I've Got This Cannon Fodder Trope Covered!

Chapter 38

Only Liu Wan Ning, still kneeling in her bowed position, seemed completely out of place amidst the joyful atmosphere.

However, not a single person, including Princess Changle, dared to remind Xiao Junzhan that perhaps he should allow her to rise.

It wasn't until late into the night, when the banquet ended with both guests and host in high spirits, that Xiao Junzhan rose to leave. As he passed by Liu Wan Ning, who had been kneeling all night, he didn't stop. He merely cast her a casual glance and said indifferently, "You may rise."

The face of the proud beauty, already drenched in cold sweat, turned deathly pale in an instant.

Killing someone without drawing a sword—there was no difference.

...

In the carriage back to the palace, Xiao Junzhan held a warm jade in his hand, gently rubbing the engraved character "Ran," his gaze softening.

Ning Hai, standing by, whispered softly, "After all, she's the legitimate daughter of Duke An's family. Your Highness didn't leave her any face today."

"Her ambitions are higher than the sky. If I had spared her some dignity, it would only fuel greater desires," Xiao Junzhan's expression grew more restrained as he said flatly, "What she wants, I cannot grant."

Ning Hai, recalling the vibrant figure of the young lady from the Wei family, smiled and said, "In earlier years, Your Highness never indulged in women. But now that you have someone in your heart..."

Xiao Junzhan's fingers paused slightly as he cast a glance at him. "What are you trying to say?"

Knowing that his master was in a good mood, Ninghai wasn't intimidated. Instead, he smiled and replied, "This servant is happy for Your Highness."

He truly was. As Xiao Junzhan's close attendant, Ning Hai knew that before meeting the young lady from the Wei family, his master had even considered adopting an heir from the royal clan and had no intention of forcing himself to marry any noblewoman as Crown Princess.

Despite the emperor's ailing health, he had repeatedly tried to select a bride for Xiao Junzhan, but the prince remained unmoved.

Now, with a young lady able to open his heart, even the emperor would likely be overjoyed.

As for the eldest son of the Gu family... that was never a problem.

Ning Hai lowered his eyes, his thoughts cold. Even if someone borrowed the courage of a leopard, no one would dare to compete with the Crown Prince for her.

...

The next day, Wei Hanzhang rose early, preparing to attend the banquet.

As the legitimate eldest daughter of Princess Changle and the heir of Duke Qi, Qi Yuxiao had been granted the title of First Rank County Princess by the emperor at birth. Though she didn't bear the surname Xiao, her maternal grandfather was the emperor, and her legitimate uncle was the future emperor.

Compared to a true Xiao family princess, Princess Chengyi's status was even more prestigious. If Liu Wan Ning was the most beautiful woman in the capital, then Qi Yuxiao was undoubtedly the most noble woman in the city, with unmatched prominence.

Her coming-of-age ceremony was highly anticipated, and the families of notable aristocrats throughout the capital were honored to receive an invitation. Naturally, the event was lively.

With her marriage still undecided, today's event also had the underlying purpose of finding her a suitable match. Almost all the young noblemen without marriage engagements attended.