Qing Zhuo poked his head in from outside, looking at his Grand Prince and then at the future Grand Princess, truly bewildered as to why their Highness’s mouth had recently been as sweet as if coated with honey, making even the usually unflappable Sixth Miss constantly blush from his teasing.

He cheerfully stuck his head in and looked at Zhou Weizhao. “Your Highness, the birthday gift you prepared for the young princess is ready. Han Feng asks when you’ll go to Bazhen House to collect it?”

Tomorrow was the birthday of Princess Rongcheng’s youngest daughter, Princess Xin’an. Zhou Weizhao had long since prepared the gift.

Song Chuyi was naturally an honored guest as well. The next day, she attended the banquet along with Old Madam Song, First Madam Song, and Second Madam Song. The young princess was already six years old, Princess Rongcheng’s youngest child and only daughter, and was also deeply favored by Emperor Jianzhang.

Both Emperor Jianzhang and Empress Lu sent gifts, and the Crown Princess from the Eastern Palace even came in person. The scene was extremely grand and lively.

The Princess Consort of Zhennan saw Song Chuyi once again, and upon this glance couldn’t help but be stunned. Song Chuyi wore the frosted gauze currently popular in the capital. Layer upon layer of gauze stacked up to create a dress as soft as clouds in the sky. On Song Chuyi, it was indescribably dazzling. The difficult color of rain-washed azure on her was perfectly fitting, setting her off like a bright moon just emerging from dark clouds, making it impossible for onlookers to look away.

None of this was the main point—the most captivating were her eyes. Her eyes had always been beautiful and lovely, with slightly upturned corners, yet not as sharp as phoenix eyes, carrying the lazy charm of fox eyes. But though these eyes had always been beautiful, they had never been this dazzling before—like black pearls kept in water after being washed by rain, making those who saw them forget worldly concerns. She couldn’t help sighing inwardly. Previously, when Ye Jingkuan returned and said Miss Song Sixth had refused candidly, with the reason being she didn’t like Ye Second, after she learned of the matter between Song Chuyi and Zhou Weizhao, she had only thought it an excuse. But now, looking at Miss Song Sixth’s increasingly spirited eyes, watching her progressively cheerful and charming appearance, she suddenly felt that though this reason was simple, it was believable—this truly was the state one would only have from liking someone.

Thinking of her son, her heart sighed again. This one was also foolish, still unable to let go of Miss Song Sixth even now. He’d been in Taizhou for over three months now. Though the journey was long and the training arduous, he still didn’t forget to write home, asking whether Miss Song Sixth was well.

But sighing aside, ultimately the two children had no fate together. There was originally no question of who was right or wrong. Her son naturally seemed perfect in every way to her, but others naturally had their own thoughts. It was just that the Earl of Changning’s residence still needed to maintain the same relations as before—even closer, if anything.

With a smile on her face, she turned her ear to listen to Old Madam Song speak, responding from time to time before saying, “These days we should also add to Sixth Miss’s trousseau. We’ll inevitably come to trouble Old Madam.”

Old Madam Song’s face was full of smiles. “What trouble or no trouble? If Your Highness the Princess Consort is willing to come, it makes our humble dwelling shine with glory.”

Madam Du harbored an uneasy heart. With difficulty finding an opportunity, seeing Song Chuyi going down to change clothes, she hurriedly followed out the door and hesitantly called out “Sixth Miss.”

Song Chuyi stopped and turned to look at her. Waiting for her to approach, she nodded. “Madam, rest assured. I’ve already given it to His Highness.”

Zhou Weizhao had already given it to Ye Jingkuan. Ye Jingkuan tapped on the desk. “Taiyuan is his stronghold. Although he knows that with this escape, Taiyuan will definitely be heavily monitored, isn’t there a saying that the most dangerous place is the safest? Perhaps he might sneak back—I’ll write to Father.”

The Prince of Zhennan had already received Emperor Jianzhang’s explicit instruction: kill without question.

As for Xibei, Ye Jingkuan looked toward Zhou Weizhao. “As for Xibei, leave it to Lord Cui?”

That would also be contingent on Prince Gong being able to avoid all inspections and successfully reach Xibei—using the pretext that Prince Gong had been kidnapped by bandits, the Imperial Guard had set up checkpoints everywhere. For Prince Gong to escape without leaving a trace wasn’t an easy matter either.

Zhou Weizhao shook his head. “Lord Cui probably shouldn’t reach his hand this way anymore—the distance is too far. We need to think of a way to give this merit to the Imperial Guard.”

Chen Ping was openly investigating Prince Gong’s abduction. In secret, Lai Chenglong, who was ostensibly idle at home, was probably still responsible for pursuing and eliminating Prince Gong. Revealing the information to the Imperial Guard and then having them take action would be proper and justified.

“As for Elder Du…” Ye Jingkuan worried somewhat for Elder Du. “I wonder if he has that kind of wisdom.”

Elder Du was naturally wise. He fell ill—ill to the point of being unable to rise. After a few days, he submitted a memorial requesting retirement.

Emperor Jianzhang’s attitude was to keep the memorial without issuing a response. He specially bestowed an imperial physician to treat Elder Du and earnestly urged him to stay for a time.

Elder Du submitted over a dozen memorials insisting on retirement before Emperor Jianzhang accepted.

Elder Du’s heart finally returned to his belly. Now, just being able to preserve his life was already extremely fortunate. What’s more, at least three sons were still serving as officials—this was already great fortune.

When Old Madam Song heard about it, Du Fangxi was at the Earl’s residence adding to Song Chuyi’s trousseau. After Du Fangxi left, looking at the exquisitely beautiful wedding dress rushed out by the Shangyi Bureau, she somewhat emotionally said to Song Chuyi, “Though Prince Gong’s strike cut the Du family rather deeply, it also incidentally carved out a path for the Du family.”

Otherwise, if things had truly proceeded according to Song Chuyi’s original plan to win over Du Fangxi, it wouldn’t have been as simple as Elder Du retiring.

Now that Elder Du had retired, at least he sat in the Elder’s position until the very last moment—this could be considered retiring with honor intact.

Having said this much, she didn’t mention it again. Pulling Song Chuyi to sit down, she gave her a list.

The items recorded on it encompassed estates, shops, farmland, and some precious jewelry. But this wasn’t a dowry list. Song Chuyi somewhat bewilderedly looked up toward Old Madam Song.

Old Madam Song was already smiling affectionately. “Put it away. This is Grandmother’s intention.”

It was actually Old Madam Song’s private savings. Song Chuyi’s eyes grew hot. “I can’t…”

Old Madam Song had already stuffed the list into her hands. “When these grandchildren marry, I have a share for each of them. Of course, hearts have their preferences, and Grandmother isn’t exempt from common feelings either. What I give you and Mingzi is indeed the most. These are Grandmother’s private savings—how much I give is not for others to comment on. Even your several aunts and aunties can’t say anything. When their daughters married out, I added to each, and your eldest sister’s share wasn’t less than yours and Mingzi’s either. You keep it—that’s showing filial respect to me. I can hardly take these things into my coffin, can I?”