First annul the engagement, then sever ties with the empress; the empress reigns supreme.

Gu Lichuan clenched his hands tightly together. He really didn't want to agree to Gu Yuanbai's request, but he wouldn't feel at ease if he didn't go and keep an eye on things.

Who knows if Gu Yuanbai will cause trouble and add more trouble to Ning Hanshuang.

After much hesitation, Gu Lichuan agreed and went out with Gu Yuanbai, bringing gifts with them.

When Gu Konghao and Gu Hanxing heard that Gu Yuanbai was going to the Ningyuan Marquis's residence, they followed him out without hesitation.

Gu Yuanbai frowned slightly as he looked at his three sons who had appeared in a neat row.

He knew in his heart that his three eldest sons were all worried about him.

It's true what they say, whoever feeds you is your mother. When he was in power, his three sons were incredibly devoted to him. Now that he's fallen on hard times, all three sons have sided with Ning Hanshuang.

People who habitually shirk responsibility are unlikely to admit their mistakes, and Gu Yuanbai is a prime example of this.

He thought he had seen through everything, and sneered, "If you like it, then go ahead. Sending three sons off to their weddings together, your mother is probably the first in history to do so. How glorious!"

The words were full of sarcasm, and Gu Konghao curled his lip in dissatisfaction, too lazy to argue with Gu Yuanbai.

When Ning Hanshuang got married, Gu Junxi felt both happy for Ning Hanshuang and disappointed and reluctant to part with her.

After Ning Hanshuang got married, she was no longer just her and Su Li's mother, but also someone else's wife. This identity would inevitably take away some of Ning Hanshuang's energy.

Finally, Ning Hanshuang emerged from the mire of depression, and everyone devoted their love and care to her and Su Li.

On the way from the Crown Prince's residence to the Marquis of Ningyuan's residence, Gu Junxi seemed rather listless.

She yawned wearily, two tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. Her clothes slipped down with her movements, revealing red hickeys on her long, fair neck.

Mu Lingye's gaze inadvertently fell on the red hickey, recalling the passionate kisses he had showered on her last night, and he felt a pang of guilt.

He was too reckless.

He was unwilling to expose the marks on Gu Junxi's body to others.

Mu Lingye embraced Gu Junxi, letting her lean against him. He possessively pulled up Gu Junxi's collar and kissed her forehead, saying, "Axi, I will always be by your side. Even if your mother marries General Qin, she will always be your mother!"

"Yes, I know." Gu Junxi breathed a sigh of relief, unconsciously nuzzling her head against Mu Lingye's chest, searching for the most comfortable position.

Little did she know that her unintentional actions had ignited Mu Lingye's anger.

Mu Lingye's eyes darkened, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

Once a man has tasted the flavor of lust, he becomes addicted, especially if he appears aloof and ascetic; the more aloof and ascetic he appears, the stronger his addiction.

Mu Lingye thought about it, but was afraid of releasing too much at once and scaring Gu Junxi.

Besides, they were about to arrive at the Ningyuan Marquis's residence, and Mu Lingye didn't want anyone to see Gu Junxi with her cheeks flushed and her face as soft as water.

Mu Lingye restrained himself and placed another kiss on Gu Junxi's head, gently stroking her hair: "Axi, go back to sleep, I'll wake you up when it's time."

"I'm not going to sleep anymore. I need to get myself in the best possible condition to face my mother." Gu Junxi shook her head, wiped her face, and lifted her head from Mu Lingye's embrace.

Mu Lingye tidied Gu Junxi's hair at her temples, gazing intently at her beautiful face, and said tenderly, "Axi, give me a child as soon as possible. I hope it will be a boy, so he can protect you with me."

Gu Junxi looked at Mu Lingye disapprovingly and instead placed Mu Lingye's hand in her palm.

"No, Ah Ling, a husband and wife are a couple. It's not about one person deliberately protecting the other; we should protect each other. I think it would be best to have a son and a daughter. The daughter would look like me, and the son would look like you. Then, there would be one more person in this world, you and me!"

Another person like me and you has been added to the world. This is a continuation of tradition and a beautiful wish.

Mu Lingye had never dared to dream of such a wish.

But one day he heard it with his own ears, from the mouth of the person he loved most.

Moreover, it was the first time he had ever learned that the relationship between husband and wife is reciprocal.

He never actually thought that someone would protect him.

His past experiences of being abandoned and hurt repeatedly reminded him of this, making it hard for him to believe that Gu Junxi could keep her word.

But as long as Gu Junxi said it, he wouldn't blame her even if she didn't keep her word in the end.

Thinking this, Mu Lingye felt a warm glow in his heart.

He leaned down and kissed Gu Junxi's rose-red lips: "Okay, I'll do whatever you say!"

The carriage continued forward amidst the tender moments between Gu Junxi and Mu Lingye. Before they even reached the Ningyuan Marquis's residence, they could already hear the joyous commotion.

The gate plaque and the stones at the entrance of the mansion were also covered with red silk, creating a festive atmosphere.

Gu Junxi and Mu Lingye got off the carriage. There were already stewards of the mansion waiting at the gate, ready to welcome the guests at any time.

Besides them, Su Li and Zuo Chengfeng were also there.

Su Li is Ning Hanshuang's daughter, so it is in accordance with custom for her to stand at the gate of the mansion to greet guests on her wedding day. Zuo Chengfeng, as Ning Hanshuang's godson, is also in accordance with custom to greet guests with Su Li, which not only supports Ning Hanshuang but also enhances her prestige.

Zuo Chengfeng saw Gu Junxi scratch her head awkwardly, but in the end, he stepped forward before Su Li and greeted Gu Junxi: "Xixi, you're back."

After his attempt to drug Gu Junxi was exposed, Zuo Chengfeng was not scolded or blamed by Ning Hanshuang and Gu Junxi. Instead, Ning Hanshuang comforted him and apologized, making Zuo Chengfeng deeply realize his mistake.

Especially after returning to the Left Prime Minister's residence, he was subjected to a double beating by the Left Prime Minister and his wife, which made him realize that he had almost gone down a path of no return.

If he successfully drugged Gu Junxi, she might fall in love with him because of the drug. But how could he guarantee that the drug would truly control Gu Junxi for the rest of her life?

Once the medicine wears off and Gu Junxi regains consciousness, she will likely hate him for the rest of her life, and Mu Lingye will also regard him as an enemy, and their relationship with the Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion will come to an end.

That's not worth the loss.

He was grateful that he had run into Mu Qingfu when he was drunk that day, which caused him to lose the medicine and reveal the truth, giving him a chance to turn back in time.

The mere thought of Mu Qingfu made Zuo Chengfeng's lips go numb. He subconsciously licked his lips and glared at Mu Lingye.

There isn't a single good person among those surnamed Mu, and they are especially bad for him.

Mu Lingye was already used to Zuo Chengfeng giving him attitude at all times. As long as Gu Junxi belonged to him, Zuo Chengfeng could roll his eyes however he wanted.

Mu Lingye shifted his clear gaze away and gripped Gu Junxi's hand even tighter: "Axi, let's go inside first!"

"Mm." Gu Junxi nodded.

Just as they were climbing the steps and about to enter the mansion gate, Zuo Chengfeng frowned and asked in a puzzled voice, "Why are they here?"

Gu Junxi and Mu Lingye turned around and saw Gu Yuanbai getting off the carriage, followed by Gu Lichuan, Gu Konghao, and Gu Hanxing being pushed by Gu Konghao. Their imposing manner made it seem as if Gu Yuanbai had brought his three sons to snatch the bride.

Sure enough, from the crowd that had been waiting to see the excitement on both sides of the street, someone exclaimed with excitement, "Wow, the four Gu father and sons are here! Did he finally realize his mistake and not want the Marquis of Ningyuan to marry someone else, so he came here to snatch the bride?"