He Siyu's expression darkened abruptly. What had she just called him?!
Pei Songhan shielded Sang Ning behind him. "Sang Ning, are you alright?"
Sang Ning shook her head. "I'm fine. Today’s banquet at home is crowded with guests—it seems some unsavory people have slipped in. I’ve never even seen this man before."
Pei Songhan turned back with a stern face, only to find He Siyu frozen in place, glaring at the two of them.
Yet Pei Songhan paused, seemingly surprised. "Siyu?"
Sang Ning furrowed her brows slightly. "You know him?"
Pei Songhan suddenly brightened. "He’s the youngest son of General He! I met him two years ago when I accompanied my father to Youzhou!"
Sang Ning was taken aback, turning to look at He Siyu again with unexpected astonishment.
General He’s son? The same General He who recently quelled the chaos in Cangzhou, crushed the Western Xia army, and earned illustrious military merits?
How could such a man father such a scoundrel?
The maids and elderly servants guarding Sang Ning glanced at her for direction. With a slight nod from her, they quickly stepped aside.
Pei Songhan walked up to He Siyu with a smile. "Siyu, don’t you recognize me? We even went hunting together in Youzhou."
At the time, Duke Ning had been tasked by the emperor to handle a case in Youzhou and brought Pei Songhan along to gain experience. General He, who had been stationed in Youzhou for twenty years, hosted a banquet in Duke Ning’s honor. His youngest son, He Siyu, being around Pei Songhan’s age, had gotten along well with him and even took him hunting in the mountains.
He Siyu stared at him darkly, the corner of his mouth twitching as he enunciated each word. "Of course I remember."
Pei Songhan’s smile faltered, sensing an inexplicable aura of hostility.
He Siyu’s gaze shifted past Pei Songhan, landing on Sang Ning.
Pei Songhan finally remembered to introduce her. "This is my fiancée, Lady Xie. I mentioned her to you before. Since you’re back in the capital, you must attend our wedding next month."
He Siyu’s eyes froze. His hands, hidden in his sleeves, clenched into fists, veins bulging.
Fiancée?!
Suddenly, he recalled Nan Sangning’s impulsive cry of "Brother Songhan," her mastery of the arts—just as his mother had described—the top talent of Yanjing City.
He thought of the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" painting he had once found, stamped with Xie Sangning’s seal. She had dismissed it as a fake without hesitation.
Only now did it strike him—Nan Sangning was Xie Sangning!
His fists trembled, his face darkening inch by inch, his molars grinding so hard they might shatter.
Nan Sangning, you liar!
Pei Songhan returned to Sang Ning’s side, explaining enthusiastically, "He’s the third son in his family. Though the youngest, he’s exceptionally brave in battle. When General He led reinforcements to Cangzhou and routed the Western Xia army, he played a crucial role."
Sang Ning blinked. "Really?"
Pei Songhan continued proudly, "He led a team of fewer than a hundred men, sneaking over the mountains to infiltrate the enemy camp, burning their supplies and sowing chaos. Coordinating with General He’s forces, they launched a decisive assault, ensuring a swift victory."
Sang Ning was mildly surprised. "So Young Master He is such a formidable warrior."
Too bad his character leaves much to be desired.
Pei Songhan added cheerfully, "Even the emperor praised him. Rumor has it he was gravely injured and unconscious, so he couldn’t be summoned to the palace. This time, His Majesty will surely reward him generously."
Sang Ning lowered her lashes. The political winds shifted unpredictably. With the He family’s meteoric rise after Cangzhou, the Xie family might soon face calamity.
She turned to He Siyu, offering a polite smile. "Congratulations, Young Master He."
Young Master He?
He nearly laughed in fury.
That same practiced, insincere smile of hers made his temples throb.
Fine. She was really something.
Sang Ning felt the weight of his aggressive aura, the sheer intimidation pressing down on her. Uncomfortable, she edged closer to Pei Songhan.
Noticing her movement, Pei Songhan immediately stepped in front of her. "Brother He, please forgive her. Lady Xie has lived a sheltered life and isn’t accustomed to strangers. She’s rather timid. I’ll escort her back to rest."
He Siyu watched as she hid behind Pei Songhan, his chest tightening so much he could barely breathe.
Now he was a stranger.
Without waiting for a response, Pei Songhan nodded to Sang Ning, who hastily curtsied to He Siyu before turning to leave.
"I’ll see her off," Pei Songhan said, quickly following her.
Sang Ning hurried down the corridor, only relaxing once she rounded a corner and escaped that oppressive presence.
Her brows knit slightly. There was something undeniably odd about that man.
"Sang Ning."
Pei Songhan caught up.
She paused, glancing back. "There’s no need to escort me further, Brother Songhan. I’m heading to the inner courtyard."
Today was her birthday banquet. While the Xie residence buzzed with guests, the women celebrated in the inner quarters, while the men remained outside. She had only stepped out earlier to greet arrivals with her mother.
"I know," Pei Songhan said nervously, biting his lip. "I brought you a gift for your birthday."
From his sleeve, he produced an elegant sandalwood box, intricately carved. He presented it with both hands.
"You love calligraphy. These two wolf-hair brushes are made from premium purple bristles from Beiliang. They’re said to glide effortlessly on paper."
Sang Ning accepted the box, opening it briefly. "Such brushes are quite rare. You’ve spent too much, Brother Songhan."
Pei Songhan chuckled. "Not at all. Only someone like you could do them justice."
She smiled faintly, closing the box. "Thank you."
Pei Songhan fidgeted, his hands tightening in his sleeves before he finally murmured, "Sang Ning, we’re to be married next month. You don’t need to be so formal with me."
Sang Ning nodded softly. "Of course."
His eyes brightened. "My family has already begun decorating the estate. I’ve been counting the days."
She lowered her gaze demurely.
"I—"
Before he could continue, a coy voice interrupted.
"My lady, The First Lady is looking for you!"
He looked up to see an unfamiliar maid.
Xia Zhu scowled. "How dare you interrupt?"
Xiangcao curtsied apologetically. "Forgive me, I didn’t realize His Lordship was here."
Xia Zhu snapped, "Are you blind—"
Sang Ning cut her off. "Enough. Must you fuss over trifles?"
She turned to Pei Songhan. "Since my mother needs me, I shouldn’t linger."
Disappointment flickered in his eyes. "Very well."
Their rare moment alone had been cut short.
With a slight curtsy, Sang Ning turned and passed through the moon gate into the inner courtyard.
Xiangcao stole another glance at Pei Songhan, but his gaze remained fixed on Sang Ning’s retreating figure.
He sighed. No matter. In just a month, she would be his wife. There’d be plenty of time then.
Once inside, Xia Zhu erupted. "My lady, you really ought to discipline Xiangcao! That little minx’s intentions are written all over her face. She wasn’t here to deliver a message—she just wanted to flaunt herself in front of His Lordship!"
Sang Ning’s expression was calm. "Mother assigned her to serve by my side so she could accompany me after my marriage. She’s meant to be elevated as a concubine in the future—what is there to discuss?"
Xiangcao was one of her dowry maids.
Xia Zhu choked back her words, frustration bubbling in her chest. "Why did you agree to this, miss? That little minx is already full of herself just because she’s pretty! Young Master Pei adores you—once you’re married, what need is there for her to help secure his favor?"
"There will come a time when she’s useful," Sang Ning replied evenly.
If nothing else, once she was with child, Pei Songhan’s chambers couldn’t possibly remain unattended.
She had no patience to dwell on such trivial matters.
Xiangcao was a servant born into the Xie household, her entire family’s lives held in the palm of her mother’s hand. She was somewhat attractive, and though her temper was sharp, her foolishness was plain to see—her thoughts were written all over her face, making her easy to control.
She was the most suitable choice.
Xia Zhu grumbled under her breath, "This servant just can’t bear to see you wronged, miss. You and Young Master Pei share such affection—why invite trouble for yourself? I don’t want you to end up heartbroken."
Sang Ning let out a soft laugh. "And who says I’ll be heartbroken?"
Xia Zhu blinked in surprise. Now that she thought about it, her lady didn’t seem the least bit upset.
Qing Zhi poked Xia Zhu’s forehead. "Did you think our miss was as petty as you? She knows exactly what she’s doing."
---
Pei Songhan walked back along the corridor and found He Siyu still waiting for him.
The maids and matrons had all withdrawn with Sang Ning, leaving the once lively hallway eerily quiet and austere.
"Brother He."
Pei Songhan approached, sensing the chilling aura around him. He glanced up, hesitating. "Brother He, are you... alright?"
He Siyu had already forced himself to steady his emotions, veiling the hostility in his eyes. The corners of his lips lifted into a faint, icy smile. "You mentioned earlier—when exactly is the wedding?"
