Chapter 19: Long Time No See

On the arched bridge by the riverbank, many men and women stood gathered. The shimmering water surface was dotted with beautifully crafted lanterns of various shapes, gently drifting along. Watching the men and women crouching by the river in solemn prayer, Jiang Ning slipped the paper containing her wish inside her lantern. Concerned that the restless crowd might jostle the young girl, Chun Zhi took her by the hand and led her to a more open space.

Gazing at the vast array of lanterns floating in the distance, Jiang Ning couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of wonder within her heart. How beautiful they were.

Seeing the flames flickering inside the lanterns, Chun Zhi whispered anxiously, “Your Highness, quickly place the lantern into the river. Soon, all these lanterns will float together toward the center of the river.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ning lifted her skirt, knelt down, and gently set the lantern into the water, watching it slowly drift away.

Closing her eyes, she made a silent wish in her heart.

“If possible, please grant me another chance to travel through time and space. I, Jiang Ning, truly, truly long to go home.”

At that moment, Fu Shi, standing in the shadows, fixed his gaze unwaveringly on the young girl before him. Watching her sincere and peaceful expression, he couldn’t help but wonder within himself:

What wish might Jiang Ning be making? Could he possibly be part of it?

As Jiang Ning rose to her feet, Chun Zhi curiously asked, “Your Highness, what did you just wish for?”

Jiang Ning pressed a finger to her lips and smiled mysteriously.

“If I say it out loud, the wish won’t come true. I won’t tell you.”

With that, she playfully linked her arm through Chun Zhi’s. “I’m so hungry. Let’s go eat quickly.”

Chun Zhi carefully supported the young lady as they made their way.

“All right, all right. Take your time. Be careful not to trip.”

Inside the Chunxiang Pavilion, the atmosphere was lively. Most of the guests here were high-ranking officials and renowned wealthy merchants. Knowing that Jiang Ning disliked noisy crowds, Chun Zhi requested the proprietor to arrange a private, exquisite room for them.

Just as the two prepared to ascend the stairs, a sharp voice rang out from behind Jiang Ning.

“Eldest Princess, long time no see.”

Jiang Ning turned toward the voice. A figure dressed in fiery red suddenly appeared before her eyes.

Seeing the woman’s face clearly, Chun Zhi whispered in Jiang Ning’s ear, “Your Highness, this woman is quite troublesome. Don’t engage her too much.”

Jiang Ning furrowed her elegant brows, her beautiful eyes lowering slightly.

“Who is she?”

Seeing the girl’s confused expression, Chun Zhi replied with some puzzlement, “Your Highness, don’t you remember her? She’s the daughter of a general who once competed with you for Minister Fu—Zhou Siyao.”

At the mention of this name, Jiang Ning suddenly understood. So this was the other vicious female rival—Zhou Siyao.

Thinking of Zhou Siyao’s tragic fate, a trace of pity flickered in Jiang Ning’s gaze.

Noticing Jiang Ning’s inexplicable expression, Zhou Siyao angrily flicked her whip.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

She raised her chin and scrutinized the girl before her.

Huh, this foolish woman actually looks better than before. Her skin so fair, her waist so slender, her eyes so large...

Oh heavens, how could such a stunning beauty exist in this world?

How could such a lovely face belong to Jiang Ning?

Seeing Zhou Siyao stunned, Jiang Ning softly asked, “What do you want with me, Your Highness?”

Hearing the girl’s soft, sweet tone, Zhou Siyao screamed silently inside.

Why does her voice sound so pleasant now? This is utterly illogical.

Watching Zhou Siyao’s face flush red and pale in turns, Jiang Ning arched her brow and said, “If you have nothing else, I shall go upstairs to eat.”

Meeting Zhou Siyao’s shimmering eyes, the latter stiffened completely. She was truly beautiful, truly fragrant.

Was Jiang Ning always like this?

Seeing Zhou Siyao remain silent, Jiang Ning tugged at the corner of her mouth and turned to ascend the stairs.

By the time Zhou Siyao regained her senses, Jiang Ning had already gone upstairs.

Feeling embarrassed about her earlier behavior, Zhou Siyao muttered angrily to herself. How could she be so easily captivated by a woman? Especially the woman she hated most—Jiang Ning!

——

At this moment, Jiang Ning and Chun Zhi sat inside the private room, ordering their meal.

The staff at Chunxiang Pavilion moved swiftly. In less than the time it took to finish a cup of tea, ten dishes were brought out.

Looking at the sumptuous spread on the table, Jiang Ning picked up her chopsticks and asked, “Chun Zhi, does Zhou Siyao dislike me very much?”

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have ignored her entirely just now.

After arranging the dishes for Jiang Ning, Chun Zhi replied carefully and deliberately.

“Why does Your Highness ask all of a sudden?”

Jiang Ning took a bite of shrimp and sighed deeply.

“Sigh, even if you don’t say it, I already know the answer.”

Her voice grew soft and lingering.

“Now, if I were to give Fu Shi to her, would it still be too late?”

Chun Zhi was taken aback sharply by the girl’s words.

After a long silence, she hesitated and replied, “It’s probably too late. Miss Zhou…”

Before Chun Zhi could finish, the door to the private room was suddenly kicked open.

“Jiang Ning, I have something to discuss with you!”

Seeing the person storming in aggressively, Jiang Ning set down her chopsticks.

“Zhou Siyao, who allowed you to enter without knocking?”

Zhou Siyao snorted coldly, tossing aside her whip and commanding Chun Zhi, “Quick, get me a pair of chopsticks. I want to eat here too!”

Chun Zhi glanced cautiously at Jiang Ning.

Seeing that Zhou Siyao meant no harm, Jiang Ning helplessly gestured to Chun Zhi.

“Have the waiter bring her a set of bowls and chopsticks.”

Receiving Jiang Ning’s order, Chun Zhi quickly instructed the waiter and fetched a new set of utensils.

Looking at the lavish dishes, Zhou Siyao sneered sarcastically.

“I must say, Eldest Princess, you really know how to enjoy yourself.”

“Eating all this food, aren’t you afraid of getting stuffed?”

Jiang Ning gave a cold laugh. “If eating can’t shut your mouth, then you can leave.”

Zhou Siyao arrogantly lifted her head and scooped a spoonful of soup without restraint.

“I’m not leaving. I’m not some coward who won’t take advantage of a good opportunity!”

Watching the young lady eat with such relish, Jiang Ning rested her chin on one hand and asked, “What exactly do you want from me?”

Zhou Siyao ate as she spoke.

“How is Fu Shi doing now?”

Jiang Ning chuckled lowly, silently mocking herself.

He’s more than fine—he couldn’t care less about me now.

Seeing Jiang Ning remain silent, Zhou Siyao widened her eyes in shock.

“Jiang Ning, you wouldn’t have... killed him, would you?”

Seeing Zhou Siyao’s fearful expression, Jiang Ning lifted her eyes, smiling brightly.

“If I were to give him to you, would you still want him?”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Siyao looked disdainful.

“A used secondhand item like him? I couldn’t care less. If you’re tired of him, don’t just throw him my way.”