Anning didn’t go home after coming out of the theater, instead, she watched a variety of performances and then went to a restaurant, ordering numerous dishes to taste one after another. Her mood was somewhat down. Refusing Xiao Yuan was actually quite painful for Anning. But she had no choice. If this were her own life, she would have gladly agreed to marry Xiao Yuan, even if the whole world opposed, she would find a way to turn the situation around. However, this was not her life. She was living for Wen Anning. Wen Anning and Xu Zhiwen were deeply in love, and after Xu Zhiwen’s death, she never considered remarrying. Deep down, Wen Anning wanted a good reputation, wanted to raise her children well, and wanted to fulfill her filial duties towards Xu Zhiwen. These were all things Anning had to accomplish on her behalf. This also meant she could not possibly remarry. Moreover, Xiao Yuan’s current status was not ordinary. He was the youngest son of the Empress Dowager, always doted on by her. The Empress Dowager would never allow him to marry a widow with a humble background and rural beginnings as a Princess. Even if Anning was favored by the Empress Dowager, it still would not be possible. If the Empress Dowager knew about Anning’s involvement with Prince Su, she would likely heavily punish Anning. If Anning were alone, she naturally wouldn’t be afraid. But now, she had the entire Xu family to consider behind her. For the good of everyone, Anning resolutely refused Xiao Yuan. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦•𝘯𝘦𝘵 Afterwards, for a period of time, Prince Su did not visit the Xu family. However, before the New Year, Prince Su had someone send New Year gifts to the Xu family. Anning then didn’t know what he was thinking. During the New Year, the Empress Dowager summoned Anning to join the palace banquet, where Anning saw Prince Su again. At that time, the night breeze was very cool, Prince Su wearing a dark red robe stood under the veranda, the palace light reflecting on his face flickering on and off, making his facial features more pronounced, and his presence more imposing. When Anning saw him, she did not greet him, originally intending to walk by in silence. However, Prince Su called out to her. Anning stopped and looked at him. The palace light was reflected in her eyes, her eyes still as bright as if reflecting the entire Milky Way. "I know what you are worried about." Prince Su spoke leisurely: "This prince respects your decision." He turned his face away, coughed softly: "Let’s be confidants in this lifetime." Anning smiled slightly: "Thank you." Prince Su waved his hand: "It’s cold, Lady Xu should hurry inside." Anning did not look at Prince Su again, but hurried to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager. After the New Year, when spring arrived, the Xu family was to return to their hometown, Anning went to the palace to bid farewell to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was very reluctant to let Anning go, originally wanting to keep Anning in the Capital, but considering that all of the Xu family were leaving, and it might not be safe for a widow to live in such a large mansion, plus the Empress Dowager was not one to coerce, she bestowed some gifts on Anning and had someone escort them back to their hometown. With this departure, Anning was gone for eight years, during which she never returned to the Capital. However, she would often write small stories to be sent to the Empress Dowager in the Capital. Over these eight years, many things also happened within the Xu family. Firstly, Mrs. Feng was remarried by the Feng family. This time, Mrs. Feng was to become a stepmother. In the town, a family’s daughter-in-law had died, leaving behind several children. The family’s man was extremely ugly and, being a widower, had even more difficulty finding a wife. But not marrying meant there was no one to take care of the children at home. Eventually, they offered a higher bride price and married Mrs. Feng. Initially, Mrs. Feng was unwilling, but her brothers beat her and spoke harsh words to her, forcibly sending her off in the wedding palanquin. Once Mrs. Feng got married and saw what the man looked like, she felt like dying. The people of the Xu family were all quite good-looking, Xu Zhiwen was considered the beauty standard of the Xu family, resembling an Immortal with an ethereal aura, not at all like a child from a countryside family. Xu Zhiqin was also very handsome. Even Xu Zhiyong, being the most ordinary looking among the three sons, was still tall with thick eyebrows and big eyes, giving off a respectable appearance. Having become accustomed to the good looks of the Xu family, Mrs. Feng found her new husband unsightly in every way. Not only was the man undesirable, his children were also unbearable. It didn’t take long after Mrs. Feng got married for her to suffer immensely. She thought she had done well, but still the man was dissatisfied, and the children constantly cursed her as a wicked stepmother. Facing all this, Mrs. Feng truly regretted her decision. If only she had known... But what could be done even if she had known? She would probably still have taken the Xu family’s money to support her own family. Another matter was that Xu Minruo also got married. Xu Minruo, well-taught by Anning, had grown into a beauty. Moreover, as the Xu family’s circumstances improved greatly, suitors practically broke the door thresholds. Those coming to ask for her marriage were not just commoners. Even wealthy families from the county dared not propose. After all, Xu Minruo had been taught by Anning, who was personally honored by the Emperor as a first-rank wife. With such a status, ordinary people truly felt unworthy of her. Most of the suitors were Scholars or noblemen’s younger sons. Anning, after meticulous selection, chose a common scholar for Xu Minruo. This scholar’s family was simple, and his parents were honest and upright, and his personal character was particularly good. Although he was tactful in his dealings, he had principles, making him the best choice Anning could find. Xu Minruo also expressed satisfaction after meeting the scholar. Afterwards, Anning prepared a generous dowry for Xu Minruo, allowing her a grand wedding procession that spanned ten miles. After getting married, Xu Minruo led a decent life. In less than three years, her husband passed the Imperial Examination. At that time, Zhou Xun had already become a fourth-rank Capital Official, and with his support, her husband’s career was progressing smoothly. Xu Minruo was very grateful to Anning and tried her best to keep her husband’s and her own family from causing any troubles to Anning. Of course, since Xu Minruo’s husband became an official, Mrs. Feng’s life improved a bit too. Even though Mrs. Feng had been divorced, she was still Xu Minruo’s biological mother. If she were suffering, Xu Minruo would not ignore it. Then, it would be trouble for her husband’s family, so her husband, despite his dissatisfaction, would also treat her well. Anning had left the Capital for eight years, and the family moved to the Capital after the eight years because the children were participating in the Imperial Examination. During these eight years, the four boys in the family studied hard. Especially Xu Minying, who had the highest talent among the four. He passed the Scholar Examination at age ten, the Imperial Examination at eleven, and after a few delays, now at fifteen, he wanted to try the next level to see if he could become an Advanced Scholar. Xu Minchang from the second branch was less talented than Xu Minying but studied diligently nonetheless. However, his lack of talent meant he could not pass the Imperial Examination after becoming a Scholar, and he himself gave up. Xu Minfang from the third branch passed the Imperial Examination but lacked the confidence to pursue the Advanced Scholar status, so he started a school at home and began teaching. Whereas Xu Minwu had decent talent and was diligent; this time he accompanied Anning to the Capital to try for the exams.