Qiao Nian was acquainted with the Prince of Ming.
After all, Noble Consort De and Lady Lin had been bosom friends since their youth. Thus, their children had often played together since childhood. However, as a prince, the Prince of Ming held an exalted status. Whenever they played with him, they couldn't help but feel a sense of restraint.
As they grew older, the Prince of Ming was burdened with a heavy academic load and was unable to leave the palace frequently. Consequently, they played together less often.
So, their relationship was not particularly close; they merely knew each other.
After Qiao Nian entered the laundry bureau, she once saw the Prince of Ming. At that time, she was dressed in the garb of a palace maid and knelt behind a nanny to pay her respects. Presumably, the Prince of Ming didn't notice her.
At the moment, the Prince of Ming was seated beside Noble Consort De. His simple yet elegant brocade robes accentuated his refined and graceful demeanor.
He was of a tall stature. Even when seated, he towered over Noble Consort De by a head.
The Prince of Ming resembled the Emperor with his firm - featured countenance. Only his eyes were strikingly similar to those of Noble Consort De, gazing at everyone with a gentle and tender look, sometimes tinged with a touch of compassion and pity.
Just like now, as he looked at Qiao Nian, the pity in his eyes was on the verge of overflowing.
Qiao Nian disliked such a gaze intensely. It made her feel like the most wretched person in the world.
But she was far from being so.
"Rise quickly," Noble Consort De stepped forward and personally helped Qiao Nian up. "Your mother sent word to me about this matter only yesterday. It's rather late. I should have had a good chat with you a couple of days ago."
Qiao Nian kept her eyes downcast and remained silent. She seemed bashful.
In reality, though, she simply didn't know what to say.
Seeing how much Noble Consort De adored Qiao Nian, Lady Lin was delighted. Her gaze involuntarily fell on the Prince of Ming beside her. Noticing that his eyes were constantly fixed on Qiao Nian, she felt even more elated and couldn't help but exclaim, "Your Highness the Prince of Ming is growing more and more handsome and extraordinary."
Upon hearing this, the Prince of Ming stood up and bowed respectfully to Lady Lin. "Auntie, you flatter me."
This simple address of "Auntie" instantly knitted their relationship closer.
Noble Consort De and Lady Lin exchanged a glance, and both could discern the satisfaction in each other's eyes.
However, Qiao Nian was perplexed. Noble Consort De was well aware that she was neither the legitimate daughter nor even a concubine's daughter of the Marquis' Mansion.
Moreover, she had spent three years in the laundry bureau, bearing the lowly status of a servant.
The Prince of Ming was so noble. He could choose any noble lady he desired.
Why was Noble Consort De satisfied with her?
Yet, Noble Consort De was indeed intent on matchmaking. She cast a subtle glance at the Prince of Ming. "Qi'er, take Nian Nian for a stroll in the Imperial Garden."
This was to create an opportunity for the two of them to be alone.
The Prince of Ming complied respectfully and made a gesture of invitation towards Qiao Nian.
Qiao Nian returned the gesture with a bow and followed the Prince of Ming.
She trailed behind him, maintaining a proper distance. As a result, the Prince of Ming didn't have an opportunity to converse with her along the way.
It was not until they entered the Imperial Garden.
The Imperial Garden boasted a profusion of blossoms throughout the year. In winter, it was the plum blossoms that adorned the landscape.
The Prince of Ming approached a red plum tree, reached out, and plucked a branch. He presented it to Qiao Nian. "This king remembers that you love red plum blossoms."
There were so few who could recall her preferences. Even though Qiao Nian no longer cherished them, she accepted it with both hands and replied, "Thank you, Your Highness."
"You need not be so formal and distant with this king. In approximately three months, you will become this king's princess consort," the Prince of Ming said with a faint smile. His words left Qiao Nian utterly astounded.
Three months?
She stared in disbelief, her eyes wide with shock. Was it really going to be that soon?
The Prince of Ming's smile broadened. "Now that I've been enfeoffed as a prince, I must return to my fief. I will depart for Gucheng in three months, and you will accompany me then."
Qiao Nian was completely taken aback.
She knew that she had come to the palace today to meet her future husband, but she had never anticipated that they would get married so soon after just one meeting.
Wasn't this too hasty?
Seeing Qiao Nian's stunned expression, the Prince of Ming found it rather amusing. He couldn't help but offer words of comfort. "Rest assured. Gucheng is nestled in the south of the Yangtze River. The scenery there is breathtaking. Even in winter, it's not as frigid as it is here in the capital. Your chilblains won't bother you any longer."
Qiao Nian hadn't expected the Prince of Ming to notice the chilblains on her hands. Instinctively, she tucked her hands into her sleeves.
The Prince of Ming pretended not to notice and continued, "Gucheng is renowned for its silk production. You'll have an endless supply of new clothes. The writing brushes crafted in Gucheng are of exceptional quality. This king knows that you're proficient in calligraphy. You're bound to love it there."
At this moment, the Prince of Ming seemed to Qiao Nian like a shop assistant in a jewelry store, eagerly promoting something to her.
This overly enthusiastic demeanor was rather bewildering.
Qiao Nian furrowed her brows slightly and finally couldn't contain her question. "May this common girl ask Your Highness a question?"
The Prince of Ming nodded slightly. "Certainly."
"Your Highness is a man of extraordinary appearance and noble status. There are countless daughters of noble ministers in the court, many of whom excel me in both looks and talent. May I ask... why me?"
As he heard Qiao Nian's question, a fleeting shadow of something dark passed through the Prince of Ming's eyes.
However, he then donned a warm smile and replied, "Naturally, it's due to Auntie's recommendation. And this king happens to be in search of a princess consort."
Qiao Nian stared intently at the Prince of Ming with her clear eyes.
Even though Lady Lin and Noble Consort De shared a deep friendship, when it came to the Prince of Ming's marriage, how could Noble Consort De solely consider their sisterly bond?
As she had just mentioned, with the Prince of Ming's status, he could have anyone he fancied.
He could even marry the legitimate daughter of the current prime minister.
Why on earth did he choose her, someone with such an unconventional and embarrassing background?
She had been humiliated just a few days ago!
With her status, she was far from worthy of the noble Prince of Ming.
The Prince of Ming lowered his eyes and let out a long sigh. "If I must give a reason, it's because my mother favors you."
The Prince of Ming's words left Qiao Nian stunned once again.
Then, he looked up at her once more, and a tender glimmer sparkled in his eyes. "After you came to the palace to deliver the clothes that day, my mother couldn't stop talking about you. That palace maid you mentioned to her was transferred to serve her within an hour. To be honest, this king has never seen my mother take such a keen interest in anything before."
Qiao Nian caught a glimpse of the palace maid, Liuniang, from afar today. She was indeed doing cleaning work in Noble Consort De's living quarters.
Qiao Nian furrowed her brows in thought. She really hadn't expected Noble Consort De to be so meticulous. A sense of gratitude welled up in her heart.
Unexpectedly, the Prince of Ming suddenly took a step closer to Qiao Nian.
He was tall. She already had to look up at him, and now his towering figure loomed over her, forcing her to lower her head.
Then, a gentle voice reached her ears from above. "Moreover, this king has long been smitten with you."
Qiao Nian was startled. She looked up at the Prince of Ming in a rush and was immediately ensnared by a pair of eyes as gentle as a serene lake.
The distance between them was too close.
It was so close that it left her completely flustered, her mind going blank, not knowing how to respond.
In the next instant, a cold voice sliced through the moment like a sharp blade.
"I, your servant, pay my respects to Your Highness the Prince of Ming."
It was none other than Xiao Heng!