The Devious First Daughter

Chapter 127. A marriage proposal from Commandery Princess Xianyun

Ning Xueyan left in the evening, after having a few bites of dinner.

Knowing that she would be leaving, dinner took place much earlier than usual at the Lord Protector's Manor. Since this was her homecoming ceremony, it was only right for the family to have a "warm" dinner at Lucky Garden.

Ning Zu'an appeared normal but said little. But, now and then, he would glance at Ning Xueyan out of the corner of his eye with an unpleasant sense of scrutiny. It was fortunate that she never felt anything for this scumbag of a father. Let him stare all he wanted; it wasn't like he could stare a hole in her.

Ning Zu'an wouldn't do anything to her, now that she possessed a little value. Although he couldn't make his beloved son his heir at the moment, he wasn't in a hurry either. He was at the peak of his life. He could even marry another woman and bear a new heir. Thinking about this made his heart skip a beat.

Madam Dowager was as "kind" as always. She continued to persuade Ning Xueyan to win Prince Yi's favor and develop a good relationship with the Princess. She also advised Ning Xueyan not to throw a tantrum there because life was different for a married woman. Ning Xueyan could no longer be a maiden without any worries or concerns, who would demand anything she wanted when she wanted.

These words felt like ridicule to Ning Xueyan. Did Madam Dowager really say that to her? Did Madam Dowager think that Ning Xueyan was pampered while living here? Throwing a tantrum? Bah!

Ning Lingyun was missing from the dinner. It was such a public incident, after all. Even though she had manipulated the Third Prince on purpose, even though the Prince had agreed in the end, she was nonetheless a lady. She was too ashamed to see anyone now. Moreover, she had even caused more trouble by visiting Ning Qingshan at the Foggy Courtyard and causing a fight. So, she only sent a maid over with the excuse that she had fallen ill.

The avoidance in her excuse was obvious, but fortunately, Madam Dowager and Ning Zu'an permitted it without another word. On the other hand, Ning Qingshan might be smiling but she was staring daggers at Ning Xueyan. Now and then, she would give Ning Xueyan an icy stare.

But under the weight of Ning Zu'an's scrutiny, her coldness didn't matter at all. This meal was nothing more than a show of the closeness of the Lord Protector's family.

Ning Xueyan had performed her role, and how effective that performance was up to everyone's perception. She didn't try to provoke Ning Qingshan any further. After having a few bites of dinner, she stood up and excused herself back to Prince Yi's Manor. Outside, the sky was still bright.

Mother Han followed Ning Xueyan into the carriage. She had only just returned, having been away from Ning Xueyan all this while.

"Master, I saw Third Young Lady's maid Feilian went out through the back door. I followed her and saw her entering the Eldest Young Master's Xia Manor. I waited outside since I couldn't either, but I never saw her come out. I stopped waiting when it got too late and rushed back."

Mother Han took the cup of tea from Ning Xueyan's hands, took a sip, and wiped her sweat while telling her mistress what she had seen.

Mother Han had practically run here for fear of missing the time, so she hadn't even had her dinner yet. Ning Xueyan knew this, so she took out the boxes of pastries that she had put in the carriage and handed them to Mother Han to fill her stomach. The masters of Prince Yi's Manor were all out today, and getting the servants to prepare a meal as soon as they returned would be quite a hassle.

Mother Han ate a pastry and eased her breathing before asking with confusion, "Master, when did the Third Young Lady become so close with the Eldest and Second Young Ladies? She even sent her maid to contact them."