Chapter 370: Chapter 367: In This State, Still Trying to Take Advantage of Me

The street was abuzz with noise, and the carriage sped through the hustle.

The girl in his arms wore an innocent, fair face; a tear mole at the corner of her eye was tinged with crimson, like the dripping juice of petals.

Every intimate encounter with her husband was especially taxing for her, and each time, she’d surrender early, unable to endure for long before entering a state of bliss.

Wei Zhao, being a military general, was full of vigor. Yu Tingwan couldn’t withstand it, and ordinarily, she wouldn’t dare to be so reckless.

It was only out of drunkenness that she would unwittingly present herself.

Wei Zhao’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and his hand tightened inch by inch around her waist.

Under her tender gaze, he ground against her lips, their breaths entwining, and a dark, intimidating look flickered in Wei Zhao’s eyes.

But he wasn’t as frenzied as a wolf cub unable to resist devouring at once; he knew well enough that the setting was inappropriate.

He retreated just as desire surged forward.

Wei Zhao tasted the peach blossom wine.

Marquis Ning Mansion would only prepare sakura wine.

Wei Zhao squinted, preparing to settle this account with Xiao Huaian.

"How much did you drink?"

Yu Tingwan was easily fooled.

Even though her lips were somewhat numb, she was content and didn’t stir further, obediently nestled in his embrace. "Not much."

She spoke dismissively, "It’s nothing significant to me."

Wei Zhao: "Feeling dizzy?"

"Not dizzy."

Yu Tingwan: "I’m quite sober."

Wei Zhao chuckled, "Oh, even now, you haven’t forgotten to take advantage of me."

Yu Tingwan found nothing wrong with this and nodded like a pecking chick.

Outside the carriage, the streets were bustling with traffic.

Groups of people gathered in twos and threes to discuss a certain matter.

"At first, the Fifth Prince led his men over, and that Prince Zhou was unaware of the impending doom, insisting he needed to find the Empress from the palace. When he saw the dragon robe being confiscated, his legs went weak."

"Even with solid evidence, Duke Zhou refused to admit it, insisting that it was the handiwork of scoundrels."

"Serves them right!"

"The wounds on his body haven’t healed yet, and it’s said that the pus is severe. Many doctors have been called in to no avail, with an unspeakable stench lingering nearby."

"Their entire family is no good. Over the years, haven’t there been enough lives lost under their hands? Just what I know of is plenty. It’s karmic retribution."

Yu Tingwan didn’t speak further. It was unclear whether she was listening to the outside talk or merely daydreaming.

The carriage’s interior, accentuated by the clamor from outside, was serenely silent.

As the carriage turned onto another street, a thought suddenly struck her, causing her to sit up abruptly.

"I forgot."

Wei Zhao: "?"

Yu Tingwan, unable to hide her anxiety, said, "The teacher asked me to copy an article, and I forgot to write it. I have to hand it in shortly. He’s got a bad temper and will surely hit my palm again."

Wei Zhao: ...

He rubbed his brow, but seeing her this way was quite novel.

Wei Zhao became interested, teasing, "Oh, what shall we do, then?"

With a "bang," Yu Tingwan unhesitatingly swung her fist and struck him.

Wei Zhao was silent, lost in thought.

He couldn’t understand why Yu Tingwan, even in such a state, wouldn’t forget to strike someone.

Yu Tingwan was displeased, "I told you this because I wanted you to come up with a plan."

"Don’t think I can’t see you’re gloating?"

With these words, she scanned Wei Zhao, who looked pale and appeared frail and sickly.

"Never mind."

She was quite disheartened.

"I can’t rely on you for anything."

She drooped her head in despair, brushing her sleeve here and smoothing her hair there.

She was full of little actions.

Her small hand quickly reached out, not forgetting to pick up a piece of cake and pop it into her mouth.

Although she spoke with urgency, it was unclear what she was truly anxious about.

Amused, Wei Zhao languidly reminded her, "Do you need the writing materials prepared? If I were you, I’d write as much as I could now."

Yu Tingwan thought for a long time, "Forget it."

She glanced sideways at Wei Zhao.

"What do you know?"

Wei Zhao: ...

Yu Tingwan: "It’s not the first or second time I’ve been hit."

As she spoke, she grew more righteous, raising her head confidently.

"Would I still be afraid?"

"Besides punishment, his ways are always the same. What else can he do to me?"

"Whenever I’m hit, have I ever begged for mercy?"

Wei Zhao: ...

Yu Tingwan: "But I do feel sorry for him."

Wei Zhao raised an eyebrow, "Why so?"

She shook her head, "Look at him; of all the people to teach, why did fate deal him such a poor hand and give him someone like me?"

Wei Zhao watched her vibrant features, cunning yet proud. A rare tenderness rose in his eyes.

He pulled her into his arms, chuckling, "Why are you like this once drunk?"

"When we get home, it’ll be late. Have some sobering tea and then go to sleep, or you’ll suffer tomorrow."

The girl responded compliantly, "Hmm."

Yu Tingwan spoke softly, "I’ll listen to you."

When they indeed reached Duke Shun Mansion, Wei Zhao sent the change of clothes to the washroom, adjusted the water temperature, and came out looking for her to bathe.

Inside the room, only half of the sobering tea was left.

In the blink of an eye, she was nowhere to be seen.

Wei Zhao’s eyelids twitched.

————

Main courtyard.

Ning Suxuan dined with her meal, and besides Nanny Ru, there were four maids attending. Yet, it was eerily quiet.

Only the crisp sound of chopsticks hitting the plate could be heard.

She spoke little during meals and didn’t allow those below to make a sound.

This habit was cultivated in the palace.

Upon returning to Marquis Ning Mansion, she stood and served dishes to Madam Ning, as she used to with Princess Consort Yue.

Madam Ning couldn’t bear it. She pulled her to sit down and served her food.

"—’Now you’re not outside; this is home, and there are no such rules here. Sit down quickly. I remember you loved crab roe meatballs the most. I made it early in the kitchen; try it, see if it’s the same taste as before!"

Ning Suxuan had long forgotten what her home was like before entering the palace.

She also forgot that she loved crab roe meatballs; she only remembered Princess Consort Yue once hit her hand with chopsticks harshly.

"—’No manners! You can only take a dish three times at most! Didn’t I just say this recently, and you’ve forgotten again?’"

Yet, for every dish she liked that she ate thrice, it wouldn’t appear on the table for the following month.

That’s when Ning Suxuan realized she couldn’t have preferences.

Even if she did, she had to keep them hidden inside, not letting anyone notice.

After a while, these external things mattered less and less to her.

But now, the whole family watched her with smiles, waiting for her to dig in. Even knowing it was inappropriate, Ning Suxuan obliged and took a bite.

Her mother watched her expectantly.

"—’Is it good?’"

Her brother followed suit.

"—’Mother rarely cooks, and brother is also benefiting from having a younger sister.’"

After accompanying them for a meal, she hesitated for a moment and respectfully proposed.

"—’Mother, forgive me, but I don’t like crowds. Aside from special occasions and festivals, I’d prefer to eat in my own room and then come to pay respects.’"

Upon these words, everyone’s smiles froze.

But fearing she was uncomfortable, Madam Ning quickly responded.

"—’Alright, as you wish. Once you’re used to it, come dine with me occasionally.’"

But before she could get used to it, she had entered Duke Shun Mansion.