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

He recalled the beginning of his marriage.

Ningning always looks unhappy, as if she has a lot on her mind.

Perhaps everyone has some secrets they don't want others to know.

If she doesn't want to tell herself, then she'll keep it buried inside for the rest of her life.

He wouldn't ask any questions; he only wanted to give her the happiest life for the rest of her days, allowing her to gradually forget the painful days that had caused her so much pain.

When Wei Zhaoning woke up, she saw Pei Yi sitting by the bed looking at her with gentle eyes, and her cheeks flushed slightly: "How long have I been asleep?"

"It won't be long, only half an hour." Pei Yi tucked the blanket around her. "Would you like to sleep a little longer?"

"No, I've had enough sleep." Wei Zhaoning sat up. "It's cool in the evening, let's go for a walk by the small lake in the manor. I heard the lotus flowers there are in bloom."

"Okay." Pei Yi nodded and reached out to help her get out of bed.

The small lake at the Regent's Palace is not large, but it is elegantly maintained. Weeping willows are planted along the lake, and lotus flowers are planted in the lake. It is currently the flowering season, and the pink lotus flowers stand tall and graceful. The lotus leaves are crowded together, and when the wind blows, ripples are formed and the fragrance is overflowing.

The two walked slowly along the lake, Pei Yi holding her hand, their steps very deliberate.

The weeping willow branches by the lake drooped down, brushing against their shoulders, carrying a faint fragrance of grass and trees.

"Do you remember the first time we admired the lotus flowers together?" Wei Zhaoning suddenly asked.

"That was the summer of our second year of marriage. You had just quelled a rebellion in the southwest and brought me here after you returned, saying you wanted me to see the lotus flowers in the mansion."

"I remember." Pei Yi nodded with a smile. "That day you wore a pink dress and stood by the lake, looking as beautiful as a lotus flower."

Wei Zhaoning's cheeks flushed even more, and she lightly punched him: "It's been so many years, and you're still saying these things."

"No matter how many years pass, you'll always be as beautiful in my eyes as you were back then." Pei Yi stopped and turned to look at her, his eyes earnest. "Ningning, thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?" Wei Zhaoning looked up at him.

"Thank you for being with me all these years, thank you for everything you've done for this family, thank you for letting me know what happiness is." Pei Yi's voice was deep and sincere.

Wei Zhaoning's eyes reddened slightly. She reached out and hugged his waist, burying her face in his chest: "Pei Yi, me too."

Actually, the person who should be thanking the most is her.

If Pei Yi hadn't made her experience the happiness she longed for, she would have lived her whole life in pain and hatred.

Pei Yi tightened his arms around her, holding her close, feeling her body temperature and heartbeat, his heart filled with peace.

A gentle breeze blows across the lake, carrying the fragrance of lotus blossoms and the tranquility of time.

This moment is eternity.

Every morning, Wei Zhaoning would have breakfast with Pei Yi, and then he would go to handle state affairs while she managed the household.

When he returned in the evening, the two would take a walk and talk together, or sit in the study where he would read and she would do needlework. Occasionally, they would exchange a smile, understanding each other without needing to say more.

Xue Jin and Pei Ran lived a harmonious life.

Xue Jin worked diligently in the Ministry of Revenue and earned Pei Yi's deep trust.

Although Pei Ran could occasionally be a little temperamental, she was also considerate of Xue Jin and would often learn to make some of his favorite snacks and send them to the Ministry of Revenue.

Sometimes the two would come to the main courtyard for a meal. Pei Yi would chat with Xue Jin about politics, while Wei Zhaoning would talk to Pei Ran about family matters. The family of six lived happily together.

That autumn, the maple leaves in the outskirts of the capital turned red. Pei Yi took a day off and took Wei Zhaoning to the outskirts of the capital to admire the maple leaves.

The carriage bumped along the way. Wei Zhaoning leaned on Pei Yi's shoulder, watching the scenery flash by outside the window with a smile on her lips.

Upon reaching the mountain, the maple leaves covering the entire mountainside were ablaze with fiery red, creating a truly magnificent sight.

The two slowly walked up the mountain path, with Pei Yi holding Wei Zhaoning's hand the whole time, afraid that she would slip and fall.

"The maple leaves here are so beautiful," Wei Zhaoning exclaimed, standing on a viewing platform and looking at the red leaves in the distance.

"Yes, it's much prettier than the ones in the manor." Pei Yi stood beside her, but his gaze was fixed on her face. "However, no matter how beautiful the scenery is, it can't compare to you."

Wei Zhaoning glared at him with a smile: "You're getting better and better at saying nice things."

"These are all the truth." Pei Yi held her hand.

"From now on, we'll come here every year to see the maple leaves turn red, to see the snowflakes fall, and to see the years go by."

"Okay." Wei Zhaoning nodded, her heart filled with anticipation.

She used to never believe a man's promises, but now she knows that the man in front of her is the one who can truly protect her for a lifetime and never leave her.

The two spent the entire day on the mountain, admiring the maple leaves. They then had a simple meal at a farmhouse at the foot of the mountain. The farmhouse food was simple yet delicious, consisting of cornbread, millet porridge, and stir-fried wild vegetables, which Pei Yi enjoyed immensely.

On the return journey in the carriage, Wei Zhaoning leaned on Pei Yi's shoulder and gradually fell asleep.

Pei Yi carefully held her in his arms to help her sleep more peacefully.

He looked out the window at the gradually darkening sky, feeling a sense of peace.

He recalled his youth when his father was seriously ill and the court was in turmoil. At a young age, he took on the heavy responsibility of regent. Back then, he was always on edge, fearing that one wrong step would lead to utter ruin.

He never imagined he would have such a peaceful and happy life, with a loving wife, a harmonious sister and brother-in-law, a brother and sister-in-law, and a stable home.

It was already completely dark when the carriage entered the Regent's Palace.

Pei Yi carefully carried Wei Zhaoning out of the carriage and went straight back to the main courtyard.

The maids had already prepared hot water and dinner. When they saw the prince carrying the princess back, they all quietly withdrew.

Pei Yi placed Wei Zhaoning on the couch, covered her with a blanket, and was about to turn around to wash up when she grabbed his wrist.

"Don't go." Wei Zhaoning opened her eyes, her gaze still hazy with sleep. "Stay with me for a while."

"Okay." Pei Yi sat down on the edge of the bed, took her hand, and said, "I won't leave."

Wei Zhaoning smiled, closed her eyes, and fell asleep again.

Pei Yi sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her sleeping face, his heart filled with tenderness.

As night deepened, the Regent's Palace fell silent, save for a dim lamp lit by the window in the main courtyard, illuminating the two sleeping in each other's arms.

As time passed, spring came and autumn went, the flowers in the Regent's Palace bloomed and withered, withered and bloomed again.

Pei Yi and Wei Zhaoning's life was not filled with earth-shattering waves, but rather with a gentle, flowing warmth.

Together they witnessed the changing seasons, weathered storms together, and protected their home and each other.

Wei Zhaoning asked Pei Yi, as regent, what he desired most. He always replied with a smile, "Peace and tranquility for the country, and your presence year after year."

Wei Zhaoning knew that what she wanted most was just the light in the Regent's Palace and the person who had always protected and loved her.

Pei Yi.

"Um?"

"I love you."

Pei Yi nodded and gently coaxed Wei Zhaoning to sleep. Looking at her sleeping face, he suddenly smiled.

"Silly boy."

This time, the tears Wei Zhaoning shed were tears of happiness.

——End of full text——