Chapter 8: He Wouldn’t Let Her Go

Chu Changfeng didn’t give Ning Zhaorou an immediate answer—he only said he would think about it.

Nightfall was approaching, and it wouldn’t do for them to remain by the lakeside much longer. If anyone happened to see them, it would only cause trouble.

That night, His Majesty was hosting a banquet. Ning Zhaorou, still worried, left with a heavy heart. She didn’t run into anyone along the way and joined the banquet with Ning Wanqing when the time came.

“Second Sister, you’re dressed quite prettily today,” Ning Wanqing glanced over her attire and let out a light laugh.

Ning Zhaorou was still staring at the ground, lost in thought. She didn’t hear what was said at all. It was only after her name was called a second time that she raised her head, dazed, and looked at her, “What is it?”

Ning Wanqing was annoyed and gave her a sharp glare. “Do you even know where you are right now? Father said if you act out of line again, he’ll have the household staff send you back overnight.”

“…I understand.” Ning Zhaorou exhaled softly and pulled her scattered thoughts back.

She thought, things probably wouldn’t go too wrong. Though the conversation with Chu Changfeng hadn’t gone completely smoothly today, there was at least some hope. What’s more, although His Majesty hadn’t explicitly said anything, she’d already laid her intentions bare—surely he wouldn’t still want her to enter the palace?

Although it was a banquet, the emperor and the consorts were seated at the highest table. The imperial relatives and court officials had their tables further back, while the women’s seating was on a separate side. From where Ning Zhaorou sat, she could only see the distant seat at the head of the hall.

That alone eased her nerves a little.

Soon, the banquet began. It was nighttime in early autumn, and even in the mountains, the breeze was cool and refreshing.

But the emperor didn’t seem to be in a good mood. After announcing the start of the feast, he didn’t say another word. Everyone below was on edge, wondering what was wrong.

Wasn’t it said that His Majesty had been in high spirits after hunting with his ministers today?

But looking at him now… it didn’t seem like it.

Despite the confusion, someone had to take the lead and speak up.

The crowd’s gazes flicked back and forth until finally, someone broke the silence.

“Today, His Majesty hunted joyfully with the ministers and brought back an abundant catch. This is surely a sign of a flourishing reign and our Great Sheng Dynasty’s formidable strength. I offer my congratulations to His Majesty—”

As soon as Prince An finished, the others quickly followed suit, lifting their cups and kneeling to toast respectfully, “Congratulations, Your Majesty—”

Yin Mingyu didn’t embarrass anyone. When his expression was blank, it made him seem cold and intimidating, making it hard for anyone to meet his gaze. But when he so much as curved his lips into a faint smile, the tension in the hall eased ever so slightly, and everyone quietly exhaled.

“Prince An speaks well,” he said slowly. He held his wine cup, though he didn’t drink. His gaze was lowered as his fingertip gently traced the carved patterns on the cup’s surface. His voice was calm as he remarked, “Today during the hunt, I saw a few promising young archers among the troops.”

Then he looked up, sweeping his eyes across the crowd. His expression unchanged, his tone still light, he continued, “I said I would grant rewards based on merit.”

The officials below couldn’t help showing hints of excitement. Many of them had accompanied His Majesty on the hunt today, including some younger men. If they could stand out in front of the emperor and be remembered, it would be a great honor.

Yin Mingyu called, “General Chu.”

The Chu family had served on the battlefield for generations. Though the old General Chu was now too aged to fight, the younger ones had curiously all chosen civil careers—except the youngest, who had joined the military before coming of age. He was known throughout the capital as “Little General Chu.”

Ning Zhaorou looked over and saw an elderly official rise and bow.

“Your servant is here.”

Yin Mingyu began praising Chu Changfeng generously, which came as no surprise. When Chu Changfeng stepped forward and knelt with respectful composure, the emperor’s expression did not change—but the words that followed made everyone’s expressions shift dramatically.

“The Chu family has served as generals for generations. This youngest son of yours truly carries your legacy—young in age, yet already remarkable. Has he married?”

The old General Chu paused, assuming His Majesty was simply making casual conversation, and replied that he had not.

Yin Mingyu nodded thoughtfully. “A young hero should have the freedom to forge his own path. To marry too early would only stifle his ambition.”

It sounded like a passing remark, but those who heard it took it to heart.

Below, Ning Zhaorou clenched her fists tightly. Her pale face flushed slightly with color.

Chu Changfeng had said he’d consider her request—but now that His Majesty had made such a comment, any hope she had seemed to vanish.

Why? Why did His Majesty say that?

Was he planning not to let her off?

Or did he think Chu Changfeng had a bright future ahead of him, and she… she didn’t deserve to be part of it?

Ning Zhaorou hung her head, her thoughts spinning with countless possible explanations, but none made sense.

Yin Mingyu didn’t spare her a glance. After rewarding Chu Changfeng, it was time to move on to the next.

Marquis An didn’t expect His Majesty to mention his son and immediately lit up with joy, bringing his eldest son forward to offer their thanks.

But just as they finished, the emperor continued speaking.

“I recall the other day, the Second Princess got into a scuffle with your daughter.” Yin Mingyu seemed to mention it in passing after a moment’s thought. “That matter was the Princess’s fault. I’ve already punished her. Does your daughter still feel aggrieved?”

Ning Zhaorou trembled all over. Though she sat quietly in a far corner, she felt as though countless eyes were now on her.

Word of the Second Princess’s punishment had already spread far and wide, but now His Majesty was bringing it up again—what could he mean by that?

Sensing the attention shifting to Ning Zhaorou, Marquis An finally understood and quickly bowed his head, repeating that he wouldn’t dare complain. Then, he called over Ning Zhaorou to answer personally.

Ning Wanqing elbowed her sharply and muttered under her breath, “Well? Go on!”

Ning Zhaorou struggled to suppress her panic. Her steps unsteady, she walked forward and knelt down. Her voice shook as she said, “In reply to Your Majesty, Your judgment is just—your humble servant feels no grievance.”

Yin Mingyu nodded and said nothing more, soon waving them away.

For the rest of the banquet, Ning Zhaorou could barely concentrate. It wasn’t just she who was trying to understand the emperor’s intentions—the consorts seated above were also trying to guess what he meant.

The emperor wouldn’t have brought up a random girl for no reason. But for him to have some other motive…

They didn’t dare think too far in that direction. After all, His Majesty had grown increasingly indifferent in recent years. The only concubine who had appeared favored—Beauty Fang—had already been beaten to death. Surely he wasn’t suddenly showing interest in some young girl?

To them, this move was more likely tied to Consort Liang. After all, the emperor had mentioned the Second Princess—it might be a subtle warning to her, using Ning Zhaorou as a reminder to keep the princess in check.

That thought made several of them smirk with veiled schadenfreude.

Consort Liang’s face turned pale, then green. She didn’t recover her composure until the banquet finally came to an end. Taking a slow breath, her gaze fell far across the hall to where Ning Zhaorou sat.

That day, both the Second Princess and Ning Zhaorou had been summoned to the imperial presence. But what was actually said behind closed doors, she still didn’t know.

She had assumed that Ning Zhaorou, an unloved second daughter with no mother, must be timid and easily frightened. She thought her threats would be enough to silence her before the girl ever opened her mouth in front of the emperor.

But now it was clear—His Majesty remembered her. Who knew what had really been said that day?

Consort Liang drained her cup of clear wine and set it down with a soft clink. Her smile was faint as she ordered the maid at her side, “Invite Second Miss Ning to visit tomorrow. This palace is concerned about her injuries—we must offer our care.”

The maid gave a slight bow and replied quietly, “Yes, Your Highness.”