MSBCH Chapter 16.2

After returning to the capital, he had kept to his residence, and Princess Huiling had assumed he would need more time to recover.

Sending the invitation had simply been her way of showing that she had never forgotten this handsome older brother, with whom she had grown up.

But not only did he accept the invitation, he even came in person!

This left Princess Huiling both incredibly happy and deeply worried. Especially when she saw that Qi Yunchi is seated in a wheelchair, looking so frail and delicate, her eyes immediately welled up with tears.

“Yunchi…” Princess Huiling’s voice caught in her throat. “How did you…?”

How did you end up like this?

Her once mighty, peerless, and valiant older brother, who had once fought fiercely on the battlefield, had now become like this.

Princess Huiling wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and, in the blink of an eye, brightened up with a radiant smile.

“But as long as you’re here, Yunchi, that’s all that matters. For today’s Chrysanthemum Feast, I asked the Empress Dowager to send Chef Liu from the imperial kitchen. He’s best at making exquisite pastries, so you must try more…”

At this point, Princess Huiling hesitated, looking at Qi Yunchi. The drinks and dishes at this Chrysanthemum Feast were all made from flowers in the garden, meant to enhance the atmosphere of elegance.

But now, seeing that Qi Yunchi’s injuries were still evident, she wondered if he could even eat such delicate things.

But no matter what, since he is here, she would make sure he is taken care of.

“The wind by the lake is chilly,” Princess Huiling continued. “I’ve had them prepare a separate table for you at the Lookout Pavilion. From there, you can enjoy the full view of the Chrysanthemum Garden without anyone disturbing your mood.”

Of course, more importantly, the pavilion would be shielded by curtains on all four sides to block the wind, and warm basins would be placed inside to ensure Qi Yunchi wouldn’t feel the cold.

Princess Huiling was busy making all these arrangements, and Qi Yunchi, understanding her good intentions, naturally did not refuse.

However, after a brief delay, he turned his head and realized that the young girl who had been sitting on the stone steps, seemingly blending with the autumn scenery of the garden, had already disappeared without a trace.

When had she slipped away? Her speed was really impressive.

She hadn’t even drawn the attention of Princess Huiling and her group. Even though most of their attention was focused on Qi Yunchi’s arrival, it is still quite astonishing that such a noticeable figure could disappear right under their noses.

As for Wen Ninghan, she couldn’t care less about what Qi Yunchi was thinking. Although her purpose in coming to this flower-viewing event is to find an opportunity to approach the weak young master.

After the earlier scene, even she, with her thick skin, felt it was not the right moment. Plus, Princess Huiling had arrived too quickly, so Wen Ninghan decided to flee as far as she could, as quickly as she could.

As for contacting the young master, there was no need to make it obvious for now.

After retreating to a quieter spot with Qing Tuan, the two exchanged a smile. Wen Ninghan then noticed that she had scattered quite a bit of the sunflower seeds in her hand.

Qing Tuan didn’t quite understand. “Why did you leave, Miss?”

She had simply followed her mistress when she saw Wen Ninghan about to run off, not giving it much thought.

Although Wen Ninghan hadn’t said anything directly, Qing Tuan could roughly guess that the reason her mistress had hurried to the Chrysanthemum Feast was to get closer to the young master of the Dingguo Duke’s household.

Of course, the beautiful women scattered across the garden were also a pleasant sight to behold.

Wen Ninghan handed the remaining sunflower seeds to Qing Tuan, realizing that eating too many could dry her mouth and cause a bit of heat. She is now thinking about finding some water to drink.

“What else could I do but leave? Do you think I should go try to get close to the Princess or the young master now? With so many people watching, one word from anyone could tear me apart.”

Qing Tuan still didn’t fully understand. “But there are so many people. Isn’t it normal to join them?”

Wen Ninghan paused for a moment, then slowly realized: That’s true.

As everyone gathered around, it suddenly seemed more conspicuous for her to leave alone. However, now that she had already left, returning would only draw more attention.

It is better to find a quiet spot and enjoy the flowers and scenery for a while. Besides, the snacks today were surprisingly delicious.

“Elder sister!”

Just as she settled down in a pavilion, the pastries on the table still fresh, she realized that the girls who had been sitting there earlier must have gone to join the crowd after hearing about the appearance of the young master of the Dingguo Duke’s household. The pavilion is now empty.

As she is about to take a bite of the pastry, a familiar voice suddenly rang out beside her.

Wen Ningshuang stood at the entrance of the pavilion, smiling gently. The pink dress she wore stood out brightly against the autumn colors, making her appear even more charming and delicate. And beside her…

“Why is my sister here all alone?”

As she spoke, Wen Ningshuang hurriedly lifted her skirt and stepped into the pavilion. The young man accompanying her, looking both elegant and considerate, reached out as if to offer a helping hand, but Wen Ningshuang shyly brushed it away, her face turning a shade of pink.

Wen Ninghan couldn’t help but click her tongue in her heart.

The elegant demeanor of this young man, along with the subtle, yet undeniable closeness between him and Wen Ningshuang—despite keeping a certain distance—left little room for doubt about their relationship.

With such a clear, silent understanding between them, Wen Ninghan didn’t feel the need to make further guesses.

This must be the Fifth Prince, Sheng Xiaoze.

Although, in Wen Ninghan’s understanding, this period was indeed when Wen Ningshuang and the Fifth Prince, Sheng Xiaoze, became acquainted, such a connection gave Wen Congyan, the Marquis of Yong’an, a misconception.

He probably believed that the Marquis’ household was about to soar to prominence, hoping to immediately send Wen Ningshuang to the Fifth Prince’s manor, thus attaching themselves to the powerful prince.

In his mind, this could even lead to the possibility of gaining great favor and perhaps even securing a place in the prince’s future rise, earning the coveted “achievement of riding the dragon” in court.

Wen Congyan’s mindset was something Wen Ninghan could roughly understand.

Even though Wen Ningshuang’s current status as a concubine’s daughter might not be enough to make her the Fifth Prince’s primary wife, as long as she had his favor, becoming a secondary consort wouldn’t be difficult.

Once she was on the royal jade platter as a secondary consort, if the Fifth Prince ever ascended to the throne, she could potentially rise to the rank of a favored concubine, or even a noble consort.

Wen Ninghan was aware that, according to the plot, although the Fifth Prince might have a small affection for Wen Ningshuang at the moment.

Once he met the female protagonist and realized his true love, it wouldn’t matter if Wen Ningshuang hadn’t even entered the palace as a secondary consort.

Even the position of primary wife would be reserved for the female protagonist. Anyone else would just be obstacles and stepping stones on the path of mutual support and love between the two.

Wen Ninghan narrowed her eyes as she observed the Fifth Prince’s gentle gaze. It was easy to believe he had already developed genuine feelings for Wen Ningshuang. Oh, perhaps he did, but not much.

Wen Ninghan couldn’t help but scoff inwardly. Though the Fifth Prince hadn’t done anything too blatant yet, she knew better than to give him the benefit of the doubt.

After all, a prince over twenty, with a side consort, three concubines, and who knows how many other women, it wasn’t too early to judge. The truth is, he is no better, no matter how you looked at it.

“Fifth Young Master, this is my sister, the eldest Miss of the Wen family, Wen Ninghan. Sister, this is…”

Wen Ninghan thought to herself, ‘This Five Prince really knows how to hide his identity.’ Although she wasn’t sure what reason brought him here under the guise of a mere “Sheng Wu,” the move was clever, cautious, and in line with his usual methods.

Wen Ningshuang hesitated on how to introduce Sheng Wu. Officially, his identity was concealed, yet she harbored a secret desire to let her sister know this gentleman beside her was none other than the Fifth Prince of the current dynasty. A prince who could potentially rise even further in status.

Ningshuang didn’t believe her sister, fresh back in the capital, would instantly recognize Sheng Wu’s true identity. However, just as the words were about to spill from her lips, she recalled that Sheng Wu wasn’t fond of anyone exploiting his name.

Before Ningshuang could act on her hesitation, Sheng Wu smiled warmly and spoke.

“Sheng Wu, a friend of the Second Miss Wen. I have long heard of the First Miss Wen’s reputation.”

Wen Ninghan tilted her head and looked at Sheng Wu, bluntly asking, “Long heard of me?”

Logically speaking, she had just returned to the capital, and the entire Yong’an Marquis Manor was practically pretending she didn’t exist.

There is no way they would mention her outside, so how could the Fifth Prince have “long heard” of her?

Of course, it was merely a polite phrase from the Fifth Prince, who wore a refined and gentle facade. But faced with Wen Ninghan’s seemingly earnest questioning, the atmosphere grew awkward.

Wen Ninghan didn’t particularly care. In the eyes of these people, she is probably just a “wild child” raised in a merchant’s household.

Even though she carried the title of Yong’an Marquis Manor’s legitimate daughter, she hadn’t received the upbringing of a noble young lady. Isn’t it normal for her to exhibit such crude, unsophisticated behavior?

Sheng Wu, however, gave Wen Ninghan plenty of face, smiling as he said, “It’s true that I’ve long heard of you. Ning Shuang often speaks fondly of the eldest young lady of the Wen family, and I’ve heard of you many times.”

Wen Ninghan dragged out the “oh,” and the tone at the end carried an implied meaning that only she herself truly understood.

Wen Ning Shuang: I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

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