Jiang Zhiyi rose from the prayer mat, discreetly looking around from behind her veiled hat as Jing Zhe helped her out of the hall and toward the exit.

They made their way to a secluded area where no one was around and stopped under the shade of a tree. Jiang Zhiyi turned to Jing Zhe and asked, “How did it go?”

Jing Zhe leaned close to Jiang Zhiyi’s ear and whispered, “Rest assured, Princess. I was watching the activity outside the hall. Two people came to eavesdrop. One seemed to be a disciple sweeping the grounds—besides footsteps, there was the sound of a broom, methodical throughout, like someone with skill. The other hesitated briefly before hurrying away, stumbling in what sounded like panic.”

Jiang Zhiyi narrowed her eyes in realization: “One remained still to hear what followed, while the other rushed off to report. It makes sense now. It all makes sense!”

“The Princess is clever. This way, if Master Zhang mistakenly believes your engagement to General Shen is broken, he will surely emerge from seclusion.”

Jiang Zhiyi nodded. Once the fish took the bait, she could unravel the mystery of the storybooks and also clarify whether the matter of becoming a peace bride was just fabrication or had some basis in truth. After discovering the truth, she would write to Yuance to claim credit.

As for her investigation methods—

Heaven knows, Earth knows, the Pure Ones know, but Yuance need not know.

Jiang Zhiyi walked lightly toward the temple exit. Just as she was about to descend the long stone steps, she suddenly spotted a familiar figure in a blue robe hurriedly making his way down, looking very much like someone fleeing in panic.

“Hmm?” Jiang Zhiyi stopped at the temple gate, pointing into the distance. “Is that Pei Zisong?”

Jing Zhe looked where she pointed and thought the silhouette indeed looked quite similar, but when had the normally composed son of the Prime Minister ever displayed such an undignified gait?

They watched as the man ahead stumbled on the last stone step, nearly falling flat on his face—

“His bearing is nothing like Young Master Pei’s,” Jing Zhe shook her head. “It must just be someone with a similar silhouette.”

As August arrived, the autumn air turned crisp and clear. With the Yong’en Marquis’s condition improving, Jiang Zhiyi no longer needed to keep constant vigil at his bedside. Knowing that Yuance was still leading his troops back to Hexi, she took the opportunity to pay closer attention to court affairs—

The Second Prince had been captured and imprisoned during his defeat, and along with his household members, was awaiting execution after autumn. The treasonous ministers implicated in the rebellion would also face the execution of their entire families. After the autumn equinox, the skies over Chang’an would be stained with blood for days.

The Crown Prince, who had previously been punished with confinement for his ineffective disaster relief efforts, had been shown leniency by the Emperor, possibly as a balancing measure. However, during the palace coup, the Crown Prince had shown no ability to respond or counterattack, his only plan being to attempt escape with his father, mother, and wife through a secret passage.

As heir apparent, how could he think only of his family’s safety while abandoning the throne? Previously, only ministers allied with the Second Prince had impeached the Crown Prince, but after this incident, civil and military officials throughout the court wanted him removed. Impeachment memorials were flying about the Imperial Hall like a blizzard. The Emperor, with his military background, was thoroughly disappointed in the Crown Prince and would likely make a decision soon.

In contrast, the Fourth Prince had been swift and resolute in providing disaster relief to the southern prefectures over the past two months. During the rebellion, he had relieved the besieged palace, saving the Emperor and court officials from mortal danger, and personally led troops to capture the Second Prince. Now at the height of his influence, he had likely become the only candidate for heir apparent.

On this day, Jiang Zhiyi asked Princess Baojia, who was visiting the Marquis’s estate: “With the Crown Prince in such a predicament, the Empress will inevitably be implicated. Will you be affected as well, Sister?”

Baojia snorted at this, lifting her teacup and casually skimming off the foam: “I severed my relationship with them long ago. Their troubles won’t reach me.”

Since establishing her household, Baojia had shocked society by keeping male companions and engaging in commerce, among other scandalous activities. Emperor Xingwu and the Empress had almost disowned her as a daughter.

Nevertheless, they had turned a blind eye to her actions, letting her do as she pleased.

Previously, Jiang Zhiyi had thought this was simply parental indulgence, but after learning about Li Dafeng’s family being sentenced to exile last New Year’s Eve, she vaguely guessed that Princess Baojia might have once been planning to marry Li Dafeng. The Emperor had convicted the Li family of deceiving the throne at that critical moment, causing Princess Baojia to lose all interest in marriage thereafter. Perhaps this lenience was a small compensation for their daughter.

“You needn’t sigh too much over them. My mother, the Empress, and my brother, the Crown Prince, were kind to you at the Prince’s Estate because they were the proper masters of the household. Naturally, they had to be generous to guests and maintain relationships. People like them have no true sincerity,” Baojia smiled faintly. “Besides, my brother never could be the Crown Prince. If he truly sat in that position, he would lose both the empire and his life sooner or later. He should be removed early. If the Second Prince took the throne, they would likely be eliminated. With the Fourth Prince now, they can at least keep their lives—that’s the best outcome.”

Jiang Zhiyi nodded thoughtfully: “So establishing the Fourth Prince as heir apparent seems inevitable.”

“The nation cannot go a day without an heir, and my father, the Emperor, is not in good condition now, so he must make arrangements early.”

“Not in good condition?” Jiang Zhiyi was startled.

“Oh, I’ve let it slip,” Baojia covered her mouth briefly. “But it’s not a secret that can be kept—everyone in the palace knows. During the coup, he drew his sword to fight and was wounded. In the hot summer, his wounds festered, and he had several fevers. Now he often wakes from nightmares in the middle of the night, believing rebels are nearby. He has already mistakenly killed several eunuchs and palace maids with his sword.”

“…Such a condition of terrifying dreams,” Jiang Zhiyi said in surprise. “Then who is handling state affairs now?”

“It’s only night terrors. He’s fine during the day and still manages the government as usual. But this can’t continue indefinitely.” Baojia shook her head. “I’ve let this slip to you, so please don’t spread it around.”

Jiang Zhiyi quickly nodded.

Even if she wanted to share this information, it would only be with Yuance. But with them so far apart, sending a message about such a secret matter could be life-threatening if discovered.

“Perhaps I’m overthinking it. Maybe when autumn comes with cooler weather, he’ll improve,” Baojia continued. “Many officials in the southern prefectures have been dismissed. I see my father is busy selecting and appointing replacements, without much abnormality… Oh, by the way, I heard the Pei family’s son is also entering government service and has left the capital to take up his post.”

Jiang Zhiyi was startled: “Didn’t he say his mother’s health was poor, and he wanted to stay in the capital to fulfill his filial duties, unwilling to serve as an official elsewhere?”

“I’m not clear about that. I heard he left quite urgently, not even staying for the Mid-Autumn Festival. He should be departing these days.”

Such a hurried departure?

Jiang Zhiyi recalled something and turned to Jing Zhe: “Jing Zhe, could that person at the temple have been Pei Zisong?”

Jing Zhe had been thinking the same thing and stammered: “C-Could Young Master Pei have heard your words and thought you meant him? Is he hastily packing to flee because he fears General Shen might storm into the capital?”

“…”

The more Jiang Zhiyi thought about it, the more absurd it seemed. She thought it couldn’t be such a coincidence, but then again, what if it was? The next day, unable to sit still, she went to the Pei residence early in the morning.

There, she was told that Pei Zisong was indeed departing that day and was already on his way out of the city.

Given Pei Zisong’s meticulous etiquette, for such a journey, he would surely have bid farewell to all relatives and friends in the capital. They had shared hardships together, yet he hadn’t even informed her. It seemed Jing Zhe’s guess wasn’t far off.

After learning which gate Pei Zisong had taken, Jiang Zhiyi quickly had her driver turn around and chase after him.

Hurrying along, they finally caught sight of the Pei family carriage on the way. Just as she was about to have Jing Zhe call out to stop the Pei carriage, it unexpectedly accelerated, the wheels turning so fast they almost sparked!

Jiang Zhiyi gestured forward, ordering her driver to intercept the carriage ahead.

The driver employed his lifelong carriage-driving skills, using tremendous effort to finally overtake the Pei carriage at the city gate with a swerving maneuver that blocked its path.

The Pei carriage was forced to stop.

Jiang Zhiyi had endured a bumpy ride, making her dizzy. Rubbing her temples, she was helped down from the carriage by Jing Zhe and walked to the side of the Pei carriage: “Why are you running, Young Master Pei?”

The person inside seemed to hesitate for a moment before lifting his robe and stepping down. He bowed with his head lowered: “I was unaware the Princess was behind me. Please forgive Pei’s rudeness. Does the Princess have urgent business?”

Jiang Zhiyi glanced at his reddened ears. For someone who blushed so easily, he should just give up lying…

Jiang Zhiyi cleared her throat awkwardly and beckoned him to follow her to a more private spot, then asked: “Tell me, did you visit the Taiqing Temple a few days ago?”

Pei Zisong kept his eyes lowered and shook his head: “I did not!”

That confirmed it. Jiang Zhiyi sighed in frustration—Master Zhang hadn’t taken the bait, but Pei Zisong had been caught in it.

“I…” Jiang Zhiyi stammered, her head aching. “What I said that day was all to trick the Pure Ones!”

Pei Zisong suddenly raised his eyes.

Jiang Zhiyi continued explaining: “I was saying the opposite to the Pure Ones. The Pure Ones pity this match, so they will work harder to bind me and General Shen together. Do you understand?”

Pei Zisong stared at her in bewilderment: “Is there such Taoist magic?”

“Indeed, there is. My wedding dress is almost finished. I have no intention of breaking off my engagement with General Shen.”

Pei Zisong hesitated, his ears reddening completely: “It was Pei who misunderstood. I am ashamed!”

“It’s not your fault. What an unfortunate coincidence!” Jiang Zhiyi waved her hand dismissively. “So please don’t rashly leave the capital. Your mother’s health is poor—if you leave the capital, how will you look after your family?”

Pei Zisong recovered from his embarrassment and shook his head: “The Princess has also misunderstood. I did indeed fail to bid you farewell because of this, but I’m not leaving the capital because of it. That day at the temple, I was there to select an auspicious date for my official appointment.”

“You mean—”

Pei Zisong became solemn: “When I was at the academy, I told the Princess that there are many who serve the country and people, and they wouldn’t miss one like me, but my mother has only me as her son. Abandoning one’s closest kin for the sake of the state was not my wish… But after experiencing the drought firsthand and the battle at Xingyang, I was moved. I felt my previous words were too dismissive. Now, as the court needs officials, my mother doesn’t want me to stay home for her sake, and I’ve resolved to do my part for thousands of households across the empire. I’m leaving urgently because my post is in Xingyang. After the war, Xingyang urgently needs reconstruction. I want to assist Magistrate Cao—oh, now it’s Governor Cao—in rebuilding Xingyang as soon as possible.”

As Pei Zisong spoke, his eyes shone with a light that seemed to envision a vibrant, prosperous prefectural city.

“So that’s it…” Jiang Zhiyi exhaled in relief and smiled. “That’s wonderful! With you and Governor Cao, Xingyang will surely revive quickly.”

“When the Princess and General Shen travel between Hexi and Chang’an in the future, if you pass through Xingyang, you can stay in the city. I’ll host you both.”

“We certainly will.” Jiang Zhiyi glanced at the sun overhead. “But I’ve delayed your journey. You should set off quickly now!”

Pei Zisong looked at her solemnly and bowed deeply: “Zisong’s decision was also inspired by the Princess during our time in Xingyang. I was fortunate to have fought alongside the Princess for a while. I wish the Princess safety and happiness hereafter, without worries, and a blissful marriage with General Shen.”

Jiang Zhiyi returned his bow: “I also wish Young Master Pei a brilliant future and success in all your endeavors.”

Pei Zisong bowed deeply once more, then stepped back, turned, and boarded his carriage.

Jiang Zhiyi stood watching him leave, as if seeing a future pillar of the nation and right hand of the court taking his first step on the official path on this autumn day in the twelfth year of Emperor Xingwu’s reign.

After contentedly watching the carriage disappear into the distance, Jiang Zhiyi turned to Jing Zhe: “Alright, let’s head back. Speaking of wedding dresses, I almost forgot what Brother Yuance asked me to keep an eye on. Let’s go check on its progress!”

As autumn arrived, the weather gradually cooled. The unprecedented hot summer that had brought such disaster to Da Ye finally retreated.

The Yong’en Marquis’s cough had greatly improved; he no longer needed to stay bedridden and could get up and walk.

With her mind at ease, Jiang Zhiyi allowed Li Dafeng some leisure time, telling him he didn’t need to stay at the estate all day and could go out, perhaps to have a drink at the “Wind Gently Comes” tavern.

On this afternoon close to the Mid-Autumn Festival, Jiang Zhiyi was sunning herself alone at Yaoguang Pavilion while playing with Huhu, when Jing Zhe entered with delight written across her face: “Princess, I’ve just received good news! Master Zhang has truly returned from his wanderings!”

Jiang Zhiyi immediately put down the cat toy and sat up straight: “Got him at last! Let’s go to the Taiqing Temple right away and get clear answers about the storybooks.”

Jing Zhe gently held her back: “Princess, please be patient. Now that Master Zhang may have fled as a Taoist but can’t flee the temple, you should first take a look at another piece of good news.”

“Take a look?” Jiang Zhiyi blinked in confusion.

Jing Zhe raised her hand and gently clapped twice behind her.

An elderly nanny entered carrying a heavy clothing chest, her face full of joy: “Congratulations, Princess. Your wedding dress is ready!”

Jiang Zhiyi happily stepped forward quickly, looking at the purple sandalwood chest in the nanny’s arms. But like someone approaching their hometown with trepidation, she didn’t dare open it immediately. After a moment, she slowly reached out her hand and carefully caressed the double happiness character carved on the chest lid.

Suddenly, Yuance’s words from the night they parted echoed in her ears—”Stay well in Chang’an, and wait for me to come marry you.”

“The wedding dress that’s been in the making for over half a year—Princess, do open it and take a look!” Jing Zhe and the nanny smiled at her.

Jiang Zhiyi nodded, but just as her fingers touched the chest latch, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps.

Looking up, she saw Princess Baojia being led in by her maid, breathing heavily.

“Why has Sister suddenly come?” Jiang Zhiyi’s attention was fully on the wedding dress, and she didn’t notice Baojia’s unusual expression. Without waiting for an answer, she smiled and pointed at the chest before her. “Sister, you’ve come at the perfect time. Come quickly and see my wedding dress. I haven’t seen it yet either. Let’s have our first look together!”

Baojia’s steps faltered, and her already pale face froze.

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Zhiyi stared at the serious expression she had never seen on Baojia’s face before.

“Zhiyi, the Fourth Prince brought news to my residence and asked me to tell you—”

Jiang Zhiyi’s smile instantly disappeared: “Has something happened in the palace?”

“Xi Luo has sent a letter to Da Ye requesting a marriage alliance. The person they want to marry—” Baojia swallowed with difficulty, “is you.”