Chapter 242: Chapter 242

As it turned out, An Ning had still underestimated Second Young Lady's capacity for endurance. Although the other party had clearly sensed something amiss, the dramatic confrontation An Ning expected never seemed to materialize.

However, An Ning didn't have much mind to care about this right now.

Playing pitch-pot games, enjoying performances, competing with grass and admiring flowers—her daily life included beautiful mother and dear best friend to cling to. Aside from occasional inconvenience when going out, one had to admit that life within the women's quarters was quite enjoyable.

Time flowed swiftly, and before they knew it, another Lantern Festival had arrived.

Their dynasty had only been established for a few generations, and social customs remained relatively open. During every festival, the streets and alleys bustled with extraordinary liveliness, frequently filled with exquisitely dressed young men and women moving through the crowds.

Ornate lanterns and precious torches, moonlight and floral radiance...

Even as the moon rose to the treetops, the main streets remained brilliantly illuminated with various market stalls gathered together, occasionally punctuated by clear, sweet calls of vendors hawking their wares.

Moving through the flowing crowds, An Ning held her little sister-friend with one hand while clutching a freshly made sugar painting in the other, enthusiastically weaving through the mass of people. The two young girls kept their heads close together, whispering and murmuring constantly, frequently stopping with great interest to examine various lively street stalls.

Especially those particularly novel and beautiful lanterns, along with various riddle-guessing activities.

Before long, the maids and servants following behind them held armfuls of purchases.

As evening approached and it was time to return, seeing the two still looking utterly reluctant to leave, Situ Jing—who had been following at a discreet distance behind them—finally stepped forward. He gently approached and personally handed the crystal glass lantern he'd just won from a stall to An Ning:

His warm large hand brushed against hers only momentarily. Before An Ning could fully emerge from the excitement of the festivities, she heard the newcomer say in a low voice:

"The hour grows late today, but when this time comes next year, A-Ning may play as long as she wishes without concern..."

Even until dawn the next morning would be fine.

Under the moonlight, the speaker's voice carried a slight huskiness, exceptionally magnetic. His gaze toward the person beside him was utterly gentle and profoundly tender.

An Ning: Beau... beauty trap?

Mu Yang beside them: "???"

Wait, what was this? Right in front of her, he was trying to seduce her little friend ?

Unlike before, he wasn't even pretending anymore?

Did he think she couldn't understand what he meant?

Next time not only could they play freely, but he could conveniently ditch her this big third wheel, right?

Hah! Mu Yang crossed her arms, throwing icy little glances at this person. Well, her unlucky uncle really knew how to play this bridge-burning game skillfully!

Had he forgotten who earlier used various inducements to get her to bring her little friend out to play? Tsk, truly wolf-hearted ambitions...

After glaring fiercely at the person before her, Mu Yang snorted heavily in her heart. Yet however unwilling she felt, she still slightly turned aside, leaving them some minimal space.

However reluctant she felt, Mu Yang genuinely hoped her little friend could always remain this happy and joyful.

Her A-Ning was such a wonderful person—she should always be happy and blissful, free from worries...

Squeezing her little friend's soft small hand firmly, only then did An Ning turn her head, her crystal-clear gaze meeting the newcomer's eyes.

The saying that beauty resembles jade was never empty words.

With just one glance, he appeared more dazzling than the priceless crystal glass vessel from earlier.

Facing those purely questioning eyes, instinctively, Situ Jing lightly coughed, placing one hand tightly behind his back. Only after a moment did he recover his voice:

"A-Ning, the mansion's renovations were completed recently, everything done according to your previous specifications. However, others' descriptions might have omissions. Ahem... Would A-Ning like to come see for herself? If there are any unsatisfactory aspects, this prince can order the Imperial Household Department to make earlier modifications..."

Finally, feeling he might have been somewhat abrupt, he added:

"We're all family here—you and Mu Yang may come visit anytime..."

"Really must thank dear little uncle for such generosity..."

Deliberately emphasizing the "little uncle" part, under her little friend's barely suppressed laughter and the indescribable look in the person's eyes before them.

Mu Yang crossed her arms and snorted heavily.

Laughter aside, in this lifetime, as a super beauty-loving little girl who adored enjoyment and play, An Ning did care about her future living environment. She came over with Yunjia under the pretext of flower appreciation.

One had to admit, the craftsmen of this era, especially those serving royalty and nobility, were absolutely uncompromising in quality.

All the artificial mountains and flowing water, carved beams and painted pillars—truly breathtakingly beautiful. The long corridor draped with purple hibiscus flowers seemed to stretch beyond sight. The rear garden largely imitated contemporary Jiangnan style, with pavilions, towers, bridges, and flowing water creating an atmosphere of tranquil leisure.

Even An Ning couldn't find fault with it at first glance.

In the carriage returning home, Mu Yang reached out and quietly encircled her little friend's soft waist.

"A-Ning, don't be afraid. Let me tell you secretly—although little uncle is grandmother's biological son, for some reason, grandmother rarely involves herself in uncle's daily affairs."

"A-Ning, you should know—even your previous marriage decree was something little uncle personally requested from the emperor. After you marry over, as long as little uncle doesn't lose his mind and seek permission from the palace to bring other women in, the entire Wang mansion will belong to A-Ning alone."

"Of course, even if he does lose his mind eventually, don't worry. At worst, we can just discard him. Don't be afraid, A-Ning—you still have me..."

Lightly encircling her little friend's waist, An Ning responded with a firm "Mhm," her already vivid features filled with lively laughter:

"I know. Regardless of whether I marry or not, no matter where I go, the two of us will always be the closest."

Within the small carriage, two young girls quietly leaned against each other. Feeling each other's utterly unconcealed sincerity.

In this moment, even An Ning couldn't help feeling somewhat envious.

The original owner—she truly was an extremely fortunate young girl.