"Why don't you even ask me, Brother Ning? Maybe I don't care."
Ning Huainan shook his head with a bitter smile. "There's no need."
This bitter smile made Zhao Ruyue feel heartache. "Brother Ning!"
"Miss Zhao, you're a smart girl. If you stay by my side, I'll only see you as a substitute for her. It's not good for you or for her. I don't need a substitute, and you don't have to be anyone's substitute. I'm not a good match for you."
"Brother Ning, are you going to remain unmarried for the rest of your life?"
"Wait... until I can let go."
"Since you have no feelings for me, Brother Ning, why did you bring me back?"
"Miss Zhao, you're a smart girl. Some things are better left unsaid."
Since Ning Huainan had put it this way, Zhao Ruyue nodded.
She had a bit of pride, but she wasn't so unreasonable as to not tell good from bad.
No matter what Ning Huainan's purpose was, he was helping her.
The fact that he was helping her was undeniable.
Zhao Ruyue thanked him sincerely. "Then Ruyue thanks Brother Ning first."
"The matter of fate depends on your own fortune. There will be opportunities in the future."
Zhao Ruyue nodded and stepped back.
Although she preferred Ning Huainan, who was now in charge of the Ning family, since he didn't like her, she could take it in stride.
She wouldn't force something that didn't belong to her.
With her background, it was already a stretch to be with Young Master Shen, let alone marry into the Ning family as the mistress.
Now, with the help of her cousin and Brother Ning, she could have a good marriage. She was content.
As for Ning Huainan, watching Zhao Ruyue's departing figure, he let out a long sigh of relief.
This sigh wasn't for himself, but for Zhao Luoning.
Ning Huainan wasn't a fool. When Zhao Luoning arranged for Zhao Ruyue to meet him, he naturally investigated Zhao Ruyue's background and learned about how Zhao Ruyue and her mother went to the Bai Mansion to plead with Zhao Luoning.
That was why Ning Huainan brought her back to the Ning Mansion even though he knew he didn't like her.
Zhao Ruyue was a trouble for Zhao Luoning, and he would help Luoning solve it.
Thankfully, Zhao Ruyue was smart and didn't pester him.
That Young Master Shen was an old friend of Ning Huainan's for many years. His temper and character were excellent. Miss Zhao would be happy.
As for his own happiness?
Ning Huainan stood at the crossroads, looking in the direction of the Bai Mansion with his hands behind his back.
Just being able to see her happy would satisfy him.
Zhao Ruyue's marriage was quickly arranged.
Young Master Shen sent an invitation and a matchmaker's red envelope to Ning Huainan. He also offered the first cup of wedding wine to Ning Huainan.
Ning Huainan didn't decline. He happily accepted it.
By the time Ning Huainan returned from the Shen family's wedding banquet, it was already very late at night.
He didn't want to disturb his family, so he didn't let his attendants follow him. He walked alone under the moonlight towards his room.
In the garden, there came voices of discussion.
The voices were very familiar.
It seemed to be his sister - in - law and his mother?
Ning Huainan slowed down his steps.
He only heard Mrs. Ning say worriedly, "Why did he suddenly contract such a disease?"
"I... I don't know either... The doctor said that after my husband got this disease, I've already had all the concubines examined. It seems... it seems to be Concubine Qin."
"That vixen! I knew it was her who caused the trouble! She should be beaten to death and sold!"
Mrs. Ning was a gentle person. Usually, she wouldn't even step on an ant, but now she could say such serious words. It seemed that the matter was very serious.
Ning Huainan stepped forward and asked, "Mother, Sister - in - law, what's going on?"
Ning Huainan's sudden appearance startled the two of them.
Moniang and Mrs. Ning looked at each other. Finally, Mrs. Ning leaned close to Ning Huainan's ear and whispered, "Your second brother has contracted syphilis."
Ning Huainan was shocked when he heard this.
"How... how is that possible?"
"It's all that damned Concubine Qin's fault! The whole mansion has been checked. Only Concubine Qin is sick. It must be her who infected him!"
"Mother." Ning Huainan was more rational. He advised, "Concubine Qin has been living in the inner chambers. Second Brother..."
Ning Huainan glanced at Moniang and chose his words carefully.
"Mother, Second Brother is also to blame. His personality is a bit too indulgent. Even if you beat Concubine Qin to death now, it won't help."
"But what should we do now? He's contracted this disease! Your sister - in - law and I don't dare to make a sound about it!"
"Mother, in this city of Huang, everyone knows each other, and we can't hide the news. We should quickly move away and find a beautiful and secluded place where no one knows us. It'll also be convenient for Second Brother to recuperate."
Mrs. Ning nodded.
She had her own thoughts.
Ning Huainan was still unmarried. If people knew that Ning Huaizhi had contracted this disease, no one would dare to marry their daughter into their family.
It was better to move away.
It was good for both brothers.
"I'll find a place. I'll gradually transfer my business. You and Father can rest assured. But moving the whole family will definitely cause quite a stir. So you two and Second Brother and Sister - in - law should go first. I'll come to you after a while."
This decision was made in a hurry, but it was something Ning Huainan had been thinking about for a long time.
He knew that Ji Shisu minded him.
He had long planned to move away from Huang City so as not to cause trouble for Zhao Luoning.
Mrs. Ning nodded with difficulty.
Ning Huainan knew that his parents hadn't been in charge of affairs for many years. It was difficult to count on them. He turned to Moniang and ordered, "Moniang, after we get there, it'll depend on you to take care of things."
Moniang nodded and said, "Don't worry, Big Brother. I'm also responsible for my husband becoming like this. I'll take good care of him and won't cause you any trouble."
"Sigh, my reputation is a small matter, but he really can't go out anymore."
Thinking of this, Ning Huainan called two young servants and ordered, "You two watch over Second Master. Don't let him take a single step out of the courtyard. Let him recuperate in the courtyard peacefully."
Then, Ning Huainan ordered Moniang again.
"I can't make decisions about the affairs in Second Brother's room. You're his wife. You decide. For those concubines, if Second Brother doesn't like them, and they're not infected and don't know about it, and they want to leave, let them go. For those who know about it, let them write a guarantee. You keep a hold on them and can also let them go. For those who don't want to leave or are infected, our Ning family isn't short of this bit of food. We'll support those who need to be supported and treat those who need to be treated. But Second Brother must cultivate his character. This is not only good for Second Brother but also for them."
Moniang nodded and said, "Don't worry, Big Brother. I know I can't escape the blame for my husband becoming like this. Now that he's like this, I'll take responsibility and take good care of him."
Mrs. Ning grabbed Moniang's hand and sighed painfully.
"Moniang, it's my fault that I didn't raise my son well. You've suffered. Don't worry. If he shows the slightest disrespect to you in the future, just come to me. I'll teach him a lesson for you."
"Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Big Brother."
After Ning Huainan and Mrs. Ning left, Moniang's personal maid brought two children forward.
"Madam, what should we do about Second Master now?"
Moniang's expression changed from gentle to cold.
"Lock the courtyard door. Don't let Second Master out."
"Will Second Master agree?"
"Didn't you hear what the eldest young master and the old madam said? If we can't watch over Second Master well, not only you but even I will be scolded."
The maid nodded and stepped back to give the order.
Moniang took the two children and looked at the bright moon in the sky.
Her eldest son was just learning to talk. He looked up and asked, "Mother, is Father sick?"
"Yes, your father has a very serious illness. It's deep - rooted."
"Will Father be okay?"
"Don't worry. Mother will help the doctor cure your father."
Mother will do anything to protect you.
Ning Huaizhi, you've imprisoned me in this courtyard for so many years.
It's time for you to pay your debt.