The Devious First-Daughter

Chapter 532 The New Princely Heir Is a New Threat From Annan

Ning Xueyan was having lunch when she received Madam Dowager’s letter.

She pulled out the letter and read it with a thoughtful smile. She would be checking out the Imperial Examination Ranking tomorrow and visiting the Lord Protector’s Manor while she was at it. This was a good excuse to gather the family and worship their ancestors together. Even though the excuse was somewhat forceful, it made sense.

She put down the letter with a slight smile and a calm expression. “Qingyu, reward the messenger. Tell her I’ll check out Brother’s ranking tomorrow and will return to the Lord Protector’s Manor in the afternoon to worship the ancestors together.”

The Imperial Examination Ranking was usually announced in the morning. If she wanted to check it out, she would have to visit at that time. Many impatient people would keep watch outside the building, while the bigwigs in the capital would choose to visit during the morning.

“Yes,” Qingyu answered, and ushered Madam Dowager’s older female servant out of the garden.

“Master, have the Princess spoken to you about checking out the Ranking together?” Lanning asked.

Commandery Princess Xianyun did mention that she would check out the Imperial Examination Ranking with Ning Xueyan. Lanning was worried that Ning Xueyan would forget about it.

“I know. The Princess will probably send her maid over in a while. If the maid comes, you don’t have to let her in. Just say yes, but tell her that I’ll be returning to the Lord Protector’s Manor in the afternoon and that my sisters will be checking out the Ranking as well.”

Since Madam Dowager had said as such, she wouldn’t be the only one who would check out the Ranking. Whether or not Ning Lingyun would show up, Ning Qingshan would definitely be there as she wouldn’t let go of such a good chance to demonstrate sisterly love. And even if Ning Yuling wouldn’t personally view the Ranking, she would be waiting at the Lord Protector’s Manor.

Ning Xueyan was a changed person after marrying Ao Chenyi. It wouldn’t be so easy for Ning Qingshan to find a chance to use Ning Yuling to entrap her. Tomorrow would probably be their best opportunity.

Commandery Princess Xianyun’s purpose wasn’t so pure either!

“Master, do you mean to tell the Princess that the Third Young Lady is coming as well?” Lanning had always been a smart one. When Ning Xueyan purposefully pointed it out, she immediately understood her master’s intention.

“Of course. We have to put the Princess at ease.” Ning Xueyan looked complacent.

Whatever purpose the Princess had, the so-called viewing of the Ranking was just an excuse. The likeliest reason was this. Even though she didn’t know if she was right, there wasn’t any harm in testing it out. It didn’t matter what the Princess was up to; all she had to do was counter it carefully.

With that said, Lanning understood everything. She tacitly helped Ning Xueyan take her nap.

Lanning tucked Ning Xueyan in once she was in bed, but Ning Xueyan opened her eyes again.

“Where is Xinmei?” she asked softly.

“Mother Chao sent her to pick some peonies from the garden. You said you wanted to collect some peony pollen, didn’t you? Aunt Ruan said there’s a peony garden in the west with the most beautiful flowers, so she told Xinmei to get them from there,” Lanning said, smiling.

Ning Xueyan nodded. She closed her eyes and ordered, “When she’s back, ask her to leave the manor and tell Liu Feng to get ready, because Ning Yuling would surely show up tomorrow.”

Liu Feng, who was hiding in the dark, had discovered the guard outside Xia Manor. He stayed still to prevent alarming the guard.

“Yes. I’ll inform Xinmei later. Please get some rest, Master,” Lanning replied softly. When she saw that Ning Xueyan didn’t speak after closing her eyes this time, she left the room quietly.

“Is our Master asleep?” Mother Han was walking over when she saw Lanning. She knew from seeing Lanning’s behavior that Ning Xueyan was taking her nap, so she kept her voice low.

“She just fell asleep. What’s the matter, Mother Han?” Lanning nodded. They walked out of the house together.

“The Princess sent her maid over to ask if our Master wants to leave the manor tomorrow. The Ranking will be announced tomorrow. She said that they won’t get bored if they have each other for company.” Outside the house, Mother Han stopped lowering her voice on purpose.

“Is that her?” Lanning pointed to a smiling older female servant in the yard.