The husband I snatched halfway through his life is strange.

The streets were bustling with noise, and horse-drawn carriages moved about amidst the clamor.

The girl in his arms had an innocent, fair face, with a beauty mark at the corner of her eye, tinged with rouge, like the sap of a blooming flower petal.

Every time they had sex, she found it extremely difficult, and she always gave in early, unable to last long before reaching climax.

Wei Zhao was a military general, full of energy. Yu Tingwan couldn't handle it; how could she normally dare to be so reckless?

It's only when someone is drunk that they'll unknowingly come knocking on your door.

Wei Zhao's Adam's apple bobbed as the hands that held her waist tightened inch by inch.

Under her tender gaze, he pressed his lips against hers, their breaths mingling, and Wei Zhao's eyes were dark and terrifying.

But unlike a wolf cub, he didn't rush to eat the meat as soon as he saw it, knowing that the occasion was inappropriate.

Leave before desire surges.

Wei Zhao tasted the peach blossom intoxication.

The Ningguo Marquis's residence only prepares cherry blossom wine.

Wei Zhao narrowed his eyes, preparing to hold Xiao Huaiyan accountable for this.

"How much did you drink?"

Yu Tingwan was easy to fool.

Even though her lips were a little numb, she was content and didn't make a fuss anymore, nestling obediently in his arms: "Not much."

She said dismissively, "It's nothing to me."

Wei Zhao: "Are you dizzy?"

"Not dizzy."

Yu Tingwan: "I am very clear-headed."

Wei Zhao chuckled: "Yeah, even in this situation, you still can't resist taking advantage of me."

Yu Tingwan thought there was nothing wrong with it and nodded like a chick pecking at rice.

Outside the car, traffic was heavy.

People on the street were discussing something in small groups.

"The Fifth Prince led his men over first, but the Prince Zhou, unaware of the impending doom, kept shouting that he wanted to find his aunt, the Empress, in the palace. But when he saw the dragon robe that had been looted, his legs went weak."

"The evidence is conclusive, but Duke Zhou still refuses to admit it, insisting that a villain has framed him."

"Deserve it!"

"His battle wounds haven't healed yet, and I heard they're oozing a lot of pus. We've consulted many doctors, but nothing has worked. If you get close, you can smell an indescribable stench."

"Their family is no good. How many lives have they taken over the years? I know of quite a few. They've gotten their just desserts."

Yu Tingwan didn't speak again, it was unclear whether she was listening to the conversation outside or just lost in thought.

The carriage was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the clamor outside.

As the carriage turned onto another street, she suddenly remembered something and sat up abruptly.

"I forgot."

Wei Zhao: "?"

Yu Tingwan could not hide her anxiety: "The teacher asked me to copy the article, but I forgot to do it. It's due soon. He has a bad temper and will definitely hit my hand again."

Wei Zhao:......

He rubbed his temples, but seeing her like this was rather unusual.

Wei Zhao found it amusing and said quietly, "Ah, what should we do then?"

"Bang".

Without hesitation, Yu Tingwan swung her fist and punched him.

Wei Zhao fell silent, lost in thought.

He didn't understand. Even in this state, Yu Tingwan still didn't forget to beat someone up?
Yu Tingwan was very unhappy: "I've already said this, so that you can come up with a solution."

"Don't think I can't see you're gloating?"

As she spoke, she glanced up and down at Wei Zhao, whose face was pale and who looked sickly.

Delicate and frail.

"never mind."

She was very discouraged.

"I can't count on you at all."

She lowered her head dejectedly, touching her sleeves and smoothing her hair.

Lots of little moves.

Her little hand shot out, and she even managed to pick up a piece of pastry and put it in her mouth.

They say they're in a hurry, but it's unclear what they're actually anxious about.

Wei Zhao found it amusing and listlessly reminded her, "Should we prepare brush, ink, paper, and inkstone? If I were you, I'd rather write as much as I can while I can." Yu Tingwan thought for a long time and then said, "Never mind."

She glanced sideways at Wei Zhao.

"What do you know?"

Wei Zhao:......

Yu Tingwan: "This isn't the first or second time I've been beaten."

As she spoke, she became more assertive and raised her head.

"Are you still afraid?"

"Besides punishment, that's all he ever does. What can he possibly do to me?"

"Whenever I was beaten, did I ever beg for mercy even once?"

Wei Zhao:......

Yu Tingwan: "But I also feel sorry for him."

Wei Zhao raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean?"

She shook her head and said, "Tell me, who could he have taught? Why did he have to be so unlucky and end up with me?"

Wei Zhao looked at her vivid features, cunning yet proud. A rare tenderness filled his eyes.

He pulled the person into his arms and chuckled softly, "Why are you like this when you're drunk?"

"It'll be late when we get home, so I'll have some hangover tea and then go to sleep. Otherwise, I'll feel terrible tomorrow."

The girl responded readily: "Mmm."

Yu Tingwan said softly, "I'll do whatever you say."

When they finally arrived at the Duke of Shun's residence, Wei Zhao took the clothes he had prepared to change into to the washroom, adjusted the water temperature, and then came out to find her to bathe.

There was only half-finished hangover tea in the room.

In the blink of an eye, they disappeared without a trace.

Wei Zhao's eyelids twitched.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Main courtyard.

Ning Suchan was having her meal when, besides the old woman, there were four maids serving her in the room. Yet, it was eerily quiet.

The only sound was the crisp sound of chopsticks hitting the plate.

She rarely spoke while eating and did not allow the people below her to make a sound.

This is a habit developed in the palace.

When she first returned to the Ningguo Marquis's residence, she served the old lady of Ningguo's food standing up, just as she had done when serving Consort Yue.

Old Madam Ning couldn't bear to part with her. She pulled her down to sit and served her food.

"We're not outside now, we're at home, so there's no such rule here. Sit down quickly, Mom remembers you love crab meat lion's head meatballs the most, so I made them in the kitchen this morning. Try them, is it the same as before?"

Ning Suchan had long forgotten what her family was like before she entered the palace.

She had also forgotten that her favorite food was crab meat lion's head meatballs. She only remembered that Consort Yue had once hit her hand hard with chopsticks.

"No manners! You can only take a bite of a dish a maximum of three times! We just said that not long ago, how could you forget already?"

However, if she only picked up a piece of food three times, it would not appear on the table for a month afterward.

Ning Suchan knew then that she couldn't have any preferences.

Even if you have it, you have to keep it to yourself and not let everyone know.

After that, she rarely cared about these material possessions.

It was clear that the whole family was watching her with smiles, waiting for her to take a bite. Even though she knew it was impolite, Ning Suqian couldn't spoil the mood and took a bite.

Her mother looked at her expectantly.

--"Is it tasty?"

The elder brother followed up.

"Mother rarely cooks, so my brother is just benefiting from my sister's cooking."

After having a meal with her, she hesitated for a moment before respectfully making her request.

"Mother, please forgive me. I don't like crowds. Except for holidays and special occasions, I usually eat in my own room and then come to pay my respects to you."

Upon hearing this, everyone's smiles froze on their faces.

"I'm afraid she'll feel uncomfortable," said Old Madam Ning hurriedly.

"Okay, whatever you say. Once you've gotten used to it, you can come over and have meals with your mother."

Before she could get used to it, she entered the gates of the Duke of Shun's mansion.

(End of this chapter)