Did that mean the Young Mistress had seen her like this?

Aunt Huang and Chang Chunchun exchanged looks of profound fear.

“It’s bad, you two must leave quickly,” Aunt Huang urged. “The Marquis listens most to the Young Mistress. If she knows the young lady was frightened, or if she says anything, you’ll never set foot inside the Dingxi Marquisate again in your life…”

Chang Chunchun’s face was terrified, but the little girl suddenly reached out and tugged her sleeve.

“Mother, that Madam wasn't afraid of me…” she mumbled, “She even looked at my face…”

Because of her mouth and nose, her speech was whistly and indistinct, but Aunt Huang and Chang Chunchun clearly understood the words, and their expressions darkened further.

“And, she personally fed me this,” Yan’er held up the fruit for Chang Chunchun to see. “I said it was delicious, and she gave me this many…”

This much they had seen with their own eyes. Yan’er was timid and would never dare ask anyone for anything, so the gift must have been offered willingly.

Could this Young Mistress be…?

“Oh, right, the Young Mistress is a divine physician,” Aunt Huang suddenly realized. “She dared to cut open a person’s stomach; Yan’er wouldn't be afraid of this naturally.”

So that was it. Chang Chunchun breathed a sigh of relief, looked down at her daughter happily eating, and felt a complex swirl of emotions.

“Yan’er, how… how did the Young Mistress treat you?” she couldn't help but ask.

“Madam, she held me on her lap… asked me how old I was and what my name was… what I liked… and fed me fruit again…” the little girl immediately chirped happily, her eyes bright. It was clearly a pleasant experience for her, and the faster she spoke, the more indistinct her words became.

In all her young life, no one besides herself had willingly held the child. Not even her husband, who tolerated their presence, dared to look at Yan’er’s face while speaking calmly. Or rather, no one dared to look at Yan’er’s face—not even her own mother dared to look…

Chang Chunchun sighed sadly, watching her daughter display such unprecedented happiness.

“Mother, what kind of person do you think this Young Mistress is?” she whispered.

Aunt Huang sighed.

“I cannot see through her,” she murmured. “I have never met anyone like her…”

Chang Yuncheng returned before it was too late. As he entered, he first glanced toward Qi Yue’s side. Seeing the woman seated at the desk, he subconsciously let out a breath of relief; thankfully, she hadn't gone out running around again.

“You’re back?” Qi Yue, having naturally heard the maids’ reports, leaned over and tilted her head to greet him.

Looking at the gentle smile on the woman’s face as she leaned slightly from the inner room, Chang Yuncheng felt inexplicably soothed.

“Such lack of manners,” he said gruffly, pulling a stern face as he unfastened his cloak. “You’re still sitting now that I’ve returned.”

Qi Yue murmured an ‘oh’ around the brush she was holding.

“Oh? So should I be lying down instead of sitting?” she remarked casually.

Chang Yuncheng tossed his cloak to a maid and strode over. Hearing her response, he paused.

Lying down…

He couldn't help but shudder slightly, the image of the woman lying on the bed, smiling faintly at him, flashing across his mind…

The lingering scent of wine instantly sparked a flame in his eyes.

The bright lamps, the warm hearth fire, the heavy curtains drawn shut, and the woman sitting quietly over there—it was truly a tranquil and cozy evening.

Qi Yue disliked being waited on, so there were no maids in the room. Chang Yuncheng waved his hand, and the two maids attending him quickly left.

Qi Yue had spoken casually and already forgotten it, focusing intently on sketching various drafts. Suddenly, a warmth spread over her back, and someone sat down behind her.

Qi Yue jumped in fright.

“What are you doing?” she immediately stood up to move away, catching the faint scent of wine on Chang Yuncheng. “Have you been drinking?”

“Nonsense,” Chang Yuncheng replied crisply, reaching out to press down on Qi Yue’s shoulders.

The woman who had stood up immediately sat back down.

“Chang Yuncheng, three times and you’re out. You need to weigh that carefully,” Qi Yue decided not to evade anymore, sitting upright and stating in a low voice.

The aura emanating from the man was unmistakable…

“Weigh what? Can weighing help produce children!” Chang Yuncheng roared under his breath, reaching out unceremoniously to pull the woman into his arms.

What nonsense was this despicable man thinking! Driven only by his lust! He maintained a stern face all day long, appearing so proper, yet his mind was full of… this!

“You shameless wretch, what children are you talking about!” Qi Yue snapped in anger, struggling as she raised her hands. She was still holding her brush, and this sudden movement jabbed Chang Yuncheng in the face.

She was still using a brush made from a trimmed goose quill, and it immediately left a faint mark on his face. Though it didn't draw blood, it left a pale bruise.

“You wicked woman!” Chang Yuncheng cried out, leaning backward.

Qi Yue was startled too, quickly reaching out to examine his face.

“You didn’t poke my eye, what are you yelling about!” she sighed in relief.

Seeing that her first instinct was to check on him, Chang Yuncheng’s irritation evaporated, replaced by a persistent itch. He reached out again and pulled her into an embrace.

“Chang Yuncheng, I’m telling you, if you treat me like this again, I’ll move out right now,” Qi Yue said in a low voice, letting him hold her without resisting or moving.

This odious man always spoke things so bluntly. If she left the room at this hour of the night, the entire household would know by dawn!

“If you can manage to take one step out of this room, I’ll take your surname,” Chang Yuncheng snarled in anger, gripping her tightly in front of him with both hands.

“Chang Yuncheng, you’re doing it again!” Qi Yue trembled with rage, reaching up to twist his ear. “Are you even a man anymore! What do you take me for? A mere plaything for your release?”

“You crazy woman, why is your mind always so muddled! What do you think I take you for! You are my woman, my wife,” Chang Yuncheng retorted, surprised by her ferocity. His ear stung painfully where she pulled it. He twisted his head to break free, his voice rough. “My wife who will bear my children, that’s why I’m like this! If I weren't like this, how would we have children!”

This crude, straightforward declaration struck Qi Yue silent. It was utterly absurd, yet she somehow thought she could detect a hint of deep affection in those words…

“Now you remember children, but what about the way you treated me before…” she spat out.

“Don’t bring up the past with me! I didn't want it back then, is it wrong that I want it now?” Chang Yuncheng grew agitated, spitting out the words.

“You didn’t want it before, so why do you want it now!” Qi Yue was equally agitated.

“How should I know!” Chang Yuncheng snapped. “If I don’t want it, I don’t want it. If I want it, I want it. Why must there be so many reasons!”

Their conversation seemed strangely circular…

Qi Yue opened her mouth.

“You, you’re a weather vane! Wanting it one moment and not the next. Now you want it, but what if you regret it later? Will you tell me to get lost again?” she demanded angrily.

“Am I that kind of person? You think too little of me!” Chang Yuncheng roared. He felt a surge of relief after all the shouting. Looking at the woman whose face was flushed and eyes wide with anger, like a little beast ready to leap, the desire that had faded resurfaced. He reached out and pushed Qi Yue toward the bed. “You talk too much, woman. Let’s get to the important business…”

Get to your own important business!

When did this become important business!

“You dare! It’s not about whether you want it now, it’s that I don't want it! If you dare force me again, I’ll die to show you!” Qi Yue shouted.

Chang Yuncheng froze.

“What did you say?” he asked, sounding as if he had heard something entirely foreign.

“I said I don’t want to have children with you right now,” Qi Yue ground out through clenched teeth.

“What does a woman have to do with wanting or not wanting?” Chang Yuncheng frowned, clearly finding the concept strange.

Qi Yue stared at him, speechless.

This man… his brain was truly abnormal!

“Always muttering nonsense…” Chang Yuncheng mumbled again, deciding to put aside these silly thoughts for the moment. He reached out to pull at the woman…

It was so warm in the room; why was this wicked woman wearing so many layers…

Qi Yue snapped back to awareness and started hitting him—slap, slap, slap.

“You lunatic! It’s that I don't like you now, understand? I don’t want to sleep with you!” she yelled.

This woman was too noisy!

“Then when will you want to sleep with me!” Chang Yuncheng took a deep breath and stopped, asking the question.

That question was enough to choke her. Qi Yue stared at him.

“When I want to,” she bit out. “I don’t know when I’ll want to, but I know I don't want to now! You scoundrel, get away from me!”

Chang Yuncheng stared back at her.

After all that commotion, the effects of the wine had worn off, and the desire had dissipated. Chang Yuncheng released her, exhaled heavily, and sat down on the bed.

“Pour me some tea,” he commanded.

Qi Yue stood up resentfully, pulling at her own clothes and spitting disdainfully.

Chang Yuncheng sat brooding for a moment before having to fetch the tea himself.

Recalling the recent events and looking at Chang Yuncheng now sitting calmly, Qi Yue felt a strange awkwardness.

If this were the modern age, she would have called the police or severed all ties with this man long ago. But, strangely, why was she still standing here, composed and acting as if nothing had happened?

Oh, right. Perhaps it was because they were married. Even though their souls had swapped, no one else knew. In everyone's eyes, they were husband and wife…

Husband and wife…

“Chang Yuncheng,” she hesitated for a moment, calling out.

Chang Yuncheng drank his tea, ignoring her.

“You… you really don't plan to divorce me anymore?” Qi Yue asked, biting her lip.

“I already said I didn't plan to divorce you,” Chang Yuncheng replied irritably, putting down his teacup. “Since the rites have been completed, there is no reason to go back on them…”

“But you clearly don’t like me,” Qi Yue frowned.

“What does not liking you have to do with not divorcing my wife?” Chang Yuncheng frowned in return.

Right. Qi Yue suddenly understood. Forget this ancient era; even in her parents’ generation, couples married without love could live out their lives together.

If he liked her, he would treat her well; if not, he could simply ignore her—no moral constraints about marrying again or keeping mistresses existed.

“That way of thinking is wrong,” Qi Yue decided to educate him after a pause. “You should only be together if you like each other; if you don't, there's no need to force yourselves to stay together…”

Chang Yuncheng looked at her, his gaze implying she was an idiot.

Qi Yue was irritated by his look and slapped the table.

“That’s how I think, anyway. I don't care if you understand me or not, but you must not try to force me again. Even if we are to be husband and wife, it has to wait until I like you…” she declared.

Although her words were still strange, at least this time she hadn't demanded a separation. Chang Yuncheng finished his tea in one gulp.

“Too much talk. I’m going to sleep,” he said, standing up and leaving.

Qi Yue was left standing there, somewhat dazed.

Had their conversation just abruptly ended?

What had just happened?

Had she said something she shouldn't have?

To be a husband and wife…

Heavens, how could she… how could she possibly…

Could it really be worth trying?

Qi Yue turned to look at the bedroom across the room. When had that door stopped being closed? She could see directly inside.

The man in there was taking off his outer robe, revealing his strong, bare back.

That exhibitionist! Qi Yue’s face instantly flushed red. She quickly averted her gaze, walked over in a few steps, and pulled down the curtain.