Chapter 22: The Imperial Procession Returns

In the days that followed, Consort Liang indeed did not cause any more trouble. It seemed she had understood His Majesty’s words that day and became noticeably more subdued. Even Ning Wanqing didn’t come looking for her again.

A few days later, the imperial procession set off for its return to the capital.

As Ning Zhaorou was boarding the carriage, she happened to run into her father.

He was standing near the front of the convoy, and it looked as if he had deliberately paused to assess her. Even from a distance, Ning Zhaorou could sense the coldness and scrutiny in his gaze, like he was evaluating the worth of an object. That chilly, cutting look made her feel uneasy.

“Miss?” Shuangwu called her softly.

Ning Zhaorou turned her head away, her expression darkening slightly.

“It’s nothing.”

She and Ning Wanqing rode in separate carriages. It would take three full days to travel from Mount Eoming back to the imperial capital. The procession moved in a long, mighty line, and although the journey was dull, staying inside the carriage offered her some respite from social contact.

At least, that was the hope.

But things rarely go as smoothly as one expects.

The carriages ahead came to a halt.

Ning Zhaorou had been dozing in a corner, half-asleep, when she suddenly heard voices outside.

She had been taking medicine every day recently, but the bumpy ride made her feel especially nauseous. More than once, she had nearly vomited the medicine she’d just taken. Her whole body felt drained.

At the sound of voices outside, her heavy eyelids fluttered open. She looked hazily to the left, the sounds outside faint and buzzing in her ears.

She shifted closer to the side and leaned her head gently against the wall of the carriage, tilting her ear to listen.

But the voices stopped. A moment later, Shuangwu softly called to her at the window:

“Miss, are you awake? One of Her Highness the Eldest Princess’s maids is here—Her Highness would like to see you.”

There was a thud inside the carriage, as if something had fallen.

Then Ning Zhaorou’s voice called out,
“Yes, I’m awake. I’ll come over once I’ve finished dressing.”

It was the same maid who had led her to the princess’s tent a few days ago. Upon hearing her reply, the maid said cheerfully:
“No need to rush, Miss. Her Highness said to take your time and dress properly.”

“I’ll wait here for you. Come out whenever you’re ready.”

That reassurance helped Ning Zhaorou relax a little. She called Shuangwu into the carriage.

A while later, Shuangwu lifted the curtain and stepped down first. Ning Zhaorou had already changed into a fresh set of clothes and had her hair neatly redone. She followed shortly after.

“This way, Miss.”

The convoy was stopped for a break. Ning Zhaorou walked a long way before finally reaching the Eldest Princess’s carriage.

She felt a little nervous. The palace maid stepped forward to announce her, and almost immediately, the carriage door opened—an invitation to enter.

—

“That girl’s got some luck. She just happened to get close to the Eldest Princess.”

Earlier, many people had seen Ning Zhaorou making her way up from the back and then boarding the Eldest Princess’s carriage. One by one, they averted their gazes with various thoughts in their hearts.

That day, the second daughter of the Ning family had been caught in the rain and was spotted by the Eldest Princess, who took her into her own tent. If not for that, and if she’d remained under the collapsed tent, it’s likely another bloody corpse would’ve been added to the disaster.

The Third Princess was sitting off to the side reading. Upon hearing the remark, she closed her book and said coolly,
“All because of that Ning girl’s situation, Father punished Second Sister quite severely.”

Consort Li let out a light scoff and tapped her slender finger in the air as though poking her daughter’s forehead.
“She brought this upon herself. Consort Liang spoiled her to the point of lawlessness. This time, she finally got a lesson.”

With the Second Princess’s petty tricks, it wasn’t hard to uncover what she’d done. And now, wasn’t this just her retribution?

“You must remember, even if you’re born a princess, it still comes down to what your father says. Just like that zither you like—it’s only yours if your father says so.”

The Third Princess nodded in understanding. She then looked at Consort Li, who was reclining lazily on a soft cushion, resting her head on her hand and speaking leisurely:

“It’s all that heavy rain’s fault. Your elder brother was supposed to make a good impression in front of your father that day. Once we return to the palace, if he doesn’t perform well in court again, he’s going to…”

She didn’t finish her sentence. The carriage had begun moving again.

---

Inside the Eldest Princess’s carriage, Ning Zhaorou entered and immediately gave a respectful curtsy and greeting.

“You may rise,” the Eldest Princess said, concealing her curiosity as she studied the girl, then beckoned her closer.

When Ning Zhaorou approached, the princess slightly curved her lips into a smile and said,
“Truly a beautiful one.”

No wonder her imperial brother was making such calculated plans for this girl.

Ning Zhaorou had heard the Eldest Princess was known for her cold and strict nature, especially fond of rules. Now that she was inside the carriage, she didn’t dare speak unless spoken to. Whatever the princess said, she simply obeyed.

“Come, sit here. Let’s talk for a while.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Seeing the princess pat the seat beside her, Ning Zhaorou carefully sat down.

The Eldest Princess looked over her complexion and clicked her tongue twice:
“I can see why my brother favors you so much. You’re not in good health, are you?”

Ning Zhaorou blushed. The remark made her feel awkward, even though the princess meant no harm. Her manner was simply unrestrained and direct.

“Replying to Your Highness, the Imperial Physician said… my body needs nurturing.” She paused, her voice softening even more, “His Majesty is not… showing me any special favor.”

The princess chuckled and waved her hand dismissively:
“If you say he doesn’t favor you, then he doesn’t.”

Either way, the outcome spoke for itself.

She knew her imperial brother all too well. Even before holding power, he had a commanding presence that made others wary of crossing him. Now that he held a higher position, he didn’t even need to show anger—his very presence was enough to instill fear. Outwardly gentle and refined, he was, in truth, more ruthless than anyone.

Who could possibly contend with him?

It was exactly this kind of delicate, overlooked girl from a noble but neglectful household—frail and full of unspoken suffering—that could so easily be swept into his grasp. Perhaps Ning Zhaorou hadn’t even realized it herself.

Pitiful, truly pitiful.

“Your Highness, His Majesty has sent some refreshments.” a palace maid called from outside.

The Eldest Princess had them brought in.

It was obvious who the treats were for—exquisite sweets crafted to please a young lady’s taste. The Eldest Princess didn’t care for overly sweet things.

“Eat. Clearly, my brother still has you in mind,” she said with a light chuckle, then waved Ning Zhaorou off and turned to let a maid massage her shoulders, looking utterly relaxed.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Ning Zhaorou’s every move was measured and proper. The delicate pastries, one by one, disappeared into her stomach. A maid nearby poured her tea to keep her from getting too cloyed by the sweets.

She spent the entire afternoon inside the Eldest Princess’s carriage—fed, warmed, and comfortable. The soft warmth nearly lulled her to sleep.

It wasn’t until the princess told her she could go that she finally left.

By then, dusk had fallen. The procession had stopped to rest. Ning Zhaorou made her way back in a daze, still unsure what the princess had summoned her for in the first place.