Chapter 149: then translation of chapter title

Wen Ling heard and her cheek pressed against Ning Qing's.

Ning Light ruffled her hair and introduced Wen Ling to each person in turn.

Ning Qing rubbed her hair, bringing Wen Ling to introduce her one by one. So: 【2】 Ning Qing rubbed her hair and brought Wen Ling to introduce her one by one.

"This is my future daughter-in-law, isn't she pretty?"

"This is my future daughter-in-law, isn't she pretty?" So: 【3】 "This is my future daughter-in-law, isn't she pretty?"

"Our little Wu is fortunate; finding such a girlfriend is him living up to his own appearance."

"Our Xiao Wu has good fortune; finding such a girlfriend is him making up for his face." Actually: "Our Xiao Wu has good luck; finding such a girlfriend counts as him making up for his face." So: 【4】 "Our Xiao Wu has good fortune; finding such a girlfriend counts as him making up for his face."

She doesn't hesitate to disparage her most beloved little son to boost Wen Ling's standing in the Zhou family, ensuring everyone acknowledges her, so that in Forty‑Nine City anyone who sees her will at least be careful with their words and actions.

She doesn't mind belittling her most beloved little son to elevate Wen Ling's status in the Zhou family, so that everyone will recognize her, and later in Sijiucheng, when they meet, they will at least be careful in their words and deeds. So: 【5】 She doesn't mind belittling her most beloved little son to raise Wen Ling's status in the Zhou family, so that everyone will recognize her, and later in Sijiucheng, when they meet, they will at least be careful in their words and deeds.

Wen Ling greeted everyone confidently, calling out "this aunt, that sister," using her sweet talk to win over most of the ladies present.

Wen Ling greeted everyone generously, calling this auntie, that sister, with her sweet talk, successfully winning over the hearts of most of the ladies present. So: 【6】 Wen Ling greeted everyone generously, calling this auntie, that sister, with her sweet talk, successfully winning over the hearts of most of the ladies present.

Of course, there were a few who weren't very perceptive.

Of course, there were also a few who weren't very perceptive. So: 【7】 Of course, there were also a few who weren't very perceptive.

As Wen Ling and Ning Light whispered about staying longer at Fengqi Garden, a sharp voice sounded.

When Wen Ling and Ning Qing were whispering about staying longer at Feng Qi Yuan, a somewhat sharp voice sounded. So: 【8】 When Wen Ling and Ning Qing were whispering about staying longer at Feng Qi Yuan, a somewhat sharp voice sounded.

"Madam Zhou, choosing a daughter-in-law shouldn't be based only on appearances."

"Mrs. Zhou, choosing a daughter-in-law shouldn't be based only on appearance." So: 【9】 "Mrs. Zhou, choosing a daughter-in-law shouldn't be based only on appearance."

She obviously spoke with sarcasm, and Ning Light didn't spare her any face, curling her lip and saying, "Madam Tian, are you lecturing me?"

She obviously had a sarcastic tone, and Ning Qing didn't give her face, curling her lip and saying: "Madam Tian, are you lecturing me?" So: 【10】 She obviously had a sarcastic tone, and Ning Qing didn't give her face, curling her lip and saying: "Madam Tian, are you lecturing me?"

Madam Tian's face stiffened; she hadn't expected Ning Light's focus to be so off.

Madam Tian's expression stiffened; she didn't expect Ning Qing's focus to be so off. So: 【11】 Madam Tian's expression stiffened; she didn't expect Ning Qing's focus to be so off.

She chuckled and explained, "No, I'm just worried you might be deceived."

She gave a hehe laugh and explained: "No, I'm just afraid you're being deceived." So: 【12】 She gave a hehe laugh and explained: "No, I'm just afraid you're being deceived."

Wen Ling sat between Ning Light and Madam Jiang, gazing at Madam Tian not far away for a while before recalling who this person was.

Wen Ling sat between Ning Qing and Madame Jiang, gazing at Madam Tian not far away for a while before realizing who this person was. So: 【13】 Wen Ling sat between Ning Qing and Madame Jiang, gazing at Madam Tian not far away for a while before realizing who this person was.

Her eyes curved into a smile, and her voice was just loud enough for everyone to hear.

Her eyebrows and eyes curved, her voice just loud enough for others to hear. So: 【14】 Her eyebrows and eyes curved, her voice just loud enough for others to hear.

"You seem to be friends with my aunt, right?" Wen Ling tilted her head, seeming doubtful: "I recall that, Madam Tian, I haven't remembered wrong, have I?"

"You seem to be friends with my aunt, right?" Wen Ling tilted her head, seeming doubtful: "I remember that, Madam Tian, I didn't get it wrong, did I?" So: 【15】 "You seem to be friends with my aunt, right?" Wen Ling tilted her head, seeming doubtful: "I remember that, Madam Tian, I didn't get it wrong, did I?"

Madam Tian didn't want to speak to her, but out of respect for Ning Light, she gave a cold grunt.

Madam Tian didn't want to speak to her, but out of respect for Ning Qing, she gave a cold hum. So: 【16】 Madam Tian didn't want to speak to her, but out of respect for Ning Qing, she gave a cold hum.

Wen Ling smiled, "Madam Tian, are you subtly mocking me here to vent for my aunt?"

Wen Ling smiled: "Madam Tian, are you sneering at me here today to vent for my aunt?" So: 【17】 Wen Ling smiled: "Madam Tian, are you sneering at me here today to vent for my aunt?"

Ning Light's face turned cold in an instant, she stared sternly at Madam Tian, displaying the full aura of a superior; the other ladies, noticing this, dared not even breathe.

Ning Qing's expression turned cold in an instant, she gazed deeply at Madam Tian, the aura of a superior fully displayed; the other ladies noticed and dared not breathe. So: 【18】 Ning Qing's expression turned cold in an instant, she gazed deeply at Madam Tian, the aura of a superior fully displayed; the other ladies noticed and dared not breathe.

"I..." Madam Tian opened her mouth, about to explain, but Wen Ling cut her off: "My aunt once said my mother stole her fiancé, then later blamed me for not competing with my cousin for my grandfather; you should know the truth, or else come judge for me."

"I..." Madam Tian opened her mouth, about to explain, but Wen Ling interrupted: "My aunt said my mother snatched her fiancé, then later blamed me for not competing with my cousin for the grandfather; you should know the truth, or else come judge for me." So: 【19】 "I..." Madam Tian opened her mouth, about to explain, but Wen Ling interrupted: "My aunt said my mother snatched her fiancé, then later blamed me for not competing with my cousin for the grandfather; you should know the truth, or else come judge for me."

Ning Light spoke calmly, her eyes icy: "Yes, Madam Tian, tell us what really happened, so that later there won't be baseless rumors outside."

Ning Qing's tone was flat, her eyes icy: "Yes, Madam Tian, tell us, what exactly happened, so that outside rumors aren't baseless." So: 【20】 Ning Qing's tone was flat, her eyes icy: "Yes, Madam Tian, tell us, what exactly happened, so that outside rumors aren't baseless."

Madam Tian's hand on the table trembled uncontrollably; she knew that if she didn't speak clearly in front of everyone now, any gossip later would reflect on her Tian family.

Madam Tian's hand on the table trembled uncontrollably; she knew that if she didn't speak clearly in front of everyone this time, later gossip would be about her Tian family. So: 【21】 Madam Tian's hand on the table trembled uncontrollably; she knew that if she didn't speak clearly in front of everyone this time, later gossip would be about her Tian family.

"Of course not; Miss Qin the Second and Mr. Wen are together by free love, there's no truth to her stealing Shi Yan's fiancé."

"Of course not; Miss Qin the Second and Mr. Wen are together by free love, there's no such thing as her stealing Siyun's fiancé." So: 【22】 "Of course not; Miss Qin the Second and Mr. Wen are together by free love, there's no such thing as her stealing Siyun's fiancé."

Wen Ling smiled gently and continued: "Then what do you think about my aunt and cousin blaming me for being close to my grandfather, claiming I stole my cousin's grandfather—is that fair?"

Wen Ling smiled gently and continued: "Then what do you think about my aunt and cousin blaming me for being close to my grandfather, saying I stole my cousin's grandfather—is that fair?" So: 【23】 Wen Ling smiled gently and continued: "Then what do you think about my aunt and cousin blaming me for being close to my grandfather, saying I stole my cousin's grandfather—is that fair?"

Madam Tian glanced nervously at Ning Light; the ladies who had been close to her had already avoided her, and she struggled to continue: "Which granddaughter Old Qin likes and dotes on is his own affair; for Shi Yan and Miao Miao to say that is simply selfish."

Madam Tian glanced nervously at Ning Qing; the ladies who had been close to her had already avoided her, and she difficulty continued: "Which granddaughter Qin Lao likes and dotes on is his own affair; for Siyun and Mianmian to say that is truly selfish." So: 【24】 Madam Tian glanced nervously at Ning Qing; the ladies who had been close to her had already avoided her, and she difficulty continued: "Which granddaughter Qin Lao likes and dotes on is his own affair; for Siyun and Mianmian to say that is truly selfish."

Wen Ling was satisfied, lowered her gaze and withdrew her gaze; Ning Light naturally took over the following matters.

Wen Ling was satisfied, lowered her eyes and withdrew her gaze; the following matters Ning Qing naturally took over. So: 【25】 Wen Ling was satisfied, lowered her eyes and withdrew her gaze; the following matters Ning Qing naturally took over.

She turned to the steward and said lightly: "Send Madam Tian away; as for the donation she made that day, transfer it to her at the auction price."

She turned her head to the steward and said lightly: "Send Madam Tian out; as for what she donated that day, give it back to her at the auction price." So: 【26】 She turned her head to the steward and said lightly: "Send Madam Tian out; as for what she donated that day, give it back to her at the auction price."

Madam Tian panicked, rose and rushed to Ning Light's side, abandoning her dignity, let alone her usual self‑respect.

Madam Tian panicked, stood up and ran to Ning Qing's side; that was already discarding her status, let alone her usual dignity. So: 【27】 Madam Tian panicked, stood up and ran to Ning Qing's side; that was already discarding her status, let alone her usual dignity.

"Madam Zhou, Madam Zhou, I know I was wrong; I just heard rumors and thought Miss Wen... I know I was wrong, please don't drive me away."

"Mrs. Zhou, Mrs. Zhou, I know I was wrong; I just listened to others' nonsense, which made me think Miss Wen... I know I was wrong, please don't drive me away." So: 【28】 "Mrs. Zhou, Mrs. Zhou, I know I was wrong; I just listened to others' nonsense, which made me think Miss Wen... I know I was wrong, please don't drive me away."

Once she is driven out, she—and her Tian family—will have no future at all.

Once she is driven out, she—and her Tian family thereafter—will have no future at all. So: 【29】 Once she is driven out, she—and her Tian family thereafter—will have no future at all.

"Madam Tian, what are you doing?" Ning Light said with a light laugh, then turned and glared at the approaching bodyguard, scolding: "Why are you moving so slowly? Haven't I been taking care of your meals?"

"Madam Tian, what are you doing?" Ning Qing said with a light laugh, then turned her head and gave a cold look to the approaching guard, scolding: "Why are you moving so slow? Haven't I been feeding you?" So: 【30】 "Madam Tian, what are you doing?" Ning Qing said with a light laugh, then turned her head and gave a cold look to the approaching guard, scolding: "Why are you moving so slow? Haven't I been feeding you?"

She couldn't be bothered to act like a noble lady anyway; everyone present knows the Ning family isn't a proper old‑line aristocracy, and Ning Light isn't the kind of well‑bred young miss taught from childhood—she has her own temper.

She couldn't be bothered to pretend to be a noble lady anyway; everyone here knows the Ning family isn't a proper old aristocratic clan, and Ning Qing isn't one of those well-bred young ladies taught from childhood; she has her own temper. So: 【31】 She couldn't be bothered to pretend to be a noble lady anyway; everyone here knows the Ning family isn't a proper old aristocratic clan, and Ning Qing isn't one of those well-bred young ladies taught from childhood; she has her own temper.

The bodyguard quickened his steps, gesturing for Madam Tian to leave, but could she walk? Would she dare?

The guard quickened his steps forward, making a gesture of invitation to Madam Tian, but could she walk? Would she dare? So: 【32】 The guard quickened his steps forward, making a gesture of invitation to Madam Tian, but could she walk? Would she dare?

If she left, the moment she stepped out of Fengqi Garden, the Tian family would be bankrupt.

If she walked out of Feng Qi Yuan at that moment, the Tian family would be bankrupt. So: 【33】 If she walked out of Feng Qi Yuan at that moment, the Tian family would be bankrupt.

In Forty‑Nine City, news spreads the fastest, and those who shift with the wind are countless.

News in Sijiucheng spreads the fastest, and those who follow the wind are countless. So: 【34】 News in Sijiucheng spreads the fastest, and those who follow the wind are countless.

She reached out and grabbed Ning Light's arm; seeing Ning Light unmoved, she tried to seize Wen Ling's hand, but Wen Ling frowned and dodged, at which point Ning Light flew into a rage.

She reached out to grab Ning Qing's arm; seeing Ning Qing unmoved, she tried to grab Wen Ling's hand, but Wen Ling frowned and dodged, and Ning Qing became utterly angry. So: 【35】 She reached out to grab Ning Qing's arm; seeing Ning Qing unmoved, she tried to grab Wen Ling's hand, but Wen Ling frowned and dodged, and Ning Qing became utterly angry.

"Drag her out!"

"Drag her out!" So: 【36】 "Drag her out!"

She shouted angrily, and the ladies behind her all trembled, holding their breath.

She shouted angrily, and the ladies behind them all trembled, holding their breath. So: 【37】 She shouted angrily, and the ladies behind them all trembled, holding their breath.

After Madam Tian was dragged away, Wen Ling softly apologized to Ning Light.

After Madam Tian was dragged away, Wen Ling whispered an apology to Ning Qing. So: 【38】 After Madam Tian was dragged away, Wen Ling whispered an apology to Ning Qing.

Ning Light asked puzzled: "Why are you apologizing?"

Ning Qing asked doubtfully: "Why apologize?" So: 【39】 Ning Qing asked doubtfully: "Why apologize?"

"It's because of me that Madam Tian upset Aunt and also affected your and the other ladies' moods." Wen Ling bit her lip, feeling deeply guilty.

"It's because I caused Madam Tian to upset the aunt, and also affected your and the other ladies' moods." Wen Ling bit her lip, feeling deeply guilty. So: 【40】 "It's because I caused Madam Tian to upset the aunt, and also affected your and the other ladies' moods." Wen Ling bit her lip, feeling deeply guilty.

She might be insincere with others, but with Ning Light she is genuine.

She might be insincere with others, but with Ning Qing she is genuine. So: 【41】 She might be insincere with others, but with Ning Qing she is genuine.

"How could this be your fault?" Ning Light smiled gently, showing no trace of her earlier anger, she lightly tucked Wen Ling's hair behind her ear and soothed: "It's the aunt's problem; having such a foolish person around to be an eyesore, and even wanting to bully you—if you don't blame the aunt, she's already quite happy."

"This isn't your fault." Ning Qing smiled gently, her face showing no trace of her earlier anger; she raised her hand and gently tucked Wen Ling's hair behind her ear, softly coaxing: "It's the aunt's problem, having brought such a fool to be an eyesore, still wanting to bully you; if you don't blame the aunt, the aunt is already happy." So: 【42】 "This isn't your fault." Ning Qing smiled gently, her face showing no trace of her earlier anger; she raised her hand and gently tucked Wen Ling's hair behind her ear, softly coaxing: "It's the aunt's problem, having brought such a fool to be an eyesore, still wanting to bully you; if you don't blame the aunt, the aunt is already happy."

Wen Ling lowered her head to avoid Ning Light's gentle gaze, her eyes gradually reddening.

Wen Ling lowered her head to avoid Ning Qing's gentle gaze, her eye rims gradually reddening. So: 【43】 Wen Ling lowered her head to avoid Ning Qing's gentle gaze, her eye rims gradually reddening.

Since she can remember, she has never seen her mother comfort her like this; the Zhou aunt beside her, though affectionate, always maintains a master‑servant barrier.

Since she could remember, she had never seen her mother coax her like this; the Zhou aunt beside her, though affectionate, always maintained a master-servant barrier. So: 【44】 Since she could remember, she had never seen her mother coax her like this; the Zhou aunt beside her, though affectionate, always maintained a master-servant barrier.

Ning Light sensed the spreading sadness around her, embraced her, patted her back, took Wen Ling's hand and stood, then told the other ladies: "I'll say this once: Ah Ling is a member of our Zhou family; I hope you all remember that, and when you see our Ah Ling in the future, look after her a little—the Zhou family will remember your kindness."

Ning Qing felt the sorrow spreading from her, reached out to embrace her, gave a soothing pat, then took Wen Ling's hand and stood up, saying to the other ladies: "I'll just say this: Ah Ling is a member of our Zhou family; I hope you all remember that, and when you meet our Ah Ling in the future, take care of her; the Zhou family will remember your kindness." So: 【45】 Ning Qing felt the sorrow spreading from her, reached out to embrace her, gave a soothing pat, then took Wen Ling's hand and stood up, saying to the other ladies: "I'll just say this: Ah Ling is a member of our Zhou family; I hope you all remember that, and when you meet our Ah Ling in the future, take care of her; the Zhou family will remember your kindness."

After speaking, she softly told Madam Jiang: "Take care of her."

After speaking, she softly told Madame Jiang: "Take care." So: 【46】 After speaking, she softly told Madame Jiang: "Take care."

She gave Madam Jiang a look; Jiang, who had been close to her for years, instantly understood, and after Ning Light led Wen Ling out of the sunroom holding her hand, Jiang proactively greeted the other ladies to sit down.

She gave Madame Jiang a look; Madame Jiang, who had been close to her for years, instantly understood, and after Ning Qing took Wen Ling's hand and left the sunroom, she proactively greeted the other ladies to sit down. So: 【47】 She gave Madame Jiang a look; Madame Jiang, who had been close to her for years, instantly understood, and after Ning Qing took Wen Ling's hand and left the sunroom, she proactively greeted the other ladies to sit down.

Wen Ling and Ning Light walked together toward the villa, Ning Light speaking softly as they went: "These ladies in Forty‑Nine City aren't all smart; there will always be a few foolish ones who act without thinking. Ah Ling, don't take their words and deeds to heart, and don't endure them—behind you stand not only the Wen and Qin families, but also the Zhou family."

Wen Ling and Ning Qing walked together toward the villa, Ning Qing walking and speaking gently: "These ladies in Sijiucheng aren't all smart; there will always be a few foolish ones who act without thinking; Ah Ling, don't take their words and deeds to heart, and don't endure them; behind you stand not only the Wen and Qin families, but also the Zhou family." So: 【48】 Wen Ling and Ning Qing walked together toward the villa, Ning Qing walking and speaking gently: "These ladies in Sijiucheng aren't all smart; there will always be a few foolish ones who act without thinking; Ah Ling, don't take their words and deeds to heart, and don't endure them; behind you stand not only the Wen and Qin families, but also the Zhou family."

Wen Ling gazed at her with tear-filled eyes, nodding earnestly.

Wen Ling looked at her with tear-blurred eyes, earnestly nodding. So: 【49】 Wen Ling looked at her with tear-blurred eyes, earnestly nodding.

Back at the villa, Zhou Yinghe had already changed into loungewear and come downstairs; seeing Wen Ling's red‑rimmed eyes, he frowned anxiously and asked: "What happened? Why are you crying?"

Back at the villa, Zhou Yinhe had already changed into home clothes and come downstairs; seeing Wen Ling's eye rims wet and red, he frowned anxiously and asked: "What's wrong? Why are you crying?" So: 【50】 Back at the villa, Zhou Yinhe had already changed into home clothes and come downstairs; seeing Wen Ling's eye rims wet and red, he frowned anxiously and asked: "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Now ensure each line is a single line with 【N】 and translation. No extra commentary. Let's output.

【1】 Wen Ling heard and her cheek pressed against Ning Qing's.

【2】 Ning Qing rubbed her hair and brought Wen Ling to introduce her one by one.

【3】 "This is my future daughter-in-law, isn't she pretty?"

【4】 "Our Xiao Wu has good fortune; finding such a girlfriend counts as him making up for his face."

【5】 She doesn't mind belittling her most beloved little son to raise Wen Ling's status in the Zhou family, so that everyone will recognize her, and later in Sijiucheng, when they meet, they will at least be careful in their words and deeds.

【6】 Wen Ling greeted everyone generously, calling this auntie, that sister, with her sweet talk, successfully winning over the hearts of most of the ladies present.

【7】 Of course, there were also a few who weren't very perceptive.

【8】 When Wen Ling and Ning Qing were whispering about staying longer at Feng Qi Yuan, a somewhat sharp voice sounded.

【9】 "Mrs. Zhou, choosing a daughter-in-law shouldn't be based only on appearance."

【10】 She obviously had a sarcastic tone, and Ning Qing didn't give her face, curling her lip and saying: "Madam Tian, are you lecturing me?"

【11】 Madam Tian's expression stiffened; she didn't expect Ning Qing's focus to be so off.

【12】 She gave a hehe laugh and explained: "No, I'm just afraid you're being deceived."

【13】 Wen Ling sat between Ning Qing and Madame Jiang, gazing at Madam Tian not far away for a while before realizing who this person was.

【14】 Her eyebrows and eyes curved, her voice just loud enough for others to hear.

【15】 "You seem to be friends with my aunt, right?" Wen Ling tilted her head, seeming doubtful: "I remember that, Madam Tian, I didn't get it wrong, did I?"

【16】 Madam Tian didn't want to speak to her, but out of respect for Ning Qing, she gave a cold hum.

【17】 Wen Ling smiled: "Madam Tian, are you sneering at me here today to vent for my aunt?"

【18】 Ning Qing's expression turned cold in an instant, she gazed deeply at Madam Tian, the aura of a superior fully displayed; the other ladies noticed and dared not breathe.

【19】 "I..." Madam Tian opened her mouth, about to explain, but Wen Ling interrupted: "My aunt said my mother snatched her fiancé, then later blamed me for not competing with my cousin for the grandfather; you should know the truth, or else come judge for me."

【20】 Ning Qing's tone was flat, her eyes icy: "Yes, Madam Tian, tell us, what exactly happened, so that outside rumors aren't baseless."

【21】 Madam Tian's hand on the table trembled uncontrollably; she knew that if she didn't speak clearly in front of everyone this time, later gossip would be about her Tian family.

【22】 "Of course not; Miss Qin the Second and Mr. Wen are together by free love, there's no such thing as her stealing Siyun's fiancé."

【23】 Wen Ling smiled gently and continued: "Then what do you think about my aunt and cousin blaming me for being close to my grandfather, saying I stole my cousin's grandfather—is that fair?"

【24】 Madam Tian glanced nervously at Ning Qing; the ladies who had been close to her had already avoided her, and she difficulty continued: "Which granddaughter Qin Lao likes and dotes on is his own affair; for Siyun and Mianmian to say that is truly selfish."

【25】 Wen Ling was satisfied, lowered her eyes and withdrew her gaze; the following matters Ning Qing naturally took over.

【26】 She turned her head to the steward and said lightly: "Send Madam Tian out; as for what she donated that day, give it back to her at the auction price."

【27】 Madam Tian panicked, stood up and ran to Ning Qing's side; that was already discarding her status, let alone her usual dignity.

【28】 "Mrs. Zhou, Mrs. Zhou, I know I was wrong; I just listened to others' nonsense, which made me think Miss Wen... I know I was wrong, please don't drive me away."

【29】 Once she is driven out, she—and her Tian family thereafter—will have no future at all.

【30】 "Madam Tian, what are you doing?" Ning Qing said with a light laugh, then turned her head and gave a cold look to the approaching guard, scolding: "Why are you moving so slow? Haven't I been feeding you?"

【31】 She couldn't be bothered to pretend to be a noble lady anyway; everyone here knows the Ning family isn't a proper old aristocratic clan, and Ning Qing isn't one of those well-bred young ladies taught from childhood; she has her own temper.

【32】 The guard quickened his steps forward, making a gesture of invitation to Madam Tian, but could she walk? Would she dare?

【33】 If she walked out of Feng Qi Yuan at that moment, the Tian family would be bankrupt.

【34】 News in Sijiucheng spreads the fastest, and those who follow the wind are countless.

【35】 She reached out to grab Ning Qing's arm; seeing Ning Qing unmoved, she tried to grab Wen Ling's hand, but Wen Ling frowned and dodged, and Ning Qing became utterly angry.

【36】 "Drag her out!"

【37】 She shouted angrily, and the ladies behind them all trembled, holding their breath.

【38】 After Madam Tian was dragged away, Wen Ling whispered an apology to Ning Qing.

【39】 Ning Qing asked doubtfully: "Why apologize?"

【40】 "It's because I caused Madam Tian to upset the aunt, and also affected your and the other ladies' moods." Wen Ling bit her lip, feeling deeply guilty.

【41】 She might be insincere with others, but with Ning Qing she is genuine.

【42】 "This isn't your fault." Ning Qing smiled gently, her face showing no trace of her earlier anger; she raised her hand and gently tucked Wen Ling's hair behind her ear, softly coaxing: "It's the aunt's problem, having brought such a fool to be an eyesore, still wanting to bully you; if you don't blame the aunt, the aunt is already happy."

【43】 Wen Ling lowered her head to avoid Ning Qing's gentle gaze, her eye rims gradually reddening.

【44】 Since she could remember, she had never seen her mother coax her like this; the Zhou aunt beside her, though affectionate, always maintained a master-servant barrier.

【45】 Ning Qing felt the sorrow spreading from her, reached out to embrace her, gave a soothing pat, then took Wen Ling's hand and stood up, saying to the other ladies: "I'll just say this: Ah Ling is a member of our Zhou family; I hope you all remember that, and when you meet our Ah Ling in the future, take care of her; the Zhou family will remember your kindness."

【46】 After speaking, she softly told Madame Jiang: "Take care."

【47】 She gave Madame Jiang a look; Madame Jiang, who had been close to her for years, instantly understood, and after Ning Qing took Wen Ling's hand and left the sunroom, she proactively greeted the other ladies to sit down.

【48】 Wen Ling and Ning Qing walked together toward the villa, Ning Qing walking and speaking gently: "These ladies in Sijiucheng aren't all smart; there will always be a few foolish ones who act without thinking; Ah Ling, don't take their words and deeds to heart, and don't endure them; behind you stand not only the Wen and Qin families, but also the Zhou family."

【49】 Wen Ling looked at her with tear-blurred eyes, earnestly nodding.

【50】 Back at the villa, Zhou Yinhe had already changed into home clothes and come downstairs; seeing Wen Ling's eye rims wet and red, he frowned anxiously and asked: "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"