At the beginning of late autumn, the cold wind still bites, chilling one's heart.
But at noon, the warm sun shines brightly, bringing a gentle warmth.
It makes people both love and hate it, just like Yuan Qingrong's current state of mind.
On that day, after running away from the Yongning Marquis Mansion, she was angry that Ning Fengnian had hidden the old matters for sixteen years. But at the same time, she missed the harmonious and loving relationship they had shared for more than a decade without any rift.
Yuan Qingrong knew better than anyone whether Ning Fengnian had any other thoughts after their marriage.
Moreover, Ning Fengnian had vowed early on that he would only marry one wife in this life and would not take concubines.
She was just annoyed that she was the last to know about this matter, and that she had raised the daughter of the concubine for more than a decade.
Especially when Ning Yuqin, who used to be obedient and considerate, suddenly changed her attitude and sided with her biological mother.
How could Yuan Qingrong not be angry!
Ning Yuwan offered to help her investigate the matters of sixteen years ago, and naturally, she held hope in her heart.
Now, Ning Fengnian's unjust case has really been cleared, but Yuan Qingrong doesn't know how to face him.
She still has to be angry!
But what makes her angry is that husband and wife should be of one mind. If Ning Fengnian had told her earlier, they could have made plans earlier.
Then there wouldn't have been a situation where their marital relationship was almost on the verge of collapse.
"Madam, I know I was wrong."
In contrast to his attitude in front of Liu Ruyi, Ning Fengnian no longer referred to himself as "this marquis".
He truly loved Yuan Qingrong and was willing to put down all his airs in front of her.
Yuan Qingrong still looked serious, but there was a hint of joy hidden in her eyes.
Seeing the dark circles under Ning Fengnian's eyes, she felt even more distressed. "If there's anything similar in the future, I will definitely divorce you!"
Women in the Chu Dynasty had a certain status. If they had a bad relationship with their husband's family, they could also propose a divorce.
Yuan Qingrong's maternal family had some power and influence, so she naturally had the confidence.
But what she meant was a concession.
Ning Fengnian nodded repeatedly. Then, suddenly, he looked up. "Madam has forgiven me?"
Yuan Qingrong gave him a disdainful look. "I can't stay in the Prince's Mansion to bother the prince and Wanwan forever, can I?"
Ning Yuwan had accompanied Ning Fengnian back to the Prince's Mansion. She was smiling as she watched the bickering and laughter between the Ning couple.
Yan Zhao was close to her, and his eyes always followed her every frown and smile.
The corners of his lips slowly curved up, hiding countless tender feelings.
Yuan Qingrong only stayed in the Prince's Mansion for one day. Yan Zhao treated her with respect and courtesy in every way.
Worried that she might be burdened with thoughts, he even asked Lianye and Nanny Wang to accompany her and make her laugh.
If he didn't truly love Ning Yuwan, how could he value her family members so much?
After all, according to his personality, he didn't need to show goodwill to the Yongning Marquis Mansion.
During this short day, Yuan Qingrong didn't find the Prince's Mansion as terrifying as the rumors said, with its gloomy and blood - thirsty reputation.
Instead, she felt that the people in the Prince's Mansion were innocent and kind.
Especially Nanny Wang, who was polite but also lively and cheerful. She even quietly told Yuan Qingrong some embarrassing childhood stories about Yan Zhao.
This greatly changed Yuan Qingrong's impression of Yan Zhao!
The mother - in - law's heart immediately inclined towards her son - in - law, and the more she looked, the more she liked him.
Seeing Yan Zhao's affectionate and attached look towards Ning Yuwan all the time, she couldn't help but smile with pursed lips.
Her precious Wanwan was cherished and loved by her husband's family and was also admired and protected by the servants. How could she, as a mother, not be happy?
The joy on her face was obvious. Ning Fengnian was also looking at her with eager eyes, smiling. He really didn't look like a majestic marquis but more like a heroic young man.
Although it was autumn, it seemed as if the warm spring breeze had entered people's hearts.
After everything was settled, everyone seemed to remember that today should have been the Mid - Autumn Festival, a time for family reunion.
They had just left the Yongning Marquis Mansion and then returned to it.
Hongqiao was waiting at the main gate of the Yongning Marquis Mansion. She had been waiting impatiently for a long time.
It wasn't until she saw Yuan Qingrong come back with her own eyes that she pursed her lips aggrievedly, showing her inner grievance. "Madam!"
The smile on Yuan Qingrong's face, which had just been coaxed by Ning Fengnian, immediately turned into guilt. "Hongqiao."
"Madam left home. Why didn't you take Hongqiao with you?"
Hongqiao gently wiped away her tears. Yesterday, she had just gone out to get the customized jewelry for Yuan Qingrong. When she came back, she heard that Yuan Qingrong had run away from home.
She had only taken Honglu and her private property with her, leaving Hongqiao alone and helpless.
Hongqiao was both sad and angry. She was worried about Yuan Qingrong's days outside and also sad that she had been left behind.
"It was too hasty yesterday..."
Yuan Qingrong had never seen Hongqiao cry like this before. She was so worried that she kept wiping her tears.
But Ning Fengnian, who was standing beside them, didn't step forward to persuade her. Instead, he, Ning Yuwan, and Yan Zhao watched Yuan Qingrong's helplessness.
Both Hongqiao and Honglu were Yuan Qingrong's maids.
Hongqiao was steady and reliable. Usually, she managed the servants and handled external affairs.
Honglu was smart and clever. She was in charge of Yuan Qingrong's dowry and private savings.
But Yuan Qingrong had a little hope, which was to let Hongqiao stay in the Yongning Marquis Mansion to manage the affairs.
The thing that happened yesterday was quite a coincidence. Just as she had sent Hongqiao out, Liu Ruyi and the others had come to the mansion.
Yuan Qingrong had a hot temper. When she arrived at the gate of the Prince's Mansion, she suddenly remembered that she had forgotten her personal maid.
Hongqiao frowned. "Wherever Madam goes in the future, she must take Hongqiao with her. Hongqiao doesn't want to stay in the Yongning Marquis Mansion."
"Okay, okay, okay. I promise you."
Yuan Qingrong nodded quickly and finally managed to coax Hongqiao.
Unexpectedly, Ning Fengnian spat three times and changed his expression. "The good things don't come true, but the bad things do. Madam won't go anywhere in the future!"
If Yuan Qingrong ran away from home again, he really couldn't bear it.
"Hahaha"
The laughter startled the sparrows flying in the courtyard. They chirped noisily, adding a bit of festivity.
After the heavy burden was lifted, Ning Fengnian held a grand evening banquet to enjoy the moonlight together.
When no one was paying attention, Yan Zhao murmured softly. "Wife, I missed you."
His long and slender fingers slowly climbed onto Ning Yuwan's fair wrist and then slid down, interlocking with her fingers.
"I've missed you so much even after just one day's separation."
His hands were cold, in sharp contrast to the warmth of Ning Yuwan's palms.
But today, he was reluctant to let go, as if he wanted to absorb all of Ning Yuwan's warmth.
Or perhaps he wanted to completely possess and hide this warmth.
"Ziyan."
Ning Yuwan pursed her lips and smiled. She then took Yan Zhao's other hand and sent warmth to him. "Me too."
Although she couldn't be as completely open - hearted as Yan Zhao, even if most of her words were just to echo him.
But Yan Zhao was still happy. He withdrew his hand and put his arm around her slender waist. "Witnessed by the moonlight, I'm willing to be with you for all eternity."
The warm and humid breath circled around Ning Yuwan's neck. His aggressive eyes moved downward. He lowered his head devoutly and bit the faint red mark. "Wanwan, is your wish related to me?"
Ning Yuwan's neck felt itchy and numb. The culprit buried his head tightly and didn't lift it up. He was waiting for Ning Yuwan's answer, but for a moment, he was too timid to look into her eyes.
Ning Yuwan's eyes were clear. Suddenly, a smile appeared on her face. "Naturally."
Her wish had always been the same, which was to find a way to prolong Yan Zhao's life.
The bright moon was cold, emitting a cold and pale light.
Ning Yuwan smiled at the moon. There was a faint impulse surging in her heart.
Perhaps it didn't matter if the dragon bead was gone. Spending a lifetime with Yan Zhao and turning into dust together might not be a bad thing.