The Night Before the Divorce, She Was Reborn to Before Her Marriage - Chapter 48

Before Zong Si could speak, Zong Ning had already countered for him, “Second Brother, that question is pointless. Third Brother is back, so naturally, he has already resolved the matter.”

“Your Second Brother is speaking to your Third Brother. Why do you have to interrupt?” Princess Xuan put down her chopsticks and frowned.

Zong Ning immediately fell silent, looking pitifully at her mother and then at Zong Si, hoping he would say a few good words for her.

However, Zong Si clearly had no intention of indulging her in this matter and remained silent.

“Aunt, we are all family; there is no need to be so formal!” Zong Duo said earnestly. He always interacted with Zong Ning in this manner.

Princess Xuan knew her daughter meant no harm, but she had been overly protected, and everyone was willing to dote on her, making her a bit spoiled. She sighed, “It’s fine for her to be like this at home, but I fear she won’t change her temper when she goes out.”

Seeing Princess Xuan’s cold expression, Zong Ning obediently lowered her head and admitted her mistake.

Princess Xuan’s expression eased slightly. She then said to Zong Si, “A few days ago, Yue Niang sent someone over with several sets of clothes for you. The embroidery work is so fine that you probably won’t find better craftsmanship in all of Da Yan. You know she always takes your affairs to heart.”

Now that the marriage arrangement was gone, Princess Xuan was once again considering the idea of taking a concubine. A gentleman of marriageable age like Third Brother needed a woman by his side.

Yue Niang’s excellence was something she had observed over the years—she was thoughtful, meticulous, and without cunning. If it hadn’t been for the incident back then… she would likely have already been taken in.

But it was not too late now.

“Yue Niang is living so comfortably now, why must Mother insist on having her serve a man?” Zong Si said. “Besides, Mother should still remember what happened back then.”

Princess Xuan stopped mentioning taking Yue Niang as a concubine. After that incident, anyone would harbor a lingering resentment.

She looked at Zong Si again, wondering if Third Brother had truly developed feelings for Yue Niang back then.

After dinner, Zong Duo went to Zong Si’s Jinghua Residence. The two brothers met, naturally, to discuss official matters.

“You already have a lead?” Zong Duo had not expected things to progress so quickly, which was why he was surprised to see Zong Si back today.

It must be said that Zong Si’s trip outside the capital was to investigate the death of Li Fang, the former Yongzhou Prefect. Li Fang had just been transferred from Yongzhou to Danzhou a month ago. He had only just sent a letter to the Prince Xuan’s residence, intending to discuss the unrest in Yongzhou, when he suddenly died of malaria. The circumstances were too suspicious.

Zong Si said, “Before I even reached Danzhou, Li Fang’s body had already been arranged for cremation by his wife. The Li residence also obstructed my investigation in every possible way. Li Fang’s death is likely inseparable from that group of officials in Yongzhou.”

Li Fang was a crucial figure, but now the evidence trail was broken.

“They dare to murder a court official! Do those corrupt officials in Yongzhou truly believe they can rule above the law?” Zong Duo was indignant.

“I fear someone is acting as a local tyrant there,” Zong Si said.

Although Princess Royal Kang Yang had delegated her authority in Yongzhou, her influence still permeated the court. She constantly opposed the Prince Xuan’s residence, and many of those who secretly obstructed them were associated with Princess Kang Yang.

This was especially true in Yongzhou, where her power had likely already taken over completely.

Li Fang intended to report the misconduct in Yongzhou, which would inevitably involve the Princess Kang Yang’s Manor, leading to his demise.

Zong Duo said distastefully, “Princess Kang Yang is merely relying on Prince Jin’s military power to act so brazenly. However, Prince Jin’s forces are waning. Once Prince Jin falls from power, she won’t meet a good end either!”

Such a venomous woman deserved retribution!

She was a thorn in Emperor Jing Wen’s side and would be held accountable sooner or later.

“Why don’t we use the Li Fang incident to direct the spearhead toward her this time?” Zong Duo suggested.

Zong Si replied, “She knows Prince Jin’s current predicament and thus wants to earn the merit of supporting the successor before Prince Jin collapses, thereby securing her Princess’s Manor’s power. Her long-standing network of connections still remains, and she should not be underestimated or provoked rashly right now.”

Zong Duo understood this logic. If Princess Kang Yang were that easy to deal with, Emperor Jing Wen would not have held back, even allowing her to go to Yongzhou.

Zong Si said, “Princess Kang Yang has always refused to settle her granddaughter’s marriage, likely planning to marry her to the Crown Prince later.” If she helped the Fourth Prince ascend the throne, and her granddaughter became a consort, the Princess’s Manor’s power would be solidified.

Zong Si then recalled another matter: Ning Fu’s trip to Yongzhou coincided perfectly with the Li Fang incident. She was a person who had lived a previous life and naturally knew a lot. Her trip to Yongzhou was likely related to this matter.

No wonder she was so determined to go to Yongzhou.

Zong Si narrowed his eyes. The Fourth Miss Ning certainly knew how to seize an opportunity.

Because of this Li Fang incident, he and she would likely find themselves at odds.

“Speaking of which, the Fourth Miss Ning and Master Lu probably find it convenient to meet now,” Zong Duo commented.

Zong Si let out a soft, cold laugh.

After Zong Duo left, Zong Si went to the Qing Tian Pavilion.

“Heir Apparent, should I send these prepared items to the Fourth Miss Ning in Yongzhou?” Fu Jiahui dared not make a decision on this matter without permission.

Zong Si was silent for a long time, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he said flatly, “No need.”

Despite the lingering affection from the previous life, he believed marrying her was not a good choice. However, upon calming down, he knew it would be extremely difficult. Even if he took responsibility for Ning Fu, the two would likely turn against each other in the end.

The Fourth Miss Ning not pursuing his transgression that day was, conversely, a good thing for him. If the path veered, setting things right would be far from easy.

Judging by her attitude, they were unlikely to have been a couple who shared joys and sorrows in the last life either. Perhaps it was due to these very conflicts of interest. Why repeat the same old path in this life?

Fu Jiahui, meanwhile, lamented the lack of feeling in men. Zong Si had clearly been somewhat moved by Ning Fu that day. Even after leaving the Guanghe Tower, he still waited nearby, and his ears had remained flushed for half a day afterward. In the days that followed, he treated her differently than other women. When would Zong Si ever prepare luggage for someone and show such deep concern?

Yet, less than a month later, he had reverted to his calm and self-possessed self, leaving no trace, as if nothing had ever happened.

Even if he were to openly admit he had feelings for the Fourth Miss Ning, no one would believe it. They would only think he was plotting something.

Two days later, Zong Si saw the poem written by Ning Fu hanging in the secret chamber and instructed someone to take it down.

This was the same poem that Fu Jiahui had paid five thousand liang of gold for at the Guanghe Tower, which Zong Si later acquired from her.

“Heir Apparent, if you don’t want it, please return the poem to me,” Fu Jiahui genuinely liked it.

Zong Si replied, “Keep it for now. When she returns, let her come and retrieve it herself.”

Fu Jiahui understood then. It seemed the Heir Apparent still wanted to gauge Ning Fu’s final attitude, especially since he had previously said it wouldn’t be too late to decide later.

However, she didn’t know if this was because he felt obligated as a man to take responsibility for his impetuous action toward Ning Fu, or if he still harbored some lingering attachment to her.

The Heir Apparent’s attitude toward Ning Fu was always difficult to fathom.

In the sixth month, an envoy from the nomadic tribes arrived to pay tribute. Accompanying him was the renowned General Yelü Tuo, who remained resentful over his defeat, feeling that Zong Si had only narrowly won against him the last time. He repeatedly challenged Zong Si to a duel.

Although Zong Si was unprepared, he drew the sword from a nearby guard and said calmly, “General Yelü, please begin.”

“Heir Apparent, go and fetch your own sword,” Yelü Tuo sneered. Zong Si might have an advantage in strategy, but in a one-on-one fight, he wouldn’t be his match.

“It’s fine, this sword will suffice,” Zong Si said.

Yelü said, “If the Heir Apparent loses, hand Yue Niang over to me, how about that?”

Yue Niang had escaped from Yelü’s clutches. A beauty like her naturally stayed etched in Yelü Tuo’s memory for years. He only regretted showing her compassion back then instead of taking her outright; otherwise, she would not have fallen into Zong Si’s hands.

Zong Si’s voice was cool as water. “Yue Niang’s affairs are not mine to decide. And you will not defeat me.”

That last half-sentence was too light and full of confidence.

Yelü found him utterly irritating. He narrowed his eyes, gripping his sword with both hands, attempting a single decisive strike. His thrust was aimed three inches below Zong Si’s throat, a spot where a sword strike would not be immediately fatal.

Zong Si parried the attack with his sword, then switched the sword to his left hand with lightning speed. The defensive stance instantly turned into an offense. His swordplay was full of deadly moves, as if he were taking out his anger on Yelü Tuo.

Yelü was greatly alarmed, but Zong Si’s expression remained entirely unmoved.

After three more moves, Yelü’s sword dropped to the ground, his face pale.

Emperor Jing Wen glanced at Yelü Tuo and asked with some interest, “Who is Yue Niang?”

Zong Si did not even spare a side-glance for Yelü, returning the sword to the guard’s scabbard, and reported Yue Niang’s background to Emperor Jing Wen.

The Crimson Sleeve Pavilion was not far from the palace.

Emperor Jing Wen sent people to invite Yue Niang into the palace. Upon seeing her, he was astonished by her beauty, finding her like a fairy descended from heaven, untouched by the world and its vanity. Every part of her was perfectly beautiful. He smiled meaningfully and said, “No wonder Jinzhu would rage today for the sake of a beauty.”

Zong Si subtly frowned but did not deny it.

Yue Niang glanced at Zong Si, her face flushing, and she kowtowed, saying, “Your Majesty, the Heir Apparent only took me in out of pity. My relationship with the Heir Apparent is innocent; there is no romantic involvement.”

Emperor Jing Wen smiled. “Since Third Master is kind-hearted, you can stay in the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion and make a living there with peace of mind.” This was meant for Yelü Tuo to hear. What right did a general from a defeated nation have to act arrogantly in Da Yan? Emperor Jing Wen would tolerate it this time for the sake of his reputation, but there would not be a next time.

Meng Ze, who had long known that Yue Niang was untouchable, had already lost interest. He merely lowered his head to tease the round white parrot. If anything, the parrot’s owner was far more interesting.

It was just a pity that she had gone to Yongzhou and wouldn’t be seen for a while.

The news of Zong Si defeating Yelü Tuo in three moves quickly spread throughout Da Yan. Also widely known was Yue Niang’s breathtaking beauty. Tales of a hero rescuing a beauty always captivated people.

“I think that Yue Niang is probably a mistress kept by the Heir Apparent.”

“No wonder the marriage with the Second Miss Xie fell through. Perhaps she was wary of the presence of such a concubine by the Heir Apparent’s side.”

Although outsiders were wary of Yue Niang’s beauty, a brave gentleman could still draw women to him in droves. The number of women interested in Zong Si only increased. A man like him was worth it, especially since he possessed both power and status.

Meanwhile, Ning Fu finally arrived in Yongzhou after a month of travel.

The journey could have been quicker, but Ning Fu suffered from adjustment to the climate, delaying her a few extra days on the road.

“Is the Fourth Miss Ning in the carriage?” Before reaching the city, someone had already arrived to meet her. Ning Fu heard a male voice from inside the carriage.

Ning Fu lifted the curtain and saw a young gentleman on horseback. He wore a black robe, an intricately carved jade crown, and had an upright, tall physique.

“That is correct,” Ning Fu replied.

“I am Xie Heng, ordered by the Princess Royal to welcome the Fourth Miss,” the young gentleman said.

Ning Fu smiled politely. “Thank you for your trouble, Master Xie.”

Upon entering the city, she saw shops lined up. Although Yongzhou was not as bustling as the capital, it was far better than most places she had passed through along the way.

The carriage reached the Princess Royal’s Manor in the time it took for an incense stick to burn. Ning Fu stepped down from the carriage and saw a woman standing there, with a dignified look and a robust spirit, not looking like a person of seventy years at all.

Everyone around her was respectful.

Ning Fu recognized her as her maternal grandmother instantly; her mother looked remarkably similar to her.

“Maternal Grandmother,” Ning Fu called out timidly. She felt a little nervous during their first meeting.

Princess Kang Yang had never seen this granddaughter before. Now that she saw her, she found her well-behaved, and her looks were in no way inferior to the young ladies in Yongzhou. She liked her even more and smiled gently. “Come, let your maternal grandmother take a good look at you.”

Ning Fu walked over.

Princess Kang Yang held her hand and carefully observed her. Ning Fu also looked at her and said, “Maternal Grandmother, Mother always thinks of you. It’s just a pity she couldn’t come.”

“I know her difficulties. She has to consider you and your brother. Being too close to me is definitely not a good thing,” Princess Kang Yang sighed, a little sadly. “It’s enough that your father is a decent man and that you all are doing well; I am satisfied.”

Ning Fu also felt a touch of melancholy.

“Even you are grown up now. In my memory, your mother was just a little girl your age,” Princess Kang Yang said, looking at Ning Fu and inevitably thinking of her daughter.

Ning Fu hugged her and comforted her, “Maternal Grandmother, you will surely have a chance to see Mother in the future. Oh, and Mother brought many things for you this time.”

Princess Kang Yang was somewhat moved. This granddaughter was willing to be so close to her, showing that the Ning State Duke Manor had not taught her to be distant.

Since they had never met, her greatest fear was that her granddaughter would be estranged from her.

Ning Fu’s current enthusiasm delighted Princess Kang Yang.

Now that she was old, she especially wished for the younger generation to be close to her.

“You must be tired from the long journey. Go and rest first. By the time you wake up, your cousins should be back at the residence,” Princess Kang Yang saw the dark circles under Ning Fu’s eyes and felt distressed. She certainly hadn’t rested well on the way.

Princess Kang Yang personally led Ning Fu to the West Courtyard. Only after entering the Princess’s Manor did Ning Fu realize what opulence meant. Every stone slab on the ground was made of the finest Linglong rock, the quality even surpassing those in the imperial palace.

The rare Jade Orchid flowers were everywhere in the Princess Royal Kang Yang’s Manor. Even in the Prince Xuan’s residence, they were considered rarities.

The beautiful buildings and glistening towers were commonplace, causing amazement.

While Ning Fu was awestruck, she also felt worried. How could Emperor Jing Wen tolerate such extravagance from her maternal grandmother’s manor?

“Your grandmother used to be intent on marrying you into the Prince Xuan’s residence, but she doesn’t realize that marrying into a higher-status family may not lead to a better life,” Princess Kang Yang scoffed. “In my opinion, you should marry someone here in Yongzhou. With your maternal grandmother around, I can certainly keep you safe.”

Princess Kang Yang and the Prince Xuan’s residence had always been at odds. If she hadn’t dealt with Li Fang first this time, the Prince Xuan’s residence would have already used the evidence to destroy her.

By having Ning Fu recuperate in Yongzhou, Princess Kang Yang was also showing her the young gentlemen from various influential families.

The major families in Yongzhou had good relationships with her. If she married into any of these residences, the double tie through marriage would make Ning Fu the mistress of Yongzhou City, and her life would be no less comfortable than that of a prince’s consort.