Chapter 75: The Private Invitation in the Garden

Yan Ziqi’s injuries healed faster than Li Ning’an’s. After the New Year, once Chi Jin left, he planned to go with Li Ning’an to the Snow Mountain.

In these two days, Yan Ziqi was pondering what to bring along.

Suddenly, the steward reported, “Young Master, Princess Ning’an has encountered Chi Jin and his party. Someone from Manxuan Tower has come to deliver the message.”

“Got it, I’ll head over right now.” He wondered how Li Ning’an had run into Chi Jin.

By the time Yan Ziqi arrived, Li Ning’an and Chi Jin were chatting happily. He felt a bit sour in his heart.

“Really? If I get the chance, I’d like to visit Beiyue and see if that stone changes color,” Chi Jin said.

Li Ning’an didn’t seem surprised to see Yan Ziqi come in. She pointed to the seat next to her, inviting him to sit down.

Yan Ziqi noticed the real Chi Jin, who appeared scholarly and cultured, like a charming fox.

In his past life, the two had fought fiercely, but in the end, Yan Ziqi had bested Beiyue decisively.

Li Ning’an hadn’t expected to witness such a peaceful moment between them.

She had changed the course of her past life; surely, her father would have a way to save the situation now.

Yan Ziqi knew that Chi Jin had reached an agreement with the emperor, so he couldn’t act against his ally.

“Have you finished your meal, Prince Chi Jin?”

But he could still drive him away.

Chi Jin looked at the lovely couple and remarked, “If Young Master Yan could marry Princess Ning’an, I would love to toast to your happy union.”

Li Ning’an was about to speak when Yan Ziqi interjected, “A gift is enough; no need for anyone to come.”

Li Ning’an was taken aback. What did he mean by that? Was he admitting she was his concubine? Or was he expressing a desire to marry her?

The little maid’s scheme really worked wonders.

It was too strange.

Li Ning’an was left speechless, naturally siding with him, “What Yan Lang said is true.”

Chi Jin smiled but said nothing. He had come to check out the bustling Manxuan Tower and hadn’t known Princess Ning’an would be there.

Young Master Yan’s watchful demeanor was quite amusing.

He thought that cultivating a good relationship with Princess Ning’an would surely earn him more favor from the emperor.

Chi Jin stood up. “I’ve finished eating; I’ll take my leave.”

Once Yan Ziqi saw him off, he awkwardly turned to Li Ning’an. “Don’t take it to heart; I just worry he might have ulterior motives towards you.”

Li Ning’an looked at him. “What about you? Can you have ulterior motives towards me?”

Yan Ziqi contemplated the dangers that awaited them on the Snow Mountain and didn’t dare answer her directly.

“I wonder who owns Manxuan Tower; they really know how to run a business, and the food is excellent.”

Yan Ziqi deftly changed the subject.

“I’m the owner,” Li Ning’an said softly, leaning in closer to him. “Admire me; are you thinking of marrying me?”

Yan Ziqi chose silence.

Li Ning’an wanted to ask about Leng Shuang but hesitated, thinking it wouldn’t be appropriate to argue here.

“Yan Ziqi, with the New Year approaching, how about you give me a New Year’s gift?”

Yan Ziqi casually replied, “What do you want?”

“Hmm…” Li Ning’an pondered, “A child of ours.”

Yan Ziqi almost spat out his soup but managed to hold it in. “Li Ning’an, can you be serious?”

“Am I being unserious?”

Fu Minglang had an appointment with the Fourth Princess in a private room on the second floor. On his way up, he spotted Princess Ning’an.

She was happily chatting with Young Master Yan, seemingly in great spirits.

Fu Minglang pretended not to see and went into the private room that the Fourth Princess had mentioned.

Tong Linian was also there. He had initially intended to assassinate Yan Ziqi and frame Beiyue for it.

Unfortunately, Lord Qiu had discovered some leads, making it impossible to pin the blame on Beiyue.

Now that Yan Ziqi couldn’t be killed, he decided to let him battle with Beiyue and die on the battlefield instead.

“As long as Ning’an marries Prince Chi Jin, Yan Ziqi will surely intervene,” Tong Linian thought.

Tong Linian had Ning Yi arrange a meeting with Fu Minglang, planning to communicate with him.

“I can’t do something so immoral,” Fu Minglang firmly refused.

Li Ning Yi thought of what her third sister was about to face. Although she briefly considered stopping it, she ultimately felt pleased.

The phoenix on the branch fell and turned into mud.

Then she could step on her third sister.

Tang Linian expected that Fu Minglang would not agree.

This person talks a lot about righteousness and morality, but the conditions he offered are just not enticing enough for him. If he were really so principled, how could he have allowed Madam Fu to accept the contract letter that Ning’an sent?

“My father has already returned home. As long as Yan Ziqi is dead, the Iron Cavalry will still belong to the Tang family.”

“When the Fourth Prince ascends the throne, you will have a meritorious role in the dragon’s rise.”

“Apart from the position of prime minister, I can also grant you a marquis title.”

Fu Minglang raised his teacup and took several sips. He hesitated.

“What do you want me to do?”

Tang Linian told him what she specifically wanted him to do.

Fu Minglang didn’t agree but also didn’t refuse. After he left, Li Ningyi felt a bit worried.

“What if he tells Third Sister?”

“He won’t. Even if he is unwilling, he won’t tell Ning’an.”

Tang Linian had known for a long time that Yan Ziqi liked Li Ning’an.

Probably since their time at the Imperial Academy, his eyes and heart had been set only on Li Ning’an.

Only that foolish Li Ning’an couldn’t tell the difference.

She unexpectedly liked Fu Minglang.

After all the twists and turns, she ended up with Yan Ziqi again.

Li Ning’an was Yan Ziqi’s soft spot.

If anything happened to her, Yan Ziqi would likely kill Chi Jin.

Perhaps before they even reached the border, Yan Ziqi would already be dead.

After all, Chi Jin was a representative of the Northern Yue delegation.

“Ningyi, I won’t allow any mistakes in this matter.”

Li Ningyi nodded. If her ninth brother ascended the throne, there would be no good fortune left for her.

Only her own brother would support her.

In the blink of an eye, the New Year arrived.

Li Ning’an gave out red envelopes to the people in Chang Le Palace, and Man Xuan Lou had already closed down, with everyone returning home for the New Year.

Nie Rou naturally returned to Ning’an’s villa, where everyone was preparing for the evening’s feast.

Zhang Biao was among them, and Nie Da said to him, “Younger brother, let’s have a drink tonight.”

“Sure, older brother.” The group of hidden guards he brought along could help the princess.

On this New Year’s Day, everyone except those on duty was busy in the villa.

Washing vegetables, cutting vegetables, kneading dough.

Today’s dishes were also very plentiful.

“I can finally taste the dishes made by the palace chefs.” Zhang Biao couldn’t help but exclaim.

Nie Rou was in the kitchen helping her grandfather. Most of the time, she was busy in Man Xuan Lou, so she simply lived there.

It was rare for her to return for a few days, and she was very happy.

“Zhang Uncle, my grandfather’s crispy meat is delicious. You should try some later.”

“Ah.” Zhang Biao took out his New Year’s money to give to several children, as well as to his group of young guards.

Everyone was fortunate to have encountered Princess Ning’an.

Otherwise, there wouldn’t be such good days today.

As for Li Ning’an, seeing that it was almost time, she took Hong Xiu and Xing E to Qilin Hall.

She heard from the hidden guards that Fu Minglang had gone to Man Xuan Lou the other day and seemed to have met someone.

Wen Di was sitting next to Yan Ziqi today. He had addressed the financial issues of the Ministry of Revenue, offending more people than the Minister of Revenue himself.

The Minister of Revenue could only be blamed for lacking funds, but Wen Di was the one who needed money.

Many hidden lands were cleared, and not only did they have to report them, but they also needed to pay back taxes.

Some people even lost their official positions.

Currently, since Emperor Mingde hadn’t arrived yet, everyone was chatting in small groups. Li Ning’an was talking with Shui Yu Rong.

A young eunuch approached and whispered a few words near Hong Xiu.

Hong Xiu frowned and glanced at Fu Minglang, who had just left.

Hong Xiu then quietly told the princess, “Master Fu has urgent matters to discuss. Please follow him to the garden ahead for a talk.”

Most importantly, they wouldn’t let her and Xing E follow.

Hong Xiu felt there was something suspicious about this.

But Li Ning’an nodded, “You wait for me here.”

She really wanted to see what trick Fu Minglang was playing.