As Ning Zixuan pondered, a slight smile crept onto his lips. He quickly noticed the change in his expression, shook his head vigorously, and forced himself to focus on the account book.
Xia Yue went to report to Jiang Yuwei after leaving Ning Zixuan's courtyard.
"Madam, the Crown Prince said he has many things to attend to and cannot come, so he has come to have dinner with the Princess."
Jiang Yuwei smiled and nodded.
"Alright, I understand. You stay in the kitchen and tell them to serve the dishes in a little while. I suppose Princess Anping doesn't have much to talk about with the Princess Consort."
After saying that, Jiang Yuwei left the kitchen and hurried to Diancui Courtyard.
As soon as Jiang Yuwei entered the room, she saw that the Princess Consort and Princess Anping were no longer as warm as before. It was Princess Anping who was making small talk, while the Princess Consort responded with a faint smile.
When Princess Anping saw Jiang Yuwei enter, she immediately gave her a disgusted sidelong glance and deliberately turned her body away from her.
Seeing her like this, Jiang Yuwei couldn't help but feel a little angry. She had been so unfriendly to her since she came in this morning, so she didn't need to save face for her now.
So Jiang Yuwei bowed to the princess and said with a smile:
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince happens to be home today and was planning to have lunch with you."
Princess Anping, who had been sitting sideways, immediately straightened up upon hearing Jiang Yuwei's words, her face lighting up with joy. She pricked up her ears, eager to hear what Jiang Yuwei would say next.
Jiang Yuwei glanced at her sideways and continued:
"But when the young master sent someone to deliver the message just now, he learned that Princess Anping was also at the residence, so he couldn't come over."
Upon hearing Jiang Yuwei's words, Princess Anping, who had just sat up straight, slumped back down as if deflated.
The princess watched her little gesture and couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.
"That Zixuan is something else. He and Anping have been friends since childhood, so they should be close friends. Why are they acting all coy now? It's not like it's just the two of them eating together, why are they being so particular about the difference between men and women?"
Princess Anping's eyes lit up upon hearing the Princess's words, and she then looked at Jiang Yuwei and said:
"Madam Jiang, please have someone tell the young master that I don't mind him coming to dine with the princess. It will be more lively with more people."
When Jiang Yuwei saw that Princess Anping was willing to say such a thing, she thought that Princess Anping was really not hiding anything. If she really met Ning Zixuan, wouldn't she pounce on him?
Jiang Yuwei raised an eyebrow at Princess Anping with a half-smile.
“Princess Anping, please don’t take it to heart. The young master has plenty of opportunities to dine with the princess on ordinary days. Since you came here specifically to see the princess today, it is understandable that the young master did not want to disturb your conversation.”
Princess Anping's face stiffened upon hearing Jiang Yuwei's words. She clenched her handkerchief tightly and nodded with an awkward smile.
"Yes, yes, that's right. I came here today just to keep the Princess company and chat for a while. I must thank the Prince for his understanding."
Jiang Yuwei gave Princess Anping a faint smile, but it made Princess Anping want to tear her apart.
Soon, Xia Yue and her entourage arrived at the Princess's courtyard to serve the dishes.
Princess Anping had no appetite at this moment, only thinking about whether she could run into Ning Zixuan when she left the manor. Jiang Yuwei noticed that she was distracted, so she smiled and urged her to eat quickly.
Princess Anping glared at her, then lowered her head, ate a few bites, and lost her appetite.
"It seems Princess Anping is dissatisfied with the food at Prince Jing's residence?"
Jiang Yuwei smiled and looked at the absent-minded Princess Anping before speaking.
Upon hearing this, the princess looked up at Princess Anping.
Princess Anping, seeing this, quickly waved her hand and explained:
"No, no, this food suits my taste perfectly. I just ate a bit too much for breakfast, so I don't have much of an appetite right now. I still really enjoy the food at the Prince's Mansion."
After saying that, Princess Anping hurriedly stuffed food into her mouth.
Upon seeing this, the princess smiled and said:
"Anping, eat slowly even if it's delicious, don't choke."
Princess Anping nodded hastily in agreement. The three women were preoccupied with their own thoughts during the meal. Only after Anping had left did the Princess turn to Jiang Yuwei and speak:
“Yuwei, I noticed that Princess Anping doesn’t seem to like you much. Is there some kind of conflict between you two?”
Jiang Yuwei smiled and poured a cup of tea for the princess.
"I've only met Princess Anping three times, including this time. What grudge could I possibly have against her? I reckon Qinglan spoke ill of me to her."
Jiang Yuwei sat down and said with a smile:
“I see that Princess Anping and Princess Qinglan are very close. I suppose Princess Anping is thinking of avenging her good friend.”
The princess nodded slightly after hearing Jiang Yuwei's words.
"After today's interaction, I think Princess Anping is also a bit clueless and doesn't seem like she's up to any great responsibility. It's a pity that she has such a beautiful face and a good family background."
Jiang Yuwei smiled faintly:
“I don’t think there’s anything to regret. If the young master liked her, then it would indeed be a pity. But right now, I think the young master not only doesn’t like her, but actually finds her somewhat repulsive.”
As she spoke, Jiang Yuwei picked up the teacup on the table and took a small sip.
"Actually, I specifically asked Xia Yue to go to the Prince's courtyard today to invite him over to have lunch with you and Princess Anping, but when the Prince heard that Princess Anping was also coming, he refused to come no matter what."
The princess frowned and rubbed her forehead.
"Sigh, now I can't figure out what kind of princess this child wants to find."
Jiang Yuwei recalled how Ning Zixuan had sat obediently beside Wang Yuru at the food court that day, and couldn't help but smile as she stood up.
"Your Highness need not worry, fate will decide your destiny."
After speaking, Jiang Yuwei glanced at Qin'er, who was standing with her head bowed behind the princess, and then bowed to the princess.
"Your Highness, there's nothing else to do in your courtyard right now, so I'll head back now and come see you again tomorrow."
The princess nodded.
After leaving the princess's room, Jiang Yuwei turned and entered a small hut next to the princess's room. Jiang Yuwei knew that no one lived in this hut; it was the hut where Ning Wan had stayed when she was injured in the palace.
Jiang Yuwei waited in the room until dark, then saw Qin'er sneak out of the princess's room and run to the maid's room. Jiang Yuwei quickly took the opportunity to leave the room and enter the princess's room.
The princess thought it was Qin'er returning, so she said:
"Qin'er, light the incense burner. I'll burn some incense for a while and then go to sleep."
Jiang Yuwei quickly stepped forward and whispered:
"Your Highness, please don't speak. It's me. Just pretend you didn't see me come in."
As the two were talking, they heard the door outside open, and Qin'er's voice rang out.
"Your Highness, I've brought you the incense."
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