When Yu Tingwan arrived at the West Garden, she saw Ning Yunling sitting beside the Marchioness Ning, behaving rather appropriately, which was somewhat unexpected.

After performing the courtesies, she sat beside Shen Zhiyi and glanced at the dishes.

Each dish was served on palm-sized glass plates, presented delicately with only a bite or two, but boasting a wide variety.

Yu Tingwan ate slowly, listening to the conversation on the other side.

Marchioness Ning pulled Lu Family’s daughter, who had just changed her clothes, to sit beside her, speaking in a familiar tone, different from how she entertained other young women, now sounding affectionate.

"It’s all my foolish son’s fault for causing you such grievance."

"Your mother and I were close friends, and the last time I saw you, you were still in her womb. Truly, in the blink of an eye, you’ve all grown up."

"Today, your Brother Ning was wrong. I apologize on behalf of this fool. You must still come to visit your aunt’s house in the future."

Lu Shiyin cautiously glanced at Ning Yunling, who was sitting upright beside the Marchioness Ning, and found that he was also looking at her. Startled, she quickly withdrew her gaze.

"No... it’s nothing."

Seeing this, Marchioness Ning said to Madam Lu, seated at the table, "Still so timid, just like you in your younger days. It’s good that you’re back, no need to worry and travel back and forth every year."

Mrs. Lu laughed, "Indeed."

The Lu Family had faced too many changes, and she had seen the world’s fickleness.

"Now I only ask for nothing else but that she is well and marries into a good family."

Yu Tingwan noticed Ning Yunling’s posture straightened ever so slightly unconsciously.

The delicate and soft Lu Shiyin, who Marchioness Ning liked more and more as she looked, "Your daughter is like a half-daughter to me. I will help you find a satisfactory husband."

Ning Yunling, well aware of his own abilities, hunches over slightly again.

Watching his small movements, Yu Tingwan almost spit out the soup in her mouth.

"How long has this been going on?"

Shen Zhiyi followed Yu Tingwan’s gaze, "That delicate Lu Family’s daughter’s hands are all bruised. How could he not feel guilty?"

"But really, how could one not want to kiss her when she looks so fragile, her eyes brimming with tears, even if I were a man."

"However, Ning Yunling probably has no chance."

Though the Lu Family had fallen on hard times, they still retained their integrity. Their children were all talented but dared not stand out.

Not only were they a scholarly family, but Lu Family’s daughter was also the only girl in the family, cherished greatly despite being raised in the countryside.

The Marquis Ning Mansion might be prestigious, but it’s not certain they’d be willing to let their daughter marry into such a family.

If Ning Yunling wants to marry her, he’ll likely have to shed a layer of skin.

Yu Tingwan was also aware of this, "The matter of marriage hinges on his fate."

She looked at Shen Zhiyi, "What are you drinking?"

Why does it have color!

"Wine, of course."

This was peach blossom liquor Shen Zhiyi bought along the way here.

Much more refreshing than the bland Sakura Wine prepared by the Ning Family.

Shen Zhiyi saw Yu Tingwan’s interest, "Shall I pour some for you to taste? Just take a small sip and try."

At that moment, Marchioness Ning raised her wine cup towards Yu Tingwan in acknowledgment.

"The wine brewed from cherry blossoms in the residence isn’t strong but contains plenty of nourishing herbs. It doesn’t have a medicinal taste but is very sweet and ideal for us ladies. Your mother-in-law, who never drinks, is also fond of it. If you like it, I’ll send more with you later."

Saying this, she drank it all in one go.

Yu Tingwan: "Thank you, Aunt."

Without thinking, she held aloft the wine that Shen Zhiyi had just poured for her, gestured towards Marchioness Ning in return, and brought it to her lips.

A rich and clear aroma attacked her senses, its color sparkling like crystal.

Shen Zhiyi: "That’s not..."

Only to see Yu Tingwan gulp down the whole thing.

Even Shen Zhiyi, with a good tolerance for alcohol, wouldn’t dare do this.

After Yu Tingwan drank it, she didn’t feel well.

It was terrible.

Her throat was burning.

Almost felt like throwing it up.

Not having drunk wine before, she wondered if all wine was like this.

But how could something Ning Suxuan liked be bad!

Opposite her, Miss Dong earnestly spoke up, "This Sakura Wine is really good. I’m eagerly hoping the lady could spare some more."

"Indeed."

The other young women echoed in agreement.

"I’ve long heard of the famous Sakura Wine of Marquis Ning Mansion. Now having the chance to taste it, it’s comparable to heavenly nectar. Only someone who doesn’t understand fine things wouldn’t like it."

Yu Tingwan, who didn’t like it: ...

But how could she admit she couldn’t appreciate it?

Yu Tingwan kept a straight face.

Pretending to understand.

Seeing Shen Zhiyi stare at her in surprise, Yu Tingwan said blandly.

"Not bad."

"I quite like it."

Just then, Yu Tingwan heard a girl next door say, "At home, my mother never lets me drink wine, saying I’ll make a fool of myself if I get drunk. But here, taking advantage of the Marquis Ning Mansion, this wine doesn’t taste like alcohol at all."

"Indeed."

"Sweet, even more refreshing than mint water in the summer."

Amidst the tales of praise.

Yu Tingwan stayed silent for a moment, doubting herself rather than questioning the wine.

The heat seemed to spread downward from her throat to her abdomen and soon radiated out to her limbs.

Placing down the wine cup, Yu Tingwan pondered a moment, stubbornly clinging to pride, "What those girls say is true."

"Except I’m not quite like them."

"The only downside to this wine for me is that it’s not strong enough, not intense."

Shen Zhiyi couldn’t detect the slightest hint of exaggeration.

"General’s wife."

At that moment, a few smart young women approached with their wine cups.

"It’s a great honor to meet you today, Madam, may I have the privilege to toast you?"

Yu Tingwan: ...

She stiffened a bit.

"You look even more graceful and beautiful than the rumors."

Yu Tingwan took the wine from Shen Zhiyi’s hand and poured herself a cup.

"You’re right."

"I’ll finish it."

————

The streets were bustling, with the cries of vendors echoing constantly.

With a single command from Ying Yin, the Imperial Army charged into Duke Zhou Mansion.

Standing in the street, Ying Yin ignored the whispers of astonishment from the people. He looked up at the plaque of Duke Zhou Mansion.

Under the sunlight, it still gleamed with golden majesty.

But in Ying Yin’s eyes, it was just a piece of rotting wood, destined to fall and crack into pieces.

Years of glory were ruined in an instant, the rise and fall as transient as an eye blink.

"Master, Jia is looking for you."

A trusted aide approached.

Ying Yin thought it was something urgent and looked towards the street, where an ordinary carriage was parked.

"Invite him over."

As the Imperial Army bound everyone in Duke Zhou Mansion, Ying Fuyan bowed to Ying Yin and spoke softly.

"Congratulations, Fifth Prince."

Ying Yin felt a warm satisfaction, "What is it you want? Is there a matter below..."

"No."

Ying Fuyan: "It’s actually a private matter."

He held a warming stove, his face pale, appearing very unwell.

Shameless indeed.

Just speaking out like that.

"I’ve had my eye on a house recently, but I’m a bit short on funds."

Ying Yin: ?!

Didn’t I just give you a stack of silver notes not long ago? How have you spent it all?