Chapter 31: Well-Meaning but Fox-Worthy

Qiu Li had a somewhat plump appearance with a cute, chubby face.

But the Fifth Prince preferred slender women.

Like Fu Mingzhi.

Naturally, she targeted Fu Mingzhi.

Thus, Qiu Li deliberately blocked their way, pretending to have twisted her ankle.

Fu Mingzhi, however, kept her composure, trying to find something to leverage in the other’s words.

“Why do you speak so harshly? We’re only here to attend the palace banquet. What’s with the aggressive behavior?”

Not long after, the third cousin had followed Princess Ning’an out, and the fifth cousin had timidly said she needed to use the restroom.

Fu Mingzhi had no choice but to accompany her. Before they could even go, someone chased them down.

Fu Mingdie tugged at her fourth cousin’s sleeve, looking anxious. She really needed to go.

Fu Mingzhi knew that being out of line in the hall was a grave offense.

She didn’t want to return with Fu Mingdie just like this, and was even more annoyed that the third cousin was not there.

“Move aside quickly. If Princess Ning’an finds out you’re bullying us, she will definitely not let you off.”

In the end, Fu Mingzhi invoked Princess Ning’an.

“I twisted my ankle; how can I move aside? Why don’t you help me?”

Qiu Li refused to move.

She even lifted her arm, hoping the two of them would assist her.

The little eunuchs who had brought Fu Mingzhi and her companions out stood silently in the shadow of the corridor.

It wasn’t that they didn’t want to help, but they simply couldn’t afford to offend Qiu Li.

With no other choice, Fu Mingzhi had to reach out to help, and gave Fu Mingdie a glance. Fortunately, Fu Mingdie was not foolish.

With Fu Mingzhi supporting Qiu Li to the side, Fu Mingdie slipped out.

The little eunuch, who had been guiding them, followed along, as he would be responsible if anything happened.

This scene was all witnessed by Li Ning’an.

Fu Mingzi was quite resourceful.

Seeing the situation resolved, Fu Mingying did not approach, but Qiu Li did notice Princess Ning’an.

She shook off Fu Mingzhi’s hand, walked into the pavilion, saluted Princess Ning’an, and then took a seat.

Qiu Li favored the Fifth Prince and naturally was closer to the Fourth Princess.

She looked down on Princess Ning’an’s shameless pursuit of men.

Even though Qiu Li liked the Fifth Prince, she would never lower herself to approach him.

Moreover, Qiu Li had heard that Princess Ning’an had fallen for someone else.

Qiu Li could sit down with ease because she had a father as esteemed as the blue sky—Grand Minister Qiu, known for his divine judgment, and well-loved by the people.

Such officials were also favored by Emperor Mingde.

Thus, the Qiu family had confidence.

The Qiu family was reluctant to marry Qiu Li to the Fifth Prince for two reasons: he did not fancy her, and she was aging.

Once the Fifth Prince came of age, Qiu Li would be an old maid.

What if the Fifth Prince preferred someone younger? The emperor was heaven; they were mere subjects.

If such a thing happened, it would be their own child who suffered.

Li Ning’an didn’t mind Qiu Li’s lack of manners. The eunuch brought hot tea to Qiu Li.

Fu Mingzhi, however, couldn’t sit down. She bowed properly and stood beside her third cousin.

Believing she would not be noticed, she observed Princess Ning’an.

Every gesture of Princess Ning’an exuded nobility.

Li Ning’an pondered about the Qiu family.

When she died, the Fifth Prince had not yet reached marriageable age.

Whether Qiu Li’s wishes would be fulfilled was unknown.

Now, Li Ning’an would not easily provoke others.

Especially since Grand Minister Qiu was a revered figure. To defeat Fu Minglang, she needed to build more alliances.

Before Li Ning’an could speak, Qiu Li asked first.

“I heard that Princess plans to become Young Master Yan’s concubine. Is that true?”

In truth, Qiu Li also had a liking for Yan Ziqi.

But he was almost living in brothels during the day and night.

Qiu Li didn’t want to marry such a person.

Even though the Fifth Prince will likely have many wives and concubines in the future, he remains the best candidate for the throne.

Perhaps she might even become the Empress.

If Yan Ziqi knew that the women in the inner chambers were thinking of him this way, he would surely fan himself and laugh heartily.

Indeed!

He is exactly that sort of person.

Useless, debauched, and lecherous.

Li Ning’an once held the same view, but in reality, Yan Ziqi hides his true nature very well.

Even with two additional years of experience, Li Ning’an couldn’t fully see through him.

But this doesn’t stop her from capitalizing on her status as Yan Ziqi’s concubine and causing a stir.

“Yes, Yan Lang is deeply in love with me. Before he left the capital, I was the one who sent him off.”

Li Ning’an wished she had hired a painter.

Otherwise, she would have commissioned a painting of Princess Ning’an bidding farewell to Yan Lang at the Seven-Mile Pavilion.

It would spread throughout the streets and alleys.

Binding her and Yan Ziqi together in a way that could never be undone.

By the time Yan Ziqi returns victorious with the treaty from Beiyue ceding three cities, it will be too late for anyone to interfere.

Li Ning’an’s expression was one of smug satisfaction, as if she and Yan Ziqi were already together, with only the wedding left to arrange.

Qiu Li opened her mouth, unsure whether to offer congratulations or to suggest that the princess should be more reserved.

Fu Mingying looked at Princess Ning’an in disbelief, recalling how Ning’an used to deliver pastries to her brother regardless of the weather.

Now, she openly admitted to being Yan Ziqi’s concubine.

She quickly lowered her head, hiding her jealousy and resentment.

It must be that Princess Ning’an was spreading such rumors while Yan Ziqi was away.

Fu Mingying no longer thought that Princess Ning’an was plotting against her brother.

She had someone she cared about and knew that Princess Ning’an’s previous gaze towards her brother had been filled with both affection and fear.

Affection for being close to him, and fear of losing him forever.

And now, she hadn’t even given her brother a second glance.

“Mother will be worried if she doesn’t see me at the banquet. I should return first.”

Fu Mingying didn’t want to stay any longer. She hurriedly bade farewell to Princess Ning’an with Fu Mingzhi and left.

After she departed, Qiu Li sneered, “She doesn’t even consider her own worth but dares to dress so attractively, trying to entice the prince.”

Enticing the prince?

Li Ning’an pondered Qiu Li’s remark.

Now that she thought about it, none of the women in the Fu family had ever considered trying to attract the prince.

They were all of marrying age and couldn’t afford to wait for several young princes to grow up.

Li Ning’an felt a pang in her heart.

If her two older brothers were still around, she wouldn’t have needed to shield herself from such storms.

Li Ning’an lost the desire to stay but, as she was about to leave, she still glanced at Qiu Li.

“Everything I give away is brand new, never used. Miss Qiu, it would be wise for you to choose your words and actions carefully.”

Those items were all gifts from her father, mother, and the palace consorts.

She had always been generous to Fu Mingying before.

So she never gave away used items; they were always new.

But some people were never satisfied.

They even thought that it was only natural for an older sister to give things to a younger sister.

Fu Mingying’s demands grew, and the previous version of herself thought she was being accepted. It was truly laughable.

Li Ning’an left the pavilion, and naturally, the eunuchs cleared away the items.

Such honors were reserved for princesses.

Especially princesses like Ning’an and the Fourth Princess.

For example, the Eighth Princess, born to a minor concubine, wouldn’t receive such meticulous service.

Although the minor concubine had received some favor from the Emperor, it still didn’t match the favor Consort Tong Xian received.

It was said that a few days ago, she was punished for offending Consort Tong Xian by having to pick up mixed red and black beans from the ground.

The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet ended soon. With the war ahead, the capital couldn’t indulge too much.

Even Shui Qiniang, who was getting married this month, had toned down her high profile.

Li Ning’an came to touch up Shui Yue Rong’s makeup.

“I’ve informed Father and posted the imperial edict to find a famous doctor for Shui Liu Lang.”

Hopefully, it will also attract that doctor out.