Mu Jingyan got what she wished for and married Xiao Yujue as a concubine in a grand ceremony. The luxury of the wedding was no less than when Xiao Yujue married into the Prince's Mansion.
Xiao Yujue refused the Queen Mother's arranged marriage for her, and this made Mu Jingrui look at him with admiration.
Although the Zheng family and the Mu family had an irreconcilable hatred, the prince had sent them invitations to marry a concubine, so they had to give them face no matter what.
Shangguan Wanning also followed her parents to the Prince's Mansion to celebrate.
She felt a headache listening to the noisy joy and the bustling voices, so she found an excuse and went to the secluded garden alone.
Shangguan Wanning sat in the pavilion, holding her chin and looking up at the night sky. The stars were like pairs of eyes, as if they could see through her thoughts.
"The weather is getting cold. What if I don't dress warmly and catch a cold?"
A familiar voice sounded, and before Shangguan Wanning could react, her shoulders sank and a cloak appeared on her.
She quickly stood up, pulled off her cloak and handed it back, bowing.
"Thank you for your concern, Second Prince. The wind is blowing and it is indeed a bit chilly. I should go back now."
Shangguan Wanning didn't want to be alone with Xiao Zhenting. She hated this man, and this emotion was deeply engraved in her body.
"Ning'er, do you really hate me that much?"
Xiao Zhenting blocked Shangguan Wanning's way, lowered his head and said gently: "Do you still remember that you told me before that you like to watch flowers and appreciate the moon with me, and you also like to listen to me recite poems and compose couplets?"
Shangguan Wanning closed her eyes involuntarily.
That scene reappeared in her mind, and she wanted to slap herself twice.
I was so blind at the time that I actually thought Xiao Zhenting was a gentle and modest gentleman.
"Ning'er, although I married your sister, my position as the principal wife has always been vacant. I'm waiting for you."
Xiao Zhenting grabbed Shangguan Wanning's hand and tried to hold her in his arms.
Shangguan Wanning struggled to push Xiao Zhenting away, took a few steps back and glared at him. "Please respect yourself, Second Prince."
Xiao Zhenting didn't want to annoy Shangguan Wanning, so he took a few steps back, took a deep breath, his eyes full of affection.
"Ning'er, I'm sorry. I missed you so much that I lost my composure. Don't be angry. I won't touch you again."
Shangguan Wanning secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She was so upset that she wanted to leave, but Xiao Zhenting still kept pestering her.
"Ning'er, I know you still have me in your heart. You must have been alienated from me because of Mu Jingrui's instigation. Believe me this once, this man is very cunning. He approaches you and treats you well because he wants to use the power of the Shangguan family to get to the top. Don't be fooled by him again."
Shangguan Wanning's heart ached deeply and she closed her eyes sadly.
She had been worrying about how to resolve the conflict between the two parties, but in Xiao Zhenting's opinion, this expression of hers was like his words enlightening Shangguan Wanning.
Xiao Zhenting tried to get closer to Shangguan Wanning and said softly, "Ning'er, you are still young and inexperienced, so it's inevitable that you will be deceived by him. It's not too late for you to wake up now. I will stand by your side and help you to avenge Zhixing."
Xiao Zhenting tried to hold Shangguan Wanning's hand again, but Shangguan Wanning dodged him calmly.
"I appreciate your kindness, Your Highness. However, this is a matter between the Zheng family and Mu Jingrui, so please don't interfere, otherwise..." Shangguan Wanning's eyes moved, and she seemed to sneer, "It will not do you any good."
After saying that, Shangguan Wanning turned and left.
This time, Xiao Zhenting did not chase after him.
He had to admit that Shangguan Wanning was much more mature than before and was no longer the little girl he could manipulate with sweet words.
If I want to rely on the power of the Shangguan family...it seems I have to find another way.
Shangguan Wanning was made even more upset by Xiao Zhenting and walked aimlessly in the quiet corridor.
Faintly, she heard sobbing sounds coming from the small garden on the other side.
She couldn't help but be curious and walked over quietly.
"Miss, don't be too sad. No matter how much His Highness dotes on her, she is only a concubine. You are the one His Highness married with honor. When His Highness ascends the throne, you will be the empress."
"So what?" You Zhenzhen cried, her heart aching. "I probably can only keep this title for the rest of my life. If possible, I would rather switch with her. I don't want the title of Crown Princess, I just want His Highness' love..."
Shangguan Wanning couldn't help but let out a long sigh and left silently.
She remembered that in her previous life, You Zhenzhen died in an assassination attempt; she didn't know if this life...
Shangguan Wanning was in a bad mood the whole night. Mrs. Shangguan saw what she was thinking and took her home early.
"Go to bed early and stop thinking about nonsense." Mrs. Shangguan tidied her daughter's long hair and left.
Shangguan Wanning asked Lutong and two other personal maids to prepare hot water for her bath, and she pushed the door and walked into the room.
Suddenly, all the candles in the room went out.
Before she could react, she was forced into a hug and quickly kissed on the lips.
All actions are done in one go.
Shangguan Wanning struggled instinctively for a few times, but when she felt a familiar breath, she immediately calmed down and involuntarily opened her arms and hugged the other person tightly.
After a long while, Mu Jingrui pulled Shangguan Wanning out of his arms, lowered his head to her forehead, and said in a hoarse voice: "Ning'er... I miss you so much that I am going crazy..."
Shangguan Wanning felt sad. She held Mu Jingrui's face with her hands and asked with a sob, "Is your injury...better?"
When Mu Jingrui heard Shangguan Wanning's concern, all his longing and emotions burst out like a tidal wave.
He had always been worried that Shangguan Wanning would hate him because of Zheng Zhixing. Now that the burden was lifted from his heart, he felt a little sad.
"It's okay, don't worry." Mu Jingrui held Shangguan Wanning's hand tightly and put it on his cheek, "Ning'er, I'm sorry, if I had won that day, I could have married you."
"Don't say that. You lost because you wanted to save me."
"Then...are you still blaming me?"
Shangguan Wanning was startled, pulled back her hand, and slowly walked to the window.
She recalled the scenes of playing and having fun with Zheng Zhixing.
"Jingrui, if I say now that I don't blame you anymore, I'd be lying to you. I know that under the circumstances, even if you really wanted to kill Zhixing, it would be right. If you want to blame someone, blame it on fate. The clan leader's method of rescue came too late."
Mu Jingrui suddenly felt very depressed. He really didn't use his full strength in that palm strike. He really left Zheng Zhixing a way to survive.
"Ning'er, I don't want to argue about this anymore. It doesn't matter what others think, but... you can't give up our relationship because of this, do you understand?"
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