The procession of Ninth Princess moved slowly, befitting the grandeur decreed by the Ministry of Rites for the first princess sent by Emperor Jianzhang for a diplomatic marriage. Although the princess's carriage had already left the city, the pace servants accompanying her hadn't yet boarded their carriages.

  Song Chuyi sighed quietly. She had altered the Ninth Princess's destiny, turning a once proud and luxurious life into one of diplomatic duty. For the first time, Song Chuyi realized that her actions could change someone's fate. She spread her fingers, looking through them at the golden sunlight, and a faint smile appeared.

  Figures like Song Chuning, Han Zhi, Ninth Princess, and Shen Qingrang, who had haunted her dreams, had now moved far away from her. She could finally live without fear, no longer having to worry through sleepless nights.

  As the crowd dispersed, even First Lady Song felt a sense of relief as she led them down the mountain.

  At the foot of the hill, Qingying and Ziyun had been waiting. Qingying slipped a hand warmer into her hands, using the opportunity to lower her voice and say, "Miss, Luo Gui has just reported that Han Zhi has returned to the city."

  As expected, he wasn't dead. Though Song Chuyi had anticipated this, hearing it confirmed brought a glimmer of satisfaction. Today was both the Ninth Princess's wedding day and a day of celebration at Huangjue Temple. Citizens were jubint inside and outside the city, and the crowds made it easy for Han Zhi to slip back unnoticed, especially with help removing obstacles from his path.

  He deserved to see his sister in her bridal gown and witness his mother aged beyond her years. Song Chuyi, thoughtfully nodding, instructed Qingying, "Have Luo Gui inform my elder brother. Also, have Ma Changjiang and the others keep a close watch on Han Zhi. If he tries anything reckless... let it cause a stir."

  Only chaos would force him to flee toward his only option left—Datong.

  Qingying responded softly and went to find Luo Gui among the accompanying servants.

  Song Chuyi continued her journey to Huangjue Temple with First Lady Song and Xiang Mingzi. The temple had been meticulously cleaned inside and out. As noblewomen were accustomed to visiting in the morning for prayers, the main gate was closed off to the general public.

  The Song family's carriage had just entered when Yuanjue, the temple's guide monk, greeted them with palms together, offering a Buddhist blessing. "The princess and Lady Yu are already waiting in a meditation room."

  First Lady Song returned the greeting with a modest smile. "Thank you, Master Yuanjue. I also recall mentioning the matter of lighting an eternal mp st time. I wonder if everything has been prepared? If so, we can schedule a time to conduct the ceremony."

  Leading them inside, Yuanjue nodded respectfully. "We received word from the residence and are fully prepared. Whenever the Lady has time, we can begin the ceremony, and the eternal mp will be lit."

  They entered through a moon gate, bypassing a small courtyard. Yuanjue mentioned softly, "Many noble dies have come today, and the meditation rooms are fully occupied. If the princess hadn't reserved a spot, Fengi Pavilion would have been cimed by the Lady of Duke Ying."

  At the mention of Lady He, First Lady Song couldn't help but frown. The very mention of Duke Ying's residence made her frown, given the discord surrounding it.

  She sighed, nodded, and, with Jinhuan's help, crossed the hallway and bamboo grove. Soon, they glimpsed Fengi Pavilion, nestled beside Huifang Garden and partially hidden by vibrant green bamboo.

  First Lady Cui and Lady Yu were chatting nearby. Upon hearing that First Lady Song had arrived, they greeted her with smiles, teasingly saying, "We've waited so long for you! We've already refilled our tea three times."

  Cui Huayi and Cui Huaying fnked Song Chuyi and Xiang Mingzi, pulling them along excitedly. "Second Cousin Ye has already asked the young monk several times about us. The green plums are blooming beautifully on the back hill, and Dicu Pavilion has been set up for tea by the stove..."

  Just as she finished speaking, a servant announced that Lady Wei, the wife of Assistant Minister Wei, had come to pay respects upon learning that the princess, First Lady Cui, and First Lady Song were present.

  Lady Wei's youngest son, Wei Yanzhao, was a cssmate of Song Jue, and First Lady Song had met her several times. Assistant Minister Wei worked in the Ministry of Rites, under the same supervisor as Lord Song, so they had social connections. Lady Wei likely intended to come and exchange a few words after hearing that the Song family dies were present with the princess.

  First Lady Song, who had intended to introduce Xiang Mingzi to several of the guests, thought briefly and smiled. "Please, let her in."

  Lady Wei, a kindly woman of medium build with a round face, entered with a warm smile. After paying respects to the princess, she greeted Lady Yu and First Lady Song, and then looked over the young girls, handing out greeting gifts. "I've heard so much about the young dy's grace and charm and had been eager to meet her. But now that I have, I almost regret it! She's outshining all the young ones in our family."

  First Lady Song, recalling her grandmother's warning, sensed that Lady Wei's enthusiasm was a bit too deliberate. Her own smile softened. "Please, no need to ftter her, Lady Wei. Young girls easily get carried away with compliments and might get a bit too proud."

  She then turned to Cui Huayi, Cui Huaying, Song Chuyi, and Xiang Mingzi with a smile. "Your cousin Li is here too. Instead of sitting here in the meditation room, why don't you go explore the back hill? Just remember to stay away from areas with deep snow."

  Lady Wei continued to smile warmly, unfazed, and agreed with First Lady Song. She then turned to the princess, bringing up the afternoon lecture. "Master Yuankong has become even more challenging to meet. It's increasingly difficult to hear his lectures."

  Cui Huayi and Cui Huaying took Song Chuyi and Xiang Mingzi outside. But as they were about to walk past Huifang Garden, they suddenly saw Shen Qingrang standing dazed at the end of the stone path, looking gaunt and exhausted.

  The maids accompanying the Cui sisters immediately shielded the young dies, prepared to scold him, but before they could say anything, a beautifully embroidered shoe adorned with pearl tassels suddenly flew out of nowhere and struck Shen Qingrang squarely on the head with a loud thud.