Shangguan Ning sat elegantly in the pavilion, sipping tea while taking in the serene beauty of the surroundings. His posture was composed, exuding an air of calmness and authority. 

“Cong, fetch me some paper and a brush,” he said in a smooth, unhurried tone. Cong promptly left to gather the materials, while Shangguan Ning turned his attention to one of the maids nearby. 

“Is Li Qiang in the mansion?” he asked, his voice as soft as it was commanding.

The maid bowed respectfully. “Yes, Prince Consort. His Highness, the Second Prince, is currently in his study.”

Shangguan Ning nodded, a subtle yet authoritative gesture. “Good. Inform him that I would like him to join me for tea,” he instructed, his words gentle but firm. The maid hurried off to carry out his request, and soon after, Cong returned with the paper and brush.

“Here you are, Your Highness,” Cong said as he handed the items to him.

“Thank you, Cong,” Shangguan Ning replied, his tone as calm as ever. He began to write, his movements deliberate and graceful.

Curiosity got the better of Cong as he watched his master write. “Your Highness, if I may ask, who is the letter for?”

Without pausing, Shangguan Ning answered, “It’s for Uncle Emperor.”

Moments later, the maid returned with a formal announcement. “The Second Prince has arrived,” she said as Helan Li Qiang stepped into the pavilion. The other servants bowed low, while Shangguan Ning offered a small nod of acknowledgment, demonstrating a quiet respect for his husband’s presence.

“Ning’er, you called for me?” Helan Li Qiang’s voice held a mix of curiosity and affection.

“Yes,” Shangguan Ning smiled gently, gesturing toward the tea. “Come, Li Qiang. Have tea with me. You’ve been so busy these last few days, I hardly get the chance to see you.”

Helan Li Qiang sat beside him, and Shangguan Ning gracefully poured him a cup of tea. Even while conversing, his movements remained fluid, his focus partially on the letter he was still writing.

After a few moments of quiet observation, Helan Li Qiang’s curiosity resurfaced. “Ning’er, who are you writing to?”

With a soft smile, Shangguan Ning sealed the letter and placed it in an envelope. “It’s for Uncle Emperor,” he replied simply.

Once the letter was ready, Shangguan Ning called into the air, “Wu Lin.”

Without a sound, a man suddenly appeared, kneeling before them. His arrival was so silent and swift that Helan Li Qiang’s guards were visibly startled, having not sensed his approach at all.

“Here,” Shangguan Ning said, handing the letter to Wu Lin. “Take this to Uncle Emperor. Let him know that if he has any word of my parents, I’d like him to send a message. I wish for them to visit me when they have the chance.”

Wu Lin accepted the letter with a respectful bow and, as swiftly as he had arrived, vanished into the shadows.

Helan Li Qiang, clearly impressed, turned to his husband. “Ning’er, you have quite a remarkable guard in your service. We couldn’t even detect his presence.”

Shangguan Ning chuckled softly, setting down his teacup. “Ah, Wu Lin? He’s been with me for years, along with Cong. He was trained by the Shangguan family’s shadow guards. Stealth and protection are second nature to him.”

Helan Li Qiang nodded thoughtfully. “That explains his extraordinary skill. But, Ning’er, why the sudden letter to your uncle, the Emperor? What’s on your mind?” His tone was gentle, laced with genuine concern.

Shangguan Ning paused for a moment, his expression turning contemplative as he gazed at the peaceful courtyard. “I haven’t seen my family since our marriage, and with everything that’s happened recently—the tensions at court, the banquet, even the duel—it made me realize that I should reconnect with them. They deserve to know that I am well. It’s been too long since I’ve seen them, especially now that they’ve been traveling. I want them to visit me here, to see the life I’ve built.”

Helan Li Qiang nodded, understanding the deeper emotions behind Shangguan Ning’s words. “I see,” he replied softly. “Family is indeed important, Ning’er. I’m sure your parents will make time for you when they receive your message.”

Shangguan Ning’s eyes softened as he smiled, a faint yet hopeful expression gracing his features. “I hope so, Li Qiang. I truly hope so.”

As their conversation flowed, a lingering question weighed on Shangguan Ning's mind. He had kept it to himself for a while, but today, the uncertainty gnawed at him. Pausing for a moment, he set down his teacup and spoke, his tone more serious than before.

“Li Qiang, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you,” Shangguan Ning began, his gaze steady yet filled with unspoken emotions. “You’ve always been kind to me, even though we hardly knew each other when we married. I can't help but wonder—are you treating me this way out of a sense of duty to your family? Or… is there something more? Do you have genuine feelings for me?”

Helan Li Qiang was momentarily taken aback by the question. He hadn’t expected such a direct inquiry, but as the weight of it settled in, his expression softened. He drew in a deep breath, choosing his words carefully.

“Ning’er… feelings aren’t built in a single day,” he began, his voice gentle yet earnest. “When we were first married, it was a union arranged by our families, and yes, duty was a part of it. I won’t deny that. But as time has passed and I’ve come to know you better—your strength, your grace, your intelligence—my view of our relationship has changed.”

Li Qiang reached out, taking Shangguan Ning’s hand with a tender touch, his eyes sincere. “I won’t pretend to fully understand my feelings just yet. But what I can say with certainty is that my actions are no longer driven purely by obligation. I care for you—more than I ever expected. And I want to continue building something real between us.”

Shangguan Ning listened closely, absorbing Li Qiang’s words. Though part of him felt a twinge of disappointment—he had hoped for something more concrete—he knew that emotions, especially in such a complex relationship, took time to grow. After all, he wasn’t entirely sure of his own feelings yet, either.

With a faint smile, Shangguan Ning nodded, his eyes thoughtful. “I understand, Li Qiang. It’s true, feelings don’t develop overnight. I, too, am still learning what my heart truly feels. But perhaps, with time, we’ll both come to understand what this really is between us.”

Li Qiang returned the smile, his grip on Ning’s hand tightening ever so slightly in reassurance. “Yes, Ning’er. Let’s take that time—together.”

“Then I must take my leave; I still have work to attend to,” Helan Li Qiang said, standing up from the table with a gentle smile. Shangguan Ning nodded in acknowledgment, his thoughts still lingering on their earlier conversation.

As Helan Li Qiang exited the pavilion, Shangguan Ning turned to follow him back into his bedchamber, accompanied by Cong. Once inside, Shangguan Ning took a seat at the table, sinking into the chair with a weary sigh.

“It seems that my wish for a peaceful life has been utterly shattered the moment I arrived here,” he lamented, dramatically cupping his face with his hands and resting his elbows on the table. The pose was one of theatrical despair, as if he were the star of a grand tragedy rather than a prince in a luxurious palace.

Cong, ever the spirited companion, couldn’t help but laugh. “Your Highness, if anyone sees you like this, they’ll think you’ve been replaced! They’ll start whispering that the sovereign consort is moping about like a lost puppy!”

Shangguan Ning lifted his head slightly, peering at Cong through his fingers with mock indignation. “A lost puppy? Really, Cong? I’d prefer to think of myself as a noble swan, gracefully gliding through the trials of life. But alas, here I am, a swan flapping about in a chicken coop.”

Cong burst into laughter, unable to hold back. “Yes, a swan, indeed! A swan that just realized it forgot how to swim and is now flailing about in a kiddie pool!”

Shangguan Ning couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity. “I suppose that makes you my loyal chicken companion, ever ready to poke fun at my struggles!”

“Exactly!” Cong grinned, leaning back in his chair, enjoying the light-hearted banter. “And who knows? Maybe in time, you’ll learn to swim in this kiddie pool and show those chickens who’s boss!”

Shangguan Ning shook his head, a playful smile creeping onto his lips. “You know, for someone supposed to be my aide, you certainly have a talent for turning my melodrama into a comedy. Perhaps I should hire you as my court jester instead!”

“Well, Your Highness,” Cong replied with a theatrical bow, “every noble needs a jester to remind them that life is a performance, and the show must go on—preferably with fewer chicken-related incidents!”

With laughter filling the room, Shangguan Ning felt a little lighter, the weight of his earlier thoughts momentarily lifted. “You’re right, Cong. Perhaps I should focus on the comedy of it all rather than the tragedy. After all, what’s life without a little laughter?”

As the laughter echoed through the room, a soft knock interrupted their moment of camaraderie. A maid stepped in, her demeanor respectful and formal.

“Your Highness, a maid from the palace has come to see you,” she announced, her voice steady.

“Let her in,” Shangguan Ning replied, straightening his posture as the maid entered the chamber.

“Greetings, Your Highness, the Sovereign Consort,” the palace maid said, bowing deeply.

“Rise,” Shangguan Ning instructed, his tone kind but authoritative. “What brings you here?”

“Your Highness,” the maid began, her expression earnest, “Her Majesty the Empress wishes to extend an invitation to you. She will be hosting a tea party tomorrow, and she would be honored by your presence.”

Shangguan Ning sighed softly, a hint of resignation in his voice as he leaned back slightly in his chair. “Haaa... there goes another peaceful day,” he murmured to Cong, who stifled a small laugh but remained composed. The palace maid, unaware of their exchange, continued to wait patiently for Shangguan Ning's response.

Shangguan Ning took a moment to gather his thoughts, acknowledging the gravity of the invitation. The tea party would not only be a social obligation but also a political maneuver in the ever-complex dynamics of court life. 

“I understand,” he finally said, his voice steady. “Please convey to Her Majesty that I will attend.” 

With that, he dismissed the maid with a nod. She bowed again and retreated from the chamber, leaving Shangguan Ning and Cong alone once more. 

As the door closed, Shangguan Ning leaned back, a pensive look crossing his features. “A tea party,” he repeated softly, contemplating the potential discussions and implications that awaited him there. Such gatherings often served as a backdrop for intrigue and rivalry, and he knew he must navigate them with care. 

“I suppose I must prepare myself for another round of courtly exchanges,” he said, the weight of duty settling upon him once more. “I only hope it won’t be too taxing.” 

Cong nodded in understanding, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. “You will handle it with grace, as always, Your Highness,” he assured, offering a reassuring smile. “And should it become overwhelming, I will be right here to support you.” 

With a grateful glance at his aide, Shangguan Ning felt a sense of comfort in the familiar presence of camaraderie amidst the approaching demands of court life.

Shangguan Ning let out a long, drawn-out sigh, his breath escaping him like a gentle breeze. The sound was heavy with a mix of weariness and resignation, reflecting the weight of his responsibilities. 

“Haaaa...,” he murmured softly, allowing the sound to linger in the air as he contemplated the implications of the upcoming tea party. The anticipation of more political maneuvering, endless small talk, and the ever-watchful eyes of the court made his heart feel a little heavier. 

As he leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifted toward the window, where the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the floor. The beauty of the moment felt in stark contrast to the complexities of his life in the palace. He wished for a simple, peaceful existence, free from the constraints of court politics and expectations.

“Another day filled with pretense and obligations,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head slightly. “Will I ever find a moment of true peace?”

Cong, ever attentive, sensed the shift in his mood. “Your Highness, you’ve faced challenges far greater than a mere tea party. You possess the strength to navigate through whatever awaits you,” he encouraged, his voice steady and reassuring.

With a small smile of appreciation, Shangguan Ning turned his gaze back to Cong. “I know you’re right, Cong. It’s just... sometimes I long for the simplicity of life outside these walls.” 

Cong nodded, understanding his sentiment. “Perhaps, after the tea party, you can take a moment for yourself—a quiet walk in the garden or time to relax in your chamber.”

“Perhaps,” Shangguan Ning replied thoughtfully, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. “I shall consider it.” 

With a newfound resolve, he straightened up in his seat, mentally preparing himself for the demands of the court, while still holding onto the hope of finding moments of tranquility amidst the chaos.