Tonight's meticulously arranged family dinner was clearly intended to foster a closer relationship between Chu Pingyao and the Crown Prince, allowing them to become more familiar with each other.
However, the two main characters remained unusually calm, as if nothing had happened to them. They simply enjoyed the food and wine as usual.
Chu Pingyao savored each dish at a leisurely pace, seemingly enjoying the pleasure that the food brought. The Crown Prince, on the other hand, was even more elegant and poised, sipping wine and watching the song and dance performances, seemingly completely unaffected by any external influences.
Chu Pingyao is a woman, so it's understandable that she should be reserved, but it feels a bit off that the Crown Prince hasn't offered her a toast at the celebration banquet.
It's not easy for a young girl like her, all alone, to attend this so-called family banquet.
Rong Ning couldn't bear to see the young lady so embarrassed, so she kicked the Crown Prince under the table and then gave him a look, signaling him to be gentle with her.
The Crown Prince was startled by the kick, but then understood Rong Ning's intention. He cleared his throat, picked up his wine cup, and smiled at Chu Pingyao, saying, "Miss Chu, it is truly an honor for me to sit with you today. Please drink this cup, and may you feel at home at this banquet."
Chu Pingyao smiled faintly, took the wine glass, and thanked her softly.
Rong Ning took the initiative to start a conversation, and the atmosphere gradually became more lively.
The only person the three of them knew well was Chu Pingfeng, so most of the conversation revolved around him.
Later, he turned to poetry and prose.
Rong Ning isn't an expert in these areas, so she won't elaborate. Let the two of them speak.
Midway through the banquet, Rong Ning felt extremely awkward and bored, caught between Chu Pingyao and the Crown Prince. She began to feel that this occasion was not suitable for her, so she found a suitable excuse and quietly left the banquet.
After leaving the banquet, Rong Ning decided to return to Zhaoqing Palace to continue resting.
In her bedchamber of Zhaoqing Palace, Rong Ning lay on her bed, closed her eyes, and tried to drift off to sleep. She knew that only in dreams could she temporarily forget the troubles and pressures of reality. She longed for a peaceful night to allow her body and mind to completely relax and recover.
She hasn't been able to get a good night's sleep lately. Only by getting enough rest and recharging can she better face whatever might happen next.
Seeing her father's current attitude, it seemed he didn't want her to get involved in the affairs of the North, so the next day, Rong Ning left the palace and returned to the princess's residence.
She knew that although her father hadn't said it explicitly, his eyes and tone revealed that he didn't want her to get involved in the affairs of the North. Rong Ning understood that her father's expectations and demands of her were quite different from her own thoughts.
She made her desires very clear, but her father was clearly not able to satisfy them.
So staying in the palace is meaningless.
Once she was determined to leave, no one could stop her. By the time the emperor received the news, it was too late to arrest her, and he couldn't bring her back.
Rong Ning acted swiftly and decisively, giving no one time to react.
After returning to the princess's residence, she immediately began to sort out the accounts. She knew that if she wanted to make a difference in the court, she first had to manage the property left to her by her elder sister in an orderly manner.
The emperor had no choice but to send Eunuch Qi, a trusted confidant of the emperor, to the princess's residence with the emperor's gifts and instructions. In a way, this was also a form of appeasement.
The gifts included exquisite jewelry, fine silks and satins, and some precious antiques and paintings.
Rong Ning was not interested in these material rewards; what she cared more about was whether she could gain her father's trust and be allowed to participate in the affairs of the North.
But the emperor also sent a message through Eunuch Qi, telling her not to act recklessly.
Rong Ning was fine with it; it went in one ear and out the other.
She received Eunuch Qi politely, but paid no heed to the emperor's gifts and instructions. She knew these were merely her father's attempts to appease her, and she had no intention of changing her plans or resolve because of them.
If she had listened to others, none of this would have happened.
Rong Ning possesses a stubborn and independent nature; she is unwilling to be bound by traditional roles. From a young age, she has displayed extraordinary talent and wisdom, and no one can confine her.
Furthermore, what exactly constitutes reckless and arbitrary behavior?
Rong Ning just didn't understand! How could this word be used to describe her?
She asked herself if her actions had always been well-considered, and if everything she did was for the long-term interests of her country and family, without ever showing favoritism.
My only selfish motive was for my older sister.
She didn't understand why her behavior was seen as rash and irresponsible by her father and other ministers.
Does that mean everything she did before was completely useless to them?
I doubt it!
It was utterly baffling. Rong Ning was filled with doubt and resentment; she couldn't understand why her father and the court officials always held prejudices against her.
Rong Ning firmly believes in her abilities, and she believes that her efforts and contributions are worthwhile. She is unwilling to accept others questioning her abilities, and even less willing to accept others denying her character.
Thinking about all this, Rong Ning's heart was filled with worries. After seeing Eunuch Qi off, she secretly sent A Ying out of the manor to gather some important information.
She knew she was someone who could stir up trouble, and since returning to Nanyang City, many eyes were undoubtedly watching her every move. Therefore, she couldn't easily leave the princess's residence, lest she cause unnecessary trouble and ruin her plans.
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