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

News of the noble prince's death arrived at this time.

Xia Muning was immediately struck by a deafening roar, his expression went blank, and his initial imposing aura vanished instantly in the wind.

Like all vulnerable people who have lost loved ones, he collapsed to the ground.

Fang Shilian stepped forward and supported him, who was extremely fragile.

Xia Muning quickly pushed her away, went into the room, and never came out again.

Only Shi Shu came out and said, "Miss, the young master wants you to leave."

But Fang Shilian did not leave and stayed outside all night.

Even though Xia Muning only showed vulnerability for a moment, it still deeply moved Fang Shilian.

Her Mu Ning should look at her pitifully, pleadingly, like any husband who treats his wife with utmost respect, instead of sitting high above her, looking at her with disdain.

Her suffering that night was not in vain; her waiting and her deep affection would spread to every corner of the Xia mansion and reach the ears of Zhong Tian, ​​who came to visit Xia Mu Ning.

.......

Zhong Tian carefully examined Xie Muning. Even with the subtle concealing effect of foundation, the redness and swelling in his eyes were still visible.

He shouldn't have come out to meet guests, as it would have been extremely impolite, but at this moment, he couldn't wait to see Nakata.

The porridge on the table had stopped steaming.

Shi Shu brought in another bowl of porridge and gave Zhong Tian a wink, signaling her to try and persuade him.

Try to persuade her? What makes her think she has the ability to do these things?

"This is porridge from the kitchen. Have some, so you don't harm your health."

To everyone's surprise, Xia Muning actually picked up the soup spoon and slowly drank it down.

Xia Muning forced a conversation with her: "I heard that Madam Zhong is going to open a new restaurant. I wonder if you have thought of a name yet?"

"Think about it."

"what is it call?"

"May you enjoy your private kitchen."

May you be well? May the summer be peaceful.

Upon hearing this name, Xia Muning truly felt Zhong Tian's affection for Xia Jin'an.

His eyes were a little hot, but he found it hard to shed tears. From a young age, he was taught to be dignified, to smile without showing his teeth, and to never lose his composure in front of others, even when he was emotionally broken.

Nakata felt that it was rather inappropriate to say these things in front of a family member who had just lost a loved one.

Moreover, suppressing emotions can harm one's health.

“Young Master Xia, keeping your pain bottled up will only lead to trouble! I’ll take you somewhere.”

"Where?"

"Walk."

"Young Master?" Shi Shu quickly stepped forward to stop him.

"It's alright. Just stay home and be careful not to let your father know."

"……it is good."

Zhongtian led Xia Muning to the back mountain. It was an extremely quiet place, with frost covering the treetops due to the cold.

Xia Muning's heart was pounding.

When he came out, he avoided the servants who were sweeping and cleaning. He was alone with a woman in such a remote place. If she had any ill intentions, wouldn't he be putting himself in danger?

In his 19 years of life, he rarely did anything so risky.

“Young Master Xia, shout it out loud, cry it out. No one will see it, no one will hear it. When my grandmother passed away, I went to a mountain valley and cried until I almost fainted. But after crying, I felt much better. Family members can only accompany us for a part of our life's journey. We still have to live our own lives.”

"I'll go over there."

After saying these words, Nakata left.

Xia Muning watched Zhong Tian's departing figure, and tears streamed down his face.

He was taught from a young age that he could not be rude or presumptuous, and that he should be honored and wealthy, but who knew the pain in his heart?

Soon after, Nakata heard heart-wrenching cries.

Only when the crying gradually subsided did Nakata slowly appear.

Xia Muning's face was flushed, but she looked much better. When she saw Zhong Tian, ​​the smile on her lips was no longer so forced.

"Are you feeling better?"

"much better!"

"That's good then." Zhongtian glanced at the sky; it was getting late. "Let's leave."

"it is good."

Zhong Tian walked ahead, and Xia Muning followed slowly behind. For some reason, Xia Muning's thoughts returned to that night when he was lying on Zhong Tian's back.

He always felt at ease wherever Zhongtian was; she would use her wings to create a sky for him.

……

"Is that Xia Muning?"

Ding Yucheng, who was about to go find Xia Fang, slowly stopped and concealed himself.

He watched coldly as Zhong Tian and Xia Muning walked one after the other. Even though there was no intimate behavior between them, his male intuition told him that there was something ambiguous between them.

This gradually increased Ding Yucheng's doubts.

Would Xia Muning, with his pride and arrogance, possibly be interested in the utterly useless Zhong Tian? Is Zhong Tian, ​​whom he is so eager to get rid of, the same person others would covet?

"Liang Yun, keep an eye on Young Master Xia; you might discover something."

"Yes..."

Zhongtian has temporarily left. Once the imperial decree arrives, Zhongtian will prepare gifts and come to the Xia residence to offer condolences.

Xia Muning stood there, his gaze lingering even long after Zhong Tian had left. Every time Zhong Tian departed, he looked forward to their next encounter.

"Mu Ning, your gaze is too presumptuous."

Xia's father's voice came over, extremely cold, like snow in winter.

Xia Muning's face paled slightly. He turned his head and hurriedly explained, "Father, you've misunderstood."

Xia's father did not listen to Xia Muning's explanation. He simply stepped forward, took his slightly cold hand, and said gently, "Child, it's cold outside. Come inside and talk."

"it is good."

The charcoal in the room emitted a warm light. It was a royal tribute, a gift from His Majesty to Consort Gui because of her pregnancy. Consort Gui, feeling sorry for her younger brother who was weak in winter, specially saved it to send to the Xia residence. There were only two baskets, both in Xia Muning's room.

Upon seeing the charcoal, the two people, who had just stopped crying, had their eyes redden again.

The death of his beloved son dealt a heavy blow to Xia's father, and his clothes hung loosely on him. Overnight, time seemed to have rushed by, and he had aged considerably.

The servant brought in two cups of tea and then quietly left.

Mr. Xia picked up a cup of tea and sipped it slowly. The rising steam wafted across his face, his expression shifting uncertainly. "You like Zhong Tian?"

Xia Muning instinctively wanted to deny it.

“Your father has been through it all. The way you look at Zhongtian is the same way I’ve looked at your mother.”

Xia Muning knew that there was no point in making excuses anymore.

He slowly walked over, grabbed Xia's father's sleeve, and leaned on Xia's father's knees: "Father, I love Zhong Niangzi, please grant my wish."

Father Xia lovingly stroked his son's hair, his movements gentle, but his tone was cold: "My son, you are too naive. I've heard that Madam Zhong is already pregnant with Xia Jin'an. What makes you think you are? My Xia family cannot afford to lose face like that!"

After saying that, Xia's father suddenly stood up: "Sever this relationship, or I will take Zhongtian's life."