The Husband I Snatched Is Not Right!

Chapter 496 - 493: A Man’s Prime Is Short

Ten days later, natural disasters were frequent, and urgent calls for help came from all directions. There was even a trend of large-scale outbreaks. Public discontent with the Court increased day by day, and dissatisfaction was evident everywhere.

On this day, the ladies of the noble families who received invitations all went to attend a banquet at the Fifth Prince Mansion.

This was a charitable act. Upon hearing the news, even though the Empress Dowager was displeased with the Fifth Princess Consort, she still sent a trusted aide with a box of silver notes to show her support.

With her taking the lead, the concubines in the harem all emulated. Those who could donate money did so, and those who could donate jewelry contributed as well. Though they could not leave the palace, their gifts were sent by their servants.

Yao Ru prepared to go out.

Dun was still young and, in principle, shouldn’t be taken out.

But lately, too many people secretly came to visit Ying Zhi at the mansion, and one day chaos might erupt. So, keeping him in sight was the safest option, and she decided to take him along.

However, just as she left the courtyard, she ran into Ying Zhi.

Ying Zhi’s expression momentarily froze.

For some reason, he felt that Yao Ru’s edges were softened, and the coldness in her brows and eyes had melted somewhat.

While he was busy and overwhelmed, Yao Ru seemed to be doing quite well.

Her forehead was like lustrous jade, clear and bright, and the line of her jaw was like the curve of a Guan kiln plum vase, adding an air of charm.

As she walked, the Jade Pendant at her waist swayed against her dress, accidentally revealing a hint of feminine allure.

She was still not elaborately dressed, and she was still the same person. He had always known Yao Ru was beautiful, yet at this moment, she still surprised him.

"Going out now?"

Ying Zhi saw her holding Dun and walked over to gently touch the child’s delicate face: "Do you want me to take you?"

Yao Ru said calmly, "No need."

Ying Zhi teased the chubby baby but his voice was slightly cold.

"Even the Zou Family thought of fundraising, why didn’t you?"

The Zou Family referred to the Fifth Princess Consort.

"I’m older than Ying Yin, and it stands to reason that the Second Prince Mansion should handle such matters, yet they preempted us. You are not inferior to the Zou Family. If she could think of it, how come you couldn’t? You just don’t want to care about me."

"How many times do I have to say it? You and Dun both have to rely on me to get by. I’m destined to fight Ying Yin to the death."

He smiled slightly.

The delicate hairpin meant for a concubine was taken out from his sleeve.

"I bought this especially for you when I came back from my trip."

Seeing Yao Ru didn’t respond, he directly inserted it into her hair.

Ying Zhi spoke gently, but his words were full of threats: "If something happens to me, you know what kind of person Ying Yin is. He will only be the second father emperor, eradicating the roots, and you and Dun can’t survive either."

Yao Ru quietly listened to him finish speaking, then took the hairpin off in front of him, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it.

"It’s best not to frighten me; I don’t accept just any piece of junk."

"The Fifth Princess Consort is willing to put in the effort because she relies on the Fifth Prince for her livelihood."

Yao Ru: "I don’t count on you."

Ying Zhi’s expression darkened.

"You—"

"Move aside. If I’m late, I might be caught by the Fifth Princess Consort. I don’t care about that, but I’m not sure if you do."

Seeing her unyielding attitude, Ying Zhi was infuriated.

He stepped aside a few paces, making way.

Yao Ru didn’t even glance at him, leaving with large strides.

Ying Zhi watched her figure grow distant, filled with rage.

If he had known... if he had known, he wouldn’t have gone through such trouble to marry her in the first place! Giving him not the slightest bit of support!

It would have been better to marry someone dull and obedient rather than Yao Ru, who was so exasperating.

Despite appearing easygoing and her eyes having a gentler gaze, it was clear he had judged incorrectly, she was always who she was!

————

The entrance of the Fifth Prince Mansion was bustling with people.

Guests arrived one after another.

Yu Tingwan sat in the carriage, leaning against Wei Zhao: "I’m getting off now."

"Go ahead."

Yu Tingwan hooked her arms around Wei Zhao’s neck and pointed at her lips. Her eyes were clear, but when she looked at him, there seemed to be a touch of spring, suggesting something clearly.

He refused.

"This wouldn’t be appropriate."

Yu Tingwan knew how busy Wei Zhao was.

During this period, he often left early and returned late, usually leaving before she woke, and he would return after she had gone back to sleep.

Yu Tingwan sometimes noticed in her drowsiness that someone was kissing her lips. It trailed down, small kisses that made her shiver.

The breath was familiar.

She let him continue.

But Wei Zhao didn’t take it further.

After all, she was truly tired, obediently cooperating, but couldn’t open her eyes. This was a man’s thoughtfulness.

But Yu Tingwan didn’t understand this.

She only thought Wei Zhao was too exhausted.

To the extent that he seemed unable to continue.

She had heard people talk about how men have short periods of passion.

She was considerate.

Every time she was unbearably hot, her body reacting without relief, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

But she never blamed Wei Zhao for hesitating at the door without entering.

Wei Zhao: "I have good intentions."

Ah, so that’s how it is.

Yu Tingwan understood.

She straightened her clothes and was about to bend over to get out of the carriage.

A tightness at her waist.

She was unprepared, and stumbled into his arms, with her layered dress unfolding like a forced-open begonia blossom.

His breath brushed past her nose, carrying the warm scent of pine ink.

"Thought about it?"

"The place isn’t right."

Wei Zhao: "You put on lipstick again, if kissed off, you can’t redo it."

Let it be, Yu Tingwan didn’t mind.

To her.

It seemed Wei Zhao was deliberately saying this to save face.

Yu Tingwan was easy-going.

She patted Wei Zhao: "I understand."

Wei Zhao looked at her expression and had a bad premonition. He squinted his eyes.

"Do you really understand?"

Yu Tingwan solemnly: "I understand!"

Wei Zhao: ??

Something was off, but he couldn’t pinpoint it.

"Is it the Young Madam Wei?"

Outside the carriage, the Fifth Princess Consort’s voice was heard.

"The Young Madam has arrived; why hasn’t she come down? Is there something amiss?"

Wei Zhao disregarded everything else; he didn’t press further for clarity, and patted her waist.

"Go ahead now."

Soon, news should reach the Capital, but there wouldn’t be chaos yet.

After today, with tensions exposed, he wouldn’t allow the girl to go out again this year.

With ten fingers slender like scallions, nails shaped like almonds, unstained with vermilion but with a faint cherry pink. Yu Tingwan lifted the curtain and was assisted to the ground by Tan Jiang.

The Fifth Princess Consort’s dress wasn’t as luxurious and flamboyant as before.

She looked at Yu Tingwan, who appeared like a dew-laden begonia, delicate and flushed like a ripening juicy peach, and claimed it would be false to say she wasn’t jealous, as her own looks were plain.

The Fifth Princess Consort put on a fitting smile: "Young Madam, please come inside."

She still had to welcome guests at the entrance and turned to instruct her servant to lead Yu Tingwan to the reception hall.

Yu Tingwan wasn’t in a hurry to leave.

She thought it was appropriate for a first visit to engage in some polite conversation.

"The Princess Consort doesn’t look well."

The Fifth Princess Consort sighed: "There have been many disasters recently, and our master can neither eat nor sleep well, so I, as a woman, am also worried."

If it were someone else, they would have long taken the opportunity to flatter and commend them for caring for the people and having noble virtues.

Yu Tingwan did no such thing.

"Do you feel the same?"

"Yes."

Yu Tingwan seemed to ponder this.