So what if she's my sister-in-law? You seduced me first.

In broad daylight, Ning Yu didn't want to engage in such absurd behavior with him.

She didn't show any displeasure and asked, "You came straight here after court; didn't you go back to the Xie family?"

"No reply." He kissed her cheek.

"Then do you know anything about the Crown Prince---"

Before she could finish speaking, his expression changed, and Ning Yu froze, wisely shutting her mouth.

Xie Xun, however, seemed to have taken a sudden sympathy, placing her on the newly prepared bed and leaning over to say, "Your funeral was handled hastily. With your elder brother being so incompetent, how could he protect you?"

Ning Yu's expression remained unchanged. The person was already dead; what need was there for a grand funeral?

"Your parents were only allowed to stay with the Xie family because I instructed them to." A sarcastic smile played on his lips. "Instead of worrying about him, you should think about how to please me. Don't ruin your future for someone who isn't worth it."

What future does she have? Her most important thing now is to escape this prison-like villa. She is not dead at all.

"You misunderstand. I'm not concerned about the young master; I just wanted to ask if he might have any suspicions. Has the funeral been completed?"

"The body will be laid to rest in a few more days." He lifted her chin. "What, you want your brother to suspect there's something wrong with the body, so you can run back and tell everyone you're not dead?"

His arrogant tone made Ning Yu want to slap him to death, but she held back and said softly, "I've already said it. Things have come to this. I will stay with the Governor. Ning Yu is dead, already dead."

Her tone after that was truly heartbreaking, but Xie Xun remembered how she refused to call him "husband" last night, and he couldn't soften his heart at all.

The two were very close; he leaned over and embraced her, his strong masculine presence filling the air and casting large shadows.

Ning Yu noticed his eyes were fixed on her mouth, and subconsciously took a step back. This dog was very greedy, but she was really exhausted and didn't want to serve him.

Kiss me.

She pretended not to hear the alluring voice, raised her watery eyes, and said, "You said my father and mother went to the Xie family, were they frightened---"

"Lord Ning---Kiss me and I'll tell you." A wicked glint flashed in his narrow eyes.

Ning Yu was so angry at his attitude that she felt like her brain was about to explode. She stretched out her body and gave him a light kiss on the lips, then immediately dodged away like an eel.

Xie Xun grabbed her as she ran, pressed her head down, and began to kiss her passionately.

Ugh, you bastard.

He only let go of her after kissing her until her lips were slightly red and swollen. Ning Yu was in pain and reached out to hit him.

Xie Xun merely glanced at it casually. Her arm stiffened, and she gently touched her bright red lips with her slender white fingers, murmuring, "Could you please not bite? It hurts."

"What do you mean by being delicate? You've endured much more pain."

"---"

"Your parents left the Xie family last night. They didn't faint or cry; they're perfectly fine."

Whoever is spreading these rumors about him being handsome and talented is blind.

Ning Yu turned her face away, finally feeling relieved that her parents could accept the news of her death.

She reached out and pushed him, "I want to go for a walk."

"Where to?"

Where could an unregistered person like her go? "Just wander around the yard."

Xie Xun had court affairs to attend to later, so he pinched her and said, "Drink your medicine before you go."

Ning Yu blushed, pulled her clothes tighter, and stood up.

Xie Xun originally wanted to take Ning Yu back to the Governor's Mansion, but the Governor's Mansion was too close to the Xie family's ancestral home, both located within the Imperial City, and she wouldn't stay put.

This villa was neither too close nor too far from the capital, making it convenient for him to go to the military camp and attend court. Therefore, he moved all his affairs here to handle them, and there were many soldiers and court officials coming and going.

When Ning Yu came out, she saw several adults enter the inner hall. She subconsciously tried to avoid them, not wanting anyone to notice her.

"Madam, the Orchid Garden has a large area planted with blue plumbago. Would you like to take a look?"

The voice of a maid came from behind her. Ning Yu felt that the voice was somewhat familiar. She turned around and saw that it was the maid who had brought her the contraceptive medicine that morning.

"What's your name?"

"My name is Xia Zhu."

Xia Zhu was promoted by the head maid that morning, who said she was clever and knew how to please the madam, so she was assigned to serve the madam.

Ning Yu glanced at her, then looked at the others behind her, fanned herself with a handkerchief, and said, "You can all go down now. Xia Zhu can accompany me."

The old nanny paused for a moment, then replied, "This old servant takes her leave."

The large group of people left, and Ning Yu went down the steps and headed towards the side gate. "This is my first time in this courtyard. Show me around."

Xia Zhu hurriedly said, "Madam, this villa is very large; it will take several hours to explore it."

"It's alright."

The weather was hot, and Ning Yu walked around the villa but couldn't find a way to climb out.

Soldiers patrolled the main gate, and guards watched the side gates as well. The huge villa was teeming with guards, and the slightest disturbance would quickly alert the imperial guards.

She walked to the backyard where the odd jobs were done. The backyard was bustling with activity at this time of year, with people coming and going in the kitchen preparing meals and serving drinks.

"I heard that General Fuyuan has come from the Northwest. The Governor is going to entertain the distinguished guest today, so the kitchen is very busy."

In the past, why would the governor come to this villa to entertain distinguished guests? It was all because of the master in front of him. Xia Zhu thought to herself, and became even more respectful on the surface.

"Madam has been wandering around all morning. Would you like to return to the courtyard for lunch?"

Ning Yu looked at a corner door next to the kitchen. "What kind of door is that?"

"That's a special area for kitchen staff to enter and exit. Fresh fruits and vegetables are delivered daily by people from Nanyuan."

There was a vegetable storehouse in Nanyuan that was exclusively for the royal family, and even in winter, it was filled with fresh vegetables stored in snow pools and ice cellars.

Ning Yu only learned that the food and supplies in the Xie family mansion were very exquisite when she was there. There were special people managing the various supplies in the summer. She looked at the side gate where the entry and exit were not strictly controlled and her eyes narrowed slightly.

The kitchen was large, with separate sections for ice cream, desserts, and various types of cooking, frying, and boiling. Ning Yu glanced around and came out.

"Let's eat in this pavilion over here; it'll be cooler there."

Xia Zhu quickly agreed and told someone to prepare.

Soon, a table of delicious dishes was served.

Not far from the pavilion was a large waterfall and lake. Ning Yu sat on the bench, looking at the side gate where people came and went, and silently wondered how he could sneak out, perhaps by hiding in the swill bucket?

But if she fails even once, he'll catch her and kill her.

She frowned slightly, as if remembering something, and casually stirred the sugar water in the bowl, saying something.

"Xia Zhu, go to Xiaozhu next to Feixiang Pavilion later. I'm craving their cold rice cakes."

Fei Xiang Pavilion?! Is that a place that sells food? Xia Zhu had never been there before and didn't know what it was for, but since Madam had said so, she hurriedly said, "Then this servant will go and buy some for Madam now."

"No need, let's go this afternoon."