The next day, just as dawn was breaking, the mountain mist was thick, and even inside Qixia Temple, a thin veil of fog had spread. Some young monks, who were used to getting up early, had already begun sweeping the ground at the temple entrance.
With a soft creak, Tang Ning, wearing a snow-covered plum blossom cloak, gently pushed open the wooden window of the room. Soon, a fresh and cool breeze rushed into her nostrils.
Although the pear blossom wine was sweet and mellow, its purity was extremely low. Furthermore, Helan Ruo was worried that Tang Ning would still have a faint smell of alcohol on her the next day, which might attract attention. So, almost immediately after Tang Ning finished drinking, he gave her a hangover remedy he had bought from a traveling doctor in the northern part of the capital. He himself had taken that pill many times; after taking it, not only would there be no trace of a hangover the next day, but there wouldn't even be a trace of alcohol on her.
It was just right for Tang Ning, who was going down the mountain with Madam Qin the next day.
At this moment, Tang Ning, who had just opened the window, sat by the window with her chin in her hand, looking at the ginkgo tree outside. She stared blankly at the small fan-shaped leaves on the tree that had begun to turn from emerald green to golden yellow. She was lost in thought.
Chunmian and Chuntan, who got up almost at the same time as Tang Ning, looked at their young lady's slightly bewildered back and recalled how she had drunkenly pushed open the door to the room last night with a smile and flushed cheeks. The two exchanged a deep look and immediately decided that they must keep what happened last night completely to themselves.
The girl didn't go out last night, nor did she come back drunk. She went to bed early with the two of them last night.
No matter who asks, they only give the same answer.
Just as the two maids were secretly making plans in their hearts, thinking that they would be going down the mountain this morning, and were preparing to pack their and their mistress's things.
Suddenly, a chirping sound rang in their ears.
The two of them looked towards the window following the sound and saw a blue-green bird, which they had never seen before and did not recognize, perched on the back of Tang Ning's hand, chirping incessantly at her.
"What a beautiful bird!"
Chunmian couldn't help but immediately praise her.
At this moment, Tang Ning suppressed a laugh and thought to herself, "Thank goodness my acting was so good. Otherwise, last night when I heard He Lanruo, who seemed so upright and unfathomable, say the name 'Chiu Chiu' in such a serious manner, I would have already lost my composure and started laughing loudly, slapping my thigh."
But judging from He Lanruo's expression, she probably didn't think there was anything wrong with his name, which sounded like a bird. Especially when Tang Ning asked him about the name "Chirp Chirp" with some doubt, he said matter-of-factly, "Chirp Chirp is Chirp Chirp, what else should it be called if not Chirp Chirp?"
"I think I heard that Princess Qingping also keeps a white cat..."
"Yes, it has a name, Mimi."
"You took it?"
"I took it, is there a problem?"
"No...no. It's fine."
Pfft... Pfft hahahaha.
On the one hand, it was because the original owner's body was not good at drinking, and on the other hand, it was because of Young Master Helan's amazing talent for naming. Later on, Tang Ning even lost interest in Wei Jing and Qin Qianqian and only focused on suppressing her laughter.
So, when she finally returned to her room and Helan Ruo was nowhere to be seen, she laughed heartily in front of Chunmian and Chuntan, making the two maids think she was too drunk. Didn't they see she was acting crazy?
Even now, as Tang Ning reads the name "Chiu Chiu" and looks at the bird's big, dark eyes, she can't help but smile.
Fortunately, before she could even laugh, Madam Qin, who was also an early riser, sent someone to inform the three of them to pack up as soon as possible, because they would be finishing breakfast and heading down the mountain soon.
Upon hearing this message, Chunmian disregarded all talk of birds and hurriedly helped Chuntan pack her luggage and helped Tang Ning with her grooming.
Qin Qianqian did show up for breakfast today.
However, she seemed somewhat dazed and confused, with dark circles under her eyes and looking extremely haggard. When she saw Tang Ning, although she quickly lowered her eyes, Tang Ning still noticed the fleeting resentment and anger in her eyes. It seemed that nothing pleasant had happened between the two of them after she chased after Wei Jing.
It might not only be unpleasant, but also a bit frustrating.
It was incredibly frustrating! Qin Qianqian was so frustrated she felt like she was about to explode. No matter how much she pleaded with A Jing, he just wouldn't let Tang Ning say she wanted to annul the engagement. Not only that, but his gaze towards her was getting colder and colder. He even said something harsh like, "Unless she goes with him to annul the engagement, it's over between us."
Qin Qianqian didn't understand, she really didn't understand. In just one month, what kind of bewitching potion had Tang Ning given him? Why did he insist on thinking about Tang Ning and completely disregard her reputation and her pain?
Does he even realize how much controversy she will face after all this is exposed, to the point that she might not even be able to stay in the capital anymore, let alone anything else? Isn't he afraid of the consequences?
In the end, it all comes down to Tang Ning. She could have stayed quietly in that rural place in Xihe County, so why did she have to go to the capital to claim her relatives? And that wet nurse, she was about to die, so why did she have to make things difficult for her and tell Tang Ning about her so-called past? Otherwise, how would she have ended up in such an awkward situation?
Completely absorbed in her own emotions, Qin Qianqian had become so stuck in her own thoughts that she couldn't get out. It was unclear whether it was due to the inheritance from her mother who died young, or because the Qin family, together with Wei Jing, had spoiled her over the years, making her so selfish and self-centered. When something happened, she would never look for the problem within herself, but instead would blame everything on others.
That's...very interesting.
What's even more interesting is that Tang Ning, who was having breakfast, noticed more than once that Madam Qin, who was sitting opposite the two of them, looked at Qin Qianqian with a rather strange gaze, but Qin Qianqian was completely oblivious because she was thinking about something.
It's highly likely that her mother already knows about Qin Qianqian and Wei Jing's secret meetings and entanglements.
Putting everything else aside, just for Qin Qianqian's reputation, her mother will probably make a decision soon.
After all, this Madam Qin said she treated everyone equally, and even seemed to favor Tang Ning more. In reality, because spoiling Qin Qianqian had become her habit, she would unconsciously consider Qin Qianqian's feelings more in everything she did.
For example, when Tang Ning first arrived at the door, knowing she couldn't silence the servants, she immediately exposed Qin Qianqian's identity and quickly adopted her as her daughter, preparing to continue supporting her as she was about to marry into the Jianwang Mansion.
Who knew that Qin Qianqian was raised to be so stupid and selfish that she did something foolish like giving up the marriage contract under the provocation of Princess Jian and outsiders.
Even so, in the story, after the original owner was "caught in the act" of adultery, she still nodded and allowed Qin Qianqian to marry into the Jianwang Mansion in a grand manner.
Therefore, after the original owner accidentally overheard Wei Jing's scheme against her, she did not take the initiative to tell the Qin family the truth. It was not mainly because the Qin family's politeness and insecurity made her unable to act like a real daughter, turning to her parents to whine and complain after being wronged, asking them to stand up for her. Instead, she swallowed all her grievances and pain, torturing herself.
Thus, she gradually embarked on her own path of no return.
Thinking about it, it's really ironic!
Perhaps the original owner also thought to herself that if the Qin family had clearly favored Qin Qianqian, it would have been better. At least she could have resented them, instead of being like she was later in Helan Ruo's backyard, where she was already suffering so much pain in her heart, but apart from Wei Jing, she couldn't even resent anyone else, since they had already been very good to her!
After a slight smile played on Tang Ning's lips, she quietly finished her breakfast with Madam Qin and Qin Qianqian.
On the way back to the General's Mansion, whether she had been humiliated by Wei Jing or was deliberately trying to annoy Tang Ning, Qin Qianqian didn't say a word to Tang Ning even though they were in the same carriage. She just sat in the corner, silent, as if Tang Ning owed her something.
On the other side, Tang Ning was probably also affected by the original owner's mood in the plot. Facing Qin Qianqian's sullen face, she didn't say much. After all, even if she didn't say anything, it wouldn't affect her character. Anyone would feel bad knowing that their beloved fiancé was about to become someone else's.
Tang Ning's silence and lack of enthusiasm became proof to Qin Qianqian that she could no longer pretend. Once Qin Qianqian exposed her true colors, she no longer bothered to hide them. If the timing wasn't wrong, she really wanted to let A Jing come and see what kind of face the gentle and kind Tang Ning he spoke of was when she was with her.
Unfortunately, Qin Qianqian's wish was not fulfilled. Tang Ning had just stepped off the carriage when Wei Jing's men came to inform her that the young master was waiting for her by the river and had something to say to her.
Upon hearing such a voice, Qin Qianqian's eyes widened, and before she could say anything, Madam Qin, who had already alighted from another carriage, glanced at her subtly, then smiled and told Tang Ning to go first, while Qin Qianqian to return to the mansion with her.
No matter how nice Qixia Temple is, it can't compare to home. Besides, it's a sacred Buddhist place, so these female guests can't bathe there. Naturally, they need to tidy up after returning home.
In the end, Qin Qianqian could only watch Tang Ning's departing figure with reluctance before following Madam Qin into the General's Mansion.
On the other hand, Tang Ning had just arrived at the riverbank when she saw Wei Jing standing under the willow tree with his back to her.
Upon hearing Tang Ning's footsteps, Wei Jing immediately turned around. He stared at Tang Ning for a long time before finally speaking slowly, "Tang Ning, you've come..."
"Brother Jing, is there something you need that you called me over in such a hurry?"
Tang Ning frowned slightly and asked this question.
Upon hearing Tang Ning's question, Wei Jing took a deep breath, then gestured with his eyes for the people guarding him to leave. After watching Tang Ning order the two Chuns to walk away, he solemnly bowed slightly to Tang Ning and said apologetically, "I'm sorry. It was clearly a matter between Qianqian and me, but you were dragged into it for no reason. This apology is on Qianqian's behalf, and you deserve this apology too, because if it weren't for her, you wouldn't have this marriage, and now you're inexplicably burdened with the reputation of annulment. It's all our fault."
An apology clearly shows the difference between close and distant relationships!
It seems that Wei Jing has made up his mind. Even though Qin Qianqian is already that kind of person, he is still willing to marry her. It seems that ten years of feelings are not something she can easily erase in just one month!
Being good to Qin Qianqian is something ingrained in Wei Jing's very being.
Thinking about it this way, Qin Qianqian is really lucky!
As a child, due to her biological mother's selfishness, she was switched at birth and entered the General's Mansion, where she enjoyed a life of luxury for fourteen years. Not only that, Madam Qin and Wei Jing were also wholeheartedly devoted to her and doing what was best for her.
Even after seeing through her selfish and self-serving nature, I am still willing to believe her one more time.
That's great!
But did Wei Jing ask her before making his decision?
Did she say she would let him get away unscathed?
Even if she were willing, I doubt Helan Ruo would agree...
Using the same methods a scumbag uses to win over a scumbag is the best way to do it, because only a scumbag knows where their Achilles' heel is, right?
However, Tang Ning herself is the one who needs to deal with this situation.
Upon hearing Wei Jing's apology, Tang Ning blinked rapidly several times, but even so, her eyes immediately reddened. To avoid being noticed by Wei Jing, she quickly lowered her head and said in a muffled voice, "But..."
"There's no 'but' about it. No matter what, you shouldn't have to suffer like this..."
"I'm not wronged! I'm not wronged at all! It's just annulment of the engagement, I'm fine. But it's Qianqian who's in trouble. Once you two tell everyone the truth, you'll definitely face a lot of criticism. Even the Princess Consort will have a lot of opinions about Qianqian. Then things will be even more difficult for you. Only by announcing the engagement can I minimize all the criticism..."
"Enough! Can you please stop being so foolish!"
Before Tang Ning could finish speaking, Wei Jing immediately roared like this.
Caught off guard, Tang Ning was startled and, ignoring her still reddened eyes, looked up at him helplessly.
Wei Jing, somewhat flustered by her clear gaze, abruptly turned his head. "Even so, that's a problem that Qianqian and I have to face. She should have known this day would come when she recklessly gave up the engagement to you. Don't worry about it so much anymore, and don't..."
You're trying to upset me again.
Heaven knows, yesterday, when Wei Jing saw Qianqian hurting others and still thinking she had no problem at all, all he could think about was Tang Ning's image. He even dreamed about his wedding that night, lifting the red veil to reveal Tang Ning's beautiful face...
He could no longer continue to hesitate, because if he did, it would not only hurt Qianqian, but also Tang Ning. He had to make a decisive decision instead of dragging it out.
The only person he has ever loved is Qianqian, and no one else.
After saying this to himself, Wei Jing apologized to Tang Ning earlier.
But despite saying that, Wei Jing's true feelings seem to be a bit different!
Wei Jing's current favorability rating: 78.
Upon hearing the notification that her favorability rating had increased, Tang Ning smiled inwardly, but outwardly maintained a dejected expression as she returned to the General's Mansion.
Her expression pleased Qin Qianqian, who had been waiting in the corner.
It seems that A-Jing didn't lie to her yesterday. Although he kept pressuring her to go and confess with him, he did make it clear that he would marry no one but her. Judging from Tang Ning's appearance, A-Jing probably made things clear to her as well.
That's how it should be.
Qin Qianqian's lips slowly curled up, but her brows furrowed slightly.
However, Ah Jing's stubbornness requires her to think about it again. Hmm, Ah Jing's birthday is in half a month. Why don't she embroider a purse for him? She remembers that Ah Jing has always wanted a purse embroidered by her, but unfortunately, her embroidery skills are too poor to be presentable. Such a small wish of Ah Jing has never been fulfilled.
Now--
"Ouch!"
Qin Qianqian, whose fingertip was pricked by the needle again, immediately put down the embroidery hoop and hurriedly put her finger in her mouth to suck on it.
It really hurts!
Qin Qianqian looked at her ten fingers, which were covered with needle marks, with tears welling up in her eyes. Then she glanced at the crooked mandarin duck in the center of the embroidery hoop. Why is embroidery so difficult?
Qin Qianqian had considered giving up more than once, but whenever she thought of Wei Jing's touched expression when he received her purse on his birthday, she regained her confidence and threw herself back into the embroidery project.
She was so foolish before, making so many wrong decisions and pushing Wei Jing step by step toward that scheming Tang Ning. Luckily, A Jing wasn't completely bewitched, so of course she had to coax him properly. A Jing had always been very accommodating to her since childhood, and when he received the purse, he might be so happy that he wouldn't force her to confess and break off the engagement!
Qin Qianqian naively thought so.
Those who are favored always possess an indescribable confidence and certainty in front of those who favor them.
On the other end, 54088, who had relayed almost all of Qin Qianqian's efforts, even the needle marks on her hands, to Tang Ning, spoke with a hint of worry, "Tang Bao, Qin Qianqian has worked so hard, aren't you going to do anything? And you feed He Lanruo's little dog every day, why don't you let him help? He has already offered to help, hasn't he?"
Yes, even after following Tang Ning for so long, 54088 still can't figure out the meaning behind Tang Ning's various behaviors. Anyway, Tang Bao won't find it annoying, so of course it will ask.
Upon hearing the little system's question, Tang Ning looked at the chrysanthemums outside the window that had already begun to bud and subconsciously raised an eyebrow.
"Well, of course it's because... what you're rushing to do isn't a sale."
Although Helan Ruo had indeed agreed to her request, his personality was unpredictable. Moreover, what attracted him to her was her somewhat naive and devoted nature. If she were truly swayed by him and took the initiative to ask for his help, she would naturally lose his favor. That wouldn't be the worst of it; he might even lose interest because of the collapse of her persona, thinking that she was nothing special and wouldn't put much effort into helping...
How can this be?
Just then, the sound of flapping wings suddenly rang in her ears.
Tang Ning looked closely and realized that what else could be flying towards her from not far away but He Lanruo's chirping bird?
That's not the most important thing, since the bird flies over every day. The most important thing is that today, it seems that there's something tied to the right foot of the bird.
Upon seeing this, Tang Ning's lips curled up in a wide smile. She stretched out her finger and let the bird perch on her hand, then slowly and deliberately took a piece of paper from its right foot.
[Ten days later is Wei Jing's birthday. He has been searching for a peerless sword, Jiang Li, for nine years. Recently, I learned that the famous sword Jiang Li appeared at Baiyun Temple. Your chance has come.]
Sure enough, the moment she put on airs, business opportunities came knocking on her door!
Because of her hesitation, Helan Ruo had no choice but to help her plot.
The famous sword is about to leave, will it be at Baiyun Temple?
Soon, Tang Ning took out a brush and wrote a note to the other party.
[Really? Then I'll go to Baiyun Temple tomorrow to ask for the knife. However, this probably won't be a good opportunity. Brother Jing has already made it clear to me that he shouldn't ask me for any more help. I just want to fulfill his wish with this knife.]
Upon seeing Tang Ning's note, He Lanruo couldn't help but let out a soft scoff.
Did Wei Jing choose Qin Qianqian?
What kind of perspective?
What's wrong with Tang Ning?
In that case, perhaps he should create more obstacles for Tang Ning. He believed that silly girl was willing to endure any hardship for Wei Jing, so then…
Thinking of this, Helan Ruo immediately pulled open the ancient scabbard in her hand. A flash of silver light revealed that the hilt of the long sword in her hand was engraved with the words "Jiang Li" (meaning "leaving").
After gazing at the knife he had collected for many years for a long time, Helan Ruo deftly sheathed the blade back into its scabbard, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.
Tang Ning kept her word and the next day immediately went to Baiyun Temple, which was not far from the capital, to ask for the sword.
Unfortunately, she stood at the entrance of Baiyun Temple for a long time but didn't even get to see the face of the eccentric abbot.
The same thing happened on the second and third days.
On the fourth day, things were a little better. She saw the abbot of Baiyun Temple, whose beard and eyebrows had turned white and who looked exceptionally otherworldly.
Unfortunately, as soon as she stated her request, the other party immediately picked at his ear and gave her two words: "No."
Tang Ning: ...
On the fifth and sixth days, Tang Ning basically clung to the abbot of Baiyun Temple. In order to please him, she even did things like cooking, cleaning the yard, and watering the vegetable garden.
Unfortunately, this abbot of Baiyun Temple was too stubborn and unyielding. He let Tang Ning do a lot of work, but when it came to the matter of Jiang Li Dao, he still said the same two words: "No way."
By the seventh day, it was Wei Jing's birthday.
Qin Qianqian had already finished embroidering the purse she wanted to give to Wei Jing, and was just about to sneak out to give it to him when, unexpectedly, Madam Qin sent someone to summon her.
Meanwhile, Wei Jing, urged by his servants, hurriedly arrived at the back door and immediately saw Chun Mian standing there, her face pale with anxiety.
Upon seeing Wei Jing, Chunmian immediately rushed forward, "Young Master Wei, my young lady secretly left the General's Mansion last night, saying she wanted to give you a surprise on your birthday, to go to Baiyun Temple to ask for something... something about a sword. She hasn't returned all night, and I'm really afraid something might have happened to her. She had already been at Baiyun Temple for seven days, but every day the old abbot ignored her and refused to sell her the sword. He always made her do chores, but wouldn't let Chun Tan and me help. Now she hasn't returned all night again, I... I... Young Master Wei, could you go to Baiyun Temple and try to persuade her? Chun Tan and I can't persuade her at all!"
After she finished speaking, Chunmian's eyes were completely red.
Upon hearing these words, Wei Jing felt his mind go blank for a moment. Before he could even think, he had already mounted a white horse and headed straight for Baiyun Temple.
Seeing Wei Jing leave, Chunmian's aggrieved and upset expression finally subsided slightly. Hmph, the girl is silly? She's not silly at all. She's done so much for Prince Wei behind his back without letting him know. She wouldn't do that if she were in his shoes! It's perfect for her to trick Prince Wei into going there so he can see how much the girl has sacrificed!
Meanwhile, Helan Ruo received news that Wei Jing had been tricked into going to Tang Ning's house because Tang Ning, that round-faced maid, couldn't stand him anymore. He was stunned at first, then chuckled softly.
Looking up at the rolling dark clouds on the horizon, it seems even the heavens are on that silly girl's side!
At this moment, Qin Qianqian, who had just come out of Madam Qin's room, had eyes filled with deep fear, anxiety, and helplessness.
Madam Qin actually wants to arrange a marriage for her...
What to do? What to do? What to do?
What should she do?
She doesn't have time...
there is none left……
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