Even Errong was stunned to see this beautiful as a flower man being so melancholy. Clutching her friend’s hand, she whispered, “Why is my older brother like this?” 

  Ji Man comfortingly patted her shoulder. “Everyone will meet someone that’s wrong for them at some point in their lives. Time will heal their wounds and make everything okay again. It’s nothing serious. After some time passes, your older brother will recover to his old self.” 

  Ning Mingjie wasn’t stupid. As a person that cared about his family and his country, he wouldn’t lose himself to his emotions. 

  Pengyue found a place for them to sit, then she propped up her chin in her hands as she looked at Ning Mingjie for a while. Finally, she asked, “Which family does that young master belong to?” 

  Ning Errong was somewhat unhappy with Pengyue’s tone. It sounded as if she was just selecting vegetables at a market. Curling her lip, she said, “He’s my older brother.” 

  Ji Man supplemented, “He’s Marquis Jingwen’s heir. He’s leaving the capital in three days with the army. He’s a pretty good person.” 

  Pengyue stared at him without blinking for a moment. She watched as he hanged up his poem and the crowd praised his writing. She lightly harrumphed. “That man already had someone in his heart.” 

  Pengyue was only a young woman. If they were in modern-day, she would be taking her college entrance exam. How was it possible that she had clearly seen the truth in only glance? Ji Man felt somewhat speechless. It couldn’t be that girls from ancient time were precocious and trained to have discerning eyes, right? 

  “My older brother almost married Prince Gong’s daughter recently.” As she brought up this topic, Errong felt extremely unhappy. “Unfortunately, his beloved was snatched away, and his bride became a princess consort instead.” 

  “Errong.” Ji Man pressed her hand. 

  Ning Errong felt somewhat indignant, but as soon as she remembered that the third prince was Sangyu’s older cousin, she didn’t feel right to continue speaking about the matter and only quietly felt bad for her older brother. 

  “Oh? There was such a thing?” Princess Pengyue’s interest was stirred up. Tugging on Errong’s hand, she asked, “What exactly happened, ah?” 

  Ning Mingjie had finished hanging up his poem. He saw that Nie Sangyu had already arrived. He wasn’t surprised that she hadn’t come here by herself. Not only did she bring Errong along, there was also an unfamiliar young woman. 

  He had received the third prince’s order to act as a bodyguard today, but he had pretended that he hadn’t been home to get his message and had come to Luoyan Pagoda instead. But, in the end, he hadn’t been able to successfully hide. 

  Seeing him covering over, Errong naturally stopped gossiping with Princess Pengyue. She quickly smiled and said to him, “Older brother, I haven’t you seen in a while. You look even more valiantly handsome.” 

  Ning Mingjie put on a fake smile. He silently saluted Princess Pengyue, then he sat down on the side. Looking at Nie Sangyu, he said, “Madam, as expected, you didn’t miss our appointment.” 

  Ji Man felt somewhat embarrassed. She awkwardly laughed, then she seriously said, “I think that Young Master should take the time to look at scenery from other places. Don’t blame Sangyu for meddling.” 

  Ning Mingjie laughed, glanced at Pengyue, and lightly said, “I found out that Luoqi was pregnant yesterday, so I feel that I won’t be feeling alone for the remainder of my life.” 

  “What?!” Not caring that there was a princess present, Ning Errong jumped up. “Luoqi is pregnant?” 

  Smiling, Ning Mingjie nodded. 

  Princess Pengyue twitched her lips. “As expected, all good men are already married to their beloveds and have children.” 

  Ji Man was left feeling a bit helpless after Ning Mingjie had thrown out this bomb. Although Ning Mingjie didn’t have a main wife, by saying that his woman was pregnant in front of the princess, wasn’t he clearly declaring that he didn’t want any development between him and the princess?! What was he thinking?! 

  This was the same as throwing the imperial noble consort’s plan out the window. 

  Ning Mingjie actually turned around and started to comfort Pengyue. “There are a lot of excellent men in Great Song. Your Highness, take your time with looking. There’s no need to hurry.” 

  “Alright.” Pengyue swept her gaze over to the wall to look at Ning Mingjie’s calligraphy, then she stood up and said, “This place only has scholars. How about we go somewhere else?” 

  Ji Man sighed and also got up. She said to Ning Mingjie, “Young Master, since you’re free today, how about accompanying us for a while?” 

  “En.” Ning Mingjie didn’t refused and followed them as they headed out of Luoyan Pagoda. 

  As Ji Man was walking behind Pengyue, she quietly mumbled, “Such a pity, such a pity……” 

  Just from his appearance, there were few women that wouldn’t feel interested in Ning Mingjie after seeing him. But, if he wasn’t willing, no one could force him. 

  The carriage would inevitably feel a bit crowded with four people, so Pengyue suggested that they walk around the capital instead of taking the carriage. 

  Ji Man thought; it was really fortunate that she wasn’t wearing modern-day heels. Otherwise, her feet would be covered in blisters by the time she went home after walking so much. 

  After passing Zhangning Street, it was Guyue Street. On both sides of the street, all of the doors were closed on the storefronts. It looked quite desolate. 

  The princess curiously asked, “Why is so empty?” 

  Ning Mingjie swept his gaze around the street. He didn’t pretend to be proper and straightforwardly said, “There will be a lot of people here at nighttime. We’re in the red light district.” 

  Pengyue’s face turned red, but there were obviously little stars of interest in her eyes. Ji Man hurriedly led them to a different area. She didn’t have the audacity to bring a princess to visit a brothel. 

  “Sir Nie……” Someone’s soft and silky voice drifted down from a nearby upstairs room. The three women didn’t hear this voice, but Ning Mingjie had heard it with his sharp ears. He stopped walking and glanced upwards. 

  Translator Ramblings: I love that Ning Mingjie totally ruined Ji Man and the imperial noble consort’s plan XD.

  Chapter 282 – Even a marriage predestined by fate can’t survive without love (1) 

  Behind the gauzy red curtains, there were clearly people on the second floor. It was quite the beguiling scene. In broad daylight, there was a shadowy pair that was having a fun romp behind the curtains. 

  There were many people with the last name Nie in the imperial court, so Ning Mingjie didn’t think too much it. He resumed walking and followed after the three women. 

  After a while, Pengyue got bored of sightseeing and loudly insisted that she wanted to go to a military training ground. A military training ground was a place where army troops were usually performing drills, and the nearest one was on the outskirts of the capital. Ji Man remembered that Ning Yuxuan had told her that the princess like martial arts. She had silently exclaimed in admiration at the time. Was Marquis Moyu actually a central intelligence officer? It really seemed like he knew everything. 

  With his official position, Ning Mingjie was naturally able to bring them to a military training ground. However, after Ji Man had accompanied Pengyue in touring the military training ground for a while, she saw someone that she would never expected to see in this type of place. 

  A group of guards were currently performing a training exercise and loudly shouting. They looked as fierce as tigers as they skillfully displayed their talents with their weapons. The princess watched this training with keen interest. 

  Ji Man turned her head to the side and saw someone sitting at the side of the training field. 

  Or, to put it in another way, there was a wooden wheelchair parked over there. 

  The second prince was quietly watching the training guards. His face was blank and without any hint of emotion, but his entire body seemed to be radiating a strong feeling of admiration and envy. He truly looked very pitiful. 

  Pengyue wasn’t blind, so she naturally saw him too. As soon as she noticed that there was a man wearing an official robe only worn by princes, she became curious. Tugging on Nie Sangyu’s sleeve, she asked, “Your country has princes that are cripples?” 

  Ji Man nodded. “That’s the second prince. He usually stays in the palace and doesn’t come out often. I heard that his legs were like that since he was born.” 

  Tapping the long whip she was holding, Pengyue inexplicably felt an urge to walk over there and chat with the second prince. But, the second prince actually pretended that he didn’t seem them. He turned his wheelchair in the other direction and started to leave. 

  “Why would a grand prince appear at a military training ground? Since he had already come, why is he leaving so quickly?” Pengyue frowned. Feeling very unsatisfied, she said, “Do the men in Great Song like to play hard to get?” 

  This princess seemed as if she had a pre-installed software that systematically ridicule people. Once she figured out someone’s intentions, was there any need in publicly stating aloud his intentions so blatantly? 

  Ning Mingjie came over and reminded them that it was about time for them to leave too. A military training field wasn’t a zoo. After using his connections to briefly tour the place, they should be leaving. 

  Right after Pengyue left the military training field, she grumbled again, “If he wanted to talk to me, he should just come over and talk. What’s the meaning in leaving after only showing his face? Even though I wouldn’t marry a cripple, it would still be nice to make a new friend.” 

  Ji Man couldn’t resist laughing. “Your Highness, if you want to be friends with the second prince, you can just go to his estate to look for him.” 

  “Who wants to look for him?” Pengyue harrumphed. She turned her head and looked around for a bit before saying, “There’s nowhere else fun to go, and I’m tired from walking too. How about we go rest at one of your homes?” 

  Errong asked, “Your Highness, aren’t you going to return to the palace?” 

  “The imperial noble consort said I could stay with the two of you.” Looking at Errong, Pengyue asked, “Where’s your home?” 

  Ning Errong felt a bit annoyed. If you’re going to invite yourself to someone’s home, could you not say it as if you were the one doing her a great favor? Although Princess Pengyue was a decent person, her tone was too arrogant. 

  Errong twitched her lips and said, “Sangyu’s husband’s estate is bigger than my home. Your Highness, you should stay over there instead.” 

  Pengyue pouted. “Am I not welcome at your home? We’ve spent so much time walking together today, but you keep looking at me from the corner of your eyes.” 

  From the tone of Pengyue’s voice as she said those last two sentences, she seemed to be feeling a bit hurt. Ji Man could tell that this princess honestly said whatever she felt without censoring herself. Although this princess was a bit arrogant, she didn’t have a malicious heart. 

  Still, if the princess returned to the palace and repeated these words, Errong would be in trouble. It wasn’t something that could be passed off as a joke if you slighted an important guest. 

  “Errong is just feeling down today,” Ji Man hurriedly said, “Let’s go to Nie Residence. I’ll stay over too and keep the two of you company.” 

  Pengyue asked, “Want to share a bed with me?” 

  Errong said, “There’s enough rooms. Your Highness, you can have a bedroom to yourself.” 

  Pengyue lowered her eyes. She mumbled, “I’m so far away from home. I haven’t been sleeping well this entire journey here. If we can all sleep together, I promised that I wouldn’t eavesdrop if the two of you want to have a private conversation.” 

  Amused by her words, Ji Man nodded. 

  Ning Mingjie glanced at her and said, “You should send someone to let the marquis know that you’re not going home tonight.” 

  Errong admiringly looked at her and said, “Exactly. Otherwise, he might get worried. Qingyun and I were relieved to hear that your relationship with my older cousin has been going very well lately. ” 

  Ji Man dryly laughed. Yeah, their relationship was really good. It had already been several days since she saw Ning Yuxuan’s face. She was almost forgetting what he looked like. 

  On the way to Nie Residence, Pengyue couldn’t resist asking, “Has second prince always been unfavored?” 

  Ning Mingjie said, “Pretty much. His consort mother died young, and the emperor doesn’t value him. Your Highness, you shouldn’t choose someone like him as your husband.” 

  “Ah, why should I not choose him just because you say so?” Pengyue lightly snorted. She turned her head away and stroked the whip at her waist with her left hand. 

  Ji Man’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Ning Mingjie. 

  There was a hint of a smile on Ning Mingjie’s face. He turned his head and looked elsewhere too. 

  T/N: I posted vague spoilers about Errong and Qingyun, but I’m not sure if I should say anything…… Am I ruining your enjoyment by providing spoilers? I think the author wants the readers to feel doubtful about Qingyun’s behavior and question if he has changed.

  Chapter 283 – Even a marriage predestined by fate can’t survive without love (2) 

  Knowing that the princess would be staying over as a guest, Nie household had already fully prepared in advance. When Errong led Nie Sangyu and the princess into the estate, Ning Mingjie bid his farewell first. 

  As they were passing through the scenic covered corridors, Pengyue looked amazed the entire time. “Isn’t your home too exquisite?” 

  This estate naturally had a different type of splendor than the palace, but it had a charm that was superior to the palace. 

  Smiling, Errong pointed at a pond and said, “In the summer, lotus flowers will bloom here. Qingyun had those flowers planted here for me.” 

  Pengyue somewhat admiringly asked, “Is Qingyun your husband?” 

  At the mention of Qingyun, Errong gave a tiny smile. “Yeah. He treats me very well. The flowers in this pond are from him, and embroidery building over there was built for me too.” 

  “This is how men should behave, ah.” Having gotten rid of the group of trailing servants, Pengyue was slightly skipping. Full of energy, she said, “My imperial father has told me a thousand times that I should choose a man that has power and influence, but I don’t want to. I just want to marry a man that will treat me well.” 

  “That’s a pretty good way of thinking.” Ji Man nodded and said, “As long as a man isn’t poor to the point of only having fabricated dreams and can’t even financially support himself, it’s not necessary for him to be super rich. As long as he treats you well, it’ll be fine to marry him.” 

  Looking at her, Pengyue smiled. “It’s rare to see someone that thinks the same way as me. Does your husband treat you really well too?” 

  Ji Man paused before shaking her head. 

  Pengyue showed her a pitying expression before looking at Errong and saying, “It seems that it isn’t easy to find a good husband. You have to treasure yours.” 

  Errong nodded and slightly lowered her eyes. 

  Right after they entered a room, a servant girl came over and saluted.” Young Madam.” 

  Errong nodded and quietly asked, “Where’s Young Master?” 

  The servant girl glanced at Nie Sangyu and Pengyue before saying in a low voice, “He hasn’t returned yet.” 

  Ji Man looked at the sky outside. Should he have already quickly finished his work and come home to eat dinner? Why was Nie Qingyun not home yet? 

  Errong wasn’t showing a surprised expression. She turned around and said with a smile, “That’s good too. All three of us can share a room together then.” 

  Ji Man slightly frowned. “Is my older brother not coming back tonight?” 

  Without turning her head back, Errong continued walking up the stairs as she answered, “En, he’s been busy lately.” 

  Pengyue looked at Errong, then she looked at Nie Sangyu before following Errong upstairs. She treated this place as if it were her own home. 

  When Chen-shi led a group of concubine-born daughters over here to pay respect to the princess, Pengyue found it bothersome. Right after seeing them, before Chen-shi even had time to speak, Pengyue said she was tired and wanted to go to sleep. 

  Chen-shi wasn’t happy as she withdrew from the room. As she was leaving, she cast a glance at Errong. 

  Errong lowered her eyes and stayed silent. 

  — 

  By the time the evening sky had darkened more, as Errong had said, Nie Qingyun still hadn’t come back. Ji Man had the servants add many more braziers to the room, so the three of them didn’t feel that cold even with just their sleeping robes on. 

  Ji Man finally had the chance to straightforwardly ask, “What’s going on with you and my older brother?” 

  On the bed with them, Pengyue pretended to sleep with her small hands covering her eyes. Ji Man really wanted to remind her that it should be her ears that should be covered and not her eyes. But, seeing that Errong looked as if she was about to cry, she didn’t have the mind to care about other things. 

  “It’s nothing. It’s a perfectly normal matter. Your older brother is going to take a concubine soon.” Errong was smiling as she said those words, but tears dripped down. She hurriedly wiped her tears and said, “I’m the one that’s being small-minded. I keep hoping that I’ll be the only person that he looks at for a lifetime. But, one year has passed without any pregnancy. My mother-in-law insists that he takes a concubine, and he hasn’t…… refused.” 

  With a “Dammit!”, Pengyu sat up and stared at her. “Should a husband take a concubine after only one year? My imperial father only has my imperial mother. It’s been so many years, but he hasn’t added any imperial consorts.” 

  Talking about this topic in front of a princess they had only met for one day, Ji Man had originally been worried that there would be a conflict. But, it seemed that this young girl was quite vehement about her beliefs and gossip. In the end, this was a princess that was being transplanted to Great Song. If they could have a closer relationship, it would naturally be good. 

  “Yuzhen has a smaller population, so the custom is to have one husband and one wife, “Ji Man quietly said, “It can’t be compared to Great Song where it’s normal to have a few wives and several concubines. In a country where there’s a higher population, after men have obtained power, money, and land, it’s only to be expected that they’ll pursue a variety of women.” 

  Unhappy, Pengyue said, “Wasn’t it only today that you said Errong’s husband treated her very well. Why is he taking a concubine then?” 

  “In a man’s mind, there’s no conflict between treating a women well and having many women at the same time.” Ji Man twitched her lips. “I used to think that my older brother was the exception to this rule.” 

  Errong’s eyes were red. After being silent for a while, she smiled and said, “I’ve already come to terms with it. If he takes a concubine, he takes a concubine. I can’t forcibly keep him for a lifetime. But…… when I asked him to not fall in love with someone else, he said I was being unreasonable.” 

  Ji Man rubbed her temples. Regarding the matter of whether the man or woman was being the more unreasonable one, she really didn’t want to discuss it. But, it seemed that a problem had appeared in Errong and Qingyun’s marriage. 

  Only one year had passed since their wedding. Back then, Nie Qingyun had been somewhat unwilling to marry Errong. Was this just an eruption of his earlier discontent or something? 

  After Old Madame passed away, the connection between Nie Clan and Ning Clan had become much weaker. Right now, it was only herself, Errong, and Qingyun that tenuously connected the two families. If Errong and Qingyun couldn’t get along, what would happen in the future? 

  Perhaps, she had made a mistake too. If Nie Qingyun truly didn’t like Errong, she shouldn’t have pushed him to marry her. Even a marriage predestined by fate can’t survive without love. No matter how much effort was put into it, it wouldn’t last for long. 

  Ji Man suddenly asked, “Where does my older brother usually go?” 

  Errong pursed her lips and wryly smiled. “How would I know? I only know that he says he’s busy and hasn’t been coming home. I don’t know where he’s been going.” 

  Pengyue excitedly suggested, “Send people to follow him.”