Married First, Love Later with the Love-Brained Regent - Chapter 3

Ning Huanyi usually cared about whether there was food she liked, but today she directly grabbed the sleeve of her little maid. Her almond-shaped eyes were still moist with tears from her earlier coughing fit: “Did the kitchen aunties remember to make the locust flower cakes?”

The little maid nodded truthfully, informing her that the locust flower cakes were already shaped and just waiting to be steamed. Only then did Ning Huanyi relax, smoothing her breath as she sat down at the dining table to begin her breakfast.

“This humble subject dares to request a reward.”

At this moment, in the Chengyun Hall of the imperial palace, the morning court session had just concluded. Xiao Ning’an stayed behind alone to report matters to the emperor—though it was framed as a report, it was actually a request for a reward.

The emperor was somewhat suspicious, his hands resting on the dragon throne as he paused in his steps. After all, Xiao Ning’an had led the troops to conquer more than half of Yongli’s territory. Back then, she could have even taken the throne for herself if she had wanted. Now, having just been granted the title of regent, she was suddenly asking for another reward.

“Is it the military authority in the north, or the trade rights in the south… or…?” As soon as the emperor spoke, the atmosphere in the Chengyun Hall grew tense. Xiao Ning’an narrowed her phoenix eyes, well aware that the young emperor still harbored reservations about her.

The emperor himself felt conflicted. Back then, the throne had been laid out before Xiao Ning’an, yet she had chosen not to take it—only to request the authority of regent instead. Though her wisdom and bravery had indeed saved Yongli from peril, now that he was the one in power, if Xiao Ning’an were to make too many excessive demands…

“This humble subject dares to request an imperial marriage decree. Though the law permitting same-sex marriage has been in place for over fifty years, few have dared to take the first step. As a regent, it is my duty to fulfill the late empress’s long-cherished wish.”

“Ah???” The emperor was utterly stunned.

This was probably the longest speech Xiao Ning’an had given since returning to court. The emperor’s little calculations were completely shattered. Yet, upon hearing her words and taking a closer look… Xiao Ning’an’s expression seemed unusually earnest.

Snapping out of his daze, the emperor couldn’t help but laugh. “If you fancy the girl, just say so. No need to drag out the late empress’s wishes as an excuse. Go on, which family’s daughter has caught your eye?”

With that, the atmosphere in the Chengyun Hall finally eased, and the mood between the two of them seemed to return to their childhood days, when they could still tease each other.

Xiao Ning’an’s face remained solemn. Compared to the emperor’s jesting, she took this marriage far more seriously.

“The eldest daughter of the Ning family of Yongchang Marquis Manor—Ning Huanyi.”

“The Ning family…” The emperor pondered for a moment. Yesterday, the news of the Liu family’s broken engagement had reached the palace in bits and pieces. Right now, the gossip mocking Ning Huanyi was rampant in the capital. An imperial marriage decree would indeed be the best way to quell such rumors.

“Is there a problem?” Xiao Ning’an grew nervous, her usually composed face showing a hint of worry.

The emperor shook his head, waving his hand as he drafted the imperial decree and stamped it with the jade seal. He turned to have a eunuch deliver the edict, but Xiao Ning’an stopped him.

“We don’t yet know if she is willing. If she rejects this marriage, I ask Your Majesty to revoke the decree.” Xiao Ning’an hadn’t expected the emperor to issue the decree so quickly. But if Ning Huanyi was unwilling, she had no intention of forcing her.

Moreover, although everyone in the capital knew that the Prince Regent, who had been enfeoffed three years ago, had returned to court just yesterday, the fact remained that he had been absent from the capital for several years. He had no idea whether the Yongchang Marquis’s household harbored any dissatisfaction toward his solitary Prince Regent’s residence…

Xiao Ning’an’s worries were written all over her face.

The Emperor, however, was utterly astonished—he had never seen Xiao Ning’an so troubled over anything before.

Since the imperial edict had not yet been issued, it could naturally be revoked at will. The Emperor placed the edict into Xiao Ning’an’s palm and remained silent for a long moment before speaking: “Keep this edict with you for now. If you feel the matter is progressing favorably, simply have the eunuch by my side announce it. Otherwise, you may dispose of the edict as you see fit.”

Xiao Ning’an bowed in gratitude and then turned to leave the Hall of Heavenly Mandate.

Today, the second floor of Ruyi Pavilion was sparsely populated. Since she had, in a way, sneaked out without her parents from the Yongchang Marquis’s household knowing, Ning Huanyi hadn’t brought many attendants with her.

Apart from the hidden bodyguards stationed outside Ruyi Pavilion, only Qingdai remained waiting by the staircase.

Carrying an exquisite food box alone, Ning Huanyi arrived at the private room from the previous day, her heart filled with nervousness.

There was still half an hour until noon when she arrived, and the room was empty. As she set the fragrant food box down on the small table, it suddenly struck her that this act was no different from arranging a secret rendezvous with someone.

Although Yongli did not advocate for women to remain secluded within their homes, as a young lady of high standing in the capital, it was still proper to be mindful of the company one kept. Bai Yingying’s words from the previous day had been correct—if this woman in military attire turned out to be of dubious origins or even a threat to the capital, then…

Only now did Ning Huanyi begin to worry, realizing she had been blinded by infatuation. She resolved to hand over the pastries and leave as soon as the woman arrived. Yet, despite waiting and waiting, noon came and went with no sign of her.

Frowning, Ning Huanyi pushed open the window on the second floor to look down, but she didn’t see the figure of the woman in military attire anywhere near the entrance of Ruyi Pavilion.

“How could she be late to her own appointed time?” Ning Huanyi muttered, her soft voice tinged with grievance. Leaving the food box on the table, she had no intention of departing early but decided to step out and ask the waiter if they had seen the woman.

Just as she pushed open the door of the private room, however, she caught sight of a familiar figure. Instinctively, she tried to retreat back inside, but it was too late—she had already been spotted.

“Is that… Miss Ning?”

Seeing that she had been recognized, Ning Huanyi had no choice but to nod and turn around, acknowledging the person with forced composure.

“I never imagined Young Master Liu would have such leisure as to visit Ruyi Pavilion, a place favored by women,” Ning Huanyi said, her smile not reaching her eyes. Never before had she felt such intense dislike for someone.

This was Liu Jingming, the second son of the Xianyang Marquis’s household, who had publicly called off their engagement the previous day. Though his appearance was refined and gentle, the actions of him and his family the day before were far from honorable.

Calling off the engagement was one thing, but the insinuations they had made about Ning Huanyi’s poor health had left her with nothing but disdain for Liu Jingming.

Her earlier attempt to avoid him had been out of a desire to sever all ties—she didn’t even want to exchange words with him.

“Miss Ning, you are mistaken. Though I know you fancy me, the annulment of our betrothal yesterday must have left you utterly heartbroken, no?” Liu Jingming had little else to boast of, but his blend of mediocrity and overconfidence was downright nauseating.

Ning Huanyi could never have imagined that the same Liu Jingming—who, in her memories, never forgot to ask after her health even while playing with their childhood friends—would turn out to be so insufferable. She couldn’t even muster the interest to respond. As Liu Jingming took a step toward her, Ning Huanyi shot him a look of sheer disdain.