Completely unaware that Qin Qianqian, who was hiding nearby, had witnessed his intimate behavior with Tang Ning, Wei Jing, without stopping, hurriedly carried the injured Tang Ning to the largest clinic in the city, Huichuntang, and asked the senior doctor there to examine her.

Fortunately, Tang Ning's foot was only slightly dislocated. She didn't even need any medicine. The old doctor just gently pushed it back into place, and her ankle bone immediately returned to its original position. Not only was the lingering pain gone, but she was also able to walk on her own right away.

Tang Ning was overjoyed and kept thanking the kind-faced old doctor, who also advised her not to run or jump around too much in the next few days.

After leaving Huichun Hall, Tang Ning was unable to return to the General's Mansion in her current state. In the end, Wei Jing made the decision and found her an empty courtyard under the name of the Prince Jian's Mansion. After bathing, changing clothes, and grooming herself, she hurriedly returned to the General's Mansion.

It had already taken a lot of effort to carry Tang Ning back from Baiyun Temple, and with this delay, it was already evening.

After returning to the Jianwang Mansion with the Jiangli Blade that Tang Ning had begged for, Wei Jing ate the longevity noodles that the Jianwang Princess had personally cooked for him. Then, as if remembering something, he hurriedly called over the servant who usually followed him. After asking him in detail, he learned that Qin Qianqian had not sent anyone to the Jianwang Mansion to look for him today. Wei Jing then waved his hand, letting the servant go.

In the empty and quiet study, Wei Jing sat at his desk, lost in thought for a long time, before suddenly letting out a soft chuckle.

He didn't understand why he was feeling so lost here.

Shouldn't he have gotten used to it by now? Every year on his birthday, Qianqian would always forget to celebrate with him for one reason or another. Often, it would be several days after his birthday that she would buy him a nice jade pendant, whine and apologize, saying that she had accidentally forgotten and asking him not to be angry.

He's always done things the same way before, so why is he so disappointed this year?

Is it because...?

Wei Jing reached out and picked up the Jiangli sword that was on the table. With a clang, he drew the blade directly from its sheath, and a flash of silvery-white light passed through his eyes.

It's because of the comparison, and because of Tang Ning's existence.

Yes, on one hand, Tang Ning went to great lengths, braving wind and rain, to obtain the long-desired Jiang Li Blade for him; on the other hand, Qian Qian had even forgotten his birthday. How could he not feel disappointed and dejected?

Wei Jing stared intently at the knife in his hand, and his mind immediately recalled the bright and charming smile on Tang Ning's face when she handed him the knife.

As he thought about it, Wei Jing's lips curled up gently.

He raised it briefly, then pursed his lips slightly and gently sheathed the knife again.

He knew he... was moved.

I've fallen for Tang Ning.

But all I can do is feel a flutter in my heart.

He had loved and cherished Qianqian for so many years, and he simply couldn't bear to let her go so easily, especially after it was revealed that she wasn't General Qin's biological daughter.

so……

All I can do is feel a flutter in my heart.

He would try his best to persuade Qianqian to be honest with him and clear up all the misunderstandings. If the people in the capital, including her mother, did not understand or accept her, then he would take Qianqian and leave the capital directly. You should know that the northern frontier is currently short of generals to guard the border. As long as he agrees, coupled with the experience he has accumulated in the military camp, the court will definitely be able to arrange a position for him.

After spending a few years in the northern frontier, when she returns to the capital, I doubt many people will remember what happened to Qianqian back then.

He would accompany her whether she wanted to stay in the capital or go to the northern frontier.

Thinking this, Wei Jing pursed his lips into a thin line, then carefully put the Jiang Li sword into the only hidden compartment in his room, and slowly, slowly closed it.

Almost three days later, Wei Jing finally received Qin Qianqian's invitation. The meeting place was so coincidentally the same boat on the lake where he had completely changed his opinion of Tang Ning that day.

The two had agreed to meet at 1:15 AM. Wei Jing had arrived early, but the moment he lifted the bamboo curtain, he heard a familiar voice coming from directly in front of him.

"Ah Jing, you're here?"

Upon hearing the sound, Wei Jing immediately looked up and met Qin Qianqian's gaze. Qin Qianqian was sitting with her knees bent at the wooden window of the cabin, turning her head to look at the lake scenery outside the window with a smile.

Although Qianqian's smile was gentle and sweet, Wei Jing, who probably knew her better than she did, felt a strange, inexplicable feeling welling up inside him.

Feeling something was off, but unable to pinpoint exactly what it was, Wei Jing lowered the curtain in his hand and nodded slightly. "Hmm, it was supposed to be 1:15 AM, why are you here so early?"

He bent down and walked in.

As Wei Jing approached her, Qin Qianqian lowered her eyes slightly. "Since I'm just staying at home anyway, I might as well come out and wait for you, Jing. After all, I haven't seen you for several days, and I don't know what you've been doing or saying when I can't see you. I'm getting a little anxious."

"Yeah?"

"Of course."

Qin Qianqian raised her eyes, her smile gentle and perfect. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she took out a blue brocade box from her sleeve. "Oh right, I forgot before, three days ago was your birthday, A-Jing! It's all my fault, I always forget such important days. I'm sorry. But, A-Jing, you shouldn't blame me, right? Here, this is a birthday gift I prepared for you. Happy birthday."

She smiled and pushed the brocade box in her hand towards Wei Jing, who was sitting opposite her.

Upon seeing this, Wei Jing reached out and took it, gently opened it, and saw a jade pendant with excellent translucency lying inside the brocade box.

really.

A look of understanding flashed across Wei Jing's eyes before he closed the lid of the brocade box.

"I saw this jade pendant while I was shopping on the street, and it suited you perfectly, so I bought it on a whim. Ah Jing, do you like it?"

"Hmm? I like it very much."

Wei Jing nodded affirmatively as he spoke.

lie.

Just as Wei Jing understood her, she understood Wei Jing too. Last year, when he received that jade pendant she had casually bought on the street, he was genuinely delighted with it, not like he is now...

So ordinary, even indifferent.

Yes, once the heart changes, how can the attitude remain the same?

Could it be that she still expects the other person to treat her like they treated Tang Ning, even when they are carrying her on their backs, sweating profusely, their eyes still sparkling with joy and happiness?

Just as she thought of this, Qin Qianqian clenched her hands under the table, her neatly trimmed nails digging deep into the soft flesh of her palms.

The slight pain brought Qin Qianqian back to her senses.

"If you like it, that's fine."

She replied in a low voice.

After saying that, Qin Qianqian stopped talking, and Wei Jing, who was also lost in thought, remained silent.

An unusual silence fell over the entire cabin.

After an unknown amount of time, Qin Qianqian's voice finally rang out again, "What should I do? Brother Jing, my mother... my mother wants to arrange a marriage for me..."

However, just one sentence made Wei Jing suddenly raise his head and look at Qin Qianqian in front of him in disbelief, only to see her slightly reddened eyes.

"Perhaps...perhaps we were too careless when we were at Qixia Temple, and she found out that we are still in contact. So...that's why she specifically called me over to give me a good talking-to, to make me keep my distance from you, to remind me that you are now Tang Ning's fiancé, and to completely extinguish any hope I might have, she said she would arrange a marriage for me..."

As she said this, Qin Qianqian's eyes reddened even more, filled with embarrassment and helplessness.

"What am I supposed to do now? I know I was wrong before. I didn't discuss it with you and just impulsively gave up the marriage to Tang Ning because of what others said, which led to this situation. I really know I was wrong, A-Jing. But I didn't expect that Mother still cares about her biological daughter, Tang Ning. For her sake, she even... she was even prepared to marry me off to anyone... You didn't hear her hints about those potential marriage partners, I..."

Qin Qianqian lowered her head in embarrassment.

Hearing this, Wei Jing became anxious. "How could this be? Besides, Madam Qin doesn't seem like that kind of person. Why would she so easily agree to marry you off?"

"But that's what she did..."

"Then let's go to Madam Qin now and tell her that we are still in love, so that she can give up this idea. Let's go now."

Wei Jing suddenly stood up and was about to reach out to grab Qin Qianqian's wrist, but she dodged him.

Wei Jing turned his head and saw Qin Qianqian sitting still, staring intently at him.

"Can't we not go? Can't we let Tang Ning ask for the annulment? She has already agreed herself, and it won't do us any harm. Why are you so unwilling, A-Jing? Tang Ning has everything. People in the General's Mansion love and pity her, and outsiders sympathize with her. She is also the high and mighty eldest daughter of the General's Mansion. It's just a matter of annulment, it won't affect her at all."

"I...I have nothing. My identity is fake, my parents are fake, and even my marriage to you fell into Tang Ning's hands. Why won't you think about me? Once I confess, how many people will be lining up to mock me? The Qin family will no longer care about me, and even the Princess Consort of Jian will make things difficult for me. You say you like me, so why won't you stand on my side and consider my feelings instead of forcing me?"

Qin Qianqian looked completely puzzled.

Upon hearing Qin Qianqian's question, Wei Jing looked at her and shook his head in disbelief, "But no one forced you to give up the engagement. You did it yourself, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did it myself. But you weren't there, so you didn't see what happened. Everyone was pressuring me and criticizing me. They said I was a fake rich girl, shamelessly clinging to this good marriage. What could I do but give up the engagement? I couldn't listen to it anymore, I couldn't stand it. What else could I do?"

"If you really can't stand it, you can wait for me to come back and resolve it. If you really can't wait for me, you can directly break off the engagement. Why do you have to give the engagement to Tang Ning?"

"Everyone says I owe her, so what's wrong with me giving her back everything I have?"

"You know perfectly well in your heart that I could never marry anyone other than you, yet you still want to give up the engagement to Tang Ning. Isn't that just plotting against her, or even trying to embarrass and ruin her reputation?"

"So what! So what if I schemed against her? If she hadn't insisted on going to the capital to acknowledge her family, would I have gone from a phoenix on a branch to a dusty little sparrow overnight? If it weren't for her, would I have been ridiculed and bullied again and again? If it weren't for her, would people say I'm not good enough for you? What's wrong with my scheming?"

Because of the closeness between Wei Jing and Tang Ning that she had witnessed that day, Qin Qianqian had been feeling a heavy weight on her heart for the past few days, making it hard for her to breathe. She couldn't control herself and blurted out her true feelings.

Upon hearing these words, Wei Jing stared in disbelief at the unfamiliar and somewhat frightening girl standing in front of him. He subconsciously shook his head, then turned and walked away without saying a word.

Seeing Wei Jing turn and leave, Qin Qianqian realized what she had said. A flash of anxiety crossed her eyes, but she quickly regained her previous calm and composure.

Just as Wei Jing's hand was about to touch the bamboo curtain not far ahead, her voice rang out again in a low tone, "A-Jing, you've changed..."

However, just one sentence made Wei Jing's hand freeze in mid-air.

"In the past, no matter what I did, even if I committed the most heinous crimes, you would always stand by my side and support me without hesitation. For something as trivial as giving up the engagement, I probably wouldn't even need to ask; you would have already schemed against Tang Ning, tying her to someone else, so that I could emerge unscathed from this mess, without getting a single thing on my hands..."

"But what are you doing now? I've begged you so much, and you won't even grant Tang Ning's request to annul the engagement. Are you really as upright and righteous as you appear? Do you think the mistakes I made shouldn't involve innocent people?"

"No, Ah Jing, no. You're not as upright as you seem. On the contrary, you're the most selfish and cruel person. If it's someone you like, you'd be willing to cover up their crimes, even if they commit murder or arson. But if it's someone you don't like, everything they do is wrong, and even the right thing is wrong."

"You're so opposed to, even disgusted by, Tang Ning's suggestion to annul the engagement, not because you're afraid of involving any innocent people, but because you're afraid she'll suffer any injustice. You simply... like her..."

"You like Tang Ning, that's why you keep rejecting me, making me feel wronged, giving me the cold shoulder, and getting angry at me. If that's the case, why do you still pretend to want to marry me? Why don't you just marry Tang Ning, whom you like? What? Do you pity me? Do you pity me? Heh."

As she spoke, Qin Qianqian burst out laughing.

She had barely chuckled when tears streamed down her face.

Upon hearing this, Wei Jing's hand, which had been hovering in mid-air, trembled slightly.

But Qin Qianqian still wouldn't let him off the hook. "Wei Jing, do you know how cruel you are? Hmm? You spent ten whole years spoiling me so much that I became completely unruly, but in the end, compared to the gentle and tender Tang Ning, you couldn't stand my unruly behavior and chose to fall in love with someone else, completely abandoning me. Do you even know that I can't live without you? Huh? Heh, is it... is it only when I die that you'll take your heart back from Tang Ning?"

Upon hearing these words, Wei Jing suddenly turned around.

But it was too late. With a splash, Qin Qianqian fell backward and landed in the lake behind her.

"flourishing!"

Clap clap clap!

On the other end, Tang Ning, who was broadcasting the whole process via 54088, almost couldn't help but applaud Qin Qianqian.

Only by putting yourself in a desperate situation can you survive.

Wow, that's amazing!

As a result, Wei Jing no longer dared to have any thoughts of being with her, and he probably even began to hesitate about confessing his feelings.

Even though his favorability rating had already risen to 90 when Qin Qianqian analyzed his psychology just now.

Unfortunately, Qin Qianqian didn't want his hesitation, nor did she have the time to wait for Wei Jing to make a choice.

On one hand, it was Madam Qin's coercion, and on the other hand, it was because she couldn't wait any longer. Wei Jing had already fallen for Tang Ning, and Tang Ning's methods were too formidable. She had waited with full confidence, but all she got was Wei Jing carrying Tang Ning from Baiyun Temple to the capital.

She was terrified that if she waited any longer, Wei Jing would fall for Tang Ning and abandon her to marry Tang Ning and bring her back to the Prince's mansion.

In that case, she would be left with nothing but ruin, and would only be able to marry one of the "young talents" that Madam Qin introduced to her, and live a miserable life.

She doesn't want to, absolutely not.

So today's conversation was just her last effort. Sure enough, Wei Jing did not disappoint her. Even though she had said those things, he was still thinking about Tang Ning, Tang Ning, Tang Ning!

Madam Qin pressured her, Tang Ning schemed against her, and Wei Jing no longer liked her. Why did everyone have to oppose her? Why?

After being rescued from the lake by Wei Jing and changed into dry clothes, Tang Ning, looking worried, returned to the General's Mansion in a daze, where she saw Tang Ning happily chasing butterflies with the maids in the garden.

After watching from the corner for who knows how long, Qin Qianqian also smiled.

Everyone is pressuring her and opposing her, so don't blame her for being ruthless. After all, everyone is pressuring her.

Qin Qianqian chuckled softly, then took a deep look at the innocent and carefree Tang Ning in the garden, turned around, raised her chin, and headed straight for her own courtyard.

Once inside her courtyard, she immediately began rummaging through all her boxes and chests, and finally found a token engraved with the character "Wei" at the bottom of one of her boxes.

In ten days, Princess Qingping should be holding a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet at her princess residence. According to Madam Qin's wishes, she will invite the mothers of the "talented men" she likes to come and take a look. If they are suitable, they might be able to make an appointment.

How can this be?

She's going to marry Ah Jing!

But Ah Jing and Tang Ning are still engaged.

That's easy to do. As long as Tang Ning is in the Princess's residence, she accidentally falls into the water, but is rescued by another man, and even has her clothes torn off, being held in his arms with her clothes disheveled.

She refused to believe that the princess would still have the nerve to refuse to break off the engagement, and she also refused to believe that the Princess Consort of Jian, who valued face above all else, would want such a daughter-in-law.

As for this token...

She didn't have the ability to place people in the Princess's residence, but the Prince Jian's residence was different. Heaven knows how the Prince Jian, who was perfectly fine, managed to plant a few spies in the Princess's residence, and even in the residences of other high-ranking officials. This was something that Wei Jing had told her when he met her one day more than two years ago, when he was drunk and in a daze. When he told her, Wei Jing was full of doubts and confusion.

When she heard the news, she was terrified for a while. The token was given to her by Wei Jing when he led his troops away from the capital, worried that she might encounter some trouble. Later, she didn't know if she encountered too many things after returning to the capital or what, but she never wanted to take it back.

Perfect, it allows her to do something interesting.

Well, it has nothing to do with her. The token belongs to A-Jing, and the person belongs to A-Jing. If Tang Ning wants to hate someone in the future, then hate Wei Jing. It's all his fault.

Qin Qianqian, who was gripping the token tightly in her hand, immediately smiled broadly.

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.

Because of the chrysanthemum appreciation banquet at Princess Qingping's residence, when the time came, Madam Qin led two young ladies from her household who were already dressed up and headed straight for the princess's residence.

Tang Ning and Qin Qianqian shared a carriage as usual.

Just when Tang Ning thought that Qin Qianqian wouldn't say much to her today, Qin Qianqian's slightly hoarse voice suddenly rang out shortly after she sat in the swaying carriage.

"Do you know? My mother is going to arrange a marriage for me... The chrysanthemum appreciation banquet today should be the place for the matchmaking."

"What?"

Even though Tang Ning already knew the news, she still showed a worried expression.

"How could this be? Why the rush? I had no idea beforehand! Does Brother Jing know? If he did, he definitely wouldn't have let this happen. How could this be?"

Tang Ning's brows were furrowed tightly.

Wow, that's amazing! I've been watching so closely, and I can't see any sign that she's faking it.

On the surface, she seemed so caring and considerate, even saying she was willing to break off the engagement, as if it were a genuine request. But what did she actually do?

On A-Jing's birthday, he lured her to Baiyun Temple to find her and then carried her back on his back.

Just like the previous red jade bracelet, Tingli Tower, and even the blue paper crane.

They really do one thing and do another!

However, starting today, you probably won't have the time to scheme anymore.

A glint flashed in Qin Qianqian's eyes.

Tang Ning, who noticed the change in her eyes immediately, maintained a worried expression on her face, but inwardly raised an eyebrow.

Starting today, she shouldn't need to pretend with Wei Jing anymore. There's no other reason; with a 90% favorability rating, she's tired of it. She wants to change scenarios and wants to see the legendary, supposedly mentally unstable Emperor Situ Yin.

Her intuition told her that he might also be one of her targets.

So, let's see if Qin Qianqian puts her heart into the design.

Meanwhile, at the Princess's residence.

Princess Qingping frowned deeply as she watched Helan Ruo walk through the hall.

"Where are you going? The manor is holding a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet today, where else are you going?"

Hearing her mother's scolding, Helan Ruo stopped walking listlessly.

Sure enough, the next second Princess Qingping immediately began to earnestly persuade her, "Today there will probably be many unmarried young ladies coming to the house. Why don't you stay here for a day and get to know each other?"

"With a reputation like mine, who would want to be with me?"

“You are my son, Qingping’s son. Who would dare to look down on you? Let me tell you, as long as you find someone you like, unless she is already married or engaged, I can marry her into your family…”

At this point, the woman paused slightly, then sighed softly, "Son, it's been three years already. Ji Muqing has been in the palace for three years, and now she's the most favored concubine, Consort Chen. Why do you still..."

"Alright, alright, I understand. All this talk is just to get me to get married, right? Don't worry, I won't go out today. I'll definitely find you a daughter-in-law that you'll be completely satisfied with. There's no need to say anything else."

Helan Ruo interrupted her mother and walked towards the garden, feeling upset.

He didn't know how long he had walked when he suddenly heard a chirping sound next to his ear.

Helan Ruo turned her head and saw that what was on the artificial hill beside her was not her bird, but something else entirely.

Upon seeing the bird, Helan Ruo stretched out her finger and let the bird perch on her fingertip. Then, her eyes flickered, and she inexplicably thought of Tang Ning's head.

Actually, if I really wanted to get married...

She's still capable.

He's easy to coax and deceive, and quite honest. It wouldn't be bad to be a fake couple with him.

It's a pity. She's currently riding high on her success and has even won the heart of the man she loves. If nothing unexpected happens, she should be marrying into the Prince Jian's household soon. How could she possibly have any further contact with him?

Thinking about this, I don't know if it's the contrast between my being all alone and others being able to live happily ever after, or something else.

A sudden wave of irritation washed over Helan Ruo, and she lost all interest in even looking at the birds. She raised her hand in frustration.

The bird chirped and flew away.

They flew all the way to the outside of the Princess's residence, where Tang Ning, who had just been helped off the carriage by Chun Tan, was standing.

Upon seeing the bird, Tang Ning excitedly reached out and quickly hid it in her sleeve.

"Tang Ning!"

Upon hearing Madam Qin's call, Tang Ning didn't even have time to ask if its owner was in the manor today before she quickly responded and followed.

As soon as she caught up, Qin Qianqian smiled and glanced at the oblivious Tang Ning.

I hope you like my plans for today.

Tang Ning returned the smile to her.

I will like it.

And then—

I sincerely hope you will be satisfied.