Chu Ning was the esteemed Xifeng Princess. She had studied the art of painting from a young age, yet lost to Li Mu Yang in a contest of painting skill, turning the Xifeng Royal Family into a laughingstock. This had infuriated her proud, sensitive father, who cared deeply about his dignity. He had written to her with a harsh reprimand, his words brimming with the implication that he intended to summon Chu Ning back to the imperial capital.
Even if Chu Ning could pretend not to have seen that letter, hearing Song Tingyun mention that "the Son of Heaven was shocked by this" still left her feeling rather uncomfortable.
How could the Son of Heaven have been merely shocked? He had been enraged.
Her father had made no attempt to conceal his loathing for Li Mu Yang in the letter, calling him a "murderous criminal." If Li Mu Yang went to the imperial capital, what awaited him would not be the cheers of the masses, but swords, spears, arrows, clubs, and arrest by the Imperial Guard, surely.
But Li Mu Yang's parents and younger sister were all in the imperial capital. Could it be that he would not return?
At this thought, Chu Ning's mood sank even lower. It was as though dark clouds had veiled the bright moon, leaving her restless and unable to find relief.
Chu Ning cast Song Tingyun a cold glance and said, "Is it because of Cui Xiaoxin?"
Song Tingyun froze slightly. "What?"
"Was cousin not doing this for that bright moon of the Cui Clan?" Chu Ning's gaze rested on Li Mu Yang, but the words she spoke were icily cold.
"I don't understand what you mean."
"Cui Xiaoxin became close with Li Mu Yang in Jiangnan, and their relationship was quite intimate. Cousin