Zhou Weizhao truly kept his word and ultimately took Song Chuyi out of the palace.

Song Chuyi sat in the temple watching the opera performance on the stage below, but her attention was on the Cui and Chang families. Princess Duanhui and Old Madam Chang were chatting very pleasantly, looking so warm and intimate that they appeared very satisfied.

As for Third Miss and her own cousin Cui Huaxuan, one kept her head lowered very demurely while the other, somewhat flushed, spoke with Cui Hualuan beside him. Though neither looked at each other, both clearly knew what they had come to do.

Young men and women were always pleasant to watch. Song Chuyi quietly told Zhou Weizhao, “I think my cousin seems quite satisfied.”

Given current customs, deeply understanding one’s future spouse was rather impossible—they could only rely on these occasional meetings. Therefore, one really couldn’t blame young men and women for judging by appearances. Since they couldn’t really know what kind of person the other was, naturally they should choose someone more attractive and pleasing to the eye, shouldn’t they?

Zhou Weizhao glanced toward Cui Huaxuan and also nodded. “I also think he seems quite satisfied. Looks like you as matchmaker will be able to collect red envelopes.”

The little one in her belly moved. Song Chuyi covered her stomach and glared at Zhou Weizhao. “You’re teasing me again.”

With them present, the people below couldn’t speak freely. Seeing they’d watched enough excitement, Zhou Weizhao led Song Chuyi out and went to Chongyin Workshop.

The proprietor hadn’t seen Song Chuyi for a long time. Seeing her arrive, he was very respectful and happy. “We’ve already prepared your favorite lotus cake and Moon in Water. Recently, there’s a performer called Jade Qilin who’s become famous. Would you like to request a play?”

Song Chuyi smiled and shook her head. Though she loved watching plays, even though they had slipped out and it wouldn’t be publicized, the Crown Prince had only recently died and they were still in mourning—it was better to be restrained.

The proprietor also realized his gaffe, smiled and slapped his own mouth, then withdrew to prepare.

Zhou Weizhao pushed the honey water closer to her, indicating she should drink, then said, “Yan’er should be arriving soon.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Qing Zhuo came excitedly from outside to report, “Fourth Young Master has arrived.”

Song Yan had changed greatly. His former raw appearance was completely gone. His pair of jet-black, bright eyes could not be read at a glance. Master Qingfeng followed by his side daily, teaching him how to read people and how to handle matters. The young man was no longer the young man of before.

Song Chuyi struggled somewhat to support herself on the table and stand up. She pressed her lips together and beckoned to him. “A’Yan, let your sister have a look.”

They had lost their mother since childhood and depended on each other for survival. Walking this path to now had been very difficult. Song Yan looked at his sister’s swollen belly, feeling both happy and anxious. He stepped forward to support Song Chuyi’s hand, softly calling, “Sister.”

He still remembered how Song Chuyi had recklessly rushed into the fire to save him, remembered Song Chuyi’s blood-red eyes when he woke up, and also remembered how Song Chuyi had exhausted all her efforts for him, arranging his future prospects.

Though he had no mother, he had a sister who was like a mother.

He helped Song Chuyi sit down, then greeted Zhou Weizhao before asking Song Chuyi whether the little nephew in her belly was troublesome or not. He added, “I heard from First Aunt that some people have very difficult pregnancies, with many vomiting day and night…”

Zhou Weizhao knew even more clearly than Song Chuyi. Smiling, he told Song Yan how Song Chuyi was being cared for, then told Song Yan, “Don’t worry. I take very good care of your sister.”

Song Yan didn’t quite know how to respond.

Zhou Weizhao hadn’t spoken so directly before. With him so directly praising himself like this, Song Yan didn’t know how to reply.

Song Chuyi also laughed.

Though she was somewhat unaccustomed to Zhou Weizhao’s changes, these changes were very good. Zhou Weizhao hoped she could live happily, and she also hoped Zhou Weizhao could forget the suffering he had endured before.

After finishing the meal, it was already somewhat late. Song Chuyi insisted on seeing Song Yan off. On the way, she asked him, “I heard Father is returning soon…”

Song Yan lowered his eyes. Time could smooth over many things. His hatred toward Song Yi was no longer as intense as before, but his feelings for him were similarly not as much as before. Very calmly, he told Song Chuyi, “First Uncle says he’s returning soon. His evaluation in Jinling was ‘excellent’… Perhaps he’ll remain in the capital for an appointment, or perhaps he’ll be sent out again to serve another term as prefect. I actually think it’s better if he’s sent out for another term.”

Song Yi wasn’t very suited to being an official. If he remained in the capital bearing the title of the Grand Princess Consort’s father, Song Yan was very afraid he would make mistakes.

He told Song Chuyi, “Master Qingfeng also thinks so. Father is indecisive and easily swayed. Even if he doesn’t harbor any thoughts himself, others with ulterior motives might instigate him to develop them. It’s better to send him away. First, everyone will know the Song family’s attitude. Second, it’s not letting him run loose—someone will be sent to accompany him. Second Madam has already given birth, Brother Shi is already one year old and can follow by his side. With Second Madam along, he’s less likely to make mistakes.”

Master Qingfeng had always been very accurate in reading people. Song Chuyi nodded thoughtfully at Song Jue. “I understand. You’re in mourning and can’t take the examinations next year. Do you want to continue staying in the capital, or do you want to go to Shu again?”

Song Chuyi didn’t want Song Yan to go to Shu again—after all, it was too far, and now the Song family was particularly conspicuous.

Song Yan shook his head. “Grandfather said to have me study at the Imperial Academy.” He looked at Song Chuyi and smiled. “This way I can witness the birth of my little nephew with my own eyes.”

Song Chuyi remained extremely happy even after returning to the palace. Whether it was seeing Song Yan or seeing Song Yan’s growth, everything made her feel she had completely put down the biggest stone in her heart.

She couldn’t protect Song Yan for a lifetime. Now that Song Yan had become so excellent, she felt very reassured.

That evening, Zhou Weizhao brought back another piece of good news. Smiling, he told Song Chuyi, “Aunt asked me to tell you that eldest cousin has agreed…”

Making a match for the first time, and it had succeeded so easily. Though Song Chuyi had seen them getting along well at the temple, she hadn’t expected a decision so quickly. After being slightly dazed, she smiled. “In that case, tomorrow I’ll summon Old Madam Chang to the palace to tell her this good news.”

The third young lady of the Chang family was indeed a very good match. The two families had been on close terms to begin with—if the match could be made, that was naturally best. Song Chuyi then told Zhou Weizhao about Song Yan’s plan to stay in the capital and study at the Imperial Academy. After finishing, she moved on to discussing Song Yi’s prospects, very much agreeing with Master Qingfeng’s opinion. “I also think Father isn’t very suited to remaining in the capital.”

Zhou Weizhao knew Song Chuyi’s relationship with Song Yi had never been very close. Hearing this, he wasn’t surprised either. He touched her hair and nodded. “I have everything in hand. Rest assured and don’t worry about these matters.”