Ties of Love, Ruan Wan

Having no other choice, Lou Qianyuan returned to Qin You's side and discussed the matter with him.

Qin You readily agreed and pulled Lou Qianyuan to complete the marriage ceremony on the spot, right in front of the mourning hall and in front of the guests coming to pay their respects. He really didn't care about etiquette.

The key point is that he was very outgoing and came to help every day, treating everyone like family, greeting guests, and helping with the funeral procession and weeping.

With this kind of public recognition, the entire capital city will consider him a relative of the Lou family.

Sun Shishi's empty coffin was still buried in the Lou family's ancestral graveyard, and Uncle Li also went to the estate after the funeral.

Given such a huge blow, Uncle Li probably wouldn't want to return to the Lou residence anytime soon, so Lou Qianyuan decided to visit him at the estate once a month.

Since Ruan Wan and Lou Qianyuan officially established their relationship, Lou Qianyuan has been sticking to Ruan Wan almost every day.

Nights of intimacy weren't enough; as soon as he finished his morning court duty, he would rush home and wouldn't go out no matter who called him.

They practically fed each other, and Ruan Wan found it hard to imagine that being in a relationship would be like this.

I used to feel ashamed just imagining it, but after experiencing it myself, I realized how sweet and blissful it was.

By the end of March, new vines had sprouted on the grape trellis and flowers had appeared.

Ruan Wan sat on the swing, leaning against Lou Qianyuan's chest as she read a book. The spring breeze was sometimes a bit chilly, but Lou Qianyuan's embrace was very warm.

Ruan Wan also began to cultivate a plot of land in the garden to plant medicinal herbs.

The couple worked independently; Ruan Wan marked out the boundaries, while Lou Qianyuan used a hoe to till the soil.

Ruan Wan designated three plots in the garden for planting medicinal herbs, while using the rest for flowers, since the garden would also be used to entertain guests.

Ruan Wan marked the second boundary on the ground, and Lou Qianyuan walked over excitedly carrying a hoe. "Wan'er, the land is ready."

Lou Qianyuan looked at the boundary marked on the ground and said with a smile, "Now that this section is marked, I'll dig up this piece of land."

Ruan Wan went to take a look at the first plot of land, sighed, and realized that, just as she had expected, it was no wonder that the land had been turned over so quickly.

Ruan Wan stood with her hands on her hips, pointed at the ground that looked like it had been dug by a dog, and shouted, "This is the ground you turned over!"

Lou Qianyuan watched as the hoe came running over excitedly. Looking at the soil that had indeed been turned over, he was completely bewildered. "Isn't this already turned over?"

Ruan Wan rolled her eyes, too lazy to explain to him, and simply picked up the hoe from his hand.

In no time, the hardened clods of soil were loosened by hammering, and then the soil was neatly ridged and furrowed. In one go, a piece of garbage land was instantly transformed into fertile land.

Lou Qianyuan, standing to the side, was completely stunned and couldn't help but applaud and exclaim, "Wan'er, you really can do everything! Judging from your posture just now, anyone who didn't know better would think you'd been a farmer for decades!"

Ruan Wan looked at him with a forced smile, wondering if it was a compliment or an insult.

After spending this time together, Ruan Wan completely exposed herself to Lou Qianyuan, revealing her most authentic self.

Lou Qianyuan knew he had said the wrong thing when he saw Ruan Wan's expression.

Lou Qianyuan immediately snatched the hoe from Ruan Wan's hand and happily ran towards the second hoe. "Wan'er, just demonstrate it once and I'll know how to do it."

Ruan Wan then went to mark the boundaries of the third plot of land, saying, "You need to dig deeper; if the ditch is too shallow, it won't drain the water."

Lou Qianyuan dug forcefully while shouting, "Madam, as you command!"

After all three plots of land were cultivated, Ruan Wan sat by the well and directed Lou Qianyuan to surround the medicinal herb garden with pebbles. "Make sure it's compacted thoroughly, without any gaps, otherwise the soil will all be washed away when it rains."

"Yes ma'am"

Ruan Wan thoroughly enjoyed this leisurely and intimate rural time.

When Lou Qianyuan took a vacation, Ruan Wan went with him to the mountains for a spring outing. The pear and peach blossoms on the mountain were in full bloom.

It's also a good opportunity to dig up medicinal herbs and plant them in the yard.

Inside the Seventh Prince's residence, Linglong was nearly five months pregnant, and her belly was already showing.

Because of her pregnancy, the Empress sent palace maids to take care of her, and Xia Changfeng became much more affectionate, often having dinner with her.

Rong Yufen was initially jealous that Linglong was able to get pregnant, but since Linglong became pregnant, Xia Changfeng has been spending more time with her.

As long as you try many times, you won't have trouble getting pregnant.

Linglong is now finding it difficult to move around. Firstly, her belly is getting heavier, and secondly, with Zhou Mama, sent by the Empress, by her side, it is inconvenient for her to speak and do things.

Linglong could only ask questions when Granny Zhou went to brew the fertility-enhancing medicine. "Has there been any news from the Lou family lately?"

Yu Jie leaned close to Linglong's ear and whispered, "Your Highness, the old steward of the Lou family has been banished to the estate. The young master Lou and Ruan Wan are even more inseparable than when they were newlyweds. They've been to the Western Hills three times for outings, just simple outings, nothing unusual."

This Ruan Wan always pretended to be innocent in front of Xia Changfeng, but I never expected that she would be such a ruthless character in the inner quarters.

She married into the Lou family less than half a year ago, lost her childhood sweetheart cousin, even drove away the old housekeeper of several decades, and managed to subdue Lou Qianyuan. She is truly not to be underestimated.

Linglong increasingly felt that her decision to do everything in her power to prevent Ruan Wan from marrying Xia Changfeng was a wise one.

Although they almost broke up at the time, it took a lot of effort to repair their relationship.

If Ruan Wan were to marry into the family, I fear I would be trampled underfoot.

That Ruan Wan is the best at manipulating men's hearts. Xia Changfeng, Lou Qianyuan, and Xia Ziru all devoted themselves to her.

These men have seen all kinds of beauties; it's definitely not just because of Ruan Wan's face. They don't know how she seduces and tempts people behind the scenes.

After court each day, Lou Qianyuan never discussed matters of state with Ruan Wan. The harem was not allowed to interfere in politics, and the inner quarters were not used for political discussions.

Ruan Wan had absolutely no interest in knowing about these things.

However, Ruan Wan was not naive enough to think that she could live out her life so smoothly; she still remembered the prophecy of Mao Chi Hua.

Ruan Wan had no way of knowing what would happen during the ten-year period, but during that time, she only wanted to enjoy her married life with Lou Qianyuan.

However, in the past few days, Lou Qianyuan has been going to Xia Changfeng's place more and more frequently after court.

This annoyed Ruan Wan; once a woman develops genuine feelings, she becomes clingy and clingy.

Ruan Wan never expected that she would become so dependent on Lou Qianyuan.

Lou Qianyuan also knew that Ruan Wan was a little unhappy because he hadn't spent enough time with her lately, but he had some thorny issues to deal with and had to keep busy.

In May, the weather gradually started to get warmer, and the grapevines climbed all over the trellis, making it a good place to cool off.

Clusters of tiny grapes, no bigger than mung beans, were hidden under the leaves. Ruan Wan had nothing better to do, so she lay down on the recliner and counted them one by one.

How many bunches of grapes are there? Is it better to make wine or dry them?

Because Sun Shishi's funeral had just passed, the Dragon Boat Festival was also hastily concluded, without any proper celebration.

What people say is always the most frightening thing.

Qiu Shuang noticed Ruan Wan's boredom and accompanied her to the flower garden to water and weed the herbs every day, after which she had nothing to do.

It's not always a good thing for servants to be too capable. Haiping manages the outer courtyard very well, while Ajin and Cuimo manage the second courtyard and the inner residence in an orderly manner.

Ruan Wan had no way to intervene.

The only interesting thing was visiting Uncle Li at the estate, although Uncle Li never saw Lou Qianyuan and Ruan Wan.

Ruan Wan treated it as an outing, fishing, and picking water chestnuts and water shield in the lake.

Ruan Wan also begged Lou Qianyuan to teach her how to ride a horse, as she had long wanted to learn but had never had the time.

Now the village is spacious and the air is fresh and pleasant, and Ruan Wan has finally gotten what she wanted.

However, recently, Lou Qianyuan hasn't even had time to visit Uncle Li at the estate, as he leaves early and returns late every day.

Ruan Wan was really holding back.

Qiu Shuang joked, "Miss, if you're bored, why not give birth to a little prince soon? That way you won't be bored."

Ruan Wan rolled her eyes at her. Qiu Shuang had been getting bolder and bolder lately, even making fun of her.

"I think you're desperate to get married and have a big, healthy son as soon as possible."

Qiu Shuang's cheeks flushed red, and she became shy.

Ruan Wan then remembered that Qiu Shuangzhi was a year younger than her and was also of marriageable age.

Ruan Wan looked at Qiu Shuang with a serious expression, "A Jin, Hai Ping and these servants in the manor, have you taken a fancy to any of them?"

Qiu Shuang said coquettishly, "Miss, you keep teasing me, don't you?!"

"I'm serious. Sun Shishi's situation has made me realize that it really is harder for a girl to get married when she gets older."

If you're of marriageable age and good enough, you'll be chosen and married off, while if you're younger, people will complain that you're too old.

However, with Qiu Shuang's beauty, suitors would surely flock to her door.

"Miss, it's not too late for a maid to get married at twenty-five. Besides, if a maid doesn't marry, she can stay with her mistress for life and still earn a good reputation."

Ruan Wan glanced around and saw several maids clearing weeds in the garden.

Ruan Wan whispered, "Don't you really want to have a man... you know?"

Qiu Shuang blushed instantly and glared at Ruan Wan, "You're really shameless now that you're a married woman!"

It was rare to see Qiu Shuang in such a distressed state, and Ruan Wan found it quite amusing.

"Really, it's quite nice. Love truly is the most beautiful thing in the world."

Qiu Shuang looked at Ruan Wan's radiant face, completely immersed in love, and felt goosebumps all over her body.

Ruan Wan suddenly remembered something and looked at Qiu Shuang expectantly, "Liang Kun, what do you think of Liang Kun? If you marry him, I'll give you the entire pharmacy as part of your dowry, and you'll be the pharmacy owner's wife."

"You're really bored out of your mind. When the young master comes back, I'll tell him that the young lady is missing him so much she's going crazy."

Ruan Wan smiled and said, "Okay, if you talk to him more, he'll stay home with me."

Qiu Shuang shook her head helplessly. Love really does cause a lot of harm.

Ruan Wan jumped up from the rocking chair and pulled Qiu Shuang towards the door.

"Miss, you're not planning to go to the Seventh Prince's residence to find the young master, are you?"

Although Ruan Wan really wanted to see Lou Qianyuan, she wouldn't go to such lengths. Ruan Wan stopped, looked at Qiu Shuang, and then flicked her forehead. "What are you thinking about? Let's go for a walk in the street."

Haiping quickly prepared the carriage. Although Haiping now managed the carriages and sedan chairs in the mansion, he did so to express his gratitude to Ruan Wan for saving his life and for her help.

Every time Ruan Wan went out, Hai Ping would drive her himself.

Ruan Wan told Hai Ping to walk slowly so he could enjoy the scenery along the way. It was Ruan Wan's first time visiting North Street.

Unlike the bustling South Street, which was lined with shops and restaurants, North Street was mostly inhabited by residents, and many officials lived there.

Therefore, the North Street has a stronger sense of daily life, but unlike Mangshan Town, there are no elderly people sunbathing at their doorsteps.

After all, this is the capital city, a place where every inch of land is incredibly valuable.

Occasionally you'll see a restaurant, a clothing store, or a breakfast stall that has already closed down.

Haiping parked the carriage under a paper mulberry tree by the roadside, and Ruan Wan lifted the curtain to look outside.

This place turned out to be a two-story shop with two households. Ruan Wan had thought that the pharmacy was a one-story shop with one household, like the courtyard she bought in Liuzhou.