Just then, Peony's worried voice came from behind him. "My darling Yu, what should we do now? Lady Yunluo knows about us. I'm afraid she won't let us off."
Zhang Yu was still seething and blamed Peony for everything that had happened. At her words, he slapped her angrily. "It's all your fault for coming to see me today! You ruined my grand plans!"
The force of Zhang Yu's slap knocked Peony to the ground. She clutched her cheek in pain, a flash of hurt crossing her eyes, but at the sight of his dark expression, she dared not say anything more. She could only silently endure his anger.
After striking Peony, Zhang Yu sat down at the table. As he surveyed the shabby room, his expression grew frighteningly grim. Pei Yunluo had already been so utterly bewitched by him. Just one more step, and he could have become the prized son-in-law of the Chancellor's Residence. Today, all of it had been ruined. Fury and regret filled his heart.
"Jade Darling, let's run away together. Lady Yunluo has discovered our affair. She won't let us off," Peony said softly, approaching him with care. The mark of his slap still lingered on her face, but she dared not utter a single complaint. She had fallen for Zhang Yu at first sight. Of all the clients she had served, he was the handsomest and had treated her the most gently.
A flicker crossed Zhang Yu's eyes as he listened. He thought Peony had a point. If Pei Yunluo went home and told her family about their affair, they certainly wouldn't spare him. At that thought, he hastily rose to pack his belongings.
Meanwhile, Pei Yunluo stormed out of Zhang Yu's home and headed straight for the main street. She was in a terrible mood and wanted to vent her anger by buying clothes and jewelry. She had never imagined she could be so blind as to treasure a hypocrite. Remembering how she had called Zhang Yu "Jade Darling" over and over made nausea surge through her. She wished she could give herself a few resounding slaps. Everything Ning Sang-sang had mentally scolded her for was right. There really was something wrong with her!
Sitting in the carriage, Ning Hui listened to the lively cries of the street vendors and felt an irresistible itch to go out and explore. He knew his second brother was a spoilsport who wouldn't go strolling, so he spoke directly to Ning Sang-sang. "Sis, let's go have a look around."
Ning Sang-sang had been thinking the same thing, so she agreed with a smile. "Sure."
Inwardly, she said, [This little brother and I really are of one mind. I'd only just thought about going shopping, and he suggested it.]
Hearing Ning Sang-sang's thoughts, Ning Hui couldn't help marveling to himself: It's wonderful to have a sister who isn't a spoilsport. From now on, I can invite her along when I go shopping.
Seeing that Ning Sang-sang wanted to browse the streets, Ning Chengxiao didn't stop them. He had the carriage halt in an open spot, and the three of them got out to wander along the street. Eager to please, Ning Hui told Ning Sang-sang, "Sis, pick whatever you like. Our second brother will pay."
Ning Chengxiao shot him a speechless glance, but Ning Hui said with a perfectly straight face, "You have money, second brother. I don't. So you should buy things for Sis."
There was nothing wrong with that logic! But Ning Chengxiao didn't want Ning Hui using his money to curry favor with Ning Sang-sang, so he looked at her and said, "Sang-sang, tell me if there's anything you like. Your second brother will buy it for you."
"All right." Ning Sang-sang nodded with a smile, thinking, It's wonderful to have the script where I'm everyone's darling.
Ning Sang-sang and her two brothers wandered aimlessly through the streets for a while. Then she began to feel hungry, so the three of them found a nearby restaurant to eat.
No one spoke during the meal. They all ate quietly until a clear female voice suddenly rang out. "Ning Sang-sang..."
Ning Sang-sang looked toward the voice and saw Pei Yunluo striding toward them. Finding her here made the corner of Ning Sang-sang's mouth twitch.
[Why is Pei Yunluo like a ghost, turning up wherever I go? Shouldn't she be at the Chancellor's Residence right now, hovering around Su Miaoling and asking her to become her eldest brother's wife? What is she doing here?]
Pei Yunluo marched up to Ning Sang-sang in a fury and demanded, "Ning Sang-sang, is the food at our Chancellor's Residence not good enough? You actually came all the way here to eat?"
Pei Yunluo was still simmering over Zhang Yu, with nowhere to vent her anger. When she saw Ning Sang-sang, who had made her recognize his true colors, she couldn't help lashing out at her unreasonably.
Ning Sang-sang: "..."
[Did Pei Yunluo have a grudge against me in a past life? She goes mad whenever she sees me.]
Pei Yunluo ground her teeth in fury. She was just about to say something when she heard Ning Sang-sang continue:
[Pei Yunluo isn't quite right in the head. She needs to be sent to a specialist psychiatric institution for treatment. Hey! I've suddenly spotted a business opportunity. There are no psychiatric hospitals in ancient times. If I opened one here, I should be able to make money, right? Hmm... not a bad idea. I can give it a try someday if I get the chance.]
Pei Yunluo: "..."
Both Ning Chengxiao and Ning Hui thoroughly agreed with Ning Sang-sang's words. They thought Pei Yunluo wasn't quite right in the head.
Pei Yunluo was furious at her words, yet she had no idea how to retort. Taking a deep breath, she worked to calm herself before saying to Ning Sang-sang, "Ning Sang-sang, I want to ask you something?"
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