The old master cast a cold glance at Nan Zhenming: "Instead of wasting time yelling at your juniors at home, you should focus more on company matters. If you’re truly incompetent, perhaps I should consider letting the second son take the lead."
Nan Zhenming’s face stiffened, his earlier fury instantly dissipating, replaced by a trace of panic.
Wen Meiling hurriedly stepped in to mediate: "Dad, don’t be angry. Zhenming is just stressed. He hasn’t slept well for days because of work. As for Ningning, he’s only worried she might embarrass the Nan family, especially with the He Family’s matriarch’s grand birthday celebration coming up. If Sang Ning attends without proper etiquette, it could reflect poorly on us."
Even Nan Muchen, who usually acted recklessly, cautiously chimed in: "Grandfather, don’t let anger harm your health."
After all, Nan Zhenming’s assets were his assets too. If the old master truly stripped Nan Zhenming of authority, none of them would fare well.
Sang Ning, however, remained composed. From her years of experience in family power struggles, chaos worked in her favor. If the Nan family stood united, she—an outsider—would have no chance to break through, even as a newly reunited granddaughter.
The old master’s warning was just that—a warning. Nan Zhenming was still his eldest son, the one he held high hopes for. Without pressure, he might squander the empire the old master had painstakingly built.
Nan Siya also spoke up: "Grandfather, don’t be upset. Father is only anxious for Sister’s sake. He wants her to integrate into high society quickly but may have rushed things. We can find a new tutor and teach her gradually. As for the He Family’s banquet, it’s too formal—perhaps Sister shouldn’t attend yet. Let her take more time to adjust before making public appearances."
Sang Ning narrowed her eyes. If she didn’t appear in public, how could she solidify her identity as the Nan family’s eldest daughter? Without acknowledgment, she’d seem like an imposter.
The old master pondered the suggestion.
"Sister means well, but I worry that my absence might invite speculation," Sang Ning said politely. "People might assume the Nan family lacks manners—why else would the eldest daughter skip such an event? They could even spin it into scandalous rumors."
The old master frowned. Indeed, news of Sang Ning’s return had already spread. Hiding her now would only fuel gossip.
"Sang Ning doesn’t strike me as unreasonable," the old master said firmly. "We’ll hire another tutor tomorrow to teach her basic etiquette. That should suffice."
So far, Sang Ning had impressed him. If she were truly unfit, he’d rather endure rumors than let her embarrass the family. But she carried herself well—more than presentable.
Sang Ning nodded slightly. "Understood."
Nan Siya’s expression darkened. If Sang Ning attended the He Family’s banquet, where would that leave her own status?
As the old master went upstairs, Nan Zhenming shot Sang Ning a glare before storming off.
"Sang Ning, how could you provoke your father like this?" Wen Meiling scolded.
Sang Ning lowered her lashes meekly. "Mother, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize dismissing a tutor would cause such trouble. Had I known, I wouldn’t have argued when Teacher Cai called me uncultured." Her voice turned despondent. "I never meant to."
Wen Meiling’s reproachful gaze softened. A sliver of maternal guilt stirred—how could this be Sang Ning’s fault?
She’d lost her for twenty years. Had Sang Ning grown up in the Nan household, she’d have been a refined lady, not a "wild child from the mountains."
Wen Meiling took her hand, remorseful. "Sang Ning, this is Mother’s fault."
Sang Ning looked up, her glass-like eyes tentative. "Mother, do you forgive me?"
"Of course I do. Tomorrow, I’ll hire you a new tutor. You’ll attend the He Family’s banquet with pride—everyone will know you’re the Nan family’s eldest daughter!"
"Thank you, Mother." Sang Ning smiled.
Nan Siya’s face twisted. This useless country girl knew nothing but playing the victim!
"I’ll head upstairs now, Mother," Sang Ning said.
"Go ahead." Wen Meiling patted her hand.
As Sang Ning turned, she heard Nan Siya’s insecure cry of "Mother!"
Without looking back, Sang Ning brushed her fingers lightly against her skirt.
"Mother," Nan Siya fretted, "you’re really letting Sang Ning attend the He Family’s banquet? The Hes are one of Jing City’s top families. What if she humiliates us—?"
The He Family, Jing City’s elite—had it not been for the matriarch’s milestone birthday, the Nans wouldn’t have even received an invitation.
Nan Siya had long dreamed of networking at this event, perhaps even climbing higher. But if Sang Ning went, her own position would become awkward...
Wen Meiling squeezed her hand reassuringly. "The tutor will train her well. She’ll just need to speak less. You and Sang Ning are both my daughters, both Nan family heiresses—equal in standing. To outsiders, the Nans have two daughters."
Still, privately, she favored Nan Siya, the polished socialite she’d raised. By making Sang Ning the elder sister, she hoped she’d dutifully care for her siblings.
Nan Siya relaxed slightly.
Over the next two days, a new tutor arrived—this one far more respectful.
People like this only bullied those they deemed insignificant. After Sang Ning put them in their place, life at the Nan household became smoother.
Even Aunt Chen grew compliant.
Sang Ning quickly learned basic banquet etiquette, though it differed slightly from the Great Zhou’s customs. She adapted effortlessly.
Three days later, the He Family matriarch’s birthday celebration took over the entire Haiyanheqing venue.
A stylist had prepped Sang Ning—her hair parted into two sections, the front braided, the rest cascading in soft waves. She looked elegant and demure.
This time, she wore a black embroidered dress that ended at her calves, showcasing her swan-like neck and slender legs. She was growing fond of these daring outfits.
Beautiful. She loved it.
The high heels still felt unfamiliar, but the three-inch stilettos she chose made her tower over Nan Siya, even in her eight-inch pumps.
The moment they stepped out of the car, Nan Siya’s expression soured at the sight of Sang Ning beside her.
"Siya!"
A voice called out. Nan Siya brightened, rushing forward. "Brother Zheng! When did you arrive?"
A young man in a silver suit approached, smiling. "Just now. Perfect timing—I spotted you right away."
Nan Siya’s voice turned sugary. "I was just about to look for you."
Chen Zheng’s gaze drifted to the woman behind Nan Siya—Sang Ning’s striking face was impossible to miss.
"Is this your sister?" Chen Zheng asked.
Nan Siya forced a smile. "Yes."
Wen Meiling introduced to Sang Ning, "This is Siya's fiancé."
Nan Siya's expression visibly tensed, as if afraid Sang Ning might steal her fiancé away—after all, this engagement was something she had secured by taking Sang Ning's place. She feared Sang Ning might try to reclaim it through underhanded means.
Sang Ning merely gave a slight nod before averting her gaze.
Seeing Sang Ning's indifferent reaction, Nan Siya felt a pang of irritation. Why wasn’t she even the slightest bit envious? Chen Zheng was the heir to Chen Corporation, a graduate of prestigious universities, young and accomplished. What right did Sang Ning have to look at her fiancé with such detachment?
The elderly master had already gone inside, and Wen Meiling quickly added, "Let’s head in."
Sang Ning followed Wen Meiling’s lead.
Chen Zheng’s gaze lingered on Sang Ning’s retreating figure for a moment before Nan Siya tugged at his hand, her voice muffled with emotion. "Brother Zheng..."
Chen Zheng snapped out of his thoughts and, noticing the distress on her face, immediately asked, "What’s wrong? Did your sister bully you?"
Nan Siya lowered her head, feigning timidity. "Sister... she’s very kind."
Chen Zheng frowned. Her demeanor clearly suggested she’d been mistreated!
That Sang Ning might appear gentle and beautiful on the outside, but she was clearly a white lotus.
Of course—someone raised in the countryside was bound to be crude and cunning. How could someone like Siya, a princess raised in an ivory tower, possibly compete with her?
Nan Siya lifted her eyes to meet his, her gaze misty. "Now that Sister is back, Mom and Dad are paying more attention to her..."
Chen Zheng pulled her into a comforting embrace. "I’m here. I’ll protect you. No one will bully you."
"Really?"
"Of course. You’re my fiancée, and that will never change, no matter what." Chen Zheng declared firmly.
