Aristocratic families value profit and do not keep useless people. With the change of the court and the ascension of a new emperor, the direct bloodline of the Yan family cannot allow the birth of a princess of a fallen kingdom who is of commoner origin.
But I've heard that Yan Er has been spoiling this princess terribly lately, not only taking her into the circles of noble families and making friends with powerful people, but also spending lavishly on her and securing her a fortune.
The Yan family was displeased upon hearing this.
The old lady had never thought much of Chu Changning and was waiting for the Jiangdong affair to be over so she could secretly kill him and marry another noblewoman.
Yet this princess of a fallen kingdom managed to seduce a man who would pave the way for her.
Unlike the head of the Yan family, the old lady did not dote on Yan Liangyu. She valued Yan Beimo, the eldest son, more. Therefore, she summoned Chu Changning back to the mansion many times, ostensibly to teach him, but in reality to give him a warning.
Chu Changning never intended to have a child with the Yan family, nor did she expect the Yan family to stand against the new emperor for her, so she didn't care.
But she couldn't stand the old lady's methods of tormenting her, so she deliberately acted close to Yan Beimo in front of others.
Yan Beimo indulged her and didn't refute her.
The old lady was displeased with her behavior and forced her to pray in the Buddhist hall, claiming it was for the ancestors, but it was just an excuse to torment her.
"Madam, is that enough?"
The old lady has been a vegetarian and a Buddhist for many years, and the Buddhist hall is filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.
Hearing the voice behind her, her face darkened. She called her grandmother in front of her grandson, but her expression changed completely in private.
"Princess, you must understand what the Yan family means. If you behave yourself, the Yan family will protect you and ensure your safety after the Li family daughter marries into the family."
"If the princess doesn't behave, the clan will make you shut up."
Chu Changning's expression was indifferent. He placed the tray he was carrying on the sandalwood table and curtsied.
"I understand what the old lady means."
After leaving the Yan family, Chu Changning boarded a carriage to return home, but the coachman took her directly to Chunfeng Pavilion.
"The lord is inside waiting for the lady."
Chunfeng Pavilion was reserved for members of the noble families of Yandu; ordinary people were not allowed to enter or leave.
This was Chu Changning's first time in a place like this.
The pleasure quarters were naturally a grand banquet, and the buildings lived up to their name. Beautiful women wore light clogs, and music filled the air as small boats floated by. There was a pool of wine and a forest of meat, and officials and dignitaries drank and made merry.
Upon entering the building, a maidservant led her to a superior private room on the second floor.
"My lord, the lady has arrived."
"Come in."
Chu Changning pushed open the door and entered. The room was elegantly decorated, exuding a refined and noble atmosphere.
The young man in white sat casually on the soft couch, large beads of sweat trickling down his handsome features. His robes were loosely tied, revealing his fair chest and toned abs, his expression utterly nonchalant.
I had long heard that the practice of wearing stones was prevalent in Yandu, and it was a symbol of status for the upper class and nobility.
Even someone like Yan Beimo would do that.
She secretly despised him, but her face remained calm and composed.
"My husband."
Yan Beimo closed his eyes and leaned against the soft pillow behind him, his left leg trembling slightly, as if he was enduring immense pain.
Seeing this, Chu Changning simply sat down at a nearby table and started eating some snacks.
I was called over early in the morning to pray for blessings, and I was very hungry.
The room was filled with the aroma of burning ambergris.
Chu Changning poured himself a glass of wine and sipped it.
Kyoto's sake is mostly strong and robust, while Yandu's sake is sweet and refreshing, with a pleasant aroma.
It feels so uncomfortable to eat a snack with a glass of wine.
Yan Beimo's body was burning hot, which masked the pain from the tear in his leg. Although his eyes were closed, he could still hear the faint sounds around him.
He ignored it, and soon the pain subsided, but his snow-white undergarment was already soaked through.
"They're here."
Chu Changning was enjoying his meal when he suddenly heard his voice and turned to look.
"You're awake."
Yan Beimo turned to the side, reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her into his arms.
Chu Changning neither dodged nor avoided him, but obediently sat on his lap.
What are you doing here?
She looked up at him with her bright eyes.
Yan Beimo gazed at her moist, tender lips and leaned down to give them a light peck.
"Have you been drinking?"
Just as Chu Changning was about to speak, he leaned down and kissed her.
His mouth was filled with the aroma of wine mixed with the soft, sweet lips, and with each breath, he was enveloped in her delicate fragrance, making him unable to resist indulging in it.
Chu Changning's face flushed and her breathing became slow as he kneaded and pinched her.
A passionate embrace ensued as the two rolled around on the bed behind them, their breaths mingling.
Desire teetered wildly on the brink of collapse.
Fortunately, Yan Beimo still had a shred of reason. He hugged her, kissed her hard, and pulled her up.
Chu Changning's cheeks were flushed, her clothes were off, her hair was disheveled, her lips were moist and lustful, and her eyebrows were reddish-brown.
She bent down to straighten her clothes, her eyes trembling.
Yan Beimo couldn't help but lift her chin and kiss her again.
The two shared a rare moment of tenderness, cuddling together for a while before he went to the bathhouse at the back to cool off.
After changing his clothes, he led her outside.
Chu Changning's stomach hurt, perhaps because he had eaten too much.
Where are we going?
"Xie San and the others can have a meal together in the private room next door."
Upon hearing this, she said, "Then you go first, I'll go to the clean room."
Yan Beimo raised an eyebrow and pinched her cheek.
"Qingyaxuan".
"good."
He went ahead first.
Chu Changning arrived at the entrance of Qingyaxuan shortly afterward.
She was about to push the door open when she heard her own name called.
She paused, then stood at the doorway and listened carefully.
"Wang San is right. The most outstanding person in Yandu should not be ruined by that princess of a fallen kingdom. Otherwise, it will become a laughing stock in Yandu. The new emperor is just waiting to make an example of this princess of a fallen kingdom."
"Yes, since it's just for fun, don't let Jinling have offspring and be used as a bargaining chip to control you."
She can't get pregnant.
As soon as the gentle, indifferent voice fell, there was a moment of silence around them. After a while, someone laughed.
"I've heard that the Li family of Longxi wants to form a marriage alliance with you. What do you think?"
Chu Changning stood outside the door, listening to the conversation inside, and sneered.
They're all arrogant and haughty scions of aristocratic families.
Indeed, a princess of a fallen kingdom, without children to rely on and without the favor of her husband, would either be declared dead upon entering the household as a new bride, or be ruthlessly divorced.
If the young master takes pity on her, the best outcome would be for her to stay at the estate as a concubine.
The noble families that are revered by all are actually quite despicable.
Yan Beimo, as expected of the eldest son of the Yan family, is just as despicable.
Chu Changning made a few self-deprecating remarks, too lazy to listen anymore, and turned to leave.
The group inside chatted for a long time, but no one else came.
Yan Beimo put down his wine cup and called out, "Someone come here."
"My Lord".
"Has Madam visited?"
The servant said, "Madam said she wasn't feeling well and went home."
Everyone, "---"
Xie Xuan laughed out loud, "It's all because of your loose tongue."
After saying that, he raised an eyebrow and glanced at his half-sister sitting next to Wang Hezhan, his tone carrying a hint of disdain.
"This noblewoman is not as ambitious as a commoner princess."
Xie Rongyue, who had been sitting quietly to the side, suddenly looked embarrassed, and her hands, which were clutching the handkerchief, turned white.
She didn't want to either.
If she hadn't hooked up with Wang Hezhan, she would have been arranged by the mistress to become a concubine in another noble family as part of the dowry of the legitimate daughters of their collateral branch.
"Xie San, are you out of your mind?"
Wang Hezhan raised his eyebrows and cursed.
Xie Xuan snorted coldly, not bothering to offend him.
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