无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

The once firmly established position of Crown Prince had now become uncertain.

Not only that, but he was now confined in the freezing Hall of Virtue to copy the scriptures.

With the New Year approaching, it was the coldest three months of the year. Wouldn’t he get sick from the cold like this?

Jiang Ning could hardly imagine what Li Hongyuan was feeling at this time.

Looking at Wenzan and Lingzi, Jiang Ning thought that after all, he was the father of the two children.

In the future, when they grow up and find out it was because of her that their father couldn’t become the Crown Prince, would they hold it against her?

At dinner time, Jiang Ning brought the food she made herself and went to the front yard to visit Wenren Zong.

Wenren Zong had gotten much better, sitting up in bed with a pile of thick documents.

“You should be resting and not taxing your mind,” Jiang Ning said.

Wenren Zong looked at her and smiled, “It’s not taxing at all. I was just reviewing a case that has progressed well. I wanted to see if there’s anything missed.”

“You’re really working hard.”

“I just want to find out the truth, so that the innocent won’t be wrongly accused, and the guilty won’t escape the law.”

“Thirteen, you’re a good official,” Jiang Ning praised him sincerely, “I hope you always stay true to your original intentions and continue to be a good official who fights for the people.”

Wenren Zong put down the documents and smiled, “I will.”

“Take a break and drink your medicine first,” Jiang Ning handed him the medicine, “Then come and eat.”

Wenren Zong smiled, “It’s just my last meal at the Jiang Family.”

“Why?”

“I’m going home tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to rush. You can leave once you’re fully recovered.”

“I’m fine already.” Wenren Zong looked at her tenderly, “Ningning, thank you for taking care of me these days. Although I don’t want to leave, I have to for the sake of your reputation.”

“I don’t care about those things,” Jiang Ning smiled.

“Even if you don’t care, I have to.”

“Alright, drink your medicine.”

Wenren Zong drank the medicine and got out of bed, sitting at the table.

Jiang Ning laid out the food.

Wenren Zong smiled, “It would’ve been nice to have some wine.”

“Why would you drink wine when you’re injured?”

“A little bit of rice wine won’t hurt. I’m fine. Look…” He shook his head vigorously.

Jiang Ning laughed, “If you want to drink, just drink. But when your head aches later, I won’t care.”

She told Huang Ying to fetch a pot of wine, and also told her to take Xiaoman back to eat dinner. There was no need for them to serve here. This way, Wenren Zong could eat more comfortably.

Wenren Zong poured two glasses of wine, handing one to Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning waved her hand, “I don’t drink.”

“Just keep me company for one glass.”

“Well, alright.” Jiang Ning picked up her glass, “Just one glass, you should drink less too.”

“I will also drink only one.”

The two clinked glasses and drank it all.

Jiang Ning felt that the wine was rather bland and tasteless.

But Wenren Zong seemed to enjoy it.

During the meal, he ended up drinking another two glasses.

Afterward, he asked Jiang Ning, “I’m leaving tomorrow. Have you thought it through these days?”

Jiang Ning knew what he was asking.

She said earnestly, “Thirteen, I think… I still can’t agree to this.”

“Why not?” Wenren Zong pressed.

His expression showed disappointment.

Jiang Ning lowered her eyes, softly saying, “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t say you’re sorry.” Wenren Zong took her hand, “Can you tell me the reason? I thought… we were doing well.”

If she didn’t like him, why did she agree to meet him for the snow-watching and fish-eating gathering, and accept his bracelet?