His secret was easily exposed, and the Imperial Noble Prince Li Yuanrui widened his eyes and stubbornly said:

"Your Majesty, does it matter? It doesn't matter who you choose. Gu Nanshu is a perfect match for my son!"

The empress ignored him.

The eunuch Wang approached the Empress and whispered:

"Your Majesty, Consort Min is waiting outside."

The Empress's eyes lit up; they had come at just the right time.

"Announce."

…

"I, Your Majesty, wish you good health, and may the Imperial Noble Consort Rui enjoy good health."

"I was unaware that Your Majesty was also present. I shall take my leave now and return another day."

Before the Empress could speak, the Imperial Noble Consort scoffed disdainfully.

"Stop pretending. Do you think I don't know what you're up to? You're here for the fourth brother again, aren't you?"

"Yuanrui, you must not be presumptuous."

The Imperial Nobleman pursed his lips and picked up his teacup, pretending to drink tea.

Min Guijun was surprised to see him here so early in the morning. Could it be that he, too, had come to ask for a marriage decree from the Gu family?

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that Your Majesty grant a marriage between Han'er and Young Master Gu Nanshu. Han'er has long admired Young Master Gu and begs Your Majesty to cherish her."

The Imperial Noble Lady rolled her eyes to the heavens. This person was truly overestimating himself. Who did he think he was, daring to try and take it from her?

He quickly interrupted, "Heh, heh heh, that's really funny. Min Gui Jun, are you still dreaming? What time is it and you're still dreaming?"

"Yuanrui, if you don't want tea, then get out of here."

The Imperial Noble Consort, having been reprimanded, lowered her eyes, pouted, and said with a wronged and unwilling expression, "I understand, Your Majesty."

"Ah Fan, I know what you're asking for. I'll make arrangements for Han'er's marriage. Go back to the palace!"

"Yuanrui, you should return to the palace as well. There are too many memorials today, and I need to hurry up and review them."

"Yes, I'll take my leave."

…

Anning Palace -

Han Su picked up a pastry and held it to Leng Qingning's lips: "Your Highness, try this plum blossom pastry. It was made by Sister Chaoxi herself, and the taste is absolutely amazing."

Leng Qingning opened her mouth and took a bite: "Hmm, take it with you when you go to pay your respects to Father later."

Biluo: "Your Highness, is there something you need?"

Leng Qingning straightened her expression: "Don't you all find the palace quite boring? I want to leave the palace and establish my own residence."

The four exchanged glances, puzzled as to why His Highness had said such a thing.

Biluo: "Your Highness, compared to the Dark Guard Camp, we think the palace is already much better." At least we don't have to train all day long.

Leng Qingning disagreed: "It's not free enough. For example, right now I'm feeling bored, but I can't think of anywhere else to go besides strolling through the Imperial Garden."

Biluo suddenly realized: "Your Highness, what's the big deal? There are plenty of fun places to go. Isn't Fengya Stream one?"

Where is that?

Biluo smiled and whispered in Leng Qingning's ear.

A cryptic glint flashed in Leng Qingning's eyes. So it was something like the ancient Jiaofangsi (a type of entertainment venue)!

"Alright, let's go pay our respects to Father first and tell him about the matter of establishing our own residence."

…

Fengyajian--

As the group approached the gate, they saw a black nanmu wood plaque hanging above the bright red lacquered gate, with three large characters written in a flamboyant style: "Fengyajian".

Stepping inside, one can see endless rows of white walls and black tiles, with pavilions and towers scattered in a pleasing manner.

It is surrounded by lush flowering trees, with their graceful branches peeking out, and a faint fragrance wafts through the air, making one's heart flutter.

Leng Qingning took a deep breath, and the fragrance of winter plum blossoms filled her nostrils, instantly making her feel refreshed and relaxed.

As they continued walking, a beautiful song drifted into their ears, like heavenly music that captivated them.

Who is singing?

Her clean and crisp voice was like snowflakes dancing in winter, pure and elegant, making people unconsciously move closer to the source of the sound.

As Leng Qingning and her group approached, they saw a refined young man on the stage.

The boy had elegant and handsome features, with eyes as indifferent as ice, yet his brows and eyes revealed a spark of intelligence. His skin was as white as jade, smooth and delicate, like a tender bud.

Her slender figure, somewhat frail and delicate, possessed a fragile beauty amidst the cold winter wind.

When the song ended, everyone applauded and cheered.

The young man caught a glimpse of Leng Qingning and the others out of the corner of his eye, then slowly stepped off the stage and walked towards Leng Qingning.

"This servant greets Your Excellency. May I ask how Your Excellency is addressed?"

Biluo said softly, "This is His Highness the Young King."

The boy's eyebrows twitched slightly, his gaze focused, a light shone in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a standard smile.

"This servant greets Your Highness the Young King. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace."

A smile appeared in Leng Qingning's eyes as she gently lifted the boy's arm to help him up.

"Young master, there's no need for such formalities. I was drawn here by the singing."

"I never expected it to be you, young master, singing. Your singing is truly a celestial song, rarely heard in the mortal world."

The young man lowered his eyes and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I dare not accept such praise."

"Xianzhi! It's a fine name. May I ask your surname, sir?"

"My surname is Lin, Lin Xianzhi, and I will be of marriageable age in two months."

"Young Master Lin, may I ask what has happened to your family? Why are you singing here in Fengya Stream?"

When Lin Xianzhe heard Leng Qingning ask this question, it seemed as if he was recalling something sad. His face suddenly turned sad, his eyes seemed to fill with tears, and his lips were tightly pressed together, making him look pitiful.

Seeing the boy's behavior, Leng Qingning realized that she had been presumptuous.

"I'm sorry, Young Master Lin."

Lin Xianzhi let out a shallow breath, suppressing the unease in his heart.

"It's alright. If Your Highness doesn't mind my lowly status, please come into the inner hall to talk."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the inner hall.

After hesitating for a moment, Leng Qingning also took a step forward and followed.

An hour later, Leng Qingning put down her teacup, having already understood the whole story.

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