The butterfly's delicate body was covered in pollen. After a long period of contemplation, Yan Ning used her handkerchief to cover the flower where the butterfly was hiding. Her smile was spotless. "Then let the butterfly remain forever in the flower's heart!"
Madam Zhang nodded in satisfaction at Yan Ning and took several books from Ming Xin's hands. "These are books about silk brocade and needlework. Your father has spoiled you since you were little and didn't let you learn these things. But as a daughter of the Su family, wouldn't it be embarrassing to be ignorant of these things!"
Yan Ning knew that Zhang was afraid she would reveal her identity to outsiders, and her feelings for Zhang and Su Qi grew stronger. When she escorted Zhang back to her room, Yan Ning originally wanted to ask Zhang how she knew about Concubine Li and Concubine Fang, but then she thought, the Su family is such a wealthy household, the patriarch of the Su family must also have many concubines!
The following day, Zhang bid farewell to the ailing Madam Fucha. The two victors, who had fought each other for decades in the mansion, met again, their words like swords and spears, yet without a trace of injury.
The ailing old lady had lost her former elegance and grace. She parted her pale lips, "I should have kept Madam Su at the manor a little longer, until Kang'er and Yan Ning were married before leaving the capital. But alas, my health..."
Madam Zhang glanced at Yan Ning, Xi Ying, and Mei Xiang standing behind her. "Whether or not they get married, Yan Ning is already the lady of the Fucha family! Although our Su family is not an official family for generations, we have still produced a few scholars! But Yan'er has been her father's darling since she was a child. Even though she has lost her memory, her temperament has not changed at all. It's really causing trouble for the old lady."
Even without makeup, the old lady's face remained serene. "Yan Ning is quiet by nature and not suited to manage household affairs, so Xi Ying will continue to manage the affairs of the Fucha family!"
Since Madam Fucha had emphasized that it was a family matter, Zhang Shi did not speak again. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she left.
Before the vermilion gates of the Fucha mansion, studded with gold nails, guards in their uniforms stood motionless, like stone statues, cold and indifferent. Yan Ning embraced Zhang Shi, her true feelings overflowing, "Mother, I don't want to be separated from you!"
Zhang smiled indulgently, "Now that you're older, you're becoming more and more spoiled. How could your father and mother bear to part with you!" As she finished speaking, tears fell onto Yan Ning's shoulder.
Su Qi also respectfully bid farewell to Fukang'an, saying, "My daughter is unruly, and I hope the general will cherish her!"
Fukang'an nodded without saying a word.
After Su Qi and his wife boarded the carriage, Yan Ning knelt before it, tears streaming down her face. "Father, Mother, if I ever have the chance, I will definitely visit you in Jiangnan!"
Zhang was already sobbing uncontrollably. Su Qi waved his hand and lowered the carriage curtain. The Su couple had transferred their feelings for their daughter who died young to Yan Ning. Now, as they parted, it truly resembled the heartache they felt when their own daughter died.
Mingxin and Zhuxiang helped Yan Ning up, while Zhao Xing escorted the carriage forward slowly. The tassels on the carriage, symbolizing the status of the Fucha family, swayed as they bid farewell to Yan Ning.
As soon as Su Qi and his wife left, and Fukang'an turned around, Meixiang surrounded him, eager to make herself a proper concubine. Fukang'an had only visited the old lady occasionally lately, and hadn't set foot in Jiangongzhai, Xuexiangge, Changtingyuan, or Furongyuan.
Yan Ning had not yet recovered from the grief of parting from Su Qi and his wife. Having been here for so long, Zhang Shi's motherly care and concern had given her a sense of security and belonging. Therefore, seeing Mei Xiang's enthusiastic response to Fu Kang'an's invitation, she paid little attention and entered the mansion with Zhu Xiang and Ming Xin.
"Whoa!"
A soldier pulled on the reins, jumped off his horse, whispered a few words to Fukang'an, and then Fukang'an shook off Meixiang's hand, mounted his horse, and rode away.
Meixiang was left with a bewildered expression, her tears of humiliation wiping away the makeup on her face.
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