Chapter 18: Hidden Troubles

Shui Yue Rong was already promised to the son of the Marquis of Zhongyong. The Duchess of Dingguo was looking forward to Princess Ning’an’s arrival and wanted to ask her about the matter with Young Master Yan.

Princess Ning’an had always favored the young master of the Fu family, and now she had sent someone to invite him to the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.

Since the deaths of the Duke and Duchess of Xiang, there were no female family members in the residence, so invitations were rarely sent out. If not for Princess Ning’an, the Duchess of Dingguo would have almost forgotten about that troublesome young man.

Although he wasn’t seen often, there was no shortage of gossip about him. Recently, he had even competed with other young masters for the title of “Flower Queen.”

He didn’t engage in any serious activities.

Moreover, no respectable family would want their son to associate with him, fearing he might lead them astray.

If not for Princess Ning’an, the Duchess of Dingguo would have never considered sending out an invitation.

Princess Ning’an, worried that Yan Ziqi might refuse to attend the banquet, decided to personally go to the Duke of Dingguo’s residence with Xing’e to fetch him.

“You’re not using your own carriage, why are you hitching a ride with mine?”

Yan Ziqi looked at Princess Ning’an, who had pushed aside the curtain and sat down without any politeness.

“I’m afraid you’d say you’re going but then have someone redirect the carriage to Zui Chun Pavilion.”

Princess Ning’an rummaged through the eight-treasure cabinet at the corner of the carriage, taking out some pastries and placing them on the low table, then started eating them.

Yan Ziqi was speechless. How did she know him so well?

He had been contemplating finding an excuse to skip the event and head to Zui Chun Pavilion instead.

The courtesans there weren’t worth seeing.

They weren’t as interesting as Shuang’er and Ling’er.

None of the young masters were willing to play with him.

Princess Ning’an advised him to put aside those thoughts and obediently accompany her to the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.

Once they were in the carriage, Yan Ziqi had no choice but to comply, and they smoothly arrived at the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.

The flower hall at the Duke of Dingguo’s residence was already quite crowded.

Today, Princess Ning’an wore a light blue embroidered butterfly narrow-sleeved shirt with a deep purple high-waisted long skirt and a cloud-patterned belt.

Yan Ziqi wore a light purple round-collared robe with a jade pendant shaped like twin cranes hanging at his waist.

To an outsider, they appeared to be a perfect match.

Since Yan Ziqi was there, he naturally went forward to greet the Duchess of Dingguo.

“Greetings to the Duchess of Dingguo, I hope you are well.”

“Greetings to you, Young Master Yan.” The Duchess of Dingguo observed him—handsome and striking, a prime candidate for any lady.

Even if the Duchess of Xiang were still alive, this young man wouldn’t be left unmanaged and engaging in such reckless behavior.

The Duchess of Dingguo softened her tone, “Since you’re here, behave yourself and go enjoy the event.”

Yan Ziqi nodded in agreement.

Princess Ning’an waved her hand, “I won’t join you; I’ll return to the Duke of Dingguo’s residence later.”

Yan Ziqi was puzzled by her behavior but decided to ignore it and let himself be guided to the opposite waterside pavilion.

Princess Ning’an sat on the right side of the Duchess of Dingguo. Although she was younger, her status as a princess meant no one would object.

Madam Fu had already brought Fu Mingying over.

Fu Mingying clearly wanted to approach and speak, but Madam Fu, still angry from recent insults, held her back.

She thought it better for the princess to come over and show respect rather than Fu Mingying making a scene and becoming more arrogant in the future.

Fu Minglang did not accompany his mother and sister but instructed them to keep quiet and follow Princess Ning’an’s lead.

The Duchess of Dingguo was talking with Princess Ning’an and noticed the subtle movements of the two. She had deliberately placed them in the corner.

The Duke of Dingguo’s residence had always favored legitimate children over illegitimate ones. Despite having concubines and children, no one from the illegitimate side had ever been allowed to exceed the legitimate side.

Even someone like Fu Mingying, who was recorded under the legitimate mother’s name, wasn’t welcome at the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.

It was said that in past generations, a concubine had nearly caused a reversal of status, leading to the old Marquis’s death and his son’s rise. Hence, the rule was established.

Although the Duchess of Dingguo was somewhat hesitant, seeing Princess Ning’an had no objections to her arrangement, she assumed the matter was settled.

Even if Princess Ning’an saw the Fu family members, she wasn’t inclined to pay them much attention; she was here to help Shui Yue Rong.

“Madam, where is Yue Rong?”

Even if she was about to get married, she should still make an appearance.

The Duchess of Dingguo smiled, “That girl, ever since the engagement was settled, has become quite shy.”

Fearing that the in-laws might think she is a show-off and not refined, she had stopped attending the banquets.

Chapter 18: Hidden Troubles

Even if it was an event hosted by herself, Shui Yue Rong hadn’t intended to attend.

But Princess Ning’an remembered that Shui Yue Rong had also not appeared today, yet someone was trying to bring the conversation around to her.

The Duchess of Dingguo had no choice but to send someone to call her. The maid, however, returned in a state of panic, reporting that she had seen a man in Miss Shui’s chamber. Before the maid could finish her sentence, someone was dispatched by the Duchess to silence her.

News about Shui Yue Rong being involved with an outside man spread everywhere before Princess Ning’an even left the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.

The Marquis of Zhongyong called off the engagement, and Shui Yue Rong, devastated, committed suicide, causing the Duchess of Dingguo to age ten years overnight.

Princess Ning’an was unaware of the truth but understood that Shui Yue Rong would never do such a thing.

However, she had no idea who the real culprit was, and if she were to rashly inform the Duchess of Dingguo, it was unlikely she would believe it.

Blaming her preoccupation with Fu Minglang and her focus on Madam Fu and Fu Mingying, she couldn’t remember who had first brought up the matter.

Therefore, Princess Ning’an had to investigate early and hope that the perpetrator hadn’t acted yet.

“Well, if I have no shame, I’ll just go and disturb them a bit,” she said.

Princess Ning’an signaled the Duchess of Dingguo to find a maid to lead her.

A lady in a water-green long dress sitting at the same table, having heard Princess Ning’an mention Shui Yue Rong, intended to engage her in conversation and delay matters.

Her carefully arranged show had not yet begun.

But Princess Ning’an had never been one to spare anyone’s feelings.

Previously, she had even insulted the artworks from the Wen Taishi’s residence, demeaning them as worthless.

The lady looked towards the maid beside the Duchess of Dingguo. Under her subtle hint, the maid stepped forward.

“I will take the princess to the Seventh Young Miss’s courtyard.”

Princess Ning’an nodded and followed the maid towards the inner courtyard.

The flower hall continued to buzz with lively conversations.

Meanwhile, by the waterside pavilion, Guo Zhou saw Yan Ziqi and snorted derisively, speaking sarcastically:
“Wow, you actually came to the flower banquet.”

Everyone knew that such events were meant for observing potential future spouses and young masters.

His mother was in the flower hall, choosing a future daughter-in-law.

Yan Ziqi, an orphan, was simply adding to the crowd.

“This must be because you’re unimpressed with Leng Shuang and want to select a prestigious young lady from the crowd.”

It was precisely because of Yan Ziqi that Guo Zhou had managed to improve his standing a bit.

Yan Ziqi didn’t know that Guo Zhou had been punished at home, but he could tell that Guo Zhou still held a grudge.

It didn’t matter to him.

There were people who disliked him from here to Beiyue.

Guo Zhou wasn’t even close to making the list.

“Lately, you’ve not been seen enjoying yourself. Are you hiding at home as a monk, or…”

Yan Ziqi moved down a few inches, leaving the implication clear.

Guo Zhou’s legs pressed together, provoking the young masters around him, who could barely hold back their laughter before finally breaking out.

“Ha ha ha, Brother Guo, you should get that illness treated soon.”

A few who didn’t get along with him laughed particularly loudly.

“Yan Ziqi, I’m going to…”

The rest of the insults were drowned out as Guo Zhou’s fist came down.

Yan Ziqi didn’t hesitate to block it and engaged in a scuffle with him.

Meanwhile, Princess Ning’an, following the maid to the inner quarters, felt like they were going in circles.

“Are you sure you know the way?”

Princess Ning’an asked, and the maid could only respond.

“I’m from the Seventh Young Miss’s courtyard. The madam is busy today, so she sent me to help.”

The maid’s pace slowed even more, as if she wanted to show the scenery of the courtyard.

Princess Ning’an sensed something was wrong and gave Xing’e a glance.

Without a word, Xing’e stepped forward and kicked the maid a few steps away.

“Princess… Even if you are a princess, you cannot harm the maid so casually.”

The maid, trying to suppress her panic and fear, hadn’t expected Princess Ning’an to resort to violence on the Duke of Dingguo’s grounds.

Xing’e stepped on her face, saying, “Who do you think you are?”

“Princess Ning’an!”

A scream filled with disbelief reached Princess Ning’an’s ears.

Turning around, she saw Fu Mingying.