Xue Zining shook her head, "No, Aunt does not need to worry."
Not only was something wrong, it was terribly wrong. Nangong Yue had been her childhood playmate. Later, her father emperor passed the throne to her, but the Nangong clan had moved their entire family to Zhaoping.
She still remembered Nangong Yue crying profusely then, earnestly vowing that the day they would meet again would be her coming-of-age ceremony.
In her previous life, when she came of age, Nangong Yue had indeed come. However, the night before arriving at Huanning City, she had fallen into water and was found lifeless.
After rebirth, she had written to Nangong Yue. Not long ago, Nangong Yue had replied, saying she was engaged in Zhaoping and would likely visit her with her family when she came of age.
Now, the letter stated that Nangong Yue had rejected her engagement and run away, coming to Huanning to see her.
"Aunt, where are the letters Yue'er sent me before?" Xue Zining asked Aunt Yuan.
Soon, Aunt Yuan returned with a brocade box. Xue Zining opened it, revealing the correspondence between her and Nangong Yue.
Comparing them, she found a clue.
The person who had imitated the handwriting had done their best to mimic Nangong Yue's style, but they had forgotten one thing. Nangong Yue was very close to her and would never address letters to "Your Majesty."
Instead, it would be addressed to "Zining."
Therefore, this letter was not written by Nangong Yue.
Could it be...
Xue Zining felt the blood in her entire body freeze. She was trembling.
"Your Majesty, what is wrong?" Aunt Yuan's voice trembled in fear as she looked at Xue Zining's state.
"I'm fine, Aunt. Please leave first. I might be tired and need to rest."
After repeatedly assuring Aunt Yuan, she reluctantly withdrew.
Xue Zining clutched the letter tightly. Calming herself, she remembered that this letter was identical to the one she had received before her coming-of-age ceremony in her previous life.
It was this letter that led her to encounter Yan Zhao at the Flower Wine House, causing her to fall instantly and irrevocably.
It was too early, much too early.
There were still two years left. Why had it happened so much earlier? What had she done wrong to reveal a flaw?
Suddenly, she remembered the conversation she had with Consort Chao after the morning court.
Had Consort Chao told Regent Xue Wenjie?
And because of that, Xue Wenjie had decided to have Yan Zhao use seduction on her?
It seemed she had been careless.
"Feng Wu," she called softly.
As she spoke, Feng Wu appeared before her. "Your Majesty, Feng Wu is here. What is your command?"
"Tell Feng Jiu to inform the Prime Minister that our actions must be postponed and carefully planned."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Feng Wu departed.
As the largest flower wine house in Huanning City, it was not only crowded but more importantly, its patrons were all wealthy and influential.
In a private room on the second floor, a young girl in plain attire sat, her slender, fair fingers holding a teacup from which hot steam gently rose. Da Feng Novel Network.
"Your Majesty, the person will arrive shortly," Feng Wu appeared beside the young girl and whispered.
The young girl nodded and looked out the window. It was here, in this very place, that she had met Yan Zhao that year, falling for him at first sight.
This had begun her tragic life.
In this life, she would not repeat the same mistake. And Yan Zhao, you will no longer be able to easily move my heart, nor will I allow you to do as you please.
Footsteps sounded outside the door, and then it was opened, revealing a tall, slender figure.
The young girl looked up. Dressed in white as pure as snow, with a refined and handsome face, his every movement exuded an extraordinary charisma. That year, she had fallen for him at first sight.