The events at Longfu Hall quickly spread.
Even Zhennan Marquis Manor was discussing it.
Luo Ning's prophecy, however, was not revealed by the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.
A tall tree catches the wind.
The failed 'assassination' would also bring enmity to Luo Ning.
The Empress Dowager issued an imperial decree, summoning Luo Ning to the palace.
Luo Ning's mother, Bai, really wanted to go with her. By the time she changed and went to Wenqi Courtyard to find Luo Ning, Luo Ning had already left.
Bai was silent for a while, then smiled bitterly at Kong Mama and others, shaking her head lightly, extremely disappointed in Luo Ning, and went back.
"...These are one hundred taels of gold leaves, bestowed by His Majesty," the Empress Dowager said to Luo Ning, pointing to a red lacquer box.
Luo Ning respectfully bowed: "This commoner thanks the Empress Dowager, and thanks His Majesty."
The Empress Dowager told her to rise.
As they spoke, the Empress Dowager remarked that her prediction was very accurate this time.
"Your Majesty, this commoner has only learned the superficial. Peeking into heavenly secrets will reduce one's fortune and lifespan, so I dare not speak rashly in the future," Luo Ning said.
The Empress Dowager listened and nodded with satisfaction.
She didn't get carried away with a little achievement. Reverence for heaven and earth, she is a good child.
And she is born beautiful.
In Shengjing City, many prestigious families, if their daughter had even seventy percent of a beautiful appearance, would dare to boast of her 'city-toppling beauty'.
But a truly beautiful woman, without makeup and simply dressed, is captivating in every frown and smile.
Luo Ning is worthy of her son.
"A Ning, this Empress Dowager has something I want to tell you," the Empress Dowager said, dismissing her attendants and speaking intimately to Luo Ning in a low voice.
Luo Ning's heart trembled.
Then she heard the Empress Dowager say, "This Empress Dowager has asked the Emperor to issue an imperial decree, betrothing you to Prince Yong."
After a pause, the Empress Dowager was thinking about how to praise Prince Yong appropriately.
There were simply too many things about Prince Yong that deserved praise.
Upon hearing this, Luo Ning was about to kneel: "Empress Dowager..."
"No need to bow," the Empress Dowager said with a smile, helping her up, "If you have any concerns, just tell this Empress Dowager."
"For this commoner to receive such good fortune is truly a blessing from the heavens, and the gracious favor of the Empress Dowager and His Majesty; how could I have any concerns?" Luo Ning said, her eyes already red.
Her strong reaction surprised the Empress Dowager.
Luo Ning shed a line of clear tears, "From now on, this commoner will have protection and be able to sleep soundly."
The Empress Dowager instantly understood her words.
Her expression darkened: "Did Zhennan Marquis Manor treat you lightly?"
"No, Empress Dowager. It's just that this commoner went south to recuperate for three years, and no one from home visited; upon returning home, I was further harassed by malicious servants.
This commoner is timid, my heart is heavy, and I struggle to sleep day and night. To receive this marriage is to ascend to the heavens in one step; from now on, with your care, what else is there to fear?" Luo Ning said.
Even though she was used to flattery, Luo Ning's words still warmed the Empress Dowager's heart.
Perhaps it was her tearful appearance, so pitiful, that evoked the Empress Dowager's pity; and because her words were sincere, they were convincing.
However, as for Prince Yong...
"Does His Highness, the Prince, want to marry me?" Luo Ning blinked, her watery eyes looking at the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager smiled: "He naturally wouldn't dare defy an imperial decree."
Luo Ning pondered for a moment, not backing down, but instead leaned forward and asked the Empress Dowager: "Your Majesty, may this commoner go and see His Highness, the Prince? Perhaps, this commoner can persuade His Highness."
The Empress Dowager smiled again: "He didn't say he was unwilling."
"This commoner still wishes to see him," Luo Ning said.
The Empress Dowager called Eunuch Wei and told him to send Luo Ning to Prince Yong Residence.
She didn't hold much hope for Luo Ning's 'persuasion'.
The Empress Dowager was still thinking about how to convince her son.
This marriage would be beneficial to Prince Yong's current precarious situation. He didn't need in-laws with too much power.
Luo Ning was brave, charming, astute, and intelligent; in the Empress Dowager's heart, she was almost on par with Empress Zheng.
Empress Zheng was also a daughter-in-law personally chosen by the Empress Dowager, and indeed, she was proper in every way, managing the six palaces in an orderly fashion.
"...It seems I'll have to use my trump card," the Empress Dowager thought to herself.
Luo Ning entered Prince Yong Residence.
Without Eunuch Wei escorting her, she wouldn't have been able to step through the main gate of the residence.
Prince Yong was in the training ground in the back courtyard.
It was the twelfth lunar month, and he was wearing a thin inner garment, practicing with a spear. He wielded a long spear with great power on the flat ground.
There was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead.
Several of his trusted generals were by the side of the training ground; there was also a large black dog.
The black dog vigilantly glanced at the newcomers, then lowered its perked ears and trotted excitedly towards Luo Ning.
Luo Ning reached out and scratched its chin, then stroked its head.
The several generals by the training ground stared with wide eyes.
"Is Changying General perhaps crazy?"
"So friendly? Last time it bit me."
"Who is it?"
"That's Eunuch Wei. Her status is probably not low."
Xiao Huaifeng, Prince Yong, put down his long spear, his gaze sweeping across the training ground, also looking at the person and the dog.
The wind was cold, but the sun was bright.
The woman wore a rose-purple cloak. The color of her clothes was dark, making her appear slightly old-fashioned and common, but her face was delicate and clear.
Her fair skin was flushed by the cold wind, as if a layer of rouge had been applied, adding a touch of charm.
She and the dog were very intimate.
Xiao Huaifeng's brows furrowed tightly, the displeasure in his heart almost overflowing.
Although Eunuch Wei dared not show it on his face, he was very afraid of this dog and instinctively moved to the side.
Xiao Huaifeng whistled.
The sharpness in the whistle was audible, and the black dog froze, its excitement vanished, its ears drooped, and it obediently walked towards its master.
Xiao Huaifeng patted its forehead, not too lightly, not too heavily, as a sign of punishment.
Then he said to his deputy general, "Take Changying General away."
The deputy general assented.
The black dog left, still looking back at Luo Ning, as if reluctant to part.
Xiao Huaifeng snorted coldly and looked at Eunuch Wei: "What are you doing here? Who did you bring here?"
Eunuch Wei quickly bowed: "Your Highness, it is by the Empress Dowager's command. Miss Luo has something to say to you, so the Empress Dowager ordered her to come."
Luo Ning also spoke: "Yes, Your Highness, this commoner has something I wish to report to Your Highness privately."
Xiao Huaifeng's mood had originally been good.
Watching his dog fawn over Luo Ning made him extremely displeased: "Whatever you have to say, tell the Empress Dowager. This prince is not interested."
"This commoner has rendered another meritorious service. I predicted the assassination at Longfu Hall the day before yesterday. That is why the Empress Dowager granted this favor," Luo Ning said.
Xiao Huaifeng looked back at her.
After a moment of silence, he waved his hand: "Take her to the main hall to sit, and serve tea."
He then said to Eunuch Wei, "The person has been delivered, you may return to report."
Eunuch Wei glanced at Luo Ning.
Luo Ning nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Gonggong."
Eunuch Wei dared not defy Prince Yong and turned to leave.
Prince Yong went back to change his clothes.
Luo Ning waited for half an hour before he emerged.
At home, he wore a dark Xuan-colored cloak, wide and heavy, reaching his ankles. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and the stiff, firm cloak gave him a resolute demeanor.
He sat down, his dark eyes calmly resting on Luo Ning's face: "What is it?"
"Your Highness, this commoner wishes to serve you," Luo Ning said.
Xiao Huaifeng raised his hand, picked up his tea, and took a sip: "In front of this prince, no beating around the bush is allowed."
"This commoner wishes to be your strategist. This commoner is slightly versed in divination and understands a bit of numerology, so perhaps I can be of assistance. The Empress Dowager said she wishes to ask His Majesty to grant a marriage, allowing me to become Yong Wangfei," Luo Ning said.
Xiao Huaifeng's hand, holding the tea, paused slightly.
He smiled, yet not quite: "You?"
"This commoner wishes to beg for His Highness's favor, to agree to this marriage. Three years later, this commoner will willingly feign death to escape. When I left, I divined a hexagram, and His Highness wishes to achieve his desires and marry a good wife, he must wait at least three years.
His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, and the court officials, are all focused on His Highness's marriage, calculating daily, which also vexes His Highness. Since that is the case, why not make a temporary arrangement? This commoner's family background is humble, and everything depends on His Highness.
On the surface, I would be the Yong Wangfei, but in reality, I would be a strategist. When the day of His Highness's true destiny arrives, I only ask for His Highness's grace, to change this commoner's name and surname, establish a female household, and be granted the title of a princess. To the outside world, it would be said that the Yong Wangfei passed away from illness."
Luo Ning's words were long, but not fast, not heavy.
Softly and gently, she finished her speech, "This commoner's situation is dire, and I wish to borrow His Highness's prestige. I beg His Highness to take me in."
Xiao Huaifeng finished his cup of tea, but still held the teacup in his hand, gently caressing the rim of the cup.
Each touch was like a light tap on Luo Ning's heart.
Her heart was pounding.
Success or failure, it all depended on today.