Upon learning of the imperial decree, Cuiji, Du Ruhui, and Pei Qiancheng invited Zheng Yang out together, and the three of them plied the future Prince Consort with drinks. Although not being selected as Prince Consort left Pei Qiancheng and Cuiji somewhat disappointed, they were still genuinely happy for Zheng Yang. In the end, Zheng Yang drank himself unconscious and had to be carried home by servants, while the other three, though better off, were also seven or eight parts drunk and had to be helped or supported back to their respective residences.

The next morning, when Du Ruhui woke with the pain of a hangover, he was surprised to learn that someone from the palace had come, sent by Yunyi’s order to invite him to the palace.

Hearing that Yunyi had personally summoned him, Mother Du’s heart rekindled a glimmer of hope, but remembering yesterday’s marriage decree, the hope that had just ignited immediately died out again.

Though she was just a woman, she understood the principle that the emperor’s words are never spoken in jest. Since the marriage had already been granted to Zheng Yang, unless the latter died or committed a grave error, it would never be Du Ruhui’s turn.

As for Du Ruhui, after some simple preparations and just as he was about to leave, remembering something, he returned to his room and took out an item to hide in his sleeve, then followed the palace attendant back into Ziwei Palace. This time they didn’t go to Jiuzhou Pond, but went directly to Changsheng Hall.

Entering the hall, Du Ruhui secretly took a breath and, with a calm expression, bowed to Yunyi who was gently waving a mud-gold round fan, “Your subject Du Ruhui greets the Princess. May the Princess enjoy golden peace.”

“Rise.” After gesturing for Du Ruhui to stand, Yunyi said, “Young Master Du was able to solve my chess puzzle that day, so your chess skills must be quite good. Why don’t you accompany me in a game?”

Du Ruhui looked at her and said, “Did the Princess specially summon your subject just to play a game of chess?”

“What if I said yes?” Yunyi rose and walked to the chess board that had already been set up, handing Du Ruhui the box containing white stones. He looked at her for a while, then finally reached out to take the box and began playing with Yunyi in silence, alternating moves.

On the square-inch chess board, black and white stones engaged in fierce battle. Du Ruhui’s chess skills were far superior to those of Ruyi and the others. His seemingly ordinary moves were full of deadly intent, and this killing intent grew fiercer as the game progressed, making it extremely difficult for Yunyi to cope, with her move times growing longer and longer.

After playing for another incense stick’s time, Yunyi put down the stone she had been holding between her fingers for a long while and shook her head, “I’ve lost.”

Du Ruhui said calmly, “The Princess’s chess skills are no weaker than your subject’s, but while playing, you lacked some decisiveness, which is why you lost to me.”

Yunyi nodded, and after wiping the cold sweat from her palms, she ordered Ruyi and the others to leave, then said, “Thank you, Young Master Du, for keeping my secret.”

Du Ruhui glanced at her, “How does the Princess know? Perhaps I’ve already sent word to the Duke of Tang and the others.”

Yunyi smiled slightly, “If that were the case, Young Master Du wouldn’t be sitting here calmly playing chess with me.”

Du Ruhui remained silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, “Those who indirectly caused Meixue’s death include not only you, but also my mother and myself.”

Yunyi sighed lightly, “What’s past is past, and thinking too much about it is useless. I only hope that in her next life, Meixue can be reborn into a good family, live happily and peacefully, and not suffer such disasters as in this life.” She continued, “Last time I was in such a hurry that I forgot to ask—have you returned to Honghua Commandery? Was Meixue’s body… exhumed?”

This matter had always been a knot in her heart, and after meeting Du Ruhui, she thought about it even more often, which was why she had summoned Du Ruhui to ask.

Du Ruhui nodded, “After the Princess left, the Second Young Master had Meixue’s body exhumed and reburied, right next to Uncle Wu’s grave, so the father and daughter could keep each other company and not be too lonely.” After several days of adjustment, his emotions had calmed considerably and were no longer as agitated as before.

Yunyi’s expression relaxed, and she nodded, “Then I can rest easy.”

After a brief silence, Du Ruhui took out something from his sleeve and said, “Does the Princess remember this?”

What Du Ruhui held was a pure silver butterfly clasp hairpin. Yunyi nodded, “I remember. This is what you specially bought to give to Meixue before coming to the capital for the examinations.”

Du Ruhui smiled sadly and gently caressed the hairpin in his hands, “But it ended up in the Princess’s hands by mistake.”

“Although Meixue never received this hairpin, she always knew your feelings.” Facing Yunyi’s comfort, Du Ruhui smiled poignantly, “What does it matter that she knew? She and I can never be together now.”

Yunyi understood that Meixue’s death was a lifelong pain for Du Ruhui, not something she could resolve with a few words. After a brief silence, Du Ruhui said, “After learning of Meixue’s death, I returned to Honghua Commandery once and found this hairpin at home. I still remember the words the Princess said when you returned the hairpin to my mother—it really made my mother quite angry.”

His words brought a faint smile to Yunyi’s face, “I was indeed too emotional at the time, but your mother’s attitude was truly infuriating.”

“I know.” Du Ruhui then handed the hairpin to Yunyi, “Since this hairpin was given to the Princess from the beginning, now… please accept it again, Princess. Consider it a wedding gift from your subject to the Princess and Brother Zheng.”

Yunyi took the hairpin and said, “You’ve already heard?”

Du Ruhui smiled, “The entire Luoyang City is now talking about the Princess’s upcoming marriage to Brother Zheng. How could your subject not have heard? But there’s one thing I’m very curious about—why…”

Yunyi took over, “Why did I choose Zheng Yang?”

Du Ruhui nodded, “Exactly. Since the Second Young Master let the Princess go, then the one who answered correctly should have been Cuiji. Why did the Princess choose Brother Zheng instead?”

“You’re right, I should have chosen Cuiji, but…” Yunyi pinned the hairpin in her cloud-black hair and turned her head sideways, “Does it look good?”

Looking at that face identical to Meixue’s, Du Ruhui was momentarily dazed. After a long while, he came back to his senses and nodded, “Very beautiful.” Then, remembering Yunyi’s half-finished sentence, he said, “But what?”

Yunyi smiled slightly and, while tidying up the chess pieces on the board, said, “Do you believe Cuiji could really achieve that level?”

Du Ruhui thought for a while and said, “Though your subject has known Cuiji for only a short time, he is gentle, refined, tolerant, and easygoing. He might not be inferior to the Second Young Master.”

Yunyi placed the last chess piece in the box and said, “Perhaps, but I don’t quite believe it. Compared to him, Zheng Yang is more honest and straightforward.” She continued, “Come, accompany me in another game.”

Du Ruhui nodded and took the black stones, “Brother Zheng is frank and sincere. I believe he will definitely treat the Princess well.”

Yunyi smiled without speaking and began another fierce battle with Du Ruhui on the chess board. Throughout the afternoon, they played seven games, with her losing two and winning five.