Rich businessman's hunter wife

Chapter 1
Sun Xiuniang, leading her maid, hurried towards her daughter Lian Yuliang's courtyard. Her usually well-maintained and beautiful face lacked its usual carefully cultivated elegance; instead, her face was ashen, her lips tightly pressed together, and anyone could see she was furious.
Reaching the door, Sun Xiuniang stopped, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
"Rongrong, open the door," she ordered the maid, afraid she might push it open forcefully.
"Yes," Rongrong replied, gently knocking on the door first, then slowly pushing it open before stepping aside to let Sun Xiuniang in.
Sun Xiuniang glanced into the hall; the outer room was quiet and still. She assumed her daughter had dismissed the servants and was asleep inside. Seeing this, her suppressed anger surged even more intensely.
"You wait outside," she said to Rongrong, then lifted her skirt and went into the inner room.
"Yes." Rongrong obediently walked out, not forgetting to close the door behind her, and stood obediently under the eaves.
Passing the jade screen, she immediately saw her daughter lying fully clothed on the bed. Sun Xiuniang stepped forward, grabbed her arm, and forcefully pulled her up, not caring if she hurt her. "Get up!"
"Ouch!" Pulled so suddenly, Lian Yuliang cried out in pain, groggily opening her eyes. Following the hand that was pulling her, she looked to the side and saw Sun Xiuniang's ugly face.
"Explain yourself clearly, what exactly do you mean, huh?" Sun Xiuniang's voice trembled with anger. "A perfectly good marriage, and you just turned it back! Are you deliberately trying to oppose me?"
Seeing her daughter was awake, she gripped Lian Yuliang's arm even tighter, as if venting her anger.
Lian Yuliang, pulled up, moved her feet off the bed while mercilessly shaking off Sun Xiuniang's arm.
"What? Aren't you afraid your father will see you looking like a demon?" Lian Yuliang coldly stared at her mother, who was staggering and struggling to regain her balance after being flung at her, and said coldly.
"You..." Sun Xiuniang raised her hand, unable to contain her anger, wanting to hit her disobedient daughter.
"You dare? Try hitting me!" Speaking provocatively in a gentle tone, Lian Yuliang slightly raised her face, staring at Sun Xiuniang with eyes devoid of any emotion.
"You..." Staring at Lian Yuliang's cold eyes in fear, Sun Xiuniang's hand, which had been hanging in mid-air, involuntarily lowered, tightly gripping the hem of her skirt. Although she was angry, she really didn't dare to hit her.
Seeing the disdainful sneer on her daughter's lips, she could only force herself to suppress her anger, knowing in her heart that she must not confront her daughter head-on, otherwise she would definitely not get the better of her.
"Yuliang, don't be angry with your mother. You know your mother has a bad temper, so..." Sun Xiuniang put away her anger and put on a pretentious smile, trying to appease her daughter.
But before she could finish speaking, Lian Yuliang interrupted her.
"Don't try that on me. Only your father would be so easily swayed by you." Lian Yuliang spoke softly and without a trace of emotion. "No matter what you say now, it won't change my mind!"
Lian Yuliang glanced at Sun Xiuniang. "You really want me to marry that spendthrift? Humph! I'll make sure you can only send my corpse to the bridal sedan chair." Even when she spoke harshly,
she was nonchalant. "Yuliang, don't be like this. The Chen family is wealthy and powerful. If you marry into that family, you'll be rich and powerful for the rest of your life..."
"Take off that fake smile." Lian Yuliang interrupted Sun Xiuniang again. "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. You say you're finding me a good husband; actually, it's because the Huangfu family in the capital is planning to propose marriage to Sister Ruyi, so you're nervous."
Lian Yuliang didn't need to raise her voice; her aura was enough to overwhelm Sun Xiuniang. She deliberately clicked her tongue, "This is really bad. It's one thing to not have a son and be able to compete with your mother, but I didn't expect that even your daughter's husband is from a wealthy merchant family that's richer than a country."
Lian Yuliang was pleased to see Sun Xiuniang's affected smile crumble. "You're jealous, you feel inferior to your mother, right?" A mocking smile played on her lips.
"You..." This brat! Sun Xiuniang was so angry at Lian Yuliang's sharp tongue that she couldn't speak back.
"So, you want to save face, disregarding your own daughter's happiness, and want to marry me off to that rotten man, just because he has a favored imperial concubine sister? Why don't you be more capable and find a way to send me to the palace?" Lian Yuliang did her best to ridicule her mother.
"Yuliang, you've misunderstood your mother, I'm doing this for your own good!" To achieve her goal, Sun Xiuniang suppressed her anger and tried to coax her daughter. “The Chen family is not only deeply favored by the Emperor, but Young Master Chen is also incredibly handsome and has an impeccable temperament. Besides, how can you believe those rumors from the streets? You know, so many families in the capital have asked matchmakers to arrange marriages for their daughters with Young Master Chen…”
Sun Xiuniang used her silver tongue to try and turn a rotten persimmon into a sweet peach.
“Have you said enough? I’ve already said, you can try all you want. Don’t say I don’t want to marry him; I think my aunt will too. She’ll oppose this marriage. Don’t forget who’s in charge of this family now. Even Father has to listen to my aunt, so don’t waste your time.”
Lian Yuliang’s words were harsh, each sentence hitting Sun Xiuniang’s sore spot.
Finally, Sun Xiuniang stopped trying to feign a flattering demeanor. Her still-attractive face instantly twisted into a ferocious grimace. "Is this how you talk to your own mother? Don't think you're someone just because your stepmother dotes on you! Don't forget who gave birth to you! Do you really think you're a phoenix? I should have strangled you back then, so you wouldn't be here to annoy me now."
Lian Yuliang had been adopted by the eldest son's family since childhood, and her heart was entirely with them. She had never given Lian Yuliang a kind look, and was always going against her. What a damned brat!
After cursing, Sun Xiuniang turned and walked away.
Watching Sun Xiuniang's departing figure, the sarcastic and harsh expression on Lian Yuliang's face was gone. Her beautiful face, which resembled Sun Xiuniang's, was filled with disappointment and desolation. It was hard to believe that she was the same person as the rude, shrewish, and arrogant woman from before.
In the now quiet room, Lian Yuliang's soft murmur echoed, "I really wish you had strangled me back then..."
These words revealed the deep sorrow and grief in her heart.
Lian Yuliang's personality was shaped from childhood.
The Lian family had been merchants for generations, and their inherited wealth made Lian Cheng a privileged son from birth, never lacking food or clothing, and possessing mountains of gold and silver.
The Lian family elders had finally welcomed their only son, Lian Cheng, in their middle age. When he turned sixteen, they arranged for him to marry his childhood sweetheart, He Lihua, hoping the Lian family would soon have many descendants. The Lian
family elders were very satisfied with the He family. He Lihua's father and grandfather were both teachers at the academy. He's father had been invited into the Lian family as Lian Cheng's tutor when he was young, so they had a close relationship. He Lihua was also a gentle, polite, and beautiful woman, so Lian Cheng was happy to accept the marriage.
After their marriage, the loving couple had a son and a daughter, Lian Sheng and Lian Ruyi. The two elders enjoyed several years of happiness with their grandchildren before passing away one after the other due to illness.
He Lihua was shrewd and capable, managing the Lian family affairs meticulously and efficiently, allowing Lian Cheng to focus on developing his business without any worries.
The successful and handsome Lian Cheng naturally had many admirers. When Lian Sheng was five and Lian Ruyi was three, he took a concubine.
He Lihua, who had been raised with traditional values and knowledge of female virtues, dared not object. Since ancient times, it was considered normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. Moreover, the fact that her husband was only bringing in one concubine was already a rare occurrence in the social environment of the time. Therefore, even if she was unwilling, she could only grit her teeth and accept it, becoming a tolerant and forgiving matriarch.
The concubine who entered the house was Sun Xiuniang. Her family owned a restaurant in the city, and she worked there regularly, developing a shrewd and sophisticated ability to navigate social situations from a young age.
Spoiled by her parents and possessing striking beauty, Sun Xiuniang was extremely self-important and refused to marry an honest man like ordinary girls. She longed to marry into a wealthy family and enjoy a life of luxury.
Finally, her long-awaited opportunity arrived. A distinguished guest, Liancheng, arrived at the restaurant with a group of business associates to celebrate a recently concluded deal.
During the meal, Sun Xiuniang subtly flirted with Liancheng while serving food and wine. A charming and alluring woman intentionally showing him favor, and although Liancheng wasn't particularly promiscuous, he was still a man, and under the influence of alcohol, he reluctantly agreed.
Afterwards, Sun Xiuniang used all her charms to repeatedly demand that Liancheng marry her. Finally, Sun Xiuniang became pregnant, and her wish came true. She chose the nearest auspicious day and happily entered the Lian family.
To solidify her position, Sun Xiuniang prayed and pleaded every day, hoping for a son. Even if she couldn't compete with the first wife and couldn't be the head of the household, she could at least inherit a share of the family fortune.
Unfortunately, fate was unkind. Sun Xiuniang suffered excruciating pain and torment, but instead gave birth to a girl.
Not having a son spurred Sun Xiuniang to ingratiate herself even more with Liancheng. Relying on her natural charm and allure, she used every trick in the book to try and win Liancheng's heart and soul.
He Lihua, well-versed in literature and virtuous from childhood, was no match for Sun Xiuniang's methods. She willingly withdrew from the women's power struggles, devoting herself to caring for the child and managing the household.
Fortunately, Liancheng respected He Lihua, his first wife, and entrusted her with all household affairs. Even though Sun Xiuniang was ambitious, she remained unmoved on this matter. Liancheng insisted that Sun Xiuniang be dutiful to He Lihua and show her no disrespect, so He Lihua firmly held her position as the head of the household.
One afternoon, He Lihua and her maid returned from offering incense at the temple. For some reason, she suddenly decided to take a different path, a more shaded one, instead of the usual wide path because of the heat.
This was perhaps the beginning of Lian Yuliang and He Lihua's destiny. As she passed Sun Xiuniang's room, she suddenly heard a child crying loudly. At first, she didn't think much of it, assuming it was just Sun Xiuniang disciplining the child, and continued on her way back to her room.
Unexpectedly, before she had taken two steps, she heard Sun Xiuniang's angry curses, "Crying, crying, all you do is cry! What bad luck did I have to give birth to a troublesome child like you? You still have the nerve to cry? Who told you to be a woman? I only gave birth to you..." It turned out that ever since giving birth to Lian Yuliang, Sun Xiuniang had been desperately wanting to have a son to solidify her position, but her womb was simply not fertile.
So, Sun Xiuniang vented all her frustration and helplessness at being unable to have another child on the young Lian Yuliang.
Little Lian Yuliang became her punching bag, always getting into trouble and often being brutally beaten and scolded for no reason. The maids serving in Sun Xiuniang's room were afraid of her ferocity and dared not intervene or spread rumors, so Lian Yuliang suffered endless abuse at a young age.
He Lihua, hearing Sun Xiuniang's curses, realized what kind of life little Yuliang was living. Without a word, she led her nanny forward and unceremoniously pushed open Sun Xiuniang's door and went inside.
Hearing the door open, Sun Xiuniang assumed it was one of her maids and, without looking up, began to strike Lian Yuliang's buttocks with a bamboo stick
, her voice hoarse from crying. "Stop it!" He Lihua, horrified, watched the stick striking the child and shouted.
"Who's the blind fool..." Sun Xiuniang looked up sharply, but upon seeing He Lihua, she swallowed back the words she was about to utter.
Looking at little Yuliang lying on the ground, covered in bruises and sobbing uncontrollably, He Lihua felt a pang of heartache. She never imagined Sun Xiuniang could be so cruel, inflicting such pain on her own daughter.
Sun Xiuniang, startled by He Lihua's sudden entrance, dropped the bamboo stick.
He Lihua stepped forward and gently cradled Lian Yuliang in her arms, careful not to hurt her.
"I'm taking Yu Liang back to her room. From now on, you are not allowed to touch her in the slightest." He Lihua said expressionlessly, word by word, ignoring Sun Xiuniang's reaction, and carried Lian Yu Liang out.
Sun Xiuniang dared not utter a sound as He Lihua took her daughter away, because she knew that if this matter really caused a scene, it would do her no good. After all, He Lihua always made the decisions in the household, and if the mistress of the house wanted to adopt a child born to a concubine, she had no room to object.
Moreover, being taken away under these circumstances, Sun Xiuniang didn't even dare to cry to Lian Cheng.
From then on, Lian Yu Liang was taken back to He Lihua's room and raised alongside Lian Sheng and Lian Ruyi.
Although Lian Yu Liang was still a young child at the time, the pain became a clear memory. Therefore, when Lian Yu Liang grew up, apart from being slightly more restrained in front of Lian Cheng, she would seize any opportunity to vent her resentment by mocking and ridiculing Sun Xiuniang whenever she saw her.
Sun Xiuniang could only swallow her anger, partly out of fear of He Lihua, and partly because she hadn't fulfilled her responsibilities as a mother. Therefore, she didn't dare to lash out at Lian Yuliang.
Although Lian Yuliang received love from He Lihua and her siblings, she harbored resentment towards Sun Xiuniang for not loving her. She couldn't understand why her biological mother couldn't love her as much as her stepmother, who wasn't related to her by blood.
Her own mother, who should have loved and cared for her, abused her, while her stepmother, whose husband had been stolen by her mother, rescued her from her mother's clutches and gave her affection and protection.
Therefore, she hated her mother for being a vixen who stole another woman's husband; hated that her mother was less lovable than the woman who had the most right to hate her; hated that her mother made her feel ashamed before her siblings…
If it weren't for her mother, her stepmother wouldn't have lost her husband's love.
"Miss, the Madam requests your presence," Changxi said to Lian Yuliang, who was sitting blankly on the edge of the bed.
Lian Yuliang, who had been lost in thought since Sun Xiuniang left, finally came to her senses and looked at Changxi, who had entered at some point.
"Oh, did they say what it was about?" Lian Yuliang got out of bed, walked to the bronze mirror to tidy her appearance, smoothed out the slight wrinkles in her skirt, and smoothed her hair.
"They didn't say what it was about. The young master and the eldest young lady are both in the madam's room. They only sent me to invite the young lady." Changxi stepped forward to help Lian Yuliang put the jade hairpin back in her hair, and then skillfully helped her put on her embroidered jacket.
"Let's go! Don't keep Auntie waiting." Lian Yuliang led Changxi out.
Entering He Lihua's room, Lian Yuliang looked at her aunt and siblings and sweetly called out, "What does Auntie want with Yu'er? Is it to get Yu'er some crystal cake from General's Tower?" She snuggled affectionately beside He Lihua, showing the girlish charm that she only revealed to He Lihua.
"Yu'er hasn't grown up yet! She's like a little child, greedy for snacks." He Lihua affectionately reached out and pinched Lian Yuliang's rosy cheek, teasing her.
"Mother, please stop teasing Yu'er." Lian Sheng doted on Lian Yuliang no less than He Lihua. "Changxi, go get the crystal cakes and brew another pot of the Spring Rain tea I brought back from the capital last time."
"Yu'er, look, your mother and brother only dote on you. I've been here for a while, and there's not even a glimpse of tea or snacks!" Lian Ruyi complained, feigning jealousy. "But as soon as you came in, you rushed out all the good food and drinks."
Hearing this, Lian Yuliang quickly squeezed next to Lian Ruyi. "Sister Ruyi, it's alright. They don't dote on you, but I do. Forget about Aunt and Brother, I'm happy as long as I dote on you."
"Hahaha, you little devil, you're getting the benefits and still acting innocent." Lian Sheng laughed loudly at Lian Yuliang's amusing appearance.
Watching her children's playful antics, He Lihua smiled happily, filling the room with joyful laughter.
"Yu'er! Ruyi is getting on in years, she's eighteen this year! Soon she'll be getting married, and you sisters won't have much time left together." He Lihua looked at her two daughters sitting together, sighing at how quickly time had passed. In the blink of an eye, her two daughters had grown into beautiful young women, ready for marriage.
"Mother, don't make it sound like we'll never see each other again. After I get married, Yu'er can come visit me often, right?" Lian Ruyi replied to her mother.
“Yes! I’ll be staying at Sister Ruyi’s house often in the future! What if my future brother-in-law bullies Sister Ruyi?” Lian Yuliang was already worried. “Or, Sister, you should come back to your parents’ house often!”
“That’s just childish talk. How can a married daughter keep running back to her parents’ house? People will gossip about that.” He Lihua was a traditional woman after all, and she thought her daughter’s words were too inappropriate.
“Mother, it’s best if the girls don’t get married. Just keep them at home so we can pamper them. Anyway, it’s not like we can’t afford to raise two daughters. As their older brother, I don’t care about supporting my sisters for life.” Lian Sheng joked.
Lian Yuliang teased her brother, “Big brother, you’re only talking big now because you haven’t married your sister-in-law yet. I think once your sister-in-law enters the family, you might even forget who we are and only care about pampering your sister-in-law!”
“Who said that? It doesn’t matter who I marry. I absolutely cannot mistreat the two girls in the slightest, otherwise I won’t marry her.” Lian Sheng was serious this time.
"Hehe..." Lian Yuliang couldn't help but laugh out loud at Lian Sheng's serious expression. Seeing
Lian Yuliang's mischievous appearance, Lian Sheng sighed helplessly, "Sigh! You little rascal." He really couldn't do anything with her.
Playfully sticking out her tongue, Lian Yuliang snuggled back to He Lihua's side, "Auntie, Yu'er doesn't want to get married. I'll stay by your side forever and take care of you, okay? My older brother also said that he's willing to support his younger sister for the rest of his life." She immediately relayed what Lian Sheng had said.
He Lihua exchanged a glance with her two children before gently saying to Lian Yuliang, "Silly girl, boys should marry when they're old enough, and girls should marry when they're old enough. Your aunt wouldn't dare keep you here forever. Haven't you heard? 'A daughter shouldn't be kept at home forever; keeping her will only breed resentment!'"
She then gently touched Lian Yuliang's lips, preventing her from speaking. "Just know that this will always be your home, your safe haven. Your aunt and brother will be here for you. So, you must never wrong yourself."
He Lihua held Lian Yuliang's hand, her loving gaze meeting Lian Yuliang's anxious eyes. "Don't worry, we'll help you find a good match before marrying you off. Girl, do you understand what your aunt means?"
Lian Yuliang nodded gently. "Yu'er understands." So they all knew what her mother wanted to do! She understood that they would always prioritize her happiness and would never marry her off casually.
Of course, given her personality, she would never allow herself to be wronged.
However, although she had long since come to terms with it, she still couldn't help but feel a slight pang of sadness. Her own mother was less considerate than her stepmother, who wasn't related to her by blood, and actually wanted to exchange her daughter's life for her own momentary pride.

The
weather gradually cooled down, and the early autumn wind tinged the leaves with red.
The irritating summer had quietly departed, and autumn's footsteps gently approached. Lishui, located in the south, was also quietly tinged with autumn colors.
Lian Yuliang leaned against the windowsill, a gentle breeze blowing against her face, causing a few short strands of hair beside her to flutter in the wind.
Logically, the weather should be pleasant, but she felt a little uncomfortable due to the change of seasons, and spent her days feeling lethargic and unwilling to move.
These past few days, the head steward of the mansion, along with a group of stewardesses and maids, had been constantly busy, formally tidying up and organizing the entire mansion in preparation for receiving distinguished guests from the capital.
The visitor should be the eldest son of the Huangfu family—Huangfu Zhiyi.
It's said that Huangfu Zhiyi will soon take over his family's title of Imperial Merchant and continue to lead the national merchant guild. Leaving aside his impressive family background, his dashing good looks alone are enough to talk about for three days and three nights.
He's not only captivated countless young ladies and unmarried women in the capital, but even princesses and noblewomen in the palace secretly admire him and hope to marry him.
However, for many years, numerous matchmakers from prominent families in the political and business circles have come to propose marriage, but none have succeeded. So everyone has hope, but no one is certain.
Now, Huangfu Zhiyi's father, who holds the title of Imperial Merchant, has suddenly issued an ultimatum to Huangfu Zhiyi this year: he must get married so that the old man can relinquish his heavy responsibilities and enjoy a peaceful retirement.
Huangfu Zhiyi's father has specifically named Ruyi from the Lian family. If this matter comes to fruition, it will be a momentous event for the Lian family! Although the Lian family's status in the business world is also among the top, it still cannot compare to the leading position of the Huangfu family.
Why was the Lian family chosen by Master Huangfu? Because for generations, the Lian family had conducted business with integrity and honesty. Furthermore, Miss Lian Ruyi was renowned for her beauty and talent, known throughout the court and the country. Therefore, Huangfu Zhiyi's father selected Lian Ruyi, wanting his children to meet her first.
So, ostensibly, Huangfu Zhiyi was visiting the Lian family, but in reality, he was there to see his future wife.
However, none of this mattered to Lian Yuliang. She wasn't the main character; she was only fifteen and not in a hurry to marry. So, she wasn't paying much attention when her father announced the news.
"Strange, it's been five days since he said he'd come..." Lian Yuliang played with the ends of her hair. "It's only a two-day journey from the capital to here, he should have arrived long ago! Why is he still nowhere to be seen?"
She muttered to herself, counting the falling leaves outside the window, her thoughts swirling with worry about her future brother-in-law's absence.
"Could something have happened on the way that delayed him?" Another question mark appeared.
"Or is he lost?" Could it be? Lishui City is so big, surely no one will have trouble finding it.
Lian Yuliang, while passing the leisurely afternoon, devised one excuse after another for Huangfu Zhiyi, who was still nowhere to be found
at the Lian family residence. As night fell, the two riders suddenly stopped in front of the Lian family's gate; it seemed this was their destination.
"Master, this is it." The man who looked like a servant was actually a skilled martial artist, having served his master since childhood.
"Hmm! Summon them out!" Huangfu Zhiyi dismounted, gently stroking his steaming horse, and instructed his attendant, A Lie, showing no sign of fatigue from the long journey.
"Yes." A Lie responded, then stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker.
"Coming, coming, please wait a moment!" came the servant's voice from inside.
The door opened, and besides the servant, a young man who looked like a steward stepped out.
"Greetings, gentlemen. May I ask who you are?" The man who appeared to be the steward asked politely, his sharp eyes recognizing that such distinguished guests were most likely important entourages from the capital.
"Please inform Master Lian that the eldest son of the Huangfu family requests an audience," A-Lie stated, identifying himself.
"Yes, I am the deputy steward of the Lian family, greetings to the young master," A-Lie quickly bowed respectfully.
"Hmm, no need to disturb everyone, please come in!" Huangfu Zhiyi said.
"Yes, young master, please." The deputy steward stepped aside, gesturing for the Huangfu family master and servants to enter, and then gave a signal to a servant to announce their arrival.
Before they even reached the front porch, Huangfu Zhiyi and A-Lie saw Lian Cheng and Lian Sheng approaching from afar, their groups meeting on the way.
"Uncle Lian, greetings. I'm a little late in arriving at your residence, I apologize for keeping you waiting." As soon as he approached Lian Cheng, Huangfu Zhiyi greeted him politely.
"Young Master, please don't say that. It's an honor for our family to have you as a guest in our humble abode," Lian Cheng replied with a smile, inwardly very pleased with the tall and courteous Huangfu Zhiyi before him.
"Uncle, please just call me by my name," Huangfu Zhiyi said politely.
"Good, good, good, then I won't stand on ceremony and call you my nephew Zhiyi," Lian Cheng said happily.
"Uncle, my father asked me to bring some newly arrived wine from a foreign merchant group, saying it's for you to try." This was wine meant for tribute; the Huangfu family had kept some for themselves, and bringing it to the Lian family as a gift was certainly not impolite.
"Oh dear! How could I accept this? Master Huangfu is too kind, sending such a valuable gift." Lian Cheng wasn't unfamiliar with the ways of the world; knowing it was a grand gift, he quickly returned the courtesy.
"Uncle, please don't say that. As long as you're happy." Huangfu Zhiyi said to Liancheng, then turned his attention to Lian Sheng standing to the side. "This... this must be Young Master Lian!"
"Yes, I am Lian Sheng. I have long admired Young Master Huangfu's name." Lian Sheng stepped forward and introduced himself.
"Brother Lian, please call me by my name. Brother Lian has quite a reputation in the capital. I have long wanted to get to know you." Huangfu Zhiyi said to the composed and steady Lian Sheng.
"I dare not, I dare not. You flatter me, Brother Zhiyi."
Then, the group moved to the main hall in a warm atmosphere.
At dinner time, Fulinxuan was brightly lit, looking very beautiful in the night.
"Father, Aunt, Mother, Elder Brother." Lian Yuliang entered Fulinxuan and first greeted her elders politely.
Of course, she saw Huangfu Zhiyi sitting in the main seat as soon as she entered, but as a young lady, she couldn't very well stare at a man so boldly.
"Yes, Yu Liang, come and greet Young Master Huangfu." Lian Cheng then introduced Huangfu Zhiyi, "Nephew, this is my second daughter, Yu Liang."
"Yu Liang greets Young Master Huangfu." Lian Yu Liang obediently walked to Huangfu Zhiyi, curtsied, and bowed her head to greet him.
"Miss Yu Liang, please rise. I have often heard that Miss Ruyi is both beautiful and talented; I think Miss Yu Liang is no less so!" Huangfu Zhiyi raised one hand and gestured for her to rise, watching Lian Yu Liang stand up.
"How can Yu Liang compare to my sister? Yu Liang has no special skills and can only be laughed at." Lian Yu Liang humbly belittled herself.
"Is that so? Miss Yu Liang is too modest!" Huangfu Zhiyi looked at the bowing Lian Yu Liang and thought that this woman's voice was really nice; although it was sweet, it was not as high-pitched as that of ordinary women, making it very pleasant to listen to.
At this time, Lian Sheng asked Huangfu Zhiyi some business matters, so the topic shifted from Lian Yu Liang.
After Lian Yuliang stood up, she gracefully retreated behind He Lihua, without raising her head to look at Huangfu Zhiyi. She only thought her future brother-in-law's voice was very pleasant; his deep, resonant voice was captivating and made her heart race.
In fact, from the moment Lian Yuliang stepped inside, Huangfu Zhiyi had been scrutinizing her. Although he couldn't see her face clearly because she kept her head down, her graceful and well-proportioned figure, even if she wasn't particularly beautiful, was still quite charming.
Standing behind Huangfu Zhiyi, A Lie didn't miss his master's reaction and felt uneasy, hoping his master wouldn't be tempted and forget that the real target wasn't the second young lady before him.
Lian Yuliang also felt Huangfu Zhiyi's intense gaze not leaving her. Never before had she been looked at like this by a man, and she couldn't help but feel flustered; her small hands even trembled slightly.
She quietly hid her cold hands in her sleeves, not wanting anyone to notice her unease.
"Madam, why hasn't Ruyi arrived yet? How can we keep our nephew waiting?" Liancheng asked his wife, who was sitting beside him, as everyone else had arrived except Ruyi.
Before He Lihua could reply, Sun Xiuniang spoke up first.
"Master, it doesn't matter that Ruyi hasn't arrived yet. We can ask the eldest son to help Yuliang find a good family in the capital." Sun Xiuniang said in a high-pitched, affected voice.
"Alright! Don't be nosy." Liancheng interrupted Sun Xiuniang, stopping her from saying anything inappropriate.
Hearing Sun Xiuniang's words, Lian Yuliang was furious. So that's what her mother was thinking! Was she going to make a fool of herself in front of Young Master Huangfu? Did she think she wouldn't be able to get married?
"Young Master Huangfu, you're making a fool of yourself. My husband and I are reluctant to see Yu'er get married! But her mother is very anxious." He Lihua quickly smoothed things over.
“Yes! Such a beautiful daughter, I wouldn’t want her to marry so young either.” Huangfu Zhiyi chimed in, picking up where He Lihua left off, also reluctant to embarrass Lian Yuliang.
Just then, Lian Sheng saw Lian Ruyi approaching the door and quickly interjected to help Lian Yuliang out of the predicament. “She’s here, she’s here, Ruyi’s here.”
Everyone’s gaze turned to the doorway as Lian Sheng spoke. Lian Yuliang felt the burning gaze shift away and let out a long sigh of relief, gently rubbing her chest and slowly relaxing, her heart feeling inexplicably warm.
While everyone’s attention was on Lian Ruyi, Lian Yuliang stole glances at Huangfu Zhiyi, boldly scrutinizing him when no one was looking.
And what she saw! She had never seen such a handsome man before. Although her older brother was also very handsome, compared to him, he paled in comparison.
With his handsome features and striking appearance, even seated, he was clearly very tall… Lian Yuliang was completely oblivious to the conversation, utterly captivated by Huangfu Zhiyi's looks, staring at him in a daze. Huangfu Zhiyi turned his gaze back to Lian Yuliang, surprised to find the delicate beauty staring at him blankly. It seemed she was quite pleased with his appearance; otherwise, how could she not have noticed him looking at her?
However, he truly hadn't expected Lian Yuliang to not only have a beautiful figure but also a stunning face. Her
almond-shaped eyes were alluring, slightly upturned, as if ready to seduce at any moment; her small, straight nose and full, red lips made one want to kiss them, wondering if they were as sweet as they looked…
Huangfu Zhiyi scrutinized Lian Yuliang with a purely masculine gaze, quite pleased with what he saw. This beauty was truly a natural enchantress, capable of bewitching men.
At this moment, Lian Yuliang was thinking to herself, "Huangfu Zhiyi is not only handsome and has a pleasant voice, but even his smile is captivating!"
She was suddenly startled. Wait a minute… his smile?
Good heavens! When did he turn his head?
Lian Yuliang stared blankly into Huangfu Zhiyi's eyes, belatedly noticing a clear smile there, but she still stared at him blankly.
Seeing Huangfu Zhiyi stand up, she was still a little puzzled. Why did he stand up?
"Yu'er, Yu'er, why are you daydreaming?" It wasn't until Lian Ruyi tugged at her sleeve that Lian Yuliang realized Lian Ruyi was already standing beside her.
She turned to look at her sister, and out of the corner of her eye, she clearly saw the deepening smile on Huangfu Zhiyi's lips.
"Ah?" Seeing her sister's questioning gaze, Lian Yuliang quickly focused her attention. "No, I wasn't daydreaming! Sister, why did you call me?"
Good heavens! She hoped no one would notice how intently she had been staring at Huangfu Zhiyi.
"It's time to sit down. Are you hungry?" Lian Ruyi took her younger sister's hand and followed everyone towards the dining table.
"No, I had some snacks this afternoon." Seeing her older sister's reaction, Lian Yuliang breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that no one had noticed.
However, someone still witnessed everything—it was A Lie, who had been standing beside Huangfu Zhiyi the whole time.
Dinner proceeded in a pleasant atmosphere, with Huangfu Zhiyi chatting amiably with Lian Cheng and his son about all sorts of things.
During the meal, Lian Yuliang diligently ate his food, avoiding looking up whenever possible. This caught the attention of Lian Ruyi, who quietly asked amidst the lively conversation, "Yu'er, what's wrong? Didn't you say you weren't hungry? Why are you just eating and not saying anything?"
Although Lian Ruyi spoke softly, it still drew the attention of others.
"I...I just..." Lian Yuliang's eyes darted around, and he stammered, refusing to look directly at anyone, his mind racing, trying to come up with an excuse.
"What is it?" He Lihua also noticed that Lian Yuliang was acting strangely. Although she usually didn't talk much and was rather aloof when Sun Xiuniang was around, she wouldn't be completely detached from the conversation like she was today. So she asked with concern, "Is there anything you need to say?"
Lian Yuliang, flustered, forced a smile. "Auntie, I'm really fine. I'm just a little tired today, so I'm not very energetic." Her eyes still didn't dare to look at Huangfu Zhiyi.
"I see! Then after you've eaten, don't stay with us. Go back to your room and rest early. I think..." He Lihua said, turning to Huangfu Zhiyi, "Young Master Huangfu, you wouldn't mind, would you?"
"Since Miss Yuliang is tired, of course she should rest early. How could I mind?" Huangfu Zhiyi said with a smile. "By the way! If you want to sleep better, drink a cup of Xianglu wine. It will help you sleep well all night."
Hearing this, the maid standing to the side cleverly poured Lian Yuliang a cup of the tribute wine that Huangfu Zhiyi had brought.
Thus, even if Lian Yuliang didn't want to drink, she had no choice but to finish the wine under everyone's gaze. The moment the wine entered her throat, a wave of heat filled her body, turning her face flushed red, as delicate as a blooming rose.
Her appearance captivated Huangfu Zhiyi, who greedily gazed at her beauty.
"Nephew, please forgive my rudeness. This girl is spoiled by my wife; she's very pampered and doesn't know any manners," Lian Cheng quickly said to Huangfu Zhiyi, ostensibly scolding, but actually feeling sorry for his daughter.
"Uncle Lian, please don't say that. A girl needs to be pampered; it's not about knowing any manners." Even he wanted to hold her in his arms and cherish her!
So, after dinner, Lian Yuliang, slightly tipsy, went to her room early.
Huangfu Zhiyi looked at A Lie, who had been pacing and fiddling around him since entering the room, and said, "Speak!" He'd been holding back for quite a while.
“Master, you…” Although A-Lie was allowed to speak, the person in front of him was, after all, his master, and he couldn’t speak recklessly, so he hesitated and stopped after calling out.
“Since you’ve been allowed to speak, say what you have to say without any reservations.” Huangfu Zhiyi said in a good mood, knowing exactly what A-Lie wanted to say.
“Yes, Master.” A-Lie said boldly, “Master’s preference is for the eldest daughter of the Lian family, but since you saw the second young lady today, you haven’t given the eldest young lady a second glance…” The implication was that he shouldn’t have the wrong choice.
“To be honest, Lian Yuliang is really beautiful.” Huangfu Zhiyi rested his chin on his hand, easily sketching Lian Yuliang’s beautiful figure in his mind, “I prefer her. Her sister doesn’t have that charm, it’s a real pity.”
“But the eldest young lady is the one Master prefers!” A-Lie hurriedly replied.
“It’s not like my father is marrying her. What use is it if he likes her but I don’t?” Huangfu Zhiyi coldly tossed A-Lie a sentence.
"No way! Master won't agree." A-Lie could tell from his master's expression that his stubbornness had returned.
"What's the difference? Aren't they both daughters of the Lian family? It doesn't matter which one you marry!" Huangfu Zhiyi didn't see anything wrong with it.
"Of course they're different. In terms of background, the second young lady is inferior to the eldest young lady." A-Lie had already inquired before accompanying his master to the Lian residence.
"How is she inferior?" Huangfu Zhiyi was curious. They were both daughters of Liancheng, what difference could there be?
"You know the second young lady is born to Master Lian's concubine. Just that alone makes her inferior to the eldest young lady, who is the daughter of his first wife. And you've seen her yourself; that second wife is alluring and cunning, not presentable at all. As the saying goes, like mother, like daughter, isn't that right?" A-Lie analyzed. "The second young lady is beautiful, but she can't compare to the eldest young lady's elegant and dignified appearance!"
Besides, she would be the future matriarch of the prestigious Huangshang family! A-Lie drew his conclusion in his mind.
"Oh? I didn't realize you thought so much." Anyone who didn't know better would think A-Lie was the one getting married!
"Of course! If the master isn't careful, then I'll naturally think more carefully." A-Lie genuinely thought his master was praising him and was quite pleased with himself, but his smugness vanished completely after hearing Huangfu Zhiyi's words.
"However, I don't think Lian Yuliang has any ulterior motives. Right now, I prefer her. You'd better be prepared; she might actually become your master."
A-Lie could only respectfully reply, "Yes, I understand."
Lian Yuliang had been avoiding Huangfu Zhiyi these past two days using various excuses. Sun Xiuniang had come to her room several times because of this, but she had sent her away each time.
She avoided Huangfu Zhiyi because she would get incredibly nervous whenever she saw him; her heart would pound as if it were about to jump out of her mouth.
She was afraid of that unfamiliar feeling; he would soon be Lian Ruyi's husband, her brother-in-law, and her heart had never been worthy of being moved by him.
In the afternoon, Lian Ruyi came to see her sister.
"Yu'er, what's wrong with you? These past few days, besides visiting Mother to pay your respects, you've stayed in your room and haven't eaten with everyone." Lian Ruyi took Lian Yuliang's hand and pulled her to sit beside her.
"These days I've felt lazy and don't want to move, so I've been staying in my room reading," Lian Yuliang explained.
"Really? But don't let yourself get too bored." Lian Ruyi noticed that her younger sister wasn't as cheerful and lively as usual, so she gave her a concerned reminder.
"Yes, I know, don't worry about me." After replying, Lian Yuliang stammered and called out to Lian Ruyi, "Sister..."
"What is it?" Lian Ruyi looked at Lian Yuliang gently.
"You... what do you think of Young Master Huangfu?" Lian Yuliang asked, observing Lian Ruyi's reaction.
Hearing her sister's question, Lian Ruyi's pretty face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head shyly, "What do you mean? I don't think there's anything special about him!"
"I mean... do you like him?" Lian Yuliang asked directly, her heart pounding as she waited for Lian Ruyi's reply.
"I haven't thought about whether I like it or not. I'll leave everything to my parents to decide," Lian Ruyi said shyly, her face flushed. "I have no objections."
"Is that so!" Although she said she would listen to her parents, one could tell from Lian Ruyi's reaction that she liked Huangfu Zhiyi.
Lian Yuliang felt a pang of sadness, a tightness in her heart. She didn't understand why she felt an indescribable sense of loss after hearing her sister's answer. That night, recalling her conversation with Lian Ruyi that afternoon, Lian Yuliang tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.
Feeling extremely agitated, she simply got out of bed, casually threw on a thin long robe, and left her room, heading towards the pavilion on the lake behind the Lian residence.
A cool night breeze blew in gusts, causing Lian Yuliang's clothes to flutter as she moved. Her figure, shrouded in the night, was as beautiful as a fairy who had mistakenly descended to earth...

Chapter 3 of "The Merchant's Hunt for His Wife"
: Entering the pavilion, Lian Yuliang faced the lake water that shimmered under the moonlight, leaned against the railing, and stared blankly at the water.
Unaware that Huangfu Zhiyi had been following her all along,
he stood silently three steps behind her. A gentle breeze stirred her loose hair, allowing him to smell her faint fragrance.
Deeply inhaling her scent, Huangfu Zhiyi felt his blood rush to his lower abdomen.
"Yu'er..." he called softly, his voice slightly hoarse from desire.
Startled by the call behind her, Lian Yuliang turned around and, seeing Huangfu Zhiyi, quickly stood up, trying to walk around him.
Huangfu Zhiyi blocked her path, using his strong body to force her back step by step until her feet touched the spot where she had been sitting and she could go no further.
With nowhere to retreat, Lian Yuliang nervously said, "Young Master Huangfu, it's late, I should go back to my room."
"Are you avoiding me?" Huangfu Zhiyi deliberately stood in front of Lian Yuliang.
"No..." Even if it were true, she couldn't admit it! Lian Yuliang murmured softly, avoiding Huangfu Zhiyi's gaze.
"Is that so? But why do I feel like you're deliberately avoiding me?" This was the truth.
"I want to go back to my room, I..." At this time, in this place, it would be terrible if someone saw us!
Before Lian Yuliang could finish speaking, Huangfu Zhiyi reached out and pushed her against a pavilion pillar, encircling her in his arms and directly restricting her movements.
Because her back suddenly touched the cold stone pillar, Lian Yuliang let out a soft cry, "Ah..."
Her slightly open mouth gave Huangfu Zhiyi the opportunity. He lowered his head and kissed Lian Yuliang, his nimble tongue unceremoniously plunging in and swirling, tasting her sweetness.
"You taste so good, so sweet..." His powerful tongue found her soft little tongue, entwining and sucking it incessantly.
"Mmm..." Lian Yuliang was dizzy from the kiss, Huangfu Zhiyi's scent constantly flooding her mouth and nose.
Never before had she been touched so intimately. Lian Yuliang even forgot how to breathe, breathless from the kisses. She kept pushing against Huangfu Zhiyi's chest with her small hands, her body writhing, desperately needing fresh air.
But because Huangfu Zhiyi was pressed against her from head to toe, Lian Yuliang's body was essentially rubbing against him.
"Mmm... God!" Her unintentional actions aroused his desire even more intensely. Looking at her red and moist lips after his kisses, he couldn't resist lowering his head again, this time targeting her fair and luminous neck.
He left moist red marks on her neck, his large hand moving up from her waist until he found a soft and tender mound, which he grasped and began to knead forcefully.
Pressed against the pillar, unable to escape, Lian Yuliang was surrounded by Huangfu Zhiyi's breath, his mature masculine scent filling her with every breath, making her intoxicated. Her small hands, which had initially resisted, couldn't help but tightly grip his strong arms.
Raised in seclusion, Lian Yuliang was no match for such teasing from a man. Though her shameful reaction filled her with embarrassment, she was utterly powerless to resist his excessive actions.
She gasped for breath, her eyes tightly closed, when suddenly she felt a warm, damp sensation on her chest. Looking down in surprise, she exclaimed, "Ah! You…!"
Huangfu Zhiyi had already torn open her thin garment, enveloping her breasts with his warm lips, then lifting the rosy bud peeking out from under her clothes and bringing it to his mouth.
The soft, warm flesh pressed against his tongue as Huangfu Zhiyi sucked forcefully, occasionally gently pulling at the hardening nipples with his teeth.
Completely weak and powerless, Lian Yuliang couldn't distinguish between pain and itchiness, forced to endure the waves of pleasure emanating from her breasts.
She tried to stop Huangfu Zhiyi, but only soft moans escaped her open mouth. "Mmm...no..."
Huangfu Zhiyi licked and sucked her soft breasts until they were red and swollen, the nipples glistening with saliva, appearing obscene and alluring in the moonlight.
Lifting his head, he kissed Lian Yuliang's lips again, using his strong legs to spread her legs apart, pressing his hot, swollen manhood against her warm thighs through the thin fabric.
He kissed her deeply, his left hand gently lifting her right foot towards his, causing her lower body to open forward, pressing against his manhood.
Then, unable to resist, he moved his firm hips back and forth, repeatedly thrusting lightly into the hollow of her lower body.
"Mmm...ah..." Soft moans and low groans escaped their lips.
The thin fabric of Lian Yuliang's lower body was soaked with the love fluid seeping from her body, clinging slightly transparently to her petals, and even the fabric in front of Huangfu Zhiyi was damp from the constant thrusting.
He quickly noticed the wetness. "Little Yu'er, you're so passionate, I really want to take you right here!" She was so sensitive; after only a few rubbings, such sweet fluid had flowed out.
"No!" What was wrong with her? Why was she constantly leaking fluid? Yet, that feeling of shame made her body feel a pleasure she had never experienced before…
Although Huangfu Zhiyi desperately wanted to bury himself inside Lian Yuliang's wet and hot body, he couldn't bear to let her first time end so hastily in such a place, yet his physical needs were so strong that he had to release them.
His lust burned fiercely. "Damn it!" he cursed under his breath, and he roughly reached out and tore open Lian Yuliang's thin shirt and underpants, pressing his still-clothed manhood even more forcefully against her already naked lower body.
"Ah! It hurts…" The uncomfortable pain made Lian Yuliang cry out.
She was a virgin, inexperienced in matters of the heart. Although Huangfu Zhiyi hadn't penetrated her, his erect penis, through its force, had parted her wet petals and slightly sunk into her opening.
"No! I don't want to..." Lian Yuliang twisted her body in panic, trying to avoid the hard object that made her uncomfortable.
"Little Yu'er, bear with it, I won't hurt you." Huangfu Zhiyi, unable to stop, tightly embraced her trying to escape, pressing his face against hers, soothing her gently.
"Ugh..." In fact, besides the discomfort, Lian Yuliang also felt a strange pleasure emanating from where Huangfu Zhiyi was thrusting into her. She was terrified; the reaction of her body was incomprehensible to her.
"Good girl..." Because Lian Yuliang stopped struggling, Huangfu Zhiyi could concentrate more on his movements, swaying his firm hips again and again. Their body temperatures continued to rise, and sweat dripped from his forehead, splashing onto Lian Yuliang's bare chest with each passionate thrust.
Sweet, sticky fluids kept overflowing from her body, turning the space between their legs into a swamp.
Finally, Huangfu Zhiyi's pent-up lust was about to burst forth. A tingling sensation surged through his waist, prompting him to thrust his hips harder and increase the intensity of his movements.
"Ah..." With a low growl, Huangfu Zhiyi pressed his penis tightly against Lian Yuliang's thighs. After a shudder, a stream of white, sticky fluid spurted out...
He breathed heavily, looking down at his wet, sticky pants. He couldn't believe that he could be so young and unable to control his desire for her, even without penetration, the mere friction of their genitals was enough to release him.
It seemed he had truly underestimated Lian Yuliang's influence on him!
Looking at the disheveled, flushed, and dazed beauty in his arms, Huangfu Zhiyi tenderly stroked her face. Judging from her appearance, she must have experienced some pleasure.
Suddenly, Huangfu Zhiyi lifted Lian Yuliang and placed her on his lap as he sat down.
Lian Yuliang, who had come to his senses because of Huangfu Zhiyi's actions, looked at him awkwardly as he was positioned facing him, straddling him with his legs spread apart.
Embarrassed, she didn't fully understand what had just happened, but she knew it was wrong, something unmarried men and women shouldn't do.
Yet, the indescribable sensation of Huangfu Zhiyi's passionate love lingered within her… Reaching out,
she pulled him back as he tried to struggle away, Huangfu Zhiyi took her hand and placed it behind his neck, then caressed her breasts again. "Yu'er, you haven't finished enjoying yourself yet! I can't bear to mistreat you…" As he
spoke, Huangfu Zhiyi grasped and occasionally twisted her nipples with two fingers. "Look, how much your body likes it! Look how hard and red it's become…"
"Ah…no! I didn't…I didn't…" Lian Yuliang shook her head, her face flushed, denying it.
"Good girl, you're so wet…" Huangfu Zhiyi reached between Lian Yuliang's legs, his fingers threading through the fine, honey-scented hair, caressing the swollen clitoris he had just teased, gently sliding between the folds until his fingers were covered in the slippery fluid.
He showed her his fingers, glistening with love juice, "Look! How much you enjoy my touch..." Before she could react, he roughly shoved them into her mouth.
"Mmm..." Huangfu Zhiyi's forceful insertion of two fingers filled her mouth with his own aroused scent. How shameful!
Huangfu Zhiyi's fingers moved in and out of Lian Yuliang's mouth, each thrust teasing her tongue; his other hand reached in from behind her buttocks, coordinating with the movements in her mouth, guiding his long fingers along her tight passage.
"Ah... umm..." The obscene smell and movements caused Lian Yuliang to involuntarily squeeze the inserted fingers, feeling the pleasure of being penetrated more clearly, and she involuntarily arched her body, wriggling against his fingers.
Satisfied, watching Lian Yuliang enjoy herself, Huangfu Zhiyi quickened the thrusting of his fingers, his thumb searching for the protruding pearl, pressing it down.
"Oh, God! No..." A surge of intense pleasure overwhelmed Lian Yuliang, her shapely buttocks moving up, down, left, and right with Huangfu Zhiyi's movements.
"No...no more...ah..." Lian Yuliang clung tightly to Huangfu Zhiyi's shoulders, letting out a sharp cry. A sweet-smelling liquid suddenly gushed from her body, completely soaking Huangfu Zhiyi's hand.
Reaching her climax, Lian Yuliang fainted from the intense pleasure she had never experienced before, and Huangfu Zhiyi immediately and tenderly held her in his arms.
He withdrew his hand, now covered in love fluid, and brought it to his nose, inhaling her scent. Huangfu Zhiyi licked it with his tongue, looking at her flushed face, and murmured softly, "So sweet..."
The next morning, Lian Yuliang woke up in her own bed.
Recalling the events of the previous night, she was filled with remorse and regret, wishing she could die immediately.
How could she have shamelessly allowed a man to touch her and even derive pleasure from it; most unforgivable of all was that the man who brought her this pleasure was her brother-in-law.
Heartbroken, Lian Yuliang saw the red marks covering her collarbone and breasts in the mirror and burst into tears, burying her face in her arms at the dressing table.
What had happened to her was beyond her capacity to bear.
Lost in her grief, Lian Yuliang didn't even hear the knocking at the outer room.
"Miss, Miss, Madam is looking for you!" Changxi called several times, but received no response. Thinking her mistress might still be asleep, she pushed open the door and went into the inner room.
Unexpectedly, upon entering, Changxi saw Lian Yuliang sobbing uncontrollably at the dressing table.
She had never seen the usually strong Lian Yuliang cry before. What had happened to make her so upset?
Changxi stepped forward. "Miss, what's wrong..." Before Changxi
could finish speaking, Lian Yuliang sat bolt upright, frantically pulling her thin robe up, clutching her collar with one hand and wiping away her tears haphazardly with the other.
"Who...who allowed you in? Get out!" Lian Yuliang growled hoarsely, not daring to turn around.
“Miss, you…” Although Lian Yuliang’s movements to cover herself were quick, Chang Xi, with her sharp eyes, still noticed the red marks on her body.
“I told you to leave, didn’t you hear me?” Lian Yuliang hurriedly emphasized.
“This… yes! Miss, I’ll wait outside. If you… need anything, just call me.” Chang Xi considerately didn’t ask any more questions.
“Mm.” Lian Yuliang still didn’t dare to turn around.
Only when she heard Chang Xi’s footsteps outside the room did she let go of her hands, clutching her forehead. “Oh my god! What am I going to do?” How much had Chang Xi seen?
Lian Yuliang was in a panic, but she had to muster her composure and tidy herself up. She changed her clothes, thankfully it was autumn and the neckline of her clothes was high enough to cover the hickeys on her neck.
Composing herself, she left the room. As soon as Lian Yuliang turned the screen, she saw Chang Xi standing to the side. She passed by Chang Xi and sat down in the front hall.
Chang Xi stood quietly in front of Lian Yuliang, waiting for her to speak first.
Lian Yuliang looked up at Changxi, her voice trembling slightly as she called out, "Changxi."
"Yes, Miss."
Changxi had married the deputy head steward of the manor before the New Year. Now a married woman, she knew perfectly well that the red marks she had just seen on her mistress were traces of intimacy between a man and a woman.
But how could her mistress, raised in her boudoir since childhood, have…
"You didn't see anything just now," Lian Yuliang said slowly, each word distinct.
"But, Miss, if you let someone…" Changxi couldn't continue. If her mistress really had someone…
"I'm fine. I've forgotten everything I just saw, unless… you want me to die," Lian Yuliang said calmly. She knew Changxi was worried about her.
After a long silence and careful consideration, Changxi replied, "Yes, Miss. I just entered the room and need to invite you to Madam's."
Then, looking at her mistress's red eyes, she said, "Miss, you didn't sleep well last night; your eyes are a little red. Shall I go and get some chrysanthemum water for you to wipe them?"
Whatever had happened to her mistress, no one could know, otherwise…
Seeing Changxi's reaction, Lian Yuliang felt slightly relieved. "Go ahead!"
Changxi left Lian Yuliang's room and hurried to the kitchen, only to encounter Honghong, the maid who served Lian Yuliang. Honghong was helping the kitchen lady wash and chop vegetables.
"Honghong, come here!" Changxi called Honghong to the kitchen door.
Seeing that it was Changxi calling her, Honghong didn't even put down the vegetables she was holding before running towards the door. "Sister Changxi, what's wrong?"
"Honghong, why aren't you serving Miss in her room? Why are you running to the kitchen instead?" Changxi felt that Honghong wasn't doing her job properly.
“Miss went to bed very late last night. I wanted her to sleep in a little longer this morning, so I came to help in the kitchen first, and I'll bring breakfast back to her room later.” Honghong explained obediently to Changxi, shaking the vegetables in her hand.
“Really? Why did Miss go to bed so late last night?” Changxi asked, following Honghong’s words, wanting to know who that man was.
“No reason. Recently, Miss has been reading until very late. I always have to urge her to go to bed!” Honghong tilted her head cutely, not finding Changxi
’s question strange. “Then… is there anything wrong with Miss?” Changxi tried not to sound too eager. “Also, have you accompanied Miss out of the manor these past few days?”
Could it be that she’s attracted trouble from outside?
“No! Nothing’s wrong. We haven’t gone out of the manor recently.” Honghong was still young and innocent, and didn’t think there was anything wrong with Changxi asking her these questions, so she answered honestly.
"Oh, I see..." Hearing Honghong say this, Changxi knew that this silly girl knew nothing.
"Hmm... If there's anything wrong..." Honghong frowned slightly and thought for a moment, "Miss has been spacing out a lot lately, and she sighs often. Also, when she reads, she takes a long time to finish just one page!"
"Really? Did you ask her if something was on her mind?" Changxi asked anxiously.
"I did! But Miss said nothing was wrong." Honghong really was a silly girl; she believed whatever people said. She really didn't have a brain.
It seemed that she wouldn't get anything out of Honghong.
"Miss went to bed too late last night, so she must be feeling unwell this morning. Later, make some chrysanthemum water and take it back to her room to wash her face." Changxi instructed Honghong, "Also, if Miss is feeling unwell, her mood will be affected. Don't chatter around her. Watch her expression and do what you're told, okay?"
"Honghong understands." Remembering Changxi's instructions, Honghong nodded obediently.
"When you get back to your room, tell Miss that I've gone back to Madam's. I'll tell Madam that Miss didn't sleep well last night and got up late today. I'll be a little late in paying my respects to Madam, please don't worry, take it slow, understand?" Changxi carefully instructed.
"Understood!"
Huangfu Zhiyi lay on the bed, savoring the wantonness of the previous night. Having been with many women, he had never been influenced by any of them.
In sex, he had always been in control, never losing control like last night. He never expected that after meeting Lian Yuliang, his desire would come so quickly that he lost himself. What's
even more absurd is that he hadn't truly possessed her yet, but he couldn't bear to hastily let her give herself to him in the pavilion.
It wasn't that he hadn't met women more beautiful, more passionate, and more alluring than her, so why was this?
After thinking for a long time, he came to a conclusion: he had to admit that he had fallen for Lian Yuliang.
Huangfu Zhiyi made up his mind; he not only wanted Lian Yuliang, but he also wanted her to be devoted to him.
Just as Huangfu Zhiyi was pondering his future actions, A-Lie entered the room.
Carrying a basin of water, A-Lie assumed his master was still asleep and tiptoed to place it on the bedside table. However, as he passed the bed, he saw Huangfu Zhiyi staring wide-eyed at the ceiling.
"Master, you're awake? What are you thinking about?" What could be making him so engrossed in thought so early in the morning?
Seeing A-Lie enter, Huangfu Zhiyi sat up on the edge of the bed, took the tea A-Lie offered to rinse his mouth, spat it out, and then took a damp towel to wipe his face. "Nothing!"
He stood up, letting A-Lie help him dress, and then his next words froze A-Lie in place.
"I've made up my mind. The person I want to marry is Lian Yuliang."
"Master, you…" A-Lie looked at the willful Huangfu Zhiyi in disbelief. He hadn't expected his master to actually do this; it seemed Lian Yuliang had truly captivated him.
However, the master and mistress are not so easy to reason with!

In Chapter Four of "The Merchant's Hunt for a Wife
," Lian Yuliang, her pretty face pale, silently ate her porridge, ignoring the conversations around her, and of course, not seeing Huangfu Zhiyi's affectionate gaze upon her.
"Yu'er, Yu'er," Lian Sheng called several times, but his sister didn't look up. He looked at Lian Ruyi sitting beside her, puzzled.
Seeing her brother's questioning gaze, Lian Ruyi gently shook her head, indicating she didn't know what was wrong with Lian Yuliang either. Then she reached out and touched Lian Yuliang, "Yu'er, your brother is calling you!"
Coming back to her senses, Lian Yuliang looked up and saw that everyone had stopped talking and were focusing all their attention on her. Feeling flustered by her gaze, she quickly asked Lian Sheng, "Brother, what did you call me for?"
"What's wrong with you? You don't look well, and your face is pale..." Lian Sheng asked his sister with concern.
"N-nothing." Her mind blank, Lian Yuliang couldn't think of a reason to answer her brother's question.
“Yu’er didn’t sleep well last night, so she’s not feeling well. She’ll be fine after resting in her room for a while,” He Lihua said, trying to ease Lian Yuliang
’s worries. Actually, Changxi had told her about Lian Yuliang as soon as she returned to her room. She had thought about it carefully. The mansion’s security was impeccable; no one could possibly have infiltrated. The only possibility was someone from within the mansion. And the only possible person in the mansion…
She had just observed that Huangfu Zhiyi’s attention was constantly focused on Lian Yuliang, and He Lihua had a general idea of what was going on.
She was both happy and worried. She was happy that if Huangfu Zhiyi truly loved Yu’er, then Yu’er would have a good future. She didn’t think he necessarily had to marry her own daughter, Ruyi; to her, Yuliang was just like her own daughter.
But she couldn’t help worrying that Huangfu Zhiyi might only be attracted to Yu’er’s beauty…
Hearing her mother’s words, Lian Sheng felt relieved. "Oh, is that so! Yu'er, your brother is leaving for the capital tomorrow on business. Is there anything you want? I'll bring it back for you."
"You're going to the capital?" Lian Yuliang's eyes widened in surprise.
"What are you going there for? Didn't you just go last month?" Strange, although there are many businesses in the capital, usually the managers return to Lishui to report, and her elder brother only inspects each city once a quarter; why is he going to the capital again after only about a month?
"Because the manager of the embroidery workshop had an accident and is now recuperating in bed. He told me to transfer a temporary manager to the embroidery workshop, otherwise he's worried that the year-end goods won't be ready, so I need to go and check on the situation." Lian Sheng patiently repeated himself to let Lian Yuliang know, even though he had already said it before.
A thought suddenly flashed through Lian Yuliang's mind, "Brother, I'll go with you."
"Go with me?" Lian Sheng didn't expect his sister to make such a request.
“Yes! I…I haven’t been out for a long time. With you taking me, Father will allow it.” At this point, Lian Yuliang looked at Lian Cheng, “Father…”
“This…” Lian Cheng thought for a moment, “But your eldest brother is going on business this time, he won’t have time to take you around.” Wouldn’t it be boring if he went along?
At this moment, He Lihua spoke up, “Master, let Yu’er go with Sheng’er! Even if they can’t go around playing, it’s good to get out and about.”
She deliberately wanted Lian Yuliang to temporarily avoid Huangfu Zhiyi, hoping to use this opportunity to get him to make a decision.
“Alright! Since your mother said so, Sheng’er, you can take Yu’er with you to the capital.” Since He Lihua had spoken, Lian Cheng no longer objected. Before
Lian Sheng could reply, Sun Xiuniang became anxious. “Master, there are still guests at home! The eldest young master has important business to attend to, he has no choice but to go out, but how can Yuliang…” She was still hoping that Huangfu Gongzi could introduce her to a good marriage!
Suddenly, Sun Xiuniang saw He Lihua's gaze sweep over her, and her words immediately died in her throat. She looked at Liancheng with resentment, "Master..."
Liancheng didn't want to object to He Lihua's words, because he knew He Lihua was very sensible and her decisions had never been wrong over the years. "Alright, stop nagging." He told Sun Xiuniang to leave this matter alone.
"Nephew Zhiyi, you won't mind, will you? Yu'er is still young and playful; we'd feel more at ease letting her stay with Sheng'er." Liancheng explained to Huangfu Zhiyi.
"Uncle, please don't be so polite. I won't mind at all. As long as Miss Yuliang is happy," Huangfu Zhiyi said politely.
He understood that Lian Yuliang wanted to use this opportunity to escape him, but since she was someone he wanted, there was no reason for her to slip away.
“Since my dear nephew has said so, then Sheng’er…” Lian Cheng called to his son happily.
“Yes.”
“You must take good care of your sister,” Lian Cheng instructed. “Yu’er, you too. You must listen to Sheng’er and be careful when you’re out, understand?”
“Understood!” The two siblings agreed in unison.
Lian Yuliang finally breathed a sigh of relief. She could finally avoid Huangfu Zhiyi, who both troubled and captivated her.
However, she relaxed too soon, underestimated her own charm, and even more so, underestimated Huangfu Zhiyi’s determination to win her over.
The Lian family embroidery workshop had been in the capital for four days. Lian Sheng was busy with the business and the embroidery workshop from early morning to late at night.
Lian Yuliang stayed in the embroidery workshop. Apart from the occasional trips taken by Wu, the manager’s granddaughter who was recuperating, to buy small items or stroll through the market, she spent her time idly wandering around in her room or garden.
Although she hadn't seen Huangfu Zhiyi, his image kept flashing through her mind, and she often dreamt of what happened that night, leaving her feverish and sweating profusely in her dreams.
"Miss Lian, someone from the Imperial Merchants' Mansion has come to invite you to their residence," a maid from the embroidery workshop reported to Lian Yuliang.
"What? The Imperial Merchants' Mansion?" She was astonished, not understanding why the Huangfu family would send someone to invite her.
The only possibility was that Huangfu Zhiyi had returned to the capital, but… she hadn't heard her elder brother mention it!
"Can't I not go?" Lian Yuliang asked, still clinging to a sliver of hope, even though she already knew the answer.
"No! Miss, they are the Imperial Merchants' Mansion; we can't offend them. Besides, the young master has already agreed."
"Elder brother agreed?" Hearing that Lian Sheng also knew surprised her.
"Yes, the messenger went to the antique shop to consult the young master first, and he sent a servant back to say you're allowed to go," the maid replied obediently.
"I understand, please ask them to wait for me." Reluctantly, she knew she had no choice but to go.
Unexpectedly, upon entering the Imperial Merchant's Mansion, Lian Yuliang was inexplicably detained.
The head steward, Chen, who received her, told her that Master Huangfu and his wife had gone to the palace to accompany the Empress Dowager, a trip that would last at least ten days to half a month.
Madam Huangfu was very close to the current Empress Dowager, and had to call her "Auntie"! Therefore, she was often summoned to the palace to accompany the Empress Dowager, and this time, Master Huangfu had also gone to the palace.
So, who had invited her to the Imperial Merchant's Mansion?
The answer was clear: it was Huangfu Zhiyi, who had already returned to the capital.
It turned out that on the afternoon Lian Yuliang and Lian Sheng left, Huangfu Zhiyi had brought A Lie back to the capital; judging by their pace, they might have arrived even earlier than the siblings!
After Lian Yuliang entered the mansion, Head Steward Chen sent away the embroidery workshop maid who had accompanied her and led Lian Yuliang to an elegant and beautiful courtyard.
As Lian Yuliang walked from the Lian family embroidery workshop to the Imperial Merchant's Mansion, she was filled with unease and nervousness, paying no attention to the mansion's beautiful scenery and magnificent splendor.
"Miss Lian, the master said you'll be staying at Qingfeng Pavilion. If there's anything, please send someone to inform me," Steward Chen reported respectfully as he led Lian Yuliang into the main hall.
"Wait! Wasn't this just a short visit? Young Master Huangfu invited me into the mansion, why isn't he seeing me immediately?" Lian Yuliang asked, bewildered. Her elder brother had only allowed her to visit the Huangfu family, not to stay here.
"Miss Lian, the master has obtained your brother's permission to stay at the mansion. He was originally waiting for your arrival, but the merchant corps from Nandu temporarily summoned him, saying they had important matters to discuss. Therefore, the master instructed that you should rest assured, if he can't return today, he will certainly be back first thing tomorrow morning," Steward Chen explained, clarifying Lian Yuliang's questions and Huangfu Zhiyi's whereabouts.
"But..." Lian Yuliang was still uneasy, yet unsure what to say.
"Miss Lian, this maid is called Jin'er. She will stay in your room to serve you. I'll take my leave now." Steward Chen bowed and withdrew.
Watching Steward Chen leave, Lian Yuliang could only calm down and decide to wait until she saw Huangfu Zhiyi tomorrow.
Wandering around and looking at everything, Lian Yuliang noticed that the furnishings of Qingfeng Pavilion were different from those of a typical guesthouse. Hopefully, it wasn't as she suspected, she summoned Jin'er, the maid the steward had left behind.
"Jin'er, is Qingfeng Pavilion used for entertaining guests in the Prince's residence?" "
Replying to Miss, Qingfeng Pavilion is not used for entertaining guests; it's the courtyard where the eldest young master usually resides." Jin'er answered respectfully. She knew that this beautiful young lady must be very important to the eldest young master, otherwise why would he have arranged for her to stay in Qingfeng Pavilion?
"What? This won't do! Quickly, go and ask the steward to arrange other accommodations for me." Just as she had guessed, what exactly was Huangfu Zhiyi planning? Did they really think she was a lowly woman to be toyed with?
"Miss, this is what the young master instructed.
Please don't be angry. The steward can't arrange anything else for you, otherwise, if the young master blames you..." They were only following their master's orders and dared not act on their own. Hearing Jin'er say this, how could Lian Yuliang possibly ask for anything more? Did they really want the servants who followed their master's orders to be punished? So she had no choice but to suppress her anger and wait for Huangfu
Zhiyi to return. That night, a tall, imposing figure quietly slipped into Lian Yuliang's bedroom.
Using the moonlight filtering into the room, the man stood by the bed and looked at her for a long time. Then, he boldly took off his clothes and shoes and climbed onto the bed.
He lay down beside Lian Yuliang, reaching out to touch her smooth forehead and rosy cheeks, finally moving to her rose-red lips, gently stroking them with his thumb to make the color even more vibrant.
Then he lowered his head, replacing his hands with his lips and tongue, covering his bright red lips with a glistening sheen.
He tentatively slipped his tongue into her mouth, prying open her teeth, and darting skillfully through her warm, moist mouth, recklessly savoring her sweetness.
The kisses, sometimes light, sometimes heavy, woke Lian Yuliang from her sleep. Coming to her senses, she realized she was being pressed tightly against Huangfu Zhiyi. Through the thin fabric of their clothes, she could clearly feel the heat emanating from his body.
Embarrassed, she reached out to push Huangfu Zhiyi away, but unexpectedly, her hands touched his strong, bare chest.
"You…let me go!" Her hands, trembling slightly from the passionate kiss, pressed against Huangfu Zhiyi's firm chest. Instead of pushing him away, she could clearly feel the heat of his body. She
couldn't believe he was so bold, coming to her bed naked in the middle of the night!
"I won't let you go." Huangfu Zhiyi ignored Lian Yuliang's resistance, whispering in her ear, watching her ears gradually turn red from his hot breath. "I want you to be mine."
"You're shameless! If you don't let go, I'm going to scream!" Lian Yuliang tried to push away Huangfu Zhiyi's hot body, threatening him.
"Scream! You'd better scream louder, I like to hear your voice." Huangfu Zhiyi wickedly breathed into Lian Yuliang's ear.
"You... ah..." The sensitive Lian Yuliang shrank back because of Huangfu Zhiyi's breath in her ear. She unconsciously moaned, trying to escape Huangfu Zhiyi's teasing, but instead moved closer to him.
He looked at the soft, boneless beauty beneath him with fascination. "You're so beautiful..."
His large hands kneaded her round, soft breasts, then he bent down and gently licked the corner of her mouth, his tongue slowly sliding down, leaving a moist trail of saliva on her delicate neck.
"No...ah..." Lian Yuliang tried to stop Huangfu Zhiyi by grabbing his arm, which was wreaking havoc on her body, but her weak strength could not move him at all.
Soon, Huangfu Zhiyi removed Lian Yuliang's clothes one by one, revealing her snow-white and alluring body to him. "You're so sweet..."
He kneaded her round breasts until they swelled, greedily sucking on her nipples. His other hand groped between her legs, the delicate skin causing Huangfu Zhiyi to lose control of his strength, and he squeezed her hard, hurting her.
"Ouch! Be gentle..." Lian Yuliang tried to close her legs, but Huangfu Zhiyi's body pressed in, preventing her from doing so.
Huangfu Zhiyi's lust burned brighter and brighter. His mouth changed from sucking to biting, and his fingers kept probing into her flower. He moved his body down, spreading her smooth thighs apart with both hands.
The bright red, juicy flower bloomed alluringly before him, dripping wet. Huangfu Zhiyi lowered his head, burying his face between her legs.
"Ah...no..." She couldn't believe Huangfu Zhiyi was licking her there...
He reached out and pressed down on Lian Yuliang's lower abdomen, stopping her writhing body, and used two fingers to part her labia, sticking his tongue into her opening to lick the overflowing nectar. "So sweet, so delicious..."
Pleasure relentlessly assaulted Lian Yuliang, making her lose her senses and spread her legs wide.
The lewd whispers and sounds of Huangfu Zhiyi sip her love juices in her ears made her completely submit to him.
Huangfu Zhiyi could no longer ignore the burning pain in his lower body. He lifted himself up, knelt between Lian Yuliang's legs, and pressed his thick penis against her soft opening.
The emptiness below made her yearn for something. "You...help me..." She couldn't say what she wanted, but she felt a strong need for something to soothe the emptiness between her legs, so she asked him for help.
"Coming, my beauty, I'm coming..." Huangfu Zhiyi, sweating, smeared his hardness on her slippery surface and slowly thrust into her hot passage.
The hot, thick penis thrust in forcefully, its large tip forcing the wet petals apart. Huangfu Zhiyi pressed down, finally allowing it to slide into the opening.
"Mmm..." He felt intense pleasure even after only a small portion entered, and couldn't help but groan softly.
However, the small portion of his penis was pushed out by Lian Yuliang's inexperienced tightness.
"Yu'er, relax, don't move... ah!" He tried to soothe her as her lower body naturally contracted due to the intrusion of the hard object, but she wouldn't listen, continuing to contract and push against his penis.
After several repetitions, Huangfu Zhiyi couldn't bear it any longer. Ignoring Lian Yuliang's inexperience, he thrust powerfully, forcing his penis into her body, burying his thick length deep within her tightness.
"It hurts so much..." Lian Yuliang was forcefully spread open, feeling the tearing pain in her lower body, and couldn't help but cry out. She propped herself up with her elbows, raising her hands to push Huangfu Zhiyi's lower abdomen, trying to push him out of her body. "Take it out, ah...no...don't move..."
Ignoring Lian Yuliang's resistance, Huangfu Zhiyi forcefully spread her thighs wider, his hard, hot penis relentlessly thrusting into her wet passage, drawing out copious amounts of love fluid mixed with her virginity's blood.
Lian Yuliang helplessly clutched the sheets beneath her, her thighs spread wide, enduring Huangfu Zhiyi's powerful thrusts. Her soft breasts swayed back and forth with the force, their white, tender waves incredibly alluring.
"Yu'er, be good...just one more time, just one more time." Huangfu Zhiyi disregarded Lian Yuliang's discomfort, continuing his actions on her body. Controlled by pleasure, he couldn't hear her pitiful pleas for mercy.
"Ah..." Suddenly, besides the stinging pain of being forcefully stretched open, a tingling pleasure gradually replaced the pain, causing Lian Yuliang to moan uncontrollably.
Hearing herself utter that seductive, sweet sound, she couldn't believe she was so wanton and shameless.
The pleasure accumulated with Huangfu Zhiyi's movements, gradually spreading from her lower abdomen throughout her body. The tingling, numbing pleasure made it almost impossible for her to breathe.
"Oh my god..." Suddenly, Lian Yuliang's eyes turned fiery red, and a sudden surge of orgasm caused her whole body to convulse slightly.
Huangfu Zhiyi looked at Lian Yuliang, whose body was flushed from the orgasm, and listened to the moans and groans coming from her mouth. Excitedly, he tried to force his even larger, more erect penis into her contracting passage.
Suddenly, he felt a gush of hot liquid pour from her body onto his throbbing penis, giving him an unprecedented feeling of pleasure. "Mmm... Oh my god!"
Huangfu Zhiyi pulled out and thrust in with ferocious force, and with each thrust, a large amount of clear liquid overflowed from their point of contact, dripping onto the bedsheets.
Finally, Huangfu Zhiyi roared and thrust powerfully, ejaculating his white, cloudy love fluid inside Lian Yuliang… After lying on top of Lian Yuliang for a while, Huangfu Zhiyi gently withdrew his slightly subsided erection, lay down beside her, and pulled her to his chest with his large hand.
Lian Yuliang's mind was still lingering in the afterglow of her orgasm, panting slightly as she let Huangfu Zhiyi do as he pleased.
He gently stroked her sweaty back, brushed her disheveled hair behind her ear with his other hand, and lovingly kissed her forehead. He had never experienced such extreme pleasure with any other woman.
After a while, Lian Yuliang's breathing calmed down, and her mind cleared. She suddenly sat up, not caring about her nakedness, and glared fiercely at Huangfu Zhiyi, who had sat up with her.
Ignoring Lian Yuliang's angry expression, Huangfu Zhiyi reached out to pull her back into his arms; he didn't like the feeling of her leaving his embrace. “Yu’er, I…”
Lian Yuliang slapped Huangfu Zhiyi’s hand away. “You… how could you…”
She clenched her small hands in anger and lunged forward, hitting Huangfu Zhiyi hard, cursing incessantly, “You deserve to die! You deserve to die…”
Huangfu Zhiyi didn’t stop Lian Yuliang, letting her vent her anger until she was exhausted and cried.
Seeing the heartbroken and crying Lian Yuliang, Huangfu Zhiyi tenderly hugged her and gently comforted her.
“Alright, don’t cry. Don’t worry, I’ve already told your parents that I’m going to marry you, so…”
Before Huangfu Zhiyi could finish speaking, Lian Yuliang suddenly raised her head and interrupted him. “What did you say?”
“I said, I’m going to marry you!” Huangfu Zhiyi looked at Lian Yuliang’s reaction in bewilderment. Shouldn’t she be happy? Why did she still seem angry?
“No, no, I’m asking, who did you tell?” Lian Yuliang grabbed Huangfu Zhiyi’s arm excitedly.
"Your parents! Otherwise, why do you think your older brother would agree to let you live in the Imperial Merchant's Mansion?" Of course, he had already obtained her family's approval!
"They agreed?" Good heavens! What exactly is going on?
Huangfu Zhiyi nodded firmly.
"Then what about my sister? You should marry Sister Ruyi, not me!"
No, my sister likes him! She actually stole her sister's husband...
Lian Yuliang muttered to herself in a daze, completely unable to accept this fact.
Huangfu Zhiyi finally noticed that Lian Yuliang's expression was wrong, and quickly lifted her head, looking into her eyes and gently calling her, "Yu'er."
Although Lian Yuliang raised her head to face Huangfu Zhiyi, her gaze went straight through him, landing on a point in the distance.
Huangfu Zhiyi looked at Lian Yuliang's unfocused eyes with alarm, and anxiously patted her face, "Yu'er, what's wrong? Don't scare me!"
Lian Yuliang didn't want to face these things, shutting herself off, unwilling to face the fact that she had taken away the person her sister loved.
Her mind raced, and she kept muttering to herself—she was just like her mother, a lowly woman who stole someone else's husband…
Seeing Lian Yuliang's dazed look, Huangfu Zhiyi was frantic with worry. "Someone come here! Ah Lie, Ah Lie!" He wrapped Lian Yuliang's naked body in a sheet and called out loudly in the dead of night.
Hearing his master's roar, A-Lie rushed to the door. "Master, what's wrong?" Although anxious, A-Lie dared not barge in rashly, knowing his master was with Lian Yuliang.
"Call a doctor! Call a doctor quickly, do you hear me?" Huangfu Zhiyi's panicked shouts came from inside.
"Yes! Coming right away!" Realizing the urgency of the situation, A-Lie turned and ran outside, shouting back as he ran.
On the bed, Huangfu Zhiyi held Lian Yuliang tightly in his arms, shaking her body, his voice trembling as he softly called out, "Yu'er, don't be like this! Yu'er..."

Chapter 5 of "The Merchant's Hunt for His Wife
": "What happened? How is Yu'er now?" Lian Sheng was urgently summoned early in the morning.
"She just drank some calming medicine and is now asleep." The exhausted Huangfu Zhiyi rubbed his temples as he told Lian Sheng about the situation.
"What exactly happened? Can I see her?" Lian Sheng asked worriedly. How could someone who was perfectly fine suddenly have an accident after just one night in his house?
“Last night I told Yuliang I was going to marry her, but I didn’t expect her reaction…” Huangfu Zhiyi really didn’t know where to begin.
“What reaction? Brother Zhiyi, please tell me quickly!” It was driving him crazy!
“When she heard I was going to marry her, she wasn’t happy at all; instead, she panicked and started crying.” Recalling Lian Yuliang’s appearance, Huangfu Zhiyi unconsciously clenched his fists. “Then she kept talking to herself, saying…”
“Saying what?”
Looking at Lian Sheng, Huangfu Zhiyi hesitated. “She kept saying I shouldn’t marry her, that I should marry Miss Ruyi, and repeatedly said that she was like her mother, a woman who stole other people’s husbands…” Huangfu Zhiyi didn’t want to say those hurtful words; he wouldn’t allow anyone to insult her, not even himself.
“What?!” Lian Sheng hadn’t expected his sister to think that way.
“I really don’t understand where she got these ideas.” Huangfu Zhiyi said, his head aching.
“Did the doctor say what to do?” Let’s solve the current problem first, and deal with the rest after Lian Yuliang recovers. Lian Sheng decided not to think about anything else for now.
"The doctor said that Yu'er's mental state has always been poor, a result of long-term depression, and this incident just happened to trigger it, causing it to erupt."
"What could possibly be wrong with such a healthy little girl, causing her to dwell on things for so many years?" Lian Sheng couldn't believe that the usually lively and adorable Lian Yuliang was carrying
such a heavy burden. "I think the problem lies with her mother and Ruyi. The doctor said that a heart ailment requires a heart remedy, and right now we can only brew some calming medicine to stabilize her." Huangfu Zhiyi shared his thoughts.
Having exhausted all other options, Huangfu Zhiyi and Lian Sheng discussed the matter and decided to bring He Lihua and Lian Ruyi to the capital, hoping they could help Lian Yuliang resolve her inner turmoil.
Why not bring Sun Xiuniang? Because they worried that seeing Sun Xiuniang might worsen the situation. After all, even when Lian Yuliang was in good spirits, seeing Sun Xiuniang would upset her, let alone now.
Lian Sheng waited anxiously outside the Huangfu residence for his family from Lishui City. Finally, he saw the Lian family's carriage approaching from afar.
As soon as the carriage stopped, the door eagerly opened.
Lian Sheng rushed forward to help Lian Cheng and He Lihua down from the carriage, then turned to help Lian Ruyi.
"How is Yu'er now? The messenger's message was unclear," He Lihua asked before she could even stand properly.
"She's much better now, but she won't speak or respond to anyone. Not even Brother Zhiyi, and she won't even acknowledge me," Lian Sheng shook his head, gesturing for Steward Chen, who was behind him directing the servants to take the luggage inside, to go in and report. He then answered his mother's question, "She won't eat anything either. We have to coax and persuade her before she'll eat a little."
"How can her body withstand that?" Lian Ruyi asked worriedly.
"That's why it's so worrying!" Lian Sheng gestured for everyone to follow him inside.
"Sheng'er, tell me clearly what happened," Lian Cheng demanded of his son.
On the way into the hall, Lian Sheng briefly recounted the events.
Upon entering, everyone was surprised to see Huangfu Zhiyi sitting in a chair. He was no longer the dashing and composed man he had been during their visit to Lishui City; instead, he appeared tired and haggard, a testament to his deep concern for Lian Yuliang.
Huangfu Zhiyi immediately greeted the Lian family upon their arrival.
After a few polite words, he steered the conversation towards Lian Yuliang. "Please, everyone, sit down!"
The group sat down as instructed, and the maids serving them quickly laid out tea and snacks.
"Stop with the formalities; I believe Brother Lian has already told you what happened," Huangfu Zhiyi said. "Now, I'll trouble Miss Ruyi to go in and see Yu'er!"
Huangfu Zhiyi hoped that Lian Ruyi would first comfort his sister, as Lian Yuliang firmly believed he had to marry her.
"Young Master Huangfu, please don't say that. Yu'er is my own sister, how can she be a trouble?" She was eager to see her sister!
Hearing this, Huangfu Zhiyi didn't say much, because for him, Lian Yuliang was the most important. "A-Lie!" He turned his head and nodded to A-Lie standing behind him.
"Yes, Miss Ruyi, please come with me." A-Lie respectfully invited Lian Ruyi to follow him.
"Ruyi will take her leave first." Lian Ruyi nodded to everyone and followed A-Lie out.
After watching them leave, Huangfu Zhiyi said to the Lian couple with a serious attitude, "I'm very sorry, I shouldn't have made Yu'er my woman before she knew about our decision." It was his mistake.
Lian Cheng and He Lihua were speechless. What could they say? It was too late now. Although they were angry at Huangfu Zhiyi's recklessness in ruining their daughter's purity before the marriage, anger was useless now.
What else could they do? They had already discussed it with Huangfu Zhiyi, and soon the Huangfu family would come to propose marriage. Now, they could only be thankful that Huangfu Zhiyi genuinely loved Lian Yuliang and wasn't just playing around.
"You ruined Yuliang's reputation before the marriage; it was indeed your fault!" It was He Lihua who spoke, her expression solemn, clearly expressing her dissatisfaction with Huangfu Zhiyi.
"Yes! It was my fault." Huangfu Zhiyi willingly accepted the blame.
Ignoring her husband's look that seemed to want to stop her from speaking, He Lihua continued, "Zhiyi, please tell us the truth."
"Yes."
"Will you really treat Yuliang well?" She needed his assurance.
"Yes, what I mentioned to you and your uncle before leaving Lishui City was from the bottom of my heart." Huangfu Zhiyi said, "I will love Yu'er for the rest of my life."
The couple exchanged a glance. "Is that so?" They hoped it was true.
"Then, we entrust Yuliang to you." Liancheng solemnly entrusted her daughter's life to Huangfu Zhiyi.
"Thank you, Uncle and Aunt!" Huangfu Zhiyi was delighted that the Lian couple had finally agreed. "I have another request—I hope that Yu'er can stay with me before the wedding."
"This...this is against propriety!" How could an unmarried girl move into her fiancé's house before the wedding? Lian Cheng felt it was inappropriate.
"Yes! If that happens, Yu Liang will be looked down upon." He Lihua worried that this would have a negative impact on her daughter's reputation. "
Uncle and Aunt, please rest assured, with me here, Yu'er will definitely not be wronged." Huangfu Zhiyi said confidently, not believing that anyone would dare to offend him.
“Is that so…” He Lihua still hesitated a little.
“Besides, Yu’er’s health isn’t very good right now. Wouldn’t it be better if the doctor from the Prince’s Mansion took care of her?” Huangfu Zhiyi continued to persuade her.
After considering for a long time, He Lihua replied, “Alright!” Anyway, it was too late to worry about Lian Yuliang’s reputation now, so she might as well agree!
Since He Lihua had agreed, Lian Cheng no longer objected. In any case, his wife always made the decisions about the children, and given He Lihua’s affection for Lian Yuliang, she must have her own plans.
Huangfu Zhiyi was overjoyed to hear this. “Thank you, Uncle and Aunt.” That’s great, Yu’er finally wouldn’t have to leave his side .
“I can go in by myself.” Lian Ruyi said to A’lie, who led her to Lian Yuliang’s room, “Thank you!”
“It’s my duty. If Miss Ruyi needs anything, just tell Jin’er.” A’lie pointed to the young maid standing outside the room.
“Okay, I understand!” Lian Ruyi looked at Jin’er and nodded politely.
"Then I'll take my leave." A-Lie bowed and returned to the front hall.
Jin'er opened the door for Lian Ruyi, letting her in, and then gently closed the door behind her.
Entering the inner room, Lian Ruyi saw her younger sister lying on the bed through the veil. She walked over, hooked the veil up with the tassels on the bedpost, and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Yu'er, Yu'er." She gently nudged Lian Yuliang's shoulder.
Lian Yuliang, who hadn't fallen asleep, slowly turned around upon hearing her sister's voice. "Sister Ruyi..." Her slightly hoarse voice trembled with sobs.
"Silly girl, why are you crying when you see your sister?" Lian Ruyi, seeing her sister burst into tears the moment she turned around, tenderly wiped away her tears.
Lian Yuliang threw herself into Lian Ruyi's arms and cried loudly, "Sister..." All her sadness and sorrow erupted upon seeing Lian Ruyi.
"Don't cry, Yu'er, don't cry, Yu'er, be good, don't cry anymore!" Lian Ruyi stroked Lian Yuliang, who was crying her heart out, patting her back, gently rocking her and comforting her, while she herself shed tears.
Lian Yuliang cried for a long, long time, until all the pain in her heart flowed out with her tears, and then she gradually stopped crying.
Lian Ruyi pushed her sobbing younger sister away a little so she could see her sister's face, "Silly Yu'er, have you cried enough? Come, let your sister see, has Yu'er become ugly?"
As soon as she saw Lian Ruyi's face, Lian Yuliang was about to cry again, "Sister Ruyi..."
"Don't cry anymore." Lian Ruyi shouted loudly to stop her, "How long have you been crying? Do you want to ruin your health?" Although her tone was fierce, she gently wiped her face with a handkerchief.
Seeing her sister's stern face, Lian Yuliang really dared not let her tears fall anymore, and tried hard to blink her eyes back.
"Get up! Wash your face." Lian Ruyi pulled her younger sister out of bed, walked to the washbasin, wrung out a towel, and handed it to her.
Sniffling, Lian Yuliang obediently wiped her face.
"Look at you, what time is it? You haven't combed your hair or changed your clothes. You're really being unseemly." Lian Ruyi pressed Lian Yuliang in front of the mirror, letting her see her reflection. "You're about to get married, yet you act like a child..."
Lian Ruyi muttered as she combed Lian Yuliang's hair.
Upon hearing the word "get married," Lian Yuliang trembled and whispered, "I won't get married."
Although her voice was soft, Lian Ruyi had been paying close attention to Lian Yuliang's words and actions, so she heard her clearly.
"If you don't get married, will you stay at home as an old maid for the rest of your life?" Putting down the comb, Lian Ruyi pressed Lian Yuliang's shoulders. "Lift your head up."
Lian Yuliang obediently raised her head, meeting Lian Ruyi's gaze in the mirror.
“Yu’er, the day you and your elder brother went to the capital, Young Master Huangfu told our parents that he wanted to marry you, and Mother has long seen that you two have feelings for each other.” Seeing that Lian Yuliang was about to speak, Lian Ruyi shook her head and stopped her, “Don’t speak yet, let me finish.”
“That’s right, Young Master Huangfu originally came to see me, but that was because of his father’s instructions.” Lian Ruyi explained to her sister. “But, he doesn’t like me, he likes you.”
“But… what about you? Originally… he was supposed to be the one to set Ruyi up with…”
“What do you mean, what about me? Do you really want me to marry Young Master Huangfu?” Lian Ruyi poked Lian Yuliang’s smooth forehead and said with a smile.
“He should have married you.” This was Lian Yuliang’s true feeling; she had always believed that Huangfu Zhiyi should have married her sister.
“Alright! Even if he has to marry me, he should at least ask me if I want to marry him!” If Huangfu Zhiyi didn’t like her sister, she wouldn’t object. "Although our marriage is arranged by our parents, I know perfectly well that Young Master Huangfu loves his own sister. Even if he wants to marry her, I won't." Are
you kidding me! Even if the sisters are close, there's no need to follow the example of Ehuang and Nüying sharing a husband, is there?
"Sister Ruyi..." Lian Yuliang's eyes reddened again, "But, I asked you, and you said..."
"What did I say?" Lian Ruyi was also curious about what she had said.
Lian Yuliang looked at Lian Ruyi, "You said you liked him."
"Like who? I told you who I like?" Strange, when did she ever like anyone? How come she doesn't even know it herself?
"You said you'd listen to your parents and marry Young Master Huangfu if they wanted you to."
"But I never said I liked him!" Lian Ruyi looked at Lian Yuliang amusedly. "Like I just said, as children, don't we all obey our parents' decisions about marriage? Does that make you think I like him? No matter who my parents chose for me, I would have said the same thing."
"But..." But back then, Ruyi-jie...
"How many 'buts' do you have?"
"You blushed back then, everyone would think you..." liked him! Lian Yuliang finished the sentence in her mind. "I mean, any normal girl would react like that when asked that kind of question, right?" Is there something about me that's different from normal people? Lian Ruyi thought to herself. "Besides, to this day, I don't have even the slightest feeling of liking Young Master Huangfu!"
"Oh." This wasn't just a soft voice, it was extremely soft.
"Are you alright now?" Lian Ruyi couldn't help but laugh at Lian Yuliang's slightly embarrassed expression. "What a waste of tears, and you've made such a fuss!"
Lian Ruyi's teasing made Lian Yuliang burst out laughing.
Lian Ruyi was very pleased to see her sister back to normal.
He Lihua had been listening outside for a while, and only went in when Lian Yuliang stopped crying and started laughing. "Have the two girls finished talking?"
"Mother." Lian Ruyi turned around and called out.
"Auntie." Lian Yuliang didn't expect that Auntie Lian would go to the capital for her sake, and quickly stood up.
"Alright! Yu'er, look at you, you've lost so much weight, even your chin is so sharp." Touching Lian Yuliang's face, He Lihua felt sorry for her beautiful daughter, who had become like this in such a short time.
"I'm sorry to have worried you, it's all Yu'er's fault." Snuggling close to He Lihua, Lian Yuliang said coquettishly.
"Come on! You two come and sit down." He Lihua led her daughters to sit on the edge of the bed, one in each arm. Lian Ruyi sat next to He Lihua, while Lian Yuliang sat on the footstool like a child, resting his head on He Lihua's lap.
He Lihua looked at her daughter with affection, "Yu'er, you've been harboring resentment towards your mother, haven't you?" Her words immediately wiped the smile from Lian Yuliang's face.
Lian Yuliang didn't reply, simply turning her face away, clearly indicating she didn't want to discuss the topic.
Seeing Lian Yuliang's reaction, He Lihua understood she didn't want to talk about it, but this incident had made her determined to help Lian Yuliang resolve her inner conflict.
Ignoring Lian Yuliang's reaction, He Lihua continued, "Your mother has always been spoiled since childhood, and your maternal grandparents also pampered her. Although the family owned a restaurant, the environment was quite good, and they indulged her in everything, so she was always content and happy. Unexpectedly, after entering our family, things weren't as pleasant as she imagined, so naturally, her temper is bad."
"What's wrong with her? She's always throwing her weight around, being shrewish and domineering." Lian Yuliang never felt that her mother was anything to be unhappy about.
"Have you ever seen her act so shrewish and domineering in front of me?" He Lihua didn't rush to refute Lian Yuliang's words, but instead asked her.
"No." Indeed, in front of her aunt, her mother was very well-behaved and never dared to act like this.
"No, right? She can only act tough in front of the servants. As long as nothing serious happens, we let her be." He Lihua told Lian Yuliang the truth, "Since she has a bad temper, she naturally doesn't have the patience to take care of children..." At this point, she raised her hand to stop Lian Yuliang from interrupting.
"Besides, your mother is a concubine. She's afraid that if she doesn't give birth to a son, she won't have anyone to rely on in her old age. But since giving birth to you, she hasn't been able to conceive again, so she's even more upset." He Lihua actually understood Sun Xiuniang's situation very well.
"So she takes it out on me? I'm her own daughter, how could she..." Lian Yuliang didn't think that was a reason.
“Yes! Your mother was wrong, that’s why I took you away from her. I’m telling you all this so you can try to understand her perspective as a woman.” If Lian Yuliang could forgive her mother, it would also free her from the deep hatred in her heart.
“Auntie, if you were my mother, would you treat my older brother and sister like this?” Lian Yuliang asked He Lihua.
After thinking for a moment, He Lihua said, “No.” She said it very softly.
“Then how can I not resent it?” Why is there such a big difference between mothers? Her mother brought her into this world, so her mother has a responsibility to love and care for her, doesn’t she?
“Yu’er! If you insist on being stubborn, you’re only hurting yourself. You have us loving you, isn’t that enough?”
“Auntie, it’s precisely because you love me that I can’t forgive her.” And it fills my heart with guilt.
“Why?” He Lihua and Lian Ruyi exchanged a glance, not understanding why their love for her made her even angrier at her mother.
“Auntie, don’t you ever hate my mother for taking your husband away? Why are you so fond of the child born to the woman who took your husband?” Lian Yuliang truly didn’t understand He Lihua’s thoughts.
“Silly child, which wealthy and powerful family doesn’t have multiple wives and concubines? Even if your father hadn’t married your mother today, he would have married another woman. Yu’er, this is the fate of us women! So why should I not love you just because you were born to her?” He Lihua stroked Lian Yuliang’s soft, long hair, telling her about the sorrow of being born a woman.
Lian Yuliang was stunned for a long time, slowly thinking about what He Lihua had said.
“Are you just accepting your fate?” Lian Yuliang lowered her head, not realizing that she had spoken her thoughts aloud until she heard He Lihua’s reply, at which point she was startled.
“What else can I do but accept my fate? After all, your father has never mistreated me.” He Lihua was telling the truth. She had experienced sad and painful days, but time heals all wounds, and as time went by, she became indifferent to things.
Lian Yuliang didn't reply, because she didn't know what to say. But deep down, she couldn't imagine sharing her husband with another woman.
Seeing Lian Yuliang remain silent, He Lihua continued to persuade her, "So, try to think more positively, don't blame your mother too much… You didn't do anything wrong. It's her loss that she doesn't love you; she didn't have a sweet and obedient daughter. Don't worry about the grudges of our previous generation; that's our fate. You have your own life to live, and you should live happily and joyfully, understand?"
"I understand." Knowing her aunt's thoughts allowed Lian Yuliang to cast aside the guilt that had accumulated deep in her heart for years. From now on, she could open her heart and enjoy He Lihua's love.

Chapter Six of "The Merchant's Hunt for a Wife" :
Late Autumn, the Moon Hangs High.
Today, Lian Yuliang sent Jin'er away early and stayed in her room alone.
Having just bathed, she sat in front of the dressing table, combing her still-damp hair.
This morning, Liancheng took his wife and Ruyi back to Lishui, leaving only Liansheng in the capital to handle matters at the Lian family embroidery workshop.
Lian Yuliang absentmindedly combed her hair, recalling her aunt's words before leaving, a rosy blush creeping onto her face.
"Yu'er, after Zhiyi's parents return from the palace, they will come to our house to propose marriage," He Lihua whispered to her, pulling her daughter aside.
Although Lian Yuliang understood in her heart, hearing it aloud still made her shy. Her face flushed, she replied softly, "Then...then why didn't I go back to Lishui with you?"
"That's Zhiyi's idea. He said he's worried about what happened to you the other day and hopes to keep you in the capital so that a doctor can help you recover." But everyone knew the real reason.
“But we’re not even married yet, and…”
“Yu’er, lift your head.” He Lihua reached out and lifted Lian Yuliang’s lowered face. “Your father and mother can’t blame you for what happened between you. Luckily, Zhiyi is serious about you, otherwise…” Her unfinished words contained the parents’ worry for their child.
“Aunt…” Lian Yuliang knew her aunt’s concern.
“Never mind! We saw that he was sincere towards you, so we agreed to his request.” He Lihua then instructed Lian Yuliang, “Also, being in someone else’s house is not like being at home. You can’t just throw a tantrum…”
The mother and daughter talked for a while until Lian Cheng urged them to end the conversation.
Lost in thought, Lian Yuliang didn’t notice that Huangfu Zhiyi had entered the room until he wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in her neck from behind.
“Have you taken a bath? You smell so good.” Huangfu Zhiyi pressed his nose against Lian Yuliang’s delicate skin and sniffed lightly.
“You…you shouldn’t do this…” Lian Yuliang twisted her body, trying to avoid Huangfu Zhiyi’s intimate actions.
"You, you... don't you know my name?" Huangfu Zhiyi scooped up Lian Yuliang's restless body, clearly displeased with her way of addressing him.
"Ah!" Startled by being picked up, Lian Yuliang quickly grabbed Huangfu Zhiyi's shirt.
"Hmm? What are you going to call me?" Gently placing Lian Yuliang on the bed, before she could recover from her shock, Huangfu Zhiyi pressed her intimately beneath him.
"Call me what?" Lian Yuliang blinked, confused as to why she and Huangfu Zhiyi were entangled in this position, but her mouth answered instinctively.
"Call me whatever you like." Seeing Lian Yuliang's adorable answer despite not understanding his question, Huangfu Zhiyi couldn't help but chuckle.
Surrounded by Huangfu Zhiyi, his breath and warmth constantly influenced Lian Yuliang's ability to think. Although she heard his words, her muddled mind couldn't comprehend their meaning.
"Hmm..." she suddenly groaned.
Huangfu Zhiyi had slightly pulled open her blouse, and as her clothes opened, he lightly traced his tongue across her full, white breasts, his lips gently licking the rounded mound beneath her nipples.
"No...don't do this..." Lian Yuliang was aroused by Huangfu Zhiyi's teasing, but her feminine modesty prevented her from responding boldly. She could only coyly refuse his advances, turning her body away to avoid his lips and tongue.
"My dear, we're about to get married. Love between a man and a woman is natural. Which couple doesn't experience this, hmm?" Huangfu Zhiyi stroked Lian Yuliang's shoulder, whispering in her ear.
"But...but..." Lian Yuliang stammered, the words stuck in her throat.
"But what?" Huangfu Zhiyi used the tip of his tongue to tease Lian Yuliang's jade-like earlobe, deliberately seducing her.
"Ah..." A moan escaped her lips, and Lian Yuliang abruptly pushed Huangfu Zhiyi's face away. "That's it! You make me make this sound." How embarrassing! It was truly embarrassing.
Her push, coupled with her words, made Huangfu Zhiyi chuckle. Her words clearly pleased him, making him very happy.
Lian Yuliang, held in Huangfu Zhiyi's arms, clearly felt his chest tremble with laughter, and then, hearing his laughter again, she couldn't help but feel annoyed.
"You're still laughing? How annoying!" She forcefully broke free from Huangfu Zhiyi's embrace, angrily trying to straddle him to get off the bed.
Just as Lian Yuliang's leg was on top of him, Huangfu Zhiyi grabbed her slender waist with both hands, pulling her onto his stomach. "Little thing, you're so cute." He spoke with a smile.
"What are you doing? Let me go!" Pulled by Huangfu Zhiyi, Lian Yuliang had to brace herself against his firm chest for balance.
She tried to break free of his grip, but ignored how alluring her position was. After a few twists, she belatedly realized the increasingly protruding hard object pressing against her legs.
Looking into her bewildered eyes, Huangfu Zhiyi said, "My dear, don't be shy. I love hearing you make those sounds, and I love seeing you derive pleasure from me. That makes me happy and satisfied."
His voice, lower and more husky with desire, melted Lian Yuliang's heart.
"Really?" she murmured, blushing. "Can I make you happy?"
"Of course. You don't need to hold anything back in front of me. Just enjoy everything that happens between us, okay?" He couldn't help but gently rub her delicate skin with his awakened desire.
"Mmm! Yes..." Lian Yuliang moaned uncontrollably at his movements.
She felt a stirring in her lower abdomen, like someone tickling her with a feather. Her breasts swelled and ached from his movements, and her slender waist swayed involuntarily.
"That's it! Just like that." Because of her cooperation, his manhood pressed tightly against the hollow between her legs, and pleasure spread from there, making his breath erratic. "You're such a passionate little thing."
Lian Yuliang's skin, exposed by her open collar, gradually flushed a rosy blush. Her breasts, freed from the constraints of clothing, swayed in the air, which Huangfu Zhiyi grasped and squeezed repeatedly.
"Take off your clothes," Huangfu Zhiyi commanded Lian Yuliang.
She obediently pulled down her thin garment and tossed it to the floor.
"Take mine off too." Propelling herself up, Huangfu Zhiyi placed Lian Yuliang's small hand on his body.
As each garment was removed, Huangfu Zhiyi's strong physique was fully revealed to Lian Yuliang. When she reached his trousers, she hesitated slightly.
"Good girl, take it off." He guided her hand to his waistband, encouraging her.
With trembling hands, she pulled down his waistband, and Huangfu Zhiyi's fiery manhood sprang forth. Startled by the sight before her, Lian Yuliang stared intently at it.
Although they had been together, she had never seen what the thing that caused her pain and pleasure actually looked like. Now it was clearly presented before her eyes, and she never expected it to look so powerful, so hard, and so large. She couldn't believe it could actually enter her body…
“Are you satisfied with what you see?” His manhood swelled under her gaze, and he asked in a tense voice.
He leaned against the bedpost, adjusting her position so she was kneeling between his spread legs. “Touch me, please me.” He pulled her hands, guiding them to encircle his hardness and move them up and down.
Once she could move on her own, he released her hands, letting her find the rhythm herself.
“Yes, harder, again.” He watched her move her hands up and down with burning eyes.
“Mmm… mmm…”
Hearing his deep groans, she knew she could make him make that sound, and she felt a surge of joy. Her hands moved faster, wanting him to experience pleasure as well.
The pleasure made Huangfu Zhiyi tilt his head back, close his eyes, and focus on the warmth emanating from Lian Yuliang's palm. His strong hips pressed against her hand, his heat matching her movements, rubbing against her palm.
Watching Huangfu Zhiyi's intense reaction with fascination, Lian Yuliang was pleased that she could influence him so much.
Recalling what he had done to her before, she slowly moved her body down, lowered her head, and took his manhood into her mouth, mimicking his actions to please her.
Suddenly feeling enveloped by a warm, wet mass, Huangfu Zhiyi looked down in surprise at his crotch, not expecting to see her mouth engulfing him.
"Little thing, you... oh..." With her small mouth sucking, Huangfu Zhiyi almost ejaculated and collapsed in her mouth. He took a deep breath, gritting his teeth to suppress the tremor.
Lian Yuliang's lips, tongue, and small hands moved incessantly, the saliva she couldn't swallow making Huangfu Zhiyi's burgeoning desire glisten.
She licked and sucked with all her might, her mouth only able to hold the tip, as its size prevented her from taking it all in.
Because of Lian Yuliang's licking and sucking, his penis had turned a deep red, throbbing constantly in her mouth and hands.
Suddenly, Lian Yuliang accidentally lightly grazed and bit Huangfu Zhiyi's sensitive tip with her teeth.
"No... God... God!" Huangfu Zhiyi tried to stop her, but it was too late. A
tingling sensation shot through his waist, causing him to uncontrollably ejaculate hot fluid into her mouth. The sudden stickiness caught Lian Yuliang off guard. Her erect penis trembled, spraying waves of hot fluid into her throat, causing her to cough before she could hold her breath.
She turned her head away, spitting out the still-ejaculating penis, some of the fluid splashing onto her face and neck.
Recovering from his orgasm, Huangfu Zhiyi lovingly pulled the still-coughing Lian Yuliang closer, patting her back and wiping the fluid from her cheeks.
“Silly girl, you don’t need to do this.” He hadn’t expected that the beautiful woman would be willing to do this for him…
Lian Yuliang, who was nestled against his neck, stopped coughing and said softly, “I’m willing to do anything for you, as long as you like it.”
Hearing her words, Huangfu Zhiyi’s blood boiled again, and his desire, which had just been released, slowly hardened.
With a flip, Huangfu Zhiyi pinned Lian Yuliang beneath him. “Now it’s your turn to enjoy.”
He kissed her, slipping his tongue into her mouth and quickly finding her soft, fragrant tongue. In her mouth, he tasted his own flavor.
Noticing her little tongue wriggling against him, he gently pulled it into his mouth and sucked on it.
His large hand moved downwards, directly caressing her already wet vulva, his fingers thrusting in and out repeatedly.
"Mmm..." she moaned uncontrollably, her lower abdomen rising, trying to get closer to Huangfu Zhiyi's hand.
Biting her neck, he murmured, "You're so wet, so hot..." The glistening love fluid seeping from her body not only soaked his hand but also stained the inside of her thighs as his fingers moved in and out.
Although her lower body was being repeatedly penetrated by rough fingers, she longed for a stronger and more powerful pleasure.
"I...I want..."
Lian Yuliang couldn't help but ask Huangfu Zhiyi.
"Call me Yi." Biting her earlobe, he commanded her to change her address.
"Yi...I...I can't take it anymore...Ah!" Hurry up! Stop torturing her!
Lian Yuliang was about to cry, pleading with sobs, her hands tightly gripping Huangfu Zhiyi's arm.
“Coming, baby, coming.” Huangfu Zhiyi pulled his hand away, lifted himself up, and forcefully spread Lian Yuliang’s legs apart. His left hand, supporting his erection, aimed at her trembling vulva. His right hand grabbed her ankle, pressing her foot towards his chest, allowing him a clear view of his entry.
“Coming!” He buried himself inch by inch, watching his thick member stretch open her wet opening. “Can you feel it?”
“Ah…” A fiery sensation gradually filled Lian Yuliang’s body.
Completely inside her, Huangfu Zhiyi suddenly pulled out, only to hear Lian Yuliang’s pitiful protest. “No… don’t go…”
Before she could finish speaking, Huangfu Zhiyi thrust in forcefully, giving Lian Yuliang no chance to breathe, indulging in his pleasure on her body.
Completely overwhelmed by pleasure, Lian Yuliang unconsciously pulled and rubbed her breasts, reddened by lust. He watched her wanton posture, her eyes hazy with desire, his thrusts continuing relentlessly.
"Faster...faster..." Lian Yuliang urged Huangfu Zhiyi.
Obeying her request, he thrust deeply into her, a rapid series of frenzied pumping before suddenly stopping. He lowered her legs, supporting himself with his hands, hovering above her.
"Yi..." she pleaded, bewildered by his cessation, "Give it to me...please..."
But Huangfu Zhiyi ignored her pleas, forcing himself to remain still inside her, sweat pouring down his body, a testament to his own near-orgasm.
Seeing her pleas were futile, and with the pent-up pressure within her needing release, Lian Yuliang grabbed Huangfu Zhiyi's arms, bracing them against her chest, and bent her legs, pressing them against the bed. Then, she arched her back, moving her hips up and down, manipulating his erect penis from below.
Huangfu Zhiyi, watching Lian Yuliang, consumed by desire and now wanton, struggled to remain still, enjoying her hot, upward thrusts.
Their panting and moans filled the room. Suddenly, Lian Yuliang's moans became more rapid, and her hip movements quickened. "Ah... ah ah..."
Huangfu Zhiyi simultaneously felt the wet, hot passage enveloping him begin to contract rapidly.
"Ah..." A sharp cry escaped Lian Yuliang's lips, and at the same time, orgasm swept over her body and mind.
Only then did Huangfu Zhiyi thrust in and out forcefully, trying to push her to an even stronger climax, but it exceeded her capacity. She groaned and fainted. Ignoring
Lian Yuliang's unconscious state, Huangfu Zhiyi continued to thrust into her, as wildly as a wild beast.
Suddenly, with a violent thrust, he arched his back, roared loudly, and slowly fell onto her...
A large amount of thick, sticky fluid slowly seeped from their joined bodies, making their lower body wet and the room filled with the strong smell of sex.
This intense and perfect lovemaking left the two exhausted, and they didn't get up until late the next day.
Soon, half a month passed, and Huangfu Jiacheng and his wife Liu Jiayun, who had gone to the palace to accompany the Empress Dowager, finally returned home.
However, the couple wasn't the only ones back; a stunningly beautiful woman, Princess Xianglian, whom the Empress Dowager had adopted from the palace at a young age, also returned.
Steward Chen reported the news of his master and mistress's return to Huangfu Zhiyi, who excitedly went to pay his respects to his parents.
"Your son greets you, Father and Mother," Huangfu Zhiyi greeted his parents, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, with great joy.
"Good, good, good," Huangfu Jiacheng said, looking at his handsome son with satisfaction.
"Father, Mother, I have something to say..." Huangfu Zhiyi was about to mention Lian Yuliang to his parents when Huangfu Jiacheng interrupted him.
"Don't say anything else yet, we have guests here!" Huangfu Jiacheng redirected his son's attention to Princess Xianglian, who was sitting next to Liu Jiayun.
"And who is this?" Huangfu Zhiyi asked, looking at the exceptionally beautiful Xianglian.
His mind was completely occupied by Lian Yuliang, and he hadn't even noticed Xianglian sitting to the side.
"This is Princess Xianglian. You two played together in the palace when you were little, you should remember her, right?" Huangfu Jiacheng introduced them.
"Greetings, Princess." When Huangfu Zhiyi was little, because his mother frequently visited the palace, he often played with the then-Prince Emperor and many princesses. It wasn't until they grew older that they gradually drifted apart due to the difference between boys and girls.
Although Huangfu Zhiyi often visited the palace to see the Emperor and had met other princes and princesses, he had never seen Xianglian again, which explained why he didn't recognize her at first.
As a child, Xianglian was as beautiful as a porcelain doll, incredibly cute. A group of boys always liked to play with her, leaving the other little princesses feeling neglected.
Unexpectedly, Xianglian, now grown up, was even more stunning. Her snow-white skin, black jade-like eyes, and glossy black hair, along with her graceful figure and posture, truly captivated Huangfu Zhiyi!
"Don't be so polite. Let's use the way we addressed each other when we were little! It'll make everyone feel comfortable, okay, Brother Yi?" Xianglian said with a smile.
When the Empress Dowager mentioned Huangfu Zhiyi to her, she could only recall his childhood appearance and the fact that she always called him Brother Yi.
Seeing his handsome and upright appearance today, she couldn't help but believe what the Empress Dowager had said.
The Empress Dowager said that many princesses and daughters of officials in the palace secretly admired Huangfu Zhiyi and hoped to marry him.
"Yes! Let's not be so formal, let's just use that!" Liu Jiayun quickly chimed in happily upon hearing Xianglian speak.
“Yes, then I will call her Princess Xianglian.” Huangfu Zhiyi agreed without realizing the oddity of the situation. His mind was solely focused on Lian Yuliang, and he didn't notice his parents' overly warm and affectionate attitude towards Xianglian.
“Father, Mother, I need to see someone.” Huangfu Zhiyi wanted to bring up Lian Yuliang's matter with his parents again.
“Who is it?” Huangfu Jiacheng and Liu Jiayun exchanged a glance before Huangfu Jiacheng asked.
“Father, didn't you send me to Lishui a while ago?” There he met the lovely woman who would accompany him for life.
“After you returned, didn't you send someone to the palace to report that matter to us?” Huangfu Jiacheng couldn't understand why his son was bringing this up now.
At this moment, Xianglian, sitting to the side, spoke up. “If you have something to discuss, Xianglian will go and rest first.” The sensible girl wanted to avoid their private affairs.
“Excuse me, Princess Xianglian is also tired and should rest for a while.” Huangfu Jiacheng quickly instructed Steward Chen to take Xianglian to the Lingyun Pavilion, where guests were being received.
After Xianglian led her maids away with Steward Chen, Huangfu Zhiyi continued,
“Yes, I declined your offer, but I declined the eldest daughter of the Lian family. I want to invite you to see the second daughter of the Lian family.” Huangfu Zhiyi finished speaking in one breath.
“The second daughter of the Lian family?” It seemed that something had happened that they didn’t know. Huangfu Jiacheng and Liu Jiayun felt that something was wrong.
“Yes, I want to marry the second daughter of the Lian family, and I have already brought her back to the manor.”
“Nonsense! You’ve made this decision on your own?” Huangfu Jiacheng angrily scolded his son.
“Father, didn’t you promise me…” He could decide for himself who he wanted to marry!
“The situation is different now! Do you know why the Empress Dowager allowed the princess to come back with us?” Huangfu Jiacheng knew what his son was going to say. That’s right, he had promised Huangfu Zhiyi that he would have the right to choose his own marriage, but the situation was different now.
“Father, what does this have to do with me marrying Yuliang?” Huangfu Zhiyi didn’t understand why his father would ask such a question.
"How could it be unrelated? The Empress Dowager knows you are not yet married and intends to betroth Xianglian to you," Huangfu Jiacheng replied to his son.
"Father, didn't you want me to marry a daughter of the Lian family? Why did you bring back a princess for me?" Huangfu Zhiyi asked anxiously.
"I wanted you to marry the eldest daughter of the Lian family, not the second. Since you've come back with me, don't think about that anymore. The most important thing now is Princess Xianglian." Huangfu Jiacheng's preferred daughter-in-law was Lian Ruyi, the eldest daughter of the Lian family, and he hadn't considered any other women from the Lian family.
"But I like Yuliang, and they are both daughters of the Lian family. Why can't I marry Yuliang?" Huangfu Zhiyi put aside the princess's matter and wanted to resolve Lian Yuliang's situation.
"Yi'er, the second young lady of the Lian family has a poor background and is not good enough for you! Besides, how can a child born to a concubine help you manage the household in the future? Therefore, you cannot marry her as your principal wife." Liu Jiayun looked at her son's anxious appearance and knew that her son really liked that girl, but the reality was that he could not marry her.
"Mother, I've already promised her to you," Huangfu Zhiyi stated firmly.
"In that case, wait until after your wedding to the princess, then you can take her as your concubine!" This was already a great honor for her!
"You want Yuliang as a concubine?" How was he supposed to bring it up with her?
"If she truly loves you, cares for you, and thinks of you, she won't care about her status while staying by your side, will she?" Liu Jiayun believed that even Yuliang would be willing.
A woman with no status could become the concubine of the heir to a royal merchant's estate; wouldn't she enjoy wealth and luxury? A smart woman should know what to do.
"What if she doesn't want to?" Asking such a question meant that Huangfu Zhiyi had already conceded.
"She has no choice but to agree. Given her background, this is already a great honor for her," Huangfu Jiacheng said.
"But…" Seemingly still unsure, Huangfu Zhiyi wanted to speak further.
"Alright! That's settled then." Huangfu Jiacheng raised his hand to stop Huangfu Zhiyi, making the decision directly. "Also, the princess will be staying in the manor these days. You must know your duty as a master, treat her well, and take her sightseeing. Do you understand?"
"Yes." Huangfu Zhiyi had no choice but to temporarily comply with his parents' wishes.

Chapter Seven of The Merchant's Hunt for a Wife .
Huangfu Zhiyi, back in Qingfeng Pavilion, unusually did not return to his room.
He stayed in his study, constantly thinking about what had just happened.
That's right, if Lian Yuliang truly loved him, she shouldn't care about being with him as a concubine.
Moreover, the Empress Dowager's decree could not be refused; in addition, his mother was right, the merchant's manor needed a capable head mistress in the future. With Princess Xianglian's upbringing, she could definitely do a good job, and she should also be able to tolerate Yu'er and not let her suffer any grievances.
In short, he should appease Yu'er first, and deal with the rest later.
Fortunately, Qingfeng Pavilion, where he lived, was far from where his parents lived, and Yu'er usually didn't like to wander around, so he wasn't worried that Yu'er would run into them.
However, he still solemnly instructed Steward Chen and all the maids and attendants to be careful what they said in front of Lian Yuliang, and not to let her notice anything amiss.
To entertain Princess Xianglian, who was visiting from the palace, Huangfu Zhiyi had been taking her sightseeing around the capital recently. Although Lian Yuliang noticed that Huangfu Zhiyi had suddenly become busier and spent less time with her, the naive girl didn't think much of it; after all, he slept beside her every night, and his passion for her hadn't diminished.
Like tonight, Huangfu Zhiyi returned late again. Lian Yuliang asked Jin'er, who replied that the merchant guild had invited Huangfu Zhiyi to discuss matters.
So, she had to eat dinner alone, bathe early, and lazily lie on the luxurious chair, pretending to sleep.
Just as she was drifting off to sleep, Huangfu Zhiyi returned.
Entering the room, he saw Lian Yuliang lying on the luxurious chair by the window, and his feet automatically moved towards her.
He stood silently before the chaise longue, watching her peaceful expression with her eyes closed. A sense of unease crept into his heart. His marriage to Princess Xianglian was supposed to be arranged, but he still didn't know how to tell her.
He felt a persistent unease.
Lian Yuliang wasn't fully asleep. Feeling someone standing beside her, she opened her eyes.
"Huh? You're back! Why weren't you saying anything?" Lian Yuliang asked curiously, rising to stand before Huangfu Zhiyi and gently stroking his face.
He took her small hand in his palm. "Seeing how peaceful you are, I didn't want to disturb you." He led her to the inner room.
"Have you eaten?" Lian Yuliang obediently followed Huangfu Zhiyi, asking with concern.
"Yes! What about you?"
"With Jin'er watching me, how could I not have eaten?" Lian Yuliang chuckled softly. It was all his instructions to have Jin'er watch over her and ensure she ate on time at mealtimes.
Seeing Lian Yuliang's alluring gaze, Huangfu Zhiyi couldn't resist lowering his head to kiss her, licking and sucking her sweet lips. Lian Yuliang opened her small mouth in response, but her tongue didn't enter. "Mmm..."
Huangfu Zhiyi deliberately didn't satisfy her desire, focusing only on sucking and biting her red, glistening lips until she willingly extended her wet tongue. Only then did he lick her tongue, their tongues intertwining and turning. The saliva she couldn't swallow slid down her chin, reflecting a glistening sheen in the candlelight.
Slightly satisfied, Huangfu Zhiyi raised his head, staring intently at Lian Yuliang's slightly parted, tender red lips, her pink tongue still partially protruding from her mouth.
This sight reminded Huangfu Zhiyi of the image of him penetrating her flower. He breathed heavily and suddenly pressed her down onto the jade table behind them.
"Ah..." Suddenly pushed onto the cold table, Lian Yuliang flinched as her thin clothes couldn't ward off the chill.
Huangfu Zhiyi, his lust surging, forcefully pulled at Lian Yuliang's belt, impatiently tearing off her clothes. With a rip, he ripped her underpants, tossing the tattered fabric aside. Then, he unfastened his own trousers, releasing his already hard erection.
He spread her legs, eagerly pushing his burning member into her, but her still-wet entrance prevented him from penetrating easily. He tried a few times, his forceful thrusts causing Lian Yuliang to groan. "Ah! It hurts..."
Seeing that Lian Yuliang couldn't accept him, Huangfu Zhiyi impatiently smeared saliva on his large tip and pushed against her entrance again. Finally, the slight moisture allowed him to slowly enter.
Although he could penetrate, the still somewhat dry passage prevented him from thrusting freely. He used one hand to forcefully caress her rounded breasts, hidden beneath her clothes, pulling at her erect nipples until they hardened like pebbles.
A mixture of pain and indescribable pleasure made Lian Yuliang want to stop but couldn't bear to, only able to moan incessantly. "Ah..."
She pulled open her clothes, allowing Huangfu Zhiyi to caress her directly. "Touch me, harder..." she pleaded shamelessly with the man on top of her.
Obeying her request, Huangfu Zhiyi enjoyed the slippery texture in his hands, squeezing and twisting her rounded breasts.
He thrust with difficulty, his other hand's fingers reaching to their point of contact, stroking her parted petals with four fingers, while his thumb searched for her delicate clitoris, pressing it firmly, wanting to ignite her desire quickly.
"Mmm... Ah..." Soon, Lian Yuliang's body secreted a smooth, sticky fluid, allowing Huangfu Zhiyi to thrust freely.
From painfully enduring Huangfu Zhiyi's advances to gradually feeling the tingling pleasure, Lian Yuliang raised her shapely legs, hooking her calves around his constantly thrusting waist, allowing each thrust to penetrate to its deepest point.
"Mmm...ah...so good..." She arched her body, each thrust making her feel incredibly good.
Huangfu Zhiyi slowed his movements, gently withdrawing his thick, long penis from deep within her flower stalk, then rubbing the large tip against Lian Yuliang's honey-dripping labia and entrance, slightly probing and withdrawing, making obscene wet sounds from the contact area. Her
flower stalk, constantly tightening due to his teasing, released copious amounts of fluid that flowed down her wide-open thighs onto the table below, even dripping from the edge of the table onto the floor.
"Ah...don't play with me...hurry..." Lian Yuliang swayed her slender waist, urging Huangfu Zhiyi.
My God! Desire had completely turned her into a shameless harlot!
"Hurry what? Tell me!" Huangfu Zhiyi demanded that Lian Yuliang speak clearly.
Her eyes, filled with tears, pleaded with him, "Come in...come in inside me..." Don't do this to her...
Her flower-like opening contracted repeatedly as he slightly probed inside, trying to keep it inside.
But Huangfu Zhiyi cruelly pulled it out, "My beautiful girl, make it clear, what do you want inside you?" He forced himself to suppress the urge to ravage her warm, moistness, and uttered obscene words.
"There...you..." Lian Yuliang gasped, unable to speak, unsure of what to say, and in her haste, she slightly raised her upper body from the table.
"Hmm!" Huangfu Zhiyi suddenly groaned, unexpectedly Lian Yuliang reached out her small hand and grasped his erect penis, trying to insert it into her.
Intense pleasure spread violently from where she was holding him, like an electric current, coursing through his limbs and every cell.
"Impatient little thing!" Huangfu Zhiyi gritted his teeth, suppressing the urge to explode, pushing away Lian Yuliang's mischievous little hand, and inserting it into the warm, expectant place she desired.
"Ah... um..." Yes! That's it, this feeling is just amazing! She moved her shapely hips up and down in sync with him.
The two of them moved rhythmically together like wild beasts, and after an unknown amount of time, Lian Yuliang let out a sharp cry, "Ah... it's coming..." Reaching her climax, her legs spread wide and hung limply, swaying in the air with his continued movements.
"Me too... um ah..." Huangfu Zhiyi also reached his climax, his eyes tightly closed, his head tilted back, and he thrust his lower body forcefully into her convulsing tightness, his hot body fluid shooting deep into her body...
After the passion subsided, Huangfu Zhiyi placed the limp and powerless Lian Yuliang on the bed, roughly tidying them up and removing their clothes, which were stained with the passion. Once
on the bed, Huangfu Zhiyi held Lian Yuliang to his chest, enjoying the warmth of their skin against each other.
Lian Yuliang's hand rested on Huangfu Zhiyi's smooth and firm chest, tracing his muscles lightly with light strokes.
“Yi…” Her face pressed against his slightly sweaty shoulder, her warm breath caressing his chest, causing his nipples to tremble slightly.
“What’s wrong?” Huangfu Zhiyi responded softly to Lian Yuliang’s call.
“Hmm… nothing.” Her small hand had already left his chest and slid towards his waist.
“Little thing, if you don’t want to do it again right away…” He reached out and grabbed her restless little hand, pulling it back above her waist, “You’d better not move your hand around.”
“Again?” Lian Yuliang was startled. Could it be?
Sensing the disbelief in her voice, Huangfu Zhiyi mischievously pulled her hand down, making her touch his still semi-erect penis, even though he had already released. “Do you doubt it?”
If he hadn’t been considerate of her not being as strong as him, he wouldn’t have let it go after just one time.
“You’re so annoying!” Touching his still large penis, startled by its heat, she quickly broke free from his grasp, playfully spitting out a curse.
“Want some?” He teased the pretty girl.
“Let her rest a bit…” Unlike him! She’s always the one exhausted, while he recovers in no time.
“So you mean you’ll come back later?” Sensing she didn’t refuse, Huangfu Zhiyi deliberately added, “My precious girl’s appetite has been pampered.”
“I’m ignoring you!” Embarrassed by his teasing, Lian Yuliang, thin-skinned, turned away in embarrassment, her back to him.
Huangfu Zhiyi chuckled, and as she turned, he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her head. “It’s okay, if you ignore me, I’ll pay attention to you.”
Lian Yuliang nudged him with her elbow, pretending to push him away.
“Alright, be good, don’t move.” Huangfu Zhiyi stopped Lian Yuliang’s movements, holding her contentedly.
After a while, just when Huangfu Zhiyi thought Lian Yuliang had fallen asleep, he suddenly heard her ask, "What have you been busy with lately?"
He comes home very late every day, but after all, the Prince's mansion isn't her home, and even if she's bored, she can't just wander around aimlessly... What on earth is he doing?
Hearing Lian Yuliang's question, Huangfu Zhiyi tensed up, hesitating whether he should tell her about his affair with the princess...
Speaking of Xianglian, not only is she beautiful, but her personality is also impeccable. She's well-educated, dignified, and generous. Despite being raised in the palace from a young age, she hasn't developed a shrewish or arrogant personality. No wonder his parents favored her so much as a daughter-in-law.
Lian Yuliang waited, but Huangfu Zhiyi didn't reply. Could he be asleep? No way! Just now, she clearly felt him tense up behind her, and even the hand around her waist moved slightly!
She turned her head in confusion, looking at the stunned and silent Huangfu Zhiyi. "What are you thinking about?"
"Oh, nothing." Coming back to his senses, Huangfu Zhiyi kissed Lian Yuliang's forehead. "Recently, some foreign merchant groups have come to the capital. Everyone wants to know what's going on, so I have to lead our people to contact them and see if there are any business opportunities."
Although he hadn't wronged her, he still couldn't bring himself to say it, so he just made up an excuse.
While foreign merchant groups had indeed come to the capital, the goods they brought weren't suitable for domestic needs, so they hadn't gone to contact them again.
Huangfu Zhiyi tucked a strand of hair behind Lian Yuliang's ear. "Why do you ask that?" Had she heard something?
"No, I've just been bored lately. Since you're busy, don't worry about these little things. Business is more important." Lian Yuliang felt she was being inconsiderate; Huangfu Zhiyi was busy with business, while she was bothering him with trivial matters.
Hearing Lian Yuliang's understanding words, Huangfu Zhiyi felt incredibly guilty.
"I think I should go back to Lishui City," Lian Yuliang
said, feeling she had been there for quite some time and it was time to go home. Upon hearing this, Huangfu Zhiyi panicked and blurted out, "No! I won't let you go back!" He forcefully turned her around.
"Zhiyi, you're scaring me. Don't be like this. I'll go home and wait for you to propose, isn't that good?" Seeing Huangfu Zhiyi's intense reaction, Lian Yuliang touched his furrowed brow in confusion.
"Yu'er, don't go back to Lishui. Your parents have already agreed to let you stay in the capital, haven't they?" Realizing he had been too agitated, Huangfu Zhiyi calmed himself down and coaxed Lian Yuliang.
"Look how nervous you are. I'm not going to disappear. I'm already yours. What's wrong with being apart for a few days?" Lian Yuliang said, puzzled.
"Yu'er, I won't let you leave my side for even a day. Promise me you won't leave." Huangfu Zhiyi kissed Lian Yuliang's forehead repeatedly, demanding her promise. He didn't even know what he was so nervous about; perhaps it was the unease of not having told her the truth.
"Okay, I won't leave you." Lian Yuliang felt a sweet warmth in her heart, surprised that Huangfu Zhiyi cared so much about her.
To be honest, she didn't want to be separated from him either. She loved him so much, and after falling in love with him, she realized that loving someone could also cause heartache.
Huangfu Zhiyi slid his hands, which were wrapped around her waist, upwards, stroking the lower edge of her breasts with his thumbs. At this moment, he needed intense passion to soothe his restless heart.
He lifted himself slightly, bent one of Lian Yuliang's legs forward, straddling her other leg, and without any foreplay, thrust his erect penis into her still-wet flower.
Before Lian Yuliang could react, she was once again swept up in the irrational pleasure of lovemaking…
On a breezy afternoon, Lian Yuliang tossed and turned in bed, intending to take a nap, but she couldn't fall asleep. So she got up and went for a walk.
Thinking it was rare to be alone without Jin'er by her side, she put on her outer robe, tidied herself, and left Qingfeng Pavilion for the back garden.
Finding a stone chair behind the rockery, she sat down, gazing at the trees laden with red leaves.
The afternoon sun was warm and comforting. She closed her eyes, listening to the rustling of the leaves in the breeze, a slight smile playing on her lips, showing she was enjoying the moment.
Suddenly, she heard light footsteps from the other side of the rockery, interspersed with soft voices.
“Oh dear! Be careful, don't drop it. This is something Madam wants to give to Princess Xianglian,” a maid serving Liu Jiayun in her room said to her companion.
"I know, I'll keep an eye on it!" Another maid, her voice younger, said with envy, "Sister Cui, Madam is so good to the princess! Look, she even gave her such beautiful earrings."
"Of course, the princess is the future daughter-in-law favored by Master and Madam!" Little Cui served her masters all day long, so of course she knew their thoughts!
"Hey! Sister Cui, do you think that after the eldest young master marries Princess Xianglian, will he live in the imperial consort's mansion bestowed by the Emperor?"
"Are you confused? Our eldest young master will inherit the title of Imperial Merchant in the future. Although he will be the consort, he certainly won't live in the consort's mansion." The little maid was just a little maid; she didn't even understand this.
"That's right! It should be the princess living in our mansion..." As their footsteps faded into the distance, their voices grew softer and softer.
This conversation was like a bolt from the blue, shattering Lian Yuliang's heart into pieces.
She covered her mouth in disbelief, her heart pounding as if it would burst, her whole body drenched in sweat, trembling uncontrollably. She wanted to scream, but couldn't utter a sound.
Unable to move, she kept repeating the maids' conversation in her mind until night fell and a chill settled in, but she didn't budge an inch.
Only when the moon was high in the sky and the night was pitch black did her fingers twitch stiffly. After a long while, she struggled to move her numb body, stood up with difficulty, and walked unsteadily towards Qingfeng Pavilion…
At that moment, Qingfeng Pavilion was like a boiling pot of water, a huge commotion erupting over Lian Yuliang.
Jin'er had discovered she wasn't in her room that afternoon and searched everywhere without finding her. Anxious, she rushed to Steward Chen, asking him to send some people to help.
Just as chaos reigned, Huangfu Zhiyi returned early, hoping to spend some quality time with Lian Yuliang. However, upon arriving at Qingfeng Pavilion, he found everyone frantically running around.
Before he could even reprimand them, Jin'er, crying uncontrollably, rushed towards him.
Hearing that Lian Yuliang had simply vanished, Huangfu Zhiyi flew into a rage. He disregarded the disturbance to Huangfu Jiacheng and Liu Jiayun, and ignored Xianglian's reaction, insisting that all the servants search for Lian Yuliang in case anything happened to her.
Just as Huangfu Zhiyi was burning with anxiety, A Lie suddenly ran over, shouting, "Master, Master, Miss Yuliang is back!"
Hearing this, Huangfu Zhiyi turned to run outside, but as he did, he saw Lian Yuliang, who had caused him so much worry all night, walking unsteadily towards him with her head slightly bowed.
He quickly went to meet her, immediately noticing something was wrong.
A-Lie, standing nearby, pulled Jin'er back as she was about to step forward, waved for everyone to retreat, and then discreetly stood aside to wait.
"Yu'er..." Huangfu Zhiyi gently stroked Lian Yuliang's shoulder, calling her name.
Lian Yuliang shrank back, dodging his large hand on her shoulder, and walked past him as if she hadn't heard him, not even raising her head to look at him.
Startled, Huangfu Zhiyi watched Lian Yuliang disappear behind the door, and quickly followed her into the room.
"Yu'er, what's wrong? Where did you go?" Huangfu Zhiyi's initial anger vanished upon seeing Lian Yuliang's appearance, and he could only ask softly with concern.
Just as he was about to pull her into his arms, he touched her cold body and pulled her close to him. "Speak! Look at you, you're freezing cold, even your clothes are soaked with mist."
He gathered her slightly damp hair behind his shoulder, then removed her wet clothes one by one, before pulling her naked into his arms. He quickly went into the inner room, fetched a clean robe, wrapped her in it, and had her sit on his lap.
He lifted her chin and kissed her cold lips. "Little thing, don't be silent, tell me, what happened?" He couldn't bear to scold her, so he patiently coaxed her to speak.
Huangfu Zhiyi observed Lian Yuliang's reaction and noticed that although he had forced her to lift her head, her eyes refused to look at him, her long eyelashes obscuring her beautiful eyes.
"Don't want to talk?" He kissed her eyes and asked softly. His large hand, which had been obediently holding her, slipped through the robe draped over her, slid over her slender waist, and lifted her full breasts.
It's alright, as long as she's safe and sound in front of him, if she doesn't want to tell him now, then she can tell him when she wants to!

Chapter Eight of "The Merchant's Hunt for His Wife":
His large, thick hands couldn't fully grasp her soft breasts. Huangfu Zhiyi lowered his head and opened his mouth to take Lian Yuliang's erect, pink nipple into his mouth, his tongue lightly tracing the tiny bumps on her areola. "Your body is so cold."
"Mmm..." Lian Yuliang didn't resist, closing her eyes and letting him suckle her breasts, her body trembling as she felt the pleasure.
Huangfu Zhiyi lifted Lian Yuliang's body, making her straddle his waist facing him. His large hands moved from her legs upwards to her pert buttocks, kneading them a few times, then his fingers slipped between her thighs from behind.
“No…don’t…” Lian Yuliang moved her hips forward, trying to avoid Huangfu Zhiyi’s fingers.
“Mmm…” Still sucking on her breasts, Huangfu Zhiyi’s thick, long penis pressed against her lower abdomen was squeezed by her, causing him to throb with excitement.
He used one hand to unbutton his pants, first releasing his roaring manhood, then haphazardly stripping off his upper garments.
He stroked her crotch with his fingers, then touched forward slightly, satisfied to find a wet, hot patch.
“Get on top!” He gripped her waist with both hands, making her lift up, aligning her wet flower with his throbbing tip. “Yes, again…”
Huangfu Zhiyi gently pressed Lian Yuliang down, guiding her to swallow him.
This position made Lian Yuliang’s flower even tighter, and she slowly writhed her hips, trying to envelop him. “Ah…” The friction of the flesh walls brought a slight pain, but she still sat down, wanting to take in nearly a third of the manhood.
"Mmm..." The feeling of being tightly enveloped was so wonderful, Huangfu Zhiyi murmured, then suddenly pressed Lian Yuliang down with both hands.
"Ah..." Lian Yuliang held onto Huangfu Zhiyi's shoulders, her body arching, feeling as if his thick member was about to penetrate her body, making her unable to distinguish whether this feeling of being filled was pain or pleasure.
Huangfu Zhiyi guided her to move up and down, and after a few times, her passage adapted to his size, constantly secreting fluids, making their movements smoother.
Then, he released his hands, letting her take the initiative.
He leaned back in his chair, focusing intently on the place where the two were joined. "Again! Harder... ride me harder... yes!" urging her to stroke, his long member disappeared into her tenderness again and again.
Kneeling beside Huangfu Zhiyi's waist, Lian Yuliang instinctively found the angle and speed that made her feel comfortable, the unprecedented pleasure controlling her.
"So good... ah..." Each stroke made him completely penetrate to her deepest point.
He grasped her round breasts, which swayed up and down before him, in both hands, varying his caresses and occasionally tugging at her nipples.
Suddenly, he felt an urgent contraction from her clitoris as she played with his penis; he knew she was about to reach orgasm, so he thrust upwards forcefully in response.
"Ah..." Lian Yuliang gripped Huangfu Zhiyi's shoulders tightly, her vision flashing red—her orgasm had arrived.
Huangfu Zhiyi's strong waist continued to thrust upwards, causing her orgasm to build up. A large amount of clear, hot fluid gushed from her body, carried out by the relentless thrusting of the man, soaking between their legs.
Suddenly, Huangfu Zhiyi lifted Lian Yuliang up, and as he withdrew, his heat flowed copiously from her body.
Huangfu Zhiyi stood up, placed Lian Yuliang, still immersed in the pleasure of orgasm, on a chair, and placed her legs on the armrests.
He knelt between her legs, lowering his head to drink the gushing fluid. "So sweet... My beautiful lady, you're so delicious!"
Having enjoyed her sweetness, Huangfu Zhiyi raised his head, his burning red penis thrusting back into her overflowing flower bud, pumping wildly and frantically.
She was flushed all over, driven to the brink of ecstasy by countless orgasms, too weak even to moan or cry out, helplessly submitting to his ravaging...
In the days that followed, Huangfu Zhiyi abandoned Princess Xianglian, spending all his time with Lian Yuliang.
What troubled him most was that he knew Lian Yuliang was troubled, but no matter how he asked, she stubbornly refused to reveal anything. Although she seemed perfectly normal after that day, still gentle and passionate, he still felt uneasy.
Helpless, Huangfu Zhiyi could only stay close to Lian Yuliang, fearing a repeat of that day.
Early that morning, Lian Yuliang led Jin'er to cut flowers in the courtyard of Qingfeng Pavilion. The chrysanthemums blooming in the courtyard were all as big as bowls. She would cut off a stem and hand it to Jin'er, who followed behind her, to carefully place it in a basket.
Originally, Huangfu Zhiyi wanted to send Jin'er back, demoting her to a lower-ranking maid because she hadn't served Lian Yuliang well, essentially making her disappear from his sight. However, Lian Yuliang pleaded for Jin'er, begging Huangfu Zhiyi to transfer her back to Qingfeng Pavilion.
To please Lian Yuliang, Huangfu Zhiyi indulged her every whim, and had no choice but to transfer Jin'er back to her side.
So now, besides Huangfu Zhiyi's constant surveillance, Jin'er was like a piece of chewing gum that couldn't be shaken off.
With a "snap," another half-open flower appeared in Lian Yuliang's hand. She sighed, looking helplessly at Huangfu Zhiyi a few steps away, being served by others.
He sat in an inexplicably luxurious chair, several plates of delicate snacks on a small table beside him, sipping the tribute tea served by a maid, looking completely relaxed.
Lian Yuliang handed the flowers to Jin'er, lost in thought.
She knew Huangfu Zhiyi adored her, which explained his intense concern for her, yet he was deliberately concealing his plans to marry another woman.
She couldn't understand; if he cared so much for her, why would he marry someone else after having her? His current display of devotion only fueled her anger.
She hadn't expected the man she thought she could entrust her life to would be like everyone else, unable to be faithful to one woman! She didn't want to follow in her mother's footsteps, so she made her decision.
Just as Lian Yuliang grew increasingly angry, A-Lie entered.
"Master, Master has sent someone to summon you again." A-Lie inwardly groaned; he didn't want to face Master's terrifying face again. Every time he went to report on behalf of his master, Master's expression grew more horrible. Who could save him?
"Oh! Go back. Just say I'm not feeling well." Ignoring A-Lie's pained expression.
"Master, we used that excuse last time." Stop torturing him!
"Then... I'll just say I have a friend visiting, and I have to entertain a distinguished guest." Brushing imaginary dust off his sleeves, Huangfu Zhiyi casually made up a story.
"A distinguished guest?" Who could be more important than a princess? He couldn't even come up with a proper reason; it was clearly just a perfunctory excuse!
Watching the master and servant's back-and-forth, Lian Yuliang stepped forward and stood in front of Huangfu Zhiyi.
"Go see your father!" she snapped, throwing the flowers she was holding at him.
"Yu'er..." Huangfu Zhiyi tried to take her hand.
"Don't follow me around all day long. You're not annoyed, but I am!" Lian Yuliang slapped his hand away.
Huangfu Zhiyi forcefully pulled Lian Yuliang onto his lap. "Be good, don't move. Let me hold you." He picked up a cup of tea and brought it to her lips.
Since she was a little thirsty anyway, Lian Yuliang took a few sips. Feeling she'd had enough, she gently turned her head away, indicating she didn't want any more.
After Huangfu Zhiyi put down his cup, Lian Yuliang spoke again, "Your uncle must have something important to tell you. Don't take their affection for you for granted."
"But..." What if he comes back and she's gone again?
Ignoring A-Lie and Jin'er's presence, Lian Yuliang gently kissed Huangfu Zhiyi's lips, stopping him from speaking further.
"Don't worry! I won't disappear unless you do something that angers or is unforgivable." Yes, she wouldn't leave him unless he truly married someone else.
"Under any circumstances? What if I didn't mean it?" He felt there was an underlying meaning in her words; he needed her reassurance.
"Under any circumstances. Unless, you don't want me." Lian Yuliang complied with Huangfu Zhiyi's request, reassuring him once more, but adding a condition in her mind. If he married someone else, wouldn't that mean he didn't want her anymore? Therefore, Lian Yuliang believed she wasn't lying.
"I will never abandon you, never." Completely unaware of Lian Yuliang's thoughts, Huangfu Zhiyi lovingly stroked her cheek, gazing at her tenderly.
Huangfu Zhiyi obediently went to see Huangfu Jiacheng. Lian Yuliang had just finished arranging the flowers and was about to place them in the vase when Steward Chen arrived.
"Miss Yuliang, the master and madam request your presence," Steward Chen said politely.
"Alright, please wait a moment, I'll go in and tidy up." Finally! Lian Yuliang had been mentally prepared; it seemed Huangfu Jiacheng and Liu Jiayun had deliberately sent Huangfu Zhiyi away.
"Miss Yuliang, please don't be so polite. I'll wait outside, please take your time." Steward Chen secretly admired Lian Yuliang, because she was always courteous and never arrogant.
"I'll be right back." Lian Yuliang turned around. "Jin'er, come in with me."
A moment later, Lian Yuliang led Jin'er out. "Steward Chen, please lead the way." She showed no sign of nervousness whatsoever.
"Yes, please follow me." With a slight curtsy, Steward Chen led Lian Yuliang and her maid forward.
After walking for a while, passing many magnificent pavilions and towers, they finally arrived at the main hall where Master Huangfu and his wife resided.
Steward Chen stepped forward and spoke softly to a pretty maid who looked about seventeen or eighteen years old, then handed Lian Yuliang over to her to lead inside, while he and Jin'er waited outside.
"Master, Madam, Miss Lian has arrived."
Seeing Lian Yuliang enter, Huangfu Jiacheng waved his hand and said to the maid, "You may leave."
"Yes, this servant takes her leave." Bowing, the maid withdrew and gently closed the door.
Approaching them, Lian Yuliang politely curtsied, "Yuliang greets Uncle and Aunt."
"Rise!" Huangfu Jiacheng said, and the couple carefully examined Lian Yuliang.
"She is quite beautiful, no wonder our Zhiyi is so infatuated with you." Liu Jiayun had to admit that the woman before her was indeed beautiful, no wonder her son's heart was with her.
"Thank you for the compliment, Auntie!" Contrary to her calm exterior, Lian Yuliang was actually extremely nervous. She kept telling herself that she had to show her best side and absolutely could not let Huangfu Zhiyi's parents dislike her.
Huangfu Jiacheng stroked his beard, nodding repeatedly in his heart. His son certainly had good taste. Although Princess Xianglian was three points more beautiful than Lian Yuliang, in terms of charm and allure, Lian Yuliang was at least five points better.
However, it was a pity about her background. According to the servants, Lian Yuliang's mother was just a lowly woman from a restaurant. Just that alone... sigh!
"Your name is Yuliang, right?" Huangfu Jiacheng asked, his tone as a fatherly elder was serious but also loving. Since his son liked her, he couldn't make things too difficult for her. Besides, the Huangfu family and the Lian family had always had a good relationship, and he couldn't ruin it.
"Yes." Lian Yuliang nodded obediently, quite surprised by the warmth in Huangfu Jiacheng's words.
"Alright!" Huangfu Jiacheng exchanged a glance with his wife and said to Lian Yuliang, "We won't hide it from you. The Empress Dowager will soon betroth Zhiyi to Princess Xianglian."
"Yuliang knows." Without a trace of surprise or astonishment, Lian Yuliang replied calmly.
This surprised Huangfu Jiacheng and Liu Jiayun.
"Did Zhiyi tell you?" That was the only possibility; otherwise, why would she be so calm?
"He hasn't spoken yet. I overheard the servants talking and found out." Lian Yuliang answered honestly.
"Then... don't worry, we won't mistreat you. After Zhiyi and the princess's wedding, we will arrange for you to be Zhiyi's concubine." It was Liu Jiayun who spoke, having remained silent until now. She hadn't expected Lian Yuliang to be so agreeable, accepting so readily.
"Thank you, Uncle and Aunt, but Yuliang cannot accept."
"What?" Huangfu Jiacheng couldn't believe what he had heard.
"We've already made an exception for your background by accepting you. Don't expect us to let Zhiyi marry you as his principal wife! Tell me yourself, in what way does your status compare to the princess?"
Liu Jiayun had initially thought Lian Yuliang was sensible, but she hadn't expected her to refuse so readily. She was truly ungrateful!
"Yuliang knows her place. How can my background compare to that of a prince? However, I believe I care about and love Zhiyi more than the princess does." Yes, she hadn't forgotten who she was, but she firmly believed her love would never lose to the princess.
"It's not a matter of love or liking, but rather that you can't help Zhiyi in any way. Marrying the princess will solidify Zhiyi's position and give him more support from the palace. For his sake, you should give in." Liu Jiayun stated what she believed to be the truth.
"I know Auntie is right, I can't refute it."
"If that's the case, why are you unwilling to follow our arrangements? I'm sure your family wouldn't object!" Lian Yuliang's answer left Liu Jiayun utterly perplexed. What was the problem?
"It's Yuliang's own problem. I won't make things difficult for your parents. Once Zhiyi decides to marry the princess, I'll return to Lishui. From then on, we'll be separate and have no further connection."
There was an element of defiance in her words, but no one could understand her true thoughts. So, without explaining to Huangfu and his wife, she directly stated her original plan.
"I believe you wouldn't resort to such a tactic of feigning retreat, but let alone the fact that Zhiyi won't let you go, how will you find another husband after you've already committed to him?" Liu Jiayun hadn't expected Lian Yuliang to say such a thing.
"There will always be someone who doesn't mind," Lian Yuliang replied with a bitter smile. Of course, there would be, but it would be as a second wife or
a concubine. "Girl, are you really willing to be a second wife or a concubine rather than marry the man you love as a concubine? I really don't understand your thinking. Besides, if you become a second wife, isn't that still being a concubine?" Liu Jiayun couldn't comprehend Lian Yuliang's thoughts.
“Without feelings, I won’t care or be sad. I just need to live a decent life.” Because she doesn’t love him, she doesn’t care whether he marries someone else.
“Even if you have such intentions, Zhiyi won’t let you go,” Huangfu Jiacheng said firmly. He knew his son would never allow the woman he loved to marry someone else.
Lian Yuliang also knew that Huangfu Zhiyi wouldn’t let her go easily, but that was why she had to leave him. It didn’t make sense that he could have three wives and four concubines but wouldn’t allow her to remarry. She didn’t think she should accept her fate like her aunt.
Since Lian Yuliang stopped speaking, Huangfu Jiacheng and Liu Jiayun didn’t know what to say either. In their world, which woman didn’t follow a man wholeheartedly? Which man of status didn’t have a harem of wives and concubines? Even Huangfu Jiacheng had several concubines in his villa!
"Then..." Huangfu Jiacheng spoke again, but didn't know what to say. After thinking for a while, he said, "You have to face reality. No matter what, Zhiyi must marry Princess Xianglian. If he's unwilling to let you go, then one of you and Zhiyi will have to give in."
"Yuliang, we elders won't interfere in your private affairs, but you need to be sensible, otherwise it won't be easy to explain to your family." Liu Jiayun used both soft and hard tactics, while also threatening Lian Yuliang's family.
"Do you understand?" Huangfu Jiacheng agreed with his wife.
"Yuliang understands, Uncle and Aunt, then I'll take my leave."
Although they gave her the power to decide, they only gave her one choice, didn't they?
Huangfu Zhiyi, who had been sent away, immediately learned that Lian Yuliang had been summoned by his parents. He was very anxious, wondering what his parents had said to her.
Rushing back to Qingfeng Pavilion, Huangfu Zhiyi entered and saw Lian Yuliang leaning against the chaise lounge reading as usual.
"Yu'er." Nothing seemed amiss, which only made Huangfu Zhiyi feel uneasy.
"You're back. Is everything resolved?" Lian Yuliang rose to greet Huangfu Zhiyi.
"Nothing really happened. Yu'er, I heard from Steward Chen that you've met your parents?" Huangfu Zhiyi grasped Lian Yuliang's shoulders.
"Yes, I have." Lian Yuliang turned away, pulling away from Huangfu Zhiyi's grasp, and went to the table to pour herself a cup of tea. "Oh! By the way, congratulations on your upcoming wedding."
She said casually, but her hands trembled slightly with anger.
"Yu'er..." Lian Yuliang's reaction completely surprised Huangfu Zhiyi. There were no tears of sadness, no outbursts of disbelief. Why didn't she show any sadness? Did she not care at all that he was about to marry another woman?
Huangfu Zhiyi was conflicted. He hoped Lian Yuliang could accept the reality, but seeing her calm and indifferent expression, he was also dissatisfied with her nonchalant reaction.
"Have you eaten? I haven't! I'll ask Jin'er to prepare some food, okay?" Lian Yuliang couldn't eat at all, but deliberately asked Huangfu Zhiyi.
"Yu'er, don't be like this..." This made him unpredictable, completely unable to understand her thoughts.
"What?" Even this wasn't enough? Did he really want her to burst into tears? If crying would save him from marrying another woman, then she could cry for three days and three nights without a problem.
"Are you angry?" Her appearance left him unsure how to explain.
"No." She refused to admit that she was indeed angry.
"But the way you look..."
"What's wrong with my appearance?" Without warning, Lian Yuliang exploded. "Whether or not you marry is your decision. Are you going to refuse to marry the princess just because I cry and make a scene? Since you insist on talking, let me tell you, you can only choose one: marry me or marry the princess. Now tell me your choice."
Lian Yuliang's anger completely erupted; she had never spoken so loudly to Huangfu Zhiyi before.
"This is the Empress Dowager's arranged marriage. I don't accept it, nor do I..." Huangfu Zhiyi had never seen Lian Yuliang lose her temper and tried to explain.
"Yes, you can't refuse, but what does that have to do with me? I can refuse, can't I?" Lian Yuliang adopted the same cold expression she showed to Sun Xiuniang.
"Why can't you accept it? If you love me, you wouldn't care what your status is with me, would you?" Unable to tolerate Lian Yuliang's cold and provocative tone and attitude, Huangfu Zhiyi questioned her with a slightly reproachful tone.
"Yes! I love you, but how have you treated me? By marrying someone else?" Lian Yuliang retorted unwillingly.
"Listen to me, it was unavoidable. I couldn't refuse the Empress Dowager's arranged marriage. I promise you I only love you. Even if I marry the princess, it won't affect your place in my heart..." Huangfu Zhiyi wanted Lian Yuliang to understand, but before he could finish, Lian Yuliang interrupted him.
"Can't refuse? The imperial decree hasn't been issued yet. Given your family's relationship with the Empress Dowager, if you're unwilling, she certainly won't make things difficult for you! Why don't you just say you've taken a liking to the princess?" It was all just an excuse! She believed that anything was possible, and she refused to believe that the marriage to the princess couldn't be reversed.
Before Huangfu Zhiyi could speak, Lian Yuliang continued, "To put it bluntly, you just want to enjoy the blessings of having two wives. The princess must be very beautiful, right?" She laughed angrily, but that laugh was laced with sarcasm.
"Yu'er, stop being unreasonable! You're getting more and more absurd. When did I ever take a liking to the princess? Don't talk nonsense!" Huangfu Zhiyi also raised his voice. He couldn't believe that Lian Yuliang didn't trust him at all and actually thought he was after the princess's beauty...
"I'm being unreasonable? Not becoming a concubine means I'm being unreasonable?" Lian Yuliang was so angry with Huangfu Zhiyi that she was about to go crazy. She questioned him loudly, "Just because I love you, does that mean I have to unconditionally accept you marrying another woman? Can I stop loving you then?"
In the end, Lian Yuliang was shouting
. She didn't expect that Huangfu Zhiyi didn't think he was wrong. He was so sure that she loved him that he had the audacity to think that she should willingly become his concubine. Huangfu Zhiyi was infuriated by Lian Yuliang's aggressive attitude. "Which man with status and ability doesn't have three wives and four concubines? Even your father married your mother..."
Huangfu Zhiyi suddenly stopped, realizing that he had said the wrong thing.
Lian Yuliang's chest heaved as she gasped for breath, feeling like she couldn't breathe. She clutched her clothes in anguish, staring intently at Huangfu Zhiyi.
"So…in your heart…" Unable to breathe properly, Lian Yuliang collapsed to her knees, weak.
"Yu'er, don't speak, don't speak yet." Huangfu Zhiyi rushed forward, holding Lian Yuliang in his arms, stroking her back to help her catch her breath.
"In…in your heart…" Because she was born to a concubine, was she destined to be a concubine too? Was this his thought? Lian Yuliang's vision blurred, but the pain in her chest subsided. Finally, she closed her eyes and fainted.
"Yu'er…" Huangfu Zhiyi shook the unconscious, limp body in his arms, trying to rouse Lian Yuliang. Qingfeng Pavilion
descended into chaos once more…

Chapter Nine of "The Merchant's Hunt for His Wife ": Lian Sheng
arrived upon hearing the news, wondering what had happened to his sister again. He entered the inner room and saw Lian Yuliang leaning against the bed. "Yu'er."
"Brother..." Lian Yuliang called softly.
"What's wrong this time?" Lian Sheng touched his sister's slightly pale cheeks.
"Brother, I want to go home." Lian Yuliang's bloodless lips moved, her voice trembling with grievance as she pleaded with Lian Sheng.
"Tell your older brother what happened?" What could possibly make her so upset that she wanted to cry?
"He's going to marry someone else! He's going to marry someone else!" Tears streamed down her face.
"Don't cry, don't cry yet. Who is he going to marry?" Lian Sheng quickly wiped away his sister's tears, asking for clarification. If Huangfu Zhiyi wouldn't marry her, who would he marry? Was he just toying with her?
"The Empress Dowager is arranging a marriage for him, for him to marry Princess Xianglian..." Lian Yuliang cried bitterly.
Upon hearing this, Lian Sheng was speechless for a long time, understanding that she couldn't disobey the imperial decree!
After a while, his younger sister continued to cry. Lian Sheng asked the most practical question: "Has the Huangfu family said what you're going to do?"
"They'll take me as a concubine after their wedding," Lian Yuliang told her elder brother, Huangfu Zhiyi, outlining her plan.
Lian Sheng looked helplessly at the heartbroken Lian Yuliang, unsure how to comfort her.
Since it was an arranged marriage by the Empress Dowager, the Huangfu family couldn't refuse. Fortunately, they were willing to take responsibility; even as a concubine, it would at least be some kind of resolution.
It seemed Lian Yuliang couldn't accept this reality.
Lian Sheng sighed, "Alas! Yu'er, I heard from your elder brother that there's nothing we can do about it. You have no choice but to accept it now."
Lian Yuliang stared at Lian Sheng with wide eyes, "You want me to accept it? Why should I accept it? I won't be a concubine, I absolutely won't be a concubine! I won't allow him to marry another woman!" "
Yu'er, don't be willful. Even Mother would say the same thing. Given how much your brother-in-law loves you, even if you become a concubine, you won't suffer any grievances. Don't worry!" Thinking that his younger sister was worried that the future wife wouldn't tolerate her, Lian Sheng comforted her.
"Brother, I don't care about any of that. I only care about not sharing my husband with anyone. Even if he loves me dearly, it's the same. If he's not whole, I don't want anything." Lian Yuliang wiped away her tears haphazardly and said firmly.
"Then what are you going to do now?"
"Leaving him will make me sad and heartbroken; but if I don't leave him, I'll die here. I can't bear to watch him with another woman... Brother, take me away, okay?" Lian Yuliang pleaded.
"He won't let you go, Yu'er." This was the truth. As a man himself, Lian Sheng understood Huangfu Zhiyi's possessiveness towards his sister.
"He has to let go, unless he only marries me." Lian Yuliang made her decision firmly; she would never share a husband with anyone.
"Yu'er..." Lian Sheng still wanted to persuade his sister.
"Brother, how is Brother Nian doing lately?" Out of nowhere, Lian Yuliang asked.
"Nian Zhongming? He's doing well! What can he do? He's still the same as always." Lian Sheng didn't understand why the topic suddenly jumped to his old friend, Nian Zhongming.
Nian Zhongming was the Lian family's neighbor. They had played together since childhood and were practically childhood sweethearts. Since he didn't have a younger sister, he treated the two Lian sisters like his own.
The Nian family owned a rice shop. Nian Zhongming had married five years ago and had a daughter, but his wife suddenly passed away from illness three years ago. Although his family wanted to help him remarry, he refused, and now he was solely responsible for raising his daughter.
"It's been a long time since I've seen Brother Nian. Xiaoxiao must have grown up quite a bit, right?"
"She has grown up quite a bit. I saw her the other day... Wait, Yu'er, you've gone off on a tangent." Lian Sheng, who had been being led astray by his sister, finally came to her senses.
"I've decided, Brother. Take me home. I want to marry Brother Nian as his second wife." Lian Yuliang pushed away the stunned Lian Sheng and got out of bed to pack her things.
Before Lian Sheng could react, "Bang!" The screen in the inner room was kicked down.
Startled by the loud noise, the brother and sister turned around to see Huangfu Zhiyi approaching Lian Yuliang with a murderous look on his face.
Seeing the situation was turning against them, Lian Sheng quickly stepped in front of his sister. "Brother Zhiyi, let's talk this out..." he thought, Huangfu Zhiyi must have heard everything.
Sure enough, Huangfu Zhiyi shoved Lian Sheng aside as easily as swatting a mosquito, grabbed the frightened Lian Yuliang, pulled her close, and pressed his hot breath against her face.
"You dare marry someone else? You actually..." Still furious, Huangfu Zhiyi threw Lian Yuliang onto the bed. "Don't even think about it! Never in this lifetime!"
After saying this, Huangfu Zhiyi turned to Lian Sheng and said, "Brother Lian, Yuliang is already mine. This is a family matter, and it's not appropriate for her brother to interfere, is it? I'll discuss this with you in detail later. Please wait for me in the main hall for now."
Then, he shouted towards the outside of the room, "A-Lie, take Uncle out!" He made it very clear that no matter what, Lian Yuliang was now a member of the Huangfu family.
Since Lian Yuliang was already with Huangfu Zhiyi, Lian Sheng felt that they had to resolve it themselves. So he only reminded Huangfu Zhiyi, "Brother Zhiyi, Yu'er is a delicate woman, you..."
Seeing Huangfu Zhiyi nod, Lian Sheng said nothing more and went out with A-Lie.
Enraged, Huangfu Zhiyi struggled to control his anger. "Having been with me isn't enough? You want to marry someone else? Humph! I warn you, if you try to leave me again, I'll make sure the Lian family can't survive. Believe me, I absolutely can."
Fearing he might hurt Lian Yuliang in his rage, Huangfu Zhiyi turned and left after saying this.
From that day on, Huangfu Zhiyi never entered Qingfeng Pavilion again, nor did he try to explain to Lian Yuliang that her desire to marry another was a tool he used to hurt her by marrying the princess.
Lian Yuliang was restricted in her movements as if under house arrest. Soon, the Empress Dowager issued an imperial decree, and the wedding was to be held on the ninth day.
Lian Yuliang tried her best not to think about Huangfu Zhiyi's wedding, attempting to make her days more bearable. She only planned to live one day at a time, waiting until the day she truly couldn't bear it anymore.
Amidst the lively atmosphere of gongs and drums in the mansion, Huangfu Zhiyi completed his life's most important event.
Hearing the lively commotion outside, Lian Yuliang sat on the bed, tears streaming down her face.
As night fell, the guests gradually dispersed, but this only made Lian Yuliang more distressed. She curled up into a ball, burying her face in her bent knees, biting her lip tightly, trying hard not to think about Huangfu Zhiyi and the princess in their bridal chamber.
Although her eyes were closed, images of Huangfu Zhiyi gently undressing the bride, passionately kissing and even entwining with her flashed through her mind…
She endured the most painful day; that night she cried all night long. Jin'er, fearing she might do something rash, dared not leave her side, watching over her all night, heartbrokenly sharing her tears.
Three days passed after the wedding, and Huangfu Zhiyi still hadn't appeared. One could imagine how blissful the newlyweds were. Lian Yuliang forced herself not to think about it, focusing only on her own life.
On a typical afternoon, Lian Yuliang lay on the chaise lounge, staring blankly out the window. Suddenly, she heard the door open, looked up, and was surprised to see Huangfu Zhiyi walk in.
Huangfu Zhiyi glanced coldly at Lian Yuliang, sat down in the main seat, and said, "Come here, do you even know the rules?" Hearing this
, Lian Yuliang stepped forward and curtsied, "Greetings to Master."
Undeniably, seeing him stirred her heart, her small hands trembling uncontrollably. How pathetic she was! She had said she wanted to leave him, but now even seeing him made her happy.
Looking at the obedient Lian Yuliang, Huangfu Zhiyi felt no pride, but rather even angrier. He had intended to deliberately avoid seeing her and not explain, wanting to make her sad; unexpectedly, although she had lost some weight after many days, she still looked refreshed, which greatly displeased him. It turned out that only he was troubled by their affairs.
Huangfu Zhiyi abruptly stood up and walked towards the inner room, "Aren't you going to come in and serve me?"
He sat on the edge of the bed, watching Lian Yuliang's slender figure slowly approach. Just looking at her made him feel hot all over, and his desire for her was irresistible.
He could only vent his frustration through his irritable tone, "What are you standing there for? Come here!"
Startled by his harsh tone, she hurriedly went to him.
"What? Forgot how to serve a man?" His wicked eyes roamed over her body, "Take off your clothes!"
With trembling hands, she obediently took off her clothes one by one. Soon, her feet were covered with the discarded outer garments and inner garments. Finally, a pink tube top fell on the pile of clothes.
Huangfu Zhiyi greedily invaded Lian Yuliang's fair and delicate body with his eyes. That look made her uneasy and want to cover her naked body with her hands.
"Put your hands down. Is there any part of your body that I haven't seen? Come on." Huangfu Zhiyi stopped Lian Yuliang's movements, slightly moving his strong body away, letting her climb onto the bed.
Lian Yuliang obediently got onto the bed and knelt on the inside.
As she climbed onto the bed, the glimpse of her flower-like opening between her slightly parted legs made Huangfu Zhiyi's heart itch with desire.
"Face this way, let your hair down," Huangfu Zhiyi stood up, ordering Lian Yuliang as he removed his own clothes.
Lian Yuliang obediently turned to Huangfu Zhiyi, raising her hand to remove the hairpin holding her hair in place. Her smooth, glossy black hair instantly cascaded down her snow-white shoulders and chest, making her curves appear even more radiant.
"Open your legs!" She was truly beautiful!
“But…” Lian Yuliang hadn’t expected him to ask her to assume such an embarrassing position. She looked up to refuse, but what she saw was his erect, thick, and throbbing manhood.
She quickly turned her head away, no longer daring to look up, her face flushed.
“You’ve opened your legs for me before, what are you pretending to be innocent for? Open your legs!” Huangfu Zhiyi mocked. “Hurry up!”
Lian Yuliang awkwardly supported herself with her hands, slowly revealing her most private parts to Huangfu Zhiyi.
“You slutty little thing, you’re already wet!”
Huangfu Zhiyi looked at her blooming flower, which was already glistening with moisture; it seemed she was already aroused.
Lian Yuliang couldn’t refute him, because she herself felt the warm, wet fluid seeping between her legs, and her soft breasts swelling and aching.
“Feel it,” Huangfu Zhiyi said softly, staring fascinated at the slightly trembling, rosy flower.
Lian Yuliang obediently reached between her legs, her cool fingers immediately touching a wet, slippery area.
Watching Lian Yuliang obediently caress herself with her fingers, Huangfu Zhiyi stood by the bed, panting, and placed his hand on his erect penis.
"Does it feel good? Insert your finger, try it." He directed her while his large hand moved up and down on himself.
She inserted a finger into her tight, tender flesh. "Ah... um..."
She hadn't expected her insides to be so wet and slippery, nor had she expected her hand to give him such a tingling pleasure.
Lost in the moment, she continued to thrust her finger in and out, her juices flowing down her buttocks. The pleasurable sensation made her forget her shame, sinking into the pleasure of masturbation.
Seeing the scene before him, Huangfu Zhiyi could no longer bear it. He reached out and pulled Lian Yuliang closer.
"Come here, kneel on the edge of the bed, open your mouth." He lifted her chin and used his thumb to pry open her lips.
"No... um..." She tried to turn away from the heat pressing against her lips, but a thought suddenly flashed through her mind—he had touched other women with the same hand that had touched her, had been wildly passionate with other women, enjoying everything they had shared.
Lost in Huangfu Zhiyi's daze, Lian Yuliang suddenly regained her senses, a wave of disgust washing over her. She began to struggle. "I don't want to! Let me go!"
"What are you doing?" Not understanding why she suddenly rejected him, Huangfu Zhiyi was slightly angry because his desire was unfulfilled.
"Go find the princess! I don't want you..." "You've hugged someone else and now you're hugging me..."
Lian Yuliang couldn't finish her sentence, because Huangfu Zhiyi, taking advantage of her open mouth, roughly thrust his engorged penis into her mouth.
"Don't want me? You dare not want me? Are you thinking of other men?" Ignoring her feelings, he was furious when he heard her want to push him to the princess, and he forced her to accept him.
"Ugh..." Forced in by his hardness, she painfully opened her mouth, taking his burning heat into her mouth, enduring his beastly attack.
Unexpectedly, his rough actions elicited a reaction from her body, a clear fluid continuously flowing from her lower body, sliding down her inner thighs in large quantities.
Lian Yuliang cried helplessly, hating her shameless and degrading reaction, yet her genitals undeniably yearned to be filled by his manhood, her vulva undulating and contracting incessantly…
Huangfu Zhiyi reached out and grabbed the back of Lian Yuliang's head, forcibly pulling her head towards his crotch, forcing her to open her mouth wide to swallow his thick, long penis.
Huangfu Zhiyi moved his hips back and forth, trying to ignore Lian Yuliang's crying, thrusting himself into her small mouth, each thrust reaching the back of her throat, the urge to vomit making her painfully press her hand against his firm, taut abdomen.
“Ugh… ugh…” Lian Yuliang could only try to open her mouth wide, the saliva she couldn't swallow overflowing from his thrusting penis, flowing down her delicate chin.
He withdrew his throbbing, thick penis from her mouth, pushed her back, pulled up her legs, and forcefully spread them apart, lifting her buttocks into the air. Then, he thrust deep inside her, the sounds of their bodies colliding filling the room.
"Ah...ah...no..." Lian Yuliang cried out, but her body, yearning for pleasure, screamed for more.
"No? You say no, but look at yourself, how tightly you're sucking me in..." Huangfu Zhiyi mocked Lian Yuliang's body's reaction.
Huangfu Zhiyi straddled the bed, one foot on the floor, thrusting forward forcefully. His large hands lifted her from her knees, raising her buttocks high, and the fragrant, slippery love juice overflowed from her opening, flowing down her lower abdomen.
"Look how lewd you are! So much fluid..." Huangfu Zhiyi panted as he moved, his words relentless, letting her know she couldn't resist his response.
He brought her to the brink of ecstasy, making her whimper and moan like a kitten in heat.
"Ah...it's coming...faster..." Lian Yuliang murmured unconsciously, her lips burning hot as if on fire, so red they looked like they were about to bleed.
Seeing this, coupled with the contracting of her inner walls, Huangfu Zhiyi knew she was about to reach climax, but he withdrew his lubricated penis.
"No...Yi..." The sudden emptiness in her lower body made Lian Yuliang cry out in pain.
Huangfu Zhiyi lay down, his erect penis standing straight and thick. Seeing this, Lian Yuliang took the initiative to straddle him, reaching out to straighten him and pressing her hips down.
"Ride me! My beautiful girl, ride hard..." Huangfu Zhiyi instructed Lian Yuliang.
She rode him up and down repeatedly, causing their pleasure to rise higher and higher...
days passed like this.
Huangfu Zhiyi was still angry about Lian Yuliang's desire to leave him and marry someone else, so he deliberately kept certain facts from her, intending to torment her until his anger subsided.
A little over a month after the grand wedding, good news spread from Feifeng Pavilion: the princess was pregnant.
Upon hearing the news, Lian Yuliang could no longer deceive herself; her man had long been with another woman, and he had even impregnated her.
After sitting in her room for an entire afternoon, Lian Yuliang made a decision. She sent Jin'er out of the manor to invite Lian Sheng.
Upon meeting him, Lian Yuliang immediately asked her brother, "Big brother, help me."
"What is it? Tell me." He would do anything for his sister, no matter how difficult.
"Brother Nian..." Lian Yuliang didn't know how to say it.
"Why are you mentioning that guy Nian Zhongming again?" The last incident had made Huangfu Zhiyi extremely jealous, and he hadn't expected his sister to bring it up again.
"Big brother, I hope you can talk to Brother Nian and ask him to help me. I want to be Brother Nian's second wife." She truly couldn't live like this anymore.
"Are you joking?" He asked a foolish question, but when he saw his sister shake her head, he realized she really intended to do it.
“Brother Nian will help me. He doted on me when I was little. I will take good care of Xiaoxiao.” Anyway, Nian Zhongming couldn't forget his deceased wife, and she couldn't be with another man. They could be a couple in name only.
“Zhiyi sent someone to our house, saying he'll formally marry you in three months. What's wrong with you now? Life is fine, why do you have to cause trouble?”
Lian Sheng really couldn't understand what his sister was thinking. He truly missed the adorable Lian Yuliang of the past.
“I don't want to! I want to leave him!” If she didn't leave, she would die.
"What are you thinking? Didn't you say you couldn't live without him?" Is it possible now?
Lian Yuliang closed her eyes, truly at a loss for words. "Brother, will you help me or not?" Her thoughts were beyond their comprehension.
"Help! How could I not help? But right now, your man has to let you go!" Unable to resist his sister's nagging, he finally gave in, knowing he didn't think they could actually leave.
"Jin'er, where is the eldest young master?" Lian Yuliang called Jin'er in.
"In… in Princess Xianglian's room." But Jin'er dared not speak.
"With the princess?" Probably? Now that she was pregnant, he must be overjoyed!
"Yes," Jin'er replied.
Lian Yuliang turned to Lian Sheng, "Brother, let's go back to the embroidery workshop now!"
"Sigh! Let's go!" Lian Sheng had no choice but to comply with Lian Yuliang's wishes; it seemed she intended to leave without saying goodbye.
But as Lian Sheng had predicted, the two siblings couldn't leave Qingfeng Pavilion; they were stopped by the guards outside.
"What are you doing? Why are you blocking us?" Lian Yuliang hadn't expected there to be guards outside Qingfeng Pavilion. "The eldest son of the Duke has instructed that your family is allowed to come in to visit you, but you cannot leave Qingfeng Pavilion," the guard said politely but firmly.
"Get out of the way!" Lian Yuliang angrily tried to push the guard away.
"Miss, please don't do this. What if you get hurt?" Jin'er pulled Lian Yuliang back, afraid she would hurt herself.
"Yu'er, listen to me, don't get agitated." Lian Sheng was also worried about his sister getting hurt.
Just as they were pulling and tugging, a large group of people suddenly entered from outside. Leading the way was Huangfu Zhiyi, followed by Huangfu Jiacheng and his wife, and even Princess Xianglian had come. Besides the masters, there was a large group of maids and servants following behind, making their way in a grand procession.
It turned out that the guards, seeing that things were not right, hurriedly sent someone to invite Huangfu Zhiyi over. Upon hearing the news, Huangfu Zhiyi, disregarding Princess Xianglian, turned around and ran outside in front of his parents.
Seeing Huangfu Zhiyi's unusually anxious and ashen face, Princess Xianglian and the Huangfu couple disregarded everything else and followed behind him.
"What are you doing?" Huangfu Zhiyi shouted, looking at Lian Yuliang, who was arguing with the guards regardless of her own safety.
Seeing the furious Huangfu Zhiyi and Princess Xianglian behind him—whom she recognized from her attire despite not having met her before—Lian Yuliang felt a pang of pain in her heart. Ignoring any sense of shame, she angrily demanded, "Why won't you let me leave?"
"Because I'm your man." Hearing Lian Yuliang say she wanted to leave him again, Huangfu Zhiyi was nearly driven mad with anger. Why couldn't she ever learn?
"You!" Clenching her fists, Lian Yuliang forced herself not to shout. She was truly tired of repeating the same heartbreak. "It won't be that soon! I want to marry Brother Nian. I beg you, please let me go!"
She was actually begging him to let her marry someone else? Upon hearing this, Huangfu Zhiyi's eyes turned red with rage. He strode forward, roughly grabbed Lian Yuliang, and shook her violently. "You dare? I told you, you'll never leave me for the rest of your life."
Seeing Huangfu Zhiyi's frantic actions, Lian Sheng rushed forward to pull Lian Yuliang away from his grasp.
Jin'er, who was closest to Lian Yuliang, was also terrified by Huangfu Zhiyi and cried, begging him not to treat Lian Yuliang like this.
"Quick! Quickly pull the young master away!" Seeing the situation was getting out of hand, Huangfu Jiacheng quickly ordered the guards to step forward and pull Huangfu Zhiyi away.
"Don't hurt Yu'er!" Liu Jiayun was worried about Lian Yuliang's safety.
In an instant, everyone was busy, and with great difficulty, they finally managed to pull Lian Yuliang away from Huangfu Zhiyi.
Lian Yuliang leaned weakly against the panting Lian Sheng, painfully watching Huangfu Zhiyi's frenzied appearance.
Holding Lian Yuliang at bay by A Lie and two burly guards, Huangfu Zhiyi, panting, stared directly into her eyes. "Let go! I told you to let go!"
A Lie, seeing that Huangfu Zhiyi had regained his composure, released his grip and gestured for the other two to do the same. He stepped back slightly, but remained on high alert, ready to stop Huangfu Zhiyi should anything go wrong.
Huangfu Zhiyi looked at Lian Yuliang and said, word by word, "If you want to marry, go ahead, but I will make you a widow immediately. For every man you marry, I will kill him!"
After saying this, Huangfu Zhiyi and Lian Yuliang locked eyes, neither uttering a sound.
Huangfu Jiacheng, standing to the side, dismissed all the bystanders. "Alright, all of you, leave! Xianglian, your health isn't what it used to be, be careful not to overexert yourself. Chunxing, quickly help the princess back to her room."
Before leaving, Princess Xianglian looked back at Huangfu Zhiyi and Lian Yuliang, her eyes filled with helpless guilt. She whispered something, which only Chunxing, the maid beside her, heard.
Chunxing nodded slightly, then walked towards Huangfu Zhiyi and whispered something in his ear. After Chunxing followed the princess away, Huangfu Zhiyi took a deep breath and walked towards Lian Yuliang. "

Mother , Brother Lian, don't worry! Leave Yu'er to me. This time, I will definitely resolve Yu'er's inner conflict." Huangfu Zhiyi was determined to tell Lian Yuliang everything and stop arguing with her. After saying that, he picked up Lian Yuliang and turned to leave Qingfeng Pavilion. "What are you doing? Where are you taking me?" Lian Yuliang was startled as she was lifted into the air, wrapping her arms around Huangfu Zhiyi's neck. "I'll take you to find a reason why you won't leave me again." Huangfu Zhiyi didn't even look at Lian Yuliang in his arms, and walked straight out of Qingfeng Pavilion. "A reason why I won't leave you?" Unless she was his only woman, she would want to leave him at any time! Lian Yuliang didn't believe Huangfu Zhiyi could find a good reason. "You'll know when we get there." Huangfu Zhiyi didn't explain further. Just like that, carrying Lian Yuliang, Huangfu Zhiyi walked to Feifeng Pavilion, which was being used as their bridal chamber. Ignoring the maids standing outside the door, he carried Lian Yuliang directly inside. As soon as they entered, Lian Yuliang saw Princess Xianglian sitting in the room, and realized that Huangfu Zhiyi had brought her to his bridal chamber. "You..." Lian Yuliang was about to explode, but Huangfu Zhiyi stopped her. " Be good, let us finish what we have to say, and then we'll see if you want to throw a tantrum or hit me, it's all fine." Huangfu Zhiyi held Lian Yuliang tightly, sat down on a chair, and placed her on his lap. Hearing this, Lian Yuliang, wary of Princess Xianglian's presence, stopped struggling, but stubbornly refused to look at anyone. "Chunxing, go outside and keep watch. Don't let anyone near." Hearing Princess Xianglian's clear, bell-like voice, Lian Yuliang shrank back, instinctively looking at the princess. Her features were exquisite, her long hair jet black and lustrous, her demeanor noble and elegant. Lian Yuliang was stunned by Princess Xianglian's beauty, only snapping out of her daze when her gaze fell on her still-flat stomach. She felt a pang of grievance and wanted to bury her face in Huangfu Zhiyi's arms to hide her impending tears. "Miss Lian, don't be so sad. Young Master Huangfu and I haven't consummated our marriage." Having clearly seen Lian Yuliang's reaction, Princess Xianglian quickly said the most important thing before she could cry. Hearing this, Lian Yuliang abruptly looked up. "Haven't consummated our marriage?" Had she heard correctly? Why couldn't she understand what the princess was saying? “That’s right! We were never together.” Princess Xianglian was more than happy to clarify again.

After a long pause, Lian Yuliang turned to Huangfu Zhiyi and demanded, "You two conspired to deceive me, didn't you? Do you think I'm a fool? If we haven't consummated our marriage, where did the child in your belly come from?"
"The child isn't mine." Huangfu Zhiyi kissed Lian Yuliang in his arms and told her this huge secret.
"You... what exactly are you doing? Explain yourself!"
"Let me tell you! Actually, I have someone I love. He's the commander of the palace guards. The Empress Dowager would never allow us to be together, so no one knows about our affair." Xianglian carefully explained the situation to Lian Yuliang.
"Just when we were feeling helpless and heartbroken, the Empress Dowager asked me to come back as a guest with my uncle and aunt, and she intended to arrange a marriage between me and Young Master Huangfu; but as soon as I arrived, I knew that Young Master Huangfu had someone else in his heart, and he only had eyes for you." Xianglian smiled gently at Lian Yuliang.
"Is that so?" Lian Yuliang turned to look at Huangfu Zhiyi behind her, and only after seeing him nod did she turn back to look at Princess Xianglian.
Seeing that Lian Yuliang's attention had returned to her, Princess Xianglian continued, "While Young Master Huangfu was taking me sightseeing, I told him everything and asked for his help. He agreed for your sake." Seeing that Lian Yuliang seemed about to speak, Xianglian stopped.
"Why for me?" Lian Yuliang asked, puzzled. What did this have to do with her?
"Young Master Huangfu will answer that for you!" Princess Xianglian tossed the question to Huangfu Zhiyi.
Huangfu Zhiyi turned Lian Yuliang's head towards him, gently stroking her delicate chin with his fingers. "Because even if I don't marry the princess, my parents will inevitably force me to marry another woman. So I might as well agree to help the princess and protect you."
"Then why didn't you tell me clearly from the beginning?" It was all because he hadn't been honest that she was hurt and sad! Lian Yuliang glared at Huangfu Zhiyi.
"At first, it was the princess's request, afraid that if people found out, it would harm her lover who was still in the palace; later, it was because you made me angry, so I deliberately didn't tell you." Pulling Lian Yuliang's hair, Huangfu Zhiyi was actually still a little bothered.
"How did I make you angry?" She hadn't! Don't put all the blame on her!
"Didn't you? Who said they wanted to leave me? Who said they wanted to marry someone else?" Huangfu Zhiyi wasn't angry until she mentioned it, then her temper flared up. "How can you be so heartless, without any lingering affection?"
"How many times do I have to say it? I don't want to share you with anyone else!" Lian Yuliang was also angry.
"You don't want to share me with anyone else, so you can leave me and marry someone else?" Huangfu Zhiyi's anger was no less than hers.
"Your thinking is too selfish. You can marry someone else, why can't I marry someone else? You..."
"Cough cough cough... Why are you two arguing?" Princess Xianglian looked helplessly at the two bickering lovers in front of her and couldn't help but speak up to stop them.
Distracted by Princess Xianglian, Huangfu Zhiyi and Lian Yuliang, who had been arguing fiercely, stopped talking and looked at Princess Xianglian, embarrassed.
"Sorry, we got off-topic." Huangfu Zhiyi tapped Lian Yuliang's head.
"Then, Princess, what about you..." Lian Yuliang hesitated, unsure how to ask, "What about you and him?"
Having resolved her own problem, she couldn't help but worry about Princess Xianglian.
Princess Xianglian smiled, "I'll wait for him! When he comes to find me, I'll leave with him, find a quiet and beautiful place to settle down, and live happily with my child."
Looking at Princess Xianglian's loving and happy expression, Lian Yuliang held Huangfu Zhiyi's hand tightly.
"Princess, can I call you Sister Lian from now on? I'll wait with you, I'll take good care of you, and we'll wait together for him to come to you."
Lian Yuliang's eyes welled up with tears; she thought Princess Xianglian was so strong and brave.
"Thank you! From today onwards, I have a lovely little sister." Princess Xianglian smiled sweetly and happily.
That night, with their misunderstandings cleared up, Huangfu Zhiyi and Lian Yuliang embraced sweetly, snuggling together in bed.
"Why did you keep saying you wanted to marry that guy? Did you already have feelings for him?" This was what Huangfu Zhiyi truly cared about and couldn't forgive Lian Yuliang for.
Lian Yuliang nestled her face against Huangfu Zhiyi's chest, listening to his heartbeat, and softly said, "The person in my heart has always been you. Brother Nian is the older brother next door I've known since childhood; he's very kind to me and Sister Ruyi. Back then, I just wanted to avoid you and the princess, so..."
Lian Yuliang's soft voice made Huangfu Zhiyi's heart flutter. His large hand, following his desire, gently caressed the rounded breasts pressed against his body. “Have you ever thought about what it might be like to be touched by another man… like this… and like this?”
Huangfu Zhiyi explained while demonstrating, cupping her soft breasts and kneading them incessantly, occasionally twisting her nipples, which protruded like pebbles, with two fingers. His other hand lifted her skirt, gently pressing the soft indentations through her thin undergarments.
“Ah… um…” Lian Yuliang’s face pressed against Huangfu Zhiyi’s heaving chest, moaning softly from his caresses. Her small hands gripped his shirt tightly, and she tried to explain to Huangfu Zhiyi. “No! I won’t… ah… I… I won’t let another man touch me…”
“Then who will touch you? Hmm?” Huangfu Zhiyi lowered his head and nibbled at Lian Yuliang’s smooth, delicate neck, his hands continuing their movements.
“You’re so annoying! You know perfectly well what I’m asking.” Lian Yuliang said coquettishly, her small hands reaching for his burning, erect manhood.
“So now you’re willing to be my concubine?” He lifted her slightly damp undergarments, lightly touching her smooth petals with his fingers.
“Yes, as long as you… completely… belong to me, I don’t care… about titles…” Her words were incoherent.
“Little vixen, um… harder…” Her movements up and down felt so good to him that he couldn’t help but ask her, his hands moving more intensely on her body.
Lian Yuliang straightened up and knelt in front of Huangfu Zhiyi. “Don’t move, I’ll do it!”
Her slender hands slowly peeled off her clothes under his gaze, occasionally reaching out to caress her round, soft breasts, her moist, red lips constantly emitting seductive moans.
Her passionate body gradually became naked before him, she spread her kneeling legs, her fingers sliding over her slender waist, her smooth abdomen, and then disappearing between her legs…
Huangfu Zhiyi swallowed, sweat dripping from his forehead.
“Ah… um… ah…” Lian Yuliang pulled at her nipples with one hand, while the other hand kept thrusting in and out of her flower cave, slippery juices flowing out and slowly sliding down her inner thighs.
He caressed and played with her in front of him, bringing Lian Yuliang close to orgasm. "Yi...faster...ah..."
Lian Yuliang's soft moans and the blush spreading across her body told Huangfu Zhiyi that she would experience her final pleasure in his presence. He quickly removed the rest of his clothes and pulled her down beneath him.
He pushed aside her small hands, wet with love juice, and replaced them with his own throbbing erection. "Wait for me! My beautiful lady..."
He thrust forcefully, penetrating her repeatedly. An endless entanglement of love and desire shrouded the night in an ambiguous haze...
To everyone's surprise, Lian Yuliang didn't resist again, obediently marrying into the Huangfu family three months later. Huangfu Zhiyi's wives and concubines had a relationship as close as true sisters, sometimes even making Huangfu Zhiyi jealous.
After several months of happy and peaceful days, Princess Xianglian tragically died during childbirth, along with her child. This devastated Huangfu Jiacheng and his wife, who were eagerly awaiting the birth of their grandson, and saddened everyone present.
Lian Yuliang, who was closest to Princess Xianglian, stayed in her room for many days until news of her pregnancy spread. Only then did the Huangfu family regain their vitality, and everyone cheered to welcome the arrival of another new life.
After Lian Yuliang safely gave birth to a son, one day she received a letter from an unknown source. She cried and laughed, hugging Huangfu Zhiyi with immense joy, but no one knew what the letter said. "Sister Yu'er: We are so happy to hear that you have safely given birth to a baby boy. We are enclosing a longevity locket, which is a pair with our Xiaoying, as a gift for the child. We hope he will grow up safe and healthy.
Xingyun, Xiaoying, and I have found a very beautiful and peaceful little village. We have decided to settle here. In the future, when the children are a little older, we will find time to meet!
Thank you, and thank you, Young Master Huangfu, for allowing our family to be together so happily."

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