Dragon Pavilion
After taking a bath and changing into her night clothes, Yang Ning sat in front of the large vanity mirror, absentmindedly combing her hair while staring blankly at her reflection. Despite Xiaowei's offer to help with her hair, she insisted on having some time alone to contemplate the events of the afternoon.
The tea party she had meticulously prepared was not only ruined by Chang Ah but also the woman who had tormented the original Yang Ning throughout her life was left battered and bruised by Yang Luoyang in front of everyone, only to be subsequently abandoned by him.
That man was truly incapable of belonging to anyone. His sole motivation seemed to be greed. To achieve his objectives, he could resort to anything and sacrifice anyone. First, it was Yang Ning, and now, it was his supposedly beloved wife, Chang Ah.
While Yang Ning was lost in her thoughts, running a wooden comb through her long, black hair, she failed to notice when the door of the chamber opened and closed.
"What are you thinking so much that you didn't even realize I came inside the room?" Zheng Liang slid his hands around Yang Ning's neck, caught a whiff of her floral refreshing scent, and whispered in her ears, startling her. .net
Yang Ning was caught off guard, but upon seeing his reflection in the mirror and catching the familiar scent, her racing heart calmed. She smiled at him through the mirror and realized how lost she had been in her daze. "Nothing. I was just thinking about what happened this afternoon."
Zheng Liang noticed her dimmed smile and caringly massaged her shoulders and neck while staring at her through the mirror. "What are you thinking about? Is something bothering you?"
Yang Ning paused in her actions, took a deep breath, and placed the comb on the table. She turned to face him while sitting on the cushioned stool, wrapped her hands around his waist, and rested her head against his stomach.
Zheng Liang allowed Yang Ning to nestle in his embrace, placing his hands on her back and comforting her with his touch and warmth. He sensed that something troubled her, especially since the moment the ladies left the pavilion; she didn't seem to be in a pleasant mood.
Considering Chang Ah had been punished for her wrongdoings and taught a strong lesson, one would expect Yang Ning to be pleased. However, her mood appeared dull instead.
Reflecting on the painful memories of Yang Ning, she recounted instances where Yang Luoyang punished Yang Ning for expressing grief over her mother's death.
Zheng Liang observed Yang Ning's manner of addressing Yang Luoyang as Mr. Yang or "that man." It was evident she no longer considered him her father. While she didn't express it openly in his presence, he could sense the underlying loneliness and sadness she carried when talking about her father as if he were a stranger. It's not easy to sever blood-related ties after all.
He tightened his grip, wrapping his arms around her. "I will look into this matter. But for now, let's put it aside. There's no certainty yet, and I don't want you to dwell on it. I don't want you getting sick over this."
He was aware that Yang Luoyang was involved in poisoning the emperor along with the Empress but lacked sufficient evidence. Zheng Liang considers him a formidable enemy who is capable of doing anything.
However, the motive for killing his wife seemed unclear. Rumors suggested Yang Luoyang loved his first wife deeply, preventing discussions about her to spare him from sorrow and sadness.
Yet, Yang Ning's account hinted at a deeper, more troubling truth. Zheng Liang pondered why Yang Luoyang would react angrily to his daughter's yearning for her deceased mother, especially considering the supposed love he had for her.
Seeking to protect Yang Ning from further distress, Zheng Liang urged her to put the matter out of her mind for the time being. He scooped her into his arms, carrying her effortlessly to the bed. "Enough thinking for now. Let's get some rest. I can't wait to cuddle my dear wife to sleep," he said, gently placing her on the bed and tucking her in before joining her under the covers.
Yang Ning chuckled at his sudden change of topic, smiling as he joined her in bed and embraced her. Playfully, she traced his face with her curious fingers. "You sure know how to divert the topic," she remarked.
Zheng Liang, mischief in his eyes, held her finger and teased, "Just like the way you know how to test my patience. I had planned on a quiet night, but with your teasing, do you think I'll let you off now?" He raised his eyebrows suggestively.
Yang Ning let out a low chuckle and provocatively questioned, "Did I ask you to let me go? Hmm?"
Zheng Liang locked eyes with her and laughed, saying, "You said it. Don't you dare take it back now," before capturing her lips with his.