance, he paid his respects to the Empress Dowager. His hair was neatly tied beneath a golden crown, his youthful face adorned with arched brows and midnight-like eyes that appeared slightly dim in the evening light, beneath a perfectly sculpted nose. His thin lips wore a faint yet perfectly measured smile.

The Empress Dowager gestured for the Grand Princess to take the tobacco pouch elsewhere, then sighed softly. Finally, she spoke with a hint of a smile and a touch of melancholy, "Zhonghua, it's been a while since you last visited. Time flies by so quickly. It feels like just yesterday that your mother passed away over two years ago."

"You're right," replied the Prince Ming in a calm tone.

The palace hall was draped in rich emerald and golden curtains, casting a weighty yet subdued glow. The interplay of light and shadow danced across the Empress Dowager's face as she glanced at his calm countenance, sighing softly. "It's rare for you to persist in not marrying for over two years, refusing even betrothal. Your filial piety is truly commendable. Your late mother, watching from above, would surely feel comforted. But as time passes, your mourning period will soon come to an end. Don't you plan to take a wife?"

Xiao Zhonghua smiled faintly, about to respond, when a respectful voice sounded from outside, "The Emperor arrives." In strides the Emperor, his expression warm. "Mother."

The Empress Dowager smiled faintly, but her gaze fell upon the Grand Princess standing behind the Emperor, and her smile dimmed ever so slightly. It seemed rather too coincidental that just as she summoned Xiao Zhonghua, the Emperor and the Grand Princess arrived.

The Grand Princess bowed and took a seat on a nearby sandalwood chair, smiling. "Grandmother, it's quite lively here. Is there something special happening?"

The Empress Dowager smiled faintly. "It's just been a while since we've seen Zhonghua, so I asked him to come and visit me."

With the Emperor and the Grand Princess present, the Empress Dowager didn't hesitate to speak directly. "Emperor, Zhonghua is your most beloved grandson. Why aren't you concerned about his marriage?"

The Emperor's gaze fell on Xiao Zhonghua, then glanced at the smiling Rong Princess standing beside him, his brow furrowing slightly.

The Grand Princess chuckled brightly. "Look at what Grandmother said. Zhonghua's mourning period isn't over yet. Why are you so anxious? There's still half a year to go, isn't there?"

The Empress Dowager's expression darkened. "What do you mean half a year? Even if he's not getting married, an engagement would suffice."

Xiao Zhonghua smiled faintly and raised his eyes calmly. "Grandmother, it goes against ancestral traditions to engage before the mourning period ends. How could I dare?"

The Emperor nodded. "According to the Dali customs, indeed, there's such a precedent."

The Empress Dowager was momentarily stunned. She glanced at the Emperor and then at the Grand Princess, her gaze gradually turning cold. After all, she had raised the Emperor since he was young. Although he wasn't her biological son, he had always been obedient. However, in recent years... he had done many things that displeased her.

The Grand Princess raised her teacup, hiding a hint of ambiguous smile on her lips, and casually said, "Zhonghua, Grandmother is concerned about your marriage. It's just that the mourning period isn't over yet. Even if it's just one day short, you cannot easily agree to marriage. Otherwise, if word gets out, people might think you're too eager. Of course, as they say, boys should marry when they come of age, and girls should marry young. Speaking of which, Rong Princess is already eighteen this year, isn't she, Grandmother? A girl's youth is limited. Please don't delay her too much!"

Princess Rong's face showed no displeasure, still adorned with a humble smile. But deep down, she was starting to feel anxious.

The Empress Dowager smiled faintly. "She has been by my side since she was little, handling things properly, calm and poised. I can't bear to part with her for too long. I just want to keep her for a couple more years."

The Grand Princess sighed as she set down her teacup, "I've heard something these past few days, but I'm not sure if I should say."

The Emperor chuckled, "You, my sister, when did you start learning to be so mysterious?"

A soft smile curved on the lips of the Grand Princess, "It's said throughout the capital that in the study of the Duke of Wu Guo, there hangs a painting of a beautiful maiden dancing gracefully, with an exquisite figure and unparalleled beauty."

Princess Rong was taken aback, looking at the enigmatic smile of the Grand Princess, a sense of unease creeping into her heart.

Indeed, the Emperor seemed quite interested, asking eagerly, "Oh? The son of the Chen family must be keeping a portrait of his beloved. Which family's maiden is it?"

The Grand Princess smiled gently, turning to the Empress Dowager, her gaze seeming to penetrate the heart, "It's Princess Rong."

As Xiao Zhonghua listened, he lowered his gaze, concealing the hint of a smile on his lips. The original painting was kept in the Grand Princess's residence, and the one in Chen Jingrui's study must be a copy. Yet, whether he cherished the beauty depicted in the painting or the woman who painted it, who could argue on his behalf? Even Chen Jingrui himself might not be able to clarify his own conflicted feelings towards Ou Yangnuan, a mixture of hatred and affection kept hidden.

Princess Rong looked up in astonishment, her thoughts scattering like petals, only to meet the Empress Dowager's face filled with surprise and anger. She immediately lowered her head, afraid to speak further.

The Empress Dowager, however, chuckled softly, "How could it be Rong'er? She has always been by my side in the palace. How could she be seen so easily by outsiders? People can bear resemblances, perhaps it was another family's daughter after all."

"At the last flower-viewing banquet, I asked the princess to dance. Perhaps at that moment, young Master Chen took notice and became smitten. After all, 'when fair ladies grace our halls, it's only natural for gentlemen to be attracted.' The princess is at the prime of her youth, with extraordinary grace and elegance. It's inevitable for young Master Chen to admire her," she said with a smile, glancing lightly at Princess Rong.

Then, without directly addressing her, she continued, "Regarding matters of the heart, Your Majesty, should we not consider granting their wishes?" She conveniently omitted the fact that Chen Jingrui was not present at the banquet; he only learned about Ouyang Nuan's stunning painting afterwards and had it brought to him.

Princess Rong's face turned ashen, wanting to speak but unable to find the words. Regret and fear flooded her, her body trembling slightly. She had only displayed her talents before others because she was angered that Prince Ming did not regard her highly. Who would have thought it would lead to such consequences?

The Empress Dowager forced a smile and said, "What kind of joke is this? It's just young people fooling around, being foolish. If it spreads, it will tarnish Rong'er's reputation."

However, Xiao Zhonghua spoke calmly, "Your Majesty, there's also a connection between the Chen family and Princess Rong. That night, Miss Chen willingly gave her carriage to Princess Rong, and as a result, she was attacked by bandits on her way back. She was greatly frightened, but fortunately, there were many guards from the Duke of Wu's mansion, so nothing serious happened." His words were understated, but they struck fear into Princess Rong's heart.

The Emperor, initially hesitant, nodded upon hearing this and said, "This is also fate. Well then, let's bestow Princess Rong in marriage to this eldest son of the Chen family."

The Empress Dowager's expression suddenly changed, her gaze coldly sweeping over the Emperor, the Grand Princess, and Xiao Zhonghua, as if trying to peer into their hearts. But once the Emperor uttered the words of bestowing marriage, there was no turning back. Even though she was the Empress Dowager, she could not openly oppose the Emperor's decision.

Realizing this, she broke the lapis lazuli and jade ring on her finger with a snap, which fell to the ground. Ignoring the gesture, the Emperor smiled at Xiao Zhonghua and said, "You finally made it into the palace today. The chess game you set up last time, I finally solved it." He then turned to the Empress Dowager, "Mother, do you have any other instructions?"

Suppressing her anger, the Empress Dowager forced a smile, "Very well, go with the Emperor then."

"Yes." Xiao Zhonghua stood up, giving a slight smile, and followed behind the Emperor as they exited. Princess Rong glanced at Princess Rong, smiled, and then followed suit in taking her leave.

As they left, the faint smile faded from the Empress Dowager's face, her gaze gradually turning stern. She set the teacup aside, then slammed her hand on the table, her expression darkening as she suddenly commanded, "Kneel down!"

Princess Rong immediately complied, her face drained of color, filled with fear. "Do you understand your mistake?" the Empress Dowager asked coldly.

Princess Rong bit her lip and replied, "Your Majesty, Rong'er understands her mistake."

The Empress Dowager's previously calm face now displayed extreme anger. "How did I teach you on ordinary days! You, as a princess, actually frolicked around with those frivolous girls. Do you realize that from the very beginning, you have been manipulated!"

Princess Rong was deeply startled and lowered her head, not daring to say another word. She couldn't help but wonder: was Princess Rong being used by the Grand Princess, or had the Emperor become suspicious and teamed up with the Grand Princess to oppose the Empress Dowager? And what role did Xiao Zhonghua, Prince Ming, play in this conspiracy?

The more Princess Rong thought about it, the more frustrated she became, almost grinding her teeth in anger. Now, the Empress Dowager's schemes and her own intentions were all in vain. "Your Majesty, I'm afraid the Grand Princess and the others have joined forces..."

The Empress Dowager remained silent for a long time after hearing this. Eventually, she reluctantly picked up the teacup. A palace maid nearby hurriedly suggested changing the tea as it had cooled. Ignoring the suggestion, the Empress Dowager drank the tea in one gulp. Because she drank too quickly, she choked a few times. All the palace maids were startled and immediately knelt down to apologize, but the Empress Dowager paid no attention.

After drinking the tea and stopping her coughing, she stared at Princess Rong, who was still kneeling on the ground, without saying a word for a long time. On one hand, she felt that Princess Rong's words made sense; on the other hand, she felt that she had grown old and lacked the decisiveness she had in her youth, even becoming hesitant in such trivial matters. If she had been less hesitant back then and forced Xiao Zhonghua to marry Rong'er, perhaps things wouldn't have escalated to the current situation.

In the midst of hesitation and caution, I was played by two younger generations, ultimately falling short by one move...

After returning from the palace, Xiao Zhonghua went to a room in the rear courtyard. In this room hung the portrait of the Princess Consort of Yan. The tablet of the Princess Consort Yan had already been placed in the main hall, while this room was specifically set aside by him, reserved for his most trusted maidservant, Xu Mama.

In the room, there was a small cushion, and on the table lay a wooden fish, a bell, flower vases, incense burners, candlesticks, endless lamps, and fruit offerings, arranged neatly. In the corner, there was also a stack of Buddhist scriptures. Xu Mama knelt straight on the cushion, her expression solemn and serene, the burning incense releasing wisps of fragrant smoke.

Xiao Zhonghua approached slowly, not wanting to disturb Xu Mama. Instead, he gazed at the portrait of the Princess Consort of Yan, lit some incense, and paid his respects. Kneeling on the mat, his hands clasped together, he murmured to himself, "Mother, I have encountered the daughter of Aunt Qing again. She is very intelligent and beautiful. However, you always said that Aunt Qing was dignified and elegant, with outstanding talent. But I feel that she is not quite like Aunt Qing, but rather somewhat cunning and elusive."

Xu Mama was somewhat stunned by Prince Ming's actions, then she asked, "Prince, did you see Miss Ouyang from the Ouyang family today?"

Xiao Zhonghua nodded and replied, "I ran into her again at the Prince's Mansion today."

Xu Mama nodded, her eyes shimmering with tears for some reason. "This child lost her mother's care from a young age. When the Princess Consort was alive, she often wanted to see her, but due to her status, they couldn't meet. When she passed away, she kept saying that she owed Miss Wanqing."

Xiao Zhonghua didn't reply, just stood up, turned around, and looked out at the eaves and the corridor outside, which seemed to mirror the twists and turns of human hearts. He slowly, very slowly, said, "Mama, I promised Mother to take care of Aunt Qing's child. I will fulfill that promise."

Fang Mama quietly waved to Hongyu to bring a bowl of bird's nest soup. "Miss, you just came back from the Prince's Mansion, you must be hungry. Have something to eat." However, Ouyang Nuan was gazing out the window in a daze, the pages of the book in her hand remained unturned. Fang Mama called her a couple more times before she snapped out of her reverie with a light cough. "I'm not hungry."

Fang Mama sighed softly, her expression concerned. "Miss, whatever you're worried about, I know. But this matter can't be rushed. It's better to relax a bit."

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly. "Fang Mama, I have my own plans regarding that matter. You don't need to worry about me." With that, she lowered her head, lost in thought. Xiao Zhonghua should understand her meaning, but even so, only half of the matter had been resolved. The other half lay in Chen Jingrui's hands...

•••

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Chapter 99 ROTNDOAHRF

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