Xie Linzhou was angry, and this time he was really angry.

Normally, she always looks angry and needs to be coaxed, and her thoughts are written all over her face. But today is different. She has been expressionless the whole time and hasn't said a word since I pulled her away.

He showed no anger on his face, remaining calm as if nothing had happened.

"Xie Linzhou, are you angry?"

"No."

He was definitely angry.

“We really don’t have anything. You know, Zhou Ling’an only has him and Uncle Zhou at home. There’s no one to take care of things at home, which is why he asked me to help buy New Year’s goods. Besides, Xiao Cui is with us, isn’t she? Why are you being so petty?”

Xie Linzhou initially tried to ignore her, but he couldn't stand being called petty.

Is he petty? He's incredibly petty.

If he were truly petty, would he have given her the opportunity to go out like that?

He asked earnestly, "Song Ning, why did you marry me?"

Song Ning was taken aback. Why else?

Why are you suddenly asking that?

"Even if Zhou Ling'an treated you like this, would you still agree to marry him?"

"Won't."

Zhou Ling'an is definitely not her type. Even if it's just for having a child, she wouldn't choose someone like Zhou Ling'an.

Although Zhou Ling'an is not bad, he is too soft-hearted and lacks his own opinions. To put it bluntly, the former Zhou Ling'an had the potential to be a mama's boy. If she has a child who is like him, she will cry her eyes out.

A person like Zhou Ling'an is fine as a friend, but not as a husband. If anything happens at home in the future, she will have to protect him.

Most importantly, considering the child's future genetic issues, Zhou Ling'an is not suitable.

Seeing Song Ning's quick and easy reply, Xie Linzhou's expression finally improved considerably; Song Ning still liked him.

“Actually, you don’t need to see Zhou Ling’an as your rival. I don’t like him now, but after all, we come from the same village. You know, there aren’t many of the people who came from our village back then who are still alive now. We can’t really cut off all contact with each other.”

Xie Linzhou gave her a disapproving look: "Really?"

"Really, so can you please stop getting angry because of Zhou Ling'an? Zhou Ling'an and I are buddies now, friends. He's going to take the imperial examinations in the future. If he passes, he'll be a powerful backer, right? Maybe he can even help the Duke's mansion in the future."

We should not underestimate those from humble backgrounds. Throughout history, many people from poor families have gone on to enter the imperial court. Perhaps Zhou Ling'an will one day wield immense power.

"Then I'll trust you a little longer, but you promise to keep your distance from Zhou Ling'an."

"Okay, okay."

She's not a three-year-old child; she knows how to behave appropriately in her interactions with others.

......

New Year's Eve arrived quickly. The New Year celebrations in Beijing were indeed lively. Although the weather was still a bit cold, it did not dampen people's festive spirit.

The Song family all put on new clothes and started sweeping snow in the yard early in the morning to prepare for putting up couplets.

Madam Xu also changed into new clothes, and even the nanny beside her changed out of her old clothes that she had worn for several years.

The old nanny smiled broadly: "It's been so long since the old lady has had new clothes. She actually got to wear new clothes for the New Year this year. It's all thanks to you that this old servant can also wear new clothes."

Madam Xu came out of the house with a smile, and seeing the young people in the family busy sweeping the yard, she felt extremely at ease.

“We all benefit from my granddaughter’s good fortune. Seeing that they are all doing well, I am at ease.”

Since losing her two daughters and with her descendants proving to be disappointing, Madam Xu hadn't been this happy in a long time.

"Mother, it's cold outside, please go back inside," Liu Yuelan said, looking up.

"It's alright, I'll just stand here at the door for a bit and then go back."

After sweeping the courtyard, Liu Yuelan and Yunniang went to prepare lunch, while Song Dahai and Mr. Yu went to the restaurant after tidying up.

Today is Lunar New Year's Eve, and many people have gone home for the holiday. The restaurant is short-staffed, so the two of them went there early this morning.

But there wasn't anything else going on, just the cleanup work before the holiday.

Jinxiufang also closed down. Song Ning gave everyone red envelopes and they all went home for the New Year.

This year, Song Dahai invited Zhou Ling'an and his son to celebrate the Spring Festival together.

It was just the father and son, and the New Year was rather quiet. Since everyone around was from the same village, Song Dahai called people over.

Song Ning, Xiao Cui, and Zhou Ling'an were busy putting up couplets and hanging lanterns.

While the three were busy, Xie Linzhou and Zheng Gaoyi walked in.

As soon as I entered, I saw two little girls holding onto a ladder, looking up at Zhou Ling'an hanging lanterns, and even helping to adjust their positions.

When Madam Xu saw Xie Linzhou arrive, she quickly stepped down the steps and greeted him: "General Xie, Lord Zheng."

Hearing the noise, Song Ning turned around and saw Xie Linzhou standing behind them, his hands behind his back, looking at her.

Why are you here?

The Duke's family are related to the imperial family, and on New Year's Eve they must enter the palace to pay their respects to His Majesty and the Empress Dowager.

Although the Empress Dowager is no longer alive, the Emperor cannot be left behind.

At this time, Xie Linzhou should be in the palace.

"I came out early to see you."

Upon hearing this, everyone wisely withdrew.

Xiao Cui grabbed the stunned Zhou Ling'an and pulled him away.

"You left the palace so early, won't His Majesty have a problem with that?"

"No, as I said, I came to see my wife, His Majesty won't mind."

She glanced around the courtyard, her face full of envy: "Your home is so much better. It must be lively tonight, unlike me, who has to attend some kind of palace banquet."

The palace banquet on New Year's Eve is always incredibly boring, but we can't skip it.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!