Reborn to Become A Queen: The Real Heiress's Comeback-Chapter 427: Wang Family Waning’s Cousin

Zhan Lan lifted her gaze towards Xiao Tao, who was panting as she spoke, "Princess, they are waiting outside the main gate."

Zhan Lan spoke, "Xiao Tao, let them in!"

Liu Xi entered to help clear away the medicine bowl. Zhan Lan casually asked, "How is Heir Bai Chen? Is his injury improving?"

Liu Xi nodded in response, "Reporting to the Princess, much better now."

"Is he still clinging to you, staying in your room?" Zhan Lan adjusted her sleeves.

Liu Xi’s ears turned red, "Replying to you, he only stayed for two nights before moving back to the guest room. He’s now able to walk."

"Hmm." Zhan Lan responded indifferently.

Not long afterwards, Madam Wang arrived with a young girl.

"Lan’er, Grandmother came to see you and brought some food for you." Madam Wang bowed to Zhan Lan.

Zhan Lan smiled faintly and gestured for Liu Xi to accept the food box brought by Madam Wang.

"Grandmother is too thoughtful; everything in the prince’s mansion is available." Zhan Lan said as she sat down.

"Oh, but it’s different. These are snacks and braised meats Grandmother made herself. I heard from your mother that you used to love osmanthus cake, braised chicken feet, and braised beef."

"Those were favorite snacks from my girlhood. I can’t eat them as much now." Zhan Lan picked up a handkerchief and delicately wiped her hands.

Madam Wang gave a flattering smile, "Whatever the Princess wishes to eat, Grandmother will make it for you!"

Zhan Lan interrupted the topic and looked at the rather graceful young girl, asking, "And who might this be?"

"Ningning, come greet the Princess." Madam Wang turned her gaze to the girl.

The girl, dressed in a lotus-colored gown, smiled like a blossoming flower. She knelt before Zhan Lan and said, "Wang Wanning pays respects to the Princess!"

Upon hearing the name, Zhan Lan stiffened entirely—Wang Wanning.

So this was Wang Wanning.

In her previous life, she had been Zhan Feng’s wife, ultimately enjoying glorious wealth with him.

She was also one of those who struck against Zhan Family’s first branch when they were down.

If she hadn’t shown up now, Zhan Lan might have entirely forgotten about this deeply cunning woman.

In this life, Zhan Feng had been exiled to Ningguta and passed away prematurely, never marrying his cousin.

Zhan Lan hadn’t finished tying up loose ends with the second branch, yet this one was already seeking her out with urgency!

This cousin’s fame had spread across Jiangnan—talented in poetry and dance, her figure slender as a willow, her refined hands skilled in embroidery.

"Princess, this is the legitimate granddaughter of my brother. By relation, we are kin. Ningning, quickly call her cousin!"

"Wanning greets Cousin." Wang Wanning curtsied lightly.

Zhan Lan realized that as her social status rose, her family had suddenly expanded with newfound kin!

This must be the old saying: ’When poor, no one cares in the noisy city; when rich, even distant relatives find their way to deep mountains.’

With a curl of her lips, Zhan Lan said, "Wanning, dear cousin, there is no need for such formality. Was there a matter for which Grandmother brought her here today?"

Madam Wang smiled slightly, "Princess, Wanning has reached marriageable age this year, and I wish to find her a good match in Ding’an City. But I know few people and thought to trouble the Princess to help find someone suitable for Cousin Wanning."

Zhan Lan scrutinized Wang Wanning. She was from Jiangnan, her skin pale as snow, with eyes brimming with emotion.

Her family was affluent—the legitimate daughter of the Family Head of Jiangnan’s Linglong Embroidery Workshop.

"Does Wanning have any specific requirements?" Taking a sip of tea, Zhan Lan asked without haste.

Wang Wanning nodded slightly, "I only wish for the person to possess upright character and a clean background."

With an enigmatic smile at her lips, Zhan Lan said, "Wanning is exceptionally beautiful; let me think it over."

"Quickly thank the Princess!" Madam Wang urged.

"Thank you, Princess!" Wang Wanning bowed once more.

Zhan Lan stood up and remarked, "There’s no need to be so formal. We’re all family."

Seeing Zhan Lan rise, Madam Wang also quickly stood.

Zhan Lan asked, "Grandmother, how is Second Uncle doing lately?"

Madam Wang’s crow’s feet deepened as she cheerfully replied, "Your Second Uncle is doing well at the Ministry of Revenue, all thanks to the favor of the Regent King and Princess!"

Lowering her voice slightly as she spoke to Madam Wang, Zhan Lan advised, "Grandmother, the Ministry of Revenue has abundant opportunities for corruption. None there can truly claim complete innocence. But you must remind Second Uncle to act prudently and maintain integrity. Otherwise, even with the support of me and the Prince, it will be hard to protect him."

Madam Wang affectionately patted Zhan Lan’s hand and said, "Lan’er, don’t worry. Grandmother knows you are good to Second Uncle. I will remind him—your Second Uncle isn’t that kind of person!"

Zhan Lan smiled gently, saying no more.

Suddenly, a crisp voice sounded from outside the door, "Apologies, it was careless of Wanning!"

Looking outside, Zhan Lan found that Mu Yan had returned without her noticing. Wang Wanning lowered her head, apologizing.

She had accidentally stepped on Mu Yan’s boot just moments ago.

Mu Yan walked straight into the room, his eyes fixed on Zhan Lan.

"Lan’er." Mu Yan naturally held her hand and looked deep into her eyes.

Madam Wang noticed how Mu Yan completely ignored her, a senior, and openly displayed intimacy with Zhan Lan right before her.

She raised her voice slightly, "The Prince has returned."

Mu Yan turned his gaze to Madam Wang and nodded lightly.

Madam Wang promptly introduced, "This is my younger brother’s legitimate granddaughter, Wang Wanning, who has just arrived in Ding’an City a few days ago."

Mu Yan only cast Wang Wanning a fleeting glance, and her heart instantly raced.

So, this exceptionally handsome man was the Regent King, Mu Yan!

Mu Yan looked at the two, saying, "Is there anything else? The Princess and I need to talk."

Madam Wang immediately understood Mu Yan’s implicit dismissal. "Yes, I will take my leave now."

With that, she left with Wang Wanning.

After leaving the Regent Prince Mansion, sitting inside the carriage, Madam Wang glanced at the dazed Wang Wanning. "Ningning, what’s the matter? Why do you look so absent-minded?"

Wang Wanning gave a faint smile, "Aunt Grandmother, I was simply marveling at how stunning Cousin truly is."

Madam Wang sneered, "Zhan Lan is indeed beautiful, but you are equally lovely. Don’t be fooled by Zhan Lan’s seemingly exalted position. Despite being both Prince Zhenbei and the Regent Princess Consort, she’s endured many injuries on the battlefield. Look at the scars on her hands; her body surely has others as well. It is said she even sustained internal injuries. Though she’s been married to the Prince for some time now, there is still no sign of pregnancy. Ah, Grandmother truly worries whether Zhan Lan can conceive!"

After saying this, Madam Wang seemed oddly regretful for Zhan Lan.

She thought to herself: If Zhan Lan cannot bear children for the Regent King, could Mu Yan truly continue cherishing her for a lifetime? Ultimately, women who fail to produce heirs rarely maintain a husband’s unwavering favor.

Even she, after giving birth to Zhan Xincheng for Old General Zhan, was never fully considered his rightful wife.

Wang Wanning, stunned by Madam Wang’s words, exclaimed, "Aunt Grandmother, I hadn’t noticed anything wrong with Cousin’s health..."