Ye Qingluan had never been this angry during her previous arguments with Luo Hao.
Most of the time, it was Luo Hao who did the talking while she just listened.
Ye Qingluan mostly understood Luo Hao. From an obscure young man, Luo Hao had become the most powerful marquis in Ruoqiang.
The things he had gone through were extremely cruel.
So he believed that spare the rod and spoil the child.
He was also extremely strict with Luo Feiyan.
Ye Qingluan could understand Luo Hao, but it didn't mean that Luo Hao could push his luck.
"Madam—"
Luo Hao still had feelings for Ye Qingluan in his heart.
Ye Qingluan was a daughter of a noble family. When she met Luo Hao, he had nothing. Ye Qingluan was such a beauty, with family background, ability and good looks. At that time, there were many young masters in Ruoqiang who fought tooth and nail for her.
But she chose him.
So, besides loving Ye Qingluan, Luo Hao also felt grateful to her.
Most of the time, Luo Hao was straightforward and hot - tempered. He couldn't say sweet words. In public and private, Ye Qingluan always gave him enough face.
Now, his wife was really angry.
Luo Hao got a bit flustered.
"Madam—"
Luo Hao stood up from the main seat and slowly shuffled to Ye Qingluan. He grabbed her sleeve and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, madam."
"Don't touch me."
Ye Qingluan shook off Luo Hao's hand.
She took two steps back.
"Madam, I might have spoken a bit loudly and aggressively just now, but I didn't mean what you thought I did."
"Luo Hao, now that you've become powerful and a marquis, how would you care about what I think? Yan'er is our child, our dearest one. You should remember how you trained her for the sake of the people in Ruoqiang. Since she grew up, when have you ever shown a smiling face to our Yan'er?"
"Madam—"
"You always show your best side to everyone else and reserve your worst temper for the people closest to you."
"Yes, yes, yes—your husband was wrong. Please don't be angry."
Ye Qingluan's eyes were filled with tears. For such a strong - willed woman, this was quite rare.
Luo Hao was at a loss.
He compromised, "How about we both take a step back and not hold a grand celebration?"
Seeing that Luo Hao had softened his stance.
Ye Qingluan nodded.
"I never intended to hold a grand celebration anyway. I just didn't want our daughter to come back to a shabby situation."
Ye Qingluan also took Luo Hao's dignity into consideration.
"Alright, alright. Stop crying then. The three - month period is almost up. When are you going to pick up Yan'er?"
"Tomorrow. I've already asked the servants to pack up the things."
Luo Hao nodded.
"Do you need me to go with you?"
"No. You've been so tired from your trip to Cangwu Kingdom. Go and rest early. Changkong Academy isn't far from here. I'll be back in two or three days."
"Okay."
"I've booked the banquet for five days later. I've entrusted the matter of the invitations to Concubine Liu. She'll be in charge of sending them out."
Luo Hao took two steps forward and wrapped Ye Qingluan in his arms.
"I trust you completely when it comes to handling things."
Ye Qingluan leaned against Luo Hao and said, "I'm sorry that Yan'er didn't meet your expectations or the expectations of the people in Ruoqiang."
"Sigh—what does this have to do with you?"
In the neighboring courtyard, Liu Yuan could hear the argument from this side at first, but soon, she couldn't hear anything.
"Are they reconciled?"
"Even if they are, it doesn't matter. After so many arguments, there must be some grudges in their hearts."
"Yingniang, these days, take out the clothes I used to wear when I was young and have someone make a new one according to them. I'll need it in a couple of days. It might be a bit rushed, so go now."
Qiu Ying answered yes and went out.
Liu Yuan looked in the direction of the main courtyard and murmured, "It's good that she's leaving."
These days when Ye Qingluan was not by Brother Hao's side, she might have some chances.
At Changkong Academy.
The new students were all cheering and excited.
Many of the new students' mothers had come to this border area.
As time went by, although Zhao Shuning was a bit nervous, she was also full of anticipation.
When she was born, she had gained consciousness. She could sense that Ye Qingluan was a very good mother.
As for Luo Hao, he wasn't exactly a good father, but he was definitely a good marquis for the people in Ruoqiang.
Ye Qingluan was her biological mother after all. After not seeing her for so long, she wondered if she was still as radiant as before.
Compared to others' excitement.
Xia Qingyan was much quieter.
He was a personal disciple, deeply loved by all the elders.
He was also a young prince of Hailing Kingdom, in the limelight. But at this moment, he looked worried.
Zhao Shuning was sitting on a sweet - scented osmanthus tree.
Looking around, she could take in the whole of Changkong Academy.
This sweet - scented osmanthus tree, no one knew how old it was. It had grown so tall.
In the distance.
The laughter of several people came.
In the pavilion, two students were playing chess, and the others were standing around watching.
Over at the West Garden, students could be seen packing their luggage.
People were coming and going, and the discussions were non - stop. It was very lively.
A faint smile appeared on Zhao Shuning's lips.
"It's really nice—"
But something unexpected happened at Yilan Garden.
Zhao Shuning just glanced casually, but saw Xia Qingyan sitting on the roof of her small courtyard, drinking alone in a depressed mood.
Glass after glass.
He was still drinking the Zhuyeqing wine from that night.
Zhao Shuning straightened up, thinking that it was time to go and pack her things.
But a voice came from above her head.
"Are you leaving? You'll be gone for half a month. Don't forget what I've taught you."
Zhao Shuning looked up.
It was her master.
He was always so elusive.
He would appear by her side out of nowhere.
"I was going to leave, but now I don't want to."
Zhao Shuning leaped lightly and landed on the highest branch where Yan Ruyu was.
The top branches of the big tree swayed.
Zhao Shuning lay down on the branch next to Yan Ruyu.
"Master, why are the leaves of this sweet - scented osmanthus tree always green? Even in winter, they don't fall?"
Yan Ruyu glanced at her.
He didn't say a word.
Zhao Shuning continued, "Did the elders in the academy cast a spell on this tree so that it can always stay green?"
The only response to Zhao Shuning was silence.
Zhao Shuning felt as if a flock of crows had flown over her head.
"Master—"
"Luo Qiu, you're so noisy."
"If you answer my question, I won't bother you anymore."
Yan Ruyu simply closed his eyes and stopped looking at Zhao Shuning.
"Master? Master?"
Zhao Shuning stood up. Seeing Yan Ruyu with his eyes closed, she squatted down beside him and looked at him.
He was really good - looking. No matter how many times she looked at him, she never got tired of it.
An hour passed.
Half a day passed.
Zhao Shuning's feet were starting to go numb.
It was getting late. She should go.
Zhao Shuning stood up, and the numbness in her feet immediately swept through her whole body. It was extremely uncomfortable.
The consequence of having numb feet was that Zhao Shuning couldn't control the balance of her body. After flailing her hands for a while.
Zhao Shuning plunged towards where Yan Ruyu was.