Chapter 35: The Young Masters Bathing Together in the Hot Springs

Fu Minglang noticed that Princess Ning’an did not spare him even a glance.

For some reason, he felt a sudden pang in his heart.

Li Ning’an saw that something seemed to be stuck in the wheel, and Deng Yan couldn’t let Princess Ning’an handle it, so he quickly knelt down.

“I’ll take care of it,” Deng Yan said.

Li Ning’an nodded and turned to Wen Di, saying, “You can’t control whom I like; it definitely won’t be you.”

She wasn’t the least bit polite to Wen Di.

If Yan Ziqi was the one who protected her, then Wen Di was undoubtedly the one who would pull her hair, throw ink at her, and cause trouble.

At that time, she almost asked the Emperor for a pardon for Wen Di, fearing he might ruin her completely.

Wen Di glanced ambiguously at Fu Minglang and then walked over to Li Ning’an, teasing, “You really know how to play.”

Playing both sides. Not giving up on childhood sweethearts and still going after the love at first sight.

Li Ning’an was too lazy to bother with him. Others shouldn’t be as unruly as the young master Wen.

“Greetings, Princess Ning’an,” Fu Minglang said as he also saluted her.

Li Ning’an waved her hand dismissively, unconcerned, and watched as Deng Yan removed the obstruction from the wheel and helped Xing’e back into the carriage.

Wen Di asked, “Where are you going? Take me along.”

Without waiting for an answer, Wen Di shamelessly jumped into the carriage and then noticed the Ninth Prince.

“Ah, the Ninth Prince is here too,” Wen Di said, giving a slight bow and sitting next to him.

Li Ningzhao nodded. “Hello, Brother Wen Di.”

Princes and princesses were indeed different.

Wen Di, however, was not so playful with Li Ningzhao. He lifted the carriage curtain and said to those inside:

“Going back to study is so dull. Why not come with Princess Ning’an for some fun?”

Li Ning’an rolled her eyes. “How do you know I’m just going for fun?”

Wen Di said, “Are you bringing the Ninth Prince to the Grand Tutor’s residence to study? Then why are you getting in the carriage?”

Wen Di had a look that said he saw through her. If she didn’t take him along, he’d cause trouble.

Li Ning’an said, “Just go yourself. Why bring them along?”

Wen Di chuckled twice, thinking about the Ninth Prince still being there. “I’m just helping you out.”

Wen Di then looked at Fu Minglang. “Master Fu is coming too. Have the carriage prepared.”

The latter part was addressed to the servants of Master Wen’s residence.

Upon hearing the young master’s words, someone immediately went to prepare. Li Ning’an didn’t wait for him.

“Let’s go.”

Wen Di lowered the carriage curtain and added, “Hurry up, don’t let them catch up.”

In reality, traveling in the capital couldn’t be too fast, and soon, the carriage from Master Wen’s residence caught up.

But they were separated by the Imperial Guards.

Li Ning’an couldn’t keep a low profile even if she wanted to.

It was her first time taking her brother out, and the Emperor was worried.

He was now his only legitimate son.

The one to inherit the throne.

The carriage arrived at the Hot Springs Villa, with Wen Di getting out first, followed by Xing’e, and then Li Ning’an.

Wen Di took a few steps forward and saw the four characters spelling out “Hot Springs Villa.” Li Ningzhao was helped down by his sister, and then Hong Xiu followed.

Wen Di hadn’t expected to come to such a place.

“Hey, just in time for me to use the royal hot springs.”

Whatever the Emperor provided for Li Ning’an must be excellent.

Wherever she went, it wouldn’t be bad.

But Li Ning’an felt that Wen Di’s lack of awareness about the situation was obvious when she saw the other young masters who had come along.

Meanwhile, people on the street were already gossiping.

“That’s Princess Ning’an’s carriage, isn’t it?”

“It seems like there are also people from Master Wen’s residence.”

“I saw several young masters inside when the wind blew.”

“Isn’t Master Yan supposed to be at the border fighting? Did he die so quickly? And Master Fu is still alive, right?”

“I see they’re heading to the Hot Springs Villa. It’s just like Princess Ning’an to do something extravagant.”

The variety of activities was increasing.

Taking a group of young masters from Master Wen’s residence to the hot springs.

The censors and officials were eager to make a note of it.

But the Emperor favored this daughter the most, so despite the rumors, they dared not intervene.

Everyone was curious about whether Princess Ning’an was going to do this or that.

Some people analyzed carefully and discovered that Master Fu had gone to the Grand Tutor’s residence today.

“I told you she hasn’t forgotten Master Fu,” they said.

She liked Young Master Yan and even lived in his outer residence, all for a reason.

She wanted to make Master Fu jealous, to stir up his hidden feelings of affection.

Many people felt they were getting closer to the truth.

However, some voices disagreed: “But Princess Ning’an hasn’t paid any attention to Master Fu for a long time.”

Of course, such rumors reached the ears of all the noble families and distinguished clans.

Madame Fu was serving tea to her mother-in-law at home, despite having servants, and was expected to do it herself.

“Oh, it’s been so long since I’ve seen my daughter-in-law. She’s being unfilial, not even serving a cup of hot tea,” she said.

Madame Fu sat energetically in her rocking chair, while Madame Fu’s face showed a smile but her heart was likely cursing.

Why come here to make her life difficult instead of enjoying peace at the old residence?

In the past, the Fu household was entirely under her control; she could have whatever she wanted.

Now, everything was about prioritizing her in-laws.

Every bit of income had to be shared with the family.

As the mother of the Minister of Revenue, why should she be doing such things?

Even though she was unwilling, Madame Fu still poured the tea and handed it to her mother-in-law.

“Mother-in-law, what you say is not true. I just worried a bit because I thought Minglang might be at the Grand Tutor’s residence.”

She wasn’t worried at all.

Her son was a top scholar.

He studied hard every day and was always first.

Grand Tutor Wen liked talented people the most, and Minglang was just that.

He must be greatly appreciated and likely to be promoted.

Fu Minglang had impressed Grand Tutor Wen with his recommendation of Young Master Yan, and Grand Tutor Wen was interested.

Reports from the border often came in, and Grand Tutor Wen called him to the residence to discuss them.

Madame Fu had confidence in her son. Previously, Princess Ning’an had been entirely focused on Minglang.

But recently, for some reason, she seemed to have lost interest in him.

Mama Ruan came from outside and gave Madame Fu a signal to step out.

Madame Fu saw Mama Ruan but said nothing.

She and her husband had endured poverty and hardship but enjoyed little fortune.

Her eldest daughter-in-law now even held the status of an official’s wife.

Living in such a fine place with servants to attend to her.

If not for her age, she would also want to attend flower festivals and autumn crab feasts to broaden her horizons.

Her husband had once promised to make her a titled lady.

In the end, due to offending some noble, they were forced back to the old residence, relying on their children’s success.

Her son died early, but her grandson achieved the position of Minister of Revenue.

If not for her and her husband, this mother and son might have spent their lives in the capital without returning.

She had endured hardships all her life and couldn’t let her daughter-in-law enjoy everything in her final days.

Mama Ruan, seeing the old lady’s silence, came in and whispered, “There’s talk outside that Princess Ning’an took the eldest young master away.”

Madame Fu’s eyes lit up; she knew Princess Ning’an would not give up on Minglang.

Mama Ruan continued, “They went to the Hot Springs Villa. I’m also worried…”

What if Princess Ning’an and the eldest young master end up together?

Madame Fu heard this and realized they were trying to climb up by associating with a princess.

She had heard of Princess Ning’an.

“That’s Minglang’s good fortune.”

Madame Fu’s eyes showed a hint of sarcasm.

Her son didn’t need a woman to fight for official positions.

But Princess Ning’an had money.

Even a little bit would be enough for her to spend for three lifetimes.

Meanwhile, at the Hot Springs Villa, Wen Di was completely unconcerned about the rumors circulating.

“Do you want to bathe with us?”

He exaggeratedly spread his arms and then hugged himself.

Li Ning’an clenched her fists. “You’re asking for a beating!”

The Hot Springs Villa had more than one hot spring.

The place was vast with beautiful scenery, and the manager, aware of the news, came to greet them.

But they didn’t expect a few more young masters to join.

Fu Minglang stood beside Li Ning’an. She still didn’t give him a single glance, though she was joking with Wen Di.

Was she now fond of rascals?