Chapter Three, he is the only thought in my mind.

However, from beginning to end, the person who should have appeared disappeared, as if evaporated from the world. Tang Ninghui is not a fool. She already knew it in the interrogation room. Even the person who approached her had ulterior motives, but she just didn't want to admit it.

After being passed around, the news eventually reached Madam Lu's ears. She went to whisper in front of Tang Lushi, "Madam, this is a great opportunity for our young master. It is said that Li Datong now controls the military power of Ningzhou and Suzhou. It is also said that his family has shares in various businesses such as banks, foreign firms, and mining companies in these two places. If we marry Miss Tang to him, what else do we have to worry about? Not to mention business, even if our young master wants a government position, it would be an easy task."

Moreover, the Li family in Ningzhou has been a prominent family for centuries. By marrying her into the Li family, the lady did not bring shame upon our Tang family. It also serves as a proper explanation to the ancestors buried in the grave.

After the play ended that day, he escorted her home, but still did not inform her whether it was or not. With just a smile, he said, "In a few days, let's go watch a movie together, and then I will tell you."

During this period, the "Sixteen Secret Agreements" between Liu Zongliang and the Russians, which were kept in the dark, were exposed by the newspapers, causing a huge uproar nationwide. Democrats, royalists, constitutionalists, and others all criticized and demanded that Liu Zongliang step down, along with the people across the country. Although warlords in various regions remained silent, they were all eagerly watching the drama surrounding Liu Zongliang.

Madam Lu stepped forward and whispered, "Nowadays, many high-ranking officials and nobles like to take female students from Western schools as concubines, don't they?" Tang Lu's eyes flickered, "Are you suggesting that the maid... ..."

Seeing his son, Tang Shaoying, still wearing a disapproving expression, Tang Lushi spoke with emphasis and sincerity, "Isn't it all for your future? Mother can see that you're not cut out for business. But my child, with so many people in this family, how much do we need to survive each day? You've never carried the burden or managed a household, so you don't know the weight of that burden or the pain of being the head of a household. If our Tang family continues like this, we'll be reduced to eating bran and choking on vegetables." These words struck a nerve with Tang Shaoying, who hung his head and dared not speak again.

Tang Ninghui nodded and walked straight through the courtyard to Tang Lushi's bedroom. Tang Lushi was taking a walk in the yard with the help of Lu Daniang. When Tang Ninghui saw her, Tang Lushi instructed Lu Daniang, "You can go down and let Ninghui help me to rest in the room."

After a while, he finally spoke up, "Miss Tang?" He seemed hesitant, paused for a moment, and then asked softly, "Miss Tang, I would like to ask you a question. If I want to invite a girl to watch a movie, what kind of excuse do you think would be better?"

That person listened to her reasoning, but couldn't make a decisive decision. He was also hindered by Zhou Lu's meticulous arrangements, and couldn't use severe punishment on her. He could only withhold food and water, let her go hungry for a while, and consider further action later. This can also be considered as a way to explain to his superiors.

On this day, Tang Lushi saw the autumn wind suddenly rise and the yellow leaves falling. Thinking about the current situation of the Tang family, her mood was extremely sorrowful. She sighed deeply and spoke some personal words to Mrs. Lu, saying, "These past few days, I have been thinking about Bao Hui and Shuang Hui every day. Bao Hui married Zhong Zhou far away, and Shuang Hui married Hai Chuan far away. Although they both married into good families, the distance is vast. You see, I am bedridden now, Bao Hui is pregnant, and Shuang Hui has to serve her in-laws. It is difficult to even meet each other. Alas, if I had known earlier, I would have preferred them to marry ordinary families in Ningzhou, so that we could be together every day and not be separated like this." You see, I am bedridden now, Bao Hui is pregnant, and Shuang Hui has to serve her in-laws. It is difficult to even meet each other. Alas, if I had known earlier, I would have preferred them to marry ordinary families in Ningzhou, so that we could be together every day and not be separated like this.

Upon learning the news, Tang Ninghui was struck as if by a bolt from the blue, and had no choice but to escape from the Tang family through the back door late at night.

Tang Shaocheng married her at a young age, not without affection. At that time, keeping a troupe of actors was just being instigated by bad friends, indulging in temporary pleasures. The quarrels were just angry words. Seeing her like this now, my heart aches. He reached out and held her in his arms: "Ruyi, it's all my fault. I swear, if I ever let you down again in this lifetime, I will not die a peaceful death."

Tang Ninghui's expression slightly stiffened, and she answered him somewhat rigidly: "I think it would be better for you to ask the girl you want to invite even Mr. doesn't know the answer to this question." Her lips curved into a beautiful arc and she added, "But I am asking, aren't I?"

Tang Ninghui tightly bit her lips without making a sound, tears streamed down from the corners of her eyes drop by drop, falling onto her clothes one by one.

This is just a little trick, but one deceives, and the other willingly allows themselves to be deceived.

Because Na Bao and Xuan are not far from the City Hall, they didn't take a Huang Bao car. They strolled along the street leisurely. After a short while, they heard a braking sound, and a black car stopped beside them. Someone rolled down the window and said, "Miss Tang, Miss Zhou."

Li Datong, the son of the Li family, won several battles and was gaining power under Liu Zongliang's command. Even Wang Xiaoxiang lowered his status and tried to build a close relationship with him. However, Li Datong's legally-wedded wife has not given birth to a son yet. Therefore, the Li family announced in Ningzhou that they were looking for a good concubine for their son, Li Datong.

Many years later, Tang Ninghui recalled and felt that she was young and ignorant, foolish and ridiculous. However, at that time, she was filled with joy, and her heart and mind were all about him.

Today, after enduring countless hardships, Wang Wenjin finally uttered a sentence to Xiao Tang: "You can leave now. Remember, not a word of this can be leaked."

Thinking about it, Bai Ruyi has been in the Tang family for these years. Tang Ninghui has been kind and respectful to her. If it weren't for her advance notice about the incident at the Guanyin Temple, she might have been divorced and sent back to Suzhou long ago. It can't help but think like this: even if Tang Shaoye is not capable, it would be useless even if he had ten or eight sisters to be concubines for others.

Tang Ninghui eventually went to the theater as agreed. At that time, he was leaning against the car, with clear eyes and a calm demeanor, smiling at her quietly, saying, "Ninghui, I knew you would come." His tone and smile were so confident, and there was a star-like light in his eyes as he looked at her.

In the interrogation room, the interrogators were relatively polite to her: "Miss Tang, we only invited you in after understanding the situation. Director Wang from the Secretariat reported to us that only seven people in the entire Ningzhou Municipal Hall knew about the secret agreement between Mr. Liu and the Russians, and one of them is you. Also, only a few people in your Secretariat knew about Mr. Liu and Mrs. Liu's itinerary this time. After investigating, we found that you are the most suspicious, so please don't take offense, Miss Tang." At this point, the interrogator's tone became serious. "Miss Tang, I have said everything I need to say. Now it's your turn to speak."

Zhou Lu twisted her waist, gracefully approached him and sat down, softened her voice and coquettishly said, "My dear mayor, isn't this just a small matter for you to handle with a word?" Wang Xiaoxiang put his hand on her waist, pretended to ponder and said, "Or, why don't you tell me, what kind of excuse should I use to let Xiao Tang go?"

Zhou Lu is a perceptive person. With just one listen, she understands. Without asking further, she picks up her small handbag and says, "Let's finish work. I want to go to Baohe Xuan's shop to buy two servings of Suzhou-style pastries. Will you accompany me?"

Tang Lushi took another pair of agate earrings and put them in her hand: "Over the years, the old lady hasn't given you anything good. Take this. These earrings were brought over by the old lady from her family. You, as a young girl, are usually too plain." Tang Ninghui lowered her eyes and said softly, "Grandma..."

Empress in the Palace Bai Ruyi still refused to turn back. Tang Shaocheng touched her face and felt the cold and dampness in his hand. He quickly hugged her and said, "Ruyi, Ruyi, it's my fault, all my fault. Please don't cry."

During the past few years in Ningzhou, Bai Ruyi naturally knew that Li Datong had suffered from smallpox when he was young, but he was lucky enough to survive, leaving scars all over his face. Although the Li family was a prominent family in Ningzhou, their reputation was not good. Therefore, when people mentioned Li Datong in public, they would say, "That military commander of the Li family is awe-inspiring." However, behind his back, they would mostly curse him as "that pockmarked guy". As a daughter-in-law, Bai Ruyi naturally couldn't interrupt and could only listen silently. Although the Li family was a prominent family in Ningzhou, their reputation was not good. Therefore, when people mentioned Li Datong in public, they would say, "That military commander of the Li family is awe-inspiring." However, behind his back, they would mostly curse him as "that pockmarked guy". As a daughter-in-law, Bai Ruyi naturally couldn't interrupt and could only listen silently.

Tang Ninghui listened silently and only spoke up at the end, saying, "Yes, Madam Wu, it was not my elder brother's fault. He made a momentary mistake due to confusion. Now, my elder sister-in-law has locked him in the ancestral hall to reflect on his actions. He has realized his mistake, so please give my elder brother a chance, Madam Wu. There is a saying that it is better to dismantle a temple than to destroy a family relationship. Please consider my nieces' feelings and help speak a few kind words on behalf of my elder sister-in-law."

On the second day, Tang Shaocheng personally led four sedan chairs and went to Wu's house, apologizing to Bai Ruyi and swearing to never offend again.

Tang Ninghui responded with a "yes". Tang Lushi took out a beautifully carved box from behind the couch, took out several silver coins, and handed them to her. Tang Ninghui declined, "No, aunty, I have some." Tang Lushi said, "You take it. The Wu family is a wealthy household. Although our current situation is not as good as when your father was alive, we cannot let them look down on us."

At dusk, Tang Ninghui returned home. The gatekeeper, Ah Si, said: "Miss Four, Madam asked you to come to her room as soon as you return. She has something to discuss with you."

Lady Lu said, "I have been serving the madam for so long, wholeheartedly for the madam's well-being, for the young master's well-being, for the Tang family's well-being. Now it seems, should we not find a different path for the young master to walk?" Mrs. Tang-Lu did not understand, "Find a different path to walk?"

So, when she learned from her sister-in-law Bai Ruyi that her sister-in-law wanted to give her away to the Li family as a concubine, Tang Ninghui immediately ran to find him overnight.

The voice of Liantong is so low, yet it makes people feel at ease. In that moment, Tang Ninghui really thought that a lifetime is just a few moments. She and he can be together for a lifetime.

After Tang Ninghui sat down, she smiled and said, "Madam Wu, since you are so busy, I will get straight to the point. Please don't take offense. The incident with the actor was not my elder brother's fault. My sister-in-law is upset about it, and I understand her feelings. Madam Wu, what can we do to make my sister-in-law feel better?"

Zhou Lu pulled her forward with a smile and said, "Oh, Mr. Lian, what a coincidence." As they got off the car, she asked, "Where are you going? Let me give you a ride."

Tang Ninghui stood there, feeling a slight heat on her face. She secretly pinched Zhou Lu and Zhou Lu whispered in her ear, "Seize the opportunity today, it's better to do it now than later. Regarding the matter of the gift, you might as well ask clearly."

Tang Lushi said, "Take it." Tang Ninghui tightened her grip on the earring, and her mother's weak voice behind the door came to her mind, "Ninghui, after I'm gone, listen to your father and stepmother. Don't blame your stepmother, you're still young... sigh... These matters between women, I hope you never have to understand in your lifetime. Also, you must be filial to your father."

However, reality brutally tells her that it is true. Everything done was just a show, and all he wanted was information.

It is said that after Tang Lushi was infuriated by his son Tang Shaocheng keeping a troupe of actors outside, he was truly bedridden. This time, Tang Lushi was determined to properly discipline Tang Shaocheng, so she locked him in the house and made it clear that if Tang Shaocheng did not mend his ways, she would rather keep him locked up for the rest of his life.

After hearing these words, Bai Ruyi's heart warmed up: Although Shaoye was tempted to gamble and engage in prostitution, his nature is ultimately not bad.

Because of those pair of sheepskin boots, that night, Tang Ninghui tossed and turned, and many past events came flooding back like a snowstorm.

Bai Ruyi loves and hates Tang Shaocheng. Now she can't say anything and can only respond softly.

Grandmother Tang Lu has never gotten along well with me. Now, because she has given birth to three daughters in a row, she secretly resents it. Now, I don't even know if this pregnancy is a boy or a girl... What if it's another daughter...? Plus, if she finds out that it was leaked by her, she might get angry and might even send me back to my parents' house. Bai Ruyi has been thinking about it for a long time, but still can't make a decision.

Wang Xiaoxiang sat on the wide Western-style velvet sofa with his legs crossed, holding a pipe with a very difficult expression: "Xiao Zhou, I didn't mean to make things difficult for you. The matter of Xiao Tang is really difficult to handle. General Shuai urges me every day for the culprit... The disciplinary team also says that Xiao Tang is the prime suspect... If I let her go, I really can't explain to General Shuai."

Madam Wu also advised in the room, "Dear sister, Lady Tang has ordered someone to drive away that actor, and she has shown such a humble attitude. At this point, as your elder sister, I can only advise you to go back. Today, he came to apologize to you so grandly, giving you both substance and face. If I were to keep you here, it would be our fault." Pausing for a moment, she continued, "It seems that your half-sister-in-law is indeed a very clever person, understanding everything at once. Today, he came to apologize to you so grandly, giving you both substance and face. If I were to keep you here, it would be our fault." Pausing for a moment, she continued, "It seems that your half-sister-in-law is indeed a very clever person, understanding everything at once. Remember, when you go back this time, you must properly restrain your husband's bad temper. Also, take care of yourself and don't be foolish like before, coming to your sister's place whenever you have free time, drinking tea, playing cards, and listening to operas. Women, don't just live for men, you should also take care of yourself."

Zhou Lu pointed to the shop in front of them and said, "I don't want to trouble you. Ning Hui and I want to buy some snacks." Tang Ninghui looked at them and said, "How about I accompany you to buy them and then send you back home?"

I have bought some snacks and asked the driver to deliver them to Zhou Lu first. Before getting off the car, Zhou Lu gave Tang Ninghui a sly smile. Later, the two of them sat in the back seat together. Along with their light grey Zhongshan suits, their slender legs crossed on the side, even if they didn't say a word, they exuded a kind of elegance and nobility.

At that time, the entire Ningzhou city was under strict investigation. All relevant departments of the municipal government were in a state of panic. The inspection team conducted repeated investigations and finally identified several individuals, one of whom was Tang Ninghui.

Tang Ninghui was detained in the interrogation room for several days. Desperate, Zhou Lu tried every possible means and finally had no choice but to personally seek out Wang Xiaoxiang.

After the arrogant sister-in-law Bai Ruyi was brought back, she used the excuse of being pregnant and unable to work, and declined the position of managing the household affairs. The saying goes that there are three unfilial acts, and having no offspring is the greatest. This reason sounds plausible, and Tang Lushi couldn't refuse it either.

During work, as usual, Tang Ninghui was called by Wang Wenjin to the office to organize those treasonous materials. After a day's work, Tang Ninghui felt that she was suffocating from those unequal treaties, and her heart was heavy. In order to earn a meager salary, she had become an accomplice to treason.

Tang Ninghui quickly got up with a smile and said, "Madam Wu, hello." Madam Wu kept her composure and replied calmly, "Miss Tang, I apologize for keeping you waiting. As the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching in a few days, the entire mansion is busy preparing for the celebration. If there is any inadequacy in our hospitality, please forgive us."

That's how she followed him. She once thought she had found happiness.

After her parents passed away, Tang Ninghui knew that there was no one in this world who would feel heartbroken for her tears. Therefore, in these years at the Tang's house, no matter how hard or wronged she was, she never shed a tear. However, for some reason, at this moment, she burst into tears uncontrollably because of a single sentence that was said.

Tang Lushi spat on her son and said, "What do you know! Do you think your mother is willing to send her to be a concubine? Today, I just sent a photo. Even if I want to send her, I have to see if the Li family wants it or not."

As a result, Bai Ruyi became quiet. Her cousin would occasionally send maids to invite her to drink tea, watch plays, and engage in various pastimes. Bai Ruyi would go as promised. She had her hair styled and dressed fashionably, appearing completely different from before. Tang Shaoying began to take notice of her and would talk about her frequently, unlike before.

In the future, Miss Si gave birth to a child, and in the Li Mansion, she was considered a concubine, even surpassing the main wife. Wasn't Empress Dowager Cixi also from the Western Palace, a concubine of the Emperor? But she was fortunate enough to give birth to a son, and as the mother of the son, she became the Empress Dowager. Moreover, our Miss Si's appearance is outstanding even in Ningzhou. Madam, why are you afraid that she won't be able to win over General Li? ... Giving birth to a son and a daughter is just a matter of time, and then we will enjoy wealth and glory. Moreover, our Miss Si's appearance is outstanding even in Ningzhou. Madam, why are you afraid that she won't be able to win over General Li? ... Giving birth to a son and a daughter is just a matter of time, and then we will enjoy wealth and glory. ...

Before Zhou Lu arrived, she had already prepared for the worst. At this moment, she took the opportunity to snuggle up to him and said in a coquettish voice, "My dear mayor, you can use any excuse you want." Wang Xiaoxiang smirked and leaned in...

In this situation, Liu Zongliang and his wife went to their deepest roots in Ningzhou to avoid trouble. However, as soon as their special train arrived in Ningzhou, they were attacked. Mrs. Liu died on the spot, and Liu Zongliang was shot several times. Although he luckily survived, one of the bullets hit his spine, leaving him paralyzed in half of his body.

She trembled lightly in his arms: "But, but... if I don't go back, I'll never be able to go back in my whole life." With his lower jaw against her hair, he said slowly, "Then don't go back for the rest of your life, everything is with me."

The performance they were listening to was the most famous excerpt from the opera "The Story of the Jade Hairpin" by the renowned performer Yu Linglong. It was during the peak of Yu Linglong's career when she truly excelled in both singing and acting: "The sound of the vermilion strings fades away with endless sorrow, long sighs empty and follow the wind...". As the play unfolded, the singing was full of sorrow and lingering emotions, as if telling a story and shedding tears.

Bai Ruyi finally softened her heart and took the child back to the Tang Mansion. Tang Shaocheng seemed to have restrained himself, not lingering outside as before, and treated her better than before, showing some concern, as if it were the time of their initial marriage. Tang Lushi, upon hearing about his son and daughter-in-law's experience, also improved his mood, feeling happy in his heart, and his illness gradually improved. Not long after, there was news of Bai Ruyi's pregnancy.

The expression on Tang Ninghui's face seemed genuinely unaware of this matter. Tang Ninghui looked at him suspiciously and asked, "Isn't it you?" With a glimmer of light flickering in his dark eyes, he slightly curved his lips and smiled lightly, saying, "How about this, if you agree to go to the theater with me tomorrow, I will tell you whether it is true or not, how about that?"

Tang Ninghui was instantly stunned, her gaze colliding with his. Everything seemed to freeze in that instant. After a moment, Tang Ninghui regained her composure, she turned her head and softly said, "Mr. Lian, actually, I have a question I'd like to ask you." Her voice was low, with a hint of indescribable tenderness, "Go ahead."

That night, Tang Ninghui stood in front of Liantong, her teeth chattering from the cold: "Liantong, my aunt wants to send me to the Li family as a concubine..." Liantong gazed at her, and the next second, he embraced her: "Don't be afraid, you won't have to go back to the Tang family anymore."

Zhou Lu glanced at Tang Ninghui with a half-smile and said, "I have no objections, I just don't know if Ninghui has any objections."

The next day, as the first light of dawn appeared, Tang Ninghui got up early as usual, washed up, and before leaving, she gently touched her soft sheepskin boots and let out a sigh. She put the boots and other items back into the box as they were, and then with a creak, she opened the wooden door.

Even if Assistant Tang is imprisoned, he won't be at peace. Due to her anger, Bai Ruyi got herself imprisoned and kept clamoring to divorce Bai Ruyi. Under great frustration, Bai Ruyi took her three children to her cousin's house in the west of Ningzhou city.

Old Lady Lu hurriedly spat out, "Pah, what nonsense is Madam talking about? Both Miss and Second Miss are married into prominent merchant families. Even a strand of their hair is thicker than the thigh of an ordinary family... Miss and Second Miss are destined for wealth and glory!" Tang Lu sighed faintly and said slowly, "During my illness, I have come to realize the virtues of Ninghui, her courteous demeanor and thoroughness. It's a pity she wasn't born to me." After a pause, she continued, "These days, I have been pondering Ninghui's marriage. Unfortunately, our Tang family is no longer capable of arranging a good marriage for her."

On the second day, Tang Ninghui bought a gift and took a yellow cab to Wu's house in the west of Ningzhou City. Bai Ruyi's cousin, who became the head of the Wu family after her mother-in-law's early death, had intentionally been cold to Tang's family during her first two visits because of her anger towards her cousin's experience. This time, when Tang Ninghui requested to meet her, she knew she couldn't be too harsh, so she had someone lead her into the small hall and served her tea and snacks. After more than an hour, she finally entered the small hall slowly. This time, when Tang Ninghui requested to meet her, she knew she couldn't be too harsh, so she had someone lead her into the small hall and served her tea and snacks. After more than an hour, she finally entered the small hall slowly.

Zhou Lu rescued Tang Ninghui from the prison with her own body. After learning the truth, Tang Ninghui was moved to tears and said, "Zhou Lu, you are so foolish. You have ruined your whole life for me." Zhou Lu stood in front of the window for a long time and sighed softly, "Ninghui, there is nothing to ruin. I am no longer a young girl. Besides, if I didn't save you, you might not have escaped this time."

Tang Ninghui said, "Alright. I'll buy two copies and bring them back to Wen Huan and the others." Then, she took a cloth bag, held Zhou Lu's hand, and the two of them affectionately left the municipal hall.

But she foolishly thought she had found the lifelong support.

The interrogated person who was walking slowly naturally did not believe it. He coldly snorted, "Miss Tang, with your smooth talk and white teeth, how can I believe you?" Tang Ninghui said, "There must be a reason for everything a person does. Assassinating the general is a matter of losing one's head, and it may even lead to the extermination of the family. As a mere woman like me, why would I do such a thing?"

Tang Ninghui lowered her voice: "Confidential document. It's better for you not to know about this. I wish I could get rid of the documents in my hands as soon as possible."

Madam Wu picked up the teacup, elegantly raised her slender fingers, lifted the lid, and slowly took a sip. She said, "Ru Yi has told me that you are a sensible and kind-hearted person in the entire Tang family, and it seems to be true. Tang's sister, I am not intentionally making things difficult for you, but I cannot swallow this anger. Tell me, what did Ru Yi do wrong? After she married into the Tang family from Su Prefecture, she has been filial to her mother-in-law and served her husband. Can you find any fault in her behavior? Tang's sister, I am not intentionally making things difficult for you, but I cannot swallow this anger. Tell me, what did Ru Yi do wrong? After she married into the Tang family from Su Prefecture, she has been filial to her mother-in-law and served her husband. Can you find any fault in her behavior? Although she has not given birth to a child for the Tang family, she is still young and has plenty of time. But your elder brother, my cousin's husband, shows no mercy and even... sigh... But your elder brother, my cousin's husband, shows no mercy and even... sigh...

Tang Lushi paused and said, "It's not a solution for your sister-in-law and nieces to keep living at the Wu family's house. The last few times you went to see them, you said that the people at the Wu family blocked you from seeing them. This is ultimately the fault of your elder brother Shao Chengli, as well as our Tang family's fault. We can't blame Mrs. Wu for blocking us. Tomorrow, buy some gifts and go see them again. I think the Wu family won't block you from seeing them again this time."

That night, Bai Ruyi gently touched her swollen belly and looked at her maidservants sleeping soundly on the bed. In her heart, she wondered, "If Fourth Sister was the Empress Dowager's biological daughter, would she be so heartless as to send her away to become someone's concubine..."

Fortunately, there is Zhou Lu, otherwise she and Xiao Zhi would not be in this world early.

Tang Ninghui just shook her head and said, "It wasn't me who leaked it. Director Wang did ask me to organize the materials related to the confidential agreement, but how could I leak such confidential information to outsiders? The disclosure of the whereabouts of Liu Dashuai and Mrs. Liu is also not my doing."

Tang Lushi suddenly raised his eyes, then slowly lowered them again, meditating for a while before saying, "You speak lightly, but if we were to take that path, it wouldn't be so easy. If the master were here, perhaps there would still be some way and assurance. But now, even if we wanted to help the young master secure an official position, where could we find someone to pave the way? Moreover, the amount of money involved is not insignificant."

Tang Ninghui asked, "Are those boots and coat from you?" Lian Tong looked puzzled and replied, "What boots and coat?"

Tang Ninghui's heart "thumped" with a missed beat, accompanied by a sound. As she turned her head, his smiling face came into view. Perhaps it was because of the perfect autumn sunlight, his smile was as refreshing as the first clear sky after snowfall, exuding a charming and compelling aura.

Never thought that the self-proclaimed happiness would only last for a few short months.

Madame Lu said, "Also, the young master of the rice shop...". Tang Lushi hesitated and said, "Is it the one who has already lost several wives and concubines? I heard he mistreats his wives."

Tang Shaocheng pushed open the door and entered the room. He saw that Bai Ruyi, who was originally plump due to childbirth, had become thin and unrecognizable, wearing a flowing cheongsam made of chiffon. He approached and called out, "Ruyi...". But Bai Ruyi kept her back turned, refusing to look back. Her shoulders trembled, clearly sobbing.

Not long after, news came from the Li family, saying that they were interested. Bai Ruyi couldn't bear it anymore, so she secretly informed Tang Ninghui: "Fourth sister, you are a clever person, if...". She didn't say much, and finally only said, "You think of a solution yourself, how to solve this dilemma."

Lady Lu said, "Madam, if I may speak my mind, please do not punish me." Tang Lu Shi took a moment before responding, "Go ahead, speak."

As soon as Tang Ninghui left Wang Wenjin's office, she breathed a sigh of relief. In the secretary's office, Zhou Lu was sticking a yellow flower on the mirror. When she saw Tang Ninghui come in, she quickly put down the mirror and asked, "What did Wang Wenjin want you to do in his office these past few days? It seems suspicious to me."

Tang Ninghui hurried over to support Tang Lushi. After walking for a while, Tang Lushi was a little out of breath, so Tang Ninghui quickly poured a cup of warm tea and served it to Tang Lushi.

Tang Lushi's gaze passed through the window: "Although a married daughter lives in her husband's home, in case of trouble, she still relies on her natal family. But now, if the Shao Cheng is so incompetent, in case something happens to Bao Hui and Shuang Hui, there will be no one to support them."

Lady Lu said, "For example, why not donate an official position like our ancestors did? Young master has studied for so many years, his mind is filled with knowledge. Otherwise, madam, perhaps you can find a way for the young master to pursue an official career. Who knows, he might follow in the footsteps of our ancestors, gaining higher ranks and bringing blessings to future generations!"

Tang Family, in the eventful autumn, finally ushered in a few days of tranquility.

Tang Lushi remained silent, as if carefully pondering something. Then, he quietly drank the medicine and gestured for Luda-niang to leave.

Mrs. Wu put down the teacup, let out a long sigh, and said, "If only I had known earlier, why did I have to do it in the first place." Tang Ninghui saw her tone gradually soften and seized the opportunity to say, "Mrs. Wu, to be honest, my eldest aunt has been unwell these days, and she has been thinking about her sister-in-law and several nieces. Now, it's almost Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a time for family reunion. Please advise me, Mrs. Wu, how can we have a reunion dinner for our Tang family this autumn?"

Lady Lu said, "It is the decree of the parents and the words of the matchmaker. Now that the master is not here, isn't it up to the lady to decide on her marriage? If the young master can take the official route and have a bright future, even if he sends that girl to serve as a maid in someone else's house, it wouldn't be excessive to serve and wait on them. Does she really expect the young master to not do well, to not hope for the Tang family to do well?"

Madam Lu is very eloquent. After a few times, Tang Lushi was moved and brought her son and daughter-in-law to discuss the matter. After hearing this, Tang Shaocheng said indignantly, "Mother, with the appearance of Fourth Sister, it would be a pity for her to become the legitimate wife of someone surnamed Li. This is inappropriate. Although father has passed away, the son is not incompetent and cannot send Fourth Sister to be someone's concubine."

Mrs. Wu said calmly, "You should go back first. The one who tied the bell should untie it. We should let Ru Yi resolve her anger in the same way it arose. If Madam Tang asks, tell her exactly what I said." Tang Ninghui quickly replied, "Thank you, Mrs. Wu. I will take my leave now." Mrs. Wu said, "No need for me to see you off. Take care, Miss Tang."

She couldn't help but think of the Bai family's century-old family motto: "Being mean doesn't make money, being loyal and honest doesn't lose out." For a moment, her mind was in turmoil, and she really wished she could immediately go and explain it clearly to Tang Ninghui, so that she could be cautious and find a way to avoid this marriage proposal.

The first ray of autumn sunlight gently spills into the courtyard, while the chrysanthemums bloom vigorously like clouds of blossoms. The air carries a clear and chilly sensation.

Tang Ninghui hurriedly said, "Madam is busy with important matters. Being able to spare time to see Ninghui, Ninghui is already grateful beyond words." Mrs. Wu's expression softened at this point and she invited, "Miss Tang, please have a seat."

After a moment of silence, Tang Lushi sighed again: "If she had the fortune to go to the Li family and give birth to a son, then you, as her uncle, could secure a position in the army or the municipal education department and live a stable life with a salary. When Wen Huan and the others grow up, they will also be official's daughters and can marry into good families." At this point, Tang Lushi was tired and dismissed them, saying, "You don't need to say more, I have made up my mind. It's late, go back and rest."

Old Lady Lu's eyes rolled, and she lowered her voice, saying, "Why hasn't there been any good marriage proposals? I heard that Mr. Wu from the east of the city is going to remarry." Tang Lu stared at her and said, "That man is much older than the deceased master."