Hua Liandie extended her slender jade-like finger and placed it on Ye Shikai’s lips, gesturing for him not to speak.

"Ahem." Suddenly, a light coughing sound came from the doorway. The two turned to look, and He Linghan was standing at the door, looking at the "intimate" pair with a face full of shock. The three exchanged glances, and Ye Shikai felt extremely awkward.

"Please, continue your conversation." He Linghan hurriedly put down the teapot in her hand, blushing as she returned indoors. Ye Shikai quickly pushed away Hua Liandie’s delicate hand.

"Ah, you’ve truly put me in a miserable situation." Ye Shikai couldn’t help but mutter a complaint.

"You’d better hurry up and clarify things with your new wife." Hua Liandie coldly chuckled and said faintly.

"I... I’ll come find you later." Ye Shikai was momentarily at a loss for words and quickly went inside to explain to He Linghan what had just happened.

"Ling’er, actually, what happened just now... was an accident. I was discussing some very important matters with her." Ye Shikai didn’t know how to explain it in a way that was both reasonable and wouldn’t make He Linghan overthink.

"The village is lacking food, and only Hua Liandie can help the village..."

"Alright, no need to explain further. I trust you." He Linghan smiled and said, making Ye Shikai feel instantly relieved. Her choice to trust unconditionally made Ye Shikai very glad. Thinking about it, the mindset of ancient women was indeed different. If it were in modern times, Ye Shikai would probably need a lengthy explanation for Su Qingyu and still face her "disapproving glare."

"Moreover, if Hua Liandie really has such capability, I think it’s good for her to stay by your side, isn’t it?" He Linghan suddenly changed the subject, surprising Ye Shikai so much he almost spat out the tea in his mouth. He never expected He Linghan would say such a thing.

"Ling’er, what do you mean by that, could it be... you’re upset?" Ye Shikai thought He Linghan was still secretly upset; otherwise, how could a woman advise her husband to accept another woman?

"Of course not, but didn’t you say it before? Hua Liandie is a very remarkable person, and if she’s by your side, she can assist you, perhaps even save you when you’re helpless. As your wife, of course, I wish you well, so if she stays, how could I refuse?" He Linghan spoke calmly, as if discussing a very ordinary matter, even with a smile on her face.

Ye Shikai was shocked, unable to believe that the usually gentle and kind Little Miss He Linghan also had a "sly" side. It seemed he needed to "redefine" his new wife. But, to be honest, he understood the meaning behind her words. After all, Hua Liandie had money, goods, information, and connections, especially since she was of noble birth from Chu State. She must know many nobles from the six states. After Qin destroyed six countries, although these nobles lost their original privileges, they still owned many industries, maintaining intricate ties with the local Prefectural Governor and Commander. Thus, Hua Liandie must have a "network of connections."

Speaking of which, in ancient times, men often had multiple wives and concubines, many for the purpose of bearing offspring. In other words, even if Ye Shikai were to take a concubine, there would be no issue. Though, of course, he would never do that...

Evening. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"There’s not much good stuff in the village, please forgive us, Miss." During dinner, He Linghan served the dishes on the table. Indeed, during the Qin Dynasty, ordinary households had little to offer, and many modern fruits and vegetables were non-existent in that era.

"It’s alright, Miss He is hospitable, how could I be displeased." Hua Liandie smiled faintly. Ye Shikai vaguely felt that having these two women sit at the same table was undoubtedly the biggest mistake he’d made since arriving in the Qin Dynasty.

"Hua Liandie, the living conditions in the village aren’t great, will you be alright?" Ye Shikai inquired. In this era, there were no luxury hotels; even well-decorated inns were found only in county towns. How could Shangshui Village have any nearby?

"You’re underestimating me; of course, I’m fine. Besides, I’ve never had such experiences, so taking advantage of your wedding, I can experience it well." Hua Liandie said softly.

He Linghan brought out the meat and fine wine purchased by Man Cang. With food scarcity in the village, Ye Shikai had ordered the guards’ rations not to be bought from the village but only from Heyang County. Man Cang had bought many gourmet foods and wines along the way.

From this point, at least He Linghan was still welcoming Hua Liandie. Ye Shikai let out a long breath, suddenly recalling that earlier this afternoon, Hua Liandie mentioned her gift was quite special. Speaking of which, why hadn’t she brought the gift over?

"Miss He, I toast to you." Hua Liandie poured herself a glass of wine, then filled a glass for He Linghan and pushed it towards her. Generally, the host toasts the guest, rarely the guest proactively toasting the host. This inevitably had the impression of "stealing the limelight," making He Linghan hesitate and then look at Ye Shikai for help.

"Ahem, maybe let’s not. Ling’er never drinks, and I noticed Man Cang bought some strong liquor; Ling’er can’t handle alcohol, and if she gets drunk, it would be troublesome." Ye Shikai understood her intention immediately, took the wine glass, and said.

"I’ll drink this glass for Ling’er."

"Alright, then."

Hua Liandie toasted one glass after another, and Ye Shikai drank them all, until in the end he felt his head was spinning and pounding.

Looking up at Hua Liandie, he saw her fair face was slightly red, but she showed no signs of drunkenness. He couldn’t help but wonder whether this woman’s constitution was "made of water" or "made of wine"—her alcohol tolerance was remarkably strong.

If he were to be outdrunk by a woman, that would be quite embarrassing, especially in front of He Linghan.

"The hour is late; I shall take my leave. Farewell to both of you." Suddenly, Hua Liandie put down her wine glass and slowly stood up, bowing to take her leave.

He Linghan also stood to see her off. Ye Shikai wanted to stand, but as soon as he exerted force in his legs, they gave out; the wine’s kick was indeed strong.

"That’s okay; no need to see me out. My guards are outside, they’ll escort me back." Hua Liandie glanced at Ye Shikai inside the house and said softly.

"How is it? Has she left?" Ye Shikai, supporting the table, slowly stood up, just as He Linghan came in from outside. Seeing him, she hurriedly stepped forward to support him.

"Yes, she just left." He Linghan glanced at the empty wine jars on the table and couldn’t help but grumble, "You aren’t very good with alcohol, yet you drank so much."