Xie Linzhou's face darkened immediately after Song Ning uttered his first words.

Incredulously, he asked, "You...you want me to take a concubine?"

"I'm not a petty person. As long as you like it and we can get along well in the future, I can accept it. Once you enter the manor, you can be open and aboveboard, which is better than the current situation, which is not good for the young lady's reputation."

Xie Linzhou gritted his teeth, staring at her as if he wanted to devour her.

"You're so thoughtful, even considering the girl's feelings."

It seems he didn't heed a word of what he said to her before the wedding.

"It's not that I'm being considerate. I've thought about what you said yesterday. You've been very good to me, so I should also consider your needs."

Xie Linzhou laughed in exasperation. Was he really going to arrange a concubine for him just to consider his feelings?

When a normal person hears something like this, shouldn't they be angry and question him?

She's really something, she actually had the audacity to let him take a concubine!

Song Ning meant well. In this era, men all wanted three wives and four concubines. She had observed that all powerful and influential families took concubines.

Those who did not have concubines either died young or were from poor families.

Those who died young, like Xie Linzhou's father and grandfather, both died in their prime. And the Xu family, didn't they want to take concubines? It's just because they were poor, no one was willing.

However, Xie Linzhou didn't seem very willing.

"Since you're unwilling, then forget it."

Anyway, it's not her who will enjoy the benefits of taking a concubine, so take it or leave it.

When he returned to the mansion that evening, the servants noticed something was amiss.

It seems that the young master and young mistress had a fight. Usually, the first thing the young master does when he comes home is to look for the young mistress. He wants to see her all day long.

But when he returned today, the young master looked unwell and didn't exchange a single word with the young mistress.

Those below, seeing that something was amiss, quickly went to report to Princess Jianing.

Upon hearing this, Princess Jianing immediately summoned Xie Linzhou.

I asked for a long time, but I still couldn't get a clear answer.

When it was time for bed, someone brought a message saying that the young master and young mistress would be sleeping in separate rooms that night.

Princess Jianing was troubled.

"I knew he'd be a troublemaker."

"Your Highness, it's inevitable for young couples to quarrel, so you don't need to worry too much."

"Sigh, this unlucky kid, why can't he just apologize to Er Ya? Er Ya is still so young, can't he give in a little?"

"Send someone out to investigate and see if anything happened today."

"yes."

It was only after the investigation that Princess Jianing became uneasy.

The rumors outside were so widespread that even she, as the mother, couldn't stand it anymore.

"That brat has some nerve."

"Your Highness, is there some misunderstanding? Young Master is not that kind of person. The eldest son of the Yuan family is on good terms with our young master, so there must be some misunderstanding."

"Even if it's a misunderstanding, it will become true if it's spread. No, we can't let Er Ya misunderstand."

......

Xie Linzhou has been giving Song Ning the cold shoulder ever since he came back, but Song Ning isn't the type to be indifferent to kindness, so she ignores him.

This made Xie Linzhou even angrier, and he became even more rude, moving his luggage to another room that night.

Upon seeing this, Song Ning realized that they were about to separate, and in a fit of anger, he immediately ordered his belongings to be moved to the other room.

He's so spoiled; we should just separate.

That night, without Xie Linzhou making a fuss around her, Song Ning slept very well.

Meanwhile, Xie Linzhou tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep well.

The next morning, Song Ning got ready and, without having to eat with Xie Linzhou, ate by herself and then went out.

Xie Linzhou did not attend court today. Upon hearing that Song Ning had already left the mansion, he threw the washcloth in his hand on the ground, his face gloomy.

Zhang Ping, who was serving by his side, asked cautiously, "Young Master, what's wrong? Tell me, and I'll give you some advice. Did you have a fight with the Young Madam?"

They've only been married for half a month; it's not the right time for them to argue.

Isn't this the perfect time for you two to be all lovey-dovey?

Xie Linzhou glanced at her coldly: "If you can't speak properly, then shut up! Don't mention her to me."

It's upsetting to even think about it. We've only been married for half a month, and they're already asking him to take a concubine?

She is truly virtuous and kind.

"Go and bring the Yuan siblings out to me."

"yes."

Xia Shiyang picked up a cup of tea, looked around at the three of them, and finally broke the silence: "So, Song Ning knows everything?"

"What was her reaction? Did she argue with you? Or did she become distant?"

Xie Linzhou's face was gloomy, and he didn't say a word.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know your wife would see it," Yuan Shaoqing said apologetically.

"Brother Xie, don't worry, my brother and I will definitely explain it to you clearly," Yuan Huizhu echoed.

Now it's not a matter of explanation, it's not about explanation. Right now, there's neither commotion nor estrangement; everything is calm, as if nothing ever happened.

He would be happy if she made a scene.

Xie Linzhou said in a deep voice, "She wants to take a concubine for me."

"puff!"

"What?"

When Xia Shiyang thought back to his conversation with Song Ning in Tianxiang County, he immediately thought, "Hmm, that suits her personality."

Yuan Shaoqing and his sister exchanged a glance. Yuan Huizhu blurted out, "Having heard these rumors, not only did you not make a scene, but you even want to take a concubine for you. Brother Xie, does your wife not like you?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Xia Shiyang felt a pang of worry for Yuan Huizhu.

They're sure to deliver the final blow, always bringing up the most sensitive topics. Didn't you see their faces turn as black as the bottom of a pot?

Yuan Shaoqing quickly covered his sister's mouth and said ingratiatingly, "Yinghuai, Huizhu is just talking nonsense. Don't take it to heart. How could your wife not like you? If she didn't like you, she wouldn't have married you."

That makes sense, but when it comes to Song Ning, Xie Linzhou feels that his wife really doesn't like him.

Based on Song Ning's various behaviors, it's clear that she doesn't have feelings for him.

He suddenly stood up and pulled Yuan Shaoqing and Yuan Huizhu to leave.

The brother and sister were dragged all the way to Jinxiufang. Song Ning was busy when she saw Xie Linzhou walk in aggressively, followed by three people.

Is this... someone coming to smash up her shop?

Why are you here?

Xie Linzhou pulled the two people behind him towards Song Ning: "Call someone."

Yuan Shaoqing and Yuan Huizhu quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, sister-in-law."

"No need for formalities, I don't follow those rules."

Xie Linzhou stared coldly at Song Ning, then kicked Yuan Shaoqing from behind.

Yuan Shaoqing and Yuan Huizhu quickly stepped forward to explain to Song Ning, and finally asked, "Did you understand, sister-in-law?"

“Sister-in-law, there’s nothing between Brother Xie and me. He just helped me force the Second Prince to back down. Really, Brother Xie only has you in his heart.”

Yuan Huizhu was anxious. She must believe it, or Xie Linzhou would kill her.