Transtor Xiaobai:

  Dear Readers,

  I hope this message finds you well. I know this year has been incredibly challenging for everyone, especially my U.S. readers. With talks of a recession and rising costs, I understand how hard it is to support yourselves and your families right now. No matter where your political views lie, I know we’re all feeling the strain.

  That’s why I’m reaching out with a humble request: If you’ve enjoyed the novels I’ve transted, could you take a moment to like or share my Etsy shop, adorablethingsbynoen.etsy.com?

  You don’t have to spend a single dolr—but if you help spread the word, someone else might find something they love in my shop. Every like, share, or even a kind comment helps me earn a little income to keep doing what I love: bringing you amazing stories for free.

  Times are tough, but your support means the world to me. Together, we can keep this community thriving.

  Thank you for being here, and thank you for anything you can do to help. ??

  P.S. Even if you can’t share right now, know I’m so grateful you’re here. Your readership alone keeps me going!

  _____

  The Matriach of Marquis of Guang'en wiped away her tears, feeling much lighter afterward. She even broke into a smile. "You're right, you're right… He knew me best. He knew I would never remarry." As she spoke, a faint, almost shy smile appeared on her aged face. "It's all women here today, and I’ve been holding it in for too long. Let me trouble you to listen to me for a bit... Do you know, before he left, he entrusted me with a little box."

  Her slightly clouded eyes suddenly shone with a strange brightness, so bright it startled everyone for a moment. "That box contained everything he owned, along with a letter and a deed of agreement. He personally sought out Grand Secretary Chang… and asked him to serve as witness. It was all written clearly: if he didn’t return, the Guang’en Marquisate would end with him. There was no need to find a male heir to inherit the title. He knew people wouldn’t tolerate me and Yinyin… so he’d made arrangements long ago. In the letter, he told me not to waste my life guarding his memory."

  Third Lady Song couldn’t hold back and nearly sobbed aloud. She had never seen a husband like Yin Qiucheng, who truly thought of everything for his wife.

  Even the Princess of Zhennan’s eyes turned red, and she covered them with a handkerchief.

  "He really underestimated me…" The Matriach of Marquis of Guang'en smiled through her tears. "When he was alive, I was timid. A mere gust of wind and I’d cling to his arm. I didn’t even dare pick flowers for fear of pricking my fingers and would make him do it." Her lips quivered as she smiled. "But after he left, how could I afford to stay timid? I had to learn to stand tall on my own. I can do anything now. So why would I want to find someone else to pass the days with? No one else would be him, nor Yinyin’s father."

  Old Lady Song let out a long sigh, her gaze drifting thoughtfully toward the warm room separated by only a curtain. She hoped the two girls inside were listening too. In this world, there were countless people—how could it be that only heartless, unfaithful men existed?

  Old Lady Song patiently waited for the Matriach of Marquis of Guang'en to compose herself, then ordered the maids to help her freshen up and redo her hair and makeup. Only then did she softly ask, "Do you prefer Shizi Pavilion or Juyi Pavilion?"

  The Matriach of Marquis of Guang'en smiled and handed the booklet to First Lady Song. "Shizi Pavilion's main courses are excellent. Let’s go with Shizi Pavilion."

  First Lady Song nodded with a smile and personally took the booklet downstairs to instruct the servants to arrange the meal.

  Now that these matters were settled, the Matriarch of the Marquis of Guang’en felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted from her heart. She turned her attention to the affairs of the Song family instead. "I hear His Majesty was truly furious this time. There’s quite a lot of talk outside as well—many say that Master Yuanhui went too far this time."

  She had once worried for her daughter, fearing that marrying into this household with a so-called ‘cursed star’ stepdaughter—one who happened to hold a noble status and the favor of her elders—might bring trouble in the future. But after the old Marquis Song knelt in front of the emperor, she finally came to her senses. He was right—if every camity was to be bmed on a young girl, then what purpose did the ministers and even the Emperor himself serve? The Sixth Miss of the Song family was no Empress—why should all misfortune be id at her feet?

  Old Lady Song’s lips curled with a cold, mocking smile. She spoke without any pretense: "I used to think Master Yuanhui was a good man. But I never imagined that after so many years of wandering in Fujian, his nature would change so much. To think—a so-called enlightened monk deliberately involving himself in court affairs, even going so far as to sink his teeth into a powerless little girl. Tell me, is that not vicious? I suspect even the Bodhisattva would shake her head at such conduct…"

  She made no effort to disguise her meaning, bluntly stating that Yuanhui had meddled in court matters. The Princess of Zhennan gnced at Old Lady Song meaningfully, then lowered her gaze. It was clear enough—the Song family intended to pin Yuanhui as a schemer with ambitions to interfere in politics, working in collusion with the Astronomical Bureau.

  After they’d finished their talk, Old Lady Song rose and, following proper custom, invited the Matriarch of Guang’en and the Princess of Zhennan to the side hall for refreshments. "It’s just as well," she added casually, "You can try that plum blossom wine my two little girls tinkered with st winter. I haven’t tasted it myself, but my eldest daughter-in-w tells me it’s rather good."

  The Matriarch of Guang’en was supported on either side by First Lady Song and Third Lady Song as they walked toward the side hall. The Princess of Zhennan naturally fell in step beside Old Lady Song. After a moment’s thought, she smiled and said quietly, "Congratutions, Old Lady Song, on gaining such a good daughter-in-w. Yinyin is truly lovely. When I visited the Marquis of Guang’en’s estate, I caught sight of her—so poised and proper, well-mannered in every way."

  A faint look of mencholy crossed Old Lady Song’s face. " She’s still so young, yet already people are calling her ‘Madam’… I’m the one who truly deserves to be called old. It’s such a pity—good people don’t live long. If Xiao Yi's mother were still here, a child like Yinyin would never have had to marry into our family…"

  "You shouldn’t say that," the Princess of Zhennan sighed softly. "What’s destined to be will come to pass. It’s clear that Yinyin and your second son are fated. So long as they live out their days peacefully, free of disaster, what could be better? What more can a woman ask for in life?"

  Yes… What more could one ask for?

  Sadly, her own daughter, Xiaoyi, no longer even dared to hope for such a simple blessing.

  Old Lady Song’s brows furrowed slightly. She and First Lady Cui both thought well of Ye Jingchuan, and their friendship with the Zhennan Estate was deep and longstanding—a more suitable match would be hard to find. But what Lady Yu had said wasn’t entirely without reason. A marriage should be built on mutual affection. No matter how good they thought Ye Jingchuan was, if Xiao Yi did not like him, what use was it?

  The Princess of Zhennan noticed her absent-mindedness and quietly called out, "Old Lady Song." She slowed her steps and looked earnestly at Old Lady Song. "Tell me honestly—what do you think of my second son? To speak pinly, I didn’t take on the role of matchmaker just for Yinyin’s sake…"

  Old Lady Song was momentarily taken aback. She hadn’t expected the Princess to say such a thing at this time, and so bluntly, even asking outright what she thought of Ye Jingchuan.

  She hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. How could she say it? That they’d already discussed it among themselves, and all thought well of him, but that the girl at the center of it all didn’t agree?

  It would be such a pity to let slip a match like Ye Jingchuan. Her expression grew faintly conflicted.

  But the Princess of Zhennan continued, not waiting for her to answer: "To tell you the truth, my second son is fond of Sixth Miss Song… The ties between our two families need no further words. You consider it. If you think my son is suitable, I’ll have my husband go to the Ministry of Rites to formally arrange the match."

  Old Lady Song sighed softly, reaching out to grasp the Princess’s hand and offering a solemn smile. "This isn’t something I can answer you on today. How about this—once my second son’s wedding is over, and once Xiao Yi returns from Jinzhong, I will give you a reply. After all, the children are still young…"