After the favored concubine remarried, the aloof and powerful minister forcibly took her away.

Chapter 139 He was warning her

Pei Yanzhi's words, tinged with a hint of a smile, drifted on the breeze.

Xiang Ning was caught off guard and froze on the spot, as if she had been startled by these sudden words.

A moment later, she hurriedly looked away, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.

Like peach blossoms just beginning to bloom on branches in spring, they are delicate and eye-catching.

Fortunately, the carriage came to a slow stop, and the vermilion gates of the Pei residence came into view.

Pei Yanzhi then decided not to dwell on these jokes any longer.

He nimbly stepped down from the carriage, then stretched out his long arm and steadily lifted Xiang Ning, who was still inside, out of the carriage.

This series of movements, so natural and fluid, startled the servant standing at the door, who stared wide-eyed in astonishment.

When has this usually aloof young master ever shown such tenderness and affection towards anyone?

He rubbed his eyes hard, thinking he must have seen wrong.

Xiang Ning noticed the servant's surprised gaze and felt increasingly uncomfortable. She lowered her head and followed Pei Yanzhi into the mansion.

Pei Yanzhi, however, didn't care at all and led Xiang Ning straight into the Ink Pine Garden.

After being away for many days, Xiang Ning stepped into the familiar Mo Song Garden again, only to be surprised to find that the courtyard in front of her had changed drastically since she left.

The changes were even more noticeable when stepping into Qingyi Residence.

A brand-new connecting corridor, like a winding ribbon, connects the two ends of the building.

The wooden bridge that once stood there has disappeared, leaving only a path leading to the outer courtyard.

Even more eye-catching is the string of wind chimes on the connecting corridor.

A gentle breeze blows, and the wind chimes sway, producing a series of crisp and melodious sounds, like a clear spring flowing in the mountains.

However, once it entered Xiang Ning's heart, it inexplicably gave rise to a strange feeling, making her feel inexplicably uneasy.

“From now on, there will only be you and me as masters in Qingyi Residence, and the only servants will be Bitao and Chenghua.”

Pei Yanzhi turned slightly to the side and pulled Xiang Ning into his arms.

He rested his chin on the top of her head and spoke softly with a hint of doting affection, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

As soon as he finished speaking, the bells on the corridor seemed to be summoned and began to ring.

But to Xiang Ning, that voice sounded like cold shackles binding her, causing her heart to clench and her to instinctively want to step back and distance herself from Pei Yanzhi.

Sensing Xiang Ning's intention, Pei Yanzhi tightened his grip on her waist.

"Next summer, I'll build you a swing here."

"Whatever flowers and plants you like, Chenghua will bring people to plant them."

With each word he spoke, Xiang Ning's face grew paler.

The whispered murmurs between lovers sounded to Xiang Ning like a distant curse.

Pei Yanzhi had already thought about the future, and he was warning her.

"elder sister?!"

Just as Xiang Ning was about to back away, Bi Tao returned from outside and was very happy to see Xiang Ning.

Pei Yanzhi had Xiang Ning wrapped around his arm, and Bi Tao didn't dare to get too close.

Realizing this, Pei Yanzhi released Xiang Ning and instead held her hand.

"Let's go in and have a look."

Xiang Ning was pulled into the house by Pei Yanzhi, and the furnishings inside were completely renewed.

Various exquisite ornaments are arranged in a pleasing and orderly manner, showcasing the owner's meticulous attention to detail.

Xiang Ning's gaze followed Pei Yanzhi's movements.

Bitao followed behind and whispered.

“Sister, while you were away, the eldest young master put a lot of effort into decorating this courtyard. He personally oversaw every single detail.”

Xiang Ning nodded slightly but didn't speak. Pei Yanzhi pulled her to sit down in a chair and said, "A Ning, see if there's anything else you're not satisfied with."

Xiang Ning shook her head and said softly, "No, it's fine."

Just as Pei Yanzhi was about to say something more, Chenghua came in and said that the old lady wanted to see Pei Yanzhi.

Pei Yanzhi frowned slightly, and although he was somewhat unwilling, he still got up.

He gently patted Xiang Ning's hand and said softly, "Then you rest for a bit, I'll be right back."

Xiang Ning nodded slightly, but a hint of relief flashed in her eyes.

After Pei Yanzhi left, Xiang Ning stood up and paced around the room.

She looked around, and the exquisite furnishings now seemed to her like decorations of a cage, making her feel extremely oppressed.

Bitao looked at Xiangning from the side and asked cautiously, "Sister, where have you been all this time?"

"I thought, I thought something had happened to you..."

Xiang Ning sighed softly and said in a low voice, "Fortunately, I'm back now."

She didn't want to talk much about her experiences outside, which weren't exactly pleasant.

Bitao hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't help but speak.

“Sister, the young master is truly devoted to you. This time when you came back, he decorated the courtyard like this and dismissed many servants, all so that you could stay comfortably.”

Xiang Ning smiled bitterly. What good was sincerity? She didn't want sincerity.

She walked to the window and looked at the connecting corridor and the wind chimes outside.

Now that she is in the Pei family mansion, facing Pei Yanzhi's feelings and the Pei family's rules, she feels like a bird trapped in a gilded cage.

At this moment, Pei Yanzhi arrived at the old lady's residence.

The old lady's face was gloomy. As soon as she saw Pei Yanzhi, she said sternly, "Yanzhi, I know you brought Xiang Ning back."

"The Pei family is already making plans for your marriage. Marrying into another prominent family is the best choice for you and the Pei family."

"You promised Grandmother that you wouldn't overstep your bounds, right?"

Madam Pei was afraid that Pei Yanzhi's thoughts would change after Xiang Ning returned, so she wanted to give him a few more words of advice.

“I understand what Grandmother means. I will not easily change what I have said, so please rest assured, Grandmother.”

Pei Yanzhi stood opposite Madam Pei and said in a low voice.

Madam Pei narrowed her eyes slightly, scrutinizing Pei Yanzhi's expression.

“Yanzhi, don’t think I’m making things difficult for you. Marriage is a major event that concerns the rise and fall of the family. You are destined to be the head of the family in the future.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Yanzhi lowered his head and respectfully replied, "Grandmother, I know what I'm doing."

Madam Pei's words were nothing more than the same few sentences over and over again.

He should not have illegitimate children first, and he should not spoil Xiang Ning too much, lest she develop improper thoughts.

But Mosongyuan is his territory; once the doors are closed, who can control him?

After leaving Ningfu Residence, Pei Yanzhi rubbed his temples with a headache.

"My lord, there's been a new discovery on the Marquis of Anping's side, and he requests your presence at the palace."

Cheng Hua rushed over from outside and said something to Pei Yanzhi.

Upon hearing this, Pei Yanzhi hummed in agreement.

"Tell Aunt Xu to prepare more food for dinner, I'll have dinner when I get back."

When they reached the gate of the mansion, Pei Yanzhi uttered these words, and Chenghua nodded in agreement.

With Xiang Ning back, the master was also willing to return to the Pei residence.

In this world, there really is one thing that can subdue another. Cheng Hua never expected that Pei Yanzhi would be subdued by Xiang Ning.

(End of this chapter)