A Marriage of Convenience with a Love-Struck Regent: From Arrangement to Love [GL] - Chapter 3

Ning Huanyi, who usually took care to check if there were any dishes she liked, today simply grabbed the young maid’s sleeve, her almond-shaped eyes still glistening with tears from her earlier coughing spell. “Has the kitchen remembered to make the locust flower pastries?”

The maid nodded truthfully, explaining that the pastries were already shaped and just waiting to be steamed. Only then did Ning Huanyi relax, take a deep breath, and sit down at the table to start her breakfast.

“This humble servant dares to request a reward.”

In the Chengyun Grand Hall of the imperial palace, the morning court session had just concluded. Xiao Ning’an remained behind to report on matters—though “report” was a euphemism for negotiating her rewards.

The Emperor eyed her warily, his hands resting on the arms of the dragon throne. Xiao Ning’an had led the armies that conquered most of Yongli’s territory. She could have claimed the throne herself back then, yet she had chosen the title of Regent Prince instead, and now she sought additional compensation.

“Is it the Northern Military Authority you seek? Or the Southern Trade Authority… or perhaps…” As the Emperor spoke, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense, like drawn swords. Xiao Ning’an narrowed her phoenix eyes, well aware that this young emperor still harbored suspicions toward her.

The Emperor himself felt conflicted. Xiao Ning’an had once been offered the throne but refused, instead claiming the power of regency. Though her wisdom and valor, she had indeed saved Yongli from ruin, now that he held the reins of power, he couldn’t afford to grant her any more unreasonable demands.
“This humble minister boldly requests permission to arrange a marriage. Though the law allowing same-sex marriage has been in place for over fifty years, few dare to take the first step. As Regent Minister, it is my duty to fulfill the late Empress’s cherished wish.”
“Ah???” The Emperor was utterly bewildered.

This was likely the longest speech Xiao Ning’an had delivered since returning to court. The Emperor’s carefully laid plans were crumbling, but upon hearing her words and observing her carefully… there seemed to be a subtle change in her expression.

Coming to his senses, the Emperor couldn’t help but chuckle. “Just say you’ve fallen for someone and don’t drag out the late Empress’s wish as a grand pretext. Go on, which young lady has caught your eye?”

With this, the atmosphere in Chengyun Grand Hall finally eased. The tension between them seemed to melt away, returning to the playful banter of their childhood friendship.

Xiao Ning’an’s face remained solemn. Unlike the Emperor’s teasing, she took this marriage matter seriously.

“The eldest daughter of the Ning Family of the Marquis of Yongchang Residence, Ning Huanyi.”

“The Ning Family, hmm…” The Emperor pondered for a moment. He had heard whispers of the Liu Family’s recent annulment in the capital. Now, gossip mocking Ning Huanyi was rampant throughout the city. Indeed, arranging a marriage might be the best way to quell this storm.

“Is this truly appropriate?” Xiao Ning’an asked, her usually composed face betraying a hint of anxiety.

The Emperor shook his head, swiftly writing the imperial decree with a broad stroke of his brush. He affixed the Imperial Seal and turned to send an eunuch to deliver it, but Xiao Ning’an stepped forward to stop him.

“We don’t yet know if she’s willing,” she said. “If she rejects this marriage, I ask Your Majesty to revoke the decree.”

Even Xiao Ning’an hadn’t expected the Emperor to act so swiftly. But she couldn’t force this upon Ning Huanyi if she didn’t consent.
Moreover, though everyone in the Capital City now knew that the Regent Prince, who had been granted the title three years prior, had returned to court yesterday. The absence of the Regent from the city for so long left her uncertain about how the Marquis of Yongchang’s family felt about her, a lone woman, residing in the Regent Prince’s Residence.

Xiao Ning’an’s worry was obvious on her face.

The Emperor, however, was shocked. He’d never seen Xiao Ning’an so troubled over anything before.

Since the decree hadn’t been officially proclaimed, it could easily be revoked. The Emperor placed the decree in Xiao Ning’an’s palm. After a moment of silence, he said, “Keep this decree with you. If you believe there’s a chance this will work, bring it to one of the eunuchs at my side to proclaim it. Otherwise, dispose of it as you see fit.”

Xiao Ning’an bowed in gratitude and turned to leave the Chengyun Grand Hall.

The second floor of Ruyi Workshop was surprisingly quiet. Ning Huanyi hadn’t brought many attendants, considering she was technically sneaking out of the Marquis of Yongchang Residence without her parents’ knowledge.

Apart from the Shadow Guard waiting outside in the shadows, only Qingdai remained at the staircase to greet her.

Ning Huanyi arrived at the private room she’d used the previous day, carrying a finely crafted food box, her heart beating with nervous anticipation.

It was still half an hour before noon, and the room was empty when she arrived. As she set the fragrant box on the small table, she realized this clandestine meeting was no different from a secret rendezvous.

Although Yongli didn’t strictly enforce seclusion for women, a young lady of the Capital City’s elite families was expected to be discerning about whom she met. Bai Yingying’s concerns from yesterday rang true: if this woman in military attire had an unknown background or posed a threat to the Capital City…

Only now did Ning Huanyi begin to worry, chiding herself for being blinded by lust. She resolved to simply hand over the pastry box when the woman arrived and leave. But hour after hour passed, and by noon, there was still no sign of her.

Frowning, Ning Huanyi pushed open the second-floor window and looked down, but the woman in military attire from yesterday was nowhere to be seen in front of the Ruyi Workshop.

“How could she be late to her own appointment?” Ning Huanyi muttered, her usually soft voice now tinged with resentment. She set the box on the table, unwilling to leave just yet. She wanted to ask the waiter if he’d seen the woman.

But as soon as she pushed open the private room door, she saw a familiar figure. Instinctively, she tried to duck back inside, but it was too late.

“Ah, Miss Ning?”

Caught, Ning Huanyi nodded and turned to face him, forcing a polite smile.

“I never expected the Young Master Liu to have such leisurely interests, strolling through a place like Ruyi Workshop, a favorite haunt of women,” she said, her smile not reaching her eyes. She’d never felt such intense loathing toward anyone before.

This was Liu Jingming, the second son of the Liu family of the Marquis of Xianyang Residence, who had recently made a high-profile annulment of their engagement. Though he appeared gentle and refined, his actions and those of his family the previous day had thoroughly undermined any reputation for integrity.

An annulment is one thing, Ning Huanyi thought, but to insinuate that it was because of my poor health… I can’t stand him.

Her earlier attempt to avoid him stemmed from a deep desire to have nothing to do with him, not even a single word.

“Miss Ning, you’re mistaken,” Liu Jingming said, his ordinary yet self-assured demeanor utterly repulsive. “I know you still harbor feelings for me. The annulment must have deeply wounded you.”

Ning Huanyi never imagined that the Liu Jingming she remembered was her childhood playmate who had always been so solicitous about her health, could become such a despicable person. She lost all interest in speaking to him. As Liu Jingming moved to approach her, she shot him a look of utter disdain.

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