The Sickly Regent Prince Who Was Abandoned as a Substitute Bride

Stepping into the intelligence building, Ye Jiuchen went straight to the point: "Lord, do you have any latest news about Dongfang Wan'er?" His voice was deep and magnetic, yet carried an undeniable authority.

When the head of the intelligence building saw Ye Jiuchen, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure!

"Ninth Master, you've come at the right time. I just received news that Dongfang Wan'er is making poison needles." The Lord smiled slightly and handed a piece of intelligence to Ye Jiuchen.

Ye Jiuchen took the intelligence report, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected Dongfang Wan'er to have such methods.

"Send people to protect her. If she is in any danger, report to me immediately," Ye Jiuchen said in a deep voice.

"Yes, Ninth Master," the landlord said respectfully.

"Also, thoroughly investigate which officials Ye Jingchu has close relationships with, and while you're at it, find evidence that he's trying to get into any position."

"Your subordinate understands. Ninth Master, do you intend to..."

"Hmm? How dare you presume to know my thoughts..." Ye Jiuchen hadn't finished speaking before he vanished in a flash.

As night fell, Dongfang Wan'er, her face covered in a mud mask, was about to wash it off and rest when she suddenly saw a dark shadow flash past the window.

Dongfang Wan'er's heart tightened, and she quickly gripped the poisoned needle in her hand, ready to leap out at any moment.

"Wan'er, it's me!" Ye Jiuchen's deep voice came from outside the window.

Hearing that familiar voice, Dongfang Wan'er breathed a sigh of relief, but still opened the window cautiously. Just as she was about to ask a question, Ye Jiuchen darted into the room!

"Ye Jiuchen, what are you doing!" Dongfang Wan'er was so frightened that she took several steps back and hugged her chest tightly with both hands.

Looking at her panicked appearance, Ye Jiuchen couldn't help but find it a little funny: "Hehe, why are you so nervous? With your petite figure, I have absolutely no interest in you."

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Wan'er looked down at her figure and muttered to herself, "What's wrong with my figure? I have everything I need, a perfect hourglass shape." As she thought about it, a blush crept onto her face.

"Ninth Prince, you show no interest in my figure at all. Then may I ask what the meaning was of kissing me twice before? Besides, how many times have you sneaked into my boudoir?" Dongfang Wan'er said softly as she slowly approached Ye Jiuchen, her voice revealing endless charm.

However, Ye Jiuchen interrupted Dongfang Wan'er without hesitation: "Don't be silly, I'm here tonight to discuss serious matters!"

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Wan'er immediately stopped and questioned, "What is so important that you need to come and tell me in the middle of the night? Furthermore, when did we become so familiar that we need to discuss important matters at night?" As she spoke, Dongfang Wan'er keenly noticed that Ye Jiuchen's ears were slightly red.

Ye Jiuchen coughed lightly, trying to cover his embarrassment, and then said, "Wan'er, I heard that you are about to marry Ye Jingchu, but if you are unwilling, I can ask my brother to withdraw this imperial decree of marriage."

Dongfang Wan'er's sharp eyes saw through Ye Jiuchen's thoughts at a glance. She sneered, "So, Your Highness's visit to my humble abode in the middle of the night was solely for this matter. There's no need for Your Highness to trouble yourself. I will handle this marriage matter properly." At this moment, Dongfang Wan'er felt a deep aversion to any involvement with the royal family. She had absolutely no attachment to either Ye Jingchu or Ye Jiuchen.

"I'm afraid this matter is not up to you. I will definitely intervene in this marriage to the very end..." After saying this, Ye Jiuchen resolutely turned and left.

"Ugh, what's going on? I can't even decide my own marriage..." Dongfang Wan'er muttered to herself, complaining as she looked out the window. But only the silent night answered her.

The next morning, before the sun had even risen, Lu Wanning got up early. A tranquil atmosphere filled the room, as if time had stood still.

The old nanny carefully dressed and styled Lu Wanning, every movement showing exceptional delicacy.

Lu Wanning was dressed in a gorgeous and elegant outfit, and wore a set of bright red coral headdress, all of which were gifts from Dongfang Wan'er.

"Madam, you look absolutely stunning today!" Granny Gui exclaimed sincerely.

"I'm getting old, Granny is joking..." Lu Wanning stared at herself in the mirror, a complex emotion welling up in her heart.

The marks of time have quietly crept onto her face, but she still maintains her dignity and elegance.

Meanwhile, Dongfang Wan'er had already risen. Today, she wore a silver-threaded brocade dress embroidered with a hundred flowers. The fabric of the dress was as thin as a cicada's wing, light and breathable, and would not make one feel stuffy at all. On her head, she wore an exquisite pearl hairpin with eight treasures, which cleverly tied up a strand of her dark hair, while the rest of her hair fell to her waist, making her look even more beautiful and charming.

"Miss, your face has fully recovered, even the birthmark is gone..." Qiuqin watched as her young mistress slightly darkened her originally snow-white face and deliberately added a birthmark. Although this makeup couldn't hide her beauty, she still felt something was strange and uncomfortable.

"Qiuqin, now is not the time for me to reveal my true colors..." The speaker's voice was deep, revealing an air of mystery.

Just then, a clear voice called out from the doorway: "Mother..." Dongfang Wan'er walked lightly to the door, where Lu Wanning was instructing the servants to move things.

"Wan'er, you little lazybones..." Lu Wanning smiled and stroked Dongfang Wan'er's hair, her eyes full of affection.

At the same time, Dongfang Zheng was just about to go out. He immediately saw the scene at the gate of the mansion—the servants were busy carrying things, while his wife and daughter stood aside.

He strode forward and asked with concern, "Madam, Wan'er, where are you going?"

Lu Wanning glanced at him indifferently and simply uttered two words: "Go home." Her tone was extremely cold, as if she had no feelings for Dongfang Zheng whatsoever.

Dongfang Zheng, however, did not notice Lu Wanning's coldness. Instead, he stared at her intently, a look of infatuation on his face: "Madam, you look much better lately. You really have the charm of your youth..." He gazed at Lu Wanning with affection, as if trying to find a response in her eyes.

However, a strong sense of disgust welled up in Lu Wanning's heart. She suppressed this discomfort and didn't even glance at Dongfang Zheng again. She directly took Dongfang Wan'er's hand and boarded the carriage that was already waiting nearby.

Seeing Lu Wanning leave without turning her head, Dongfang Zheng was furious. "Hmph, once I've accomplished my great task, let's see if you, Lu Wanning, will still be able to give me attitude."