Tang Ning, who had subtly turned her gaze away from the artificial hill, noticed Qin Qianqian's dazed look and wondered if there was something wrong with her clothes. She subconsciously looked down at her own dress.
Seeing Tang Ning's reaction, Qin Qianqian finally came to her senses. She had been staring at Tang Ning, who was dressed up in her finest attire, in a daze.
If she, a young woman, is like this, imagine what would happen to Ah Jing...
For a fleeting moment, Qin Qianqian truly felt as if she had been torn in two by the turmoil and confusion in her heart.
Half of her mind was constantly reminding her that she was no longer the pampered daughter of the General of the North, adored by the daughters of lowly officials in the General's mansion. She was now merely a cuckoo occupying the nest, taking advantage of Tang Ning's status. She had already benefited for so many years, and the outside world spoke so harshly of her. The Princess Consort of Jian disliked her completely. Giving up the marriage and Wei Jing was the best decision she could make. She wouldn't have to face so much gossip and humiliation anymore. She hadn't done anything wrong.
Meanwhile, her partner was filled with panic, worry, and fear. Wouldn't Tang Ning's current state cause A-Jing to completely fall for someone else? Although they had a childhood friendship, if… if he really fell in love with Tang Ning, then… then…
The mere thought of this possibility made Qin Qianqian's heart clench instantly.
Upon seeing the struggle and entanglement in Qin Qianqian's eyes, Tang Ning immediately chuckled to herself.
In fact, when she accepted the original plot, she already had a general understanding of Qin Qianqian's plans.
She was too greedy and too selfish.
She hadn't seen these two traits in the Qin family, so she figured they must have been inherited from her own mother, who was capable of switching children.
Qin Qianqian may seem like a naive and innocent girl at first glance, but in reality, every choice she makes is in her own best interest. Did she give up the marriage with Wei Jing because she felt indebted to the original owner of this body?
No.
Her sudden change in status, coupled with gossip and the Princess Consort's own thoughts, led her to choose the simplest, most pitiful, and most effective path to silence public criticism. There are many who will kick someone when they're down, and many who will pity the weak.
Seeing how pitiful Qin Qianqian was, they knew that when others laughed at and talked about her, they would eventually stand up for her, and gradually, Qin Qianqian's reputation would improve.
Yes, as soon as the incident involving the real and fake heiresses occurred, Qin Qianqian's mind was filled with thoughts of herself, and she completely forgot about Wei Jing, who was merely a tool.
It was only because she was too certain, too certain that Wei Jing's love for her was deep and unwavering. This confidence was mainly due to Wei Jing's previous actions, such as defying the Princess Consort of Jian and going to the battlefield for her sake.
This unwavering conviction meant that even though she relinquished the engagement, she remained convinced that Wei Jing, because of their deep affection, could not live without her.
She may not have thought about it carefully when she did that; it was probably all subconscious.
But if it's subconscious, then this girl is even more terrifying.
Isn't it terrifying to be someone who can trick you with an innocent and naive face, and make you feel like she's wronged and doing you a favor, while you can't find a single flaw in her?
What Tang Ning needs to do now is to completely shatter all her convictions and disrupt her thoughts.
She wanted to let her know that even though they were childhood sweethearts and had a deep bond, Wei Jing wasn't necessarily indispensable to her. If Tang Ning wanted to, she could find a thousand ways to drive a wedge between them.
Thinking of this, Tang Ning's smile became even gentler, and her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with light, making the previously delicate and somewhat vulgar girl suddenly radiant and charming, with a tender and gentle demeanor.
For no apparent reason, Qin Qianqian felt even more depressed and panicked.
At this moment, she just wanted to escape from Tang Ning's side. However, she had just told Tang Ning that she would not disturb her and that she had to go first. Before she could turn around, Tang Ning immediately called out and stopped her.
"Qianqian, I've been back in the General's Mansion for almost half a month now, but I haven't had a proper chat with you yet. Usually, it's either because I'm too busy or we just don't see each other. Today we've finally met, so I wonder if you have time to sit down and have a good talk with me?"
Tang Ning gently reached out and took Qin Qianqian's hand, her face full of sincerity.
"But it's Prince Wei..."
Before Qin Qianqian could say anything after she finished speaking, Chunmian, who was always outspoken and stood behind Tang Ning, immediately reminded her.
Hearing her reminder, Tang Ning frowned slightly, then smiled slightly. "It's alright. Although I haven't had much interaction with Prince Wei, I can tell he's a magnanimous person and shouldn't blame me for this... But it's Qianqian, it's rare to run into her."
Qin Qianqian, who had nothing to say to Tang Ning and didn't want to talk to her, felt a strange sensation when she heard that Wei Jing was waiting for Tang Ning. So, at Tang Ning's urging, she stopped in her tracks.
Because they wanted to have a private chat, the two dismissed their maids and walked hand in hand to sit down on a side corridor.
Meanwhile, because of Qin Qianqian, Wei Jing, who was already very familiar with the General's Mansion, had specially dismissed his servants and was wandering around the garden hoping to bump into Qin Qianqian. He peered greedily at the profile of his beloved girl through the gaps in the artificial hill.
Tang Ning was dressed very beautifully today, especially beautiful. At first glance, he was indeed amazed. But no matter how beautiful she was, she was not his Qianqian, not the girl he had liked and cared about for so many years.
Moreover, if it weren't for her, they could have gotten married smoothly once Qianqian came of age, instead of having to avoid suspicion even when they meet in public.
Wei Jing, who was standing behind the artificial hill lost in thought, soon heard Tang Ning's voice.
"Actually, I should have talked to you properly sooner. Back then, you were still an infant. In the rush, the two families accidentally switched the babies. No one could have predicted that..."
Yes, it was an accidental mix-up at birth.
It is said that a dying person speaks kind words, but even as the wealthy merchant's wife's wet nurse was about to die, she still defended the wealthy merchant's wife in her words. When she told Tang Ning about the secret from back then, she didn't mention that it was the wealthy merchant's wife who asked her to switch the two girls. Instead, she took all the blame on herself, saying that the cave was too dark that day, the other maids didn't know how to do it, and she delivered two children by herself. She was so tired that she was dizzy and couldn't see clearly, and she accidentally switched the two babies. It was all her fault.
This is also the main reason why Tang Ning did not harbor resentment towards Qin Qianqian after returning to the General's Mansion, and why no one in the General's Mansion had any dissatisfaction or dislike towards Qin Qianqian.
Otherwise, given the Qin family's temperament, if they knew that the switch was requested by Qin Qianqian's birth mother herself, they probably wouldn't treat Qin Qianqian well now, and might even give her money and kick her out of the mansion.
But what can you do when the wet nurse is so loyal?
"...I was too impulsive to come to the General's Mansion to acknowledge my family before. I didn't consider your feelings at the time. But I was really desperate back then. Before I came to the capital, I had already...overheard my uncle and aunt, who were about to inherit the family property, discussing in private that they wanted to marry me off to the county magistrate of Xihe County as his second wife. That magistrate is already fifty years old. I really...had no other choice, so I...I hope you haven't blamed me in your heart."
Tang Ning showed a slightly apologetic expression.
Upon seeing Tang Ning like this, Qin Qianqian immediately waved her hand, "No, no, how could that be? Actually, it's me who took advantage of you. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have encountered this situation..."
"It's alright, it's all in the past. I'm back at the General's Mansion, back with my father and mother. I'm already very content. There's just one more thing..."
At this point, Tang Ning seemed unsure how to begin.
Sensing what she was about to say, Qin Qianqian subconsciously held her breath.
Then Qin Qianqian and Wei Jing, who were standing behind the rockery, heard Tang Ning tentatively speak, "Actually, I've been back in the General's Mansion and the capital for a while now. My mother has also taken me to meet some people and attend several banquets. Even if I was unclear before, I now understand you and Prince Wei... Hmm, so today I want to ask you, and I hope you can tell me honestly, do you still have feelings for Prince Wei?"
"What I mean is, if you still have feelings for him, I will not deliberately hinder your marriage. I will also talk to my mother and Princess Consort of Jian and return this marriage to you. Just like my mother said, I am the daughter of the General's Mansion. As long as she spreads the word to arrange a marriage, she can still find some excellent men. You don't owe me anything, so there's no need for you to give up this good marriage to me."
Tang Ning spoke with a serious expression.
Actually, when watching the original story, Tang Ning always felt that the original owner was really infatuated with Wei Jing's heroic rescue back then. It's impossible for her not to know Wei Jing's feelings for Qin Qianqian. She was just bewitched by Wei Jing's later attentiveness and the first time she had ever been moved. She thought that if the two of them got married, Wei Jing might turn his attention back to her, who had borne him children.
Who would have thought those two would pull off such a daring stunt?
What? Only by involving an innocent person can their obsessive and difficult love be highlighted?
Tang Ning scoffed inwardly, but her eyes remained fixed on Qin Qianqian's eyes, while her peripheral vision subtly glanced at the artificial hill.
Standing behind the artificial hill, Wei Jing felt as if the road had suddenly turned around, and he was so happy that he didn't know what to do.
After all, he had returned too late before, and by then his fiancée had already been replaced. His mother only told him that she would find him a new wife and that he should stop thinking about Qianqian. Qianqian, on the other hand, was cold and indifferent. No matter how he asked, she would only tell him to go find Tang Ning and not to come looking for her anymore. Yet, Tang Ning, when facing him, was all shy and timid.
How could he not misunderstand? It was Tang Ning, who had returned to the General's Mansion, who forced Qianqian to give up the marriage. Qianqian had no choice but to give up the marriage with him out of helplessness.
After hearing this, he realized he had misunderstood. However, he still felt that although Qianqian wasn't forced by Tang Ning, she might have been forced by his mother. Most importantly, Tang Ning was now willing to withdraw voluntarily and even willing to explain things to the General's wife and his mother himself.
This immediately improved his opinion of Tang Ning.
Now that he's back from the army, Qianqian isn't alone anymore. She still has him. Their love is so deep, she's sure...
"Need not!"
Qin Qianqian, who was unaware of Wei Jing's existence, refused without hesitation.
Putting aside how Madam Qin and Princess Jian will view her after Tang Ning explains things to them, just thinking about those outsiders—if they knew she had gone back on her word and snatched the marriage back, they would probably drown her in their spittle. Just imagining that scene made her feel a chill run down her spine.
She couldn't stand it, she really couldn't stand it.
Therefore, she absolutely could not let Tang Ning say it, absolutely not.
Thinking this, Qin Qianqian grabbed Tang Ning's hand and hurriedly explained, "Really, really, there's no need. My feelings for Brother Jing aren't what people outside say. I genuinely want to give this marriage to you. You really don't need to tell Mother or Princess Jian..."
"But I see that Prince Wei treats you rather..."
Tang Ning raised an eyebrow in her mind, but her face was full of hesitation.
"No, really no. The only reason we were a little closer before was because of our engagement. I... I've always considered him my brother all these years... Yes, just a brother, so you don't need to feel so burdened. Just get along well with him. I know, I can see that you also... you have feelings for Jing-gege. You really don't need to make any decisions against your will because of me..."
Qin Qianqian earnestly offered this advice.
Girl, you're making too many promises!
Tang Ning blushed slightly and chuckled to herself.
"Is that so? Then I'm relieved. Otherwise, I would have felt so guilty and uneasy..."
Tang Ning let out a sigh of relief, then glanced at the sun outside and exclaimed in surprise.
"Is it already this late? Prince Wei is probably still waiting for me outside. I really have to go, Chunmian."
Tang Ning called out to the round-faced maid who was standing idly by her side.
Seeing her about to leave, Qin Qianqian, who had finally managed to dissuade her from the idea, felt a sense of relief. However, she hesitated for a moment. It had been seven days since she and Wei Jing had parted on bad terms. She hadn't seen him for a full seven days, especially since he was going out with Tang Ning, who was dressed so beautifully. Should she...?
On a whim, Qin Qianqian said that she hadn't seen Wei Jing for a long time and wondered if she could come and meet him. She didn't mean anything by it; she just wanted to say a few words to him and come back immediately. After all, Wei Jing had just returned from the army, and she hadn't even asked him a single question yet!
Tang Ning was quite magnanimous about this. After all, the other party had even said classic lines like "brother and sister," so what did she have to mind? Besides, she was also very curious to see how Wei Jing would treat Qin Qianqian after hearing those words.
I'm really looking forward to it!
Tang Ning's smile was so sincere and genuine.
Just as Chunmian, who was following behind Tang Ning, was about to say something, she was gently tugged by Chun Tan beside her. Knowing that she was not as quick-witted as Chun Tan, Chunmian swallowed back the words that were already on the tip of her tongue.
However, Tang Ning still noticed their little actions.
To be honest, it wasn't that no one recognized that Ji Muqing, who had changed her face, wasn't the original owner. Didn't the two maids, Chunmian and Chuntan, notice it? Not only did they notice it, but the usually smooth-talking Chuntan even had the urge to tell the General's Mansion. The main reason was that the original owner had always treated them very well. Although they were called maids, they actually lived no different from pampered young ladies. Moreover, when the two maids had sick family members, it was the original owner who paid for their medical expenses and even let them go home to take care of them.
Humans are not plants or trees, how can they be without feelings? Although these two maids seem to be one naive and impulsive and the other shrewd and reserved, they are actually both incredibly loyal.
Unfortunately, neither of the two who were caught in the betrayal met a good end. Chun Tan was already embroidering her wedding dress; she was about to marry the man she loved. But on the night before her wedding, she accidentally fell into a well.
Even Tang Ning, who had read the entire original story, couldn't figure out who was behind it.
Thinking of this, Tang Ning walked forward, chatting and laughing with Qin Qianqian who was walking beside her.
Then, she saw Qin Qianqian, who had been smiling, suddenly stop smiling. Not only that, but she also stared intently at the two of them without blinking.
Seeing this, Tang Ning also turned her head and saw a handsome young man in a moon-white robe standing under the osmanthus tree in front of her. Who else could it be but Wei Jing?
The young man's jet-black hair was tied up high, his eyebrows were like swords reaching his temples, his eyes were like cold stars, and his nose was high and straight. Perhaps it was because of his military training, but just standing there, he looked like a tall and straight pine tree, full of heroic spirit.
As if hearing their movements, Wei Jing under the tree also raised his eyes. Even from a distance, Tang Ning still noticed that his dark eyes, as deep as a well, narrowed slightly. Then, a unique smile appeared on his lips, and he walked towards Tang Ning and Qin Qianqian.
Tang Ning was fine, but Qin Qianqian, who was standing to her side, couldn't help but breathe rapidly when she saw Wei Jing walking slowly towards her.
But when she thought of Tang Ning standing beside her, and of the fact that she and Wei Jing were no longer engaged, Qin Qianqian's gaze slowly turned cold, and her eyes lowered.
Even so, she knew that Wei Jing's gaze was definitely on her at that moment.
He was always like this, no matter when, always so openly fond of her, but it was precisely because of this that he attracted jealous gossips and drew his mother's dislike and rejection.
Qin Qianqian thought to herself with a mixture of sweetness and annoyance.
Then she heard Wei Jing, who had already come up to her and Tang Ning, say with a smile, "Why are you so late today? I've been waiting for you for quite a while. We agreed yesterday to take you boating on the lake. I bet the boatman I chartered is thinking to himself that he was supposed to arrive at 7:00 AM, but now it's almost 9:00 AM. So, can we go now?"
Standing in front of Tang Ning, Wei Jing said with a smile.
Upon hearing his words, Tang Ning didn't react at first, but Qin Qianqian immediately looked up.
She stared blankly at Wei Jing beside her, who was smiling at Tang Ning, but didn't give her a single glance.
Qin Qianqian's heart sank instantly.
"I'm so sorry, I ran into Qianqian earlier and chatted with her for a bit longer. I'm sorry for taking up your time..."
Tang Ning hurriedly apologized.
Upon hearing the words "Qianqian sister," Wei Jing's expression remained completely unchanged, and his gaze showed no intention of falling upon Qin Qianqian.
"Hmm, it's okay, I'm not blaming you. Can we go out now?"
His gaze remained fixed on Tang Ning's face.
"Of course! Well... Qianqian, I'll head out now. Please tell my mother I'll be back soon."
As she spoke, she gestured to Chun Tan beside her.
The maidservant immediately stepped forward to put the veil on her, but unexpectedly, Wei Jing took the veil directly from Chun Tan's hand.
"I'll do it."
As he said this, he raised his hand and carefully put the white veil on Tang Ning's head.
"Thank you... thank you, Prince Wei."
"It sounds rather strange to keep calling me Prince Wei. Why don't you call me A-Jing or Brother Jing, just like Miss Qin does?"
Wei Jing raised an eyebrow.
"ah?"
Tang Ning subconsciously turned her head to look at Qin Qianqian beside her. Because of the white veil covering her veil, she couldn't see what the other person's expression was, but it couldn't be too good.
After reading it, Tang Ning hesitated for a moment, then softly called out, "Jing... Brother Jing..."
Upon hearing this address, Wei Jing paused for a moment, and was about to turn around when he noticed Qin Qianqian's reddened eyes.
With just one glance, Wei Jing clenched his fist.
Didn't he say he genuinely gave up the marriage? Didn't he want him to get along well with Tang Ning? Wasn't he... wasn't he just said to be her brother?
Who are you trying to impress with this attitude?
Qin Qianqian!
He growled this in his mind through gritted teeth.
Heaven knows, when he was hiding behind the rockery, he went from joy to anger the moment he heard Tang Ning agree to return the marriage contract to Qianqian, and then when Qianqian said those words herself. He originally thought it was Tang Ning's insistence, his mother's coercion, or even the general's mansion's pressure that forced Qin Qianqian to give up the marriage.
Now it seems that no, not at all.
No one forced her; she herself wanted to give up the marriage. All the affection and sweetness before were just him being delusional.
That's so interesting!
Wei Jing's eyes also turned red.
Sensing this silent hushed atmosphere, Tang Ning couldn't help but inwardly chuckle to herself, as if she were enjoying a good show.
This isn't even the ultimate move! It was just a small act of sowing discord, and the two of them have already gotten into this mess. The difficulty is too low, it really doesn't give her a good gaming experience!
Wei Jing's current favorability rating: 15.
Author's Note: This is the first update. The next update should be after midnight, so please don't wait up!
P.S.: The nickname "Wei Jing = MSG" is pretty good, hahaha~~ And then there's Qin Qianqian's personality... seriously, some people say she's like Yin Yuqing, but she's much more selfish and clever than Yin Yuqing. You know, she wants her reputation but can't bear to part with Wei Jing, so what's the implied meaning? It means she can only sacrifice Tang Ning's reputation. But she didn't say that, nor did she do that. Who told Wei Jing to love her? Who told the two of them to be unable to control themselves? Tsk tsk. She deserves Ningning to handle her!
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