The Prime Minister Knows How to Handle Her Wife (ABO, GL) - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

The noise outside the palace did not affect the inside. The sunset’s glow fell on the red walls. Shadows stretched long. The bells hanging at the eaves made crisp sounds.

An anxious person waited outside the palace. They paced back and forth. They often looked up at the palace gate. Even the horses nearby shook their heads, infected by the strange restlessness.

When a white figure appeared, Nanyuan, who waited long, hurried forward. He called softly, “My Lord.”

Nanyuan was always steady. He rarely showed such impatience.

Ning Qingge frowned slightly. She asked, “What happened? Why are you so anxious?”

Today, government affairs piled up. If Nanyuan had not sent someone to find her, she would have worked until midnight.

They walked and talked. They reached a carriage. Nanyuan helped Ning Qingge board first. Then he followed. The simple carriage sank. The driver cracked the whip. The wheels rolled. The carriage sped in the opposite direction.

Wind lifted the curtain. Someone pressed it down, fixing it to the carriage. All sounds were blocked.

Nanyuan quietly told Ning Qingge what happened after Sheng Shiyue was called out by Xiao Jing that afternoon. He explained briefly.

Ning Qingge frowned, displeased. When she heard Sheng Shiyue won against Qu Yu unharmed, her face softened. But she scolded, “This Xu Zhengming and Qu Yu are narrow-minded. They are unfit for important roles.”

Her tone was not heavy. But it carried a chill.

Nanyuan lowered his head silently. He knew that even with family protection, these two would struggle in court. The last person who got this comment was the second-place scholar two years ago. He still worked odd jobs in the Hanlin Academy, finding no way out.

When her anger eased, Ning Qingge spoke again. She said, “It may not just be Qu Yu and Xu Zhengming involved.”

She was a remarkable person.

Even Sheng Shiyue, caught in the situation, sensed something wrong. How much more could Ning Qingge, who navigated the court for years and shaped today’s situation, see?

Nanyuan spoke again. He said, “Some say His Highness briefly dragged Qu Yu across the field. They spoke something. His Highness accidentally threw Qu Yu. Afterward, His Highness seemed dazed. His face looked terrible.”

“After the match, Ye Liuyun left alone. Then someone reported Ye Liuyun was asking around about the new owner of Yicui Tower.”

Hearing this, Ning Qingge fell silent. She understood some things.

The wind forcibly lifted the pressed curtain. Dusk’s orange light slipped through the gap. It fell on her wide white robe with crane patterns. Her slender figure showed faintly. Her narrow shoulders and slim waist were visible. A pale wrist peeked from her sleeve, with round bones protruding. It made her seem fragile, as if one could snap her with a light grip.

She opened her mouth but paused. She sighed, “It’s still too early.”

The sigh scattered in the wind. Even Nanyuan beside her barely heard it.

Her hand moved slightly. Her thumb pressed against her knuckles. She vaguely felt the tingling from that day when their fingers interlocked. It was too early. She hadn’t planned to reveal everything to Sheng Shiyue now, not when unprepared.

Her knuckles curled, clenching into a fist.

She suppressed chaotic emotions. Ning Qingge asked in a low voice, “Where is His Highness now?”

Nanyuan answered, “He returned to the mansion earlier. After bathing, he hasn’t left.”

Ning Qingge nodded. She wanted to rest her eyes. But Nanyuan spoke again. He said, “One more thing.”

“It’s about Your Lordship’s order a few days ago. We investigated the differentiation of the Ninth Highness…”

Ning Qingge’s eyelids lifted. Her dark, jade-like eyes shot toward him. A flash of menace passed.

Nanyuan faltered. He quickly regained composure. He lowered his voice. He said, “There’s something odd. It seems that person…”

He glanced toward the palace. He continued, “Ordered silence. The servants and doctors who witnessed His Highness’s differentiation were gradually moved out of the palace. Only a few were taken to His Highness’s mansion. Fearing the Ninth Highness might notice, we checked elsewhere.”

Ning Qingge seemed unsurprised. Her expression stayed calm.

“After much searching, we found a doctor who served in the Imperial Medical Bureau that year. He said the day before the Ninth Highness’s differentiation, Doctor Ma, skilled in treating injuries, was suddenly called away by a servant. He didn’t return for a day. Then news of the Ninth Highness’s differentiation spread.”

“When he later asked Doctor Ma where he went, Doctor Ma said he owed the servant a favor for a small matter. He was taken to treat the servant’s friend’s wound.”

Nanyuan paused. He added, “That’s not strange. What’s odd is when the doctor later met the servant and asked about her friend, the servant seemed unaware. She hesitated before vaguely brushing it off.”

Ning Qingge nodded slightly.

Years had passed. The Emperor ordered secrecy. The matter was deeply hidden. Without a curious doctor, it would take longer to uncover.

Her eyes showed a trace of thought. She suspected someone deliberately harmed Sheng Shiyue before her differentiation.

Nanyuan fell silent after speaking.

Ning Qingge’s face darkened. Deeply buried emotions surfaced. She forced them down again.

Her clenched fist trembled faintly. Her fingertips dug into her palm, leaving deep crescent marks unnoticed.

The red sun outside the curtain sank. Night crept in. Stars twinkled at the horizon. The summer heat faded. A chill emerged.

Moments later, she spoke softly. She said, “Send someone to check if anything was amiss in the Sixth and Eighth Princesses’ mansions before and after His Highness’s differentiation.”

The truth seemed close yet elusive, like flowers in fog. Clues appeared, but no clear path to follow. She could only start with those who would benefit most if Sheng Shiyue met harm.

“Yes.”

As they spoke, the carriage reached the mansion.

Ning Qingge composed her expression. She stepped off and walked inside.

Crossing the threshold, she sensed an odd atmosphere. Though Sheng Shiyue caused a fuss recently, her familiar servants knew she didn’t truly dislike Ning Qingge. They treated Ning Qingge well. Now, they seemed to avoid her, walking away when they saw her.

Luckily, Ning Qingge’s own servants waited nearby. One hurried forward. They said, “Master, the Ninth Highness returned and demanded to sleep separately. She ordered her things moved elsewhere. She said she’d never return to that room.”

Ning Qingge’s brow twitched.

This was Sheng Shiyue’s style, a childish tantrum.

Like with Xu Zhengming, whom Sheng Shiyue disliked, she refused his belongings and tossed them to her cronies. Now, suspecting Ning Qingge, she rejected her familiar room. She wanted a clear line between them, no contact henceforth.

The servant, unaware of the details, only knew Sheng Shiyue returned in a rage. They worried for their master.

Ning Qingge ignored their concern. She asked, “Did His Highness call a doctor after returning?”

She worried Sheng Shiyue was exhausted and jolted on horseback, fearing injury.

The servant hesitated. They stammered, “Madam Qu brought medicinal wine to His Highness’s room. She likely massaged His Highness’s waist and legs.”

As the saying goes, long illness makes a doctor. Qu Li, who fought with Lord Wu’an in wars, rode horses for days in emergencies, chafing her thighs raw. She was experienced in this. Sheng Shiyue’s recent archery training relied on Qu Li’s nightly massages to keep her going.

Ning Qingge’s worry faded. She walked toward the room.

From afar, she saw people moving things. Ye Liuyun must have gone to rest. Only Chi Ling stood at the door, guarding. Her leg was bandaged. She leaned on a crutch, back straight. The cold wind made her seem stern.

Especially when facing Ning Qingge.

Chi Ling glanced at her. Without turning, she said stiffly, “Please wait, My Lord. His Highness’s things will be moved soon.”

Ning Qingge overlooked her rudeness. She asked directly, “Where is His Highness?”

“His Highness doesn’t wish to see you,” Chi Ling shot a glance. She didn’t know what Ning Qingge did, but His Highness’s attitude was hers.

Ning Qingge turned to leave, knowing Chi Ling’s stubbornness made further questions futile.

But Chi Ling raised her crutch, blocking Ning Qingge. She repeated, “His Highness doesn’t want to see you.”

The atmosphere hit rock bottom. Servants inside and out lowered their heads, pretending not to see. They focused on moving luggage. Only Nanyuan, annoyed, stepped forward to scold but was stopped by Ning Qingge’s glance.

Though raised together, Chi Ling and Ye Liuyun had opposite personalities. Chi Ling was taciturn and unyielding, a stuffy gourd. Ye Liuyun was clever and adaptable, often smiling, seeming friendly.

Thus, though Chi Ling was more beautiful, she was less liked in the mansion than Ye Liuyun.

Chi Ling spoke again. She said, “My Lord, my life was saved by His Highness.”

Her words came abruptly, out of context.

Chi Ling glared at Ning Qingge, treating her as an enemy with a warning.

Ning Qingge understood. Ye Liuyun and Chi Ling’s identities weren’t hidden. Most knew they were once beggar orphans, saved by Sheng Shiyue. She gave them her mother’s surname, Ye, named them, and raised them with effort. They were master and servant but closer than friends.

It was said Sheng Shiyue once begged Lord Wu’an to adopt them as daughters. For some reason, it didn’t happen. But it showed Sheng Shiyue’s care for them.

No wonder, after becoming second-grade Qianyuan and shedding slave status, Ye Liuyun and Chi Ling remained loyal to Sheng Shiyue.

Chi Ling’s implication was clear: if Ning Qingge harmed their Highness, even as Prime Minister, Chi Ling wouldn’t care. Her life was Sheng Shiyue’s, and she’d return it if needed.

Moreover, Chi Ling and others already disliked Ning Qingge. This marriage wasn’t Sheng Shiyue’s wish; Ning Qingge schemed it. They held back because Sheng Shiyue’s attitude was unclear. Now, with Sheng Shiyue’s shift, they saw Ning Qingge with disdain.

Ning Qingge softened her tone. She said, “There’s a misunderstanding. I must see His Highness and explain in person.”

Chi Ling, like a puppet, repeated, “His Highness doesn’t want to see you.”

“You don’t understand?!” Nanyuan snapped. He said, “Our Lord said there’s a misunderstanding!”

Chi Ling ignored him. With her stubborn temper, if the move wasn’t ongoing, she’d lock Ning Qingge in a room and guard it all day to fulfill Sheng Shiyue’s wish.

The three stood in a stalemate.

Night wind rustled the treetops’ green leaves. The sound reached the water’s edge, creating ripples that swayed to the boat at the lake’s center.

Sheng Shiyue hid there.

She was pampered, fearing summer heat and winter cold. Even with ice to cool, she tossed and turned on summer nights.

Someone had a brilliant idea. They dug a small lake in the mansion’s backyard, channeled mountain spring water into it, and grew lotuses. Outside, they built a pavilion with corridors. Bamboo was set above, with tiny holes. Water flowed through, forming a rain curtain.

Sheng Shiyue slept on a small boat at the lake’s center. The rain curtain brought coolness, lotus fragrance lingered, and gentle waves rocked the boat. She could finally sleep through summer nights.

But since Ning Qingge moved in, she hadn’t come here often.

“Sigh…”

A sigh appeared quietly, then faded fast, making one doubt its existence.

Sheng Shiyue wore loose white inner clothes. Her hair spilled like seaweed. Soft satin layers cushioned her. Mosquito-repelling incense burned at the boat’s bow, its faint smoke half-hiding her face. But it couldn’t veil her troubled eyes.

“Annoying,” Sheng Shiyue muttered angrily. Her pretty brows furrowed.

Since the red sun set, she lay there, tired and restless, unable to sleep. Closing her eyes, she saw Ning Qingge’s face. Opening them, she heard Qu Yu’s ferocious shouts.

She couldn’t figure it out. She couldn’t ignore or forget it. Most shamefully, despite Ning Qingge’s schemes, she couldn’t help…

The night market’s dim lights flashed in her mind, with that person’s faint smile.

Sheng Shiyue pressed her hand to her heart.

If Meng Qingxin and others knew, they’d laugh at her.

Bianjing’s top wastrel, reckless and wild, was played by a so-called refined Prime Minister.

She knew Ning Qingge’s impure intentions. Yet, for this or that, she softened and jumped into the trap. Every time she thought of it, Sheng Shiyue wanted to slap herself.

An accidental encounter? It was clearly Ning Qingge and that courtesan’s setup! She foolishly fell for it, spent so much silver, got duped, and was mocked as Yicui Tower’s new owner.

Thinking of this, she grew furious. She rolled over, leaning dangerously close to the boat’s edge.

Her hair dangled, touching the water, swaying with the ripples.

Far off, lotuses bloomed vibrantly. Against the night, they peeked from green leaves, pale pink petals unfurling, revealing slender stamens. Their faint fragrance drifted over.

Sheng Shiyue stared blankly. She thought of someone again.

Ning Qingge resembled a lotus. But her senses were weak. She couldn’t smell Ning Qingge’s pheromone, only guessing. Could it really be lotus…?

Her eyes drifted, thoughts wandering.

Snapping back, she cursed angrily. Why was Ning Qingge everywhere?

No annoying mosquitoes buzzed nearby. But Ning Qingge was more irritating.

She tilted and fell into the lake with a “splash.”

She sank, ears filled with muffled water sounds. Everything drowned in the black-blue lake. Her hair and white shirt strained upward, but she sank toward the lakebed, nearing waterweeds’ outstretched leaves. Small fish, startled, flicked their tails and fled.

Sheng Shiyue was swallowed by the cool silence.

It wasn’t impulsive anger. In scorching summers or when upset, or just for fun, she’d dive into the lake. Qu Li and others were used to it, preparing hot water for her to soak after her antics, dispelling the chill.

She let herself indulge, letting the silence suppress everything.

But ripples stirred afar. Someone swam desperately toward her.

Sheng Shiyue froze. Her wrist was grabbed, pulled upward.

It was…

Ning Qingge!

Sheng Shiyue’s eyes widened. She peered through the water, which stung her eyes. The view was blurry.

Suddenly, tales of water ghosts flooded her mind. But no one said ghosts could read hearts or take others’ forms.

She struggled instinctively. In panic, she forgot to hold her breath. A palm-sized bubble escaped, followed by smaller ones, signaling her dire state.

The other pulled harder, trying to bring her up.

But Sheng Shiyue resisted, fighting to break free.

Oxygen loss paled her face. She was exhausted. Today’s exertion lingered, and now she battled a “ghost.”

Her restrained wrist ached, as if clamped by iron, reddening quickly.

A wave of despair hit her. Would she die here today?

Her resistance weakened. The other suddenly pulled her into an embrace.

Why was it warm, not icy as tales described?

Sheng Shiyue froze. The person leaned down, lips touching hers. Their tongue pried her lips open, passing thin air.

She tried to turn away, but a hand firmly held her jaw.

Faint breath cleared her mind’s blankness.

Sheng Shiyue realized this wasn’t a ghost. It was Ning Qingge.

What was she doing?!

Ning Qingge grabbed her wrist again, pulling her upward.

The water parted with a loud splash. Heavy panting followed, one after another.

Nearby lotuses swayed from the ripples. Water splashed onto leaves, forming glistening droplets, reflecting the crescent moon.

Sheng Shiyue’s eyes reddened from the water. Wet hair clung to her face. Droplets fell. She looked pitiful yet defiant. Her vibrant face softened, regaining some haughtiness. She cursed, “Ning Qingge, you—mmph…”

Her words were cut off.

The other raised a hand, gripping her waist, and pushed her back. Her slender back hit the boat. Ning Qingge tilted her chin, pressing their lips together. Unlike the lake’s gentleness, it was urgent and fierce, more like venting than kissing.

Teeth clashed. Lips pressed, then bitten. A faint iron taste spread on her tongue.

Sheng Shiyue tried to push away, but her wrists were pinned above her head, immobile.

Ning Qingge bit fiercely. Her soaked robe traced her curves. Whether from fear or cold, she trembled faintly. The hand on Sheng Shiyue’s waist tightened. Ning Qingge pressed fully against her, as if confirming something, suppressing her panic.

The boat rocked, ripples spreading anew. Nearby lotus leaves shook, dropping water, shattering the moon’s reflection.

A servant on shore widened their eyes, covering their mouth in shock.

Sheng Shiyue, the only one aware of the servant, couldn’t warn them. Her oxygen-deprived brain blanked again. Her spine ached against the hard boat. The once-comforting lake water felt icy. Her waist seemed ready to snap under the grip.

Worst was Ning Qingge’s biting. It lacked the tales’ tender romance. Sharp canines hit the broken skin, sparking fiery pain.

She didn’t know Ning Qingge was a dog spirit turned human!

“Pain…” She meant to curse, but it came out as a teary whimper, squeezed through gritted teeth.

Tears slid from her eyes, falling onto her bare shoulder where her inner clothes slipped. They pooled in the hollow between her collarbone and neck, spilling with the boat’s sway.

A faint blush spread, covering her delicate skin.

The usually arrogant wastrel now looked as wretched as the wilted lotuses nearby.

“Ning, Ning Qingge…”

“Stop…”

“It hurts.”

Her voice rasped from oxygen loss. Tears streamed from her eyes.

The woman atop her, scalded by the tears, finally eased. She kissed Sheng Shiyue gently, one kiss after another.

Sheng Shiyue, perhaps numbed by pain, caught a sweet scent. Her attention shifted. She frowned, recognizing it. The sugary fruit smell was like her favorite summer fruit.

Lychee.

It was the peeled, snow-white flesh of a green lychee, dripping sweet juice.

Sheng Shiyue loved placing peeled, pitted lychee on crushed ice, eating it chilled. The coolness and fruitiness danced on her tongue. With a fan’s wave, summer became delightful.

But where were lychees now? Could she mistake lotus scent for lychee in her daze?

It took her a while to realize it was Ning Qingge’s pheromone.

Not lotus, but lychee.

She was surprised. Her body shouldn’t detect this scent unless the pheromone was thick, like honey spilling from a jar, noticeable even to outsiders.

This was rare, happening only in two cases: during a Kunze’s rain period or a Qianyuan’s heat without relief, or when emotions spiraled, causing a pheromone burst.

Which was Ning Qingge?

Sheng Shiyue couldn’t tell.

If it was a rain period, Ning Qingge’s body was cold. The hand on her waist was like iron, unmoving, fixed at her side.

If not, could the calculating Ning Qingge lose control over her?

“Don’t… don’t die…” Ning Qingge finally spoke. Her hoarse voice hid her emotions, but her broken breaths pressed the wound on Sheng Shiyue’s lip, making her hiss in pain.

“No,” Ning Qingge murmured, seeking Sheng Shiyue’s affirmation.

The lip wound stung as teeth grazed it, pain layering.

Sheng Shiyue couldn’t tell if it was intentional. She shouted, “Ning Qingge, are you sick?!”

Why play tragic romance here?

Sheng Shiyue was like a bedraggled, bristling lion cat. Her suppressed anger reignited, exploding like firecrackers in a tin can.

With unknown strength, she pushed Ning Qingge away. She cursed, “What’s wrong with you? What new game are you playing?!”

“A court Prime Minister toys with a street wastrel like me. Got tired of playing pure, so you’re venting your issues on me?!”

“Am I your toy? A foolish puppet? Schemed against for no reason?!”

“I say, Prime Minister Ning, with all this scheming, why not play the court? Offend everyone there. That’d match your hundred and eighty tricks!”

Sheng Shiyue raised her brows, glaring. Her swollen, broken lips moved nonstop.

She wasn’t one for verbal sparring. She preferred lethal strikes. Like with Xu Zhengming’s provocations, she’d retort once or twice, hitting his core. This relentless attack was a first.

Infuriatingly, Ning Qingge showed no reaction. Her pale face was blank.

Sheng Shiyue’s bl00d boiled. She continued, “I knew you disliked me. Before, if I couldn’t avoid you, I stood there, letting you scold, letting you preach your grand principles, letting you build your upright, just image!”

“Now, you don’t thank me. Instead, you ruin your reputation, diving into the mud to save a demon? Read too many tales and lost your mind?!”

The more she spoke, the angrier and smoother she became. “What?”

“Must I play along in a tale of Bianjing’s wastrel reforming, quitting gambling, studying, and serving the nation? You coal-eating turtle bastard!”

Finally, Ning Qingge reacted. Her eyes flickered. She stiffly said, “It’s not like that…”

She hurriedly explained, “Sheng Jiu, it’s not like that.”

Sheng Shiyue raised a brow, sneering, “Not like that? What, your tale’s script is grander?”

Ning Qingge’s mind seemed to stir. She said fully, “No tales, no scripts.”

She continued hoarsely, “I was just worried about you…”

Clearly, Sheng Shiyue was the one wronged, yet Ning Qingge looked more pitiful. Her purple lips bore bloodstains. Her jade-like eyes were dull, blinking slowly.

Sheng Shiyue’s mind shifted. She blurted incredulously, “Ning Qingge, you didn’t think I was so angry I’d kill myself?”

On reflection, it wasn’t impossible. A grown person lying on a boat, suddenly rolling into the lake, sinking without struggle, would terrify anyone unaware.

In the lake, Ning Qingge tried pulling her up, but Sheng Shiyue, mistaking her for a ghost, fought back. No wonder she thought this.

Ning Qingge pursed her lips, her silence confirming it.

“You’re the one who wants to die!” Sheng Shiyue cursed, calling it an explanation.

Ning Qingge half-believed, not responding.

Sheng Shiyue was annoyed. Ning Qingge’s retorts irritated her; this dazed look did too. She turned to climb back onto the boat.

Before standing, her wrist was grabbed. She fell into Ning Qingge’s arms, held tightly.

“Ning Qingge!” She shouted, brows raised.

Ning Qingge said calmly, “Listen to my explanation.”

“Explain up there,” Sheng Shiyue complained about the cold water.

“You might ignore me up there.”

That was likely. Once up, Sheng Shiyue would probably call for the boat to be pulled, avoiding Ning Qingge in the cramped space.

“It’s not like that, Sheng Jiu,” Ning Qingge leaned closer, her cheek against Sheng Shiyue’s. Somehow, it was colder than hers.

Sheng Shiyue didn’t push her away immediately.

Ning Qingge murmured softly, “It’s not like that. No toying, no treating you like a puppet.”

Her thoughts were jumbled, her words scattered. She added, “I didn’t mean to block you. I know you avoid me.”

Sheng Shiyue was surprised, slightly embarrassed at being exposed. She retorted stubbornly, “You knew, yet you approached me.”

“Court officials dislike you, especially your friends’ parents. They think you corrupted them. Every meeting, they report to scold you…”

Sheng Shiyue turned her head, feigning indifference. She said stubbornly, “I know. So what? I don’t care. What can they do?”

But Ning Qingge said, “I care, Sheng Jiu. I care. I fear she’ll punish you again.”

She meant the Emperor.

The sweet lychee scent grew closer, overwhelming Sheng Shiyue’s tongue, like barrels of lychee condensed, drowning her.

“When you avoided me, I let you. But if they were there, I stepped forward first,” Ning Qingge’s voice held a trace of grievance, barely audible, suppressed. If not pressed together, Sheng Shiyue wouldn’t have noticed.

“I didn’t say much, my tone wasn’t harsh. You fear no one but me,” her resentment was clear now.

She lowered her head, resting on Sheng Shiyue’s shoulder. Her red lips grazed her neck, occasionally brushing the gland.

Sheng Shiyue gasped. Was Ning Qingge intentional or not? Even as a weak Qianyuan, she shouldn’t do this.

Did Ning Qingge know the difference between Kunze and Qianyuan?

But since Ning Qingge yielded, Sheng Shiyue, who softened to kindness, couldn’t keep scolding. She snapped irritably, “What’s your deal with Yicui Tower’s courtesan? Why did you—”

Eavesdropping wasn’t ethical. She paused, then pressed on, “Why force her to kneel?”

Ning Qingge froze, then recalled vaguely. She asked, “You saw?”

It was truly an accident, not a setup for Sheng Shiyue to witness.

Sheng Shiyue hummed.

Ning Qingge blinked, explaining, “Her clan was once a branch of the Ning family.”

Sheng Shiyue tilted her head, understanding slightly. Was the courtesan enslaved due to that incident, tied to the Ning family?

But shouldn’t Ning Qingge feel guilty? The courtesan fell to the brothel because of the Ning family.

Ning Qingge’s lips moved, choosing words carefully. She said cryptically, “Her mother was linked to the deposed Crown Princess case.”

Her lowered tone leaked a hint of hatred. She said, “Sheng Jiu, she should kneel. She deserves to kneel.”

Mentioning that person, Sheng Shiyue stiffened. Her hands at her sides clenched.

Before she could react, Ning Qingge continued, “Sheng Jiu, I’m still handling these matters… It’s not time for you to know. Not yet.”

Bl00d crusted on her cold lips, scraping Sheng Shiyue’s neck roughly.

Ning Qingge’s voice grew solemn, like a vow. She said word by word, “Sheng Jiu, I won’t harm you. I could never harm you.”

If she meant harm, she wouldn’t risk her life diving to save her, giving her last breath.

Sheng Shiyue’s mind was muddled, a mess of thoughts. Ning Qingge’s mention of that person, her cryptic assurance, and the tingling on her neck pulled her back to reality, not some bizarre dream.

“Let’s go up,” Sheng Shiyue said, instinctively avoiding.

Ning Qingge refused, looking up, meeting her eyes, demanding, “Trust me.”

Sheng Shiyue didn’t answer directly. Her eyes wavered. She said, “Go up. Isn’t the lake cold?”

Her tone softened, at least.

She avoided Ning Qingge’s gaze, grabbed her waist, and lifted her onto the boat. Ning Qingge pulled her up, and they returned together.

Sheng Shiyue didn’t fuss. She stripped off her wet clothes, wrapped herself in the boat’s silk, then glanced at Ning Qingge. Today, Ning Qingge was oddly dazed, like a broken log, infuriating Sheng Shiyue.

She tossed a cloth at her, snapping, “Hurry and change! If you catch a cold, I won’t fall for your pity act.”

She turned, back to Ning Qingge, giving her space to change.

Behind her, Ning Qingge’s lips curved, as if smiling. Then came the rustle of clothes.

Sheng Shiyue’s eyes drifted, catching a shadow on the lake, then quickly looked away, her back straighter.

Did Ning Qingge know she was Kunze? Why no caution? Sheng Shiyue couldn’t tell who was Kunze or Qianyuan.

Her thoughts paused. She tugged her lip, swollen and scarred pitifully. If Meng Xiaosi saw, they’d mock her endlessly.

“Your Highness.”

Ning Qingge’s voice came from behind.

She said softly, “Your Highness, I’m done.”

Now she called her Highness. Sheng Shiyue ignored her, humming to acknowledge, then tugged the rope at the boat’s stern.

The submerged rope shook. A copper bell rang. Several people emerged from the shore’s bamboo grove, pulling the hemp rope to shore.

This pampered lady wouldn’t row herself; servants did it.

Ning Qingge realized, showing faint embarrassment. “There were people on shore…”

Her earlier panic faded, and she returned to normal. Thinking, since servants stayed shore-side and didn’t act when Sheng Shiyue fell, they were used to her antics. Plus, she had pinned Sheng Shiyue…

Sheng Shiyue scoffed, saying sarcastically, “Now you know? Prime Minister Ning is quite impressive.”

She asked, “Who told you I was here?”

Chi Ling was a stuffy gourd, rarely speaking, especially now. Sheng Shiyue often took her for wall-climbing escapades, only switching to Liuyun recently due to Chi Ling’s injury.

Ye Liuyun, exhausted from today, was sent to rest early. Other servants wouldn’t reveal her whereabouts. How did Ning Qingge know?

Ning Qingge skipped the Chi Ling standoff, saying, “Aunt Qu told me.”

That made sense.

Sheng Shiyue said “Oh” and spoke no more.

The boat moved, rippling the calmed lake. Lotus leaves parted, petals fell in the sway, revealing green seedpods.

Sheng Shiyue sniffed. The sweet lychee scent had vanished. She relaxed slightly, then blurted, “I’ll tell them not to gossip.”

Ning Qingge lowered her head, letting out a soft “Hmm.”

Her wet hair dripped, but she seemed in better spirits, calmer than before.

The boat reached shore. Waiting servants rushed forward, draping fur cloaks over them, then hurried to the room.

With only one portion of hot water prepared, Ning Qingge and Sheng Shiyue split half each, washing off the chill before slipping into bed.

After all that, they ended up in the same room. Sheng Shiyue’s earlier demand to change rooms was forgotten. Ning Qingge didn’t mention it, and Sheng Shiyue pretended it never happened.

The next morning, the Emperor’s personal servant arrived from the palace, urgently summoning Sheng Shiyue to court.