Chapter 15: A Meeting in the Garden
A deep, hoarse voice cut through the tense air. "What's going on here?"
Huang Ning quickly shifted her demeanor, her eyes filling with unshed tears.
"Your Highness, it's nothing. I just happened to pass by and saw my elder sister in the garden, so I decided to greet her," she said, trying to hold back her tears.
Di Chen, the crown prince, stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "Ning Ning, are you alright? What's the matter?"
Huang Ning hesitated, then spoke softly. "I didn't want to burden you with this, but since you asked… I heard you have three women in your courtyard who keep you company."
Di Chen sighed but remained calm. "Yes, that's true. But don't worry, Ning Ning. You will be my only crown princess, the one I cherish above all others," he assured her, gently patting her back.
Despite his comforting words, tears rolled down Huang Ning's cheeks. The thought of Di Chen with other women left her feeling hurt and betrayed.
"It's fine, I understand," she whispered, though her heart told a different story.
Just then, Ye Xiwu approached hurriedly. "Young Miss, you need to come and see this," she said.
"Is everything alright?" Huang Ning asked, her voice filled with concern.
Before Ye Xiwu could answer, Huang Nian cut in coldly. "Take care of your own affairs before sticking your nose into others' business," she said, walking away from the garden.
Di Chen watched her leave, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Ning Ning, I've told you not to bother with that trash anymore," he said sternly.
"But, Your Highness, Huang Nian is my sister. I can't just abandon her," Huang Ning replied, a touch of defiance in her voice.
"You're too kind," Di Chen sighed, "but it frustrates me to see how she mistreats you. I can't stand it."
At the Courtyard
Returning to her courtyard, Huang Nian was taken aback by what she saw. The once dilapidated space had been transformed into an elegant, beautiful courtyard.
"Ye Xiwu, you did an excellent job," Huang Nian said, genuinely impressed.
"I'm glad you like it, Young Miss," Ye Xiwu responded, beaming with pride.
Huang Nian then handed her a small vial. "Here, take this Potential Increasing Pill. It will help you cultivate your spiritual Qi."
Ye Xiwu's eyes widened in disbelief. "Young Miss, thank you so much! I never thought I'd have the chance to cultivate in my life. You've made it possible for me!" she exclaimed, overwhelmed with gratitude.
"Don't waste time. Start cultivating now," Huang Nian urged.
"Yes, Young Miss. I'll get started right away," Ye Xiwu said, but as she turned to leave, Huang Nian added, "And one more thing—keep this a secret. No one should know you're cultivating."
"Understood, Young Miss," Ye Xiwu nodded, then hurried out.
Mansion of Eternity
In the grand, yet subtly intimidating Mansion of Eternity, Jun Mo Xie sat on a jade chair, his expression unreadable. A guard rushed in, breaking the silence.
"My Liege, the Young Miss from the Huang Mansion has left her estate."
Jun Mo Xie's eyes narrowed slightly. "She's finally out, then. Jiang Chen, prepare a low-key garment for me."
"At once, My Liege," the guard replied, quickly setting to work. Once dressed in the modest attire, Jun Mo Xie left the Mansion of Eternity, blending seamlessly into the bustling market.
At the Market
As Huang Nian wandered through the busy market, a group of people caught her attention.
"Hey, did you hear? The Mystery Sect is conducting a test to assess the martial talents in Longyuan. This kind of opportunity only comes around every few years. Let's go check it out!" one person said excitedly.
'Test?' Huang Nian paused in her steps, intrigued.
The Mystery Sect often held such tests to recruit promising talents. Di Chen had been recruited as an inner disciple due to his exceptional inborn talent.
"I should go and check it out. I've never really understood the full extent of my own talent. This could be the perfect opportunity to find out," Huang Nian thought to herself as she made her way towards the testing site.