Chapter 23 She actually... agreed with a smile?! ...

"Are you sure? Is the news you heard accurate? Is it true? Is Aunt Jiang here because of this?"

Ji Wanyuan turned her head, her eyes filled with joy, and tightly grasped her hand, excitedly asking several questions in a row.

Meanwhile, Ji Wanyuan's mind was racing. She had been busy dealing with Wen Qiyan these past two days and had almost forgotten many details from the storybook!

Since the Emperor's decree to arrange the marriage was finalized, she was in a bad mood. She was depressed and listless before the wedding. Although she couldn't sleep well at night, she no longer had those nightmares.

After marrying into the family, she spent her days on guarding against Wen Qiyan and dealing with the Wen family, increasingly forgetting about the events in the storybook.

They say pregnancy makes you stupid for three years, sigh... Ji Wanyuan knows this all too well.

But she can't be entirely blamed. What she knew about the stories in the novels—the fall and exile of the Ji family, her tragic death, Lin Nianxi's marriage into the family, and the early death of her son…

So she was so scared that she forgot about her cousin from the Cao family for a moment.

Aunt Jiang... Aunt Jiang's adopted daughter?

This person seems to have appeared in the storybooks at the time, but the reason I say "seems" is because it was only mentioned briefly.

She said that after she married Wen Qiyan as she wished, she became even more arrogant and domineering. She was immersed in the tenderness he gave her and was always anxious and insecure. She guarded him closely every day, and her heart and eyes were full of him. She did not allow anyone to get close to her.

Madam Wen had once mentioned wanting to arrange for Wen Qiyan to take a concubine, but she chased him away. In order to use her, Wen Qiyan coaxed her into believing that he would never take a concubine in his life, and Madam Wen never brought it up again.

Thinking of this, Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but scoff and chuckle...

Wen Qiyan did indeed refrain from taking concubines, but after she died tragically from postpartum hemorrhage, he brought in a woman from the Lin family as his legal wife!

Therefore, she had completely forgotten about the matter of the Cao family girl entering the family.

Jade has really given her a wake-up call!

On the other hand, perhaps this could be a turning point? Maybe it could change the course of events in the story.

If the Cao family cousin successfully enters the family, then... things in the story won't go according to plan, right?

Currently, events are unfolding exactly as described in the storybook. Although she foresaw what would happen next and took some action, reminding her parents to be subservient and humble in the Wen family, cultivate good relationships, and avoid offending them.

But... it seems nothing has changed.

Her relationship with Madam Wen was just so-so. Lord Wen would test her from time to time. As for Wen Qiyan... Ji Wanyuan didn't want to mention him for the time being.

The Wen family seemed harmonious, but nothing had changed, and she knew even less about the rest of the family.

What exactly was her father doing? Was he being disobedient and rebellious, as depicted in those stories? Did her mother even convey her words to her father? And if he did, was he able to understand?

She was trapped in the Wen family home "pregnant" and knew nothing about what was happening outside, as if she was helplessly waiting to die.

But apart from that, she really couldn't think of any other solutions to break the deadlock.

Wen Qiyan has already begun his "attack" with sweet words, even trying to get her to do those kinds of things. Although she is unmoved and only feels disgust, she can resist Wen Qiyan, but she doesn't know what his next move will be.

She was nearly three months pregnant.

With only about seven months left until my due date, I thought about the pain of childbirth, the twisted and grotesque forms, and the terrifying deathly reflection in the mirror.

The joy on Ji Wanyuan's face vanished, replaced by a solemn expression, and she even felt a surge of fear.

Jade's hand was accidentally pinched too hard, causing her pain, and she quickly called out "Miss".

Ji Wanyuan then came to her senses and quickly let go.

"Where do you feel unwell?" Emerald asked hurriedly.

Just thinking about it terrified her. "Miss, what's wrong with you?"

Could it be that I've been possessed by an evil spirit?

One moment she's laughing, the next she's tense and scared.

Her expression just now made it hard for her to breathe, as if someone was choking her, so she was terrified and her face was almost contorted.

and!

When her young mistress heard that Aunt Jiang wanted to force her husband's adopted daughter into the family as a concubine, she was no longer angry. Not only was she not angry, but she even smiled!

Her young mistress can actually tolerate other women getting close to Young Master Wen? She seems quite pleased and happy about the matter of taking a concubine!

She still hadn't figured out what happened last night, and hearing about Cao Xin's situation today made her feel strange.

perhaps……

Emerald rubbed her wrist, which had been pinched sore by Ji Wanyuan, and cautiously suggested,

“Miss, you’ve been having nightmares lately, and Madam suggested we find a Taoist priest to take a look. Perhaps…we should find someone to examine you?”

Exorcising evil spirits? Jade dared not utter those last three words.

Even without saying it aloud, Ji Wanyuan saw through her thoughts.

She couldn't help but raise her hand and tap Jade's head. "What are you trying to do! What are you thinking? Could it be that your young lady—"

Before Ji Wanyuan could finish speaking, there was a knock on the door, and the two of them looked in the direction of the sound.

Before the maidservant could even speak, Ji Wanyuan saw the old woman whom Madam Wen usually ordered around behind her. She knew that Madam Wen's urging her to come over for dinner was a pretense; she was actually there to interrogate her about what had happened the night before.

"..."

Just as Ji Wanyuan had expected, after arriving at the main hall, Madam Wen pulled her to sit down and began to ask her what had happened yesterday.

The maids on night watch said she went to rest in a side room in the guest courtyard in the middle of the night. Why was she assigned a room again? Did Wen Qiyan bully her?

If that's the case, let Ji Wanyuan speak her mind without holding back. When Wen Qiyan finishes his official business and returns, she, as his mother-in-law, will help her vent her anger.

While she showed concern verbally, Madam Wen couldn't help but complain inwardly that the two of them were a real handful!

It's either Wen Qiyan causing trouble or Ji Wanyuan causing trouble; there's never a day without it all.

Before Ji Wanyuan could answer, Aunt Jiang served her some food and said to Madam Wen, "Everyone's here, there's no rush. Why don't you let your daughter-in-law eat first, and we can talk while we eat..."

Looking at the food Aunt Jiang was putting on her plate, Ji Wanyuan thought to herself that Wen Qiyan had indeed bullied her.

No, it was that he was planning to bully her but failed and was tricked into breaking free and running away.

Otherwise, she really wouldn't know how Wen Qiyan would have tossed and turned her over and over again.

Ji Wanyuan muttered to herself, but her expression remained gentle. "Mother-in-law, it's really nothing serious. I'm sorry to have worried you..."

On the way here, she had already thought it through. She said that she suddenly had morning sickness and felt like vomiting. She didn't want Wen Qiyan to see her in such a mess, so she rushed to the guest room to vomit.

He was afraid of disturbing Wen Qiyan's rest in the middle of the night, since he was also tired from accompanying her back to her parents' home today, so he didn't go back and rested in the guest room.

"Is that really the case?" Madam Wen was skeptical, after all, it was too much of a coincidence.

Although Ji Wanyuan was indeed experiencing morning sickness, and she was concerned about her image, Madam Wen still felt something was amiss.

Upon waking up, she received the news and was instinctively displeased. She was about to ask Wen Qiyan what had happened this time? Had he given Ji Wanyuan the cold shoulder again and scared her away?

During the day, when asked to say something nice, he looked at Ji Wanyuan so coldly that she was scared and hid behind her.

However, the imperial court's official business was urgent, and naturally, official business was the priority. Wen Qiyan had left home with his father, so he didn't have time to ask.

Now, all we can do is try to gauge Ji Wanyuan's opinion.

As the mother-in-law, she felt aggrieved in the face of this eldest daughter of the Ji family. She had to take care of her in every way, consider her health, and respect the power of her maternal family. No matter how dissatisfied she was, she had to coax her with kind words.

Fortunately, the eldest daughter of the Ji family was still putting on an act and was not as arrogant and domineering as before, otherwise she would have been very difficult to deal with. But it is also unclear how long Ji Wanyuan's pretense of being understanding, obedient and docile can last.

Whether what she said was true or not, Madam Wen pretended to believe her.

"Qi Yan is really something! He has no consideration for you at all! How could he not go after him to check on you, leaving you to suffer alone? Good child, when he comes back, I will scold him!"

Madam Wen spoke favorably of her, but who knows what she was really thinking? Ji Wanyuan played along, smiling on the surface and even playfully placing a small chicken leg on Madam Wen's plate.

“My mother-in-law cherishes her daughter-in-law; from now on, you will be my second mother.”

Tsk tsk... Saying such comforting words, looking at the little chicken leg in the bowl, and then at the beautiful face in front of her, made Madam Wen, who was only talking, feel a strange sense of self-reproach.

"My daughter-in-law is so sensible, much better than the others in my family!" Aunt Jiang chimed in, praising Ji Wanyuan.

"Auntie, you are too kind to flatter me. I don't deserve it. You flatter me too much."

Madam Wen also put some black-boned chicken on her plate. "Eat up. You're pregnant now, but you still look thin. You should eat more during the day and get plenty of rest."

“I heard you say you had morning sickness and vomiting in the middle of the night. You look a little pale today, probably because you didn’t rest well yesterday. When your father-in-law comes back, I’ll have him send a letter to the Imperial Palace to have a doctor examine you.”

Even though it was all an act, there was a touch of truth in it. Ji Wanyuan had to keep this pregnancy, because if she miscarried, she would never be able to be a mother again.

If something goes wrong with her pregnancy, it won't be good for either public or private reasons. Publicly, it involves the Ji family, and privately, it's also a member of the Wen family. Besides, they are all women. Putting yourself in their shoes, Madam Wen wouldn't want such a thing to happen.

“There’s really no need to trouble you, Father-in-law. Mother-in-law, please rest assured. Yesterday, when I returned to my parents’ home, my mother had someone examine me. The doctor said my pulse was fine, and morning sickness is normal. It will get better after my period. It’s nothing to worry about.”

While Ji Wanyuan was talking about this, she was thinking about that. She was planning to arrange for Wen Qiyan to take a concubine, and now... why not strike while the iron is hot!

Since neither Mr. Wen nor Wen Qiyan were home, and only Aunt Jiang and Madam Wen were there, they decided to speak their minds.

Madam Wen and Aunt Jiang are both shrewd people. Since the maids already know, they must have planned it out in private. They must be able to understand the veiled meaning in her next words, right?

If you don't understand, then think of another way.

Thinking of this, Ji Wanyuan changed the subject and stammered that there was something she didn't know whether she should say or not.

Madam Wen asked her what she was talking about, "We're all family now, what can't we say?"

Thinking that Ji Wanyuan was hesitant to speak because Aunt Jiang was present, Madam Wen said it was alright, "Your aunt is also a member of our family. If she really has any difficulties, she might be able to help make a decision."

Madam Wen brought this up not only because she felt Aunt Jiang wasn't an outsider, but also because she genuinely believed that Ji Wanyuan wouldn't discuss anything serious.

"Yes, daughter-in-law, you might as well speak your mind. Don't blame your aunt for being blunt. What's that old saying? Three cobblers are still better than one Zhuge Liang, right?"

Ji Wanyuan smiled and said yes, but in her heart she was chuckling.

Aunt Jiang had been eating and drinking for free in the Wen family since the day she married into the family. Although Madam Wen respected her, she never treated herself as an outsider.

Listen to her tone! Cao Xin hasn't even entered the family yet, but Aunt Jiang is already treating herself like Wen Qiyan's mother-in-law!

Despite her inner grumbling, Ji Wanyuan was merely indulging in idle chatter. She had no intention of getting jealous or angry; all she wanted was to survive, escape the Wen family, and protect the Ji family.

Therefore, she really hoped that Cao Xin would come into the family.

If Cao Xin were to enter the family, even as a concubine, Aunt Jiang could indeed be considered Wen Qiyan's mother-in-law to a certain extent.

There's nothing wrong with her presumptuously referring to herself as the mother-in-law.

"Why don't you say it?" Madam Wen had been waiting for her to speak.

After taking a sip of soup, Ji Wanyuan put down the silver spoon and said, "I..."

She seemed to muster her courage and said, "I'm pregnant now, not even three months into my pregnancy, and I always have morning sickness at night, so it's really hard for me to take care of my husband..."

Listening to her words, Madam Wen thought she was using a feigned retreat to subtly criticize Wen Qiyan for not paying attention to her yesterday.

To Madam Wen's utter surprise, Ji Wanyuan suggested that they find someone to serve Wen Qiyan...

Her subsequent words silenced the entire dinner table.

Not only was Madam Wen staring at her in astonishment, but even Aunt Jiang, who was usually shrewd and loved watching drama, lost her composure and remained silent.

The two exchanged a glance, confirming that they were not hallucinating.

Madam Wen spoke first, unable to hide her disbelief, "What...what are you saying?"

Ji Wanyuan waited quietly for the two of them to process and savor what she had said.

She repeated, "I am pregnant and it is not good for me to serve my husband. And now my husband is in the prime of his life. Why don't we find a suitable person to serve him in the room?"

Madam Wen's thoughts wandered. This morning, she asked the old woman, who said that Ji Wanyuan had run out of the courtyard disheveled, her steps unsteady, and her face flushed, which didn't seem like she had been crying...

So, yesterday there was no morning sickness, but rather... the young couple had intercourse? But they weren't successful?

If it were before, Madam Wen would never have had such thoughts, after all, Wen Qiyan dislikes Ji Wanyuan, how could that be?

But now that they have a child, nothing is impossible.

"Now I can rest assured." She smiled at Madam Wen and Aunt Jiang.

Not only were Madam Wen and Aunt Jiang shocked, but even the maids from the Ji and Wen families who were serving the dishes were dumbfounded, and everyone was staring at Ji Wanyuan.

Everyone remained silent, but in their hearts they were all thinking the same thing: Is this still the arrogant, domineering, and rude eldest daughter of the Ji family?

She was so understanding that it was almost unbelievable and terrifying.

Madam Wen suppressed her suspicions and anxieties, but still felt it was unbelievable.

Is Ji Wanyuan really that generous? Could she be addicted to pretending, or does she have some other purpose?

Could it be that Aunt Jiang has been staying here for too long? Ji Wanyuan had her subordinates investigate and learned that she and Aunt Jiang were planning to bring Cao Xin in as a concubine.

Or perhaps what did the Ji family say to her when she returned home yesterday?

Madam Ji and Prime Minister Ji doted on their beloved daughter. Even though she was married off, they would surely keep a close eye on the Wen family's affairs to see if she was doing well.

Although Ji Wanyuan is good at pretending, she is still young and was spoiled by her family. She certainly doesn't understand these intricacies. Even if she does understand...? Someone must have taught her.

Otherwise, why would she suddenly bring this up? And who else could it be but this person?

It's probably Madam Ji. Besides that sharp-tongued Madam Ji, Madam Wen really can't think of anyone else.

Besides these, the main reason why Madam Wen didn't believe it was that Ji Wanyuan had been pursuing Wen Qiyan passionately for so many years, and before they got married, she had no relationship with him at all, yet she still domineeringly and indirectly "occupied" him, making it known to everyone.

Just the other day, didn't she warn the maids in the house not to do anything underhanded, otherwise she would show no mercy if she found out?

The sun must have risen in the west today; why has it suddenly become so tolerant and generous?

Is this also an act?

Maybe it was all an act, a feint to test the Wen family's intentions?

Instead of directly answering whether she agreed or disagreed, Mrs. Wen expressed her disapproval with a slightly reproachful tone.

"Wanyuan, what are you saying?"

"You've only been married into the Wen family for a short time, and you're pregnant now. How can you take a concubine? Do you feel that your mother-in-law treats you badly, and that Qi Yan didn't care enough about you yesterday, so you said such things?"

Madam Wen deliberately kept a straight face and expressed her disapproval in a "righteous and eloquent" manner, but in private she kept a close eye on Ji Wanyuan's words and actions.

Not only Madam Wen, but even Aunt Jiang was watching her closely.

The two men stood on either side of her, seemingly trying to see through her every move and what tricks she was up to.

Ji Wanyuan rolled her eyes inwardly. Who would have the time or inclination to pull any tricks? It's all about saving their own lives.

Honestly, she came from the bottom of her heart and sincerely wanted to arrange for Wen Qiyan to take a concubine.

“Mother-in-law, what Wan Yuan said is true.”

"Really...what?" Madam Wen still didn't believe it.

It seems I'll have to use some persuasion, and it would be best if I sounded earnest and earnest, so that Madam Wen and Aunt Jiang would believe me.

“I really want to find someone to help me take care of my husband. This is not a joke, nor is it just out of spite.”

“I know… I did many bad things in the past, which made my mother-in-law think I was narrow-minded and intolerant. But please believe me, before I got married, after my father and mother repeatedly advised me, I have changed.”

When Ji Wanyuan said this, she looked at Madam Wen and tried her best to make her expression serious, so that people would think she was very sincere.

Yes! He's someone you can trust!

But she had tried her best, and didn't know if it would be of any use. Anyway, Madam Wen saw that she didn't say anything, so Ji Wanyuan continued.

"I am currently pregnant, and although I haven't given birth yet, I'm already experiencing the feelings of being a mother for the first time."

At this point, she was caught in the middle, with Madam Wen and Aunt Jiang staring at her with increasingly intense gazes, and she was finding it hard to bear it.

So, pretending to hide, he lowered his head to avoid her, and then, with a sweet and gentle smile, touched her belly.

"I just want to have a safe and peaceful delivery and give birth to my child. The imperial physician advised me to take good care of myself during this pregnancy. These past two days, I've been causing you worry because of my relationship with my husband. I feel really guilty..."

Good heavens, she really racked her brains, honing all her verbal skills in her entire life, just to say something that would sound nice.

Putting aside all talk of social classes and hierarchy, to be fair, even if she doesn't become a rich young lady in the future, she might still be able to go to the theater and sing operas, and who knows, she might even become a famous actress. Cousin Qingru often praises her for her quick wit and talent.

Ji Wanyuan coughed lightly, pulling her thoughts back.

"So... Mother-in-law, just agree to my request so as to maintain the relationship between my husband and me."

She couldn't come up with anything else; she needed to take a break.

"..."

I thought Ji Wanyuan was just testing me with a joke, but I didn't expect her to be so sincere and say so much.

This left Madam Wen speechless. "This..."

Even if Ji Wanyuan spoke very sweetly, Madam Wen was not sure if she really intended to take a concubine for Wen Qiyan.

"This matter can be discussed later; it's all too sudden."

Ji Wanyuan was a little anxious, but she couldn't afford not to be anxious; she couldn't afford to delay any longer.

It wasn't just her pregnancy that was too much for her to handle; the main problem was with Wen Qiyan.

Thinking of his dangerous gaze last night, and the breath he exhaled as he approached and sprayed onto her neck, lingering around her nose, enveloping her with a cold, snow-like scent.

Some men even insisted on checking her "injuries," and under the guise of applying medicine, they touched her soft skin...

Each time was so agonizing that she felt like she was about to die; if it happened again, she feared she might really have miscarriage and would need to call the imperial physician.

If we bring Cao Xin in, the course of events in the story will be disrupted, and perhaps... everything will take a turn for the better!

After all, her father often told her that "a single hair can affect the whole body."

“Aunt, could you please help your daughter-in-law persuade her mother-in-law? Her mother-in-law dotes on Wan Yuan and always refuses to agree, but I love my husband and don’t want to wrong her.”

Aunt Jiang was surprised that Ji Wanyuan suddenly asked for her help, and even her tone was slightly coquettish, which was simply...

I have no idea what she's up to, but... since she's spoken so "enthusiastically," I guess I have to keep responding.

Aunt Jiang said, "If this is truly your daughter-in-law's wish, then as her aunt, I will certainly help persuade your mother-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Ji Wanyuan beamed with joy, "Then Wanyuan must thank Auntie!"

She also served some food to Aunt Jiang.

The two men looked at her smiling face and were momentarily at a loss for words.

"..."

After having breakfast, Ji Wanyuan, supported by Emerald, took a walk in the courtyard to aid digestion.

Without the Ji family present, Emerald hurriedly asked her what she was thinking. Did she really intend to bring Cao Xin into the house?

Ji Wanyuan absentmindedly hummed in response, without giving a direct answer.

She found that her physical strength was really not very good. She didn't know if it was because she was pregnant and the months were coming up, or if it was because she was afraid of the possibility of a difficult labor and postpartum hemorrhage that she had thought about today.

In short, after walking for a while, I actually felt a bit tired and wanted to sit down.

Jade had been observing her expression and knew she was tired, so she offered to help her to sit down on the veranda.

Ji Wanyuan said no, "I need to practice my strength for childbirth tomorrow, otherwise..."

She was genuinely afraid that something bad might happen in the future.

"Then this servant will help Miss walk slower."

That's acceptable. Ji Wanyuan nodded. "Okay."

"Miss has not yet answered my question."

"What are you saying?" Ji Wanyuan asked knowingly. Emerald asked her again what she thought, saying that if Cao Xin entered the door, wouldn't that take Wen Qiyan away?

“Jade, if I told you now that I don’t like Wen Qiyan anymore, would you believe me?” Ji Wanyuan asked.

She noticed Jade's subconscious frown and knew the answer without even needing to reply.

I don't believe it.

How much did she really like Wen Qiyan before? When she said she didn't like him anymore, not a single person believed her—not even her father, her mother, or her personal maid.

If even Jade doesn't believe it, how can Madam Wen and Aunt Jiang believe it? Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but worry.

Having made up her mind, if Madam Wen still didn't agree, she would have to start with Aunt Jiang.

Ask Aunt Jiang to persuade Madam Wen to nod and let Cao Xin into the Wen family home.

This matter may take a long time to resolve, and may even arouse suspicion from Wen's father, Wen Qiyan, but no matter how difficult it is, she will find a way to accomplish it!

Only when Cao Xin enters the room can the development of the story change, and let's turn the situation around little by little. Now that things are different, things will definitely be different in the future.

Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but encourage herself in her heart and calm herself down.

Stay calm!

Jade didn't say whether she believed it or not, but just kept asking her if she was feeling unwell, and Ji Wanyuan was distracted by her continuous words of comfort.

Unable to glean anything unusual from her young mistress, yet sensing something amiss, Emerald wondered if she should secretly send a message to the Ji family.

Their young lady seems to be possessed; she's become very strange, and even her expression has started to become incoherent…

Will something bad happen?

"..."

On the other side, Aunt Jiang and Madam Wen had been discussing privately for quite some time.

Even though Ji Wanyuan spoke earnestly, Madam Wen still believed in her heart that Ji Wanyuan might be testing Wen Qiyan and did not really intend to arrange for Wen Qiyan to take a concubine.

Because she had personally witnessed Ji Wanyuan's passionate pursuit of Wen Qiyan, it was like a wildfire, incredibly intense, and it would take a long time to extinguish it completely.

Can a person's personality change overnight? In the past, she still liked Wen Qiyan very much. She would blush when he served her food, and look at him expectantly, waiting for him and hoping for his return.

According to the servants, Ji Wanyuan also used the excuse of going to bed early and getting up early to bump into Wen Qiyan in the corridor.

She's not just using this trick now; she's been using it for the past few years, all to get her son's attention.

To draw attention? This time too?

To make Wen Qiyan jealous? But how could her son possibly do that?

Thinking of this, Madam Wen couldn't help but frown.

If Ji Wanyuan proposed taking a concubine because she wanted to see Wen Qiyan jealous, then her plan was bound to fail.

She knew her son; he only felt disgust and impatience towards her, nothing more.

Aunt Jiang had some ulterior motives regarding taking a concubine, after all, the one she wanted to take was someone from her Cao family, her daughter.

Although they are not her biological son, once they get married, Wen Qiyan, a prodigy and an outstanding individual, will become her son-in-law.

The chances of succeeding in seeking benefits from the Wen family in the future would be much greater, which is also the purpose of her stay at the Wen family's residence.

So while she verbally agreed with Madam Wen, her mind raced, and she changed her tone, telling Madam Wen that things might not be so simple.

"Today, I found Miss Ji's words to be extremely sincere, not at all fake. Moreover, what she said was not without reason. She is currently pregnant, and Qi Yan is young and vigorous. The two of them together, as a newlywed couple, are bound to be passionate. What if something happens and it affects Miss Ji's health?"

Ji Wanyuan's pregnancy must be saved; no accidents can be tolerated. Madam Wen had also told Aunt Jiang this, so she was fully aware of it.

"So, does my sister mean... she approves of what she did?"

Aunt Jiang stopped there, circling back to the point.

"I wouldn't dare to say anything out of turn, for fear of disturbing your peace of mind. I just felt that what you both said made sense, so I added a few words."

What was a simple matter has become so complicated, all because the Ji family is so powerful that they cannot afford to offend them.

Madam Wen sighed, "I really can't make up my mind about this matter. Let's wait until Master returns before we talk about it."

Without even asking, Aunt Jiang knew that if this matter were to be decided by Mr. Wen, he would definitely say it was inappropriate, because judging from all indications, Mr. Wen would be considering the interests of the Ji family and would certainly not agree.

The two are newly married, and if they stay together for a long time, what if Ji Wanyuan changes her mind again?

Even if Cao Xin can delay, she can't delay for too long. She has already reached marriageable age and should get married. If she waits another year or two, things will get out of hand.

Two days ago, Madam Wen had already mentioned it to her father, but he refused. These days, Aunt Jiang has been thinking that her daughter might not be able to be sent to the Wen family. She needs to make two preparations and find another suitable husband.

Unexpectedly, Ji Wanyuan suddenly relented...

Whether it's true or not, we have to give it a try. We must seize this opportunity, otherwise, if we delay any longer, who knows when it will come.

"Your brother-in-law will definitely ask, but what do you think?" Aunt Jiang probed.

"Me?" Madam Wen wasn't very wary of Aunt Jiang. She smiled and said, "Of course I hope Xin'er will come into the family soon. After all, we had already agreed that Qi Yan would take Xin'er as a wife."

"With her sensible and capable nature, if she came, she would definitely be able to help me manage the household affairs, and then I could finally breathe a sigh of relief and relax a bit."

Although Aunt Jiang's words were roundabout and tactful, Madam Wen still managed to grasp some of their meaning.

They were all sisters in the same family, and even though she could sense each other's selfish motives, Madam Wen didn't hold it against her and directly told her her own method to reassure Aunt Jiang.

Having said that, Madam Wen understood, and Aunt Jiang gave no further explanation, simply letting out a sigh.

"I'll also tell my sister the truth: I don't want to put her in a difficult position, but Xin'er is really getting old and can't afford to wait... As a mother, I always have to plan for my children, so I have no choice."

This was in the hope that she could take this opportunity to persuade Mr. Wen.

Mrs. Wen immediately understood and her face showed relief.

"It's all my fault, it's all my fault. Don't worry, sister, I'll handle this."

"After all, I also hope that Xin'er is doing well. I've watched that child grow up. We're related by blood, so how could I not love her?"

Aunt Jiang continued, "Of course, I've lived in the Wen family for a long time and I know how hard my sister has worked. My Cao family is willing to take a step back. If we're worried that the Ji family won't agree, her father and I mean... we can let Xin'er come and stay for now. We can discuss the formalities later. After all, we're related by marriage, so we wouldn't lie to her, would we?"

Forget about kinship or affection; Wen Qiyan is the most outstanding young master among the noble families of the capital. If you follow him, you'll have no worries about your future.

Let's go through the door first. If we have children, then everything will be fine.

"This..." Hearing Aunt Jiang say this, Madam Wen became even more reassured. "If Sister is willing to put Xin'er through such hardship, how could our Wen family allow her to lower herself to the ground? Don't worry, I will do my best."

Aunt Jiang smiled and said, "I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you a lot, little sister."

"..."

The imperial court's official business came in a hurry, and the Wen family father and son were very busy. They didn't even come back for lunch, and they probably wouldn't be able to have dinner either.

In order to test Ji Wanyuan's intentions again by herself, Aunt Jiang made an excuse to go out for lunch, leaving the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to talk alone.

During the conversation, Madam Wen asked her more directly, inquiring whether she was trying to test the Wen family's intentions or whether she wanted to see if Wen Qiyan would be jealous.

Upon hearing this, Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but feel a twitch at the corner of her mouth...

She could understand the first half of the sentence, but what did the second half mean?

Why would she want to test Wen Qiyan's feelings for her by taking a concubine, or see if he would get jealous?

That's impossible!

Not to mention that she never even thought of it that way, just consider Wen Qiyan, that handsome devil, fierce and cold-hearted, how could he possibly care about her?

If I were going to care, I would have already!

Has she gone mad? It's not like she hasn't seen through this scoundrel's true nature.

But then I thought about it again, and I couldn't blame Madam Wen for being so suspicious. In the past, the "Ji Wanyuan" in the storybooks could indeed do such a thing.

Because she didn't know the whole truth, and before she married Wen Qiyan, she did have such thoughts, but she just didn't have time to put them into practice.

Uh... it turned out to be a lucky accident.

Thinking of this, Ji Wanyuan also felt that she was foolish and ignorant, because she had been capable of drugging and forcing herself on someone before, so...

Seeing that she was silent and her expression was a bit off, turning pale and then bluish, and she wouldn't eat, I noticed that she was not speaking.

Madam Wen thought she had hit the nail on the head, exposing Ji Wanyuan's thoughts and embarrassing her. She was about to try to make amends by saying that's not what she meant, she was just worried about Yunyun...

Before she could even speak, Ji Wanyuan said that she wasn't angry, but rather reflecting on how bad and narrow-minded her past actions had been.

The more she spoke, the more indignant she became.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that the Cao family's daughter had to be brought into the family! Not only for her future, but also for her past.

She wanted to prove to them that she had truly changed and was no longer the jealous and intolerant Ji Wanyuan of the past. "Mother-in-law, please grant Wanyuan's wish?"

Mrs. Wen, "..."

Both have mentioned making concessions, so with Ji Wanyuan making such a concession, who is really making concessions for whom? She couldn't utter a single word.

After a long silence, Madam Wen finally relented, but not completely.

She frowned and said to Ji Wanyuan, "Your understanding is both gratifying and astonishing to my mother-in-law..."

"but……"

Ji Wanyuan found it troublesome, "But what? Mother-in-law, please just tell me if you have any difficulties."

Why? What are you still hesitating about?! Ji Wanyuan cried out in her heart, why not agree to such a good thing that would help the Wen family prosper?

It's not that he likes Cao Xin, but he wants to become even closer to her!

After returning to the courtyard in the morning, she had Emerald ask around to find out more about Cao Xin. The information they got was pretty much the same: his wealth was secondary; what mattered was that Madam Wen liked him.

Besides, since she's his cousin, Wen Qiyan wouldn't possibly reject or dislike her, right?

Therefore, Ji Wanyuan felt that this matter was worth planning and that there was a high possibility of successfully taking a concubine. Upon receiving this news, she couldn't help but feel excited because she was finally about to accomplish something.

She's put in so much effort, she can't give up halfway!

She happily took a sip of tea and said with a genuine smile, "Mother-in-law, if you have any concerns, just tell me, and I will definitely do my best to help you."

Upon hearing this, Madam Wen was stunned...

This sounds...so strange. Ji Wanyuan's tone sounds more like that of a mother-in-law.

Did she hear wrong? Madam Wen thought she had only misheard, or even misseen; was it a hallucination?

Ji Wanyuan did indeed not only not seem jealous, but even seemed to be secretly... pleased? Eager to get married?! Was she really so eager to find Wen Qiyan a concubine?

Mrs. Wen felt she must be crazy to have such thoughts and ideas pop into her head.

Perhaps the concubine-taking happened too quickly and caught everyone off guard.

She shook off the thoughts in her mind, but since Ji Wanyuan had already told her to say it, she might as well just say it.

The current problem truly requires Ji Wanyuan to resolve; no one else can do it, not even the Emperor himself.

After all, who is her father? The current Prime Minister! The most respected and virtuous civil official.

"You and Qi Yan have only been married for a short time. If you were to take a concubine... I'm afraid the Ji family wouldn't agree..."

If Madam Ji gets wind of this and comes to cause trouble, it will likely lead to unrest in the household. The Wen family cannot withstand such turmoil and does not want to be ridiculed.

"So that's what Mother-in-law is worried about." Ji Wanyuan waved her hand and smiled, putting some food on Madam Wen's plate. "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything at home."

"In my opinion, there's no better time than now. I'll go back after dinner and tell my father and mother about this, okay?"

She really couldn't wait!

Wen Qiyan isn't here today, so I'll take this opportunity to see if my mother has conveyed her words to my father yesterday, and what his reaction was.

"Don't worry about the Ji family. Just tell your aunt that I can definitely handle things with the Ji family! Let her go and pick up your cousin from the Cao family so she can prepare for the marriage!"

Mrs. Wen, "..." So fast?

Was it really just her imagination? Or was she really just impatient?

"Um... okay." Madam Wen smiled awkwardly.

Coming to her senses, Madam Wen quickly added a few more words of praise for Ji Wanyuan, saying that she was understanding and kind.

Ji Wanyuan smiled shyly, pursing her lips.

Upon seeing her smiling face, Madam Wen was inexplicably taken aback.

The Ji family girl was already beautiful, and at this moment, her smile, which seemed to come from the bottom of her heart, was so gentle and mesmerizing that it was impossible to look away from her face for a moment.

"..."

After lunch, Ji Wanyuan had someone hitch up a car and went straight home.

Coincidentally, Prime Minister Ji was also at home, but they were discussing matters in his study.

As a young lady of high birth, she always had unimpeded access to all parts of the family home.

First, I went to see Prime Minister Ji. Outside the study, I overheard discussions about Youzhou, mining, manpower, and arrests. I was very well-behaved and didn't disturb him.

They turned to look for Madam Ji, but unexpectedly bumped into her halfway there.

Madam Ji was greatly surprised to receive the news that her beloved daughter had returned the day after her homecoming visit.

"Yuan'er, why are you back?" Madam Ji pulled her over to look at her.

When the servants announced that Ji Wanyuan had returned, Madam Ji thought she had misheard. She rushed over to see for herself and found that it really was her precious daughter.

"Did someone from the Wen family wrong you?" This was Madam Ji's first reaction.

"Mother, no!"

"Didn't my daughter tell you yesterday that the Wen family treats me very well?" Ji Wanyuan pushed her towards the courtyard, and casually brought up the matter of taking a concubine.

After hearing this, Madam Ji's face darkened immediately, her head filled with question marks. "What did you say?"

"You want to take a concubine for Wen Qiyan?!" Madam Ji was shocked.

"Are you crazy, Yuan'er? You've only been married a few days and you're already asking Wen Qiyan to take a concubine? Putting aside the fact that you like him, just imagine what would happen to the Ji family's reputation if this were to happen?"

"No way! This absolutely won't work! Did the Wen family try to trick you?"

Speaking of this, and recalling Madam Wen's face, Madam Ji sneered, "I'm going to the Wen family right now to see what kind of trouble they've been up to lately, daring to treat my Ji family's daughter like this!"

After she finished speaking, Emerald chimed in, saying that she had felt something was off when she was at the Wen family's house, and urged Madam Ji to persuade her.

"Mother!" Ji Wanyuan pulled her back. "Listen to your daughter, I'm not crazy or stupid, but I've thought this through carefully!"

"My daughter really wants to arrange a concubine for Wen Qiyan!"

Madam Ji stopped and looked at her. Ji Wanyuan thought she believed her, but to her surprise, Madam Ji's expression was serious. She reached out and touched her forehead. "You've caught a cold?"

Could it be that the high fever has made him delirious?

"Oh dear! No!" Ji Wanyuan pulled Madam Ji down, told her to sit down, and sent away the maids around her. During this time, she glared at Emerald, signaling her not to chime in anymore! Otherwise, she would ruin her plans.

Before speaking, Ji Wanyuan took a big gulp of tea, knowing she was about to have to talk some more.

"Mother...please listen to your daughter carefully. Why are you so impulsive? Didn't you always teach me not to be impatient for quick success or take shortcuts, and to think thrice before acting?"

Madam Ji was pulled down to sit by her. Looking at her pouting lips, and her tone of rebuking her parents for their lack of patience, she couldn't help but poke her forehead.

"You dare to lecture your mother?" Madam Ji said irritably.

Ji Wanyuan wasn't annoyed at being poked on the forehead. Instead, she nestled into Madam Ji's arms with a playful grin and said coquettishly, "Then, Mother, will you listen?"

Mrs. Ji, "..."

The little girl in my arms looked up, revealing a pure and charming face, and started calling for her mother in a sticky, whiny tone.

Madam Ji was at her wit's end, and in her heart she spat out a "little devil," and said, "Listen to her!"

"Mother is the best!" Ji Wanyuan chuckled.

"My daughter is currently pregnant, so it's really not appropriate for her to share a room with Wen Qiyan."

"You haven't even been three months yet, and he can't resist?" Madam Ji frowned.

"Mother, you don't know...he..."

Although there's an element of lying involved, it's still the truth.

“He rubbed my daughter so hard yesterday that he looked like he wanted to eat me alive. If I hadn’t run away quickly, I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed today.”

Madam Ji couldn't help but blush and coughed hastily.

Ji Wanyuan's words were no less significant than her earlier outburst that Wen Qiyan was too rough in bed and that she didn't want to marry him.

“Yuan’er…Although there are no outsiders in the house, you still need to consider a young lady’s feelings when you say certain things.”

You'd think she wasn't shy, but her face turned bright red, and she looked so sulky and unwilling, yet she still looked both charming and pretty.

Madam Ji knew her own daughter well; she was beautiful and had a great figure, making her arguably the best young lady in the capital. It was precisely because she was so good that she aroused the jealousy, resentment, and injustice of others.

How many men in the world could resist falling at her feet?

I never expected that Wen Qiyan, such a cold and ruthless gentleman, would lose control like this in bed. You really can't judge a book by its cover.

"I told you back then that the Wen family scion was no good, but you insisted on falling for him. Now you're scared?" Madam Ji said sternly.

Ji Wanyuan got up from her embrace, pouting, "Didn't my daughter regret it later and say she didn't want to marry him? If it weren't for the Emperor's decree, who would want to marry him!"

"I don't care, I'm going to let Wen Qiyan take a concubine, I don't want to sleep with him anymore." She simply acted spoiled and unreasonable.

As she spoke, she became increasingly unrestrained. Madam Ji sighed, "Yuan'er, you really are..."

"Really what?"

She shrugged her little shoulders again, looking aggrieved. "Mother, do you know that my pregnancy looks stable, but it's not even three months along yet?"

"Wen Qiyan pretends to be a gentleman during the day, but at night he pulls me to kiss him, and even..."

“His demeanor terrified my daughter. If he continues like this, I'm afraid we might not be able to keep the pregnancy.”

"If I really have a miscarriage in the future and lose the child, do you think those people outside will say anything bad about Wen Qiyan? They'll throw all the blame on me, saying I'm shameless, that I seduced my husband while pregnant, and that I'm a vixen reincarnated!"

"Nonsense!" Madam Ji was furious. "You are my precious daughter, the eldest daughter of the Ji family. Who dares to talk to you like that? I'll have your father arrest him and send him to jail to teach him a lesson."

Ji Wanyuan raised an eyebrow inwardly. Things were about to change; this was definitely feasible.

"Some members of the Wen family have already said that."

“Yesterday, Wen Qiyan took my daughter to have sex again. My daughter was scared and went to sleep in the guest room during her night shift. This morning, my mother-in-law asked me what happened, and I was too embarrassed to tell her. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Emerald if what my daughter said is true.”

Madam Ji looked at the jade.

Under Madam Ji's pressure, Jade thought about yesterday's scene and realized it seemed to be true. So she nodded.

Seeing this, Madam Ji's expression changed, but since it involved matters of the bedroom, she didn't know what to say for a moment.

Even so, I still feel that it is inappropriate for Wen Qiyan to take a concubine.

"What's wrong with it?" Ji Wanyuan frowned.

Seeing that she was about to get angry like a kitten, Madam Ji clicked her tongue and reached out to smooth out the messy hair that Ji Wanyuan had been rubbing against her.

"I'm only thinking of you. Don't glare at me. You've admired the Wen family's son for many years, and now that you've finally married him, how can you let him take a concubine? Now you must win him over and make him fall in love with you."

"Let me tell you, you're just shy and think you can't handle it now. But if this concubine comes in, and you regret it later, it won't be easy to get rid of her. The relationship between men and women is complicated. Once you're bound by something, it's not something you can easily sever."

Otherwise, how could there be the saying "the lotus root is still connected even after being severed"? It's easy to invite a god, but difficult to send him away.

"oops!"

She was more than happy that Cao Xin had won over Wen Qiyan, so that Wen Qiyan would never have to look for her again.

Ideally, she should bewitch Wen Qiyan and the two of them should divorce! Then she can return to the Ji family, and everything will be fine!

The two of them will go their separate ways and live their own lives happily ever after. It's just a child; the Ji family can easily afford to raise him.

Of course, this cannot be said to Madam Ji.

Otherwise, her mother would really think, like Jade, that she was possessed by an evil spirit and would definitely find a Taoist priest to perform some kind of ritual for her.

"Mother, please grant your daughter's wish. I understand all the messy consequences and can bear them."

Madam Ji was exasperated. "Take responsibility? You really make decisions on a whim. You don't regret it now, but what about in the future? Will you come crying to your mother again then?"

"I won't."

She would never cry for Wen Qiyan again in her life. Not just Wen Qiyan, but no man was worth it. Preserving her life was the most important thing. What could love and affection be more important than her life?

Her father was right: three-legged toads are hard to find, but two-legged men are everywhere! What are men anyway?

"My daughter has already said that she doesn't like Wen Qiyan, why won't you believe me, Mother?"

Madam Ji sneered, letting her figure out for herself why she wouldn't believe her.

In Madam Ji's opinion, Ji Wanyuan's words of dislike were just said in anger, a one-sided display of enthusiasm that would subside in a couple of days.

"Let me think about this matter," Madam Ji said dismissively, trying to calm her down.

Ji Wanyuan refused to listen. Despite her earnest and earnest words, she was determined to get a result today.

Madam Ji, however, was no longer going to indulge her. She told her that since she was home, she should rest well. If she wanted to go back, she should send someone to take her back, or personally take her back to the Wen family.

How could Ji Wanyuan possibly go back? She simply sat down at home, determined to pester her mother for a few days, and also to sound out her father's opinion, so that she could take the opportunity to avoid Wen Qiyan.

So she sent a maid to the Wen family to tell Madam Wen that it would take some more effort.

Madam Wen knew that her trip would probably not go smoothly, so she didn't say anything. She told the maid to tell Ji Wanyuan that she could rest assured about the Wen family.

With Madam Wen around, things will naturally stay stable. Ji Wanyuan isn't worried about any changes happening to the Wen family. What changes could possibly happen?

Her situation has become more complicated.

Unexpectedly, before she could even think of a good way to tell her father about Wen Qiyan taking a concubine, her mother had already complained to him first.

During dinner, the two of them "taught her a lesson".

Ji Wanyuan had barely taken a couple of bites of her food when she was already tired of hearing it.

She put on a stern face, "..."

She said she had heard enough and didn't want to hear anymore, but her parents wouldn't listen at all. They kept disagreeing and telling her to stop making a fuss. Her mother's idea was actually the same as Madam Wen's. She asked her if she was trying to test the Wen family and Wen Qiyan.

Ji Wanyuan felt irritated when she heard his name, but she couldn't bring herself to yell back, so she angrily said she wouldn't eat.

When Prime Minister Ji and his wife saw that she was truly angry, they stopped talking and tried to coax her to eat, but they still refused to give in.

Ji Lingyue stepped in to smooth things over, serving Ji Wanyuan some food and saying with a smile,

"These are your favorite crispy chicken nuggets, Yuanmei. Eat more."

"Mother made this by hand today. Father finished his business and learned that Yuanmei had returned. He didn't know that Mother had already gone to the kitchen to work. He specially instructed the maid to prepare the dishes that Yuanmei likes to eat. He kept saying yesterday that Yuanmei has lost weight since she got married."

Ji Lingyue had served Prime Minister Ji for many years, and his words and actions were always impeccable.

He calmed the three down with just a few words.

Ji Wanyuan's rebellious spirit was calmed down because she knew that Prime Minister Ji and Madam Ji were doing it for her own good and to help her.

Then she thought of something else: her father's strong opposition might very well be related to what she had asked her mother to convey yesterday.

I didn't know Cao Xin was around yesterday.

Therefore, she told Madam Ji that she wanted to live a peaceful life with Wen Qiyan and did not want to divorce him. It would be inappropriate to suddenly bring someone else into the family.

But... there's really no other way.

Unable to think of a good idea, she could only grit her teeth and steel herself, refusing to give Ji Lingyue any face, and angrily declared that she wouldn't eat.

Fearing she couldn't continue acting here, Ji Wanyuan left the main hall.

The three remained silent, "..."

Prime Minister Ji frowned, feeling that she was too willful, but it was all because he had spoiled her, and there was nothing he could do about it; she couldn't change her ways overnight.

After Ji Wanyuan left, Madam Ji was worried because Ji Wanyuan hadn't eaten much. She was pregnant, and what if something happened to her? Besides, her daughter had finally come back, and after her marriage, every meeting would be one less. Madam Ji didn't want to argue with her.

Knowing full well that sending food back would be tantamount to handing Ji Wanyuan a lever, and that she would inevitably take advantage of it and become arrogant, he knew he was just handing her a chance to climb up the ladder.

With a sigh, Madam Ji still ordered her servants to prepare some of Ji Wanyuan's favorite dishes, which she would personally take over.

Prime Minister Ji listened to Madam Ji's instructions without saying a word, which could be considered as tacit approval.

"Ling Yue, what do you think of this matter?" Prime Minister Ji asked, frowning.

Ji Lingyue served food to Prime Minister Ji, saying, "As for this matter, if you ask your son... I think we should follow Yuanmei's wishes."

"Oh?" Prime Minister Ji looked over.

"Tell me your opinion. Why should you listen to your sister?"

Ji Lingyue countered, "Father, do you think that given the current state of the court, the marriage between Yuanmei and Wen Qiyan can last?"

Some time ago, the palace's informants revealed that Wen Qiyan's motives for marrying Ji Wanyuan were impure.

Since the motives are impure, this marriage based on mutual benefit will end when the goal is achieved.

Prime Minister Ji did not speak, but gestured for him to continue.

"My father once taught his son that if the situation is too clear, it will benefit others as well as oneself, and it is easy to fish in troubled waters."

yes……

Even Ji Lingyue understands this principle, so why doesn't Prime Minister Ji understand it?

This is his adopted son, whom he raised himself.

But when it comes to my daughter, I always feel soft-hearted and don't want her to be too sad.

What if bringing this concubine into the household causes her heartache?

She was so fond of Wen Jiazi that she pursued him for so many years, shedding countless tears, and even resorting to all sorts of underhanded methods to get pregnant with his child and get involved with him.

But... if it weren't for His Majesty's permission, even if she had a child, Wen Qiyan would never have married her.

In order to please the Wen family, they are already arranging for Wen Qiyan to take a concubine, even though they have only been married for a short time.

How could his daughter, whom he had cherished since childhood, have become so humble and subservient?

While feeling disappointed in his son's lack of progress, Prime Minister Ji was more distressed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Ji Lingyue said, "Actually... if this concubine enters the family and becomes involved with Wen Qiyan, Yuanmei might be disappointed in him and the Wen family. At that time, she will be able to extricate herself and guard her heart."

The way Ji Wanyuan pursued Wen Qiyan was as if she were under a spell; Prime Minister Ji simply couldn't understand it and could only indulge her.

Over the years, she had no hope that she could turn her attention away from the Wen family.

“If Father is really worried, perhaps he can personally select someone to send to the Wen family as a concubine for Wen Qiyan. This person can also take care of Yuanmei.”

Prime Minister Ji had considered this possibility, but he feared the Wen family would not be happy about it.

Wen Ze and his son were quite wary of the Ji family.

"Let's wait and see if Ji Wanyuan's feelings will dissipate in a few days."

Besides that, there were other things to do. Everything was ready in Youzhou, but a problem arose just before mining began: one of the four main people in charge was arrested.

Not only will the mining schedule be delayed, but we also need to catch the spies. Who leaked the information? The imperial court is also in a difficult situation; we don't know where they've been imprisoned.

Ironically, the official in charge of the interrogation was none other than his own outstanding son-in-law.

Ji Lingyue comforted Prime Minister Ji, saying that all problems would be easily solved.

"..."

The stalemate lasted for days, but Ji Wanyuan showed no sign of backing down.

They even started a hunger strike.

Madam Ji had no idea where she got such a strong determination; the food was already being fed to her mouth, but she just refused to eat.

She was so hungry she almost fainted. A doctor gave her acupuncture, and she woke up. She cried and refused to eat, saying she wanted to die. He said that if she died, he would stop worrying about her.

Lady Ji and Prime Minister Ji were so angry with her that they suffered heart attacks, and they were furious.

It's truly a tragedy; I can't hit her, I can't scold her, and I can't just stand by and watch something happen to her.

In the end, he had no choice but to give in and said he wouldn't care anymore.

Ji Wanyuan finally achieved her goal. She was starving, and when Madam Ji brought over the food, she finally opened her mouth to eat.

That same day, Ji Wanyuan sent someone to deliver a message to Madam Wen.

Upon receiving the news, Madam Wen was entertaining Aunt Jiang and Cao Xin at her residence.

These days, Aunt Jiang has brought Cao Xin from the estate back to the Cao family home. After getting ready, she brought gifts to visit Madam Wen.

Unfortunately, Wen's father was busy and not at home. Not only was Wen's father busy, but Wen Qiyan was even busier. He left that morning and hasn't returned even once since. I heard that a major case has occurred in the Ministry of Justice.

When the maidservant whispered something in Madam Wen's ear, both mother and daughter heard it clearly.

Hearing that Ji Wanyuan had settled things with the Ji family, Aunt Jiang felt a huge weight lifted off her shoulders. She patted Cao Xin's hand, indicating that things were settled.

Cao Xin lowered her eyes and remained silent.

Madam Wen breathed a sigh of relief. Some time ago, she had brought it up again with her father, who had returned home to change clothes, but he still said that it was not going to work out.

But when he heard that it was Ji Wanyuan's idea, and learned that Ji Wanyuan had even gone back to her parents' home to negotiate with the Ji family, he frowned and remained silent.

Mrs. Wen whispered many things in his ear in an attempt to move him.

After trying to reason with him and appealing to his emotions, Wen's father, who was almost hoarse from talking, finally said helplessly after a long silence: "We'll wait for news from Ji Wanyuan. If the Ji family doesn't feel that taking a concubine at this juncture is unfair to their daughter, then I have nothing more to say."

Now the Ji family has been taken care of.

The matter of taking a concubine was now a done deal.

Madam Wen breathed a sigh of relief, and joy gradually rose in her heart. She just asked the little maid Ji Wanyuan who came to deliver the message if she had said when she would be back.

Before they could get a reply, the old woman standing at the entrance of the main hall called out that the eldest son had returned home.

Wen Qiyan is back?!

"Quickly, bring the eldest young master over here."

Aunt Jiang smiled instantly, "What perfect timing, Xin'er... your cousin is back."

"You two are really destined to meet. You just arrived and your cousin has already returned."

Madam Wen was pleased and sent someone to add more bowls and chopsticks, saying that she wanted Wen Qiyan to sit down and have a meal with her and chat.

Cao Xin blushed instantly as her elders teased her.

When Wen Qiyan entered the main hall, she greeted him politely, but she didn't even dare to look at him.

She only dared to steal a glance out of the corner of her eye, catching a glimpse of his tall and handsome figure, which made her blush even more. She whispered, "Greetings, cousin."

Wen Qiyan didn't pay any attention and responded casually. He was slightly puzzled that he hadn't seen Ji Wanyuan in the main hall.

Why is she not here today when we have guests at home?

Could it be that during the days he was away from home, she couldn't keep up the pretense and claimed to be feeling unwell, thus hiding away in the courtyard to be lazy?

Madam Wen asked him to wash his hands and sit down to eat, which distracted him from his thoughts.

"My son has been in the Ministry of Justice for a few days before returning. He needs to take a bath and change his clothes first. Mother and Aunt, please have dinner with my cousin first."

He originally wanted to ask why Ji Wanyuan wasn't there, but in the end, he didn't say anything.

If she wasn't in the main hall, she must be in the courtyard or the backyard. Where else could she be?

“That’s true, that’s true…” Madam Wen knew that he was a germaphobe and would take a bath every time he returned home from outside.

"Then you go first, we'll wait for you to come over for dinner."

"There's really no need for that. Mother, please enjoy the food while it's hot. I'll take my leave now."

After speaking, he nodded slightly to Aunt Jiang and her daughter as a gesture of respect before leaving.

Madam Wen watched Cao Xin staring in the direction Wen Qiyan had left, and said with a smile, "Let's have our meal first, and your cousin will come over later, then we can have him keep you company."

"Xin'er thanks Auntie."

"We're all family, no need to be so polite."

"..."

On his way back to the courtyard, as he passed the covered walkway, he subconsciously glanced toward the flower hall.

It was deserted over there, with only the courtyard and flowering trees, and the elderly women responsible for sweeping. There was no one else there.

Qinghe, who was following Wen Qiyan, saw him glancing at the flower hall, his gaze lingering slightly. She asked him if he needed any flowers or trees to take to the courtyard.

Wen Qiyan only realized that he was staring in that direction when the people around him asked him.

It's hard to pinpoint what he was looking at subconsciously, as if searching for something but not finding it, leaving him feeling slightly empty.

He frowned but didn't reply. He looked away and strode back to the courtyard.

We entered the courtyard.

The outer courtyard remained quiet, as did the inner courtyard. After changing clothes in the inner room, no one was seen. When the gaze swept over the bed, it was also neatly arranged, with no one resting.

He washed his hands and casually asked, "Where is he?"

Because it was said so casually and unintentionally, the people serving nearby thought they had misheard and didn't understand what Wen Qiyan had said or asked for a while.

He asked uncertainly, "Is the eldest young master asking about the young mistress?"

The man wiped his hands with a handkerchief, frowned, and remained silent.

Regardless of whether it was true or not, the maidservant quickly replied, "The young mistress has gone back to her parents' home."

Did you go back to your parents' home?

The man's brows furrowed even more deeply.

"Yes, the young mistress has been gone for quite some time and hasn't returned yet."

Wen Qiyan looked up. "When did you go back?"

The maidservant gave the specific date.

He was taken aback; it was the very day that the Ministry of Justice had ordered him to preside over the trial of the person in charge of the Youzhou mining operation after they had been apprehended.

I've been busy these days and haven't been back, so naturally I didn't know.

Thinking of her desperate escape that night, and his strange stirrings of desire...

When the servants saw that Wen Qiyan didn't ask again and noticed his furrowed brows, no one dared to speak.

When the man seemed to come to his senses, he dropped the handkerchief and went into the inner room to bathe and change clothes. The maids all bowed their heads and left, because Wen Qiyan did not like to be served when he was washing.

Half an hour later, Wen Qiyan still hadn't arrived in the main hall.

Madam Wen sent someone to invite them.

Cao Xin's heart skipped a beat when she heard his name.

Madam Wen didn't realize it, but Aunt Jiang saw it clearly.

She stopped Madam Wen and said, "There's no need to call Qi Yan over. He's been busy these past few days and deserves a rest. He's taking Xin'er to see her maternal grandmother today, so we won't bother him any longer."

"As for that matter, I'll have to trouble you, sister?"

Madam Wen thought about it and agreed that it was proper etiquette. Even though they were cousins, since the arrangement for her to become a concubine had already been made, it was not appropriate for them to meet too much before the marriage.

Moreover, Cao Xin has not had much contact with men outside the family, and she is very shy.

"Alright, then we won't call Qi Yan over to keep us company. There's plenty of time in the future."

Madam Wen personally saw the two out and gave Cao Xin some gifts.

Thinking that the matter of taking a concubine should be discussed in advance, she originally planned to go to the courtyard to find Wen Qiyan, but unexpectedly the old lady said that the eldest young master had come to the main hall and was in the south study next to the main hall.

Before Madam Wen entered, she knocked on the door. The man at the desk slightly raised his eyes and called out, "Mother."

"Your aunt and cousin just left, and you came right after. If you had come earlier, we might have run into each other. Are you still busy with work?"

After returning to his room and taking a shower, the man's handsome brows and eyes showed a cold weariness, probably because he had been busy with official duties these past few days.

His voice was casual, and he continued writing, his head bowed as he reviewed official documents. "Didn't we already see each other just now?"

"We have met, but we didn't exchange more than a few words." Madam Wen sat down beside him and asked if he wanted to eat. The kitchen was preparing food.

“My son has already used it at the Ministry of Justice, so Mother doesn’t need to worry.”

"Your father hasn't returned home yet, but you've come back first. Have you finished your official duties at the government office?"

Wen Qiyan, as always, was concise and to the point: "This is a temporary pause."

Madam Wen hummed in agreement. It was not appropriate to inquire too much about official matters of the court, as they were of great importance and required avoiding any appearance of impropriety.

She looked at Wen Qiyan, pondering how to bring up the matter of taking a concubine.

On the other hand, it was also strange that Wen Qiyan looked tired, with a hint of impatience in his eyes. If he was tired, why didn't he rest? Why did he come to the study again? Why did he go to the south study in the main hall to conduct business? Did he have something to say?

But what could he possibly say? If he really had something to say, why didn't he speak up? If he didn't, why couldn't he articulate his seemingly roundabout approach?

The south study in the main hall was used by him and his father. When his father was not at home, Wen Qiyan usually did not come here.

Speaking of this, back home, Wen Qiyan rarely sat down to have a proper talk with his mother. He was either in his study in his courtyard or in the government office, so busy that he never had a moment to rest.

Could it be that when he met with Aunt Jiang and Cao Xin on his way home, he had already guessed the matter of taking a concubine from a few words and the situation?

That's quite possible, after all, Wen Qiyan is almost demonically intelligent.

Thinking of this, Madam Wen instantly felt a sense of relief and found it easier to speak.

"You met your cousin just now, what did you think of her?"

Wen Qiyan reviewed the papers slowly, unsure if he was just too tired lately. The leader captured by the Ministry of Justice's secret agents was a formidable and capable man, and the interrogation was very mentally taxing.

After dealing with the other party for several days, using both soft and hard tactics and subtle probing, I finally managed to get some of my guesses confirmed from the roundabout information he revealed, which could be used as clues.

He returned home relaxed today, and he was indeed tired. He overheard the servants talking about Ji Wanyuan's return home in the courtyard, so he was absent-minded.

I had a slight, uncontrollable difficulty concentrating, focusing my thoughts entirely on the files in front of me.

Actually, it wasn't until I sat down at the desk that I started to look like this; it's been like this ever since I came here after taking a bath and sat down.

In his moment of distraction, he was thinking about the events of the past few days and pondering the reason for Ji Wanyuan's return home. Unable to figure it out, he was about to ask her something when Madam Wen asked him first.

"What?" He didn't quite catch what the question was about.

Mrs. Wen thought he was focused on official documents and therefore hadn't listened, so she repeated it.

Even after repeating it once, Wen Qiyan was still somewhat... stunned to the point of being slow to react?

She raised her voice again, "I'm asking about your cousin." Mrs. Wen sensed that something was wrong with him.

"What cousin?" Wen Qiyan stopped writing completely and lazily looked up.

"What do you think of your cousin?" Madam Wen asked indirectly.

"Why did the mother suddenly bring up her cousin and ask her son what her intention was?"

Unexpectedly, his answer was irrelevant. Madam Wen choked for a moment, but quickly put on a smile and said,

“Xin’er has been raised on the estate for many years, and you’ve only seen her a few times. You’ve met her during festivals, but since men and women sit at separate tables, you haven’t had a chance to speak to her. Now that you’ve seen her, you should ask her how she is.”

What's the problem?

He wasn't very close to his own sister, let alone his cousin from his aunt's side, who was an adopted daughter. Strictly speaking, they had no blood relation. What did all this have to do with him?

Having listened to a bunch of nonsense, Wen Qiyan was very impatient, but because the person in front of him was his elderly mother, he remained silent.

He carefully considered his words, not intending to engage in the conversation, and was about to ask about the "culprit" that was distracting him when Madam Wen once again spoke before him.

"Although we didn't exchange more than a few words, we did manage to meet. Has Xin'er become even more beautiful?"

Wen Qiyan, “…?”

"What exactly does Mother want to say? Why not just speak frankly to her son?" His impatience was starting to show.

Madam Wen also noticed this, cleared her throat, paused for a moment, and then formally and carefully got to the point.

"Your cousin has passed the age of marriage and is of marriageable age. Your mother and your aunt—"

After three sentences, he was still beating around the bush. Wen Qiyan raised his other hand, pinched his aching brow, and interrupted him directly.

"Is it right that Mother wants her son to find a suitable man from among the officials for her cousin to marry?"

"Yes...no, no, no, that's not right!"

Madam Wen misunderstood and almost agreed, but when she came to her senses, she quickly stopped Wen Qiyan and told him that it wasn't like that.

"If that's not it, then how is it?"

Right now, Wen Qiyan's impatience was completely on his face. He pinched his brow, lowered his eyelashes, and didn't want to look at the case file anymore. His mood was worsened by Madam Wen's words, and he couldn't leave.

"Mother's idea is to bring your cousin into the family as a concubine, so that she can serve you alongside Ji Wanyuan."

"…What?"

Upon suddenly hearing the name of the "culprit" that had been swirling in his mind and distracting him, the man paused, frowned slightly, and raised his eyelids to look.

“Your uncle’s family is very close to us, and your cousin has grown up to be such a beautiful and graceful young woman. She is well-educated, literate, gentle, and charming, and she can also make excellent soups. We should bring her into the family and have her serve you. That would be wonderful.”

“I’ve already discussed it with your father and aunt, and they think it’s feasible. That’s why I called you over earlier to take another look at your cousin.”

“But your aunt and cousin said you were tired from working for several days in a row, and told you to rest first and see them another day. Who knew you would come to this study? If I had known, I should have kept you here.”

After Madam Wen finished speaking, Wen Qiyan remained silent.

He held a pen in one hand, while the other remained in the gesture of pinching his brow. Madam Wen asked with a smile, "What do you think?"

Her son was usually very reserved and never showed his emotions.

Even though Madam Wen had been observing his expression very carefully, she still couldn't discern anything.

On the contrary, the feeling that something was wrong with him had lingered since she entered the study through the door, and now seeing Wen Qiyan like this, the feeling that something was wrong became even stronger.

But she couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong.

After a moment, he finally spoke, "A concubine?...You agree?"

"Yes, I agree." Mrs. Wen nodded.

"Did Father agree too?" he asked again.

"Yes, your father agreed as well."

Then he stopped asking, but his gaze remained fixed on her, clearly indicating that he had more to say. Madam Wen was not stupid and quickly realized what he meant.

"Are you worried that Ji Wanyuan won't agree or nod in consent?"

Wen Qiyan remained silent.

But in her heart, she had already made up her mind and scoffed. Taking a concubine? Putting everything else aside, how could she possibly agree to that?

Ji Wanyuan will inevitably tear off the facade of gentle obedience she has maintained since marrying into the Wen family; she will cry, make a scene, and throw a tantrum.

It is even possible that, as in the past, they will stop at nothing to exert pressure by using the "status power" of the eldest daughter of the Ji family to prevent his mother and father from taking a concubine for him.

It's all uncertain...

But to his surprise, Madam Wen smiled and reassured him that Ji Wanyuan had also agreed, and she nodded in agreement.

"?"

etc……

Did Ji Wanyuan agree?

She actually... agreed with a smile?!

Upon hearing this news, Wen Qiyan was unusually astonished, and even lost his composure by suddenly snapping the pen and ink in his hand.

Madam Wen, who was smiling and talking to him, was startled. Before she could finish the word "Qi—", she saw her son frown and his face darken.

Mrs. Wen, “…?”

Although Ji Wanyuan smiled and nodded in agreement, he was indeed shocked, but was he really that shocked? Shocked to the point of anger? That doesn't seem right, does it?

After a moment of silence, the man finally came to his senses.

His expression seemed to have returned to normal. He lowered his eyes, took a handkerchief from the side, and slowly wiped his jade-like fingertips, which were stained with specks of dirt from the broken ink.

It looked normal, but for no apparent reason, it made Madam Wen feel inexplicably dangerous.

Seeing him like this, a thought vaguely arose in Madam Wen's mind, but it was shrouded in mist and could not be grasped for the time being...

This is not the time for contemplation.

Madam Wen put aside her thoughts, straightened her face, and continued, "Not only Ji Wanyuan, but the entire Ji family has agreed!"

"Otherwise, you've only just gotten married, how can we let you take a concubine at this crucial juncture? They'll at least have some reservations. So just let it go—"

Before he could finish speaking, he met the person in front of him who suddenly looked up and revealed cold, dark eyes.

Madam Wen was startled again, even more so than before, because she rarely saw Wen Qiyan like this, and she stopped talking.

"W-what's wrong?"

What did she, as a mother, say wrong?

He smiled faintly and repeated, "The Ji family... agreed?"

Madam Wen noticed that the atmosphere around her was gradually turning cold. "Yes...yes, the Ji family has all agreed."

A cool, clear voice picked out a single word and repeated it.

"All?"

"Who in the Ji family has given their consent?" the man asked again, his dark eyes growing colder.

"Madam Ji, Lord Ji, Ji Wanyuan have all agreed."

The man's ambiguous smile deepened, appearing genuinely cheerful yet sending a chill down one's spine.

"Ji Wanyuan agreed?"

Madam Wen nodded, "I agree..." Hadn't she already said that? She smiled and nodded in agreement.

He's asked several times, and she's answered several times. What's wrong with that?

Madam Wen still didn't think too deeply about it, only assuming that Wen Qiyan was just like she and Aunt Jiang back then, shocked to hear Ji Wanyuan ask him to take a concubine, and couldn't accept it several times, hence the constant questioning.

After all, Ji Wanyuan was so possessive of him and extremely domineering.

"She agreed."

To ease Wen Qiyan's mind, Madam Wen repeatedly said so.

He even raised his eyebrows to ease the tension,

"Not only did she agree, but she was the one who brought up the idea of ​​you taking a concubine."

“Your father and I were initially reluctant, after all, you and she are newlyweds, and you haven’t been married long.”

She brought it up herself...?

The man with the gloomy face caught another key word.

It was utterly bewildering; he even repeated with disbelief and amusement, "Her? Ji Wanyuan brought it up herself?"

Did he take the initiative to suggest that his father and mother arrange for him to take a concubine?

Before even speaking, Wen Qiyan, who had managed to calm down, felt something was off, as if something didn't make sense.

If the idea of ​​taking a concubine was the mother's, and Ji Wanyuan was pregnant, it was understandable that she wanted to give him a concubine to serve him.

Even so, fearing that he would disagree, his mother took the initiative and brought his cousin to the house to meet him beforehand. She was determined to get his approval and his approval.

Because his marriage to Ji Wanyuan involves court politics, his father would definitely not agree, but his mother just said that his father has agreed.

How could his father agree? He didn't even inform him?

He had been at the Ministry of Justice these past few days, not going to the Censorate, and hadn't seen his father, but... his father must have thought things through carefully before nodding, which meant...

Wen Qiyan's thoughts were in great turmoil, and an inexplicable anger surged in his heart. He tried to suppress it, but he couldn't say whether it was because he had been deceived and kept in the dark, or something else entirely.

When he spoke of the words she had brought up, the heaviness in his voice betrayed the resentment he was suppressing.

He noticed it himself, but Madam Wen didn't, only nodding firmly in affirmation.

"Ji Wanyuan said that she was pregnant and it would be difficult for her to take care of you. She was worried that she would wrong you and ruin your relationship."

"They also said that she was really narrow-minded before. Before she got married, Prime Minister Ji and Madam Ji gave her earnest advice, telling her to be obedient and tolerant in her husband's family, so she changed."

Wen Qiyan scoffed, "Changed it?"

What was changed? The changes are infuriating.

Why is she so annoying?

Before she changed, she would surround him every day for several years, relentlessly pursuing him and annoying him. After she changed, her aloofness annoyed him even more, and he even wanted to tear her apart.

What is he?

It's really good. After only a few days, you dare to make decisions for him? You kept him in the dark, smoothed things over with both families, and arranged for him to take a concubine?

It has to be said that Miss Ji is really amazing. Thinking of this, Wen Qiyan laughed in exasperation.

Madam Wen looked as if she had seen a ghost, wondering what he was doing with his chilling, cold laughter.

Not only was Madam Wen unaware, but even he himself was unclear about it.

Everything he had just learned felt like a heavy blow to the head, "injuring" him and infuriating him.

But after calming down, he thought that perhaps it was a ploy by Ji Wanyuan to play hard to get.

She did even worse things, such as drugging him and forcing him to have sex.

It's just a matter of taking a concubine; she hasn't actually been brought into the household yet.

Why is he in such a hurry? Why is he so concerned and angry?

"..."

When he first heard his mother mention taking a concubine, he paused for a moment, not realizing it was related to her. He even wondered if it wasn't just what happened that day that had pushed her too "close" and too "tight," thus "scaring" her back to the Ji family.

And then the reason for taking a concubine got involved? So she got jealous and went back to her parents' home and wouldn't come back?

But upon closer listening, he learned from his mother that she had agreed. He was shocked and lost his composure, but he still harbored a sliver of disbelief.

He was still thinking, "It's impossible. How could Ji Wanyuan really agree to let him take a concubine?"

She must be pretending to be magnanimous again. If she really agreed, why would she warn the maids in the courtyard not to do anything to get close to him?

After listening to his mother's entire explanation, he realized that she was the one who orchestrated the concubine arrangement for him, leaving him unsure of what to do or say. It was truly difficult to discern the truth.

For the first time in his life, he experienced restlessness in his study.

Besides, a strange and intense anger filled his chest, pounding back and forth, unleashing a continuous stream of fury. It would be suppressed, but soon it would surge up again, seemingly endless, like boiling water, sometimes calming down, sometimes churning.

Madam Wen noticed that something was wrong with him and was about to ask when Wen Qiyan suddenly stood up.

"My son has to go out and can't talk to his mother."

Then, by the time Madam Wen realized what was happening, he was nowhere to be found in the South Study.

"..."

what is going on?

Wen Qiyan didn't look shocked; he was angry, very angry.

What is he angry about?

Madam Wen sat there in a daze for a while, carefully recalling the conversation between the two of them and Wen Qiyan's series of reactions. The strange thoughts that had been lingering in her mind suddenly cleared up.

Mrs. Wen suddenly gripped the armrest of the chair tightly.

"!"

No...no way?

"..."

After making a scene for several days, Ji Wanyuan finally achieved her goal. She ate a hearty meal and, after eating and drinking her fill, originally intended to lie down and rest.

But because he hadn't eaten for a long time, he ate too much all at once, and it was uncomfortable to lie down, sit, or lean against anything... so he could only take Emerald for a walk in the backyard.

Madam Ji was originally going to accompany her, but a servant came to report that a guest had suddenly arrived; it was the wife of a collateral branch of the Ji family.

Ji Wanyuan didn't want to see these relatives because they always liked to pester her with questions as soon as they met, which was very annoying. So she didn't plan to go to the front hall with them.

Anyway, since Madam Ji didn't say anything, these relatives probably don't know she's back.

Madam Ji always doted on her daughter, so of course she couldn't force her to go and talk with the guests. As usual, she let her daughter have her way, and if she didn't want to go, she didn't have to. Before leaving, she instructed the people around her to take good care of her.

Emerald followed Ji Wanyuan for a long time. Seeing that she was in a very good mood, with a smile on her face, she was almost humming a little tune. Emerald didn't know what to say.

Because Jade simply couldn't understand why Ji Wanyuan insisted on getting the Ji family to agree to Wen Qiyan taking a concubine. What benefit would that bring her?

After thinking it over, there was absolutely no benefit to it. No matter how she asked or tried to probe, Ji Wanyuan refused to reveal her intentions.

All they knew was that they wanted to find a concubine for Wen Qiyan.

She seemed extremely happy to take this concubine.

Jade couldn't help but wonder, was this still the same young lady? The young lady who used to be so domineering that if any other woman even glanced at Young Master Wen, she would stand in front of him like a mother hen, baring her teeth and glaring at him?

Before Miss Wen and Young Master Wen got married, they had no relation whatsoever. She was so protective of him and clingy to him. Now that they're married and have a child, she... has changed?

Could it be the legendary boredom? Really don't like it anymore? Don't want it anymore? Why throw away something you've liked for years now?

"Miss...when shall we return to the Wen family?"

Jade changed the subject, saying that the little maid she sent to deliver a message to Madam Wen the other day had asked about it.

"Hmm, tomorrow then."

Didn't Aunt Jiang bring her adopted daughter Cao Xin along? Let's go and say hello.

She didn't want to go back to the Wen family, but she needed to get the matter of Wen Qiyan taking a concubine settled as soon as possible so she could feel at ease; otherwise, the events in the storybooks would remain unchanged.

When this is brought up, Ji Wanyuan is speechless and helpless.

Some time ago, she racked her brains and painstakingly spoke those words to her mother, asking her to convey to her father that he should do a good job as an official, repay the emperor's great favor, and not offend the Wen family.

Her mother did convey the message, but her father didn't take it seriously at all. Now, because of this matter, he doesn't believe her words at all.

He scolded her for only knowing how to fool around, being infatuated with a Wen family member, and becoming more and more abnormal. No matter what she said, he ignored her. Anyway, she was powerful now, even willing to ruin her own body.

Thinking of this, Ji Wanyuan sighed. It was as if she had come full circle. Everything she had done was in vain. Her father no longer believed her!

Even if she told him everything now, he would probably just think she had read too many stories and was talking nonsense.

Fortunately, the matter of taking a concubine is almost certain.

But just as the words "sure as a done deal" popped into her mind, she heard the maid rush over and say that someone from the Wen family had come to take her back.

"The Wen family?"

Madam Wen? Really? It's so late, why are they coming to pick us up? Is Madam Wen even more eager than she is to let the Cao family in? Or has something unexpected happened?

"Who is it?" Emerald asked for her.

The maid said that the young master had come to pick her up in person.

Son-in-law? Wen Qiyan? It can only be Wen Qiyan.

Before even seeing him, upon hearing his name, Ji Wanyuan's heart skipped a beat, as if something bad was about to happen.

But she couldn't quite put her finger on where this strange, jolting premonition came from.

Yes, but where did it come from?

Ji Wanyuan reassured herself, telling herself not to scare herself unnecessarily; she must just be too tired lately to have such a misconception.

I've been thinking about taking a concubine lately, and I keep thinking about things that happen in storybooks, which is why I'm feeling anxious and scared.

She got up, took a few steps, stopped, and walked back. Why should she go pick up Wen Qiyan? She was six months pregnant!

So she sent her maid to fetch him.

A short while later, the man arrived.

Even from a great distance, Ji Wanyuan could see his tall, outstanding, and incredibly eye-catching figure.

He wasn't alone; Madam Ji and her relatives, including his aunt, also came along.

"Why didn't you tell your aunt that Yuan'er is back? Your mother didn't mention it at all. If I had known you were at home, I would have brought generous gifts to visit you."

Ji Wanyuan felt a chill run down her spine under Wen Qiyan's gaze, and awkwardly chuckled in response.

She then explained that she had been feeling unwell recently and was worried that the illness might not go away unnoticed, so she asked her mother not to mention that she was at home. It wasn't that she didn't want to go out and meet people, but she asked her elders not to mind if she had been impolite.

"We're all family, what's the big deal!"

The other person smiled and stepped forward, asking her how many months pregnant she was, whether she was experiencing morning sickness, and what she usually ate...

Just as Ji Wanyuan had expected, once she started speaking, she didn't stop at all. Fortunately, Madam Ji helped her speak, otherwise Ji Wanyuan would have felt really annoyed. It felt like there were countless bees buzzing around her.

Asking her wasn't enough; the conversation quickly turned to Wen Qiyan.

Ji Wanyuan only breathed a sigh of relief while the man was being "interrogated".

To be honest, she really felt a chill run down her spine from Wen Qiyan's gaze just now. What was wrong with him? So late, without any warning, he suddenly came to the Ji family's door to take her back?

After they met, he stared at her with a cold gaze, as if she had done something to wrong him.

Could it be that he's still holding a grudge about what happened that day?

But she was the one being bullied and oppressed! She wasn't even angry, so why was Wen Qiyan angry?

He wanted to kiss her, but got angry because he couldn't?

Hmph! What a wicked and despicable man.

He was even secretly glaring at her while she was answering? Ji Wanyuan didn't consider herself someone who would suffer a loss, so when Wen Qiyan went back to ask his aunt about it, she also glared back.

Her glare wasn't well hidden, and apart from the Ji family relatives who were eager to find out about Wen Qiyan, Madam Ji and the maids beside her all saw it.

Not to mention the incredibly perceptive person involved, who had already noticed it.

Ji Wanyuan didn't expect that while responding to his aunt's words, he could still casually glance at her.

Although the man's gaze was light and casual, the depth of his eyes was inexplicably frightening.

It was as if a black hole had sucked her in, condemning her to eternal damnation; it had come specifically to take her in.

Ji Wanyuan was already afraid of him, and these past two days at home, the Ji family members have been indulging her, which has brought back her spoiled princess temper.

Now that Wen Qiyan has appeared and is staring at her intently, she is instantly reminded of those feelings of fear he has instilled in her.

As a result, Ji Wanyuan's momentum gradually weakened, and she only dared to mutter to herself, no longer daring to stand up to the man and compete to see who was the boss.

"..."

Wen Qiyan is a rising star in the court and enjoys immense favor with the emperor.

The relatives of the Ji family went on and on, until Madam Ji finally interrupted them, and the collateral relatives reluctantly gave up with awkward smiles.

Wen Qiyan then explained his purpose, saying that he had come to pick up Ji Wanyuan and take her back, adding that he had been busy with official duties recently and therefore had not had the time.

After speaking, his gaze fell on her again.

Originally, Ji Wanyuan had a clear conscience, but she was inexplicably made to feel guilty by his deep gaze.

A sense of fear crept up her back, and her ominous premonition grew stronger and stronger. She even didn't want to go back with him.

But... the matter of taking a concubine hasn't been completely settled yet.

At this point, Ji Wanyuan wondered if Wen Qiyan knew about the concubine.

Did he come to the Ji family to find her because of this matter?

Isn't he happy about taking a concubine? He seems...very angry.

Is it her imagination?

I really don't understand, so I can only stop thinking about it for now, because her mother called her name and spoke to her.

Despite her trepidation, Ji Wanyuan, knowing she had to be prepared to face the consequences, politely declined her mother's suggestion that the two of them stay overnight and followed the man back to the Wen residence.

She needed to get the concubine arrangement done as soon as possible. Wen Qiyan was also very busy; he could be gone for days at a time.

Ji Wanyuan didn't want to delay, lest things get complicated, regardless of whether Wen Qiyan's visit to the Ji family to pick her up was about taking a concubine.

In short, she made up her mind to tell him when she got back, and to set a date for the Cao family girl's marriage as soon as possible so that she could help Madam Wen with the arrangements.

After boarding the carriage, there was utter silence.

Neither of them spoke.

Ji Wanyuan knew many of Wen Qiyan's habits, such as reading books inside the carriage, so the Wen family kept many books in their carriages.

Previously, when he returned to his hometown, he rode in the same carriage with his mother and read books, but this time, he didn't touch a single book.

He was expressionless, silent, and exuded a chilling aura.

Sitting next to him, she felt a chill creeping over her, and unconsciously tightened the collar of her cloak.

What's wrong with him?

Ji Wanyuan rolled her round eyes, thinking to herself.

That's strange.

She was just wondering whether she should bring up the topic of taking a concubine to probe why he was giving her the cold shoulder again.

Before she could even think of what to say first, she heard the man's cool voice suddenly rang out.

"I heard from Mother that you suggested I take a concubine?"

Ji Wanyuan was stunned for a moment, then asked, "Huh?" before regaining her senses.

"……Um."

He did know about the concubine, but why... did he sound so displeased?

Did he dislike his cousin, or... did he feel that the position of concubine was beneath Cao Xin?

Unsure of the man's meaning, Ji Wanyuan didn't dare to speak rashly.

But after waiting for a while, he didn't say anything, as if he was still waiting for her to speak.

After much deliberation, she decided to "take the initiative to confess," and of course, she used the same excuse as when dealing with Madam Wen and Aunt Jiang.

She said that she was pregnant and could no longer serve him, so she suggested to Madam Wen that they take a concubine. It just so happened that Aunt Jiang said that she had a girl of marriageable age in her family. Isn't that a coincidence?

Then, Madam Wen was worried that the Ji family wouldn't be happy, so she came back and tried to persuade them. Of course, she didn't mention how much effort she had put into getting him a concubine, only that she had spent a lot of time and effort persuading them, and that her parents had finally agreed today.

Because of Wen Qiyan's cold and fierce appearance, Ji Wanyuan was able to be flexible and softened her voice.

But she didn't expect that even after she had humbled herself so much, he was still not satisfied. After she finished speaking, he looked over and asked her with a cold smile,

"So, I should thank my wife?"

Looking at the man's ambiguous smile and listening to his sarcastic tone.

Still calling her "wife"?

Ji Wanyuan felt disgusted and inwardly scoffed, but she forced a smile and waved her hand, returning the gesture with equal revulsion, "Husband, you don't need to be so polite, it's all I should do."

"It's all for the sake of the Wen family to have many descendants and flourish in the future. It's also my duty as a wife."

Her wording was fine, wasn't it? It was all for the purpose of expanding the family business.

That being said, even if it wasn't for the sake of having more children, why wouldn't he be happy to have another concubine?

As far as she knew, Fang Chao and his ilk were all eager to take eighteen concubines, and the more the better, wishing they could fill their harems to the brim!

Wen Qiyan... People in the capital say he is not interested in women. She used to believe that.

Right now...

How is he not close?! He's clearly very close! Very close to her.

Even if his approach was motivated by ulterior motives, well... he clearly had intentions too. Whether it was an act or not, he was still taking advantage of her and bullying her.

Ji Wanyuan dared not speak, silently grumbling to herself while maintaining a docile and obedient demeanor on her face.

After Wen Qiyan finished speaking, his gaze lingered on her face for a long time. It was unclear what he was looking at. Was there something dirty on her face? Otherwise, why would Wen Qiyan look at her like that?

Of course, she knew she was quite beautiful; could it be that Wen Qiyan was attracted to her?

Even though Ji Wanyuan was generally quite composed, she was starting to get restless.

It's one thing for others to look, but when Wen Qiyan looks at her like that, she's genuinely scared. Is he going to continue what he didn't finish that day?

"..."

Just as she was about to say something casually to distract him, the man spoke first.

He casually tossed out the sentence that he would not take a concubine, almost leaving Ji Wanyuan stunned.

A slight crack appeared in the gentle smile she maintained, and she even lost her composure, no longer feigning concern for him as her husband, but instead...

"W-what did you say?"

Seeing that she was starting to lose her composure, as if she was too shocked to understand, I noticed that she was starting to lose her composure.

Wen Qiyan noticed that the burning frustration in his heart had dissipated slightly, but only slightly.

He disliked Ji Wanyuan's pretentious manner and her nonsensical words as a fake virtuous wife and loving mother.

Why do I dislike it...?

The man paused, because... her affected manner was truly ugly, no better than her previous clingy and persistent way of following him.

Moreover, her docile and obedient nature meant that she still hadn't opened her heart to him.

Unable to get close to Ji Wanyuan, he would be unable to receive the imperial edicts, obtain the information he needed, and then use it for his own purposes.

Yes, that's just how he is; there's no other reason.

The man lowered his eyes to suppress his agitated emotions, revealing no flaws that allowed others to discern his true intentions.

"..."

Ji Wanyuan was too preoccupied to notice any flaws in the man's emotions at that moment.

She was stunned, dumbfounded.

She couldn't understand what was going on.

She managed to appease both the elders of the Wen and Ji families, and both sides agreed.

Just when it seemed that the matter of taking a concubine was a sure thing, everything in the story was about to take a different turn. She might not die, and the Ji family might not be in trouble, but then Wen Qiyan suddenly appeared and said that he would not take a concubine.

Why is that? Why won't he accept it?

What went wrong? Why would he be unwilling? Isn't that his cousin? His aunt's cousin!

If he disagrees, then he'll be doing all the things described in the storybooks again.

Her mind raced, and Ji Wanyuan really wanted to stay calm, analyze carefully what was wrong, and then plan her next move and make a decision.

But when she thought about everything that happened in the storybook, and all the effort she had put into finding him a concubine these past few days, it was something that couldn't be explained in just a few words.

What's more, she was starving! She had been starving for several days! She had only managed to sneak a few pastries, and she almost lost her baby! She cried from hunger, and her mother cried with heartache.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "You...you don't like your cousin?"

Could it be that he has Lin Nianxi on his mind?

Does he like Lin Nianxi?

Yes, Wen Qiyan doesn't get close to any noble ladies in the capital, but he gives Lin Nianxi a kind look and speaks to her very gently.

Apart from Lin Nianxi, she hadn't seen him give any of the other high-society ladies a second glance.

She had wanted to cause trouble for Lin Nianxi, but Wen Qiyan stopped her each time, and she ultimately failed.

Such careful care, what else could it be but affection?

So, apart from Lin Nianxi, Wen Qiyan doesn't want anyone else?

But if asked to go find Lin Nianxi, Ji Wanyuan felt she couldn't do it. She didn't like Lin Nianxi. She and Lin Nianxi had been rivals for many years, and even their petty squabbles over clothes and tea were nothing.

But in the storybook, it was because of Lin Nianxi's bullying and neglect that her son died young!

Of course, Wen Qiyan, the adoptive father in the story, is also involved.

Therefore, she dislikes both Wen Qiyan and Lin Nianxi!

"Which eye of Miss Ji saw that I like someone?"

So this is his cousin who doesn't like him.

But then again, Wen Qiyan still hasn't learned how to talk to her properly after all these years.

He always called her Miss Ji in a sarcastic and cold tone, and every time he opened his mouth, he would say something sarcastic to her.

Ji Wanyuan was really angry. That bastard!

Aaaaaah!

She wanted to know the answer but didn't say it outright, and asked with a hint of annoyance, "Then... if you don't like your cousin, who do you like?"

As long as it's not Lin Nianxi, she'll find a way to bring her to him, okay?

It just takes a little more effort.

Ji Wanyuan gritted her teeth inwardly. She could still afford to put in the effort for now! Because it wasn't even three months yet, and she hadn't given birth.

After asking that question, she waited for Wen Qiyan to respond, waiting for him to say a name.

But he looked at her without saying a word, his gaze fixed on her.

His eyes were cold and deep, inexplicably fierce.

Ji Wanyuan was a little scared by his gaze, but in order to bolster her confidence, she forced herself to hold her breath and did not lower her head.

After a while, she was really speechless.

Oh well, she still couldn't confront him directly. After all, his backer was the emperor, and even if she was dissatisfied, she couldn't offend him.

Ji Wanyuan suppressed her anger and softened her tone, "Go ahead and say it."

"I'll find you whoever you like, and I'll try my best to find them for you."

If Wen Qiyan says she likes Lin Nianxi, then... should she accept her or not?

By accepting the offer, one could change the course of the story.

If not accepted...

She couldn't figure it out, her head was spinning, and she was exhausted.

A moment later, the man's answer surprised her, for he said, "Why should I take a concubine?"

Ji Wanyuan, “…?”

"Why do you insist on giving me a concubine?"

Before Ji Wanyuan could even think of a reply to his previous question, Wen Qiyan's next question followed immediately.

Moreover, when he asked the question, his eyes suddenly turned stern as he stared intently at her.

Ji Wanyuan choked for a moment under his gaze.

"I……"

She hadn't decided how to reply yet.

Suddenly, the carriage stopped.

Outside, Emerald called out to the young lady and son-in-law, saying they had arrived at the Wen residence.

We've arrived.

Ji Wanyuan conveniently found an excuse, "If my husband has anything to say to me, let's wait until we get back."

It's quite a coincidence. She needs to think about how to reply to him, or whether to not reply at all and have Madam Wen talk to him directly.

They pressured him to let Cao Xin into the house.

But Ji Wanyuan didn't expect that when she was about to get off the carriage first, Wen Qiyan actually reached out and grabbed her wrist.

A warm, large hand gripped her wrist, its heat making her speechless.

Ji Wanyuan's lips trembled involuntarily with nervousness.

She met the man's eyes, and before she could even ask him what he wanted, why did he suddenly grab her wrist?

Wen Qiyan then led her off the carriage and pulled her towards the courtyard.

She whispered for him to let go, but the man wouldn't listen at all, completely ignoring her.

Many members of the Wen family witnessed this scene, and everyone was astonished, exchanging bewildered glances.

After the two disappeared through the hanging flower gate and walked towards the covered corridor, they began to whisper to each other.

Meanwhile, on Madam Wen's side, ever since Wen Qiyan left home saying he had something to do, that thought had popped into her mind and she had been feeling somewhat uneasy.

Madam Wen still found it absurd; after all, how could she possibly believe that Wen Qiyan liked Ji Wanyuan?

That's impossible.

Ji Wanyuan has been pestering him for so many years, if it weren't for this child?

child……

Thinking of her child, Mrs. Wen's thoughts paused again.

The existence of a child signifies that the two had once shared the most intimate and intimate moments.

Moreover... this ritual of Zhou Gong was not performed only once.

On the other hand, if Wen Qiyan didn't like Ji Wanyuan and didn't have feelings for her, how could he have had a child with her in the first place?

Even now, she, as the mother, still doesn't understand how the two of them suddenly developed feelings for each other.

But to be honest, matters between men and women, love and affection, are inseparable.

After thinking for a moment, Madam Wen simply sent someone out to follow Wen Qiyan and see what he was doing. The person who followed him returned and told him that he had gone to the Ji family.

Why would someone go to the Ji family for no reason? If it's not for official business, then it must be for personal matters, like picking up Ji Wanyuan?

At present, Mr. Wen has not returned.

Wen Qiyan brought Ji Wanyuan back first.

But the one who pulled her by the wrist went straight back to the courtyard.

Hearing the old woman say this, Mrs. Wen's suspicions were further confirmed.

She was certain that even if Wen Qiyan didn't like Ji Wanyuan, he still had feelings for her, otherwise he wouldn't have acted this way.

If that's the case, what will happen to Cao Xin?

"..."

Ji Wanyuan struggled the whole way, begging him to let go, saying she was in so much pain.

But Wen Qiyan seemed completely oblivious to her exclamation. The more she struggled, the harder he gripped her wrist, controlling her.

The force with which he pulled her towards the Wen family home that day during the wedding procession was comparable to the strength he used when he held her hand and dragged her there.

In short, he hurt her, and only let go when they got to the courtyard.

Ji Wanyuan stopped and looked down. Her wrists were red and almost broken.

Even if the skin isn't broken, it's almost there.

Tomorrow will surely be a day of bruises and discoloration.

Wen Qiyan truly has no sense of tenderness or compassion, neither in bed nor out of bed.

Even though she could tolerate it, she was in a bad mood because the plan to take a concubine was about to fall through, and she didn't hide her feelings in her tone.

"What, what's wrong with you now?"

Soon after the words left her mouth, Ji Wanyuan began to regret them, but she didn't know what to do to make amends.

She remained silent, feeling uneasy under his gaze, so she turned her back, intending to ask Emerald to get her medicine and use the opportunity to change the subject.

However, none of the young maids serving Jade entered the inner room, and the maids who were serving nearby all "very perceptive" went out.

The large inner room contained only her and Wen Qiyan.

Ji Wanyuan had no choice but to find the ointment herself.

In the past, it was Jade who was in charge of organizing these things, so she really didn't know where Jade was kept.

She simply opened and looked through each of the small drawers on the dressing table.

Wen Qiyan stood behind her, watching her rummage through the things.

After searching for a long time without finding it, she began to frown.

She had searched the entire dressing table, but Ji Wanyuan still couldn't find any trace of the ointment; all she found were her rouge and face powder.

She had no idea that she possessed so much rouge, face powder, and hibiscus dew.

Perhaps it's not on the dressing table anymore, but placed on the edge of the bed?

Just as she was about to go over there to look, the man who had been silently watching from the side suddenly reached out and pulled her back.

Caught off guard, Ji Wanyuan was pulled away by his long arm, which wrapped around her waist.

In a dizzying moment, she found herself sitting on Wen Qiyan's lap!

Not only was she stunned, but the man also paused for a moment.

Originally, he only intended to grab her, sit her on a round stool, and apply medicine to her.

But Ji Wanyuan reacted like a cat with its fur standing on end at the slightest touch. Seeing her struggle, and wanting to protect her from her stomach so she wouldn't bump into the edge of the round table, he twisted his wrist, and who knew such an accident would happen.

He was suddenly enveloped by the soft, fragrant body and smelled a rich scent of perfume.

But in addition to that, there is a subtle fragrance hidden beneath the rich, powdery scent.

He hadn't smelled it many times, but... he was actually able to distinguish Ji Wanyuan's unique scent from the incredibly complex scents of rouge and face powder.

Was it because his sense of smell was too keen and his memory too good, or was it because the faint fragrance on her body was too rare?

For a moment, Wen Qiyan found himself unable to defend himself.

"..."

Ji Wanyuan had no idea what the man who was holding her from behind was thinking.

Through the bronze mirror in front of her, she could only vaguely see his cold face, expressionless as if he were angry.

What exactly is he angry about?

To be honest, Ji Wanyuan still doesn't understand.

Taking a concubine should be a good thing for him, right?

Wait a minute, her mind suddenly clicked.

Wen Qiyan's feelings for her are not pure... No, Wen Qiyan has no feelings for her at all, so his anger is probably related to matters of the court, right? He feels she is not easy to manipulate, so he starts to "take a risky approach"?

On the other hand, is it because he's worried that if he takes a concubine, it will be harder to win her over and use her?

Ji Wanyuan wondered if her advocacy for taking a concubine would make Wen's father and Wen Qiyan suspect that she had "ulterior motives".

Just as Ji Wanyuan was lost in thought, she felt a chill on her wrist. Looking down, she saw that her sleeve had been rolled up. Wen Qiyan had magically produced the ointment, just like last time.

Is it... the bottle I used to treat her "injuries" last time?

They look somewhat similar; the medicine also feels cool when applied.

Thinking back to what happened on the bed last time.

Ji Wanyuan instantly became alert, "..."

Although we are not in bed now, in some ways it is not much different from that day.

At this moment, she was sitting on Wen Qiyan's lap, his wrists wrapped around her to make it easier to apply the medicine, trapping her between his arms and the round table.

She couldn't move the round table made of sandalwood, nor could she push Wen Qiyan away, so she was essentially bound by it.

Moreover, he was also applying medicine to treat her wounds.

That day was the same.

It's just that the places being wiped are different.

Ji Wanyuan thought to herself without saying anything.

Although Wen Qiyan didn't speak and was applying medicine to her, he kept an eye on the person in his arms.

She appeared obedient and docile, but in reality, her pupils, hidden behind her drooping eyelashes, were constantly darting around.

She might have thought she was hiding it well, but she had already fallen into his eyes.

She was plotting her own scheme, while the man's peripheral vision fell on her thick, trembling eyelashes.

I wonder what kind of trick they're up to now, or what kind of scheme they're going to pull.

When Ji Wanyuan belatedly realized she was being stared at, she looked up, but this time Wen Qiyan was faster than her.

He had already looked away from her when she looked over.

Ji Wanyuan was pondering the matter of taking a concubine, and also Wen Qiyan's sudden "kindness" towards her. He must be using her to apply the medicine.

Some time ago, she resisted him fiercely and even pushed him away, but he still kept dealing with her, all for his own scheme.

That must be the case right now.

She would never fall for it.

She waited for the man to apply the medicine to her, and then naturally asked to go downstairs.

In no time, the medicine on my wrist was indeed applied.

But the man didn't seem to intend to put her down.

Ji Wanyuan had to speak up to remind her, but she was very particular about being polite first and then resorting to force.

She thanked Wen Qiyan verbally, even though he was the culprit who had injured her.

But when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

"Put me down."

If it had been before, when Wen Qiyan hugged her like this, she would have blushed and her heart would have raced.

Right now, she only felt danger and fear, and she wanted to stay far away from him.

But the man answered irrelevantly, "What kind of rouge do you usually use?"

Ji Wanyuan didn't react for a moment, "...What?"

If I heard correctly, he was asking her what kind of rouge she usually used.

He was embracing her from behind, and the person in his arms kept moving forward to avoid him, so her neck was lowered, revealing her fair and tender nape.

Wen Qiyan could clearly see that the traces he had left on their wedding night were gone.

Although the ambiguous red marks were gone, he could still remember very clearly where they were and what they looked like.

I have a photographic memory, so it is always in my mind.

That being said, I can't recall exactly what the circumstances or posture were when it was done.

Was it his fingertips, or something else?

The man pondered, slightly lost in thought.

Not only was the back of her neck, which was inadvertently exposed, strikingly white.

The faint fragrance emanating from within became even stronger, seemingly there yet not quite, hovering near his nose, sometimes intense, sometimes so faint as to be almost imperceptible.

He didn't know what was wrong with him, "..."

Realizing his own distraction, the man moved slightly away, but when he looked up, he saw the little girl in his arms with a small red mole on the tip of her ear.

What's wrong with him?

He was just holding her and applying medicine to her, yet he kept getting distracted.

Through the bronze mirror, Ji Wanyuan noticed that he was looking at her ears.

Could it be that she has something on her ear?

But she didn't feel it.

She didn't want him to stare at her like that; she always felt that Wen Qiyan had ill intentions and was up to some bad plan.

Ji Wanyuan turned her head, and before she knew it, he reached out and grabbed her waist. Their eyes met, and they were very close.

When Ji Wanyuan felt unwell, she quickly tried to leave.

But he grabbed her chin, making her unable to move.

The man had handsome features, with a cool and aloof air that he had never lost over the years. He was scrutinizing her face.

Ji Wanyuan didn't dare to breathe.

He looked at her eyebrows for a while, then their eyes met. She couldn't see through Wen Qiyan, and was especially afraid to look into his eyes.

So she glanced at her eyelashes and saw that she was starting to avoid eye contact again.

Although he only turned his eyes to the other side, the situation was similar to that night.

She thought of that missed kiss that had only brushed against her cheek.

The man's gaze lingered on her lips, still so full and round. He wondered what kind of rouge she used to keep them so well-maintained, or if they were just natural.

Ji Wanyuan knew something was wrong; she tried to move her face, but couldn't.

The man's fingertips gently traced her lips.

It's neither heavy nor light.

What did he take her for? Ji Wanyuan thought to herself that although she couldn't break free from his grasp, but...

But when the man's fingertips touched her again, and she opened her mouth to bite him, he anticipated her next move.

He pinched her cheeks, making her mouth into a small circle, and looked up at her with his eyelashes raised.

He smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Trying to bite me?"

-----------------------

Author's Note: Sorry I'm late! To make sure everyone can enjoy the story, I'm not leaving any loose ends or hints! I'm putting it all in one chapter!

I'll coordinate the daily update schedule from now on and let you all know when it's ready. Thank you for your support and encouragement! [Exaggerated praise]

-

I highly recommend my friend's upcoming novel, it's really good!

"After Divorce, I Was Forcibly Taken by My Emperor Ex-Husband" by Caodeng Daren

[The ruler takes his subject's wife; the woman is not the male's primary partner.]

Shen Youning, a concubine's daughter from a humble family, was blessed with a beautiful face and good fortune, and married into the Lu family of Fanyang.

The husband is a high-ranking official with a promising future, and the mother-in-law comes from a noble family with powerful connections, which can help her husband.

In the eyes of the world, this was a superior marriage alliance, but only Shen Youning knew the bitterness within.

At night, her husband, Lu Sheng, knowing Shen Youning's good nature, used her as a cover to keep a mistress.

During the day, Shen Youning suffered cold treatment from her sisters-in-law. Her mother-in-law insulted her, saying that she was like a hen that doesn't lay eggs, occupying the nest but not bearing children, and that her son was truly blind to have welcomed her into the family.

Shen Youning's married life was extremely difficult.

Until the dynasty changed, an unknown peasant hero suddenly entered the imperial court and became the ruler of the country.

In order to secure his position in the court, Lu Sheng harbored evil intentions. He wanted to demote his wife to a concubine and marry a daughter from a powerful family to restore his family's prestige.

Shen Youning was unwilling to step down and relinquish her position to a more virtuous person, and finally proposed a divorce to her husband.

-

The new emperor, Xie Rongshi, came from a humble background but had the world at heart.

He lived a life of poverty from childhood, and even after becoming emperor, he never changed his frugal and honest ways.

The strangest thing is that the man was born with unparalleled handsomeness, but until he reached the age of thirty, he never took in any beautiful wives or concubines, and his harem was empty.

The court officials secretly suspected that the emperor, who appeared decisive and ruthless, was actually quite incompetent in bed...

Until one day.

Xie Rongshi, like an iron tree blooming, actually welcomed Shen Youning, the woman who had been divorced and abandoned by the Lu family, into the harem and made her empress.

The entire palace followed Shen Youning's lead, and the lowly concubine's daughter became the Empress, enjoying the utmost favor and honor.

Shen Youning was filled with trepidation, unsure how to begin with this unexpected windfall... She also couldn't understand why the emperor, nearing thirty, had not married and was not as ugly as the rumors suggested.

The king on the bed was fair-skinned and handsome; he was clearly very well-born…

Only Xie Rongshi knew that he had been plotting and scheming for a long time, and had been lusting after the woman beside him.

This is because Shen Youning was his wife in his previous life.

-

A few years later.

The disgraced officials in the court resented Xie Rongshi and acted ruthlessly, exterminating all the powerful families.

They sent spies to Kunning Palace to tell the Empress the whole truth: Xie Rongshi's entire plan was just for the purpose of seizing power and wealth by force.

The spy sowed discord: "Do you hate His Majesty for interfering and separating you and Lu Lang?"

Shen Youning looked down at her round pregnant belly, and then thought of her handsome emperor husband at home.

She sighed, "I'm about to give birth, what can I do but get a divorce? If you're married, you have to turn a blind eye and make do."