Even though Hong Ning had seen towering palaces before, she couldn’t help but be impressed. Half-jokingly, she remarked, "Young Master Yang’s residence is certainly beyond what an ordinary wealthy family could afford. I’m just a country girl with little experience—perhaps I shouldn’t go in at all."
Yang Zhen replied flatly, "Is there anything you wouldn't dare?"
Hong Ning didn’t argue with him and instead lifted her gaze to take in the grandeur of the estate. "I wonder how many people it took to build a garden like this."
Aware of her abilities, Zhao Xing and the others had long since adjusted their attitudes and now treated her with great respect. They followed closely behind, and upon hearing her comment, one of them chuckled. "Back then, His Majesty intended to bestow this residence as a reward. The eldest son of the wealthy Wei family personally pledged to present it as a gift, and the plaque at the entrance bears the Emperor’s own inscription."
Hong Ning wasn’t surprised. Wei He was a well-known merchant, and it was hardly unusual for businessmen to curry favor with the powerful by offering up lavish estates.
The only difference was that this time, the bribery had been officially sanctioned by the Emperor himself.
It was called a royal reward, but someone else had paid for it. The Emperor had certainly done his calculations well.
The grand red gates stood wide open. Having received word in advance, several servants were already waiting at the foot of the steps to greet them. “Young Prince.”
It turned out that Yang Zhen was the son of the current Seventh Prince. At just twenty-four years old, he had studied alongside the Crown Prince from childhood, excelling in both scholarly and martial pursuits. Deeply favored by the Emperor, he had personally requested to lead troops into battle at the age of nineteen, securing five successive victories against foreign invaders. His achievements shook the court and the common people alike, earning him the title of Prince of Yong’an. Two years ago, after successfully quelling a rebellion and protecting the Emperor, he was further honored as Prince Rui, enjoying extraordinary royal favor.
With both father and son holding princely titles, the household servants privately referred to him as "Young Prince."
Despite his great military success, the Seventh Prince had grown increasingly anxious. Fearing that his son's prominence might draw unwelcome attention in the imperial court—where royal politics were riddled with jealousy—he personally pleaded with the Emperor, refusing to let Yang Zhen return to the battlefield. Understanding the delicate nature of their position, Yang Zhen voluntarily relinquished his military authority and requested to leave the capital, choosing to live as a nominal prince in a distant province. The Emperor, reluctant to part with him, was left with no choice but to agree, ultimately bestowing upon him the prosperous city of Chong Zhou as his fief.
Hong Ning had little interest in imperial politics, but from his bearing alone, she had already guessed that he came from an extraordinary background. During their journey, she had casually inquired about his name and learned his identity. Now that it was openly confirmed, she feigned mild surprise for propriety’s sake.
Pleased by her reaction, Yang Zhen ascended the steps first.
Two concubines, accompanied by a group of maids, emerged to greet him with formal bows, catching Hong Ning slightly off guard.
There was a reason for this arrangement. Though the title of Prince Rui technically forbade him from leaving his fief without permission, the Emperor frequently summoned him back to the capital, reluctant to let him remain away for long. This latest visit alone had delayed his return for nearly six months, meaning he had spent more time outside Chong Zhou than within it. To accommodate this, he had left his princess consort in the capital and brought only two concubines with him—hence why Hong Ning had not seen the princess.
As they passed through the grand entrance, Yang Zhen subtly slowed his pace.
Having already lagged behind in their earlier exchange, Hong Ning quickly caught on and hurried forward. With her powers sealed and her body still weak, it was unwise for a lone woman to stay elsewhere in a city ruled by wealth and power. Better to take shelter beneath a strong tree. While this man was a prince, he at least carried himself with integrity. For now, she would stay here and recover before making further plans.
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