While Tang Ning and Wei Jing were finalizing their plan to coax Wei Jing seven days later in Taibai Tower, Qin Qianqian had already searched almost every street in the vicinity, but still couldn't find Wei Jing, who had completely disappeared. As the sky grew darker and darker, she had no choice but to return to the General's Mansion in a daze.
Who would have thought that Qin Qianqian, who had been running for most of the day, covered in sweat, and whose face was red from being baked by the scorching sun outside, was absentmindedly passing by the garden when she suddenly heard a familiar girl's laughter and cheers coming from inside.
Upon hearing the sound, Qin Qianqian almost instinctively walked towards it.
Soon, through the gaps in the petals of the blue-purple hydrangeas beside her, she could see Tang Ning leading her two personal maids in happily playing shuttlecock under the shade of the largest banyan tree in the garden. As she played, the two maids with their hair in double buns clapped their hands and counted the number of kicks.
Perhaps it was because of the hot weather, or perhaps it was because she had been playing shuttlecock for a long time, but Tang Ning always had a bright and cheerful smile on her lips. Her already fair cheeks, which were as white as milk, were also tinged with a rosy blush that was even more beautiful than rouge.
Upon seeing Tang Ning, who was so beautiful, lively, and vibrant, Qin Qianqian's heart skipped a beat, and at the same time, a feeling of sadness and depression spread through her heart once again.
No wonder Ah Jing became impatient and irritable with her, even though he had never treated her like this before...etc.
Just as she thought of this, Qin Qianqian's eyes suddenly narrowed.
Because when she looked at Tang Ning, whose face was rosy and who looked radiant, she could no longer see any trace of abdominal pain.
Therefore, Qin Qianqian even had her personal maid, Luyi, discreetly inquire around the mansion. Sure enough, Tang Ning had only returned half an hour earlier than her, and hadn't sent anyone to fetch a doctor to check on her stomachache. She was currently playing shuttlecock under the shade of a tree with her maids…
In other words, her stomachache in front of Tingli Tower was clearly faked; she deliberately left under the pretext of stomach pain. But why? There's no reason!
No, why isn't it there?
She has.
That was a classic case of feigned retreat. She knew that with Wei Jing around, she, as his "fiancée," wouldn't get anywhere. That's why she pretended to be sick and left, hoping to make Wei Jing worry about her. And... who knows, maybe she deliberately showed him that note. Although she didn't know what was written on it, judging from Wei Jing's expression at the time, it probably wasn't anything simple.
She just wanted her to argue and quarrel with A-Jing, to highlight her understanding, tenderness, and gentleness.
The more Qin Qianqian thought about it, the stronger the resentment in her eyes became. She truly hadn't expected that Tang Ning, who seemed so innocent and naive, would actually be such a scheming and terrifying woman. Just recently, she had held Tang Ning's hand and told her that if she still loved A Jing, she wouldn't stand in her way of marriage. Not only that, she was even willing to take the initiative to talk to Princess Jian and her mother to clear things up and return the engagement to her.
Looking back now, Tang Ning's expression at the time really revealed an indescribable falsehood and hypocrisy.
She was just saying it nicely; how could she really return such a good marriage to her? Besides, now... now that Ah Jing already has her in his heart, Tang Ning is even less likely to return the marriage to her.
She should have seen through his true colors long ago.
Merchants are profit-driven. How could Tang Ning, who grew up in a merchant family, have grown up to be so innocent and naive? Moreover, how could a truly innocent girl do something as courageous as traveling alone thousands of miles to the capital to find her relatives?
She was faking it from beginning to end.
From the very beginning, Tang Ning wanted to completely squeeze her out; she never had a shred of kindness towards her.
Why did you treat her like this?
So far, has she ever wronged Tang Ning in any way? She has always been very good to her, and even took the initiative to give up the marriage to the Prince Jianfu to her. Qin Qianqian really felt that she had done more than enough for Tang Ning.
Could the blame for the two families switching babies be placed on her when she was still an infant at the time...?
Tang Ning, Tang Ning, Tang Ning!
Because of Wei Jing's wavering, because of the estrangement between them, because her own long-held conviction began to waver, and because of her worries about her future and life, Qin Qianqian was in a state of utter confusion and at a loss. Due to the suffocating discomfort in her heart and the fear and worry about Wei Jing's change, she almost subconsciously blamed Tang Ning for all the terrible things that were happening in front of her.
At this moment, Qin Qianqian's mind was filled with thoughts of Tang Ning. If Tang Ning hadn't insisted on going to the capital to find her relatives, if she hadn't been forced to give up her marriage to Tang Ning, and if Tang Ning hadn't sown discord between Wei Jing and her, things would never have turned out this way.
It's all because of Tang Ning.
With a clear target for her complaints, Qin Qianqian's heart finally calmed down. She clenched her fists and made up her mind. In the days to come, whenever she heard that Tang Ning and A Jing were going out, she would immediately find an excuse to follow them and bump into them. She refused to believe that she could still gossip about Tang Ning in front of A Jing.
Most importantly, she wanted Tang Ning to see for herself just how different Wei Jing was in his treatment of the two of them, just like how she used to lead Wei Jing in front of the women who admired him. No matter when or where, as long as she was there, Wei Jing would never have room for another woman in his eyes.
Qin Qianqian thought to herself with great confidence.
To her surprise, Tang Ning did not leave the General's Mansion once for the next seven days. That was one thing, but why... why did a box of gifts arrive at the Prince Jian's Mansion almost every hour during those seven days? This was something Luyi accidentally stumbled upon at the door on the third day that Tang Ning hadn't left the house.
Otherwise, even they probably wouldn't know that Wei Jing, far away in the Jianwang Mansion, sends a box of gifts to Tang Ning every single day. Yes, every single day, for seven whole days, without missing a single day.
Upon hearing the news, Qin Qianqian, under the worried gaze of her maid Luyi, suddenly collapsed onto the soft couch behind her, her head buzzing as if she had been hit hard with a club.
This was a side of Wei Jing she had never seen before. She remembered the Wei Jing who was initially engaged to her; he always indulged her, apologizing when she was angry and sharing her joy. He completely ignored any closeness she disliked from other women, his heart and mind solely focused on her. He never knew how to give her gifts she liked or how to please her; even her birthday gift was something she had to ask for privately. Because of this, she had had more than one minor argument with Wei Jing.
What she couldn't stand most was that he was like an abacus, moving only when prompted. Even though he liked her very much, cared about her, and tolerated her, Qin Qianqian still felt dissatisfied.
For example, surprises and gifts.
Giving Tang Ning gifts for seven consecutive days was something Qin Qianqian would never have dared to imagine before.
It turns out he wasn't incapable of doing it, but rather incapable of doing it for her. Now that he's with someone else, isn't he doing it much better?
Qin Qianqian, lying on the soft couch, stared blankly at the ground. Before long, tears began to fall uncontrollably, one by one...
Wei Jing... ha...
At this moment, Tang Ning had no idea that just imagining Qin Qianqian had already tortured her half to death. After unexpectedly learning about Wei Jing's "gift" to her on the third day, she couldn't even eat, and her whole body became visibly haggard and withered.
Tang Ning glanced at the blue glass paper filled with heartfelt poems that Wei Jing had sent, feeling a bit nauseous. While cracking melon seeds, she watched as the little system 54088 deftly and quickly folded the paper into standard and beautiful blue paper cranes with its little hands.
In response, as long as Tang Ning gives it a thumbs up and sincerely praises it, the little system immediately gets excited and its face turns red, and it folds paper cranes even more diligently.
I can help Tangbao with the mission now!
54088 was so excited he was practically floating on air.
Tang Ning hadn't actually planned to fold any paper cranes for Wei Jing; she was willing to use her brain, but she'd rather not do it herself.
She had originally thought of asking Chun Tan and Chun Mian for help. After all, although these two girls seemed simple-minded and shrewd, they shared a common advantage: they were tight-lipped. If they were told not to say something, they would keep it to themselves forever. This was vividly demonstrated in the story.
Unexpectedly, before she could even speak to the two maids, 54088, which had been flying beside her, suddenly said hesitantly that it could help. It was enough for one of them, and there was no need to look for Chun Tan or Chun Mian. You should know that it was the champion of the first system-wide origami crane folding competition held within the company.
Just by listening to it, you can tell this is definitely not a serious competition. And if you think about it further, the company itself probably isn't a legitimate company either.
Having already achieved perfect endings in three conquered worlds, Tang Ning suddenly felt as if she might have boarded a pirate ship.
Unexpectedly, the little system was actually incredibly skillful.
Now that's great, Tang Ning, who has nothing to worry about, has spent the last seven days eating, drinking, and praising her hardworking little system.
whee.
However, Tang Ning's biological mother, Madam Qin, was quite relieved after unexpectedly learning about Wei Jing's gift-giving. Given Wei Jing's previous behavior towards Qianqian, she was worried that Tang Ning might suffer some harm. Now it seems Tang Ning is quite capable, managing to win Wei Jing's heart. Coupled with the Princess Consort of Jian praising her highly, it seems that if she really marries into the Jian Prince's household, she will live a very good life.
That's enough.
Madam Qin let out a deep breath.
As for Qianqian, she needs to put in more effort. After all, she has been pampered by her side for fourteen years. Now, because of her awkward status, she is stuck in a limbo, neither high nor low. In any case, she needs to find a suitable husband for her.
However, that is not the most urgent matter.
The most important thing now is the Buddha's Birthday celebration at Qixia Temple in seven days.
Thinking of this, Madam Qin immediately sent someone to instruct her two daughters to prepare so that they could accompany her to Qixia Temple to listen to sutras and eat vegetarian food seven days later.
Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.
Because Tang Ning had been busy with her "origami crane" project in her small courtyard for the past seven days, she hadn't even had a chance to stroll around the garden. In addition, Madam Qin was quite busy, so she was exempted from paying her respects for the past few days. Since their last parting at Tingli Tower, Tang Ning hadn't seen Qin Qianqian for a full seven days. On the day she set off for Qixia Temple, as soon as she lifted the curtain of the carriage, she saw Qin Qianqian's bloodshot eyes, slightly yellow skin, and dry, chapped lips. Even with makeup, Qin Qianqian's haggard and thin face couldn't be concealed. Tang Ning's eyes widened without any attempt to hide her shock.
"Qian...Qian? What's wrong with you? Are you sick? Why do you look so pale?" As she spoke, Tang Ning bent down to get into the carriage and immediately reached out to touch Qin Qianqian's forehead.
“I’ve been staying in my own courtyard these past few days and haven’t seen you at all. I didn’t even know… had you called a doctor? Had you told Mother? This won’t do. If you’re really sick, it’s better for you to rest at home. Don’t let your condition worsen…”
After testing Qin Qianqian's forehead with the back of her hand and finding nothing unusual, Tang Ning reached out and grabbed Qin Qianqian's fingers, her face full of concern and heartache.
Although Qin Qianqian couldn't detect any pretense or affectation on her face, she felt nauseous, extremely nauseous. Looking at Tang Ning's hand holding her fingers, she wished she could immediately throw away her warm hands.
Why is she like this? Others may not know, but don't you, Tang Ning, know?
You're really something. In less than a month, you've completely won over Wei Jing, who has been with her for ten years. Now you're here pretending to care about her. Isn't that just crocodile tears and fake compassion?
Thinking this to herself, Qin Qianqian still forced a smile at Tang Ning, "It's nothing. I've just been suffering from summer heat these past few days. I feel unwell both physically and mentally, which is why I can't eat or sleep. That's why I'm like this now. I'm not sick. I'll feel better after this period of time passes..."
As she finished speaking in a weak voice, Qin Qianqian subtly withdrew her fingers from Tang Ning's palm.
Tang Ning seemed completely oblivious to this, her expression still one of tenderness and pity, "So that's how it is? Then Qianqian, you've really had a hard time..."
As she spoke, she seemed to suddenly remember something, and grabbed Qin Qianqian's hand again, her eyes sparkling as she said to her, "I remember Father, cough, I mean, Master Tang, he used to be very heavy because he loved to eat meat. One year, because the summer in Xihe County was too hot, he also suffered from summer heatstroke and couldn't eat, just like you. Fortunately, the doctor in Xihe County was a miracle worker, and he was cured after a few doses of medicine. Because I was so afraid that something might happen to Master Tang at the time, I still remember that prescription. How about I write it down for you when we get back? After you take the medicine, Qianqian, you will definitely be able to eat well and sleep well!"
Tang Ning smiled gently.
I can't eat or sleep properly anymore. As long as you're around, I just can't eat or sleep well!
Because of Tang Ning's persistent and tender concern, Qin Qianqian replied with resentment in her heart.
After replying, she suddenly realized what she had been thinking. Qin Qianqian's face turned slightly pale. She couldn't believe what she had been thinking. What did she mean by saying that she couldn't eat or sleep well as long as Tang Ning was around? What was she thinking?
Forced to confront her own dark side for the first time, Qin Qianqian was in a daze for the rest of her journey, which made her already haggard face even more withered.
Even though Qin Qianqian was unwilling to talk to her anymore, Tang Ning didn't care much. Instead, she gently lifted the curtain of the car window and began to admire the scenery of the lake and mountains outside.
The two of them made their way to Qixia Temple in the mountains on the outskirts of Beijing without any incident.
Because of the special occasion, the back courtyard rooms of Qixia Temple have been almost entirely booked by the noble ladies from the capital. General Qin Jun, the General Who Guards the North, is a first-rank general of the Great Lin Dynasty and even possesses half a tiger tally that can command the three armies. Naturally, Madam Qin's status is also extremely high. As a result, even Tang Ning and Qin Qianqian have their own private rooms.
Since it was nearly noon when they arrived at Qixia Temple, and after having a vegetarian meal with Madam Qin, Tang Ning had some time to herself. Just as she returned to her room, seeing Chunmian and Chuntan enjoying even the vegetarian food so much, Tang Ning hesitated for a moment, then quietly whispered to the two maids, asking them to cover for her. She needed to go out for a while, and if her mother sent anyone, she asked them to help her out. She didn't allow the two worried maids to object, coaxing and pleading for their help, because this matter was very important to her, extremely important, concerning her lifelong happiness.
Seeing that their young mistress had already said such things, Chunmian and Chuntan exchanged glances and could only let Tang Ning go.
Most importantly, they believed that Tang Ning, who had dared to travel alone from Xihe County all the way to the capital disguised as a man, should be able to handle whatever happened.
Having finally managed to persuade the two women, Tang Ning immediately went up and hugged them both. Then, she secretly pushed open the door of the private room, looked around, and excitedly headed straight for the back mountain of Qixia Temple.
This made Qin Qianqian, whose attention had never left her, notice Tang Ning's movements immediately.
Without a second thought, she immediately gave a few instructions to her personal maid, Luyi, and then followed Tang Ning from a distance.
At the same time, Tang Ning, who had already stepped onto the narrow mountain path behind the mountain, raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly the moment she sensed someone following behind her.
You're having so much fun now, just don't turn around and run away crying later.
Qin Qianqian, who had no idea where Tang Ning was going, wondered why a young girl who had only recently arrived in the capital would sneak around to the back mountain of Qixia Temple alone. Thinking that she was about to discover Tang Ning, Qin Qianqian was so excited that her cheeks flushed.
But perhaps because she hadn't been eating or sleeping well these past few days, even though she was rushing on her way, she was falling further and further behind Tang Ning, until Tang Ning had disappeared from sight in no time.
Fortunately, there was only one narrow path, and after a moment of panic, Qin Qianqian wasn't completely lost.
But the further she walked, the more familiar she felt with the path, as if it led to the famous Bodhi tree at Qixia Temple halfway up the mountain.
Yes, this ridiculously large Bodhi tree is also one of the signature features of Qixia Temple.
However, it was not transplanted to Qixia Temple. Instead, with the indulgence of Abbot Wubian of Qixia Temple, it was allowed to grow freely on the mountain.
In the words of Master Wubian, Heaven cherishes life. Animals love the wild, and so do flowers, grasses, and trees. Since it grows so lush and vigorous, why forcibly move it back to the temple? Who knows if it likes the land in the temple?
After Master Wubian's words spread, many people came specifically to see the Bodhi tree. Some even made wishes, and many more had their wishes fulfilled. Over time, the Bodhi tree gained considerable fame.
Qin Qianqian once joined in the fun and made a wish.
However, it would have been fine in the past, but today there are so many noble ladies in Qixia Temple. In order not to offend the nobles, several roads leading up the mountain have been blocked. What is Tang Ning doing here?
Qin Qianqian was somewhat puzzled, and at the same time, due to fatigue, her legs became increasingly slow.
Meanwhile, Tang Ning could already see the lush and verdant Bodhi tree. Indeed, this Bodhi tree was quite astonishingly large. However, that was not the most important thing. The most important thing was that the Bodhi tree was now covered with strings of paper cranes made of folded blue glass paper. With a slight breeze, the paper cranes fluttered everywhere, looking absolutely beautiful.
But this wasn't the ultimate move. The real ultimate move was the incredibly moving verses that Wei Jing had personally written on these pieces of blue glass paper, each one different and so exquisite they could make your teeth ache.
Hmm, this is Tang Ning's plan.
Have Wei Jing write down these verses, then have her (54088) fold them into beautiful origami cranes and hang them on the tree. Then send someone to invite Qin Qianqian over and confess your love to her under this tree. I think any girl would find it hard to resist such a romantic offensive.
Tang Ning had just arrived when Wei Jing, who had just finished hanging the last string of paper cranes, immediately jumped down from the tree.
"Tang Ning, you've arrived?"
"Well, since you arrived so early to hang these paper cranes, I figured you must have skipped lunch, so I brought you this!"
As she spoke, Tang Ning smiled and took out a small package containing several steamed buns from behind her back, then handed it to Wei Jing.
Seeing this, Wei Jing quickly reached out and took it. Feeling the still-warm steamed buns inside the cloth bag, the boy's eyes couldn't help but soften slightly.
This gentleness is an emotion he unconsciously reveals whenever he encounters Tang Ning lately.
Looking up at Tang Ning's back, Wei Jing, having experienced military life, quickly swallowed the food Tang Ning had brought.
Just then, he looked at Tang Ning, who was stroking the trunk of the Bodhi tree, and saw her turn her head and look seriously at Wei Jing behind her, as if she had remembered something.
"By the way, Brother Jing, have you thought through those heartfelt confessions we planned? It wouldn't be good if you stammered when you actually faced Qianqian."
She joked with a smile.
"No, I've been drafting this for three days, I know it by heart, it shouldn't be..."
As he spoke, he noticed the slight dimming in Tang Ning's eyes, and for a moment, Wei Jing couldn't bring himself to say anything more.
After a moment of silence between them, Tang Ning smiled again and looked at Wei Jing, "Is that so? But just making a draft isn't enough, writing and speaking are two completely different things. Qixia Temple at the foot of the mountain just finished its vegetarian meal, and Qianqian should be taking a nap right now, so perhaps... perhaps..."
"Treat me like Qianqian, then practice your drafts properly, so that nothing goes wrong later..."
As she spoke, Tang Ning glanced at Wei Jing, who was standing not far away with a look of astonishment on his face, and immediately lowered her head, her eyes darting around. "No, I was just helping you practice a little, Jing-gege... Of course, it's okay if you don't practice. I think you'll definitely do very well, and you'll definitely make up with Qianqian again. I... I... I was being nosy. Why did I bring this up out of the blue..."
"good."
Before Tang Ning could finish speaking, Wei Jing had already said "okay" before her.
Upon hearing this word, Tang Ning immediately raised her head in disbelief, her eyes widening and a flash of tears welling up within them.
Seeing her like this, Wei Jing could hardly contain his pity and heartache.
I said, "Okay."
He repeated it again.
Tang Ning, now certain that there was nothing wrong with her ears, suddenly lowered her head, sniffed lightly, and heard Wei Jing's footsteps approaching her step by step.
Only when the boy was standing right in front of her did she finally raise her slightly reddened eyes again.
Amidst the rustling of origami cranes in the wind, the two locked eyes.
Looking at Tang Ning's beautiful almond-shaped eyes and dark pupils, Wei Jing, who had thought he would have some difficulty speaking in front of her, actually blurted out his draft without even mentioning her name.
"...You never knew that my heart is engraved with only your name. The moment you appeared, my eyes could no longer see anyone else. Love arises without warning and deepens with time. The only person I have ever wanted to marry is you. It was you before, it is you now, and it will always be you in the future."
Wei Jing said this softly.
Wei Jing's current favorability rating: 65.
"What are you doing? Hmm?"
Just then, a familiar yet weak female voice suddenly rang out behind the two of them.
Upon hearing the voice, Wei Jing turned his head sharply and met Qin Qianqian's bright red eyes.
Oops~
Tang Ning immediately raised an eyebrow in her mind.
What did I say? They were so happy and excited about following him before, and now they're about to cry?
Author's Note: Tang Ning: Hmm, today is another wonderful day for this energetic and innocent little lotus~~
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