HCB Chapter 179 Discussing the Wedding Date
Chapter 179 Discussing the Wedding Date
Thinking of this, He Mingning felt lost, as if he had fallen into a fog, his vision blurred and he couldn't find any direction or way out.
Since she met the man who captivated her heart, her world seemed to have changed completely. The changes were so rapid and drastic that it was unbelievable! The woman she once was independent and self-reliant, always calmly considering the pros and cons of everything. But now? She had completely lost her mind for a man, even willing to give everything without a second thought.
In the past, if someone had told her that such a day would come, she probably would have scoffed and thought it was just wishful thinking. But at this moment, she was incredibly surprised to find that she not only felt no aversion to this huge change, but was also deeply immersed in it and unable to extricate herself.
This new feeling was like a warm, gentle spring breeze, softly caressing her once calm heart, instantly creating ripples. Those spreading ripples constantly crashed against the shore, stirring up the pool of spring water, and at the same time awakening the emotions that had long been hidden deep within her heart.
Driven by this emotion, she felt an unprecedented surge of passion and vitality, as if her entire life was radiating a dazzling and stunning brilliance. He Mingning became increasingly engrossed in her thoughts, and before she knew it, her fair and delicate cheeks had flushed crimson, like two ripe apples, so luscious they seemed ready to burst with juice at the slightest touch. As if jolted awake by an invisible force, she hastily opened her beautiful and lively eyes. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm her heart, which was swaying like a small boat in a storm. However, contrary to her wishes, the surging, relentless emotions within her could not be easily quelled.
A jumble of chaotic thoughts, like a herd of wild horses, rampaged through her already chaotic mind. These thoughts were utterly erratic, running rampant and completely unrestrained. Faced with this out-of-control situation, she felt helpless and could only close her eyes tightly again, hoping to shut out those disordered thoughts in this way.
At the same time, her hands gripped the edge of the bathtub tightly, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force. She tried with all her might to suppress the chaotic thoughts raging in her mind, but it all seemed to be in vain.
Finally, after a difficult struggle, He Mingning stood up from the bathtub. She carefully picked up the clothes prepared beside her and dressed herself gently and slowly. Then, she moved lightly to the bedside and lay down slowly.
Just as she closed her eyes to fall asleep, that unforgettable image—the scene of her kissing Fan Junyu—suddenly and uncontrollably surfaced before her eyes. In an instant, the blush that had just subsided surged back onto her cheeks like a tidal wave, making her face look rosy and alluring, like a ripe apple.
He Mingning gently bit her lip, murmuring to herself, "Don't think about it, go to sleep!" She tried hard to drive the image out of her mind, but the more she tried, the clearer the image became.
She didn't know how much time had passed, but perhaps exhaustion had overcome everything, and He Mingning gradually drifted off to sleep without realizing it. In this night, undisturbed by dreams, only a peaceful and serene darkness enveloped her, allowing her to temporarily forget all her shyness and enjoy this rare moment of tranquility.
At dawn, the golden sunlight, like a soft veil, quietly streamed into the room through the cracks in the window. The warm and bright light seemed to drape the entire room in a magnificent golden robe.
Under the gentle caress of the sunlight, He Mingning slowly opened her eyes, her beautiful eyes still carrying a hint of sleepiness. Just then, Lan'er arrived gracefully like a light butterfly, carrying the toiletries she needed and carefully placing them on the table.
He Mingning got up and gracefully walked to the table to wash up. After she finished washing up, Granny Li, as if holding the most precious treasure in the world, steadily placed the carefully prepared breakfast in front of her.
He Mingning sat at the table, slowly enjoying her delicious breakfast. After finishing, she clapped her hands contentedly, then strolled back to her chair and sat down. She picked up a book and became engrossed in reading it.
Just then, a light footstep sound came, and Liu, the eunuch beside the emperor, floated in silently from outside the door like a ghost. His movements were so light that they were almost imperceptible. Only when he stopped in front of He Mingning did he bow slightly and respectfully give her a deep salute, saying, "Greetings, Grand Princess."
He Mingning looked up when she heard the voice and saw that it was Eunuch Liu. She quickly smiled and waved her hand, saying, "Eunuch, there's no need for such formality. Please rise." Eunuch Liu straightened up upon hearing this, still wearing a humble and respectful smile on his face.
He Mingning looked at Eunuch Liu and asked softly, "Why did you come here so suddenly today, Eunuch? Is there something important you want to tell me?"
Suddenly, Eunuch Liu's wrinkled face broke into a wide smile, as radiant as a chrysanthemum blooming in autumn. He bowed slightly and said in a fawning yet respectful tone, "Your Highness, it is indeed His Majesty who instructed this old servant to invite you to the Qianqing Palace." A hint of doubt flashed in He Mingning's beautiful eyes. She parted her lips slightly and asked softly, "May I ask why my father has summoned me?" Eunuch Liu maintained his smile, but that smile... A hint of mystery seemed to creep in as he softly replied, "Oh dear, Your Highness, please don't be impatient. It would be better if His Majesty told you the reason himself once you arrive." He Mingning frowned slightly upon hearing this, pondered for a moment, and then nodded, replying, "In that case, very well." With that, she moved gracefully, her figure elegant, like a noble white swan, with her personal maid Lan'er following closely beside her. The two of them walked slowly towards the Qianqing Palace with Eunuch Liu.
Along the way, He Mingning secretly pondered the purpose of her father's summons, but no matter how hard she thought about it, she couldn't figure it out. Before long, their group arrived at the entrance of Qianqing Palace as swiftly as shooting stars across the sky.
Upon entering the palace, He Mingning immediately spotted Fan Junyu and another unfamiliar man standing inside. This man was imposing and distinguished; it turned out to be Fan Junyu's father, Lord Fan Yang. He Mingning didn't recognize him and assumed he was some other minister, so she didn't think much of it. He Mingning, with a face like a peach blossom and an elegant demeanor, appeared like a fairy descended from heaven, her steps light and graceful as she walked towards the center of the hall. Upon reaching the center, she bowed gracefully, her movements fluid and elegant, displaying royal bearing, and said sweetly, "Your subject greets Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty good health and long life." The Emperor sat on his dragon throne, gazing benevolently ahead. A beautiful figure, as light and graceful as a delicate flower, floated in—it was his most beloved daughter, He Mingning. She wore a magnificent palace dress, the hem of which fluttered in the wind, like a fairy descending to earth. Upon seeing this, the Emperor's face immediately lit up with a smile, and he said with great joy, "Ning'er, there's no need for formalities. Quickly rise and come to my side."
Upon hearing this, He Mingning smiled charmingly and said softly, "Thank you, Father." Then she gracefully walked to stand before the Emperor. Just then, Fan Yang led his son, Fan Junyu, forward and respectfully bowed to He Mingning, saying, "This humble subject greets Your Highness the Princess." He Mingning nodded slightly and instinctively replied, "No need for formalities, rise."
After Fan Yang stood up, he turned around, smiled at the Emperor, and teased, "Your Majesty, are you really willing to marry such a beautiful and gentle princess to my son?" Upon hearing this, the Emperor glared at him and replied irritably, "Oh dear, I'm starting to regret it now! Maybe we should just drop the matter!"
Fan Yang, however, didn't take it seriously, laughed heartily, and said, "Dream on! This marriage was arranged long ago, there's no reason to go back on it. Your Majesty, you're speaking too late now." The Emperor rolled his eyes at him, snorted, and muttered in dissatisfaction, "Then why are you still here spouting these useless words!"
He Ming stood quietly to the side, watching the two bicker back and forth, feeling a sense of confusion and bewilderment. This was the first time she had met Fan Junyu's father, and she was completely baffled by their seemingly casual yet cryptic conversation. She felt as if she were in a fog, utterly clueless.
She slowly turned her head, looking like a lost fawn, her face full of confusion and helplessness. Her bright eyes, like two blazing torches or two bolts of lightning piercing the night sky, shot straight at Fan Junyu, who stood not far away. Her gaze was filled with deep questions, as if she were urgently asking what had happened.
However, due to the distance between them, Fan Junyu couldn't explain directly. He could only convey the information through his lips, like someone with a silver tongue. Surprisingly, He Mingning seemed completely bewildered, like a monk standing a few feet tall, her confusion only growing. She stared at Fan Junyu with increasing focus and doubt, hoping to get a clear answer from him.
This time, however, Fan Junyu suddenly fell silent, only slightly raising the corners of his mouth to reveal a faint, enigmatic smile. Just then, the Emperor, who had been observing their every move from the front, wore a kind smile and said softly, "Ayu, how can Ning'er understand you when you speak so softly? Why not speak louder and tell us everything clearly!"
Upon hearing this, Fan Junyu dared not be negligent and immediately clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, replying, "Yes, Your Majesty." He Mingning, standing still, felt her confusion deepen after hearing this exchange, as if she had fallen into a vast sea of clouds. Her eyes widened as she watched Fan Junyu approach step by step, finally unable to contain her curiosity, she blurted out, "What?" Fan Junyu's handsome face was now beaming with a smile, a smile as warm and gentle as the spring sunshine, instantly bringing joy. He spoke softly in a voice as melodious as a nightingale's, "This is my father." As he spoke, he slowly extended his slender finger and gently pointed to Fan Yang standing beside him.
Upon hearing this, He Mingning's eyes widened instantly, her mouth agape, so wide she forgot to close it. She was completely frozen in place, staring blankly at Fan Junyu, unable to tear her gaze away from his radiant smile, as dazzling as a spring flower in full bloom.
Immediately afterward, as if suddenly remembering something, He Mingning quickly turned his gaze to the Emperor. The Emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his expression both majestic and benevolent. When he saw He Mingning's gaze, he simply nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with Fan Junyu's words.
Only at this moment did He Mingning awaken as if from a dream, and finally understand why her father had summoned her here.
So, she moved with lightning speed and stealth, like an incredibly docile kitten, her movements gentle and cautious. She turned her head slightly, her bright, watery eyes glancing discreetly at Fan Yang not far away. At that moment, her heart was pounding wildly, her mind racing as she pondered the most appropriate and proper way to address the handsome and extraordinary man before her.
Thus, her heart was in turmoil, like a lost lamb, bewildered and helpless, she turned her gaze to Fan Junyu beside her, hoping to gain some inspiration or help from him. And Fan Junyu? When he noticed He Mingning's pleading look, the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up, forming an extremely gentle smile. This smile was like a warm, gentle breeze in spring, lightly brushing against people's faces, making them feel incredibly comfortable and at ease.
Then, in his deep, magnetic voice, he said softly, "You don't need to be so reserved. You can call me whatever you want. Even calling me Grand Tutor Fan is fine, as long as it makes you happy." Hearing this, He Mingning was slightly taken aback, then nodded as if he understood something.
At the same time, she couldn't help but steal a glance at her father and Fan Yang, only to find them engrossed in conversation, completely oblivious to their commotion. Her heart, which had been pounding, finally calmed down a little. Then, like a graceful butterfly, she moved with elegant steps, carefully and slowly approaching Fan Junyu.