Amused but helpless, she lowered her head and stepped inside, forcing herself to remain calm.
If Lady Wang truly was the nine-tailed fox from last night, exposing her now would be incredibly dangerous.
She must not let her suspect a thing.
Inside, Yang Zhen sat stiffly in his chair, his expression unreadable.
Lady Wang had already helped him remove his cloak and was serving him tea with her own hands.
She pouted slightly. "Your Highness hasn’t visited in days, and now you suddenly decide to—"
Mid-sentence, she caught sight of Hong Ning entering the room.
Her words cut off abruptly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.
She quickly composed herself, offering a polite smile and gesturing for Hong Ning to take a seat.
With the princess consort absent, the daily affairs of the household fell to Lady Wang and Lady Qu.
Although Hong Ning was a guest, she was not particularly familiar with either concubine.
That said, neither Lady Wang nor Lady Qu had ever treated her with the arrogance of favored concubines. On the contrary, they had always sent maids to check on her, ensuring she had everything she needed.
Even the servants were impeccably polite, upholding the dignity of the royal household.
Since Lady Wang had always been gracious, Hong Ning—despite her dislike for formalities—could not be too indifferent.
She offered a small bow and politely greeted her, before finally taking a seat.
Lady Wang asked a few customary questions—whether she was lacking anything, if the maids had been attentive.
Hong Ning answered each inquiry with the expected replies, adding a brief word of thanks.
Meanwhile, Yang Zhen merely lowered his gaze, brushing his sleeve absentmindedly.
Having not seen him for several days, Lady Wang was visibly uneasy.
She tried a few lighthearted remarks, hoping to gauge his mood, but his responses were brief and indifferent.
He didn’t even look at her.
Though he had always been reserved in front of others, today’s aloofness felt different.
Her face clouded with confusion as she silently stepped aside.
She was soft-spoken, demure, and frail in appearance, yet her demeanor lacked the overpowering allure of last night’s enchantress.
She was clever, skilled in reading emotions, yet her own unease was plain to see.
Could she really be the demon from last night?
It seemed unlikely.
Watching her discomfort, Hong Ning quickly rose to her feet, smiling.
"I have already imposed on the estate for quite some time. The two madams have been most generous with their care, and I wished to personally express my gratitude. It was merely by chance that I encountered His Highness here."
Yang Zhen’s gaze was cold and unreadable, but he said nothing.
Lady Wang hurriedly returned the courtesy.
"You are His Highness’s honored guest. As long as you do not find my hospitality lacking, that is all that matters."
Hong Ning met Yang Zhen’s gaze and subtly shook her head, signaling that nothing seemed out of place.
Then, smiling lightly, she said, "There is nothing urgent, so I will not disturb Your Highness and Lady Wang any longer. I shall take my leave."
Yang Zhen rose from his chair without hesitation.
"Then let’s go."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode toward the door.
Lady Wang’s face fell.
But knowing his temperament, she dared not ask him to stay outright.
Instead, she lowered her voice, saying, "I had just asked the maids to prepare some bird’s nest porridge for Your Highness. I was about to have it sent to you, but now that you’re here, why not have some before you leave?"
Yang Zhen did not even glance back.
"No need. I have other matters to attend to."
His tone was calm, but final.
Lady Wang lowered her gaze, saying nothing more.
After taking a few steps, Yang Zhen suddenly turned back.
“There is nothing pressing in the garden these days. Rest well and go out less.”
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