Chapter 10: Princess Ning’an’s Obedience

Li Ning’an didn’t expect to have a lucky break while dozing off.

It turned out that the painting really did have something to do with Master Wen.

In that case, she wouldn’t be polite.

“What about Master Wen? Does his work mean it can’t be seen or commented on just because it’s his?”

“Relying on being His Majesty’s teacher, does he think he can act so shamelessly and try to make money off us?”

“How much silver did he give to Hanwen Bookstore to fool us with something like this?”

“Five thousand taels, hmph! If it were up to me, even a single coin would be too much. I’d rather give it to beggars.”

Li Ning’an was so agitated that her veil fell off.

Some recognized her identity and exclaimed, “Isn’t that Princess Ning’an?”

Others, even more shocked, said, “Why is she with Young Master Yan?”

Several pairs of eyes looked sympathetically at Fu Minglang, with a sense of pity as if to say, “Brother, are you not being cuckolded?”

Fu Minglang’s first reaction was to notice Princess Ning’an’s attire.

Li Ning’an had not spent these three years merely admiring him; she knew what he wanted was a virtuous wife.

She would handle the domestic affairs, sparing him from distractions.

Her appearance today was naturally disliked and despised by him.

Yet, a trace of unrecognized astonishment crossed Fu Minglang’s eyes.

Princess Ning’an usually wore palace attire, which was elegant and extravagant.

Or she would adapt to his preferences by dressing demurely and modestly.

Today, her outfit was inspired by a young concubine, featuring a slightly exposed area of smooth skin that aroused the imagination. Her hairpin was tilted, and the tassels dangled beside her ears, adding a touch of charm.

Those downstairs who saw Princess Ning’an couldn’t help but admire her beauty.

If they could have such a beauty, they would be willing to live as a dandy.

“Princess Ning’an is a bit disrespectful to Master Wen.”

“It truly lacks the dignity of the royal family.”

“She should focus on her studies at the Imperial Academy.”

Fu Minglang knew it was pointless to continue discussing the painting.

But when he spoke, it was in a lecturing tone.

In the past, Li Ning’an would have been pleased.

He was finally speaking to her.

Now, however, Li Ning’an, looking down from above, only wanted to respond with a sneer.

The contract papers brought back by Xing’e had been thoroughly checked. Many items were missing, and a lot had been added, all without the Princess’s approval.

It was originally Princess Ning’an who insisted on including them.

They didn’t want to accept them, but Princess Ning’an was unhappy.

They had no choice but to include even their own funds, as Princess Ning’an could not be too unreasonable.

This was indeed laughable.

Li Ning’an believed if the other party truly didn’t want it, she wouldn’t give it.

Just like Fu Minglang.

If he clearly expressed in front of everyone that he had no interest in her and didn’t want her to pester him, Li Ning’an would not have persisted.

Li Ning’an leaned against the railing, and even Yan Ziqi thought she was surely going to listen to Fu Minglang.

She approached Fu Minglang, affirming his words.

She asked if he had eaten, how he had been these days, and whether anyone had caused him trouble.

She then explained that she hadn’t intended to come to Hanwen Bookstore and certainly didn’t want to dress like this.

Yan Ziqi sat back in his chair, already prepared to take the blame.

It was he who had brought Li Ning’an and made her dress this way.

Let him take the fall.

Li Ning’an might even take Fu Minglang to Master Wen’s residence and say she was careless, which was due to her long association with him. She might then introduce how good Fu Minglang was and hope Master Wen would promote him more in the future.

Yan Ziqi was ready to let Li Ning’an take the blame.

In his past life, it was indeed the same.

Yan Ziqi had known Li Ning’an since childhood and was close to her.

All of Fu Minglang’s dislikes and habits were attributed to Yan Ziqi by Li Ning’an.

She claimed that her behavior was a result of being around him for too long.

When Fu Minglang appraised the painting and gained Master Wen’s favor, Li Ning’an took him to Master Wen’s residence.

Fu Minglang would also have to feign that the Princess had dragged him here and that he shouldn’t disturb Master Wen.

But Master Wen was quite appreciative of Fu Minglang.

Firstly, he was not afraid of power, and secondly, he dared to speak the truth.

Even without Princess Ning’an, he would have promoted Fu Minglang.

But because of Princess Ning’an, the position he recommended was even higher.

Sitting in Master Wen’s position, he couldn’t rely solely on the emperor’s respect or his past teachings.

Understanding the emperor’s mind was also his responsibility.

Master Wen was well aware of how much the emperor valued Princess Ning’an.

It was pitiful that Fu Minglang once thought he was sufficiently exceptional.

Now, Li Ning’an was unwilling to even let Fu Minglang cross the threshold of Master Wen’s residence.

“Who do you think you are, daring to instruct this princess?”

Li Ning’an had her own pride as a princess.

Even her parents had never spoken to her in such a manner.

The manager of Hanwen Bookstore hadn’t anticipated Princess Ning’an’s visit. While this place was Master Wen’s private property, it wasn’t exactly a secret.

However, the painting was indeed a product of Master Wen’s whim, intended to test these scholars.

It was actually painted by his three-year-old grandson.

As for the paintings being auctioned today, Master Wen had let out some hints.

He wanted to see if people would dare to speak the truth.

The manager quickly sent someone to Master Wen’s room on the third floor to report the situation.

The attendant at the door listened and then went inside to inform Master Wen.

Princess Ning’an had openly criticized the painting and had argued with Doctor Fu.

Master Wen was quite surprised, “How did she end up here?”

He remembered that Princess Ning’an was lazy and playful, often reluctant to visit the Imperial Academy.

Could it be that she had developed an interest in learning?

Her affection for the Fu family’s young man was well-known throughout the capital.

Since he was also here to select talent, Master Wen decided to go downstairs.

He didn’t want Princess Ning’an to disturb his bookstore.

Although Master Wen had many students, he dared not act too biased.

Most of his efforts were directed at selecting virtuous officials for the emperor, contrary to the wild rumors outside.

When Master Wen came downstairs, Li Ning’an was already contemplating whether she should slap Fu Minglang a few times.

Fu Minglang had gained some goodwill from the scholars present.

Despite Princess Ning’an’s power, he managed to stand up to her and even suggested she should study more.

Impressive indeed.

Some had already conveniently ignored their own flattery.

They were very displeased with Princess Ning’an.

After all, it was Master Wen.

How could she be so disrespectful?

Yan Ziqi, on the other hand, felt as if a big fortune had fallen from the sky.

What was going on with Li Ning’an?

Was she not taking the fall for him?

“Ning’an, you’re being mischievous again.”

Master Wen’s voice grew nearer, reaching Princess Ning’an’s seat first.

“Where’s the fault? It’s all Yan Ziqi’s teaching. If you must blame someone, blame him.”

Li Ning’an had received some guidance from Master Wen before.

So, when she actually saw him, she wasn’t afraid.

Master Wen had once taught Princess Ning’an at the Imperial Academy. Although she was smart, she wasn’t diligent.

She wasn’t involved in official duties or martial arts.

Since the emperor and empress didn’t make a fuss, Master Wen turned a blind eye.

Li Ning’an, seeing his advanced age and knowing she was too unruly, was afraid of causing him further distress.

So, she didn’t make a scene in front of him.

Master Wen had not retired yet. Although he had no real power, his words still carried weight in the court, and Emperor Mingde valued him highly.

Having been immersed in the officialdom for many years, he carried an air of seriousness.

The people present saluted, saying, “Greetings, Master Wen.”

Even Yan Ziqi stood up and performed a casual bow.

Li Ning’an also performed a courtesy and then stood up.

She didn’t dare to act out of line in front of someone whom even her father respected.

“This painting has caused some trouble for everyone,” Master Wen said, acknowledging that the painting was from his family.

Fu Minglang lowered his gaze as Master Wen took a seat beside Princess Ning’an, showing no intention of leaving.

He explained the reason for bringing out the painting and gave some brief comments on those present.

Although Fu Minglang received some praise, he could not sit with Master Wen.

He seemed to be no different from the people on the first floor.

Fu Minglang glanced up at Li Ning’an on the second floor.

How did she end up with Yan Ziqi?