Hanyou was dissatisfied with Han Yunqian’s perfunctory attitude and rarely showed a childish expression as she pouted: “Don’t try to fool me. I know you don’t like her. The one you like is…”

Before Hanyou could finish speaking, Han Yunqian interrupted her. The smile on his face gradually faded, and his gaze became somewhat stern as he looked at Hanyou: “Little You, do I still need to teach you what words should be said and what words shouldn’t be said?”

Hanyou lowered her head somewhat aggrievedly, her eyes reddening as she said: “I’m sorry, brother. I just… I just feel sad for you.”

Han Yunqian gently patted Hanyou’s head and curved his lips slightly: “I’m fine, not as sad as you think. As a man, romantic feelings are not the most important thing to me. Little You, can you promise me one thing?”

Hanyou quickly nodded: “Brother, please tell me.”

Han Yunqian said, “This is the last time we’ll discuss this matter. Don’t mention her in front of me again in the future, alright?”

Hanyou bit her lip, but finally nodded: “I understand, brother. I won’t mention her in front of you again in the future.”

Only then did Han Yunqian smile with satisfaction: “Good girl, go back now.”

Hanyou smiled at Han Yunqian and turned to leave.

Han Yunqian watched as Hanyou’s two maids ran over to support her as they walked away together, then turned to walk toward his courtyard.

His expression was composed, his gaze indifferent, no different from usual.

Recalling Hanyou’s words just now, Han Yunqian pressed his lips together.

No one knew that the reason he had taken the initiative to move up the wedding date was because of the time he had seen her and Xiao Jingxi emerge from that residence together. Without realizing it, he had stood hidden in the shadows for a long time, though he had forgotten what he was thinking at the time. After returning that night, he had a dream where he replaced Xiao Jingxi, standing beside her, carefully extending his hand to help her into the carriage. He couldn’t remember what happened in the dream, but the unprecedented feeling of wanting to cherish someone in the dream made him break out in cold sweat when he woke up.

He thought for an entire morning, then went to the Yun family to request that the wedding date be moved forward.

From the beginning, he knew it was impossible between them, so he had always restrained himself from thinking too much and tried to keep his distance. He thought he had been very successful, but he hadn’t expected that with just a moment’s relaxation, she still entered his dreams.

Han Yunqian thought that, just as he had told Hanyou, this was the last time he would think of her. From today onward, there would be another woman by his side—the wife he had married.

The next day, when Han Yunqian returned from outside, he found his newlywed wife sitting on the southern kang in the bedroom with a pleasant expression, playing with something. He glanced casually and saw it was a pair of very fine agate stone ornaments.

Seeing Han Yunqian return, Yun Qiuping quickly put down the ornament in her hands, blushing as she stood up to curtsy.

Han Yunqian nodded and asked casually: “What are you doing?”

Upon hearing this, Yun Qiuping quickly brought the ornament she had been playing with for Han Yunqian to see, smiling as she said: “Husband, isn’t this beautiful? It’s from Second Young Master Xiao and his wife.”

Han Yunqian paused, glancing at the ornament in Yun Qiuping’s hands. The red agate stone was carved into crystal-clear pomegranate seeds—the material, craftsmanship, and symbolism were all excellent.

Yun Qiuping blushed, saying somewhat shyly: “Husband, my mother said to place several items with good omens at the bedside for good luck. Shall we put this on the cabinet in our room?”

Han Yunqian lowered his gaze without speaking.

Yun Qiuping waited for a long time without hearing Han Yunqian respond. Finding it strange, she called out again: “Husband? Did you hear me? Is it alright?”

Han Yunqian curved his lips slightly and said in a light tone: “As you wish.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Qiuping immediately went happily to arrange her feng shui ornaments.

Although the pomegranate stone ornament that Ren Yaoqi had sent was quite nice, the Han family wasn’t without better pieces. The reason Yun Qiuping singled this one out to display in her room was simply because it was a congratulatory gift from the Yanbei Prince’s Manor.

Second Miss Yun thought that not only was she a young lady of the Yun family, but Second Young Master Xiao and his wife could also be considered her cousin and cousin-in-law. With this relationship, the Han family members certainly wouldn’t dare look down on her.

Han Yunqian sat in the room for a while, then got up and went outside.

Yun Qiuping’s head maid quickly asked: “Young Master, dinner is almost ready. Where are you going?”

Han Yunqian nodded: “You all serve the young madam first. Don’t wait for me. I’ll go to the study to handle some matters and return later.”

The head maid couldn’t very well detain him, so she returned to the room and said to Yun Qiuping: “Miss, the young master just went out saying he had to handle some matters in the study and would return later.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Qiuping didn’t mind and nodded: “Oh, husband is always busy.”

The head maid looked at Yun Qiuping with some hesitation.

Seeing this, Yun Qiuping couldn’t help but ask: “What is it?”

Seeing no outsiders in the room, the head maid said quietly, “Miss, do you know who manages the inner quarters of our manor?”

Yun Qiuping said, “Grandfather and grandmother live on the estate, and father and mother don’t often stay in Yunyang City, so in the future, I should be the one managing affairs here.”

The head maid sighed and reminded her, “Miss, these are all trivial household matters that the steward can manage well. I’m talking about the overall domestic authority of the entire Han Manor.”

Yun Qiuping understood and thought for a moment: “I heard that grandmother used to manage it, but now that grandmother has gone to care for grandfather, mother is managing the accounts.”

Han Yunqian’s lineage was still single-generation, so there was no issue of dividing the family. However, since Han Yunqian didn’t live with the family elders, there was a distinction regarding the “head matron.” Just like how the true head matron of the Yun family now—the one who controlled the financial authority of the entire Han family’s inner quarters—was Han Yunqian’s stepmother, Jiang Shi.

The head maid said, “Miss, I heard that the old master doesn’t manage much, and the young master is the real head of the Han family. Then this inner quarter should also be handed over to you in the future. Madam is only the old master’s second wife and not the young master’s birth mother—there’s always a layer of separation. If she has a son in the future, she’ll certainly try every means to plan for her son.”

Yun Qiuping was still immersed in the joy of marrying her ideal husband and naturally hadn’t had spare time to consider these matters. Hearing the head maid’s reminder, she nodded: “I understand. I’ll discuss it with my husband after some time. Husband has a good temper and will agree.”

Thinking of how Han Yunqian, though cold on the surface, was very considerate and responsive to her requests, Yun Qiuping felt increasingly happy.

Here, Yun Qiuping was discussing inner quarter authority with her maid, while Jiang Shi proactively brought account books to find Han Yunqian.

Han Yunqian treated Jiang Shi with great courtesy because she was very capable and had helped him considerably recently.

“Young Master, these are the account books I’ve been temporarily managing. Since the young madam has entered the family, this household should be handed over to her to manage,” Jiang Shi said proactively.

Han Yunqian picked up an account book and flipped through it casually, finding that Jiang Shi kept very detailed and clear records. Although she hadn’t been in charge for long, she had managed everything in an orderly fashion.

After pondering for a moment, Han Yunqian said to Jiang Shi, “Mother, please continue managing these accounts for now. Yun Shi has just entered the manor and doesn’t understand many things yet. Let her manage the household affairs first.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shi didn’t say anything and put the account books back. After thinking, she said: “How about I first give some smaller account books to the young madam to manage? Let her familiarize herself with the household situation first, and she can ask me if there’s anything she doesn’t understand.”

Han Yunqian nodded: “That sounds good. Thank you for the trouble, mother.”

Jiang Shi smiled: “What’s there to say about two families when we’re one family? Alright, I’ll find her to discuss this matter in a few days. Oh, there’s another matter. Didn’t you ask me to look for suitable families for Little You? I have my eye on one family. I wonder if you’re satisfied.”

Hearing it was about his sister’s lifelong matter, Han Yunqian looked up and asked: “Which family?”

Jiang Shi said: “I thought we shouldn’t marry Little You too far away, otherwise, with her soft personality, if she’s bullied, it would be difficult for us as her natal family to support her from such a distance. So I only looked at families in Yanzhou, thinking it would be easier for your siblings to look after each other in the future. Some time ago, when I took Little You to burn incense with several madams, we met the Third Madam of the Bai family from Baishi Town. Finding this Third Madam to have an excellent temperament, I chatted with her more and learned she has two sons. The eldest married last year, and the younger son is just a year older than Little You and still unmarried. I noticed that Third Madam Bai seemed to like Little You, so I paid attention. Today, when I went out, I met this Third Madam Bai again, and coincidentally, both her sons were there. I observed her second son—he’s quite handsome and well-mannered in his movements, suggesting good character. I thought I’d mention it to you. You should know people from Baishi Town, so you could ask someone to inquire about them.”

Baishi Town was not far from Baihe Town and Yunyang City, and Han Yunqian knew several merchants from Baishi Town. He tried to recall if he knew a family surnamed Bai.

Seeing Han Yunqian silent, Jiang Shi thought he looked down on the Bai family. The Bai family, as wealthy townspeople, still had a gap compared to the current Han family.

Jiang Shi then smiled: “I’m just mentioning it casually. If you’re not satisfied, I’ll keep looking. But you can’t set your standards too high. In marriage, what’s most important is the man’s character and the temperament of his elders.”

Han Yunqian knew Jiang Shi had misunderstood and said, “Mother makes sense. From what you’ve described, this Bai family seems acceptable. I’ll find someone familiar with Baishi Town to inquire tomorrow.”

Seeing Han Yunqian willing to listen to her, Jiang Shi was very pleased: “There’s no rush to settle on them. We can still consider more options. We mustn’t let Little You suffer any grievances. I’ll have others help inquire about other potential matches, too.”

Han Yunqian nodded in agreement.

Having finished discussing business, Jiang Shi didn’t linger and turned to leave.

A few days later, Jiang Shi indeed brought some account books to Yun Qiuping. Yun Qiuping was initially happy, but later, seeing they were only minor accounts, she became somewhat unenthusiastic. Fortunately, she wasn’t someone with great ambitions, and when Han Yunqian told her to learn from Jiang Shi first, she agreed.

So it was that even though Han Yunqian had married, the head matron of the Han family remained Han Yunqian’s father’s second wife, Jiang Shi.

Later, Yun Qiuping heard that Han Yunqian was asking Jiang Shi to find a match for Hanyou. Thinking that as Hanyou’s sister-in-law, she naturally couldn’t ignore this matter, and with her perspective, she felt the Bai family that Jiang Shi had found was too ordinary in background, she thought of finding a more suitable match for Hanyou.

Han Yunqian and Jiang Shi had no idea what Yun Qiuping was thinking. When she was a maiden in the Yun family, Yun Qiuping wasn’t very talkative. After marrying into the Han family, although she spoke more due to her happy mood, she was stilln’t skilled at communicating with others.

One day, when Ren Yaoqi was looking at previous years’ gift lists in a side hall of Princess Consort’s Jiuyang Palace, Pingguo came in to report that the Han family’s young madam requested an audience.

Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment before realizing Pingguo was referring to Yun Qiuping, who had just married Han Yunqian. However, she had no relationship with Yun Qiuping. Why would Yun Qiuping come to Yanbei Prince’s Manor not to see Imperial Concubine Yun or Princess Consort, but to see her?

Though somewhat puzzled, considering Imperial Concubine Yun and Princess Consort’s dignity, Ren Yaoqi immediately had someone invite Yun Qiuping in.

Yun Qiuping’s appearance was already good, and now her complexion was more rosy than when she was a maiden, showing that her married life was going smoothly. Even her speech had become much bolder.

Ren Yaoqi remembered that the last time Yun Qiuping came with her grandmother and mother to see Imperial Concubine Yun, she hadn’t said a word from beginning to end. Now she could actively thank Ren Yaoqi, saying she liked the “many sons and grandsons” ornament she had sent.

After exchanging pleasantries, they got to the main topic. Yun Qiuping took a sip of tea before asking: “Cousin-in-law, I heard that Second Young Master Lei isn’t married yet, is that right?”

Ren Yaoqi was startled, not expecting Yun Qiuping to discuss this with her. She smiled without revealing her thoughts: “I haven’t seen my sister for a long time, so I’m not clear about the Lei family’s affairs.”

Yun Qiuping thought for a moment and said with certainty: “I inquired before, and Second Young Master Lei doesn’t seem to be engaged yet.”

Ren Yaoqi smiled and didn’t respond.

Yun Qiuping continued: “Actually, I came today… for my sister-in-law’s sake. I heard that Second Young Master Lei has excellent character and appearance, and matches well with the Han family, so I thought…” At this point, Yun Qiuping smiled somewhat embarrassedly, “I thought if this match could work out, it would be quite good.”

Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi’s expression became somewhat strange. She thought for a moment, then asked: “Is this your own idea, or did the Han family ask you to inquire?”

Yun Qiuping didn’t understand Ren Yaoqi’s meaning and said, “It’s my thought, but my husband has a good temperament and generally listens to my opinions.”

Ren Yaoqi: “…”

Ren Yaoqi helplessly thought: Your husband might listen to you, but he wouldn’t be so love-struck as to marry his sister to his enemy’s younger brother, would he? Also, just how deep is the grudge between you and your sister-in-law?

Seeing Ren Yaoqi silent, Hanyou asked somewhat nervously: “Cousin-in-law? Could you help me inquire with Madam Lei?”

Ren Yaoqi sighed inwardly and said to Hanyou, “I can help you inquire, but you should first discuss this with the Han family members. After all, this is Miss Han’s marriage, and not the slightest carelessness can be tolerated.”

Seeing Ren Yaoqi agree, Yun Qiuping felt relieved and appeared very happy: “Thank you, cousin-in-law.”

Ren Yaoqi chatted with her casually for a few more sentences, then excused herself, saying she had matters to attend to and saw her out.

After Yun Qiuping returned, she brought up this matter when she and Han Yunqian were about to sleep.

Second Miss Yun had heard from her mother’s experience that if there was something to discuss with one’s husband, the best time and place was before sleeping or after certain activities.

Han Yunqian wasn’t a lustful person and had no plans for intimate relations today, so Yun Qiuping brought up her visit to the Xiao family’s young madam when he was putting out the lights.

After listening, Han Yunqian didn’t speak for a long while.

Having talked for so long without hearing a response, Yun Qiuping couldn’t help asking: “Husband, are you listening?”

After a long time, Han Yunqian finally hummed in acknowledgment.

Yun Qiuping said happily, “Cousin-in-law has already agreed to help me inquire.”

Han Yunqian pressed his temples, then said in a calm tone: “Second Young Master Lei is not suitable.”

Yun Qiuping was stunned, then asked in confusion: “Why isn’t he suitable? I think Second Young Master Lei is quite good.”

Han Yunqian patiently explained: “Good doesn’t mean suitable.”

Yun Qiuping was silent for a while: “Then… should I go tell cousin-in-law to forget about it?”

Han Yunqian was silent even longer: “The Xiao family’s young madam is very busy. Don’t trouble her with these trivial matters in the future.”

“We’re all relatives, what’s the harm?”

Perhaps because Han Yunqian’s temper was too good, Yun Qiuping had become much bolder. She had even forgotten the eight-character motto her grandmother had repeatedly instructed before she married: “observe more, listen more, speak less, do nothing.” Indeed, elders’ words should be heeded, otherwise, one would truly suffer great losses.

Han Yunqian’s voice became somewhat cold: “The Han family has no kinship relationship with the Xiao family whatsoever. There is only a subordinate relationship. When you see the Xiao family’s young madam in the future, you should address her as Young Madam, not cousin-in-law. Remember this point.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Qiuping was somewhat stunned. This was the first time Han Yunqian had spoken to her in such a cold and stern tone, and she couldn’t quite adapt to it.

After saying this, Han Yunqian closed his eyes to sleep.

Yun Qiuping felt somewhat aggrieved but didn’t dare to wake Han Yunqian, so she could only turn over and sleep by herself.

After Yun Qiuping fell asleep, Han Yunqian opened his eyes. He lay in bed for a moment, then got up and left the bed without disturbing Yun Qiuping or the maids keeping vigil in the outer room.

Two days later, Master Han, Jiang Shi, the Han Yunqian couple, and Hanyou dined together. Afterwards, Jiang Shi sent Hanyou away on some pretext and discussed Hanyou’s marriage with Master Han and Han Yunqian. Yun Qiuping also remained.

Yun Qiuping should be grateful that she married at the right time. When Old Master Han was in charge, women weren’t allowed to be present when men discussed matters. Now that Han Yunqian was in charge, he wasn’t particular about such rules.

Han Yunqian said to Master Han, “I’ve already inquired about the Bai family’s situation. The Bai family deals in medicinal herbs, and all their pharmacies have good reputations. The current family head is very upright. The young man’s mother mentioned earlier is named Bai Haoran, the second son of the third branch, sixth in the family hierarchy, honest and filial, and though young, quite steady in his dealings.”

Master Han nodded: “You’re always reliable in your work. Since there’s nothing wrong with this Bai family, let’s settle on them. Your sister isn’t young anymore either.”

Han Yunqian said, “It’s all thanks to mother. She helped inquire about some matters.”

Jiang Shi smiled: “That’s being too formal. Little You calls me mother, too. Besides, you trust me enough to give me these matters.”

Seeing the three of them getting along harmoniously, Yun Qiuping felt that if she didn’t speak up, she’d seem excluded, so she gathered courage and quietly interjected: “The Bai family’s foundation is rather thin, and they’re only townspeople.”

Han Yunqian frowned but didn’t say anything.

Jiang Shi smiled: “That’s also true, so waiting a bit longer to see is also possible.”

Seeing Jiang Shi agree, Yun Qiuping became bolder: “Actually, I had also been helping Little You inquire before, but my husband said it wasn’t suitable and wouldn’t let me continue inquiring.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shi was somewhat surprised. In her impression, although Han Yunqian was cold, his demeanor was still excellent, and he generally wouldn’t directly refuse others’ opinions without giving face.

“Which family did you have in mind?”

Han Yunqian was about to stop her, but couldn’t match Yun Qiuping’s quick tongue: “It’s Second Young Master Lei. I heard he has good character and looks good too, so I thought he’d be just right for Little You.”

Everyone: “…”

Han Yunqian maintained his composure: “It’s getting late. Let’s go rest.” He then stood up.

Yun Qiuping actually wanted to continue chatting with Jiang Shi about Hanyou’s marriage, but since Han Yunqian said they should leave, she couldn’t very well stay alone, so she also stood up to take her leave.

After they left, Master Han went to bathe, and Jiang Shi sat in place for a moment, then suddenly chuckled and shook her head.

Han Yunqian didn’t give Yun Qiuping a chance to interfere with Hanyou’s marriage. He was a decisive person, so after deciding the Bai family was good, he had Jiang Shi contact the Bai family to facilitate this match. Fortunately, the Bai family had the same intention, so both sides negotiated quite smoothly. It was estimated that this marriage could be settled soon.

Yun Qiuping was somewhat sulky because regarding Hanyou’s marriage, Han Yunqian had entrusted everything to his stepmother Jiang Shi while leaving her aside. Occasionally, when she wanted to ask about progress, Han Yunqian wouldn’t say anything. Yun Qiuping felt she wasn’t valued enough in the Han family—even Jiang Shi, a second wife, had higher status than her. Especially since she had been married into the Han family for some time and had learned what she needed to learn, yet all the account books and storehouse keys remained with Jiang Shi, which gradually made Yun Qiuping dissatisfied.

By July, through continuous exchanges, the Han and Bai families had gradually become familiar with each other, so this marriage was formally settled.

Yun Qiuping believed the Bai family’s foundation was weak, and that Bai family’s sixth young master wasn’t the eldest son who could inherit the family business, so the Han family wasn’t being wholehearted in selecting a husband for Hanyou.

It was quite the opposite. Han Yunqian truly cherished this sister and thus didn’t use her as a marriage alliance pawn to marry into families with business relationships with the Han family. Although the Bai family wasn’t a prestigious clan, they had strict family values and were mostly upright people, perfectly suited for someone with Hanyou’s simple character. With him watching over nearby, he could at least ensure Hanyou’s lifelong wealth and happiness.

Things in the world rarely achieve perfection. Han Yunqian had chosen a beneficial alliance marriage for his family, so he couldn’t be picky about his wife’s shallow knowledge and limited vision. Whether good or bad, he could only accept it. Han Yunqian understood this clearly, so he couldn’t say he was disappointed in his marriage, because this situation had been within his expectations when he made the decision.

However, regarding his sister’s marriage, he set aside family benefit priorities and chose a family that was objectively suitable for Hanyou in every way. Facts proved Young Master Yun’s judgment was correct. After Hanyou married, she and her husband were harmonious with deep affection, her mother-in-law treated her well, and she got along harmoniously with her sisters-in-law. For this reason, Han Yunqian had always been grateful to his stepmother Jiang Shi.

In July, Yanbei’s weather also became hot.

Ren Yaoqi didn’t like using ice cauldrons. To accommodate her, Xiao Jingxi ordered that ice cauldrons not be placed in their rooms. When it was too hot, he would instruct Ren Yaoqi to fan him. Although Ren Yaoqi somewhat despised Xiao Jingxi’s pampered young master behavior, seeing him uncomfortable made her uncomfortable too, so whenever Xiao Jingxi acted pitiful and coaxed her, she would obediently fan him.

Just like now, Xiao Jingxi sat at his desk reading official documents while Ren Yaoqi sat beside him fanning him.

Second Young Master Xiao didn’t look up: “The wind is too light.”

Ren Yaoqi fanned harder.

Second Young Master Xiao frowned: “Too strong, it’s blowing the documents away.”

Ren Yaoqi fanned gently.

Second Young Master Xiao looked at the documents for a while, then shifted his gaze to the person beside him, propping his chin: “When fanning, the hand should move fast then slow, light then heavy, like natural wind blowing—that’s comfortable.”

Ren Yaoqi smiled at him, then forcefully slapped the fan against someone and got up to leave, but was pulled back by Xiao Jingxi.

Second Young Master Xiao smiled: “What are you doing?”

Ren Yaoqi gave him a look.

Xiao Jingxi nuzzled her face, his tone aggrieved as he coaxed: “I wasn’t asking you to serve me like that when I said ‘fast then slow, light then heavy.’ I’ll fan you instead, alright?”

Saying this, the noble and aloof Second Young Master Xiao picked up the fan and began fanning Ren Yaoqi, smiling as he asked: “How’s this? Still hot?”

Ren Yaoqi: “Too light.”

Xiao Jingxi increased his effort without complaint.

Ren Yaoqi was about to say the wind was too strong when someone came in to report that a certain subordinate of Xiao Jingxi requested an audience, timely rescuing Second Young Master Xiao.

Xiao Jingxi returned quickly. Seeing some sweat on his forehead, Ren Yaoqi stopped fooling around and took the fan to cool herself.

Seeing no outsiders in the room, Xiao Jingxi gently kissed Ren Yaoqi’s face before sitting down.

“Why did you return so quickly?” Ren Yaoqi asked casually.

“Nothing important, so I came back. Miss Yan has arrived. I’ve already sent someone to notify Xiao Jingyue to send people to receive her,” Xiao Jingxi said.

Ren Yaoqi paused: “When did she arrive?”

Xiao Jingxi thought: “Based on the journey, probably early tomorrow morning?”

Facts proved that the Second Young Master Xiao could also miscalculate. Yan Ningshuang’s carriage arrived in the middle of the night. Since Yunyang City’s gates were already closed, her entry into the city still alarmed Yanbei Prince’s Manor.

Yan Ningshuang had come to Yanbei to marry, so she was followed by over ten carriages, and reportedly, some bulky dowry items were being transported by ship from behind.

Yan Ningshuang and Xiao Jingyue’s wedding was set for July 21st. After arriving in Yunyang City, she still had three days to prepare.

Because she was marrying into Yanbei Prince’s Manor, she temporarily stayed in an external residence after arriving, waiting until the official wedding day for Xiao Jingyue to receive her into the manor.

When Yan Ningshuang came, she also brought an edict from the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager indicated that after Yan Ningshuang’s marriage, those she had previously arranged marriages for should also successively hold their celebrations, specifically mentioning the marriage between Young Master Yun and Zhao Yingqiu.

So, although Yan Ningshuang came to Yanbei to marry, few people were happy about her arrival.

The day after Yan Ningshuang arrived in Yanbei, she came to Yanbei Prince’s Manor to pay respects to Old Princess Consort and Princess Consort. Her timing was particularly coincidental—it was right when Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jingxi had finished paying respects to Princess Consort together. Ren Yaoqi stayed to help Princess Consort handle some matters while Xiao Jingxi went to the outer courtyard.

Ren Yaoqi glanced at Yan Ningshuang, then looked at Xiao Jingxi beside her.

Xiao Jingxi whispered in Ren Yaoqi’s ear: “Are you thinking of arranging a mistress for your husband again? I refuse to submit!”

As he spoke, he deliberately blew into Ren Yaoqi’s ear.

Ren Yaoqi wanted to step on his foot.

In public, they were both very mindful of their image, so those actions were small in scope. If others saw, they would only think the couple was quietly discussing something, as both their expressions were very serious.

However, Yan Ningshuang seemed to have four eyes on her body, immediately detecting the intimate atmosphere here.

“What are Second Young Master Xiao and Young Madam chatting about so happily? Why don’t you share it so we can all be happy too?” Yan Ningshuang looked at them and said.

The Yan Ningshuang appearing before them again no longer showed much resistance to her marriage with Xiao Jingyue in her eyes, though no great joy was visible on her face either.

Ren Yaoqi felt somewhat impatient, but her upbringing still made her smile at Yan Ningshuang: “We were discussing when it might rain.”

Princess Consort smiled and interjected: “You two can predict the weather? I didn’t know that. Miss Yan’s big day is the day after tomorrow—why don’t you two fortune-tellers help calculate whether it will rain that day?”

Ren Yaoqi smiled and replied: “No rain. The weather will be beautiful that day. Miss Zhao is very fortunate.”

Their conversation flowed harmoniously, completely isolating Yan Ningshuang.

Yan Ningshuang’s expression soured. When Xiao Jingxi was leaving, she also stood up to take her leave.

Ren Yaoqi had long seen through her intentions, so she didn’t say anything when she saw this, only secretly giving Xiao Jingxi a look.

In the end, Yan Ningshuang did follow behind Xiao Jingxi, but Princess Consort sent her maid to escort Yan Ningshuang to Old Princess Consort, so Yan Ningshuang had no opportunity to be alone with Xiao Jingxi.

However, Yan Ningshuang couldn’t care about that now.

After leaving Jiuyang Palace, Yan Ningshuang said with red eyes and a soft voice: “I finally see you again.”

Xiao Jingxi acted as if Yan Ningshuang was talking to herself and didn’t respond.

“I… I’m about to marry,” Yan Ningshuang said, and at this point, tears began falling like they cost nothing, even stunning the Princess Consort’s maid.

This time, Xiao Jingxi politely replied: “Congratulations.”

Yan Ningshuang’s eyes dimmed, biting her lip as she expressed her feelings to Xiao Jingxi: “Xiao Lang, no matter where I am, you must believe that what’s always in my heart is you. I will always stand on your side.”

Xiao Jingxi turned a deaf ear and walked away on his own.

Yan Ningshuang stared blankly as his figure disappeared from view, finally covering her face and crying.

Princess Consort’s maid: “…”

Did this Miss Yan get her head caught in a door?

Yan Ningshuang had come to Yanbei Prince’s Manor that day just to borrow this opportunity to say these few words to Xiao Jingxi and express her feelings, but unfortunately, Xiao Jingxi acted as if he hadn’t heard anything. The maid who overheard also thought Yan Ningshuang’s head was not normal.

Yan Ningshuang didn’t stay long at Yanbei Prince’s Manor before being sent back to the residence by Princess Consort’s people. Her wedding day was approaching, so it wasn’t good to linger outside too long.

On the day of Xiao Jingyue’s wedding, Yanbei Prince’s Manor was decorated with lanterns and festive colors everywhere, full of celebratory atmosphere.

However, because Xiao Jingyue wasn’t from the main branch of the prince’s manor, his wedding wasn’t as elaborate as Xiao Jingxi’s wedding day. The ceremony was similar to that of ordinary wealthy families, and there was no need to worship ancestors in the ancestral hall on the wedding day—just paying respects the next day would suffice.

Princess Consort also looked into Xiao Jingyue and Yan Ningshuang’s wedding, but she only arranged everything for several stewards and ceremonial officials. She didn’t need to handle things personally.

Being one level removed, Ren Yaoqi had even less to keep busy with. She only needed to appear in formal dress when required to show her face. But Ren Yaoqi hadn’t expected that even this brief appearance would cause trouble.

Xiao Jinglin hadn’t been in the manor recently—no one knew what she was busy with. Ren Yaoqi accompanied Princess Consort to attend the banquet, and Old Princess Consort was also there, but Imperial Concubine Yun didn’t come.

Ren Yaoqi had been feeling somewhat unwell these past few days and had no appetite for food. Especially today, perhaps because there were too many people in the banquet hall, the mixed aromas of wine, dishes, and various rouge, powder, hair oils, and perfumes made Ren Yaoqi feel uncomfortable after sitting for just half an hour.

Princess Consort noticed Ren Yaoqi’s condition and asked what was wrong, whether she felt unwell.

Ren Yaoqi was about to tell Princess Consort and see if she could temporarily withdraw, but just then someone came over to toast Princess Consort.

The other party was elderly and of considerable seniority, so out of politeness, Ren Yaoqi also raised her wine cup. She had no intention of drinking—just raising it for appearance’s sake. But when the wine’s aroma filled her nostrils, Ren Yaoqi suddenly couldn’t control herself and quickly set down the wine cup, covering her mouth as she dry-heaved, and this retching seemed unstoppable.

Besides Ren Yaoqi and Princess Consort, the main table also had Old Princess Consort and Su Shi. Hearing the commotion, they all froze in surprise.

Even people at nearby tables stopped their chopsticks and looked over. The atmosphere was contagious, and soon the entire banquet hall fell silent.