bookrandom Chapter 115 He Mingning's Feelings
Chapter 115 He Mingning's Feelings
He Mingning hurriedly strode back to her own private palace—Yu Ning Palace. As soon as she stepped through the palace gates, she rushed straight towards her bedchamber like an arrow released from a bow, as if a pack of hungry wolves were relentlessly pursuing her.
Upon entering her bedchamber, she slammed the door shut and locked it as quickly as possible, as if afraid something terrifying might suddenly burst in. Then, as if all her strength had been drained, she collapsed limply onto the table. Even now, her once exquisitely beautiful face still bore the lingering flush, like a perfectly ripe apple, vibrant and tempting, making one want to lean in and take a bite.
However, just as He Mingning was trying her best to calm her restless heart, Fan Junyu's image appeared uncontrollably in her mind like a ghost. His handsome face, deep and captivating eyes, and the faint smile at the corner of his lips were like a powerful spell, tightly binding her heartstrings, making it impossible for her to escape. Moreover, as the memories deepened, she felt her cheeks growing hotter and hotter, as if a raging fire was about to erupt.
"What's wrong with me?" He Mingning murmured softly, touching her burning cheeks, her eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment. "Why do I keep thinking about him so often lately? Could it be... could it be that I've fallen for him? But how could that be? We've only met once!" Thinking this, He Mingning shook her head, trying to banish this absurd thought from her mind. However, no matter how hard she tried, Fan Junyu's image remained, becoming increasingly clear.
Just as He Mingning was deeply immersed in his complex and multifaceted thoughts, a very faint sound suddenly came from outside the door. The sound was as light as the buzzing of a mosquito's wings, almost imperceptible if one did not listen carefully. However, in this tranquil atmosphere, it seemed particularly abrupt and noticeable.
Immediately afterward, the tightly closed dormitory door, as if gently pushed open by an invisible hand, slowly slid open a crack. As the crack widened, a familiar yet awe-inspiring figure appeared before everyone. This person was none other than the Empress, the current Emperor's empress! She wore an incomparably magnificent phoenix robe, embroidered with exquisite patterns and gold and silver threads, which shimmered brilliantly in the candlelight; on her head, she wore a dazzling phoenix crown, surrounded by jewels and jade, shining brilliantly.
Upon seeing the Empress's arrival, He Mingning was startled and quickly stood up from her chair. She hurried forward, respectfully bowing deeply to the Empress, then smiled and softly said, "It's so late, Mother, yet you have taken the trouble to personally grace my chambers with your presence. I am truly flattered. May I ask if there is any matter of vital importance that you wish to instruct me to attend to?"
The Empress smiled gently, a hint of kindness and tenderness radiating from her dignified and noble face. She extended her well-maintained, soft, and delicate hands, and gently took He Mingning's small hand in hers, as if holding a rare treasure with utmost care. Then, the Empress led He Mingning to the bedside, and the two sat down side by side.
After settling in, the Empress gazed at He Mingning with loving eyes and asked gently, "Ning'er, you must have had a great time today, right? I wonder if you enjoyed yourself? Did you meet any interesting people or experience anything new? Tell your mother about it so I can share in your joy."
Upon hearing the Empress's concerned inquiry, He Mingning's face immediately blossomed into a radiant smile. She nodded obediently and replied sweetly, "Your Majesty, I had a wonderful time today, and my mood was extremely pleasant! You may not know, but this was the first time in my life that I had stepped outside the high walls of the palace and personally experienced the wonders and beauty of the outside world! Moreover, during this trip, I had the good fortune to meet a woman named Miss Qin. This Miss Qin is truly a unique and fascinating person!"
No wonder Xuan'er and the others always talk about wanting to play with her. I've only had such a brief encounter with her, and I can't contain my eagerness to interact with her again and continue our happy time together! As he said this, He Mingning's eyes shone with excitement like the bright stars in the night sky, a light that seemed to penetrate all obstacles and reach the depths of one's heart.
Upon hearing this, the Empress smiled faintly, nodded slightly in agreement, and said softly, "Indeed, Yao Yao is such a lovely girl. Not only is she lively and cheerful, but she also has a pure and kind heart, like a flawless piece of jade. She is low-key and humble in her dealings with others, never ostentatious, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She is truly a rare and wonderful child." He Mingning nodded in agreement, showing his complete consent to the Empress's words.
The Empress, her face filled with affection, gazed tenderly at He Mingning, then asked, "Are there many people present today?" He Mingning pondered for a moment before replying, "Your Majesty, the number of people attending the banquet today is not very large. If you include the servants, there are only about twenty people." After saying this, she paused slightly, as if suddenly remembering something crucial, and then quickly added, "However, Your Majesty, do you know? Today I was very honored to see Yan'er's fiancé in person."
Upon hearing this, the Empress's delicate eyebrows, as arched as distant mountains, lifted slightly, swaying gracefully like willow branches in a gentle breeze. Curiosity immediately filled her exquisite face, her eyes sparkling like brilliant stars in the night sky, eager and focused. She couldn't wait to ask, "Oh? Even Ze Jun went?" Her voice was clear and melodious, as sweet as a nightingale's song.
Standing to the side, He Mingning quickly nodded in response and said softly, "That's right, Mother. Ze Jun is Qin Yaoyao's nephew, so he is naturally among those invited."
The Empress nodded slightly, indicating that she understood the reason. Then, she parted her lips and asked again, "Since that's the case, in your opinion, what kind of person is this Ze Jun? Is he a suitable match for our Yan'er?"
Upon hearing the Empress's question, He Mingning fell into a brief moment of contemplation. Her bright eyes gazed into the distance, as if carefully recalling every detail about Qin Zejun. After a moment, she slowly came back to her senses and carefully chose her words to reply, "Your Majesty, from my observations over this period, Qin Zejun's character is indeed quite good. He is neither like some military generals who always have a stern face, cold as ice, making them unapproachable; nor is he the kind of burly, uncouth person who acts like a boor. Overall, I think he and Yan'er are quite well-matched." After saying this, He Mingning's gaze involuntarily drifted into the distance, her eyes revealing a hint of barely perceptible shyness and anticipation, as if she was still immersed in the beautiful impression she had of Qin Zejun.
After a brief pause, He Mingning added, "And then there's Qin Zeyu, whom Xuan'er has always been in love with. The two of them get along very well and seem to have a very close relationship."
Upon hearing this, the Empress's face immediately showed urgency. She stared intently at He Mingning and then asked, "Do you really know that Qin Zeyu is Yao Yao's nephew?" He Mingning nodded slightly in agreement and replied, "Of course I know this. Among the people who went there today, apart from my uncle and fifth brother, the other four are all Yao Yao's nephews."
At this moment, the Empress was troubled, unsure how to bring up the matter of Fan Junyu. Unexpectedly, just when she was feeling perplexed, someone provided her with an opportunity to ask, as if offering timely help. So, the Empress quickly seized the opportunity and asked again, "Since you've married four nephews in total, besides Zejun and Zeyu, who are the other two?"
After a moment's thought, He Mingning replied, "Besides the two of them, Qin Zefei, the second son of Marquis Anle, also went along. It is said that he once saved Princess Xiaoran's life." Hearing this, the Empress couldn't help but show a relieved smile, and then continued to ask, "Did you see Fan Junyu, the son of Grand Tutor Fan, today?" He Mingning nodded slightly and replied softly, "Yes, Yaoyao's other nephew is Fan Junyu."
The Empress's lips immediately curved upwards, revealing a kind and gentle smile, like a peach blossom blooming in spring. The smile was like a spring breeze, bringing immense comfort and warmth. She parted her lips slightly and softly asked, "So, in your opinion, what do you think of him?" Her voice was clear and melodious, as sweet as a nightingale's song.
Upon hearing this, He Mingning's previously calm face instantly rippled with a smile. He first nodded slightly, then raised his head, looking firmly at the Empress, and replied slowly, "Your Majesty, I find this person to be excellent. He is by no means one of those rigid, old-fashioned people who are bound by convention. He has a broad mind and a far-sighted vision. Whether it is matters of national importance or trivial matters of the common people, he can observe and analyze them from a unique perspective and offer insightful and profound opinions. Such a person of extraordinary insight is truly a rare and remarkable individual!" As he spoke, admiration shone in He Mingning's eyes.
Upon hearing this, the Empress chuckled softly, her laughter as clear and melodious as silver bells, echoing throughout the palace. She teased, "Oh ho, such high praise! Could it be that this young master has already captured my son's heart?"
He Mingning blushed slightly at the Empress's words, her cheeks turning as red as a ripe apple. She quickly waved her hands and explained, "Oh dear, Mother, please don't tease me! I was just stating my thoughts. Actually... I think the reason Miss Qin invited me to her birthday banquet is probably because she wants me to meet Young Master Fan. After all, Miss Qin has mentioned Young Master Fan's talent and character to me many times before, so I suppose this was intentional." After speaking, He Mingning lowered her head, her hands unconsciously fidgeting with the hem of her clothes, appearing somewhat uneasy.
He Mingning smiled slightly and said softly, "You don't know, but when we first arrived, she warmly introduced us to each other. However, after the introductions, she told us to go and play on our own, and then went horseback riding with the Imperial Uncle. Logically speaking, as the hostess of this banquet, even if she only wanted to be alone with the Imperial Uncle, she should have at least spent some time with us! After all, we are guests who have come from afar! But she didn't care about us at all, and even specially arranged for those who were already engaged to tour the garden together. The guests invited to this banquet today are either couples who are already engaged, or they have someone they love and hope to find a good match."
The Empress frowned slightly, a look of doubt on her face, and asked in bewilderment, "Then what does 'wanting a marriage contract' mean? Who exactly harbors this thought?"
He Mingning smiled slightly and patiently explained, "Mother, one of them is naturally Xuanxuan. You must know that she is in love with Qin Zeyu, right? As for the other one, it's Xiaoran. Don't you realize this at all?"
After a moment's thought, the Empress slowly spoke, "I am aware of Xuanxuan's affection for Qin Zeyu. But when did Xiaoran acquire a sweetheart?"
He Mingning nodded slightly and continued, "In my opinion, Xiao Ran is undoubtedly in love with Qin Zefei. Today, I saw that the two of them were very familiar with each other, so they must have spent some time together."
The Empress continued, "Qin Zefei, is he the one who saved her?" He Mingning replied, "That's right, it's him." The Empress smiled and said, "This little girl is quite tight-lipped. No wonder she always refused when your aunt offered to set her up with someone; it turns out she has someone in her heart!"
He Mingning nodded in agreement. The Empress then asked, "You don't need to concern yourself with their affairs. What about yourself? What are your thoughts on your own situation?" Upon hearing this, He Mingning involuntarily thought of that handsome young man, and instantly blushed.
Seeing this, the Empress's eyes flashed with understanding, and then she asked, "So, Ning'er, do you agree to the marriage that your mother has arranged for you?" He Mingning blushed and said, "Your decision is certainly for my sake, so it is naturally correct."
Looking at He Mingning, whose face was flushed with shyness, the Empress understood that He Mingning was indeed interested in this marriage. So, she smiled kindly and said softly, "Alright, alright, you've been playing outside all day, you must be exhausted. Get some rest, your mother will be returning to the palace now."