Lu Wanning frowned tightly. "What's the deal with the Fu family? Aren't their sons supposed to be outstanding? Why are they so persistent in pursuing me, a useless princess?"
The princess was amused by her sarcastic tone. "Your father has already refused, and of course I'm not willing either. But I still wanted to ask for your opinion. After all this time, seeing your determination, I'm relieved."
Lu Wanning understood the princess's concerns. After all, the previous owner of her body had been heartbroken by Fu Rongxuan's coldness. She was originally an arrogant person who couldn't stand his indifference. She had sworn many times that she would never like him again, but in the end, it only took a few days for her to go after him again.
This time, it had been over a month, which was indeed reassuring.
Lu Wanning quickly said, "Mother, don't worry. I find Fu Rongxuan disgusting now. I will never change my mind and will never put you and Father in a difficult position."
The princess was very pleased. She patted Lu Wanning's hand and said, "It's great that you think this way. Don't worry. Your father is already looking for a suitable husband for you. Family background doesn't matter. What matters most is the young man's moral character and temperament. Of course, the most important thing is that he should be good to you and truly like you."
Lu Wanning laughed. "Like me? Father may have to look hard. Everyone knows I have a bad reputation. I'm fierce and arrogant, and I once chased after a man. Which man would like me?"
The princess didn't like her saying this. "Nonsense. My daughter is so beautiful. How could no one like her?"
Lu Wanning shrugged indifferently. "If a young man is only interested in my appearance, won't things be even worse when I grow old and lose my beauty?"
The princess disliked this even more.
Lu Wanning coquettishly said to the princess, "Mother, I was talking about Cousin He Nanfeng. Why are you talking about me? He's almost of age. Why hasn't the He family arranged a marriage for him yet?"
The princess explained, "Your Cousin Nanfeng is different from others. He grew up by your grandfather's side and was originally supposed to be the next head of the family. But after what happened, he's in a bit of a difficult situation. Most importantly, before your grandfather passed away, he told your uncle and aunt that they were not allowed to interfere in his marriage. He wanted your cousin to decide for himself. Over the years, your cousin has been away from the capital most of the time. Even if your aunt wanted to help, she couldn't."
Lu Wanning thought that perhaps her grandfather knew what kind of people the Duke and Duchess He were and was afraid they would mess things up. So he made this last safeguard before he passed away.
But in this era, how could anyone get rid of their family's constraints? Even if He Nanfeng found a good girl, he still needed the approval of the Duke and Duchess He. Moreover, the girl he had his eye on was the daughter of the Jiang family.
The Jiang family was a third - rank official family and had always been known for their integrity. They were highly regarded by the emperor. Even if He Wenbo didn't like Jiang Shishi and the Duchess He thought she was short - lived, they would definitely try to marry her into the family.
How could she help Jiang Shishi marry He Nanfeng?
"Are you... Wanning, don't tell me you've taken a fancy to your cousin?" The princess's sudden surprise interrupted Lu Wanning's thoughts.
Lu Wanning waved her hands repeatedly. "How could that be, Mother? I don't like him at all. I'm not even familiar with him!"
But the princess didn't believe her. She thought her daughter's reaction was a sign of guilt. She continued, "Among the good - looking young men in the capital, your cousin is definitely one of them. His looks are no less than Fu Rongxuan's. You've always been fond of good looks. Wanning, tell me the truth. If you..."
"Mother!" Lu Wanning stood up and raised her hand. "I can swear to the heavens. If I have even the slightest feelings for He Nanfeng, I'll be struck by lightning..."
The princess quickly stood up and covered her mouth. "You silly child. If you don't like him, why make such a random oath?"
Lu Wanning said helplessly, "I'm just afraid you'll match - make randomly. Mother, you know I've just cut off my relationship with Fu Rongxuan. In my mind, all men are like dogs. I have no intention of thinking about marriage. Mother, now I'm only worried about the Empress Dowager's illness. I have no mood to think about my marriage. Please tell Father that my marriage can wait."
Although the princess didn't agree in her heart, she thought that her daughter had suffered an emotional setback. Since she seemed so calm, she might be very sad in private. She couldn't add salt to the wound. So she just nodded and said, "I know. Don't worry about others. I'll also keep an eye out for your cousin's marriage."
In a blink of an eye, it was the twentieth day of the first lunar month. The Lu family set off early in the morning. Lu Wanning got up early and curled up in the carriage for a nap. She told Jiyue to wake her up when they were almost there.
But the carriage suddenly stopped halfway. Lu Wanning woke up sleepily and rubbed her eyes. "What happened?"
Jiyue lifted the curtain and saw Lu Yingshuang, the eldest daughter of the Lu family, standing in front.
Lu Yingshuang bowed respectfully. "Princess, on my way here, I saw an old woman having a hard time walking, so I got off the carriage to help her. But my sisters didn't notice and left in the carriage first. I'm now stranded here and can't move forward. If I go back to get the carriage, I'm afraid it will be too late. Could the princess be kind enough to give me a ride?"
She was very polite and they were all familiar with each other. Usually, people would agree.
However, the princess knew that Lu Yingshuang was very knowledgeable and didn't get along well with Lu Wanning. Moreover, there were four carriages in the prince's mansion today. There were men in the other carriages, so it was not appropriate to let an outsider in. Only Lu Wanning's carriage was left.
So she just smiled. "So it's Yingshuang. It would have been a small thing, but your sister Wanning is not feeling well today. If you were to catch her illness, it wouldn't be appropriate. When we just left the city, there was a carriage from the Fu family behind. Why don't you wait a while, Yingshuang?"
Lu Wanning's carriage was right behind the carriages of Lu Hongxi and the princess. She heard the whole conversation clearly. She peeked out through the curtain and looked at Lu Yingshuang's face. It always felt a bit strange. According to their relationship, although it wasn't as bad as her relationship with Shi Aohan, it was definitely not good. Usually, they wouldn't even nod to each other when they met. Why did Lu Yingshuang want to take her carriage?
Was it a coincidence? She just couldn't believe it.
Lu Yingshuang bowed again. "Princess, it's getting late. I was supposed to lead my sisters today, but I didn't expect this to happen. I'm really worried that they might play around. So I'm daring to ask for your help. Since the princess can go out, I think even if she's not feeling well, it's not a big deal. Please agree."
Anger welled up in Lu Wanning's heart. Was this person really that stupid or was she just doing it on purpose? Just then, besides the Lu family, there were also some official families with lower status nearby. If the princess insisted on refusing, it would seem a bit unkind.