Fu Yun Xi reached out and ruffled Han Yan’s hair, enjoying its soft, fluffy texture. He said: “I’m not lying to you.”

Han Yan initially hadn’t believed him – only a fool would think someone as purposeful as Fu Yun Xi would handle their marriage without any ulterior motives. But hearing him emphasize again that he wasn’t lying, her heart gradually calmed. Han Yan knew what a proud person Fu Yun Xi was – for such a proud person to humble himself and explain things to her patiently, she couldn’t quite describe the feeling. But a hint of hurt still lingered in her heart, and she simply stepped forward, burying her face in Fu Yun Xi’s embrace.

Fu Yun Xi was stunned for a moment, looking at the small figure pressed against his chest. She was so tiny and delicate, almost completely buried in his dark robe. Only her two round hair buns showed, making her look like a spoiled little animal. His heart unconsciously softened, and he felt both amused and helpless – while others were husband and wife, their relationship seemed more like that between an elder and a junior. Though he would never admit to being old.

After staying in his embrace for a while, Han Yan emerged and pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve to give him. Fu Yun Xi looked at it – the embroidery wasn’t particularly skillful, but it clearly showed considerable effort. It was signed with “Yan.”

This was embroidered by Han Yan herself. Fu Yun Xi chuckled softly – knowing Han Yan’s personality and how she usually disliked such feminine pursuits, the value of this embroidered handkerchief was clear.

Fu Yun Xi stroked Han Yan’s head, gazing at her tenderly, seemingly able to see the attachment and reluctance hidden in her cold eyes. Han Yan watched the gentle arc traced by his long, lowered eyelashes as she heard his voice in her ear: “Wait for my return.”

On the day Fu Yun Xi departed for war, Han Yan didn’t go to see him off.

Even though her heart yearned to see him and speak with him one last time, in the end, Han Yan only had Mu Feng deliver one message: I’ll wait for your return.

She feared becoming Fu Yun Xi’s burden and could only use this way to tell him that she would take care of herself, wouldn’t put herself in danger, and would wait for his return.

No words were needed – Fu Yun Xi would understand. Yet in her heart remained an inexplicable regret.

Time flowed like water, and soon it was spring of the following year – Han Yan’s coming-of-age day.

Before departing for war, Fu Yun Xi had requested an imperial decree from the Emperor stating that Han Yan must stay in the Xuan Qing Prince’s Manor until his return. Han Yan knew Fu Yun Xi did this to protect her. Though there seemed to be no danger now, staying with Zhuang Shi Yang could lead to unexpected problems. Moreover, the Seventh Prince and Empress Dowager weren’t ones to give up easily. To be safe, staying in the Xuan Qing Prince’s Manor was better. Fu Yun Xi had said before leaving that no one was to disturb Han Yan. Thus, she had lived very peacefully these days.

If not for Madam Chen’s reminder, Han Yan wouldn’t have remembered her coming-of-age day. Counting on her fingers, Fu Yun Xi had been gone for over half a year. News from the frontlines occasionally reached Han Yan’s ears – the war was fierce, with Xi Rong coming on strong, seemingly fully prepared. The battle dragged on much longer than expected, with no resolution in sight. Han Yan vaguely suspected it was because of the collaboration between Great Song and Xi Rong – without catching the traitors, dealing with the enemy was extremely difficult. But as merely a young woman who couldn’t go to war, Han Yan could only visit the ancestral hall and silently pray for Fu Yun Xi’s safety.

These days were both anxious and peaceful – anxious about Fu Yun Xi’s safety on the battlefield, peaceful because being protected in the Xuan Qing Prince’s Manor meant no endless scheming to deal with, making life surprisingly tranquil. It was in this complex state of mind that she welcomed her coming-of-age day.

That day, Han Yan woke early. Madam Chen spent a long time choosing the right dress for the day, though Han Yan wasn’t particularly concerned, casually letting Ji Lan select her accessories. Madam Deng, Deng Chuan’s mother, would preside over the ceremony. When Han Yan’s mother was alive, she and Madam Deng had been very close, so it was natural for Madam Deng, with her high status, to oversee this important event. Han Yan felt deeply grateful, but Madam Deng just smiled and said: “I’ve watched you grow up – just think of me as your mother.”

This simple statement nearly brought tears to Han Yan’s eyes. She turned away to hide her emotion, composing herself before letting Madam Deng do her hair.

Outside in the main hall of the Xuan Qing Prince’s Manor, many ladies had gathered. These women and young ladies were all personally vetted by Madam Deng and thus trustworthy. Moreover, Han Yan was now the Xuan Qing Princess Consort – forming connections with her would only benefit them.

Madam Deng held a comb, brushing Han Yan’s long hair, which had grown quite long, smooth, and glossy like fine silk. She couldn’t help feeling emotional – she had watched Han Yan grow up, remembering when she was just a nursing infant in Madam Wang’s arms, her bright black eyes curiously examining everything. Time had passed so quickly – that baby had grown into such an elegant young woman. And Prince Xuan Qing treated her exceptionally well. Though Han Yan’s life had been tragic due to her cold-blooded father and watchful stepmothers, she was fortunate to have found such a suitable match. Madam Wang must be pleased, watching from heaven.

Deng Chuan watched from the side, smiling: “You’re coming of age now. Hehe, perhaps when the Prince returns, you can marry soon.” She shook her head and continued: “Seeing you come of age is such a happy thing – we’re all grown up now, they can’t treat us like children anymore.”

Han Yan smiled faintly without speaking, just looking at her carefully adorned reflection in the mirror, her eyes somewhat distant. Somehow, she couldn’t feel happy at all. In her previous life, though she had no mother, Han Yan had been joyful at her coming-of-age ceremony. Back then, she naively believed Zhuang Yu Shan and Madam Zhou truly cared for her – why else would they arrange such an elaborate ceremony? More importantly, after coming of age, she could soon marry Wei Ru Feng. So Han Yan had been quite elated.

But after living through one lifetime, seeing the same scene before her again, even without Madam Zhou and Zhuang Yu Shan, Han Yan couldn’t feel happy. Or perhaps it was because that person hadn’t returned yet? Because he hadn’t returned, knowing he couldn’t see her first moment as an adult filled her with regret – a regret so powerful it consumed any trace of joy in her heart.