Shocking! In this matriarchal society, every man wants to marry me!

Zhongtian's obvious defense was clearly seen by the people at the table, and their expressions immediately changed, and they stopped talking.

Night had fallen, and the banquet was over.

Jin Xia and the others were quick-witted; they greeted Zhong Tian and the others and then left.

Xia Fang and Xia Muning personally saw her off at the door.

The sedan chair bearers in the Xia family's carriage were already somewhat drowsy. She dozed off for a moment, then immediately became more alert.

Zhongtian escorted Xia Muning and Xia Fang to the door.

Xia Muning spoke very little today. Although he had a faint smile on his face, Shishu knew that the young master was in a bad mood.

She draped a cloak over him, served him food, and even subtly protected him—all of this was observed by him. Now, Xia Jin'an was following behind Xia Muning as they saw off guests, acting like a married couple, which made his eyes ache with jealousy.

But he also understood that there was no possibility between the two of them!

Zhong Tian first helped Xia Fang and Ding Yucheng onto the carriage. Ding Yucheng looked at Zhong Tian and said in a cool tone, "Madam Zhong, your new favorite is quite sharp-tongued. You may dote on him, but don't let him cloud your judgment."

Xia Fang glanced at Ding Yucheng.

Xia Jin'an also glanced at Ding Yucheng.

Ding Yucheng smiled and shut his mouth, reverting to his gentle and tender demeanor. He placed his hand on Xia Fang's hand and said, "My lady, I'm drunk. Would you mind helping me into the carriage?"

Ding Yu blushed and her beautiful eyes darted around.

Xia Fang's expression shifted, and she grasped Ding Yucheng's hand before getting into the carriage.

Xia Muning was still standing there, her small face tense, perhaps because of the cold outside.

Nakata thanked him, saying, "I must thank you for your order today. If you hadn't spoken up first, I would have had to go through so much more trouble."

"It's alright. I haven't had a chance to congratulate you on your housewarming. I was in such a rush today that I came empty-handed. It was really impolite of me."

"I'll be extremely happy if you come!"

His gaze shifted to Xia Jin'an, and he instructed, "Jin'an, take good care of Lady Zhong."

Xia Jin'an bowed and said, "Yes!"

Shi Shu helped Xia Mu Ning into the carriage.

Watching Xia Muning's carriage creak away, Zhong Tian looked at Xia Jin'an and said, "Let's go inside."

The carriage was lifted up, revealing a pair of beautiful eyes looking at Zhong Tian. She and Xia Jin'an were very close, and although there were no intimate gestures, it was clear that their relationship was unusual.

They only rolled down the car window when they could no longer see it.

He drank quite a bit tonight, and the alcohol stirred up his sorrows. Her mind kept replaying his conversation with Zhongtian, which was logical and measured, yet devoid of any ambiguity.

"Shishu, go and investigate Jin Xia and the others' backgrounds. It would be best to find something to hold against them."

It's easier to control someone if you have leverage over them.

"Also, go and tell the manager of the Xia family's shop not to make things difficult for Jin Xia and the others."

"Yes!"

Shi Shu is a bold person. She was warned just a few days ago, and today she is already having some ideas that are stirring in her mind.

“Young master, if you like Lady Zhong, why don’t you tell her your feelings?”

“Her,” Xia Muning said, unable to stop smiling.

"She's a blockhead; she has absolutely no feelings for me."

These words were tinged with bitterness from the moment they were spoken.

"If I were to rashly express my feelings, I would probably scare her and she would definitely reject me. I would be insulted for no reason. I won't do things that I'm not sure I can handle."

"...Young Master."

Shi Shu glanced at Xia Muning. The young master had a good background and good looks. It turned out that even he had someone he couldn't have.

Xia Muning still had some things he didn't say.

If he were an honest man from a humble family, he would have abandoned his dignity to seek any possibility, but he came from the Xia family.

It was impossible for him to be with Zhongtian. His feelings could not be known to others. If the Xia family found out, Zhongtian might be in danger of being killed.

My brother in the palace sent me a letter a few days ago, saying that he has been diagnosed with pregnancy.

The whole family was overjoyed; this was His Majesty's first child since ascending the throne.

The Xia family's status has risen accordingly. There is absolutely no way Xia Muning would marry a merchant.

...

Xia Jin'an walked behind and closed the door.

When he turned his head, he saw Zhongtian smiling at him and waving the thing in his hand.

Xia Jin'an looked closely and saw it was a jade pendant shaped like a fox. It swayed gently, its movement resonating deep within Xia Jin'an's heart.

He couldn't hide his surprise: "Master, is this for me?"

"Yes, I felt this was perfect for you, so I bought it."

Xia Jin'an felt extremely comforted; he liked the feeling that Zhong Tian kept him in his heart.

He looked at Nakata and shook Nakata's hand: "Master, did you like my dance today?"

"Of course I love it; your beauty is art."

“Then I’ll dance a song just for you!” Xia Jin’an smiled seductively. “I’m best at other things, would you like to see them?”

Nakata smiled indulgently: "Okay, just don't catch a cold."

"It's alright, please wait a moment!"

When Xia Jin'an came out, she had changed into a red dress, which jingled as she emerged. A red thread with a small bell was tied to her fair leg.

The extreme red and the dazzling white create a breathtaking beauty.

He wasn't wearing much, and as he twirled, his waist was faintly visible.

His eyes were fixed on Nakata, completely filled with Nakata's gaze. He had drawn a very long, upward-sweeping red eyeliner at the corner of his eye, which looked extremely beautiful.

Beauty is a feeling. Zhongtian thought that Xia Jin'an in front of him was like a bewitching fox, so beautiful that she was beyond compare.

The fox slowly approached Nakata and brought a glass of wine to Nakata's lips.

"We've had a great success today, shall we have a drink to celebrate?"

Nakata, still retaining his rationality, shook his head.

“Then drink it, and you watch.”

Xia Jin'an picked up the wine glass with her lips and slowly poured the wine in. A lot of the wine spilled and slowly flowed from the corner of her mouth to her throat, flowing into the unseen depths.

Xia Jin'an's throat moved slowly, and Zhong Tian could only see the faint outline of her pectoral muscles.

Nakata felt his face getting slightly hot; it was definitely completely red.

"Master, look, I have done a lot of good today. I would like to offer you a cup of wine. Won't you drink it?"

"…drink!"

Zhongtian, risking his life to keep his friend company, downed the cup of wine. The pungent and spicy liquor made his mind momentarily blurry.

She touched Xia Jin'an's face: "Jin'an, you are so beautiful."

Xia Jin'an moved closer, making it more comfortable for her to touch.

His gaze shifted to the table. He had prepared quite a bit of wine to get her drunk, but she was so intolerant of alcohol that even a small amount made her somewhat disoriented.

Xia Jin'an supported Zhong Tian, ​​whose body was somewhat limp.

Zhong Tian smelled pleasantly of alcohol, which made Xia Jin'an slightly tipsy. He whispered affectionately in Xia Jin'an's ear, "Master, this beautiful me is yours tonight!"