Yan Qi frowned, "Where is it as serious as you say? When arranging marriages, don't both families inquire about each other's situations?"
"It's true they inquire, but the information obtained isn't always accurate. I won't speak of others, just take my Ah Nian Gege and Yuan Bao Gege as examples. There are still rumors about the two of them outside. In reality? Yuan Bao Gege is married, and Ah Nian Gege and Zhen Zhen Jie are deeply in love." Rui Ning said, "What you hear from others is far less accurate than seeing and feeling it for yourself. Some people are very good at pretending, and after pretending for a long time, they even believe they are who they pretend to be. Once they stop pretending, their true nature is revealed."
"Are you always pondering these things?" Yan Qi asked her.
"Not at all. My old man often instructs me, fearing I'm too naive and will suffer losses later," Rui Ning said with a playful smile.
Qi Zhen Zhen immediately recalled what Rui Ning had said about Prince Rui knowing many private matters of the noble families in the capital. It was said he acted as Emperor Chongwen's ears, which in reality meant holding leverage. Though not honorable, such leverage could sometimes play a crucial role.
"My mother said she'd keep me for a couple more years, no rush," Yan Qi said leisurely.
The Yan family had only one daughter among their six sons, and they were reluctant to marry her off early.
"My mother also said she'd let me 'mess with' other families in a couple more years," Rui Ning stuck out her tongue. "How could such a cute and kind little girl like me mess with anyone?"
"Young ladies should be more reserved and modest," Jin Rong cleared her throat.
Rui Ning and Qi Zhen Zhen exchanged glances and nodded in unison, "Princess is right."
Jin Rong was a princess and couldn't stay out of the palace for too long. After chatting for a while, she didn't go to the flower hall and left directly.
"This is my first time meeting the Princess today, right?" Yan Qi asked after she left. "Why do I feel the Princess is being very enthusiastic towards me? Is she just naturally like this? Or...?"
Although Rui Ning was lively, she knew the importance of discretion. While Prince Rui's selection of a consort wasn't a secret, it hadn't been finalized, so she naturally couldn't speak carelessly.
"Isn't it because we two are close? Princess Jin Rong plays well with me, so naturally, she's good to you too," Rui Ning said with a smile. "Cousin-in-law, don't you think so?"
Qi Zhen Zhen nodded, "Our Rui Ning has good interpersonal skills; she's a universally loved little fairy."
"You're just flattering her. Is there such a thing as a little fairy like her?" Yan Qi said nonchalantly.
"Oh, you say that about me even in front of me," Rui Ning pounced playfully, and the two of them wrestled. Yan Qi cast aside her doubts about Jin Rong.
"County Princess, the Princess Consort wants you to bring the Heir's wife and Miss Yan to the front. Most of the young ladies have arrived," Lü Liu reported as she entered.
"Let's go," Rui Ning stood up resignedly. "I've already promised my mother, so I have to deal with it."
As the three of them appeared, Princess Consort Rui stepped forward to greet them. "Rui Ning, take the young ladies to see the garden. The pavilions are all set up. Zhen Zhen, help me keep an eye on Rui Ning. She's spirited; don't let her cause trouble."
Qi Zhen Zhen smiled, "She won't. Rui Ning is very sensible."
"Don't I know her character? She always does as she pleases and only pays attention to those she likes," Princess Consort Rui lowered her voice. "But today she's the hostess; she can't show a cold shoulder to anyone. You still need to help me keep a closer watch. The niece of Minister Wang's wife is helping out over there, but we can't trouble her all the time."
"Mother, I know. If you nag any more, I won't bother," Rui Ning mumbled.
"Alright, alright, Mother won't say anymore," Princess Consort Rui compromised helplessly.