The husband I snatched halfway through his life is strange.

Chapter 493 A Man's Prime is Short

Ten days later, natural disasters struck frequently, and the entire region was in dire need of help. There was even a risk of a major outbreak. Resentment among the people grew daily, and discontent with the imperial court was evident everywhere.

On that very day, the ladies of noble families who had received invitations flocked to the Fifth Prince's residence for a banquet.

This was a good deed. When the Empress Dowager received the news, even though she was dissatisfied with the Fifth Imperial Concubine, she still sent a trusted confidant with a box of silver notes to show her support.

With her taking the lead, all the concubines in the harem followed suit. Some donated money, others donated jewelry. Although they couldn't leave the palace, they sent their sentiments through their servants.

Yao Ru was about to leave.

Dun Ge'er is still young, so he shouldn't be taken out.

But too many people have been secretly visiting Yingzhi's residence these days, and there's no guarantee that things won't get out of control one day. How can I feel at ease if I don't keep an eye on them? So I decided to bring them along as well.

But he ran into Ying Zhi as soon as he left the courtyard.

Ying Zhi's expression faltered slightly.

For some reason, I always felt that Yao Ru had fewer thorns, and the coldness in her eyes and brows had dissipated somewhat.

While he was busy and overwhelmed with work, Yao Ru seemed to be doing very well.

Her forehead was like lustrous jade, smooth and clear, and the lines of her jaw resembled the curves of an official kiln plum vase, adding to her charm.

As she walked, the jade pendant at her waist rippled against her Xiang skirt, revealing a touch of unintentional charm.

She wasn't dressed up much, and she was still the same person. He had always known that Yao Ru was beautiful, but at this moment, he was still struck by her beauty.

"Going out now?"

Yingzhi saw her holding Dun Ge'er, walked closer and touched the child's delicate face: "Do you want me to take you?"

Yao Ru said calmly, "No need."

Ying Zhi teased the chubby child, but his voice was slightly cold.

"If the Zou family could think of fundraising, why couldn't you?"

Lady Zou was the Fifth Imperial Concubine.

“I am older than Ying Yin, and logically this matter should have been handled by my Second Prince’s residence, but they beat me to it. You are no less capable than Madam Zou. If she could think of something, how could you not? You just don’t care about me.”

"How many times do I have to say it? You and Dun-ge'er both depend on me for a living. I'm destined to fight Ying-yin to the death."

He smiled.

The exquisite hairpin, which was meant for his concubine, was taken out of his sleeve.

"I bought this especially for you when I came back from my trip."

Seeing that Yao Ru didn't react, he directly stuck it into the woman's hair.

Ying Zhi gently coaxed him to calm his weary expression, but his words were full of threats: "If something happens to me, you know what kind of person Ying Yin is. He will be the second Father Emperor to eliminate us completely, and you and Dun Ge'er will not survive either."

After listening to him finish speaking, Yao Rujing took the hairpin off in front of him, threw it on the ground, and stepped on it.

"It's better not to scare me. I don't just take any junk."

"The Fifth Princess Consort is willing to go to great lengths because she is counting on the Fifth Prince for her livelihood."

Yao Ru: "I don't expect anything from you."

Ying Zhi's expression darkened.

"you--"

"Move aside. If I'm late, the Fifth Princess might find fault with me. I don't care, but I don't know if you do."

Yingzhi was furious when he saw that she was so stubborn.

He stepped aside to make way.

Yao Ru didn't even glance at him and strode away.

Ying Zhi watched the woman's figure walk further and further away, and he was extremely annoyed.

If only I had known... if only I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have gone to all that trouble to marry her! I shouldn't have given him any help whatsoever!
Even if he marries a stupid and docile woman, it would still be better than someone as infuriating as Yao Ru.

She seemed easy to get along with, and her eyes and brows had a gentler look, but it was clear he had misjudged her; she was still herself!

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.

The Fifth Prince's residence was bustling with activity.

Guests arrived one after another.

Yu Tingwan sat in the carriage, leaning against Wei Zhao: "Then I'll get off."

"Go."

Yu Tingwan hooked her arm around Wei Zhao's neck, touched her lips to his, her eyes were clear, but when she looked at him, a hint of spring appeared in them, the implication of her actions was obvious.

got rejected.

"This is not good."

Yu Tingwan knew that Wei Zhao was busy.

She's been leaving early and returning late these days, often falling asleep before leaving and then falling asleep again when she gets back.

Yu Tingwan vaguely realized that someone was sucking on her lips. The kisses continued downwards, delicate and frequent, making her tremble.

The scent was familiar. She followed him.

But Wei Zhao didn't do anything.

After all, she was really sleepy. Although she cooperated obediently, she could barely keep her eyes open. This was a man's thoughtfulness.

But Yu Tingwan doesn't understand these things.

She knew Wei Zhao must be exhausted.

To the point that it's not working properly anymore.

She had heard from someone that men's prime is very short.

She is very considerate.

Even though it's unbearably hot every time, my body reacts and I don't get any relief, which makes me feel especially uncomfortable.

But she never blamed Wei Zhao for lingering at the door and not coming in.

Wei Zhao: "I meant well."

That's it.

Yu Tingwan understood.

She straightened her clothes and was about to bend down to get out of the carriage.

A tightness appeared around my waist.

Caught off guard, she stumbled and fell into his arms, her fragrant dress spreading out in layers, like a begonia forced to bloom.

His breath brushed against her nose, carrying the warmth of Songmo's scent.

"Think about it?"

"The location is not suitable."

Wei Zhao: "You put on lip rouge again. If it gets eaten, you won't be able to touch up your makeup."

Yu Tingwan didn't care that she had eaten it.

In her opinion.

Wei Zhao said these things on purpose to save face.

Yu Tingwan is very easy to talk to.

She patted Wei Zhao on the shoulder: "I understand."

Looking at her expression, Wei Zhao couldn't help but have a bad feeling. He narrowed his eyes.

Do you really understand?

Yu Tingwan said very seriously, "I understand!"

Wei Zhao:? ?

Something feels off, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

"Is it Madam Wei?"

The Fifth Princess's voice came from outside the carriage.

"Young Madam is here, why haven't you come down yet? Is something wrong?"

Wei Zhao disregarded everything else and stopped pressing for details, patting her waist instead.

"Go."

News should reach Beijing later, but there won't be any riots for now.

However, once today is over and the tense situation has completely subsided until next year, he will not allow the girl to go out again.

Her ten fingers were slender and delicate, like scallions, with nails shaped like almonds, unpainted, and tinged with a faint cherry pink. Yu Tingwan lifted the curtain and was helped to the ground by Tan Jiang.

The Fifth Princess's attire was not as luxurious and flamboyant as before.

She looked at Yu Tingwan, whose face was as white as a begonia with dew and as rosy as a ripe, juicy peach. It would be a lie to say she wasn't jealous, because Yu Tingwan was plain-looking.

The Fifth Imperial Concubine put on a polite smile: "Please come in, young mistress."

She still had to greet guests at the door, so she turned around and had the servants beside her lead Yu Tingwan to the reception hall.

Yu Tingwan, however, was not in a hurry to leave.

She believed that it was proper to be polite on a first visit.

"The princess consort doesn't look well."

The Fifth Princess sighed: "These days there have been many disasters outside, my husband has been unable to eat or sleep, and I, a woman, am also worried."

If it were anyone else, they would have taken the opportunity to flatter and praise them for caring about the people and for their noble character.

Yu Tingwan did not.

"you too?"

"Yes."

Yu Tingwan seemed to be deep in thought.