Her highly-styled hair was adorned with delicate ornaments.
The fire-red outer robe was slightly open at the collar, revealing glimpses of a deep violet and green embroidered bodice.
At her waist, a pale yellow sash held a jade pendant of brilliant green.
The colors were far too bold—
And yet, on her, they carried an odd elegance, a harmony that should not have existed.
A stark contrast to her usual simple, reserved attire—
She looked like an entirely different person.
Hong Ning was in good spirits.
She greeted him cheerfully.
“Your Highness.”
Yang Zhen’s gaze lingered on her a moment longer, a slow smile forming in his eyes.
“Why the sudden change of dress?”
A man as proud and critical as he was rarely praised anyone.
Hong Ning caught the hint of admiration in his expression and felt even more pleased.
She had always been told that red suited her best—and sure enough, they were right.
“There are things to take care of,” she said. “I’ve already told the kitchen not to prepare my meal tonight.”
Yang Zhen was slightly surprised.
“You’re going out?”
Hong Ning nodded.
His gaze swept over her once more, and his expression darkened.
“You’re going out dressed like this?”
Hong Ning understood what he meant and smiled casually.
“Well, what’s the point of wearing pretty clothes if no one sees them?”
Yang Zhen’s eyes turned cold.
“There’s no one to look at them in the garden?”
There was only one man in the back garden.
How could Hong Ning not understand what he was implying?
She smiled lightly.
“There isn’t.”
The moment the words left her lips, Yang Zhen had already grabbed her arm and pulled her into his embrace.
Just in that instant, his breath, his gaze, even his entire presence became burning hot.
He lowered his voice.
“You’re doing this on purpose?”
Hong Ning shook her head.
“Every word I said was the truth.”
His grip on her tightened suddenly.
The fire in his eyes dimmed in an instant, turning cold again.
He stared at her for a long time, then let out a mocking laugh.
“In that case,” he asked,
“who exactly are you going to meet?”
Tonight was dangerous beyond measure.
Hong Ning had no intention of telling him the truth.
After thinking for a moment, she answered casually,
“The streets are still lively outside. I’m just going to buy something.
“Besides, the night is rich with yin energy—perhaps I can use the chance to track the fox-woman’s whereabouts.”
Yang Zhen let out a sharp scoff.
“Gathering intelligence—dressed like that?”
He smirked.
“Now that’s something I’ve never seen before.”
Seeing Yang Zhen’s obvious mockery, Hong Ning replied coolly,
“Your Highness was kind enough to take me in, and I am truly grateful.
“But it seems Your Highness has forgotten something—I am not a servant in your household.
“Even if I were to meet someone, would Your Highness kill him for it?”
As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her arm.
Yet, instead of flinching, she laughed.
“Your Highness has so many concubines—naturally, you enjoy new things.
“But I am also a woman.
“One day, I too will grow old and faded.
“When that time comes, will Your Highness still be interested in me?”
“I have no desire to fight for favor.
“I have no interest in becoming like them, waiting in the back garden day after day, hoping Your Highness might remember me.
“I do not like waiting for anyone.”
Yang Zhen’s brows furrowed.
“You—”
Before he could finish, a maidservant suddenly rushed over from inside the garden, looking flustered.
Seeing the scene before her, she stiffened in fear, then quickly lowered herself into a bow.
“Your Highness.”
Recognizing her as Lady Wang’s head maid, Yang Zhen frowned.
“Why are you running?”
The maid quickly answered,
“Your Highness, Madam Wang has fainted.”
Both of them were momentarily stunned.
The maid cautiously explained,
“Madam’s health has been unsteady for some time now.
“Today, she insisted on going to the kitchen herself to prepare a meal for Your Highness.
“But all of a sudden, she became dizzy and collapsed.
0 Comments