Marrying a royal playboy and becoming a glamorous matriarch

He tried to steady himself so as not to lose his composure, and then calmly apologized to Wei Qingrou.

"Sister-in-law, I have been very rude today. Please forgive me."

Wei Qingrou shook her head, feeling sorry for him too, and generously said, "My sister is a sentimental person, and she cares about you too, so please forgive her."

The eldest prince gave a bitter smile. "Alright."

Wei Qingrou had a food box prepared, and the eldest prince took it back with him.

"Did you notice anything different?" Qin Ping'an asked, watching the Crown Prince's departing figure.

Wei Qingrou nodded, "The eldest prince didn't chase after her immediately, but my sister..."

"If your sister continues like this, something terrible is bound to happen."

……

When the eldest prince arrived home, the courtyard was pitch black.

He was furious, but he quickly calmed down, pretended nothing had happened, and went to rest after washing up.

Upon entering the room, the eldest prince was stunned.

Inside the bed curtains, a frail figure trembled slightly, and sobs could be heard.

It turned out that Wei Lanxin hadn't run away; instead, she was hiding under the covers and crying secretly.

The eldest prince softened, stepped forward, lifted the blanket, and gently pulled Wei Lanxin into his arms.

But that's about it.

Finally, Wei Lanxin spoke first.

"Xiao Yu, let's stop arguing, okay?"

In the darkness, the sound of the eldest prince lying down could be heard, and the rustling sounds reached Wei Lanxin's ears, but there was no response to her for a long time.

Wei Lanxin nervously clutched the corner of the blanket and urged again, "Xiao Yu?"

"Go to sleep."

Without giving a direct answer, the eldest prince closed his eyes.

Wei Lanxin bit the corner of the blanket tightly, tears welling up in the darkness.

……

Around midnight, the wind picked up.

The cold wind swirled snowflakes that rustled against the windowpanes, and icicles, about half a finger thick, gradually formed in the cracks of the bluestone slabs on Zhuque Street.

"The weather is so unpredictable, it's getting colder and colder. Madam, please keep the hot water bottle warm."

Chunxi stuffed the tightly wrapped hot water bottle into Wei Qingrou's hands and tightened her fox fur cloak.

"It's too bulky."

Wei Qingrou frowned and stretched her thick clothes.

With the warm underfloor heating at home, she wasn't cold even wearing an embroidered padded jacket and skirt, so suddenly wearing something so thick was really unusual for her.

Chunxi smiled and advised, "Madam, please bear with it. We're going out today, and it's not as convenient outside as at home. It would be better to dress warmly."

Wei Qingrou nodded, looking out at the falling snowflakes through the crystal glass. Following Chunxi's lead, she added a set of knee pads and wore a white jade fox fur headband.

In ancient times, medical conditions were nothing like they are today; even a common cold could be fatal.

Therefore, it's best to keep things covered up.

Wearing a ball might not look good, but it's not about your life.

"My dear aunt, are you not done with your makeup yet?"

A clear male voice rang out, and the curtain was lifted, bringing in a cool breeze.

Qin Ping'an came to urge them, "No wonder you've taken so long to get dressed up so exquisitely, you're dazzlingly beautiful."

Wei Qingrou glared at him, then, seeing his attire, couldn't help but laugh: "You're the one talking, I've never seen you dressed so formally."

Qin Ping'an wore a black fox fur coat over a brocade robe woven from cloud brocade, with a black background and embroidered plum blossom patterns outlined in silver thread.

A jade belt, inlaid with emerald green jade, was tied around her waist. As she walked, it gently collided and made a pleasant sound.

The jingling and clanging added to the festive atmosphere.

Qin Ping'an, who was usually aloof, seemed a bit more lively today.

Qin Pingan pinched her hard, "You dare to laugh at me?"

"Oh dear, I won't do it again!"

The two chatted and laughed as they walked together toward the main courtyard.

The princess was also dressed up, and today she was dressed especially formally.

She wore a long brocade robe embroidered with gold and phoenixes, with a soft fox fur coat over it, the colors warm and inviting.

She wore a hairpin adorned with eight treasures and pearls, her eyebrows and eyes were kind, and her face exuded elegance and nobility.

Upon seeing Qin Ping'an and Wei Qingrou, the princess couldn't hide her affection. She grabbed one of them with each hand and said with a smile, "Alright, let's set off now."

This period is when people from different ethnic groups begin to visit each other, either to enjoy the snow and plum blossoms or to ride horses through the snow.

As the year draws to a close, people become increasingly lazy, and the young ladies and gentlemen of noble families indulge in playing and seeking pleasure everywhere.

The princess couldn't stay idle either, so she personally led Qin Ping'an and Wei Qingrou to deliver New Year's gifts. Today, she made an appointment with the eldest princess to go to the palace together to deliver gifts.

The group arrived at the Princess's residence first. When the carriage arrived at the gate, a sedan chair came to meet them.

Today, it is the eldest princess's daughter-in-law who is here to receive the guests.

Her maiden name was Cui, and she was the eldest daughter of the main branch of the family. The eldest princess only had this one son, so she was called Lady Cui.

When Lady Cui received the guests at the second gate, she immediately came forward to greet them upon seeing the sedan chair from Prince Dun's residence.

"It's so cold today, Auntie. I hope you had a safe journey."

“Successfully,” Princess Dun said, helping her down from the sedan chair. “Good child, I’m sorry to have troubled you, having to stand here waiting in this cold weather.”

"Auntie, what are you saying? I've been looking forward to your arrival for ages. I'm just sitting here anxiously. Why don't I come out and greet you?"

Princess Dun smiled and patted her hand, "Your sweet tongue is always sweet as honey."

"Auntie, you flatter me. I'm clumsy with words and don't know how to speak properly."

While making polite remarks, Madam Cui led the people into the flower hall.

The flower hall was also heated by an underfloor heating system, with wisps of smoke rising from the table and peach blossoms blooming brightly in the vase, creating an elegant and tranquil atmosphere, untouched by the elements.

The maids quickly stepped forward and took away the fur coats from their masters, finally making them feel a little more comfortable.

When Madam Cui saw the charming and beautiful Wei Qingrou, she said with a smile, "This must be my new sister-in-law, right? She is so beautiful and extraordinary."

"She's the youngest daughter in the family, and she's been spoiled. She's not as capable as you."

The princess said with a smile, seemingly belittling Wei Qingrou, but actually praising her, saying that being pampered meant she was loved and had a good life.

They also praised the skills of Lady Cui, which put the master's mind at ease.

As expected, Madam Cui said, "My sister is clearly blessed. She was pampered in her room and met such a kind person as her aunt. She will enjoy happiness for the rest of her life."

Wei Qingrou quickly bowed and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law was right, meeting Mother is my blessing."

As the group exchanged pleasantries, two more wealthy and elegant figures entered the flower hall.

Leading the way was a middle-aged noblewoman in her forties or fifties, adorned with a pearl and jade hairpin, and with a dignified face.

Her eyes were sharp as swords, and her every move exuded nobility and arrogance; she must be the eldest princess.

Beside her was a young girl of about sixteen.

She wore a light red jacket and skirt, her eyebrows were curved, and a sly smile played on her lips; she was playful and charming.

Upon seeing this young woman, Wei Qingrou noticed that Madam Cui's expression darkened, and her smile became somewhat stiff.