Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Upon careful reflection, Lu Suian’s change seemed to have begun this very morning. Though he was always expressionless and showed little personal affection for her as his wife, whether in her past life or at any other time, he had at least been willing to maintain a surface-level courtesy.

Apart from being somewhat emotionally distant, he was actually quite impeccable in other respects. In her past life, he never once argued with her and would try his best to fulfill any requests she made, though Shen Anning never made any demands.

Shen Anning turned it over in her mind, suspecting that the problem must have arisen yesterday.

Seeing Shen Anning’s serious expression, Chun Qi carefully recalled, “Yesterday, around 3:45 in the afternoon, the Crown Prince sent someone to the courtyard to invite you, but you weren’t there at the time. About two or three quarters of an hour later, the Crown Prince carried you back. By then, you were already drunk. The Crown Prince sent us all away, so none of us were in the room and didn’t know what you said…”

Chun Qi recalled in minute detail, then paused before adding, “However, the Crown Prince didn’t look too well yesterday.”

Hearing this, Shen Anning’s expression froze, and she soon lowered her gaze in deep thought.

Two or three quarters of an hour—from the study to the lakeside, and then from the lakeside to the main chamber—would take at most a little over fifteen minutes. Even accounting for the time spent searching, there was still some time left.

In other words, it was highly likely that Lu Suian had overheard her conversation with Zhang Wan yesterday afternoon. However, how much he heard and what exactly he heard, she had no way of knowing.

As for what she and Zhang Wan discussed, Shen Anning couldn’t clearly remember the latter part. The earlier part was simply Zhang Wan complaining about Crown Prince Lian taking a concubine, talking about Miss Yan’s background and status, and describing Zhang Wan’s difficult situation in the residence. In moments of anger, Shen Anning naturally didn’t mince words, and in her frustration, she impulsively suggested that Zhang Wan seek a divorce.

Divorce…

Shen Anning’s expression froze.

Could Lu Suian have overheard something?

But she had only suggested Zhang Wan seek a divorce—she hadn’t said anything about herself.

However, Lu Suian was no ordinary man. He had always been exceptionally perceptive. Last time, just because she had made quite an impression at the Qinian Hall, he had keenly suspected her identity and even wondered if she was not who she seemed. In fact, he hadn’t been wrong that day—she was herself, yet not entirely herself. His perception was alarmingly sharp, though it was hindered only by the lack of evidence.

Now, even a single piece of advice to someone else might not raise suspicion in most people, but Lu Suian was not like others. He had likely already glimpsed something of her true thoughts.

But even if he had noticed, so what? At worst, they could just divorce. Shen Anning was not afraid of him.

It was just that everything felt a bit rushed now, and she hadn’t gotten everything in order.

“After all, it’s the Mid-Autumn Festival today. You and the Crown Prince should at least have a reunion dinner together.”

Seeing that her mistress had fallen silent, Chun Qi couldn’t help but urge her once more.

However, Shen Anning said, “There’s no need. He’s got legs of his own. If the Crown Prince wishes to come, he'll come on his own.”

Lu Suian was an exceedingly proud man. Given how things had turned out like this between them today, Shen Anning expected that he would not come again.

Tomorrow morning, he would go to the yamen as usual. When he returned after ten days or half a month, it would be as if nothing had happened.

In her past life, Lu Suian had always been like this—no matter how serious the matter, a trip to the magistrate's office would resolve it, and by the time he returned, it would be forgotten.

Shen Anning still had some understanding of Lu Suian.

Just then, the kitchen sent over the evening meal. Chun Qi seemed to hesitate but ultimately swallowed her words.

…

Meanwhile, in the study.

All the commonly used items from the study had been moved to the main chamber. The books Lu Suian usually read and the case files he used were no longer in the study. He felt somewhat unaccustomed to the change, and before long, he set aside his official duties and turned his attention to the case at the East Market that day.

A dismemberment case had occurred at the East Market, and the victim was a woman. Although the news was suppressed at the time, it would undoubtedly spread quickly.

It was also the Mid-Autumn Festival that day, and there was a lantern festival in the evening. Once the news leaked, it would undoubtedly cause panic.

Lu Suian was inspecting the surroundings and happened to spot the Lu family carriage outside the August Pavilion. Learning that Lady Shen was upstairs, and knowing that women tend to be timid, he feared that the dismemberment case might reach her ears and cause her discomfort. So, he immediately went upstairs to find her, intending to send her home as soon as possible.

But she, on the other hand...

Hmph—

Lu Suian pressed his temples, feeling inexplicably irritated.

He also felt that recently, because of Lady Shen and these trivial domestic matters, he had used up a lot of mental energy, which was truly unnecessary. He composed himself and refocused all his attention on his official duties.

As night deepened, Chang Li approached cautiously and reminded him, "Young Master, it's getting late. It's time to put out the lights."

Only then did Lu Suian glance up from his desk and say calmly, "Prepare water. I'll take a bath."

With that, he slowly rose to his feet.

But Chang Li hesitated, remaining in place without moving. Lu Suian glanced at him and saw Chang Li whisper, "Young Master, have you forgotten? You gave orders this morning to stay in the main chamber tonight."

After a pause, he muttered softly, "Your belongings were sent to the main chamber long ago. There's nothing left here."

Chang Li spoke with a complaining tone.

Lu Suian was taken aback and glanced at the empty desk.

Only then did he remember the morning's instructions.

For a moment, he stood still, his expression cold.

At this, Chang Li cautiously looked at him and mustered the courage to say, "My lord, Dowager Consort Dong is also here today. Madam... Madam Shen and Prince Ning likely just happened to run into each other and went to pay their respects. I heard... I heard that Madam Shen's adoptive father used to be a pharmacy manager, so she probably has some knowledge of medicine. Given Dowager Consort Dong's condition, it's likely that Madam Shen and the Dowager Consort were discussing her illness. Madam... Madam Shen's heart has always been yours, My lord. She would never do anything improper."

Chang Li had made quite a few trips to the Chuanze Residence these days and had managed to learn some of Lady Shen's habits and preferences, especially from the past.

There was no other way. The Marquis had a large sword hanging over his head, and his master was as immovable as a mountain. If he didn't put in the effort, that sword would eventually fall on his head.

When that happened, he would be the only one to suffer.

So, he had no choice but to work his hardest.

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt Lu Suian's piercing gaze fall upon him.

Chang Li shrank back and cautiously looked up.

But Lu Suian had already lowered his eyes, concealing all the sharpness within them.

Lu Suian knew perfectly well that Lady Shen was not the type to be flirtatious or promiscuous. However, Chang Li was unaware of the details and did not know of Lady Shen's intention to seek a divorce. Thus, he could not understand the emotions Lu Suian was feeling at that moment.

Whether it was Pei Yujin or Prince Ning, both were among the most distinguished men in the capital, neither inferior to him. Prince Ning need not be mentioned—who could rival royalty? As for Pei Yujin, the eldest son of Senior Tutor Pei, though not in government service, he was a disciple of the Chief Grand Secretary and associated with many renowned scholars. He was certainly no ordinary man.

When such outstanding men appeared one after another by his wife's side, it would be untrue to say he felt no displeasure.

Lu Suian had never felt any sense of crisis in his life, not even during the many years the Lu family was embroiled in difficulties. Yet today, he felt inexplicably troubled.

Though he did not know why, he clearly knew he did not like this feeling.

And all of this was given to him by Shen Anning, his wife.

Moreover, there was one point Chang Li got wrong: Chang Li claimed that his wife’s eyes and heart were entirely focused on him. Perhaps that was true in the past, but now, Lu Suian didn’t see it anymore.

Thinking this, Lu Suian remained silent for a long while. When he lifted his gaze again, he saw that the night was dark. Since everything had already been sent over, he said, "Then let’s go to the main bedroom."

If he couldn’t figure it out, he wouldn’t dwell on it.

At the very least, they were still husband and wife. As long as they remained married for a day, they had marital duties for that day. As for the future, that could wait.

If Shen Anning insisted on a divorce later on, he wouldn’t hold on. Even if it was an imperially ordained marriage, so what? As long as he wished it, there was nothing he couldn’t accomplish!

With these thoughts, Lu Suian gradually calmed down. Without further hesitation, he headed toward the back courtyard.

Seeing this, Chang Li quickly and eagerly picked up a lantern to light the way.

Meanwhile, Shen Anning had already dried her hair and was about to put out the lamp and go to sleep. Just before bed, she remembered that it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and she hadn’t even gotten to see the lantern festival. For a moment, she felt a pang of regret. Just as she was about to blow out the lamp, she suddenly heard an exclamation from outside: "The young master!"

Shen Anning froze.

The next moment, the door to the main bedroom was slowly pushed open from the outside. Lu Suian had arrived in the darkness of night.

Separated by a screen, the person standing outside and the one sitting on the edge of the bed stared at each other from across the room.

The screen obscured their expressions from each other.

In the silence, after a long while, Lu Suian’s flat voice came from outside: "I’m going to bathe."

In the darkness, his voice was deep and raspy, lacking the harsh coldness of the daytime.

It seemed as if he was speaking to Shen Anning, yet also as if he was talking to himself.

But he remained standing in place, unmoving.

It wasn’t until Shen Anning bit her lip lightly and, after a long pause, softly responded with an "Mm," as if in acknowledgment, that he finally took off his robe and went to the bathhouse to bathe.

The quiet night was still and quiet.

Above, the soft yellow candlelight flickered gently against the wall, swaying rhythmically.

In her ears, the sound of trickling water tapped against her eardrums, one beat after another.

Lu Suian bathed quickly and soon emerged from the bathhouse. Outside, there was a soft rustling noise, and before long, someone approached slowly, holding a candlestick.

By then, Shen Anning was already lying on the bed. She had tried to fall asleep but couldn’t. When the candlelight shone over, it was slightly dazzling. She instinctively raised a hand to shield her eyes, then peered through her fingers to see Lu Suian standing by the bed, wearing an outer robe loosely, though she didn’t know when he had arrived.

Lu Suian was usually impeccably dressed, even in the bedroom, with every button fastened up to the top of his neck. He was always spotless and impeccably attired. But today, unusually, he wore only an outer robe, which hung open, revealing that he wore nothing underneath. At a glance, his chest was exposed, and her eyes fell upon his firm, muscular chest and powerful waist.

Lu Suian wasn’t wearing any clothes.

Shen Anning was stunned. It was the first time she had seen Lu Suian bare-chested. Wherever her gaze fell, she saw the raw, masculine strength unique to a man. On Lu Suian, it seemed to carry an unexpectedly alluring and restrained sensuality amidst his usual stern and rigid demeanor.

Shen Anning didn’t dare look further and quickly covered her eyes.

At that moment, Lu Suian placed the candlestick on the bedside table and suddenly leaned in.

A wave of warm, moist breath instantly washed over her.

Remembering Lu Suian’s words from earlier that morning—"Official duties are important, but having children is more important"—she knew his intentions and understood that there was no avoiding it today.

Fine. Sooner or later, this was bound to happen.

Although she repeatedly talked about divorce and even encouraged Zhang Wan to seek one, both Zhang Wan and she knew well that the possibility and outcome of dissolving their marriages were extremely slim.

For others, if they fought hard enough, divorce might be possible. But for her and Zhang Wan, it was exceptionally difficult.

After all, she was a woman and had the right to seek pleasure. Since she couldn’t escape it, why not take advantage of him while his body was still clean in this lifetime?

Trying hard to convince herself, Shen Anning slowly closed her eyes, gritted her teeth, and offered no further resistance.

But to her surprise, the next moment, she was abruptly swept up into his arms. Shen Anning opened her eyes in panic to see Lu Suian carrying her step by step out of the room. Outside, candles lit up freely, illuminating every corner of the room, turning the dark interior as bright as day.

Lu Suian gently laid her down on the daybed.

Shen Anning’s heart raced. Realizing his intention, she quickly gripped his arm tightly, biting her lip as she said, "Back... back to the bed."

She felt suddenly nervous.

But Lu Suian held her hands above her head.

His dark, intense gaze fixed on her as he pressed his lips together and said in a low voice, "Right here."

His tone carried a firm command that brooked no argument.

As he spoke, Lu Suian’s eyes fell on her face. The light illuminated the entire room as brightly as daylight, clearly revealing her porcelain skin to his gaze.

It was also the first time Lu Suian truly took in his wife’s beauty.

Her skin was like fine jade, her brows like faint smoke, her eyes like peach blossoms shimmering with allure, captivating and enchanting.

She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Lu Suian had never paid attention to such things before. He was not one to chase after women and had never truly looked at his wife. Only now did he realize that she was in no way inferior to Pei Yujin or even Prince Ning.

In truth, compared to her face, only Lu Suian knew how youthful and tempting his wife’s figure was.

With this thought, Lu Suian’s dark gaze slowly traveled downward from her face.

From the journey to the couch, Shen Anning’s robes had already become messy. Her undergarments, loose to begin with, now hung loosely around her shoulders.

Her seductive shoulders were faintly visible.

Beneath the thin white undergarments, the full curves of her bosom seemed ready to burst forth, trembling slightly.

So voluptuous and majestic, they struck his eyes with every movement.

His eyes grew dark with desire.

Lu Suian pressed his lips together and, without removing her clothes, slid his hand under the thin fabric to envelop those majestic peaks.

…

The moment he moved closer, Shen Anning clenched her teeth, her hands instinctively trying to grip something tightly. But with her hands pinned firmly above her head, she couldn’t move an inch and had nothing to hold onto.

Perhaps it was because it had been so long, or perhaps it was the stimulation of the light that made her feel deeply embarrassed, or maybe it was Lu Suian’s audacity—

Though it wasn’t an intense action, and though it was separated by a layer of fabric, the moment he moved closer, her scalp prickled, and goosebumps rose on her skin.

Her body felt as if struck by lightning, prickling and buzzing, sending her into a state of flustered and utterly bewildered panic.

This body was too delicate and unripe, so green she could barely put up a fight.

If he were to act as forcefully and domineeringly as last time, she might find herself too dry for him to enter.

But this time, he had changed his tactics and approach—

a method she had never experienced, neither in her past life nor in this one.

Shen Anning found herself utterly powerless to fend him off.

She finally had to admit that even with a different soul inside, this body still held no resistance against this man.

Even though she had hated him, resented him, no matter how much she loathed him, her body wouldn't lie—he was the man she had loved enough to die for in her past life.

Even a single kiss could make her tremble uncontrollably.

But if she were to surrender so easily now, how would she be any different from the self who'd groveled in the dirt in her past life?

With this thought, Shen Anning dug her long nails deeply into her palms, forcing herself to recall the memories of her past life over and over again—

"Sister-in-law, you’ve hogged my Brother Ziyou for seven whole years. It’s time to return him to me."

"Sister-in-law, did you know? The eldest daughter started talking yesterday, started calling out 'father.' Oh, right, you haven’t met her yet, have you? Brother Ziyou says the eldest daughter takes after me, but I'm rather plain-looking. I hope the eldest daughter takes more after Brother Ziyou. Though, if she ends up as stern as him, that might be a bit strange, don’t you think, sister-in-law? But thankfully—"

"Sister-in-law, feel here—can you tell? Hehe, it’s been two months now. Guess again—will I give Brother Ziyou a son or a daughter this time?"

"This is fate. Brother Ziyou was always meant to be mine. You may have stolen him for a while, but not forever. What belongs to others will always be returned. Heaven is just."

Those gloating words echoed in her mind, one after another.

Her palms were scratched raw.

Shen Anning’s hazy mind gradually sharpened into focus.

Lu Suian had never been particularly enthusiastic about sex. In previous encounters, her extreme tension and inexperience had made every attempt a struggle, and he too found it difficult. Each time felt like mechanical, repetitive motions like a chore, with little pleasure, so he seldom showed much interest.

But now—

He looked up, stunned, as the breathtaking beauty beneath him came into view.

Wherever his eyes fell, he saw towering peaks and rolling ridges, and vast expanses of blankets of snow. The snowy peaks quivered and swayed, a landscape of alabaster glow unfolding before him.

For a moment, Lu Suian’s mind was a dull roar, his ears rang, and his vision blurred into a snowy whiteness—a momentary blindness brought on by the sheer intensity of the sight.

This was the first time he had seen his wife in her entirety, under candlelight bright as noon, completely unobstructed, all at once imprinted in his eyes.

In the past, they had always been shrouded in darkness.

Now, the light illuminated the night like daytime, as if they were… committing debauchery… in broad daylight.

The visual impact was overwhelming, fierce, and far more intense and shocking than any nighttime imagination—a thousand, ten thousand times more vivid.

In an instant, Lu Suian’s eyes turned crimson.

This was his wife, a feast and a view for him alone to savor.

The moment this thought arose, the expression in Lu Suian’s eyes shifted dramatically. Soon, the veins on his neck and forehead bulged taut.

Just as the world shifted, with lightning and thunder, and a storm raging—

Suddenly, a pair of cold, clear eyes met his gaze.

Shen Anning lay beneath him, looking at him with cool detachment.

The bright light enveloped her entirely, her flowing black hair cascading like a waterfall across the daybed. Hidden within those ink-black locks was a graceful, alluring figure—white as snow, pink as plum blossoms.

Though she trembled faintly beneath him, her face flushed and her eyes shimmering with waves of desire, brimming with passion, her gaze remained distant and cold.

Lu Suian knew that although she had yielded tonight, it was not willingly.

He narrowed his eyes and stared back at her.

She was unwilling, but he insisted.

In their standoff, a faint smile touched Lu Suian’s tense, twisted face. At this moment, he stared directly at her, unabashed, and deliberately said, "Though my skills are crude and my experience is limited, rest assured, my lady—tonight is long."

As he spoke, he suddenly gripped her ankle firmly and placed it over his shoulder.

Then, leaning down slowly, he pinched her chin, drew close, and whispered word by word, "We can explore at our leisure."

With these words, he began to demonstrate exactly what he meant.

In the past, he had been silent, offering no words of comfort.

In the past, they had faced each other without a word, only engaging in dry, mechanical motions.

In the past, darkness had concealed everything.

But now, he seemed exceptionally patient, deliberately simmering meat over a low flame, grinding stone with a dull knife.

He killed with a dull knife—each stroke seemed harmless yet cut deep.

Shen Anning had never endured such torment before. It felt as though thousands of tiny ants were crawling over her body, every limb and joint crying out in unison.

It was a sensation she had never experienced, neither in her past life nor in this one.

Especially without the cover of darkness, all her shame was exposed under the light, laid bare in his eyes.

His gaze wandered openly, inch by inch, missing nothing.

Shen Anning felt humiliated and mortified.

Even though she had been a married woman in her past life, she had never been subjected to such disgrace in front of anyone.

Soon, her body stiffened, and she kicked fiercely, trying to shake off the person atop her. But she was trapped firmly in place, unable to move. In the struggle, one of her silk stockings slipped off and fell to the floor.

Tears welled in her eyes.

Her body felt broken, screaming, on the verge of collapse.

Just as Shen Anning was about to lose control in fury and humiliation, he suddenly raised his hand—and the bright world plunged into darkness.

Lu Suian had extinguished the lamp.

He stopped at the same time.

Shen Anning finally caught a moment to catch her breath, thinking it was over at last. But then—

"If my lady does not enjoy this, then... shall we switch things up?"

As the deep, husky voice sounded by Shen Anning's ear, a tremendous force abruptly lifted her entire body. In a dizzying whirl, Lu Suian carried her confidently off the daybed and onto the floor—all without ever parting from her.

The motion was so sudden and violent that Shen Anning nearly slipped from his grasp. She let out a frightened cry and instinctively wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

But Lu Suian did not pause. Holding her firmly, he strode purposefully forward.

With every step he took, Shen Anning felt as though her very being was being ripped apart, pierced and shattered bit by bit. In that moment, she wanted to scream, to weep—but her throat and chest seemed entirely blocked, stifling even the faintest sound.

Her spirit flew apart in fragments.

Stunned and overwhelmed, Shen Anning felt as if her soul had left her body.

Dizzy and disoriented, she realized Lu Suian had carried her to the window and placed her on the writing desk beside it.

Outside the half-open window, not far off, were the matrons and maids guarding the courtyard.

Inside, the two of them were stark naked.

Was Lu Suian mad?

Terrified and stimulated by his actions and the scene before her, Shen Anning broke into a cold sweat, her entire body trembling uncontrollably.

Yet the more tense and frightened she became, the more her body tightened—so much so that even Lu Suian felt his own senses unraveling, nearly losing himself completely.

Through gritted teeth, panting heavily, Lu Suian, caught between agony and ecstasy, still managed to whisper low in her ear, again and again: "What does my lady think of... her husband’s performance tonight?"

Only then did she understand the root of tonight’s unrelenting intensity.

Only then did she realize how terrifying a man’s pride could be.

If you challenge his pride, he will repay you tenfold, a hundredfold, holding nothing back.

By now, Shen Anning couldn't make a sound. Her only reply was a fierce, desperate bite.

She clamped down hard on his shoulder, as if wishing to tear the flesh from his bone, and finally, in collapse and unbearable anguish, she broke into muffled sobs.

Lu Suian groaned low in his throat.

Seeing his wife completely overcome, as though he had finally reestablished his dominance as her husband and as a man in her eyes, he could hold back no longer. Shivering and convulsing, he gripped her chin, lowered his head, and fiercely devoured all her cries.

...

That night, the window by the desk remained half-open. A large, bright moon hung in the sky, illuminating the outdoors as if it were daytime.

The chirping of cicadas outside the window, accompanied by the rising and falling chorus of frogs from the distant lake, created a natural orchestra.

Inside, their entwined shadows made it feel as though they were out in the wild.

Then, a wind picked up outside.

The autumn breeze swept across the lake, stirring wave after wave, each one subsiding only for the next to rise, as if it would never cease.

As the night deepened, dew began to gather, tiny droplets forming. The air grew heavy with moisture, making everything damp inside and out.

...

On the bed, after who knows how long, their slick sweat cooled on their skin.

Returning to awareness after countless rounds of passion, and after drawing his soft, pliant wife into his embrace again and again, Lu Suian found her now quiet and pliant in his arms.

He looked down—Shen Anning had long since succumbed to exhaustion.

Lu Suian pressed his lips tightly together. His body was weary, yet he felt deeply gratified. Still, sleep would not come. He was usually disciplined in his routine, able to fall asleep the moment he closed his eyes, but tonight his mind drifted in a daze. The events of the evening replayed like exquisitely repeating visions—so surreal, so dreamlike, they hardly felt real.

And yet, the warmth in his arms was undeniably real.

He was not one given to wanton pleasure, yet he had to admit that tonight he had repeatedly broken his own rules. He had been insatiable, again and again, with his own wife.

Just as he had learned of her intention to seek a separation.

It was as if he had gotten a taste of something addictive and could not get enough.

This was the first time in his more than twenty years of life, and in the half-year of his marriage, that he had truly experienced the taste of true desire.

But why now?

And why did she want to leave him?

Tonight, she had clearly found pleasure too.

He could feel it.

Lu Suian held his wife for a long, long time, until the last trace of warmth faded from her body. Only then did he pull her close and sink into a deep sleep.

It was the first time they had fallen asleep in each other’s arms.

This time, he fell asleep almost as soon as he closed his eyes.

But as he slept, Lu Suian, who seldom dreamed, had a dream.

He found himself back in his childhood, seemingly at the Shen family estate. The house was filled with the sound of studious chanting—a classroom full of scholars. A young boy and a young girl darted between desks, chasing and tussling. He stood at a distance, watching quietly.

Then, the little girl stumbled and fell right at his feet. He stepped forward to help her up, but just then, a man’s voice rang out in the distance: "Dearest, are you hurt?"

Frowning, Lu Suian looked up and saw that the young boy had somehow grown into a man—none other than Dalang Pei, Pei Yujin.

And the little girl at his feet had also grown, transformed into a young maiden. She placed her hand in Pei Yujin’s and said with a pout, "It hurts, husband. Blow on it for me."

Pei Yujin took her hand and blew on it gently.

The young woman’s worry soon turned to a smile.

As she turned her face, smiling radiantly, Lu Suian recognized her—it was Shen Anning.

Arm in arm, the two passed right by him.

Lu Suian snapped his eyes open, a coldness in his gaze he could not conceal.

It wasn't until his mind cleared that he felt a chill in his embrace—it was empty.

The bed beside him was also empty.

Lu Sui'an froze, then instantly pushed aside the bed curtains and got out of bed. The room was dark, silent, and completely empty.

Throwing on his robe, he hurried outside, only to find the courtyard gate wide open. In the distance, scattered lights twinkled along the lakeshore.

Quietly, Lu Sui'an followed the lights and eventually paused beneath a tree. There, he saw a slender silhouette kneeling barefoot by the lake, watching as a river lantern drifted gradually into the distance. The figure rested her cheek on one hand, her gaze fixed on the lantern as it floated away.

She remained motionless, sitting quietly as if she had been there for a long time. Her robe lay scattered on the ground, unnoticed.

Her pale figure seemed to blend into the night, radiating a vague, lonely chill.

As Lu Sui'an watched quietly, he belatedly realized that tonight was the Mid-Autumn Festival. Earlier that day, Lady Shen had been determined to attend the lantern festival.

The East Market not only featured lantern displays but also offered river lanterns and sky lanterns for release.

Lady Shen had lost both her parents and was now alone in the world.

For the first time, Lu Sui'an realized that perhaps he had truly been neglecting her over the past several months.

Author's Note:

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Thank you all so much for your support. I will continue to work hard!