Chapter 31: The Qin Family’s Marriage Proposal

Tang Ying cautiously slipped out the back door and, sure enough, saw Ye Junyu’s carriage at the corner of the street. After a wary glance around, she lifted the hem of her skirt and climbed aboard.

The shadowy figure who had been tailing her paused in surprise upon seeing her get into that carriage.

Inside the Carriage

“The mission today failed.” Ye Junyu spoke coldly as soon as Tang Ying got in.

Tang Ying stiffened slightly, her expression growing indifferent. “So, why didn’t you go into the water today?”

At the mention of it, Ye Junyu instantly thought of Ye Chenxuan, and a wave of irritation swept over his face. “Forget it. As for Tang Mi , this prince must have her!”

His declaration now carried a double meaning. Once, he only desired control over the Rong State’s military through the Duke’s house, but now, he wanted the woman Tang Mi herself.

Noticing his expression, Tang Ying knew exactly what he was thinking. Jealousy flared in her eyes.

Tang Mi, Tang Mi, it’s always Tang Mi!

Tang Ying took a deep breath, trying to suppress the fury in her heart. Softly, she said, “I’ll think of another way.”

Ye Junyu shot her a glance and warned, “Stop using those messy tricks. Find an opportunity to get her to Baima Temple. I have my own way to deal with her.”

Since he genuinely wanted her, he couldn’t use underhanded means. His woman had to be pure and unsullied.

At the mention of “Baima Temple,” dark emotions surged again in Tang Ying’s eyes.

That place once belonged to them, and now he wanted her to take Tang Mi there. Then seduce her into helping him win Tang Mi?

“Alright.” Even if she was seething inside, Tang Ying responded sweetly.

Only by helping him gain military power would he truly trust her.

Seeing her so obedient, Ye Junyu softened his tone, took her hand, and coaxed her, “Don’t worry. Once she enters the residence, I’ll bring you in right after. I promised you the position of secondary consort, I won’t go back on my word.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Tang Ying looked at him deeply, smiling with cold sarcasm.

“Ying’er…” Ye Junyu stared at her with burning eyes and slowly leaned in.

Tang Ying didn’t resist. Blushing shyly, she closed her eyes.

Soon, the two were entangled together.

The figure in the shadows waited for the time it takes an incense stick to burn before seeing Tang Ying get off the carriage.

Seeing her approach, the person quickly and quietly hid.

Tang Ying returned through the back door, looked around cautiously, then closed the door and went back to Zi Ying Courtyard.

Mingchun Courtyard

Old Madam Tang had been sleeping restlessly and had just dozed off when someone entered. She immediately woke up. “Nanny Gui?”

“It’s me,” Nanny Gui responded and quickly approached the bed to lift the mosquito net.

“Well?” the Old Madam asked as she sat up.

Nanny Gui whispered, “A message came just now. The Fourth Miss left through the back door and boarded a carriage at the corner. She was in it for the time of an incense stick before returning.”

“A carriage?” The Old Madam’s brow furrowed. “Whose carriage?”

Nanny Gui shook her head. “They didn’t say. Just that it looked very ordinary.”

The Old Madam narrowed her eyes in thought. After a while, she said, “Tell him to keep watching. Report any developments immediately.”

“Yes,” Nanny Gui answered and quietly withdrew.

The Old Madam lay back down, but sleep eluded her.

Tang Ying and Prince Yu, this was not something she wanted to see. Historically, before a new emperor ascends, it’s safest for officials to remain neutral. She didn’t want the Tang family getting involved in imperial power struggles. Whether it was Mi’er or Ying’er, she didn’t want either marrying into the royal family.

Qingmi Courtyard

Tang Mi couldn’t sleep either. One person occupied her thoughts: Xiao Fengze!

The only son of the Lord of Chang’an and the Marquis of Chang’an, he was very likely that man.

Only he could brazenly impersonate the Chang’an Prince, and only he had free access to that residence.

She hadn’t met Xiao Fengze in her past life, but in this one, she had encountered him at the Mid-Autumn banquet.

She remembered how he had kept watching her that night. At the time, her mind was full of Ye Junyu, so she hadn’t paid him much attention.

So… he knew who she was!

The thought that Xiao Fengze was that man filled Tang Mi with unease.

She had hated him a thousand times in her previous life. In this one, she thought they’d never cross paths again, but he kept reappearing.

She had considered forgiving him, but deep down, resentment still lingered.

Tang Mi’s thoughts swirled until dawn, when she finally fell asleep and didn’t wake until the sun was high in the sky.

“What time is it? Why didn’t you wake me?” Tang Mi sat up quickly after seeing the sun.

“Miss was sleeping soundly, you clearly didn’t sleep well last night. Since nothing urgent was happening, I didn’t wake you,” Ban Xia explained while helping her wash up.

Tang Mi shot her a mild glare. “How could there be nothing? I must go greet Grandmother.”

After a quick breakfast, she headed with Ban Xia to Mingchun Courtyard.

At the door, Nanny Gui bowed. “Eldest Miss.”

Just as Tang Mi was about to enter, she heard angry voices from within.

“Do you know your Qin family’s position? You think Qin Qingyu is powerful or accomplished? What gives you the right to marry our Ying’er?!”

“You must have forgotten you’re part of the Qin family yourself. Talking as if we’re worthless, how great do you think you are?” came another furious voice.

Tang Mi froze. Was Madam Qin arguing with her own kin? Did the Qin family come to propose marriage?

“We came with sincerity. We even brought betrothal gifts. Truth is, we’re doing this for your own good. Your Ying’er has had her reputation ruined by Qingyu. If this gets out, it won’t affect Qingyu much, but Ying’er? No one else will want her,” sneered Madam Qin.

“Rubbish!” exploded Madam Qin.

The voices inside grew louder.

Nanny Gui gave Tang Mi a strained smile. “Madam Qin and Young Master Qin came this morning to propose marriage. They’re still negotiating.”

Tang Mi smiled politely. “I just came to pay my respects. Since Grandmother is busy, I’ll come back later.”

“I’ll let Old Madam know you came,” said Nanny Gui with a nod.

“Thank you, Nanny Gui.” Tang Mi turned and left with Ban Xia.

She wasn’t surprised that the Qin family came to propose.

They’d long wanted to attach themselves to the Tang family. Now that they had an opening, of course they would try. Especially since Qin Qingyu had always been interested in Tang Ying, he truly wanted to marry her.

But… in her previous life, Tang Ying didn’t marry into the Qin family.