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Li Xia dropped her hand with slight resentment, "It's too heavy."

Hearing their conversation, Lu XuanNing, who had finished washing and cleaning up, walked over, extending a hand to remove the overly heavy hairpins.

Before Qiu Shui could voice her objections, Lu XuanNing’s cool gaze silenced her. From a drawer, he retrieved a box that contained a gold hairpin adorned with jewels and a string of pearls. He inserted the hairpin into Li Xia's hair, and the magnificent phoenix head added an imposing, regal aura to her. This single hairpin was worth all the others combined.

On their way to Qiuzhang Court, Li Xia slowed her pace in keeping with Lu XuanNing. She noted that Qiu Shui was trailing behind, trying her best to hide her fear of Lu XuanNing.

"My maids are timid, you can't frighten them."

"They’re your servants, they should not question you," Lu XuanNing said, holding Li Xia's hand tighter, evidently unhappy with Qiu Shui's behaviour today.

"She was trying to help, always looking out for my best interests" Li Xia was rather carefree about the smaller details. Qiu Shui, being like a steward, always anticipated her needs and sometimes crossed the line, but she meant well.

"You're too kind to them." A hint of jealousy was evident in Lu XuanNing’s voice.

"Not at all, it’s you whom I treat the best." Li Xia's sweet flattery made Lu XuanNing feel cherished.

Upon reaching Qiuzhang Court, Li Xia tried to pull her hand away, but Lu XuanNing refused to let go, reminding her of her earlier proclamation of spoiling him the most.

Li Xia had no choice but to allow Lu XuanNing to hold her hand as they walked into the room.

Old Marquis Lu and the Old Madam were seated on their thrones, waiting for them. Upon seeing the hand-in-hand couple, they broke into warm smiles.

The couple knelt down, receiving the tea prepared by the maidservants. Li Xia and Lu XuanNing took the tea cups with both hands and respectfully offered the tea.

The Old Marquis Lu and the Old Madam each took their tea, sipped it, and gave Li Xia a red envelope. The couple gratefully accepted it, after which Old Madam Lu held out two more.

"These are from your parents."

After giving a respectful bow, Li Xia and Lu XuanNing accepted the gifts.

When it came to standing up, Lu XuanNing had a little trouble due to his legs. Li Xia immediately supported him.

The elders were slightly surprised by Li Xia's strength but felt it was a good thing, as it would make taking care of Lu XuanNing more convenient.

After the tea ceremony, the four of them dined together. Now a part of the family, Li Xia followed the custom of putting down her chopsticks after eating half a meal.

Lu XuanNing was aware of Li Xia’s appetite and when he saw her put down her chopsticks, he served her a bowl of porridge, "Have some more".

While Li Xia was drinking the porridge, Lu XuanNing fed her a sesame cake, two meat buns, a bowl of tiny dumplings, and an egg. Only when Li Xia kicked him lightly under the table did he stop.

Old Marquis Lu and the Old Madam were rather fond of Li Xia’s appetite. Seeing her enjoy her meal, they too, found their own portions more enjoyable.

After having breakfast with her grandparents, Li Xia returned to Tingtao Court. The servants had already been waiting in the courtyard. Lu XuanNing helped Li Xia sit down and asked the servants to introduce themselves so that Li Xia could understand the situation of the servants in the yard.

Li Xia signaled to Qiu Shui, who was by her side, to record the servants' information. She also asked for reward money to be brought and distributed among the servants.

By the time she finished these tasks, Li Xia didn't feel like doing anything more.

"Being housekeeper is tiring,", said Li Xia, not wanting to be the housekeeper at all. Lu XuanNing got up and came to Li Xia's side, massaging her shoulders.

"You don't need to worry about the housekeeping, let me take care of it." Having mostly free days, Lu XuanNing was perfectly suited to manage the house, saving Li Xia from the strain.

Li Xia looked back at Lu XuanNing, "If I give you control today, my mother and stepmother will be at our doorstep by tomorrow. They won't let me live in peace."

Lu XuanNing was satisfied as long as Li Xia is happy with his thoughtfulness.

In the evening, Lu XuanNing waited for Li Xia on the bed after washing up. He felt something under his pillow. He pulled it out and saw it was a book that Li Xia had asked someone to draw. He had not read the contents previously and after flipping through it, he quickly closed it.

"What's wrong?" Li Xia who came out from behind the screen asked, noticing Lu XuanNing's strange expression.

"Nothing," said Lu XuanNing, stuffing the book back under the pillow. Noticing his actions, Li Xia remembered the book that she had hurriedly hidden under the pillow the previous day.

"This book is really popular in the shop right now, don't you want to see it?" Li Xia decided to tease him, noticing Lu XuanNing's evasive actions.

"Xia Xia, don't provoke," said Lu XuanNing in a husky voice. Li Xia had recovery to do.

Thinking about today's discomfort, Li Xia suggested, "Why don't you sleep in the study?"

"I won't," said Lu XuanNing, firmly deciding to not sleep in the study.

After staying in the Marquis' mansion for three days, they returned to Qingyue Street.

Li Ming, Li Hui, Li Guang, all were waiting at home for the couple. Lu XuanNing was engaged in a conversation with his father-in-law and two brother-in-laws at the front courtyard.

Li Xia went to the Wild Goose Pavilion to see Mrs. Lu. Mrs. Lu was filled with sighs upon seeing Li Xia dressed as a married woman.

Mrs. Lu asked about Li Xia's living conditions. Seeing that she was doing fine, Mrs. Lu advised her not to be too carefree. Li Xia listened attentively.

After having lunch, the couple bid goodbye to Li family and left. On the way, Lu XuanNing took Li Xia to a wine house, saying he wanted to take away some dishes for dinner. Inside the private room, Li Xia saw Xu Xinyue.

Seeing Li Xia dressed as a married woman, Xu Xinyue took Li Xia's hand. Wanting to say something, but seeing Lu XuanNing next to them, she was at a loss of words.

Lu XuanNing glanced at Li Xia whose heart throbbed with clear understanding of what he wanted to do. She sat down next to Xu Xinyue.

Pouring tea, Lu XuanNing stood in front of Xu Xinyue bending over, holding the tea cup at the level with his head and said, "Mother, please drink the tea."

Xu Xinyue was dazed, then shocked, then panicked. "No, it’s not right. Get up quickly," she said, trying to stand up, but Li Xia held her down.

"Mother, please drink this tea," said Lu XuanNing again.

Xu Xinyue was unwilling and unworthy to accept. She turned to Li Xia, "Xia'er, please ask the Marquis to get up. He cannot do this."

"Mother, if you still think of me as your daughter, then please accept this cup of tea from your son-in-law," said Li Xia earnestly to Xu Xinyue.

Xu Xinyue looked at Li Xia, then turned her gaze to Lu XuanNing, who was offering her tea for the third time. She took the teacup and drained it in one gulp, grateful that the tea was not too hot.

"Lady," Lu XuanNing straightened up and called out again.

"Ah…" Xu Xinyue let out a sigh and her eyes welled up with tears. She turned away, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief before turning back to address him, "My Lord."

"Mother, you can just call me XuanNing."

"All right, XuanNing," Xu Xinyue corrected herself. She picked up a box from the table and offered it to Lu XuanNing. When she had set out, she had brought along a gift, unsure if she would have a chance to present it.

"Thank you, Mother," Lu XuanNing accepted the gesture.

"Mother, why don't I get one?" Li Xia, feeling left out, tugged at Xu Xinyue's hand.

"This is for my son-in-law," Xu Xinyue's explanation brought a smile to Lu XuanNing's lips. Li Xia feigned a jealous expression, successfully diverting Xu Xinyue's anxiety.