"Xiu'er, don't ask anymore. I'll handle it."
Hearing this, the Second Lady's delicate body trembled slightly. She smiled, wiped away her tears, and carefully nestled into Zheng Xiu's embrace.
Zheng Xiu gently patted Zheng Erniang's delicate back as if coaxing a child, whispering, "Alright. If you say not to ask, then I won't ask."
"Mm."
Zheng Erniang closed her eyes, her expression serene as her breathing gradually calmed. They remained in that embrace deep into the night, and at some point, she fell fast asleep, letting out soft, faint snores like a kitten.
Zheng Xiu tiptoed over, laid Zheng Erniang flat on the bed, tucked the blanket in tightly, and gently smoothed the slight furrow between her brows. Looking at the Second Lady's sleeping face, he inexplicably recalled the wild thoughts he'd had when facing the "Greed" Filthy Qi. He cursed himself under his breath and silently walked outside.
Beneath the moon and among the flowers, a cool autumn chill filled the night.
