She stepped forward persistently and began to unbutton the front of his coat. "Zhuxiang, go and fetch the general's pearl-white robe!" She knew that if Fukang'an wanted to stay any longer, he would order the servants to change his cold clothes as soon as he entered the room.

Since he didn't want to stay, she decided to keep him.

Fukang'an's hands were a little cold. He gently grasped Yan Ning's hand as she unbuttoned her clothes. "I have to go out for some business!" His voice was hoarse and low.

Yan Ning looked up, meeting his expressionless face. If he didn't trust her, he could ignore her completely; if he did trust her, why did he treat her this way? Trust or distrust was just a matter of a single thought, so why did he waver in the middle? Fu Kang'an, who kept everything hidden in his heart, filled her with unease.

Her face, which had been flushed, had returned to its normal rosy color, but now, in her anger, it was somewhat pale. "If you're leaving, then you don't need to come to Jian Gong Zhai anymore!" She frowned, her lips slightly upturned, her eyes filled with resentment as she looked at him. Her hands didn't stop moving, but they moved even faster than before.

Upon hearing this, Fukang'an released his grip, only looking at the sulking Yan Ning with his deep eyes, letting her take off his long robe, which was filled with cold air.

Having changed into a warm robe, much like indoors, Fukang'an felt less cold. The snowflakes on his braids melted and seeped into his hair, leaving it slightly damp.

Yan Ning picked up a handkerchief to wipe the water droplets from his braid, but Fukang'an immediately tossed it behind his head. "You've just recovered; you mustn't catch a chill!"

While it's important not to go too far with a tantrum, Yan Ning obediently nodded.

Because the heavy snow blocked the road, Yan Ning asked Zhu Xiang to deliver De Lin's food to his room, instructing her to make sure he ate it.

On the large, round rosewood table were several of Yan Ning's favorite dishes. She couldn't remember how long it had been since the two of them had dined together. Ignoring the proper etiquette of a wife, Yan Ning sat down in the chair next to Fukang'an, dismissed the servants, and personally poured him wine and served him food.

Fukang'an had an excellent alcohol tolerance; after several jugs of wine, he remained calm and composed. He looked at Yan Ning, who seemed different from usual, and noticed the pearl-white brocade cheongsam she wore, which accentuated her beauty even more.

Two figures in pearly white were silhouetted against the candlelight. Since the servants were not present, no one trimmed the wicks, and the candlelight flickered slightly.

Following Yan Ning's orders, Zhu Xiang stood guard outside the gate of Jian Gong Zhai. Just as Yan Ning had predicted, Die Cui and two maids from Chun Ying Yuan arrived on time to wish Fu Kang An, despite the swirling snowflakes.

"Aunt An can't eat, her stomach is sore and achy, I have to go and tell the general!" Die Cui tightened her collar to keep out the snowflakes that were trying to get in.

The maids at Jian Gong Zhai were always of much higher status than those in other courtyards, especially since Zhu Xiang was Yan Ning's personal maid. She noticed that Die Cui neither greeted her nor bowed when speaking to her, and her tone was cold.

She frowned. "The snow has been so heavy lately. Didn't the General specially keep a doctor at the manor? If Aunt An can't eat, it must be because you haven't served her well! As servants of Chunying Garden, instead of thinking about how to serve your mistress, you're out wandering around all day! Where do you put the rules of the manor?"

Diecui was Wuchun's personal maid, and she was fawned over by the servants in the mansion. Even Zhao Xing never spoke ill of her! Her face, red from the cold, tightened. "I want to see Steward Zhao!" She lifted her skirt and was about to walk inside.

Zhu Xiang reached out to stop them, and the two began to fight in front of the courtyard gate.

The two maids behind Diecui were not to be outdone, rushing forward to pull Zhuxiang. Knowing that Wuchun was favored, they became fearless.

The maids at Jian Gong Zhai dared not overstep the rules. Seeing that Zhu Xiang was at a disadvantage, they went to report to Zhao Xing.

"Do you want to be punished?" Zhao Xing rushed forward and pulled Zhu Xiang behind him. The light was dim. By the candlelight, he saw that Zhu Xiang's oval face had been scratched, and he felt heartbroken. His tone became urgent.

Diecui, with her sharp eyes, quickly brought up Wuchun. Zhao Xing hesitated; Fukang'an had instructed him that the matter of Chunying Garden could not be delayed.

The commotion in the courtyard reached Fukang'an's ears. He frowned and put down the wine cup in his hand. "Zhao Xing!"

Zhao Xing looked at Zhu Xiang's angry face and didn't know how to deal with the people from Chunying Garden. He heard the servant guarding the main room calling him, "Manager Zhao, the general is looking for you!" He hurriedly ran back.

He pushed open the door to the main room and knelt down to pay his respects. "Die Cui from Chun Ying Garden says that Aunt An is unable to eat! Please come over, General!" After he finished speaking, he looked up at Yan Ning's face.