Chapter 55. She's going to marry another man.

With a creak, the door was pushed open.

A woman dressed in a light yellow outfit and holding a riding whip walked out.

She was born with bright eyes and white teeth, and her brows carried a rare air of valor among noble ladies of Lin'an.

It was none other than Miss Yun, Yun Zhi.

Her gaze swept over the Xuanjia guards in the courtyard, who were poised to fight, and finally settled on Xu Ming, her eyebrows slightly raised.

"General Xu, what a grand display. What, when did my Yun family's villa become a place your Xuanjia Guards can search at will?"

When Xu Ming saw Yun Zhi, he was clearly taken aback. He loosened his grip on the hilt of his sword and bowed.

"Miss Yun? What are you doing here?"

Why can't I be here?

Yun Zhi flicked her wrist, and the riding whip twirled in the air, making a crisp sound as it cut through the air.

“This secluded courtyard is quiet, and I often come here to stay for a while to practice my whip skills.”

"But General Xu, you barged in with so many soldiers and armor, disturbing my conversation with Prince Ning. What should we say about that?"

As she spoke, her gaze inadvertently swept over Song Yan, carrying a hint of girlish reproach.

Xu Ming was speechless at her words, which were a mix of rebuttal and attack, and his expression was filled with doubt and uncertainty.

The Yun family is descended from a military family and has deep roots in the army. Yun Zhi's father is a general who guards the border. Even the powerful Prime Minister Lu treats the Yun family with deference.

He really didn't expect to run into this young lady here.

He originally thought that "Miss Yun" was just a pretext that Song Yan made up in a moment of panic.

After all, in the minds of everyone in Lin'an City, the Yun family's daughter, who was as cheerful and straightforward as a man, and the elegant and refined Prince Ning were two completely unrelated people.

Moreover, he always felt that Song Yan wouldn't like a woman like Yun Zhi. And Yun Zhi wouldn't like Song Yan either.

Xu Ming suppressed his doubts and softened his tone.

"This humble general is acting under orders to search for a wanted criminal. If there has been any offense, please forgive me, Miss Yun."

"However, Your Highness just mentioned that the person inside is Miss Yun, who is also the future Princess Consort of Ning... Forgive my impertinence, but it seems that Her Highness the Dowager prefers the daughter of Minister Jiang?"

The tone was tentative.

Upon hearing this, Yun Zhi snorted coldly and raised her chin.

"Who the Dowager Consort favors is none of my business. Why should I, Yunzhi, need to consider other people's opinions when I act?"

Standing beside her, Song Yan nodded in agreement without hesitation.

With a fawning smile plastered on her face, she looked completely at the mercy of her beloved, not daring to disobey in the slightest.

Xu Ming looked at Song Yan's subservient manner and secretly clicked his tongue in amazement.

This charming prince, who was always adept at navigating the world of women without ever getting entangled in a relationship, actually had a day when he was completely subdued.

It's true that everything has its counter.

At this point, the last trace of doubt in his heart dissipated.

After all, given Miss Yun's fiery and strong-willed nature, if the Madam had really been hidden in the room by Prince Ning, she would probably have caused a huge uproar long ago, and things would not be like this.

Thinking of this.

Xu Ming felt relieved, and with an apologetic look on his face, he clasped his hands in a fist salute to Song Yan.

"It was my rudeness that disturbed Your Highness and Miss Yun's enjoyment. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Without further hesitation, he turned around and decisively waved his hand:

"withdraw!"

The Xuanjia Guards retreated swiftly like a tide, the heavy courtyard gate was closed again, and the courtyard returned to tranquility.

Yun Zhi glanced sideways into the room.

"Your Highness Song, aren't you going to introduce her? Who is this beauty inside? Is she worth you rushing me all the way from the horse farm to play this 'deeply affectionate' act with you?"

As she spoke, she couldn't help but raise her hand and rub the corner of her eye.

The thought that she had just given that flirtatious wink to that philanderer made her feel like she was going blind.

I feel unwell all over.

At this moment, Mingwu came out of the house and bowed to Yunzhi.

"Thank you, Miss Yun."

Yun Zhi waved her hand dismissively, saying it without a care in the world.

"Oh, no problem at all. I saw injustice on the road... well, consider it helping out!"

She was halfway through her sentence when she realized she hadn't used the right words, and she chuckled to herself, revealing two small canine teeth that made her look particularly cheerful.

She took two steps forward, getting closer without any hesitation, and carefully examined Mingwu, her eyes full of undisguised admiration.

"Tsk tsk, so Song Yan has such a beautiful woman hidden away."

She turned her head and glared at Song Yan again.

"You're so lucky!"

Mingwu was somewhat flustered by her straightforward gaze and words, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she softly clarified.

"Miss Yun, you misunderstand. My relationship with the Prince is not..."

"We should thank Miss Yun properly."

Before Mingwu could finish speaking, Song Yan interrupted her.

Yun Zhi smiled nonchalantly and waved her hand cheerfully.

"That's easy to say."

He began to make plans in his mind.

Song Yan is the Prince of Ning, and the Prince of Ning's mansion has a considerable foundation. She has to carefully consider this "gift of gratitude" and make him bleed a little.

Then, as if remembering something, her smile vanished, and she said seriously.

“However, you just told Xu Ming that Miss Yun is your future princess. Xu Ming is a stubborn and meticulous person; he is Lu Xiang’s henchman.”

If the Prince Ning's mansion and the Yun family had not formed a marriage alliance, then Prince Ning's beauty would probably not have been able to be kept hidden.

Her eyes darted around.

"I have a good idea."

She looked at Song Yan: "Your Highness, you must marry Miss Yun."

Song Yan wasn't surprised; he just glanced at her with disdain.

"you?"

His eyes clearly said, "Marry you? I'd rather live alone forever."

Yun Zhi was so angry at his look that she gritted her teeth and snorted irritably.

"Dream on! Who wants to marry you!"

She immediately turned to Mingwu, took her hand affectionately, and smiled brightly.

“My mother always complained that I was wild and not like a proper daughter. She always wanted a delicate, well-mannered daughter to dote on her.”

The more she talked about it, the more perfect the idea seemed to her.

As Yunzhi spoke, she affectionately took Mingwu's arm, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Song Yan.

"Perfect, why don't we just let this pretty lady take my place as Miss Yun?"

The more she talked about it, the more brilliant she felt the idea was.

"In this way, she will have the identity of Miss Yun, which is perfectly legitimate. If you marry her as your princess, you will not only be able to be together as lovers, but you will also resolve the current crisis. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible glint flashed in Song Yan's eyes, and he nodded readily in agreement.

"I think it is quite appropriate."

Mingwu was taken aback by this sudden suggestion and instinctively tried to pull her hand back.

"Miss Yun, this... how can this be done?"

How could she impersonate Miss Yun and even marry Prince Ning as his princess?

This is absolutely absurd.

"Of course it can be done, why can't it be done?"

Yunzhi held her hand tightly.

"If I say it's okay, then it's okay. That's settled then."

"I'll go tell my mom later, and I guarantee she'll be smitten with this pretty lady."

She thought Mingwu and Song Yan were a pair of star-crossed lovers.

The Empress Dowager looked down on Mingwu because of her low status and refused to accept her. So she asked Prime Minister Lu for help and dispatched his Xuanjia Guards to kidnap her.

I never expected that Xu Ming would come in person.

As for her, it was naturally because she had a prior agreement with Song Yan. Her coming here and staging this scene was also part of a deal with Song Yan.

Seeing that Mingwu still wanted to refuse, Song Yan gently persuaded her.

“Awu, Miss Yun is right, this is the best solution right now. Lu Yuan already knows, and with his abilities, it's only a matter of time before he finds you.”

Mingwu's face instantly lost all color.

Indeed, given Lu Yuan's personality, if he knew she had faked her death, he would search high and low to find her.

Perhaps tomorrow... perhaps when she wakes up again, she will be dragged back into that cage.

Seeing her like this, Song Yan's heart softened, and he lowered his voice even further.

“Awu, only by completely changing your identity can you truly be safe now.”

Mingwu opened her mouth, wanting to say that even if she changed her identity, she might not necessarily become a princess. But before she could speak, Song Yan seemed to have already seen through her thoughts.

"Even if Lu Yuan comes knocking on our door one day, as long as you are the rightful princess of my Ning Prince's Mansion, even if he holds immense power in the court, he will never dare to touch you in the slightest."

A flicker of hesitation crossed Mingwu's eyes.

Seeing this, Yun Zhi immediately seized the opportunity to strike while the iron was hot.

"Yes, beautiful lady, I don't like Song Yan at all. You're so beautiful and kind-hearted, you can't just stand by and watch me jump into a fire pit, can you?"

Mingwu looked at Yunzhi's feigned aggrieved expression, then glanced at Song Yan's worried eyes.

Finally, she lowered her eyes and nodded very slightly.

Even knowing it was wrong, she shamefully succumbed to temptation.

Perhaps she is selfish at heart, just like her parents and brothers.

When faced with choices concerning one's own safety, those rules of etiquette and those concerns about not wanting to involve others seem so pale and powerless.

"good!"

Song Yan's voice suddenly rang out, tinged with suppressed laughter.

Mingwu subconsciously looked up.

His usually nonchalant peach blossom eyes suddenly seemed to be filled with a thousand stars, shining incredibly brightly.

A smile spread from the corners of his slightly upturned lips to the corners of his slightly curved eyes.

It was a joy that was completely undisguised.

Song Yan realized he had lost his composure, so he clenched his fist and coughed lightly, trying to compose himself.

But the radiant spirit in his eyes and brows could not be concealed.

"That's good."

He said in a low voice.

His gaze met Mingwu's the moment it met his, and he hurriedly looked away, suddenly becoming as shy as a young boy, his ears turning red.

"I...I'll go prepare the betrothal gifts right away."

Before he finished speaking, he had already turned around and walked quickly out of the courtyard.

Perhaps he was walking too fast, he stumbled and almost tripped on the stone steps.

After regaining his balance, he quickened his pace without looking back.

They practically fled in panic.

Yun Zhi couldn't help but chuckle and nudged Ming Wu gently with her elbow.

"See that? He's so happy he can barely walk."

Mingwu watched Song Yan's figure disappear outside the courtyard gate. She didn't know whether agreeing to this marriage was the right or wrong thing to do.

-

From that day on, Mingwu moved into the Yun residence with Yunzhi.

Unexpectedly, General Yun and his wife did not investigate the matter further.

As for Mingwu, this girl who suddenly appeared and was about to marry into the Ning Prince's mansion in place of their daughter.

They truly loved her as if she were their own daughter.

Madam Yun often held her hand and chatted casually, instructing the kitchen to prepare meals according to her tastes.

Although General Yun was not one to smile easily, he would gently ask her if she was settling in comfortably when she paid her respects.

Just as Mingwu was gradually adapting to life in the Yun family.

The news of the marriage alliance between the Prince Ning's Mansion and the Yun family has spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys of Lin'an City, becoming the most talked-about topic in teahouses and taverns.

The Prince Ning's mansion has been newly decorated inside and out, with bright red silk hanging from the lintel and lanterns lining the corridors as bright as day.

Servants carrying various congratulatory gifts moved back and forth, their steps exuding joy, and the entire palace was filled with a lively atmosphere as the wedding day approached.

Meanwhile, the east courtyard of the Prime Minister's residence was eerily silent.

Lu Yuan slowly opened his eyes on the couch.

Before I was fully conscious, a sharp, throbbing pain shot through my chest.

"Thank God, Your Excellency, you're finally awake."

Xu Ming, who was guarding the bedside, suddenly rushed over.

This burly man, who wouldn't even blink when a knife was held to his neck, was now in tears.

He clasped his hands together, so excited he didn't know what to do.

Heaven knows how long the Prime Minister was in a coma.

He, who never believed in gods or Buddhas, secretly prayed to countless Bodhisattvas and worshipped countless Heavenly Venerables.

I'm afraid, I'm afraid the Prime Minister really won't make it through this time.

Fortunately, the Prime Minister pulled through.

Lu Yuan stared at Xu Ming, his chapped lips moving slightly. Each word he uttered sounded hoarse, as if it were being ground from the depths of his throat.

"Madam...where is she? Has she been found?"

Xu Ming lowered his head: "Your Excellency, please forgive me. Madam, we haven't found her yet."

The air seemed to freeze at that moment.

Lu Yuan's chest heaved violently, aggravating his old heart injury, and a sudden fit of coughing erupted.

Lu Yuan's chest heaved violently, aggravating his old heart injury, and a sudden fit of coughing erupted. A trickle of dark red blood spilled from his lips.

His deathly pale skin made him look shocking.

But he seemed oblivious, his unfathomable black eyes fixed intently on Xu Ming.

"Keep searching! Even if we have to turn the entire Great Yan Dynasty upside down, we must find her!"

"yes."

Xu Ming accepted the order and was about to turn and leave.

Suddenly remembering something, he abruptly stopped in his tracks.

He hesitated for a moment, then finally took out an exquisite red invitation from his pocket.

"Prime Minister, this was just sent by the Dowager Consort."

"His Highness Prince Ning is marrying Miss Yun as his principal wife on the first day of this month, and he cordially invites you to his residence to witness the ceremony."

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Author's Note: The final summary is coming soon!