Chapter 23: Let This Matter Wait

“She’s back?” Yin Mingyu rested one hand on the side armrest inside the carriage. There was no candle lit, yet it was bright as daylight inside. All was quiet—until his voice broke the silence.

Zhuyue, standing nearby with her head lowered, replied respectfully,
“Miss Ning just returned from the Eldest Princess’s carriage. She should be back on her own carriage by now.”

“Mm.” Yin Mingyu didn’t even look up. The sound was a nonchalant response, as if he’d lost interest altogether.

Zhuyue hesitated, unsure whether she should say more. If Eunuch Zhou were here instead, he would’ve surely said what needed to be said without waiting.

A proper servant should know how to read their master’s mind.

“It’s said that Miss Ning ate quite a bit of the pastries that were sent over. The Eldest Princess even remarked that she’s quite carefree—she nearly fell asleep right there in her carriage.”

Zhuyue finished softly, then heard the sound of a book snapping shut, followed by a low chuckle.

Of course she was carefree. She could fall asleep even while sitting beside him, not to mention in the Eldest Princess’s luxurious carriage. His royal sister loved comfort—her carriage was leagues more comfortable than the thin wooden seats of the Anqing Marquis Manor.

“Did she drink all her medicine?”

How should that be answered?

Miss Ning’s medicine was always administered by her close maidservant. Though the ones who delivered the medicine were imperial attendants under His Majesty’s orders, none of them actually witnessed her drinking it. Still, the bowls were always returned spotless, so it was assumed she drank everything.

Zhuyue explained carefully and waited anxiously for the emperor’s reaction.

Yin Mingyu didn’t need to guess. He knew exactly how Ning Zhaorou drank her medicine—she feared bitterness. She’d wait until it had cooled before downing it all in one go. Then she’d scrunch up her face and complain about the taste, needing two cups of tea to wash it down before she’d stop.

“Send her some candied jerky. She won’t have an appetite later after that bitter medicine.”

Zhuyue had never seen His Majesty put this much thought into a young woman before. Let alone such detailed care—just those few words alone would’ve made any consort in the harem green with envy.

Miss Ning might truly be destined for something great.

---

Whether Ning Zhaorou was destined for greatness or not, she didn’t know. What she did know was that they were finally about to reach the imperial city.

Earlier that day, the Eldest Princess had summoned her midway through the journey—right in front of everyone. With so many eyes watching, her father and Ning Wanqing hadn’t dared bother her again the rest of the way. She didn’t know whether such peaceful days would continue after she returned to the Anqing Marquis Manor.

---

One by one, the carriages arrived at the main gates of the Anqing Marquis Manor. The stepmadam Wu shi was already at the gate, prepared to receive them.

She knew nothing about what had happened on Mount Eming, and upon seeing everyone return, she greeted them with a wide smile. Her gaze casually swept over Ning Zhaorou, as if trying to discern something unusual from her expression.

“Marquis, the journey must’ve tired you out. I had the kitchen simmer some chicken soup. After you’ve had a bowl, we’ll have someone give you a massage to help you relax,” Wu shi said with a smile, helping the marquis remove his cloak as they walked into the manor together.

“This year’s return is earlier than usual. Have the girls in the manor behaved themselves?” she asked as she poured him tea.

The Marquis of Anqing closed his eyes and spoke slowly:
“You know better than anyone what kind of temperament the girls in this house have. Wanqing is always sensible. As for Zhaorou…”

He trailed off, then opened his eyes as if remembering something. He fell silent.

That sudden silence made Wu shi nervous. She hurriedly handed him the tea.
“What is it, My Lord?”

“That family you said you were considering for Zhaorou—where were they from again? Shanzhou?” he asked.

“Y-yes, didn’t we nearly settle it already? That family has been scholars for generations—they won’t mistreat Second Young Miss.”

Thinking he had suddenly taken interest in the matter again, Madam Wu was about to bring out her usual persuasive lines.

Unexpectedly, the Marquis of Anping shook his head and waved a hand.
“Let’s not rush this.”

Not rush it? But it was already almost finalized! Could it be that the wretched girl managed to attract some good marriage prospect just from one autumn hunt?

Madam Wu almost lost her composed and gentle smile. Still, she quickly steadied herself and replied tactfully,
“Naturally, the Marquis has the final say. If you say there’s no rush, then we won’t rush it.”

“It’s just… why the sudden change?”

The Marquis’s expression carried an unreadable trace of meaning as he took a sip of tea.
“Zhaorou’s luck isn’t bad. She’s caught the eye of the Eldest Princess. At such a critical juncture, let’s hold off on arranging her marriage.”

Though the Eldest Princess was merely a woman, she happened to be the emperor’s only full-blooded sister—an extremely noble identity. Now that they were back in the capital, perhaps this connection could prove useful.

“The Eldest Princess!?” Madam Wu gasped.

She had thought that with Ning Zhaorou’s tricks, at best the girl might snag someone from a minor household. How had she ended up entangled with royalty?

“Yes, the Eldest Princess. Why such a strong reaction?” the Marquis asked, looking at her in surprise.

Madam Wu hurriedly wiped the shock off her face and sat down again, softening her tone.
“It’s nothing, I was just surprised. Second Miss has always been modest and well-behaved—how did she come to cross paths with the Eldest Princess?”

“More than that,” the Marquis said, setting his tea cup down with a snort of irritation, then recounted the incident between the Second Princess and Concubine Liang.

Madam Wu’s expression turned complicated, unable to decide whether to feel pleased or worried.

“In any case, her marriage can wait. Let’s shift our attention to Wanqing’s match first.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Ning Zhaorou had long guessed that Madam Wu would eventually hear about what happened on Mount Emei, but she wasn’t the least bit anxious. As soon as she returned to the manor, she went straight to her courtyard.

“Would you like to bathe and freshen up first, or eat something?”

Seeing her mistress collapse onto a chair the moment she entered, Shuangwu couldn’t help but smile. Out in public, her lady always sat with a straight back, but once out of sight, she melted completely.

“Bathe first.” She’d been drinking medicine in the carriage for days—she was sure she smelled like it now.

“Understood. Rest for a moment while I make arrangements.”

Before leaving, Yin Mingyu had specifically instructed that if the Eldest Princess invited her to the princess’s residence, she must attend.

But days passed, and no invitation came from the Eldest Princess. Ning Zhaorou waited daily for word from the servants, but half a month went by in total silence.

Perhaps Ning Wanqing sensed something. She would occasionally stop by Ning Zhaorou’s courtyard to throw a few sarcastic remarks her way, but Ning Zhaorou would always quietly bury her head in her embroidery and ignore her.

Then, just when no one expected it—there was finally movement from the Eldest Princess’s residence.

---

Yin Mingyu hadn’t forgotten about the matter at all. It was just that upon returning to the palace, state affairs had come flooding in, and Ning Zhaorou’s situation was momentarily delayed. Once things calmed down and he had a moment to breathe, he asked about her—and Eunuch Zhou immediately launched into a long report.

His gaze slowly swept toward Zhou Lu’s head, causing the eunuch to cut himself off and fall silent.

Yin Mingyu clasped his hands together loosely, casting a lazy glance his way.
“Did that girl give you silver? Is that why you’re so eager to speak on her behalf?”

Zhou Lu instantly dropped to his knees.
“Your Majesty, I wouldn’t dare! I merely thought that since you care about Miss Ning, we ought to pay more attention to her situation so that when you ask, this servant can answer properly. As for money—this servant would never dare accept any from Miss Ning! This servant has only one master—Your Majesty—and my loyalty is as steadfast as the sun and moon—”

“Enough.” Yin Mingyu interrupted coolly and ordered him to send someone to the Eldest Princess’s residence.