The Foolish Husband of the Landlord's Family (GL)

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In the intricately carved halls of the palace, under flickering lamps, Xiao Yichen lay languid on her bed, lost in thought. Spring came and went, and another year passed. The vitality of her youth was gone, her body aging despite her well-maintained appearance. She was acutely aware of this.

Reflecting on her life, Xiao Yichen felt she had three major regrets.

First, she had experienced luxury but never lived for herself. Second, she was over thirty and had never felt true love; her childhood dreams of romance had faded like clouds. Third, she had drifted through life without a confidant.

A fleeting image of Jing Anrui's robe hem crossed her mind, and Xiao Yichen sighed softly.

Since agreeing to simply accompany each other, the past year had been peaceful between them.

Jing Anrui truly just accompanied her, adhering to propriety without overstepping. Initially, she was as excited as a child, but later she was hesitant, wanting to be close yet not daring.

Seeing this, Xiao Yichen grew anxious for Jing Anrui, who had the desire but not the courage. Gradually, she adapted to having someone in her life.

With time, the overwhelming attentions turned into a steady companionship.

Xiao Yichen almost became accustomed to this life. Jing Anrui was often busy but would make time to talk, discussing state matters or mentioning Lin Kong and Jiang Yuan's departure. They shared meals, their relationship a blend of kinship and friendship, with a touch of something more.

Lost in her musings, Xiao Yichen was interrupted by her maid Lianxiang, who asked cautiously, "Madam, it's past noon. Shall we dine?"

"Mm." For some reason, Xiao Yichen added, "Has His Majesty come by?"

Lianxiang, with a hint of indignation, replied, "I heard His Majesty went boating with Minister Qiu Ying."

Qiu Ying, a female official, was part of Jing Anrui's gradual implementation of women in office—a challenging policy with only a few prominent female officials to date.

Unknowingly, Xiao Yichen's brow furrowed. With the maids' help, she slowly rose and moved to the table. The dishes, half of which were Jing Anrui's favorites, now seemed irrelevant with Jing Anrui engaged elsewhere.

Finding them unappealing, Xiao Yichen instructed, "Remove these. I'd like something light and refreshing today."

Lianxiang, quick to read the mood, sensed Xiao Yichen's displeasure.

As palace staff, they saw Jing Anrui and Xiao Yichen as a pair. With an outsider seemingly intruding, Lianxiang couldn't help but feel indignant as she swiftly cleared the table.

Xiao Yichen managed some shrimp porridge but found it tasteless. By evening, she realized Jing Anrui might have legitimate business with Qiu Ying.

"Lianxiang, is the jujube blood-nourishing soup ready?"

Lianxiang replied, "Almost, I'll deliver it to His Majesty shortly."

Xiao Yichen reconsidered, "No, I'll take it myself."

"Yes." Lianxiang felt urgency, noting Qiu Ying's youthful charm. Her mistress should act, as even an outsider could see the strained atmosphere between them.