"Has the Crown Princess truly arrived? Are you certain it wasn't someone else?" Wang Rong furrowed his brow, finding it more plausible for the Crown Prince to pay a visit. After all, given his role as the Head Officer of the Royal Bureau of Investigation, a visit from the Crown Prince would be logical.
Yet, the idea of the Crown Princess arriving at his residence, especially in the morning, seemed entirely unimaginable.
The maid politely shook her head and replied, "Her personal attendant has confirmed that it is indeed the Crown Princess. She awaits to be received by the Lord in her carriage." The maid's words carried a hint of hesitation.
Baffled by the unexpected visit of the Crown Princess to his residence, Wang Rong couldn't decipher the purpose behind it. Meanwhile, Zhu Yating, who was drying her hands with a towel after washing them with warm lemon water, froze in her actions. Her hands quivered with nervousness as she swallowed hard, the events of that day flooding back to her memory.
Even though Zhu Yating hadn't directly clashed with Yang Ning during the tea party at the Guo Residence, she hadn't refrained from making comments that could be deemed scandalous and potentially land her in trouble.
Biting her lower lip, Zhu Yating couldn't help but worry, 'Could Yang Ning be planning to complain about me to Lord Wang Rong? As the Crown Princess, would she really hold onto such petty arguments?'
Lost in her anxious thoughts, Wang Rong rose from his seat, determined to greet the Crown Princess who had arrived unannounced. Observing everyone heading outside, Zhu Yating had no option but to follow suit, ready to extend her greetings and welcome Yang Ning to their residence.
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After warmly welcoming the Crown Princess, Wang Rong and his three wives guided her into the Wang Residence. Stepping into the living hall, an elegantly decorated seating area unfolded. A long wooden sofa, adorned with intricate carvings, took center stage, featuring a plush, cushioned seat.
Positioned in front of it was a finely crafted wooden table, and on either side, two wooden chairs with cushions offered additional seating. As the royalty, Yang Ning had gracefully taken her seat on the plush sofa, radiating an air of regality. In contrast, Wang Rong settled into the adjacent wooden chair, patiently awaiting Yang Ning's explanation for her unexpected visit.
Meanwhile, Wang Rong's first wife busied herself in the kitchen, ushering the maids to prepare snacks for the esteemed guest. Zhu Yating and the second wife stood quietly on the side in the living hall, maintaining a dignified presence.
While Zhu Yating stood there in silence, her heart pounded wildly, as if it might leap out of her chest at any moment. Questions raced through her mind, leaving her on edge and distracted: Why had Yang Ning come here? What did she want? The uncertainty weighed heavily on Zhu Yating, casting a shadow over her thoughts.
Fortunately, her worries were alleviated as it became evident that their connection remained unchanged.
Yang Ning nodded with a smile and responded, "Mr. Wang, I apologize for coming here abruptly. You must be getting late for the morning court session. You can go; you do not need to accompany me here. I came here to meet Lady Zhu Yating anyway."
Wang Rong was surprised by Yang Ning's words and turned to look at Zhu Yating, who appeared equally surprised. "Zhu Yating? Your Highness, may I ask what business you have with my wife? If you needed her for some work, you could have called her to the palace. You did not need to come all the way here."
Yang Ning shook her head and said, "There is no trouble in coming here, Mr. Wang. I only came here to meet my friend. There is no trouble in that."
"Friend? Are you saying that you are friends with Zhu Yating?" Wang Rong exclaimed in surprise, not expecting Zhu Yating to be friends with the Crown Princess. Although she attended tea parties frequently and had noble ladies as friends, having the Crown Princess as a friend was unexpected, especially given Zhu Yating's sharp tongue.
Yang Ning nodded and looked at Zhu Yating, who was shocked by her statement. Yang Ning continued, "We first met at the Guo Residence for a tea party. I was pleasantly surprised by Lady Zhu's archery skills and dressing sense. I heard that she has many beautiful dresses and accessories. So, I just wanted to look around and talk to her a bit more. I hope my sudden arrival is not a burden to you."
Wang Rong was surprised by Yang Ning's friendly gesture and shook his head, "Your Highness, how can it be? I am honored to have you here. Since you're friends with Zhu Yating, you can come here anytime. Please be comfortable and look around the residence. I am getting late for the royal court, so I have to leave now," he said.
Yang Ning nodded and let him excuse himself to go to the palace. Before leaving, Wang Rong pulled Zhu Yating to the side and said to her, "Treat Her Highness with respect and keep good relations with her. Do not upset her! Being friends with her will be beneficial for us to expand our social status. Do you understand?"
Zhu Yating pursed her lips, feeling as if she was being mocked by her husband. He was telling her to make Yang Ning happy and be friends with the woman she dislikes the most. However, since she could not say anything, she nodded and said, "I will take care of Her Highness. Don't worry, my lord."
After Wang Rong departed for the palace to attend the morning royal court session, Zhu Yating took Yang Ning on a tour of the residence. Upon reaching Zhu Yating's chamber, Zhu Yating locked the door from inside, ensuring no servants accompanied them.
She then turned to Yang Ning, who sat comfortably on the bed, and frowned, asking, "Why did you come here? What do you want?"
Yang Ning raised her brows and smirked, "Me? I came to meet my friend. Ah, wait. Aren't we more than friends? After all, you almost became my husband's second wife." She commented with a tinge of sarcasm.