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

The carriage rolled smoothly over the cobblestone road. Wei Zhaoning leaned back on the cushion, the warmth of the slap she had just given Wei Jiaruo still lingering on her fingertips.

Pei Yi reached out and cupped her hand in his palm, rubbing it gently. His voice held a hint of amusement as he asked, "Does your hand hurt?"

"It doesn't hurt." She turned her head to look at him, her eyes still holding the sharpness from before. "That slap made my hand go numb; her face must have hurt even more."

Pei Yi chuckled softly and shoved the hand warmer into her arms: "It's good that you've vented your anger. Don't hurt your hands because of them."

Wei Zhaoning moved closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder: "Why didn't you say anything just now? I thought you were going to stop me."

"Why should I stop you?" He pinched her waist. "My queen, do whatever you want. With me here, no one can say a word against it."

As soon as the carriage arrived at the gate of the Prince's residence, the steward came forward, carrying a brocade box. "Your Highness, Your Highness's Consort, this is a new fabric just delivered by the Jiangnan Textile Bureau. They say it's made for the Princess as you instructed."

Pei Yi took the brocade box and handed it to Wei Zhaoning. When she opened it, she saw a piece of moon-white Hangzhou silk with fine, dark patterns woven on it. It felt as soft and smooth as spring water.

"This material looks so comfortable." Wei Zhaoning smiled and handed the brocade box to Dongxu. "It's perfect for making you an undergarment to wear in the spring."

Pei Yi raised an eyebrow: "I thought you would think of yourself first."

"What's yours is mine." She took his arm and led him inside. "Besides, I have so many new clothes I haven't worn yet."

Dinner was simple: a bowl of steaming chicken noodle soup. Wei Zhaoning ate with sweat dripping from her nose, while Pei Yi sat opposite her, holding a folding book, but glancing at her every now and then.

"Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you." He put down the folding tray and added some soup for her.

"I didn't eat enough at the Duke's mansion today," she mumbled. "Just looking at them makes me nauseous."

Pei Yi hummed in agreement, his fingertips lightly tapping the table: "If you don't want to go in the future, then don't go. With me here, no one can force you."

Wei Zhaoning looked up at him, the candlelight flickering in his eyes, reflecting a tenderness. A warmth filled her heart, and she picked up a piece of noodles with her chopsticks and placed it in his bowl: "You should eat some too."

He didn't refuse, lowered his head and took a bite, a slight smile curving his lips.

At night, Wei Zhaoning lay in Pei Yi's arms, listening to his heartbeat, but she couldn't fall asleep.

"Do you think Wei Jiaruo might really not live much longer?" she asked softly.

Pei Yi gently patted her back, as if coaxing a child: "She ruined her own body; she has no one to blame but herself."

"I know." She snuggled closer to him. "But I still think she's quite pitiful."

"Every pitiful person has something hateful about them." Pei Yi's voice was lower. "You don't need to be soft-hearted for her. Just live our lives well."

Wei Zhaoning hummed in agreement, closed her eyes, and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, Wei Zhaoning had just gotten up when she saw Dongxu bring in a newly made cloak. "Your Highness, this was made by the embroidery workshop at the Prince's request. He said it's windy today, so you'll need it when you go out."

The cloak was dark blue, with a collar trimmed with white fox fur that felt soft to the touch. Wei Zhaoning tried it on; it fit perfectly and felt as warm as being wrapped in sunshine.

Pei Yi came in from outside and saw her wearing a cloak. The smile in his eyes deepened: "It fits you well."

"How did you know my size?" she asked him, turning around.

"I've measured it." He walked behind her and tied the belt of her cloak. "Let's go to the horse farm."

Wei Zhaoning's eyes lit up; she had long wanted to see him train horses.

The wind was strong in the riding arena, making it hard to open one's eyes. Pei Yi led over a magnificent, jet-black horse and handed her a rein: "Want to try it out?"

Wei Zhaoning hesitated for a moment, but still accepted it. She mounted the horse, and just as she was about to move, Pei Yi was already sitting behind her, his hands on hers, leading her to tighten the reins.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here." His voice was close to her ear, and his breath made her ears burn.

The horse began to trot, the wind whistling past its ears. Wei Zhaoning was a little nervous at first, but gradually relaxed, following Pei Yi's lead and enjoying the exhilaration of running.

After riding around once, Pei Yi reined in his horse, picked her up, and dismounted. Wei Zhaoning's face was flushed, and her heart was pounding.

"How is it?" he asked with a smile.

"That was fun!" she exclaimed, panting. "I want to come again next time."

Pei Yi pinched her cheek: "Okay, I'll teach you to run faster next time."

As soon as the carriage entered the gates of the Prince's mansion, a sweet fragrance filled the air. Wei Zhaoning lifted the curtain and saw two baskets of freshly picked strawberries, as red as agate, displayed under the eaves.

"Where did you come from?" Her eyes lit up, and just as she was about to jump out of the car, Pei Yi reached out and steadily supported her waist.

"It was just delivered from the south. I know you love it." He pinched her cheek. "Go back to your room and wash your hands before you eat it. Don't rush."

Wei Zhaoning was being pulled towards the warm pavilion by him, but her steps kept veering towards the strawberries. Pei Yi had no choice but to have a maid bring over a plate first, and only then did she settle down.

The freshly washed strawberries, glistening with moisture, were so sweet they made your eyes squint. Wei Zhaoning fed one to Pei Yi, who opened his mouth to take it, smiling at her: "Sweeter than last year's."

"That's right, this is a tribute." She shook her head proudly and popped another one into her mouth.

The afternoon sun was shining brightly. Wei Zhaoning moved a chair to sit on the veranda, holding a storybook in her hand, with strawberries and honey water in front of her. Pei Yi sat opposite her, looking at the storybook. Occasionally, he would look up and see her engrossed in reading, with a little juice on the corner of her mouth.

He put down the folding paper and reached out to wipe her mouth: "How old are you? Still eating all over your face."

Wei Zhaoning blushed and slapped his hand away: "None of your business."

Just then, the steward came in to report that the palace had sent over a new inkstone. Pei Yi took the brocade box and opened it; inside was a Duan inkstone, engraved with cloud patterns, and smooth to the touch.

"His Majesty still remembers that you liked this." Wei Zhaoning leaned closer to look. "It just so happens that your previous inkstone cracked."

Pei Yi hummed in agreement and placed the inkstone on the table: "I'll use it to write you a piece of calligraphy tonight."

"Great!" Her eyes lit up. "What should we write?"

"Write your name." He looked at her, his eyes full of smiles.

As evening approached, a breeze picked up, and Wei Zhaoning felt a bit cold. Just as she was about to go back to her room to put on more clothes, Pei Yi came over with a cloak and tied the straps for her.

"What do you want to eat tonight?" he asked.

"Hot pot," she said without hesitation. "Spicy, please."

Pei Yi smiled: "I knew you wanted to eat it."

The hot pot was served, the red oil broth bubbling away. Wei Zhaoning picked up a piece of tripe with her chopsticks, dipped it in the pot, and was about to put it in her mouth when Pei Yi stopped her.

"Wait a minute, it's not cooked yet." He took her chopsticks, rinsed the food a couple more times, and then put it in her bowl. "You can eat it now."

Wei Zhaoning obediently ate it, gasping for breath from the spiciness, and quickly drank some plum juice. Pei Yi couldn't help but laugh at her reaction and gave her a piece of non-spicy tofu.

"Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you."

Wei Zhaoning felt that such a peaceful and happy life was enough for her.