Chapter 18: Troubled and Distracted

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Jiang Ning lowered her gaze, her delicate brows knitting slightly. “You find it unbelievable too, don’t you?” She added after a pause, “By the way, before he left yesterday, he said something strange.”

Pei Heng looked down at her, his expression cold as he asked, “What did he say?”

Jiang Ning lifted her arm, struggling to pry his hand away. “He said that if he were me, he wouldn’t have gotten involved in yesterday’s affair.”

Watching the young girl’s earnest and thoughtful expression, Pei Heng pursed his lips and spoke nonchalantly, “It seems the Crown Prince has long been aware of my plan.”

Hearing the man’s impassive tone, Jiang Ning grew anxious. “If he’s seen through your plan, why are you still so calm?”

Pei Heng sighed helplessly. “Fool, your dear brother is just itching for me to turn against the Prince Regent.”

“If the Prince Regent and I were to go all out against each other, he could then reap the benefits from our conflict.”

Realizing the implications, Jiang Ning’s eyes brightened. “That explains why he let you go so easily yesterday.”

Seeing the sparkling eyes before him, Pei Heng leaned down closer, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Princess, why did you save me last night?”

Jiang Ning looked uneasy at his sudden closeness. “I am not ungrateful. You helped me escape the hardship of a political marriage, so naturally, I would repay you.”

Pei Heng’s lips curled slightly, his tone unreadable. “I never thought the Princess was so loyal.”

Jiang Ning patted her chest proudly, her chin lifted like a little bird. “There are many things you wouldn’t expect. Just be secretly pleased you’ve met someone as kind-hearted as me!”

Noticing her disheveled clothing, Pei Heng’s Adam’s apple moved as his gaze darkened.

Beneath the pure, jade-like skin, two enticing curves gleamed provocatively…

The two were standing very close now.

The scent beneath her skin was like fresh berries—sweet, intoxicating, addictive…

Seeing Pei Heng remain silent, a drowsy Jiang Ning yawned like a little kitten. “I’m tired. Now get out of here!”

She hastily pushed him toward the door.

“I took care of you all night yesterday; if you have any conscience, don’t disturb my rest again!”

Noticing the dark bruises beneath her eyes, an inexplicable feeling stirred in Pei Heng’s heart.

This indescribable emotion left him oddly restless…

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After the Lantern Festival, Third Princess Jiang Xue departed the imperial city with her entourage and dowry in a grand procession.

Listening to Chun Zhi’s account, Jiang Ning, having just finished her bird’s nest soup, suddenly felt a pang of discomfort.

If not for her, perhaps Jiang Xue would not have suffered such a fate.

Seeing the guilt in the young girl’s eyes, Chun Zhi smiled reassuringly. “Princess, don’t grieve for her. Political marriages are the duty of all princesses in the royal family.”

“Even if it wasn’t the Third Princess this year, it would be her next year. It’s only a matter of time.”

The current emperor was weak and incompetent, unwilling to engage in war. For the sake of temporary peace, their dynasty could only keep sending off princesses in political marriages.

Ultimately,

The tragedy was caused by a cowardly dynasty and a shirking emperor—not Jiang Ning…

Though she understood this truth, Jiang Ning still felt sorrowful.

Even though she disliked Jiang Xue, as a fellow woman, she couldn’t help but feel pity for her.

After a long silence, Jiang Ning raised her head, gazing at the warm sunlight outside. “Tonight, I want to go out for a walk.”

Chun Zhi nodded and draped a cloak over her shoulders. “Very well. I’ll have someone prepare the carriage.”

—

The night in the capital was lively—boys performing fire hoop tricks, elderly men and women juggling on the streets.

Amidst the ceaseless cries of street vendors, Jiang Ning felt strangely dazed.

Though she had been in this world for some time, she still felt like a drifting leaf with no sense of belonging.

Seeing Jiang Ning’s troubled expression, Chun Zhi slipped a flower lantern into her hand. “Princess, would you like to go to the riverbank to release lanterns and make wishes?”

Jiang Ning looked up in curiosity. “Release lanterns to make wishes?”

Chun Zhi smiled. “They say wishes made this way are often granted. Would you like to try later?”

Looking at the intricately crafted lantern and Chun Zhi’s hopeful gaze, Jiang Ning smiled faintly and agreed, “Alright.”

Meanwhile,

Fu Shi, who had just returned from the Crown Prince’s residence, was also wandering through the city.

He glanced at the bustling street and asked his subordinate calmly, “What has Pei Heng been up to lately?”

Shi Tou bowed slightly and reported honestly, “A few days ago, Pei Heng forcibly took the hostage the Crown Prince was using to threaten the Prince Regent.”

“But the Crown Prince didn’t hold it against Pei Heng.”

Hearing this, Fu Shi snorted coldly, “It’s not that the Crown Prince doesn’t care; he just wants to watch that madman fight with the Prince Regent.”

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He had known from the beginning.

Pei Heng’s allegiance to the Prince Regent was just a facade.

A man as ambitious as him would never submit easily.

However, there was one thing he didn’t understand: why had Pei Heng suddenly started protecting the Princess?

Just as he was pondering, a slender, beautiful figure suddenly flashed before his eyes.

Seeing the familiar features, Fu Shi abruptly stopped in his tracks.

Why was Jiang Ning here?

At the same time, Jiang Ning also noticed Fu Shi standing in the distance.

The two stared at each other across the crowd for quite some time.

Looking at the girl’s delicate and lovely face, Fu Shi was momentarily dazed.

Jiang Ning seemed especially radiant tonight.

Dressed in a gold-embroidered long dress adorned with begonia flowers, she was like a stunning lotus, impossible to look away from.

Noticing Jiang Ning’s surprised gaze, Chun Zhi quietly asked, “Princess, what’s wrong?”

Jiang Ning shook her head, not dwelling on the unexpected encounter. “Nothing, just suddenly feeling a bit hungry.”

Chun Zhi raised her hand and pointed to a nearby restaurant. “After we release the lanterns, let’s go to Chun Xiang Tower for dinner. I’ve heard their food is excellent.”

Jiang Ning lowered her lashes, her rich, striking brows seeming to bloom with springtime hues. “Sounds good.”

Watching the girl’s departing figure, Fu Shi remained rooted in place, lost in thought.

Seeing his master so distracted, Shi Tou cautiously spoke, “Master, shall we follow them?”

After a moment’s thought, Fu Shi took a step forward. “Stay here. I’ll go alone.”

With that, he quickened his pace, trailing behind Jiang Ning.

Watching his master’s unusual behavior, Shi Tou scratched his head in bafflement.

Why had his master suddenly become so concerned about the Princess?