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

Chapter 211 About Love

"I'm just here to talk to Xiang Ning, not to hurt her."

Pei Yanzhi watched Lu Jiang's actions with a calm tone.

Normally, he would have been angry, but this time, he wasn't.

Lu Jiang looked at Pei Yanzhi with scrutiny in his eyes.

“Pei Yanzhi, you keep saying you won’t hurt A Ning, but what about what happened before? If it weren’t for you, A Ning wouldn’t have been involved in those dangers.”

Pei Yanzhi's Adam's apple bobbed slightly before he spoke: "I was careless before, which put A Ning in danger, but from now on I will do everything in my power to protect her."

Lu Weimin also stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Pei Yanzhi.

"Lord Pei, do you know what A Ning really wants? She likes the free and unrestrained life in Ling'an and doesn't want to be bound by the rules of a high-class family."

"If you truly care about her, please don't bother her anymore."

Xiang Ning stood aside, listening to their conversation, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

At this moment, people in the market gradually gathered around, looking at the group with curiosity.

Xiang Ning felt a little embarrassed and said softly, "Everyone, let's not stand here anymore, let's go home and talk about it."

Hearing this, Lu Jiang frowned. In the past, Xiang Ning would never let Pei Yanzhi into the house.

Could it be that Xiang Ning has changed her mind after spending a few days with Pei Yanzhi?
After returning to the Lu family's main hall, Lu Jiang sat down to the side, while Lu Weimin sat down in the seat of honor.

Xiang Ning was pulled by Lu Jiang to sit next to him, while Pei Yanzhi could only sit opposite her.

“Uncle Lu, I have realized my mistakes in the past and I am truly repentant.”

“I like A Ning, I love her, and I am willing to give up everything to stay in Ling An.”

At this point, Pei Yanzhi looked at Xiang Ning: "You have been through a lot, so I suppose you understand my thoughts better."

"I just want to be with A Ning."

His words were sincere, and his attitude was not as firm as it used to be.

It's like the hardest iceberg on a cold mountain, which begins to melt when it encounters the scorching sun.

Without Xiang Ning, when had they ever seen Pei Yanzhi with such a gentle attitude?

“Lord Pei, I understand what you mean, but this is A Ning’s life-long affair, and it’s no use telling me.”

“I will not force A-Ning to do anything. If you really care, the first person you should ask for is A-Ning.”

Lu Weimin saw many things in Pei Yanzhi's eyes.

He had heard Lu Jiang talk about what Pei Yanzhi had done.

However, when it comes to matters of love, one can only say that the one who tied the knot must untie it.

Only the people involved know whether this relationship can continue.

"father?"

Hearing Lu Weimin's words, Lu Jiang exclaimed incredulously. Lu Weimin waved his hand, then stood up and gestured for Lu Jiang to go out together.

"Let's go. Some things are more important to say than to say them out loud."

If she doesn't speak up, Pei Yanzhi will just keep bothering Xiang Ning.

Lu Jiang originally wanted to stay, but seeing Lu Weimin's attitude, he had no choice but to follow him out of the flower hall.

Suddenly, only Xiang Ning and Pei Yanzhi remained in the flower hall.

"A Ning."

He looked up at Xiang Ning, his eyes filled with a hint of stubbornness.

Xiang Ning pursed her lips and sighed deeply: "Pei Yanzhi, do you understand what love is?"

"Love is not about compromising yourself. I don't need you to give up everything for me. If you think that this is the only way we can be together, then you're wrong."

"You are the eldest grandson of the Pei family, the pride of heaven in everyone's eyes, and the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review who punishes evildoers for the people."

“You are great, you have many good qualities, you have your own life, your family, your friends, you shouldn’t give up everything for me.”

Her gaze was gentle, and the setting sun shone through the window, falling on her hair.

For a moment, Pei Yanzhi even felt that she loved him. "I..."

“I don’t want you to go to such lengths, because you’ve made mistakes in the past and think that only by putting yourself in the most humble position can you keep me.”

Xiang Ning interrupted Pei Yanzhi as he was about to speak.

She stood up and walked to Pei Yanzhi: "What you gain by compromising won't last."

“Some relationships, once they start wrong, can never be righted. You hope I have a happy life, and I also hope you can still be the same Pei family young master who was once so graceful and unrestrained.”

Xiang Ning once wondered what could break down all the barriers between her and Pei Yanzhi if she were to be with him.

She didn't think about that question again until she figured it out.

In that instant, she suddenly understood.

Regarding love, learn to love, understand love.

What she has always wanted is for each other to respect and understand one another, so that they can stay together for a long time.

She didn't want Pei Yanzhi to be humble; he deserved a life of his own.

Pei Yanzhi listened quietly to Xiang Ning's words, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

Looking at the gentle yet determined woman before him, he suddenly realized how narrow-minded he had always been.

He thought that by giving up everything, he could prove his love, but he overlooked what Xiang Ning truly wanted.

"I only thought about making up for my past mistakes by giving up, but I didn't consider your feelings. I understand now that love is not about restraint or self-sacrifice, but about mutual respect and understanding."

Hearing Pei Yanzhi's words, Xiang Ning smiled.

“I have never denied that answer, but Pei Yanzhi, this should not be a shackle for you.”

Xiang Ning's words made Pei Yanzhi's eyes widen slightly. He looked up and met her gaze as she looked down.

The answer she never denied...

It's because I like you.

Pei Yanzhi stood up, his Adam's apple bobbing. He didn't know what he wanted to say, or even what he could say.

Is there truly no possibility left between us?

The words he asked in a trembling voice seemed to have used up all the courage he had in his life.

Xiang Ning neither nodded nor shook her head.

"But I think it's probably not possible right now."

She couldn't think of a way to satisfy both sides, so this was the only reply she could give him.

"If I could find a way to have the best of both worlds..."

"Then let's wait until that day to talk about it."

Xiang Ning remained calm as she watched Pei Yanzhi utter those words.

If he truly understands what he's saying, then at least he won't cause any more trouble.

About half an hour later, Pei Yanzhi left the flower hall. Lu Jiang looked at his back and was a little surprised. He left already?

"A-Ning, what did you say to him?"

Lu Jiang walked into the flower hall and asked a question, but Xiang Ning shook her head and said nothing.

She had simply made a promise with Pei Yanzhi.

"Second Miss, Young Master Shang has arrived. He says he has important matters to discuss."

The brother and sister had barely exchanged a single word when Chunxi came in and said this.

"It must be a business matter. Let's invite him in."

Xiang Ning nodded slightly in acknowledgment, and Chun Xi hurriedly went to invite someone. However, she did not expect that the first thing Shang Yan said after entering would almost make her jaw drop.

"What did you say? Marriage?!"

She understood him, and therefore could better understand him. Love should not be a shackle that binds a person, nor should it be a humble plea. Only equal love can lead to a lifetime of happiness together.

(End of this chapter)