Born to a mother from a princess’s household, Ning Fu’s dowry was exceptionally lavish. Even tracking down Zhuoyao had taken some effort.

Zhuoyao was crafted from sandalwood—far heavier than ordinary bows, but with superior resilience. Its body was a deep red hue, and the bow limbs were inlaid with translucent black jade. Most jades are either crystal-clear like lakewater, vibrantly red like the sun, or golden-yellow. Pure black jade was rare, and just those few stones alone were worth a fortune.

This time, however, Ning Fu didn’t see the hidden book tucked at the bottom of the chest—the one about marital intimacy. Right after her rebirth, she had even added notes after reading it. If someone else were to lay eyes on it, she’d want to vanish from embarrassment. Zong Si, especially, wouldn’t let her live it down.

Still, she didn’t dwell on it. The storeroom was heavily guarded; no one dared to enter. And with so many belongings, it was likely hidden in some neglected corner.

With the beginning of winter approaching, Ning Fu planned to visit the Lu household—but would have to wait until after the season turned.

Meanwhile, the second daughter of Duke Ning’s household, Ning Ran, returned for a visit. It wasn’t easy for a married woman to return to her maiden home, but Ning Ran had married well. Her mother, Madam Wei, was herself from the Wei family, making the match doubly favorable. Her husband deferred to her in all things.

Ning Ran had grown even more stunning—like plum blossoms blooming in winter, exuding a proud elegance. Time had softened her slightly, giving her a rounder grace, but her brilliance hadn’t dimmed; if anything, it had deepened. As for her husband Wei Xiao, though not exactly handsome, he was upright and imposing—the eldest legitimate son of the Wei household, and not lacking in refinement.

Wei Xiao glanced at his young sister-in-law. Initially, the Wei family hadn’t expected him to win Ning Ran’s hand—they’d been eyeing Ning Fu instead. Only after the Prince’s household rejected Ning Ran did he swoop in. But now, seeing how beautiful Ning Fu had become, he was momentarily stunned.

Ning Ran cast him a sideways glance.

Awkwardly, Wei Xiao withdrew his gaze, straightened, and cupped his fists respectfully. “Grandmother, Mother, I still have duties this evening—please excuse me.”

Madam Wei intended to escort him, but Ning Ran stopped her. “No need, Mother. Let him find his own way back.”

Wei Xiao agreed and added to Ning Ran, “I’ll come pick you up in two days.”

The couple’s affection was deep. Even short separations tugged at the heart.

Madam Wei and Old Madam Ning were both highly pleased. If a man’s heart weren’t with his wife, it would drift elsewhere. Wei Xiao’s devotion made them feel reassured.

Upon returning to the manor, Ning Ran naturally spent time catching up with her mother and grandmother.

It wasn’t until the next day that Ning Fu finally had a quiet moment to speak with Ning Ran. Ning Ran had sent a maid early that morning to invite her over.

The main household’s Orchid Garden was unusually lively today—even Fifth Sister Ning He had dropped by, though she was swiftly dismissed after exchanging pleasantries.

“Sister Ran,” Ning Fu greeted warmly.

“I heard about Grandmother’s meeting with Princess Consort Xuan the other day,” Ning Ran said with a smile. “You don’t need to take it to heart. The heir once told me years ago that he only had eyes for Second Miss Xie and would marry no one else. No matter how beautiful someone else is, she makes no difference to him.”

Zong Si had, in fact, never said any such thing to her—he hadn’t even acknowledged her when she’d sought him out. But while Ning Ran could accept losing to Xie Ruyi, or even to someone else, she could not bear to lose to Ning Fu.

“I never let it bother me,” Ning Fu replied.

Ning Ran didn’t believe her. She assumed Ning Fu was simply putting on a brave face—just as she herself had done. Even now, she hadn’t fully moved on from Zong Si’s rejection, but pretended otherwise.

Women had a desire to conquer, after all—who wouldn’t want a powerful, influential man to fall for them? But often enough, the one who ends up deeply invested is oneself.

“Grandmother thought your archery win would make Prince Xuan’s household take notice. But…” Ning Ran sighed.

Ning Fu didn’t respond. What she disliked most about her second sister was the sense of superiority she always carried—as if no one should surpass her. Whenever others faced disappointment, it somehow pleased her. She might speak as though she sympathized, but inside, she was quite content.

They were sisters who should have shared a bond. It was a pity.

“What’s Aunt been busy with lately?” Ning Ran changed the subject.

Ning Fu sharpened her focus. By conventional manners, Ning Ran wouldn’t bring up her mother, just as she herself wouldn’t mention Aunt Wei. If it came up, it meant something was afoot. Could it be about Grandmother’s suggestion that her mother assist Aunt Wei in managing the manor?

“She’s been keeping a close eye on my studies,” Ning Fu replied. It wasn’t a lie—her mother was very attentive to her education.

With several exams scheduled for the new year, Ning Fu’s studies were a clear priority. Ning Ran didn’t press further.

Later that afternoon, Ning Ran personally visited Lotus Pavilion and brought a small gift of freshly picked Longjing tea. “I know Aunt has no shortage of good tea, but since I received some, I wanted to share it with her.”

Madam Ning smiled. “It makes me happy just knowing you thought of me.”

Ning Ran graciously explained the reason for her visit—she had indeed come regarding household management matters. Madam Ning didn’t give a firm refusal, but offered a soft response: “I’m afraid I won’t be able to spare the time before the year ends.”

“Aunt, of course, should focus on Ah Fu for now. If you’re able to help next year, that’ll be enough,” Ning Ran said. “My mother was too embarrassed to trouble you directly. I came on her behalf because I hate seeing her worry about the household day after day.”

Yet anyone familiar with Madam Wei’s pride knew—if she truly felt it inappropriate to seek help, she would never have let Ning Ran make the request at all.

Moreover, Madam Wei wasn’t overworked for the good of the household, but for personal gain. After managing the household affairs for over a decade, the “benefits” she’d pocketed were surely considerable.

Ning Ran’s words were calculated: she flattered Madam Wei while subtly pressuring Madam Ning. If Madam Ning refused, it could easily be interpreted as neglecting the Duke Manor.

“Sister Ran, the reason Mother personally oversees my studies is because she worries I might embarrass the manor,” Ning Fu replied with a pleasant smile. After all, wasn’t everyone working for the good of the household?

Ning Ran glanced at her. Compared to their last meeting, Ning Fu had grown far shrewder and smoother.

After sitting in Lotus Pavilion for half an hour, Ning Ran took her leave.

“She only came home for this,” Madam Ning observed. Clearly, her sister-in-law didn’t have the face to ask for help directly, so she’d sent Ning Ran as the negotiator.

But Madam Ning wasn’t bothered. If Madam Wei couldn’t ask her personally, it didn’t matter who came.

“Mother, if Aunt Wei drags things out until a major financial hole forms, what then?” Ning Fu gently asked.

“If it comes to that, we’ll be in a better position to negotiate,” Madam Ning said coolly.

Still, Ning Fu didn’t want the second household’s resources used to patch the gap. “Then could you allocate me two shopfronts?”

Madam Ning frowned. “I advise you not to entertain such notions.” In Great Yan, commerce was frowned upon—especially for unmarried noblewomen. It would reflect poorly.

Ning Fu sighed inwardly. If her mother ever learned that her brother’s future beloved was none other than the famous merchant’s daughter of the Fu family, what would she think?

—

After the first frost, Ning Ran was picked up by Wei Xiao. He didn’t even wait a full day. After finishing duty, he came straight to the Duke Manor.

Ning Fu felt a pang. She knew this about him—six years in a row, he’d never missed a day. When she’d first married Zong Si and returned home alone, Wei Xiao had even asked why Zong Si hadn’t come with her.

Eventually, she always came back alone. Wei Xiao understood and never asked again. The pride Ning Fu once held in marrying Zong Si had long since worn away.

—

On the day she went to see Lu Xingzhi, Ning Fu wore a soft lotus-pink gown with fitted sleeves and a cinched waist. The fabric was sheer and lightweight, delicate even in winter, and her slim figure still fit perfectly into it. The gentle pink not only brought out her youthful charm but also added a splash of warmth to the somber season.

She draped herself in a white fox-fur cloak, its pale hue complementing the pink beneath with an ethereal grace—neither lacking the vivid allure of lotus blossoms, nor the quiet elegance of peonies.

She had been invited by Madam Lu herself and was joined by her long-absent Fifth Sister, Ning He.

Lu Manor was sparsely populated; most of the family served in posts outside the capital. Among Ning Fu’s peers, only Lu Xingzhi remained in the city.

It was her first time meeting Madam Lu, who stood out starkly from the women she’d encountered before—plainly dressed, bare-faced, calmly tending to the flowers in the courtyard.

“Blessings, Madam Lu,” Ning Fu greeted softly.

Madam Lu glanced at her and replied amiably, “Fourth Miss has come to thank Xingzhi for teaching you archery, yes? He’s in the study. Just go straight left to the end—it’s that room.”

Ning Fu hesitated briefly and said, “I ought to have visited with my mother last time to thank you properly, but you were away visiting your maiden home.”

Madam Lu looked at the charming and well-mannered young lady before her and smiled. “It was I who told your mother she needn’t come. I’m not fond of formalities.”

That added another layer of fondness Ning Fu felt for the Lu household. With such a disposition, Madam Lu must be easy to get along with.

The Lu estate was only half the size of the Duke of Ning’s manor, and the study was easy enough to find. Ning Fu glanced down at the Zhuoyao bow in her hands, then knocked gently on the door. “Young Master Lu?”

Inside, Lu Xingzhi was discussing the bribery case involving Grand Secretary Song with Zong Si. At the sound of her voice, he paused.

“Don’t keep Fourth Miss waiting,” Zong Si quipped.

Lu Xingzhi took a moment to look at him before rising to open the door.

From within the study, Zong Si could clearly see outside. Even the least observant person would’ve noticed how carefully Ning Fu had dressed—far beyond ordinary effort.

At the sight of Lu Xingzhi, Ning Fu visibly brightened. Cheerfully, she shared, “I came in first place in archery!”

Though the previous discussion had been intense, Lu Xingzhi’s expression softened at her joy. “I heard,” he said gently.

“It’s all thanks to you. I appreciate how diligently you taught me.” She lifted the bow she had placed beside her. “This is Zhuoyao, the personal weapon of the famed General Shentu from the previous dynasty. I’m giving it to you.”

Inside the study, Zong Si’s hand paused for a moment—his mind drifting back to the dream he’d had that night.

Lu Xingzhi’s gaze grew complicated. He glanced back toward the study before saying, “This gift is far too precious.”

“I don’t want to give it to anyone else—only you,” Ning Fu replied.

But as soon as she said it, a flicker of embarrassment passed across her face. She had used a similar line once to coax Zong Si into consummating their marriage. It wasn’t exactly fresh material.

Just as she thought he might turn her down, Lu Xingzhi reached out and accepted the bow. “All right.”

“But I’ve heard the heir has long desired Zhuoyao,” Lu Xingzhi added, looking straight at Ning Fu. “By giving it to me, you’ve left him with regrets.”

With those words, he cast a calm and measured glance toward the study—but Zong Si still sensed a flicker of challenge.

Outside the doorway, the young lady responded clearly, “His regrets are none of my concern. I only care about how you feel.”