She accidentally flirted with the villain and was fiercely criticized as the regent for forcibly mar

When people see others possessing something special that they cannot have, some will feel envious, some will feel jealous, and some will simply scoff, because they don't believe that men in this world can have any true feelings.

"Happiness in marriage can never last. Men... ha! In the end, they all end up the same way!"

The aristocratic ladies, yearning for love, were speechless: "Yes, yes, yes, you don't enjoy being loved, just like you, suffering first to appear wise! You think you're so great!"

The person who scoffed: "..."

Xiao Qing overheard their whispers and became agitated: "What instructions? What does Ningning's marriage have to do with the Regent? If the Empress Dowager wants to bestow a marriage, will he also do so?"

The noble ladies looked at him, their eyes filled with unanimous sympathy: "Don't just look at what you want to see, open your eyes and look at the details!"

Xiao Qing wasn't stupid; he probably already knew what they were talking about, but he still didn't believe that the Regent was going to marry Ningning!

He liked Ningning so much that he wanted everyone to know and to see her all the time. All he could think about was how to marry her as soon as possible!

How can a man like a woman and do nothing about it?

Even if the other party doesn't want to get married so soon, you still have to express your feelings and let her know how you feel, and also stop others from speculating!

"You're all just guessing, I don't believe you!"

Ladies: "..." Fine! You're happy to hit a brick wall, and we're happy to watch the show!

"Aren't the Prince and the Princess of Funing a couple?"

The regent was notorious, and almost no one dared to pry into his private affairs. However, there were always one or two people who were valued by him, had a strong sense of curiosity, and were particularly bold, who would brazenly ask him in public.

Everyone else silently admired his fearlessness, while also pricking up their ears and straining their eyes, waiting for the Regent's response.

Xiao Qing wasn't the only one whose heart was pounding; Shao Yunting's was too.

Jiang Ruining recognized the general; she had seen him before in Chunxi Garden, where Xiao Che had described him as a burly, perverted man with unusual fetishes—General Zhenyuan!

She's going to make stereotypes again. Are all military generals this...reckless?

She didn't say anything, just sipped the wine in her glass, letting the aroma fill her mouth. Her face remained expressionless, as if she wasn't the one being talked about or stared at by others!

The burly general, his expression hardening with fear after being shoved hard by his wife's elbow, said, "Isn't that what they've all been speculating about behind my back? They're even saying that the Xu family girl has suffered so much because of this, going from the principal wife to a concubine!"

Xu Nianyin also wanted a definite answer, but she only listened without saying a word. Being suddenly called upon and given this explanation was truly embarrassing: "I didn't!"

Madam Xu grasped her arm, applying slight pressure, signaling her to stay steady!

Xu Nianyin realized she had overreacted, took a deep breath, and forced herself to calm down.

With a slight tilt of her chin, she displayed the dignity and poise of a noblewoman, determined not to allow anyone to speak behind her back with disparaging remarks such as, "It's a good thing the Regent didn't choose her as his principal wife," or "She has no composure whatsoever of a principal wife!"

"My family has never arranged a marriage for me. I am merely the daughter of the Xu family, not anyone's wife, much less a concubine. You all have unmarried relatives in your families, and I'm sure you wouldn't want them to be the subject of gossip and speculation!"

Madam Xu was quite satisfied and released her grip.

General Zhenyuan was glared at fiercely by his wife again, and she apologized on his behalf, saying, "No offense intended, Auntie, please forgive me!"

Xu Nianyin smiled magnanimously: "It's alright, the misunderstanding is cleared up."

She sat down and stopped talking.

She used to think she could be the regent's wife and loved being the center of attention. Now, she just hopes that no one will look at her, at least not until she gives birth to her son!

Jiang Ruining raised an eyebrow slightly after watching her performance.

That's quite a change!

Not long ago, the Xu family mother and daughter were arrogant and didn't value other people's lives. They even wanted to kill her!

However, people who value profit are generally flexible and adaptable. When they see that the situation is not right, they will immediately change their attitude and strategy. Face and such are not as important as profit.

They are only behaving themselves now because they understand that her family background and temperament are beyond their control. In front of the Regent, she has more influence and weight than they do!

The others, having missed the chance to witness the embarrassment of Xu Nianyin and the Xu family, turned their attention back to the Regent and his daughter Jiang Ruining.

Jiang Huai wasn't really sure what his daughter was thinking.

But judging from the extent to which the regent indulges her, he certainly isn't without intentions. His daughter's willingness to accompany him in and out of the house also clearly shows her interest.

So he guessed that his daughter probably didn't want to settle down yet, and the regent was indulging her, which was why he didn't mention marriage!

He smiled and said smoothly, "As a father, since I've already promised to let my daughter make her own decisions, I won't interfere too much. When there's news, I'll definitely let everyone know so we can all come to the Jiang residence for a drink."

Then, in a joking tone, he said, "Everyone has heard and laughed at these unfounded rumors, so be it! You've all seen how quick-witted my daughter is; once she starts talking, I can't stop her."

In other words, even he, as a father, doesn't meddle in his daughter's private affairs, so you outsiders should just shut up! Don't go looking for trouble; you definitely won't win, and you'll end up embarrassed in public, which I won't care about!

Everyone: "..."

Seeing that the young girl was not involved, the Regent lowered his phoenix eyes.

With nothing even close to being decided and he already in a bad mood, how could he dare to offer any opinion on the marriage?

I'm afraid she'll throw my wine glass at me in public!

He's a regent, he has a sense of shame!

But what needs to be said is: "If you can't even manage your own little plot of land, don't meddle in other people's business!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the wine glass was slammed back onto the table with a "clatter." The chilling tone of his voice made everyone present panic, and no one dared to utter another word.

They all lowered their heads and busied themselves, some looking for wine glasses, others for pastries. Their eyes met in unison as they glanced at Princess Fu Ning. Sure enough, those who were indulged were exceptionally unrestrained. They showed no fear whatsoever, not even lifting an eyelid, as if being protected by the Regent was a matter of course!

"..." Ha, the ruthless regent was actually outmaneuvered by a little girl!

This is a weakness.

This is a good thing for political opponents.

The Empress Dowager smiled knowingly: "I never imagined that Grand Secretary Jiang would dote on his daughter so much! The Regent and the County Princess are also so compatible."

Jiang Huai smiled: "Fu Ning is decisive and wise, and her judgment of people is more accurate than mine. I trust her judgment!"

Xiao Che brought the wine glass to his lips, paused, and said in a clear, cold voice, "She's good. She deserves it."

well.

worth it.

There were no lengthy praises, but these four simple words clearly conveyed his importance.

Whether or not she held the title of Regent's Consort, it did not affect Princess Funing's position in the Regent's heart.

Lady A cupped her face in her hands, glancing at the Regent and then at Princess Fu Ning. Although their expressions were quite reserved, it was as if they were exchanging glances. Suddenly, the air felt sweet.

"They didn't admit it, but they didn't deny it either! I don't believe they have nothing to do with each other!"

"I don't believe it either!" The more the noblewoman looked at the two, the more perfectly matched they seemed, and she even found Xu Nianyin, this "concubine," a bit of an eyesore! "Their child will definitely be exceptionally beautiful!"

As Shao Yunting listened to the girls' chatter, a cool autumn breeze gently blew against his skin, bringing a refreshing clarity.

He was in a daze.

Because from his angle, he could observe Ningning's expression better than the Regent, and the slight upturn of her lips said it all: she had feelings for the Regent!

It also made him fully realize what he had lost!

He... has no chance!

He was focused on observing Jiang Ruining, unaware that someone else was also secretly observing him.

Chu Jin observed him not because she wanted to try again, but to be on guard, to guard against what he might do in order to get Ning Ning!

Because she knew how terrifying a person's obsession could be!

Fortunately, she didn't see any excitement or possessiveness in Shao Yunting's eyes!

He breathed a sigh of relief and whispered in Jiang Ruining's ear, "The words 'Your Highness' carry far more weight than sweet words."

Does it have any weight?

Jiang Ruining, however, felt it was far from enough: "It's still stuck with my criteria for choosing a son-in-law, which means he's not substantial enough!"

Chu Jin tilted her head to the side.

That's true!

"Winning hearts and minds requires a gradual, step-by-step approach!"

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Yes!

Winning hearts and minds takes time!

The Empress Dowager, seated on her high throne, observed the changing expressions of everyone present. With a dignified smile, she made no offer of a marriage decree: "I also admire women with strong opinions. Therefore, I will reserve this imperial decree for the county princess!"

We've finished our casual conversation.

It's time for the next hunt.

In addition to the grand prize offered by the emperor, there were also smaller prizes offered daily by those in power.

Whether it was the young emperor, the empress dowager, or the regent, the items they brought out were never ordinary; they were enough to adorn the women in their families or to be treasured as personal heirlooms.

So the crowd's enthusiasm remained undiminished, and every day a large group of people would enter the arena and hunt down a huge amount of prey.

We can't finish it, we simply can't finish it!

Xie Lanheng is intelligent and ruthless, which is why he can calmly see through many things.

He picked up the wine pot beside Shao Yunting and found it empty. He knew that Shao Yunting had also figured it out. The Regent and Jiang Ruining were a couple. He couldn't get involved and had no chance. Right now, he was in excruciating pain.

But it's good that I can see things clearly, so I won't have any more delusions!

Once he's had enough of the pain, he should have come to his senses.

"Let's go back to the tent, I'll drink with you!"