I started out with seven husbands, and I worked hard to support my family while crying.

Chapter 536: The Moon Won't Be Full Tonight

Pei Changqing's lips curled up slightly, maintaining his gentle smile, but a hint of smugness flashed in his eyes. He said slowly, "I know my dear brother misses his wife terribly, so I specially asked my sister-in-law for this. I thought that seeing this would make you feel better and ease your longing."

His voice was gentle, as if he were truly a good older brother who always thought of his younger brother, but in his heart he was thinking: "Look at your touched look, it's really laughable."

This golden hairpin is nothing but a tool I use to deceive you. Once you've lost your usefulness, I'll eliminate you completely.

Pei Yan gripped the gold hairpin tightly, his heart filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, he was grateful for his second brother's thoughtfulness and consideration; on the other hand, the gold hairpin stirred up his endless longing for Fang Xiaoxiao.

He seemed to see Fang Xiaoxiao's surprised yet shy expression when she received the gold hairpin, and the sweet times the two of them had spent together.

"Second brother, thank you so much... I will remember this kindness. But I wonder how my wife is doing now?"

Pei Yan's voice choked with emotion, and tears welled up in his eyes. He looked up at Pei Changqing, his feelings for his second brother growing ever stronger.

At this moment, the sunlight outside the window seemed to dim a bit, as a dark cloud quietly obscured the sun.

Pei Changqing was secretly pleased with Pei Yan's reaction, but his face still showed the same concerned expression.

He gently patted Pei Yan's shoulder, leaned closer, and lowered his voice, saying, "Brother Yan, there's no need to be so polite. Between brothers like us, there's no need to stand on ceremony."

I only hope that you can reunite with your younger siblings soon and enjoy the happiness of family life.

As for your sister-in-law, she thinks of you, but there are some things she asked me not to convey.

However, Pei Yan was unaware that Pei Changqing was plotting to get rid of him, and that the gold hairpin was merely a means for him to deceive Pei Yan.

Beneath this seemingly warm facade lies Pei Changqing's deep malice and ambition, and the gradually darkening sky seems to foreshadow the impending crisis.

Pei Yan sat alone at the stone table in the garden, the surrounding tranquility like a thick cocoon, tightly enveloping him.

The cold moonlight shone down, outlining his lonely silhouette on the ground, a stark contrast to the swaying flower branches not far away.

His gaze was fixed intently on the full moon hanging high in the sky, as if he could find a familiar warmth in its cool light.

My thoughts drifted uncontrollably back to the first Mid-Autumn Festival I spent with Fang Xiaoxiao.

At that time, everyone sat around, and laughter and chatter rose and fell. Fang Xiaoxiao recited the poem "Shuidiao Getou" in a clear and crisp voice, which was like a nightingale singing in a valley and instantly captured his heart.

He remembered the sparkle in her eyes, and the tender look in her eyes when she recited "May we all live long and share the beauty of the moon, though separated by a thousand miles."

But now, times have changed, and the beauty of the past has shattered like a mirage.

Thinking of this, Pei Yan's eyes gradually welled up with tears, which silently slid down his cheeks and dripped onto the cold stone table, disappearing instantly. He reached out, trying to grasp that lost beauty, but his hand held only empty air.

Meanwhile, inside the Fang family's courtyard, a completely different and lively scene unfolded.

Long Jinyan, Murong Changqing, Ouyang Tuoba, and Zhou Wenjian were busy at work, the meat ribs on the grill sizzling and oozing oil, filling the air with their aroma.

"Haha, the aroma of this meat is so tempting, I can't wait any longer!"

While fanning the charcoal fire, Ouyang Tuoba shouted excitedly, his eyes fixed on the food on the grill.

Long Jinyan skillfully flipped the patty over, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Don't rush, haste makes waste. It'll be more flavorful if you grill it a little longer."

Murong Changqing, who was arranging fresh vegetables nearby, shook his head slightly upon hearing their conversation. "You two, all you know is eating. I wonder how Xiaoxiao is doing on the rooftop."

Zhou Wenjian, who was preparing the dipping sauce, stopped what he was doing upon hearing this, a look of worry on his face. "I hope Xiaoxiao can be happier and stop being sad for Pei Yan."

Li Wan'er and Hongxiu helped out from the side. Li Wan'er looked at the lively crowd, then glanced at the direction of the roof, and said softly, "Xiao Xiao is loyal and righteous. How can she just let go of it like that?"

Hongxiu sighed, "Yes, I really hope Pei Yan can understand how good Xiao Xiao is, and not wait until he loses her to realize her value."

The laughter and chatter of the crowd echoed in the courtyard, but this lively atmosphere could not reach Xiao Xiao's heart on the rooftop.

Fang Xiaoxiao sat alone on the rooftop, the moonlight gently shining on her, but it could not warm her cold heart.

She gazed quietly at the bright moon, the wine glass in her hand trembling slightly.

A gentle breeze carried the aroma of roasted meat and faint sounds of laughter from the courtyard, but to her, it all sounded jarring.

In a daze, she seemed to see Pei Yan's cold and handsome face. The tenderness and love that once filled his eyes had now been replaced by estrangement and indifference.

Fang Xiaoxiao felt a sharp pain in her heart, and tears welled up uncontrollably, blurring her vision.

"Pei Yan, why are you so heartless? Were all those vows of eternal love just lies you uttered on the spot?" She murmured softly to the illusory figure, her voice filled with pain and despair.

After saying that, she tilted her head back and drank the wine in her glass in one gulp. The strong liquor flowed down her throat, burning her heart.

She hugged her knees tightly, buried her head between them, and began to sob softly.

The suppressed sobs echoed in the night sky, forming a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere in the courtyard.

At this moment, Pei Yan seemed to hear faint sobs in the quiet garden.

His body trembled slightly, and a strange pain welled up in his heart. He knew it might just be his imagination, but his heart clenched uncontrollably.

He missed Fang Xiaoxiao, missed her every smile and gesture, missed every little detail of their past.

But now, the shackles of his status and the intrigues of the court prevent him from easily returning to her side.

Under the same bright moon, Pei Yan was secretly grieving in the palace garden, while Fang Xiaoxiao was weeping on the roof of her home.

Liveliness and loneliness, longing and pain intertwine to create a heartbreaking scene. The deep affection of the past has now turned into endless regret and pain, which entwine their hearts like vines and cannot be dispelled for a long time.

A sudden gust of wind swept in like a ferocious beast, emitting chilling shrieks.

The trees in the yard were twisted and swayed wildly by the wind, their thick branches creaking and groaning as if they might be snapped at any moment by the force of the wind.

The roof tiles, swept up by the fierce wind, fell like raindrops, crashing to the ground with a crackling sound, shattering into pieces, and raising a cloud of choking dust.