But the Crown Prince felt she was being stubborn and said in a panic, "A-Ning, I was wrong. You've been away for the past few years, and I haven't paid much attention to you. It's my fault."
wrong?
What did I do wrong?
Rong Ning felt strange. "Big brother...you're not wrong. You don't understand my preferences, and I don't understand yours either."
These past few years, you've been training in the court with Father, while I've been having a great time playing outside. We haven't had time to pay attention to each other. Even when you were so young and overwhelmed with court affairs, I was having so much fun that I didn't even think about you, my older brother.
To be honest, if it weren't for my older sister keeping things in check, I might have completely forgotten that you, my older brother, even existed.
You need to understand, I'll buy whatever I like to eat myself; it's not like I can't afford it. Just because you can't say what I like doesn't mean you're an irresponsible older brother or that you don't care about your younger sister.
I'm not so bored, nor am I so absurd and pathetic as to use these trivial things to measure how important I am to you.
So, brother, you don't need to feel guilty about these little things; it's pointless.
At this point, Rong Ning sighed slightly, looked at the Crown Prince's stunned face, thought for a moment, and then continued, "Actually, after my sister left, I sometimes reflected on whether I was too cold-blooded. In the past, in that huge Yuwang Mansion, apart from my sister, I really did not care about anyone else."
This applies to you, and it applies to Father as well.
"Sometimes I even feel that you are the same kind of person as the Emperor."
Weigh the pros and cons of everything.
But upon closer reflection, you are different. Everything Father did was to consolidate his imperial power; the scales in his heart always tipped towards the supreme position.
And you, though ambitious, are not without warmth. Your feelings for my sister and me are genuine; I can feel it.
The crown prince was stunned; he hadn't expected Rong Ning to say such things to him.
He gathered the candied hawthorns, but didn't know where to put them. He had no appetite for them anymore, so he frowned and gave the two skewers to Aying and Aheng, who had been following them.
"You two take it... If A-Ning doesn't like it, then I don't like it either!"
Aying and Aheng exchanged glances, looking at the candied hawthorns that had suddenly appeared in their hands, and then at the Crown Prince's slightly embarrassed yet feigned composure, secretly chuckling to themselves.
But they were well-trained and remained outwardly calm, respectfully accepting the candied hawthorns and saying in a low voice, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Rong Ning was not polite and directly mocked the Crown Prince, "How childish! Eat what you like. Don't stop eating just because I don't want to. I won't laugh at you for being greedy."
"Alright, alright..."
The prince waved his hand impatiently, "I don't like it either, take it away!"
This movement has a youthful air about it, unlike his usual calm and reserved demeanor.
A barely perceptible smile played on his lips, and his eyes shone with an unprecedented light, as if at this moment, he had shed all his defenses and pretenses, wanting only to fully enjoy this rare sense of ease and freedom.
A light, seemingly appearing out of nowhere in the night, shone on his face, adding warmth and vitality to him.
This is truly a rare sight.
Rong Ning smiled slightly, in a good mood, and walked forward with her hands behind her back like a little adult.
They strolled along the stone-paved road, experiencing the unique lively atmosphere of Kangye City.
The moonlight, like water, poured onto the ancient city walls, draping this historic city in a mysterious silver veil.
Occasionally, a gentle breeze would blow by, bringing a refreshing coolness and seemingly taking away a trace of their restlessness and unease.
Walking in the darkness of the night, they couldn't help but slow down and begin to savor this rare tranquility and peace.
In a teahouse by the street, the aroma of tea wafts through the air. Several elderly men sit around a table, sipping tea and discussing philosophy. Their composure and tranquility inspire longing in others.
On the distant stage, bright lights illuminated a spectacular opera performance. The melodious singing, gorgeous costumes, and vivid acting captivated the audience, allowing them to forget the troubles of the world.
I'm going back to Nanyang City tomorrow, and I don't know when I'll be able to come back here.
Rong Ning led the Crown Prince to the meat pie shop. Before they even arrived, the aroma of the meat pies wafted into their noses. "This is the best beef pie I've ever had in the North. The night before my sister went to Dajing, I specially sneaked out to buy her a few pieces."
You should try some too…
Before she even reached the shop, the owner saw her and greeted her with a smile, "Oh my, Your Highness, it's been so long! You've lost so much weight! Have you not been eating properly?"
The owner of the meat pie shop was a woman, and everyone called her Yan Niang.
Although the battle at Kangye City was a great victory, the casualties were heavy. Many people in the city spontaneously went to take care of the wounded soldiers, and Yan Niang was one of them.
She pulled Rong Ning close, looked her up and down, and spoke in a familiar tone…
"Alright, Yan Niang," Rong Ning stopped her movement and said with a smile, "I have been quite tired lately, but it's not as exaggerated as you say. As for you, how have you been lately?"
"I'm... perfectly fine!" Yan Niang smiled brightly, looking at the Crown Prince beside her with piercing eyes, "Your Highness, which distinguished guest have you brought?"
Rong Ning smiled and nodded, glancing at the person beside her, and casually said, "This is an old friend of mine from Nanyang City. He came from afar, having heard that your beef patties are famous far and wide, so he specially brought him here to try them."
Upon hearing this, Yan Niang covered her mouth in surprise and said, "This distinguished guest, could it be the young master who followed His Highness that Sister Ting from the clothing shop mentioned yesterday?"
The crown prince was already numb to these words.
Sure enough, in this small town, such rumors spread like wildfire.
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