When Ning Shu caught sight of He Lianying's smug expression, she couldn't help but let out a scornful laugh. Was he so certain that she would marry him? His confidence was almost comical. For better or worse, Great Yong was a vast nation, and Princess Jiahui wasn't as loathed as she had been in the original storyline.
As the banquet progressed, the dancers gradually withdrew, and He Lianying stood up, striding confidently to the center of the hall. His movements radiated a self-assured energy, reminiscent of a lunging cheetah. Just his masculine presence was enough to enchant many women, though it was a shame his character was as dark as the depths of night.
The guests exchanged knowing glances as He Lianying made his move, aware that the main event was about to unfold. This banquet was not merely a celebration; it would determine Princess Jiahui's fate.
He Lianying cast a glance towards Ning Shu, who sat with an indifferent expression tinged with cynicism. A smile broke across his face as he cupped his fist towards Li Wen. "Your Majesty, Emperor of Great Yong, my nation is willing to enter a peace marriage with the Great Yong dynasty to mend our relationships…" He paused, his gaze landing on Ning Shu. "This prince fell in love with Princess Jiahui at first sight. I like her."
Ning Shu rolled her eyes internally. Love at first sight? She could hardly contain her disdain. Like? He probably had his eye on Jiahui's dowry and lands, not her. How shameless!
Unfazed, Ning Shu lowered her head, focusing on sipping her fruit wine instead of acknowledging He Lianying.
Li Wen's gaze shifted between He Lianying and Ning Shu, his displeasure growing. "Jiahui, what do you think?" he asked mildly.
"Do you like the second prince of North Mongolia?" Li Wen referred to him without even using his name.
Ning Shu stood up, her voice steady and firm. "This sister-subject does not like the second prince of North Mongolia."
Li Wen nodded, a satisfied expression on his face. "Jiahui is our only sister, so naturally, we are unwilling to allow her to marry into a distant country."
For a brief moment, He Lianying's expression faltered before he looked at Ning Shu with a strained smile, sensing that pushing the matter further would yield no results.
Ning Shu sighed in relief; she had finally evaded the fate of being married off, but the cost had been steep. A glance at He Lianying revealed his dark and brooding gaze, as if a wolf had set its sights on her. She met his gaze with a defiant expression, as if to say, "As if I'm scared of you."
With the rejection of the peace marriage, the North Mongolian delegation would leave empty-handed, unable to extort reparations or claim a princess's dowry. Before they departed, He Lianying turned towards the capital, vowing that Great Yong would pay a price for this slight.
As he sat astride his horse, He Lianying looked up at Ning Shu, who stood atop the city gates in her lightweight equestrian attire, her hair pulled into a high ponytail. She narrowed her eyes, instinctively knowing that this encounter wouldn't be their last. They were originally destined to be husband and wife, after all.
He Lianying extended his hand toward her, as if to touch her despite the distance, then lightly kissed his fingers, an eerie gesture that sent a chill down her spine. With a smile directed at her, he swung his whip, turning his horse around and galloping away.
Ning Shu shuddered at He Lianying's unsettling farewell and hurried back to the Princess Residence, eager to distance herself from his unsettling presence.