From the looks of it, staying on Li Wen's side and avoiding any ties with Duan Xinghui was the right choice. Ning Shu felt like a genius!
She curtsied to Li Wen, stating firmly, "This subject-sister no longer has any feelings for Duan Xinghui and will not have any relationship with him again. I will definitely uphold the imperial family's dignity."
Li Wen studied her for a moment before nodding. "It's good that you understand. This incident shows that Duan Xinghui isn't a very good man. He's clearly ignoring the customs of generals by bringing a woman on a military march."
Ning Shu agreed enthusiastically. "Imperial Older Brother, you're absolutely right!"
Li Wen smiled slightly. "You can head back now."
As Ning Shu bowed and prepared to leave, the little gray ball suddenly leaped out from her collar and darted toward Li Wen.
Ning Shu nearly panicked. If that little creature hurt Li Wen, there was no way she could make amends—she'd be heading straight for the execution grounds instead of worrying about marriage.
"Imperial Older Brother, DOO…dge!" she shouted reflexively, but what unfolded in front of her left her feeling utterly deflated.
The little gray ball was affectionately rubbing against Li Wen's face, clutching his ear with its tiny claws.
Ning Shu felt even more defeated. After all the care she'd given it—food, shelter—it completely forgot her the moment it saw Li Wen. She had thought she'd managed to unleash her innate aura as a main character, but it turned out she was still just a supporting role in someone else's story.
She watched the little gray ball with distress.
Li Wen's face was a mix of surprise and amusement as he pulled the creature away to get a better look. Its glossy, black-bean eyes sparkled back at him.
"What is this?" Li Wen asked mildly, placing the little gray ball on the table.
Ning Shu pouted. "This is something I found in the Manor Garden. I have no idea what it is; all it does is eat. It loves pastries."
"Oh…" Li Wen raised an eyebrow and picked up a pastry, offering it to the little creature. It happily munched away, looking innocent and adorable.
"Alright, you can go back now," Li Wen said after the little gray ball finished its treat.
Ning Shu replied with a simple "en," then moved to grab the little creature and make her exit.
"Jiji…" The little gray ball jumped onto Li Wen's shoulder, squeaking at Ning Shu and gripping his collar tightly.
Ning Shu: …
What the heck!? All the pastries she'd given it couldn't compare to just one from Li Wen? How could there be such a disparity between the two?
"Imperial Older Brother, since the little gray ball likes you so much, I'll have to trouble you to take care of it," Ning Shu said, forcing a bright smile. "When you get tired of reading memorials, you can play with it a little. Just treat it as a present from me."
"Thank you, Jiahui." Li Wen's lips curled into a smile.
"Not at all, not at all." Ning Shu grinned uncomfortably, shooting a glare at the little gray ball before leaving the Imperial Study.