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

Chapter 141 Just Like Us
Xiang Ning stood to one side, several steps away from Pei Yanzhi.

Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows that fell upon the two people, seemingly lengthening the invisible distance between them.

When Xiang Ning looked up at Pei Yanzhi, she felt as if something flashed across his eyes.

But it's fleeting and hard to capture.

Xiang Ning bit her lower lip slightly and took a step forward.

She reached out and took the clothes Pei Yanzhi handed her. Her fingertips inadvertently touched his sleeve, feeling a faint warmth.

"Mother Xu said that the meal is ready. Would Young Master Pei like to eat now?"

Xiang Ning's voice was soft, but her face showed obvious unease.

He forced a smile up his lips, but the smile didn't reach his eyes; there was a hint of nervousness and anticipation in his eyes.

Pei Yanzhi stared at Xiang Ning, his thoughts unreadable.

He didn't say much about Xiang Ning's behavior, but simply said, "Chenghua, serve the food."

After speaking, he raised his hand and grasped Xiang Ning's hand. The man's palm was large and warm, completely enveloping Xiang Ning's small hand.

Xiang Ning was slightly taken aback and looked at Pei Yanzhi, only to see that his expression remained unchanged.

Bitao, who was standing to the side, bowed respectfully and quietly withdrew.

For a moment, only Pei Yanzhi and Xiang Ning remained in the room.

"If you feel bored at home, I'll have someone find you some embroidery patterns so you can relieve your boredom on weekdays."

After Pei Yanzhi sat down, he reached for the teapot on the table and poured himself a cup of tea.

He turned his head slightly to look at Xiang Ning.

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ning did not show any joy. Instead, she reached out and tugged at Pei Yanzhi's sleeve, gently shaking her head.

"It's okay, I..."

Her voice held a hint of hesitation. She paused, then continued, "I'm thinking of opening my own embroidery shop. Is that alright?"

As she spoke, she raised her head and looked directly at Pei Yanzhi, her eyes revealing a hint of eagerness and longing.

Pei Yanzhi raised an eyebrow, a faint smile suddenly appearing on his lips, carrying a hint of amusement and a touch of sarcasm.

"So that's why you're being so solicitous today. It turns out you need something from me."

Xiang Ning felt a slight pang in her heart upon hearing these slightly sarcastic words, but she did not refute them.

He simply lowered his eyelids, his thick eyelashes casting a shadow beneath them.

She knew perfectly well that, in Pei Yanzhi's eyes, this request was nothing more than a scheme with ulterior motives.

But this method of leaving the Pei residence, which she had thought of for a long time, absolutely could not be abandoned.

If what Pei Yanzhi said is true, and she is trapped in this Mosong Garden with nothing to do every day, she will eventually be driven crazy by this endless boredom.

However, she also understood that Pei Yanzhi would most likely not agree to this.

Just as Xiang Ning was lost in her thoughts, Pei Yanzhi suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him.

The distance between the two instantly closed, and Xiang Ning could even clearly feel Pei Yanzhi's breath spraying on her cheek.

"Why does A-Ning want to open an embroidery shop? Is she short of money?"

Pei Yanzhi stared intently into Xiang Ning's eyes, his gaze revealing a hint of scrutiny.

Xiang Ning lowered her eyes, avoiding Pei Yanzhi's burning gaze, and said softly, "I just want to find something to do."

She paused, then looked up and leaned closer to Pei Yanzhi.

"It's also to give myself some security for the future. If Pei Lang's future wife is difficult to get along with, at least I'll have money to ensure my future life."

Her voice was soft yet clear, each word seemingly carrying a hint of helplessness and heartache.

As if sensing Pei Yanzhi's doubts, Xiang Ning sighed softly.

“My indenture and the concubine-taking document are in Pei Lang’s hands. Where can I go? If you agree to let me open an embroidery shop, the shop will naturally be under your control. I just want to find something to rely on.”

After saying this, she seemed to have let go of all her burdens, and sighed deeply, her eyes filled with loneliness. "However, I also know that Pei Lang will not easily believe me." Pei Yanzhi listened to Xiang Ning's words and remained silent for a long time.

He simply stared at her silently, his gaze seemingly trying to see right through her.

Silence fell over the room for a moment, with only the wafting aroma of tea filling the air.

"If you want to find someone to rely on in this manor, shouldn't you be looking for me, A-Ning?"

Pei Yanzhi finally let out a cold snort and released Xiang Ning's hand.

"Moreover, there is no precedent in Daqing for concubines to engage in business outside, so this requirement seems absurd to outsiders."

His ambiguous attitude left Xiang Ning unable to discern the truth.

Xiang Ning's heart sank suddenly, and she couldn't help but clench her hands.

"I'll take you to pick out a shop another day when I have some free time."

Pei Yanzhi picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and finally uttered these words.

He owns many shops, so choosing one for Xiang Ning wouldn't be a problem.

She's right. Her indenture, her concubine's decree, and even the shop she wants now are all in his hands.

"but……"

When Xiang Ning heard Pei Yanzhi's tone change, she had a bad feeling.

Then I heard him say, "Opening a shop also requires money. What does Aning want to exchange for it?"

The man's gaze was so intense that, even without being explicitly stated, she knew what he wanted.

"I will serve Pei Lang wholeheartedly."

Xiang Ning lowered her head and obediently agreed. She heard him laugh and praise her for being so good.

Xiang Ning felt only mockery in the emotions hidden behind her bowed head.

She and Pei Yanzhi could never be in love, because he simply didn't understand what true love was.

Pei Yanzhi only wanted her to be obedient and well-behaved.

That wasn't the real her; he was waiting for her to fall in love with him and truly accept her.

Unfortunately, under such a relationship, Xiang Ning will never open her heart to Pei Yanzhi.

Before long, Xu's mother and her entourage brought out the dishes.

When she saw Xiang Ning, she hesitated to speak, but ultimately said nothing.

Xiang Ning and Pei Yanzhi had dinner together, and he asked Cheng Hua to bring the official documents here.

It looks like we'll be resting here tonight.

Xiang Ning sat to the side, holding the book Pei Yanzhi had given her.

On the way back to the capital from Yangzhou, Pei Yanzhi taught her a lot, and now she can understand these children's primers.

"The sachet that A-Ning made for me before broke. Make me another one when you have time, okay?"

Pei Yanzhi, who had just returned from his bath, stood behind Xiang Ning. He bent down, wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his head on her shoulder.

Her half-dry black hair slipped into her collar, causing a slight itch.

With nowhere to hide, Xiang Ning nodded in agreement.

How about embroidering a mandarin duck?

"Just like us."

The hot, moist breath brushed against Xiang Ning's ear, making her feel uncomfortable, yet she couldn't resist it.

He seemed drunk; even his words sounded somewhat incoherent.

What kind of man's sachet has mandarin ducks embroidered on it?

(End of this chapter)