After the divorce, I was adorned in a phoenix robe, while my ex-husband's entire family dug up

Later, her aunt severed this ill-fated relationship, and she gave birth to Xiao Niao Niao on her own. She broke free from those difficult and dark days, became strong, and now lives only for herself, has her own business, and lives a carefree life every day.

From the aunt's perspective, this is the free life that many women in the inner quarters envy.

There's no need for scheming or plotting, no need to try to please your husband, no need to pin your value on whether a man loves you, no need to compete with the other women in your husband's backyard, and no need to rely on having children to increase your own worth.

I wake up refreshed every day, without having to worry about housework. I can go out and play for a few days whenever I want and come back later. I sleep well and have a good appetite. My biggest worry is that I have too much money to spend.

Ironically, in the eyes of the world, the aunt was seen as someone who got divorced and had a child, destined to be unwanted and lonely for the rest of her life.

Even the women in the inner quarters who were oppressed by this dregs genuinely felt that having a husband was essential for a fulfilling life.

Wei Zhaoning carefully recalled her past life and realized that she seemed to have fallen into the same trap.

In the end, all she could do was sigh and say that it was not easy for a woman to live in this world. She felt that she would be as brave as her aunt and live a wonderful life even if she did not get married, without bowing to worldly conventions.

Unless she wants to, no one can force her into that ruthless rule.

Just as they were enjoying their meal, a servant suddenly came to report.

"Miss, Lord Lu is outside."

The aunt slammed her chopsticks down. "What's he doing here? How dare he show his face?! Get him out!"

Wei Ling was even more intolerant. He had seen Lu Zhufeng's arrogant demeanor at the Lu family banquet, where he was surrounded by women on both sides, and he had wanted to beat up that bastard. Now that Ningning wouldn't protect him, he had to vent his anger.

"Today I will show him what happens when he bullies the Wei family."

Wei Zhaoning sighed and quickly stopped them, "Don't rush, I'll go. You guys eat first. Listen to me, I can handle it."

She couldn't persuade these two long-standing grudges with just a few words; it took a long time to get them to sit still and continue eating.

Before leaving, Wei Zhaoning instructed Dongxu to keep a close eye on them and persuade them to stay.

Lu Zhufeng waited outside the door for a long time, growing increasingly impatient. His brows remained furrowed, and a storm was brewing in his eyes.

When Lu Zhufeng saw Wei Zhaoning walk out of the general's mansion in a nonchalant and unhurried manner, he felt himself being ignited.

What are you dawdling about?

He'd been furious these past few days. He'd told Wei Zhaoning to stay in that house, but she went to the Xiao residence on her own, and then came to the General's mansion without even a word. He'd been working non-stop these past few days and was exhausted. He was thinking of going back to have her serve him so he could relax, but he couldn't find her anywhere.

Only after asking did I learn that they had come to the General's Mansion.

Wei Zhaoning looked at him strangely, "So what if you keep dawdling?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Lu Zhufeng's eyes. What did Wei Zhaoning just say?

Is this still the obedient Wei Zhaoning we've known all these days? For a moment, he felt as if Wei Zhaoning had never changed.

"Think carefully before you speak! What are you doing here so late? This is rude of you. Come back with me right now."

Wei Zhaoning took a deep breath and sneered, "Lu Zhufeng, is it because I'm a good actor, or are you just too immersed in your role? Don't you know why I left without saying goodbye?"

Lu Zhufeng's throat went dry in an instant. "What exactly do you want? I've said it before, my patience is limited. I'm already exhausted. Can you stop making a scene? Who made you angry this time?"

I initially thought you'd served me well, and I wasn't going to punish you. I planned to elevate your status after the New Year. Are you sure you want to provoke me now?

Wei Zhaoning thought it was utterly ridiculous. She chuckled, her laughter dripping with sarcasm.

"Excuse me, what did you say? You want to elevate my status? Didn't we get divorced? What relationship do I have with your Lu family? Do I, Wei Zhaoning, need you to elevate my status? Do you think you're some kind of emperor?"

Lu Zhufeng took a step back, somewhat bewildered. Was Wei Zhaoning about to completely break off relations with him? He asked incredulously, "What's wrong with you?"

How could you say such a thing?

Didn't she say she was willing to stay by my side, even as a nameless concubine? What is she saying?

He couldn't accept it for a moment. Was the submissive Wei Zhaoning a fake?

"Don't talk nonsense. You've given yourself to me. If you don't rely on me, who else can you rely on? The Regent? He's about to get married. You'd better come back with me obediently, and I'll just make you my concubine right now."

He felt that long-lost fear suddenly resurface. He didn't even know why he suddenly softened and said those words. As long as Wei Zhaoning was willing to come back, it wouldn't hurt for him to make an exception and elevate Wei Zhaoning's status.

Wei Zhaoning laughed out loud, then gave a look of utter disgust.

"Oh, you mean this?"

She took out a medicine bottle from her bosom, shook out a pill, and placed it in front of Lu Zhufeng.

"I didn't want to bring this up; I felt ashamed for you. But since you've brought it up, I feel I need to make things clear with you."

Do you know how disgusting it is to do *that* with yourself after taking this drug? Like an animal, you're hugging a pillow and making love to yourself. Just watching it makes me want to vomit. How disgusting is that?

My body is so precious, how could I possibly give it to you? Don't you know how filthy you are? You rotten cucumber!

Besides Wei Jiaruo, do you think I don't know you went to a brothel years ago? You wish! Wei Jiaruo may not mind your rotten cucumber, but I do!

Now you dare to tell me that I've given myself to you and am dependent on you? Fine, then go to the authorities, otherwise your actions constitute abduction of a woman.

Wei Zhaoning's words were like a barrage of cannonballs, making Lu Zhufeng's head feel like it was about to explode, and he felt a chill run through his body.

How could this be! How is this possible!

All those days and nights of intimacy with him, it turns out, was just my own fantasy?

He clutched the pill tightly and howled like a madman.

"Impossible! Don't try to fool me. If you didn't want to consummate our marriage, why did you come back? Did you come back just to put on an act in front of me? What are you after?"

"What did I do wrong? You said you wanted an identity card, I'll give it to you, okay? Stop making a fuss, let's be good, let's not fight anymore."

Wei Zhaoning could not deny his self-deceptive behavior.

"If you don't believe me, go and test the power of this pill."

"By the way, speaking of why I'm staying at the Marquis's residence—"