If a man is already engaged, then no matter how much the Duke Ning’s household desires a marriage alliance with the Prince’s estate, they should give up.

Moreover, among the many noble ladies in the capital, Second Miss Xie, Xie Ruyi, stands out as a paragon—desired by sons of countless noble families. To avoid complications, Zong Duo believes the marriage should be settled quickly.

“The situation in the palace is still uncertain—talking about marriage now is premature,” Zong Si said. The emperor’s suspicion is like a sword hanging overhead. He feared His Majesty would interpret it as an attempt by the Prince’s estate and the Duke of Qing’s household to consolidate power.

With no crown prince named, it is indeed a turbulent time, and Zong Duo could only drop the matter.

—

Ning Fu and Madam Ning spent a few hours at the Prince’s estate, yet neither of the two eligible young masters appeared.

Madam Ning understood the implication clearly: the Prince’s estate had no intention of forming a marriage alliance. Fortunately, she hadn’t planned on one either, so she never broached the subject.

After lunch, Madam Ning took her leave.

Before departing, Ning Fu said to the Princess Consort: “Boiling osmanthus, honeysuckle, and zelan in winter snow to make an ointment is excellent for scar healing—perhaps you might try it.”

In her past life, Ning Fu had suffered burns and worked hard to obtain that scar-removal formula.

Princess Consort Xuan raised her eyebrows slightly but replied with a superficial smile, “How thoughtful of you to remember.”

Ning Fu said no more. Her former mother-in-law gave all her warmth to family and was cold to outsiders. Still, she cared about beauty, so she would likely try the recipe.

After Ning Fu and her mother left, Second Madam Zong praised, “Fourth Miss Ning has truly grown into a beauty.”

“Are you interested?” the Princess Consort asked, glancing sideways.

Second Madam Zong shook her head, saying, “Though I like her appearance, Second Brother isn’t like Third Brother—he doesn’t listen to advice, and I can’t decide his affairs.”

Princess Consort Xuan sighed inwardly. Everyone thought Third Brother listened to her, but they didn’t know Zong Si was actually the most unruly one. As a youth, he disliked studying. His father disciplined him harshly in the military—he couldn’t get out of bed for three months, but still refused to submit. Later, he chose to learn on his own, becoming the cultured and martial Third Young Master Zong. Whatever he does is because he chooses to do it—no one can force him. Princess Jingyi admired him, but their match had never been successful.

Princess Consort Xuan suspected he had been quietly obstructing it.

—

Two days later, Ning Fu returned to the academy.

The women’s and men’s academies both belonged to Xiangshan Academy, established by the Ministry of Rites at the founding of the dynasty. It is the most prestigious official academy in Great Yan.

Nearly all top scholars in the imperial exams came from Xiangshan. This spring’s top scorer was Zong Si, heir to the Prince’s estate, only two months ago, and still the talk of the capital.

Zong Si had joined the Prince’s military campaign last year and earned military merits. The emperor already intended to grant him an official post. He didn’t need to take the exam, but he didn’t want to be seen solely as a general, so he pursued civil advancement through scholarship. Though he had graduated, his teacher often spoke of him fondly, praising his talent, virtue, and vision—saying he was destined for greatness.

At the academy, the young ladies sat in pairs and groups.

“You’ve returned at just the right time—autumn hunting is coming,” Wei Ziyi said with a smile.

Ning Fu had timed her return specifically for that event.

Women in Great Yan didn’t prize martial arts; autumn hunts were usually for men. But with envoys from Northern Qi visiting—along with their princess—she expressed interest in hunting. So the emperor allowed the ladies to join.

Ning Fu wanted to use this chance to practice her riding and archery—it had been years since she last trained.

“Aren’t you curious why the ladies are joining this time?” Wei Ziyi teased.

Feigning ignorance, Ning Fu replied, “Why?”

“The princess of Northern Qi is here. Their people are skilled in archery and horseback riding. She wanted to test Great Yan’s hunting grounds—so the emperor had to assign ladies to accompany her,” Wei Ziyi whispered. “Though I heard… It’s also to find her a consort.”

Ning Fu didn’t bother remembering the princess’s personal affairs.

This year’s autumn hunt was unprecedented in scale, and the academy arranged for the young ladies to travel in pairs, sharing a carriage.

Ning Fu’s companion was Zong Ning. The two had never been close since childhood; their relationship was distant. After exchanging a few polite words, they each went about their own business.

Not long into the journey, someone called out for Zong Ning. She lifted the carriage curtain with a bright smile and called, “Second Brother.”

Zong Duo glanced casually into the carriage and caught sight of a young lady reading. When she looked up at the sound of Zong Ning’s call, her face was unadorned, but her eyes shimmered like cold spring water. “A beauty beyond compare” would be no exaggeration.

Something stirred sharply in Zong Duo’s heart that had been dormant for eighteen years. “I just picked some wild berries. They’re quite good. Thought I’d bring some for you two to try,” he said, his face composed as he withdrew his gaze.

“Thank you, Second Brother,” Zong Ning replied happily. After a lifetime of gourmet delicacies, the occasional taste of wild fruit felt novel and refreshing.

Zong Duo paused. “The lady in the carriage with you — who is she?”

“It’s Sister Ning from the Duke of Ning’s household,” Zong Ning answered.

Zong Duo furrowed his brows. So the young lady was Ning Fu, the Fourth Miss from the Ning household. Of course, he had met her before — mostly glimpses from afar. He hadn’t really seen her face at the Prince’s estate the other day and only remembered her as a young noble girl. So even if she seemed familiar, he hadn’t linked her to Ning Fu.

No wonder the Ning household dared to present another daughter — the Fourth Miss did have some beauty to her.

“If anything comes up, let me know,” he said, masking his conflicted emotions as he lowered the curtain.

Zong Ning passed around the berries and said, “My second brother may look fierce, but he’s actually a very kind person.”

Ning Fu nodded in agreement. In her past life, Zong Duo had treated her with great care and gotten along well with her brother. His upright and honorable character had always left a good impression.

Midway through the journey, Zong Ning started to feel drowsy and took a nap.

Ning Fu, on the other hand, was wide awake. She had only eaten two berries, which didn’t satisfy her craving — instead, it stirred her appetite even more.

Outside the carriage, the Second Young Master was still riding alongside.
Ning Fu lifted a corner of the curtain and, though she couldn’t see him, asked softly, “Second Young Master, do the hunting grounds have more of these berries?”

What she didn’t know was that the person outside wasn’t Zong Duo, but her former husband, Zong Si, the Third Young Master.

To certain ears, her soft, syrupy voice sounded far from innocent — almost like a pretense to strike up conversation.

Zong Si glanced sideways. The silk curtain swayed gently in the autumn breeze. A corner was lifted, and her hand — delicate and supple — came in and out of view.

Ning Fu added sweetly, “If not, may I trouble you for more? I’ve heard Second Young Master is especially kind and generous — that’s why I dared to speak up. I will repay you someday.”

There was meaning behind that promise — between man and woman, flirtation was one way of interpreting it. And for a woman who could comment boldly on bedroom matters, she was likely not the innocent type.

Zong Si narrowed his eyes. Ning Fu was courting trouble at the Prince’s estate — clearly not the brightest move.

When Ning Fu received no response, she assumed he hadn’t heard and opened the curtain wider, revealing the rider to be Zong Si. He sat tall on horseback, clothed in a tailored outfit that emphasized his noble bearing and cold elegance. “Dashing” didn’t even begin to describe him. At this moment, he looked down at her.

It wasn’t surprising — he had always doted on his younger sister, and with potential dangers along the way, he would naturally keep watch.

She had anticipated crossing paths with him during the hunt, perhaps glimpsing him from a distance. But now, with just inches between them, she could clearly see the scrutiny in his gaze.

Seated in the carriage, Ning Fu offered a formal bow and said softly, “Greetings, Heir.”

Even in the jostling carriage, her posture — though imperfect — still exuded grace. But a beautiful woman with an agenda rarely drew favor.

“Fourth Miss Ning,” Zong Si asked slowly, “do you truly only want berries?”