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

Chapter 152 is right here, okay?

As dusk deepened, the last remaining ray of sunlight on the horizon almost vanished.

The dim, yellowish hue spread out, as if veiling the whole world in a somber mist.

The streets were bustling with people, shoulder to shoulder, creating a lively and extraordinary scene.

The shops lining the street were dazzling and brightly lit, making the street as bright as day.

The vendors' cries rose and fell, never ceasing.

The winter chill seemed to be somewhat dispelled by the lively atmosphere.

"Tomorrow is the beginning of the year, and we're already getting lively today."

Cheng Hua, who was sitting outside, said something with emotion. Upon hearing this, Pei Yanzhi withdrew his hand.

So it's almost the New Year, no wonder.

Throughout the year, Pei Yanzhi almost never celebrated any holidays, so naturally he wouldn't make a conscious effort to remember these days.

"Chenghua, go to the manor and bring Xiangning out."

He called out to stop the carriage and gave an instruction to Chenghua outside.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Hua respectfully agreed, and his figure quickly disappeared into the crowd.

The beginning of the year is very lively, and the curfew is lifted at this time every year.

Some of these vendors will be out from tonight until tomorrow night.

When Chenghua returned to the mansion to call Xiangning, she was somewhat surprised, seemingly not expecting Pei Yanzhi to ask her to go out at this time.

However, since she was able to go out, she didn't mind. After changing her clothes, she followed Chenghua out.

Pei Yanzhi stood beside the carriage. Before returning from Xiangguo Temple, he had changed into casual clothes.

A black cloak was draped over his body, enveloping him completely.

The surrounding noise seemed to be shut out by an invisible barrier.

His life was full of intrigue and scheming, navigating the vortex of power, and he took every step with extreme caution.

Even within the Pei family, he was nothing more than a puppet used to consolidate the family's position.

The days when others were laughing and playing meant nothing to him.

It wasn't until Xiang Ning appeared that Pei Yanzhi seemed to understand for the first time that the word "home" could truly evoke anticipation.

Before long, Xiang Ning's figure came into view.

She wore a moon-white brocade cloak, with the collar and cuffs trimmed with pure white fox fur, which made her face even more beautiful and charming.

Pei Yanzhi's lips unconsciously curled up, and a hint of tenderness appeared in his eyes.

He stretched out his hand and asked, "Are you cold?"

Xiang Ning gently shook her head as she placed her warm hand in his palm: "I'm not cold, thank you for remembering me, Pei Lang."

Xiang Ning tilted her head slightly and looked at Pei Yanzhi.

The gloomy place he was in seemed to be illuminated by her arrival, as if a light had been lit.

The dim lamplight connected to the colorful lights in the distance. She held his hand, her eyes crinkling with a gentle smile.

"Tomorrow seems to be the beginning of the year, so this place is so lively."

Hearing Xiang Ning's words, Pei Yanzhi hummed in agreement: "Yes, it's always like this at the beginning of the year in the capital."

The two entered the bustling market and weaved through the crowds.

Some vendors had already packed up and gone home, but there were still quite a few people on the bridge.

Xiang Ning remained silent, so Pei Yanzhi kept quiet and simply walked forward with the crowd.

The river reflects the moonlight and the lanterns on the banks, creating a shimmering and breathtaking scene.

"tired?"

Pei Yanzhi saw Xiang Ning stop and asked her a question.

She shook her head, reached out and grabbed his sleeve, then turned to look at Chenghua and Bitao following behind her.

As if sensing something, Bitao pulled Chenghua back several steps.

"What do you want to say to me? I have to do it away from those two."

Seeing Xiang Ning's actions, Pei Yanzhi couldn't help but chuckle.

She tiptoed, a faint blush rising to her fair face. "Lower your head, Pei Lang." Hearing this, Pei Yanzhi leaned down slightly, and she tilted her head, giving him a fleeting, light kiss on the cheek.

He saw the panic in her eyes, and the thin blush on her face resembled rouge.

Just as Xiang Ning was about to leave, Pei Yanzhi reached out and put his arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace.

"What are you doing? Trying to run away?"

For a moment, Pei Yanzhi was stunned; he didn't even realize what was happening.

Realizing that it was her initiative to kiss him, he snapped out of his daze and pulled her close.

"What do you want from me now?"

His words carried a hint of sarcasm. Xiang Ning leaned against him and shook her head: "I don't want to think about anything."

Some things are better left unsaid now.

She reached out and wrapped her arms around his waist, looking up at him: "You seem unhappy. Did the sacrificial ceremony not go well today?"

Pei Yanzhi lowered his eyes to meet hers and agreed to her words.

He never complains to anyone, and in fact, no one would think he has any grievances.

But people get tired, and he's not made of iron.

Faced with Xiang Ning's gentle concern, Pei Yanzhi suddenly wanted to say that he was indeed unhappy.

"what happened?"

“Princess Jian’an wanted to marry into the Pei family, but I was unwilling. Coincidentally, Lu Jiamin wanted to make a move against her, so I decided to play along.”

He reached out and tucked Xiang Ning's wind-blown hair behind her ear, then gathered the hood of her cloak.

"His Majesty knows about this, but he says he won't hold it against him."

Because compared to his elder sister, the young emperor needed loyal subjects.

Throughout history, emperors have been known for their cold-heartedness, whether it be familial or romantic; rulers are often heartless.

"What does that have to do with Pei Lang? Her Highness is of noble birth and has a marriage contract, yet she insists on marrying Pei Lang. It is her fault."

"As for Princess Huihe, she brought it on herself. Who told her to frame Miss Wen?"

Xiang Ning thought for a moment and then said this, implying that Pei Yanzhi was right.

It was definitely Wen Caifu who was behind Lu Jiamin's affair, but Pei Yanzhi had promised her that he wouldn't let Wen Caifu be discovered, and Xiang Ning believed him.

"You're right. Someone helped Wen Caifu, so Lu Jiamin can't find her. Don't worry."

For some reason, Pei Yanzhi found Xiang Ning's seemingly unreasonable words quite agreeable.

My mood improved significantly in an instant.

"I know you promised me."

Xiang Ning nodded gently, her eyes full of smiles.

The orange-yellow light fell into her eyes, like tiny stars, igniting a prairie fire.

He lowered his head and, the instant she finished speaking, kissed the red lips he had longed for.

"Did you eat oranges today?"

"you……"

I took a moment to ask her a question, but didn't give her a chance to answer.

The tart yet slightly sweet taste of oranges is just like Pei Yanzhi's heart.

He was now somewhat unable to distinguish which of Xiang Ning's words were true and which were false.

But at this moment, he didn't want to care; he just wanted to do this.

Pei Yanzhi covered Xiang Ning's eyes with his broad hands, pinning her against the wall in the alley.

Outside, it was noisy; they seemed to be secretly enjoying themselves.

His breath was hot, his palms were sweaty, and when his Adam's apple bobbed, Xiang Ning could sense what he was about to do.

She reached out and pushed him, but he wrapped her whole body in his cloak.

"Right here, okay?"

"No one will see this, only you and me."

(End of this chapter)