Observing the sweet and affectionate interaction between the couple, Lady Guo and Madam Liu lowered their heads in embarrassment, feeling a bit shy as onlookers.
The ladies, who had come to bid farewell to Yang Ning and discover the reason for Zheng Liang's visit to the Guo Residence, witnessed Zheng Liang wrapping his arms around Yang Ning's shoulders openly, not hiding their affection for each other.
Amazed, the ladies covered their mouths and tried to control their giggles, whispering in low voices:
"Oh my! So His Highness indeed came to pick up the Crown Princess. She's so lucky. His Highness loves her so much," one lady whispered.
"Indeed. My husband never comes to take me from my parents' house. Yet, he came to the Guo Residence to pick her up despite her arriving in her carriage with her servants."
"His Highness is truly one of a kind. Unlike our husbands, he doesn't prioritize their pride as men," another lady commented, her eyes filled with envy as she watched the couple.
"The Crown Princess is truly blessed. Seeing their affection, it looks like the rumors about His Highness not taking another consort seem to be true." Explore hidden tales at mvl
"I heard those rumors too. It's almost a year since they got married, and according to tradition, the Crown Prince should have taken another consort by now since the Crown Princess hasn't given any good news."
"I heard from someone that the Zhu family suggested Lady Zhu as a second consort for His Highness, but he rejected the idea," a lady standing behind Zhu Yating whispered in a hushed tone.
"What? Lady Zhu? How can that be possible? Are you trying to spread rumors?"
The lady got defensive, "What rumors? Didn't you see how Lady Zhu Yating treated Her Highness with hostility the whole time? The only justified reason can be this, which doesn't seem like a fake rumor anymore. Moreover, didn't the Zhu family quickly marry her off to the head officer of the Royal Bureau of Investigation? It must be because of this reason."
While the ladies exchanged words in hushed tones, Zhu Yating, standing at the forefront and hearing their baseless chatter, felt her face flush a dark shade of red with anger.
Guo Yurong was taken aback by the abundance of gifts. "Your Highness, there is no need for all this. Her Highness has already given me a gift," she protested, feeling uneasy about accepting such lavish presents that seemed more valuable than the gifts from the other guests.
Yang Ning smiled and shook her head, "Lady Guo, please take it."
Unable to deny further, Guo Yurong thanked them sincerely, "Thank you, Your Highness and Princess, for your generosity."
Having met the former Empress before, Guo Yurong had an image of royals as proud and treating others like peasants, always yearning for attention and power. However, seeing Yang Ning and Zheng Liang smiling humbly, acting like a couple deeply in love, she sensed their sincerity. Yang Ning's sweet and friendly personality didn't seem like a facade, making Guo Yurong feel closer to her.
The observing ladies were left speechless at the sight of numerous gift boxes, each seemingly containing precious items not easily acquired.
"Now I regret not inviting Her Highness to my tea party."
"Absolutely. Lady Guo was honored to have the Crown Prince at her place, and she received such valuable gifts."
After bidding farewell to Lady Guo and Madam Liu, Yang Ning and Zheng Liang were about to leave when Yang Ning stopped in her steps. She turned around and walked toward the ladies, smiling at Lady Jiang.
Seeing Yang Ning approach, Jiang Yi looked confused, "Your High-"
Before she could complete her words, Yang Ning hugged her and said, "Thanks for being my partner today. From now on, we're friends. Alright? Also, what did I tell you to call me? It's Yang Ning, my name. Remember that."
Jiang Yi nodded and said, "Yang Ning! I will keep it in my mind," smiling at her.
After saying goodbye to Jiang Yi, Yang Ning smiled at the other ladies and glanced at Zhu Yating before leaving with Zheng Liang. Yang Ning rode the royal carriage with Zheng Liang, while Xiaowei rode the other carriage with the maids who had accompanied Yang Ning to the residence.