After Xia Xiuyan’s long disappearance, he suddenly returned to court. Before the court could hold him accountable, he established the great merit of rescuing the Emperor. After Wei Yi’s death, Xia Xiuyan presented evidence obtained from the Da Yue people, including correspondence between Wu Guangda and Qi Kedan. The handwriting and seal marks were completely identical to those on the letter he had found on the Da Yue assassin behind the traveling palace seven years ago, proving they were all done by the same person. Wu Guangda could not escape connection to the Qizhou Incident from years past. The Zhang family was immediately cleared of injustice, and the siblings Zhang Rong and Zhang Hui were released from prison.

Subsequently, Dali Temple Vice Minister Zhou Xianyi publicly impeached Wu Guangda on dozens of charges. That same day, Wu Guangda was taken into custody. The three judicial offices—the Ministry of Justice, Dali Temple, and the Censorate—jointly tried the case. With the testimony of Feathered Forest Guards who had participated in the rebellion, Wu Guangda was also implicated in the Great Sacrifice rebellion case. Both witness and physical evidence were present—truly ironclad proof. Several days later, Dali Temple submitted the verdict. Colluding with foreign enemies, murdering loyal subjects, attempting rebellion… each and every charge was a grave crime warranting the execution of nine generations of kin. Emperor Xuande looked at the memorial submitted to him. At the very bottom, the two characters “waist execution” were shocking to behold. He picked up his brush, moistened it with vermillion ink, and after drawing the approval circle, couldn’t help but close his eyes and let out a long sigh.

On the day of execution, the execution ground was surrounded inside and out by Chang’an citizens who had come to watch the spectacle, packed so tightly not even water could pass through.

At a distant wine house, Xia Xiuyan sat by a window on the second floor. Nearby, other patrons were discussing animatedly, talking about the Qizhou siege from seven years ago, their words full of sighs.

Someone remarked emotionally: “…With Wu Guangda’s death, justice is finally served for those soldiers who died unjustly at the border back then.”

Another person said: “Tell me, after Wu Guangda’s death, who will Marquis Dingbei go after next?”

“Need you ask?” Someone else leaned in with an unkind smile. “Who else could it be? I’d say it’s just a matter of sooner or later.”

Whenever this matter came up, it always circled back to that divination that decided life and death in the court that year. Marquis Dingbei had returned to the capital for some time without making a move. Everyone thought he was magnanimous and had let the matter pass, but seeing Wu Guangda and the others’ fate today, they knew he had returned to the capital to seek justice for that past incident. If so, there was no reason he would single out and spare the one who had performed the divination back then.

“Do you think that Daoist really took bribes from that dog thief Wu Guangda back then and deliberately sent the Marquis to the border to die?”

“Hey, I see Wu Guangda is dead, but she’s still perfectly fine. Perhaps there’s someone else behind the scenes.”

Others said: “Maybe her divination really was accurate. I heard that Daoist came back and opened another divination stall in Anren Ward. Other things aside, business is truly good. I heard it’s extremely difficult to get a reading from her.”

“Whether she divined it or not, just daring to say such things in court at that time shows ill intent in my view!”

“If I were that Daoist, I’d be quickly packing my things and running away right now.”

“You’re wrong there. If I were her, I wouldn’t run…”

…

Hearing the discussion behind him, He Zhong was rather unhappy as he turned his head. He was straightforward by nature, unable to hide things in his heart. After holding it in for a long time, he still couldn’t help but ask the person beside him in a low voice: “Is the Marquis truly planning to move against Daoist Qiu?”

Hearing his rather conflicted tone, Gao Yang glanced at him curiously and heard him say: “Honestly, I’ve been mulling over this matter these past two days and can’t sleep well.”

Xia Xiuyan: “There’s actually something that keeps you from sleeping well?”

“Ah, indeed.” He Zhong sighed. “During this time, when none of you were around, if not for her, with just my blockhead, I would have rushed to Dali Temple to break you out of prison that very day.”

Gao Yang couldn’t help but purse his lips in a smile: “I remember you didn’t think much of Miss Qiu before.”

He Zhong pursed his lips, hesitating: “I was thinking that if all the rumors outside are true, this time she could barely be considered to have redeemed herself through merit. Besides, I see that little Daoist has a weak constitution and can’t withstand hardship. It just so happens she’s fallen ill these past two days. If the Marquis still can’t get over it in his heart, giving her a hard time would be fine, but don’t make things too difficult for her.”

After rambling on with this speech, he even knew to deliberately plead poverty on Qiu Xinran’s behalf. Hearing this, Xia Xiuyan indeed asked: “How do you know she’s been ill these past two days?”

Seeing there was hope, He Zhong quickly responded: “Cough… I only found out yesterday when I ran into Miss Mei Que at the medicine shop. The two of them are going to Azure Dragon Temple today. Mei Que specifically prepared two doses of medicine for her yesterday.”

After speaking, he secretly observed Xia Xiuyan’s expression, but saw him ponder for a moment, then suddenly ask Gao Yang something completely unrelated: “Where did Zhang Rong go today?”

Today was Wu Guangda’s execution. By rights, Zhang Rong should have come to the execution ground to watch. Gao Yang recalled what he had said before leaving this morning and answered: “He should be accompanying Lady Lan to Azure Dragon Temple to bring back the Zhang family’s spirit tablets to the manor.”

Wu Guangda had committed crimes warranting the execution of nine generations of kin. After he was imprisoned, the things Wu Peng had done could no longer be covered up for him. With multiple crimes combined, he was sentenced to execution according to law. Afterward, Mei Que went to Dali Temple to turn herself in, stating that on the night at Fragrant Pond Garden, Wu Peng had drugged her wine intending to assault her. She had struggled free and escaped, then feared to come forward all this time. As for the jewelry Little Song had sent out of the palace, though it had been in her possession before, it had now all been returned. Thus the case was hastily concluded, and she returned to Fragrant Pond Garden.

Azure Dragon Temple’s incense offerings were flourishing. Years ago, Qiu Xinran had entrusted the temple monks to establish a spirit tablet for Little Song in the temple’s Spirit Pacification Hall. Later, when she returned to the Nine Sects, she entrusted Yuan Zhou to donate incense money to the temple annually to maintain it. Fortunately, later there was Mei Que. Year after year at Qingming Festival, there was finally someone who could come offer three sticks of clear incense for Little Song.

Coming out of the Spirit Pacification Hall, Qiu Xinran couldn’t help but confirm with Mei Que once more: “You’re determined to remain at Fragrant Pond Garden from now on?”

Lan Hui had left Fragrant Pond Garden and changed back to her original name. She had been saved by Xia Xiuyan years ago and became the master behind Fragrant Pond Garden. Over these years, through many twists and turns, she had worked hard to search for evidence related to the Zhang family’s wrongful conviction. Now that the Zhang family’s great vengeance was repaid, she would likely leave this heartbreaking place of Chang’an together with Zhang Rong. Without her care, Qiu Xinran was somewhat worried about Mei Que’s future days in the garden.

But she appeared quite mature, as if she had already thought deeply about it. She nodded: “When Sister Lan came to Fragrant Pond Garden, she was about the same age as I am now. Even while thinking about revenge, she persevered. Can I not even manage to live on my own? In this world, originally no one can stay with you forever. Apart from singing, I know nothing else. If my master has a spirit in heaven, he would surely hope I don’t let down the skills he taught me. Being able to sing in the garden for a lifetime would make me content.”

From childhood, she had constantly experienced separations—from parents and eldest sister to Yu Yin to now Lan Hui. Qiu Xinran turned to smile at her: “Knowing how you want to live this life already makes you much stronger than I am right now.” Some people pass through this world in a muddle, not as clear-sighted as this sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl before her.

Mei Que looked at her and asked in return: “What about you? You brought me here today—is it because you’re also leaving?”

Qiu Xinran hadn’t expected her to guess even this. After the Great Sacrifice, she truly could no longer remain in Chang’an. Not to mention the divination she had performed for Emperor Xuande, which had already planted seeds of disaster—just the fact that she had witnessed Li Hanyi kill Li Hantai at Kuxin Hall meant she could no longer stay long in Chang’an. Otherwise, she might even implicate Bai Jingming and Yuan Zhou.

Chang’an ultimately wasn’t her Chang’an, but with the world so vast, where could she go?

Mei Que seemed to see through her thoughts: “Won’t you leave together with Marquis Dingbei?”

Qiu Xinran was startled: “Why do you say that?”

Mei Que was slightly surprised: “I thought you two… were close.” The first time she met Qiu Xinran, Xia Xiuyan had publicly blocked Gao Yue’s whip for her. The second time was that night at Fragrant Pond Garden when Xia Xiuyan left his carriage behind and personally escorted Qiu Xinran home alone. The third time was when Qiu Xinran, entrusted by Xia Xiuyan, came to find her. She naturally assumed the two had an unusual relationship.

Qiu Xinran didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “So the first time you met me, you put on such an expression because you were angry with me on Lan Hui’s behalf?”

Recalling the scene at that time, Mei Que’s face couldn’t help but redden. She defended herself in a small voice: “I didn’t know you then. I could see clearly that Sister Lan liked the Marquis.”

Qiu Xinran teased: “So now you’re no longer angry on Lan Hui’s behalf?”

“Now…” Mei Que was at a loss for words. She used her eyes to look the person before her up and down, then seriously asked in a low voice, “Is there truly nothing between you and the Marquis?”

In the past, Qiu Xinran would naturally have been able to pat her chest and say she and Xia Xiuyan were completely innocent, but she suddenly recalled that wet kiss by the water pool that morning. For a moment, she couldn’t be quite so confident. Mei Que caught this hesitation and immediately raised her eyebrows triumphantly: “See, I’ve been at Fragrant Pond Garden for so many years—I’m very accurate about these things!”

As the two talked, they walked toward the temple gate. Suddenly they spotted two familiar figures ahead—the siblings Zhang Rong and Zhang Hui. Mei Que’s eyes lit up as she ran forward to greet them. Qiu Xinran followed leisurely behind, thinking of the nameless spirit tablet she had seen that rainy day at Azure Dragon Temple, understanding in her heart.

Zhang Rong had already removed the mask from his face, revealing his true appearance. He was originally quite good-looking. Qiu Xinran had actually long forgotten what the youth who had offended her in the palace seven years ago looked like, but the man before her now appeared gentle in expression with determined features, completely looking like a generous and steady adult male.

He immediately spotted the woman slowly approaching behind Mei Que. His gaze deep, he looked at her and nodded. Seeing this, Qiu Xinran also politely nodded to him in return.

Though Zhang Hui had seen the woman before her several times previously, she had never properly spoken with her. This was the first time they formally met. As they talked, she couldn’t help but curiously examine Qiu Xinran several times. Though the woman before her wore Daoist attire, she had a pair of smiling, amorous peach blossom eyes. Her long eyebrows swept toward her temples with a hint of heroic spirit, neutralizing some of the soft charm—altogether creating a very likable, clever and lively appearance.

As they conversed, she noticed that though her brother beside her spoke little, he seemed to keep his gaze on the woman opposite them throughout. She couldn’t help but recall the rainy day at Azure Dragon Temple when her usually taciturn brother had insisted on lending his umbrella to this woman. She felt slightly surprised in her heart, but couldn’t help being secretly happy for him. Just hearing that the two were preparing to leave, she took the initiative to suggest: “I need to go to Fragrant Pond Garden, so I’ll go with Mei Que. Why doesn’t elder brother escort Miss Qiu back?”

Qiu Xinran was startled and looked up at Zhang Rong standing to the side, quickly saying: “Miss Zhang is too kind. I can return on my own—there’s no need to trouble General Zhang.”

Zhang Hui glanced again at Zhang Rong. Seeing he made no sound, she turned and said to Qiu Xinran with a smile: “I still have an umbrella at Miss’s place. Since my brother has nothing to do this afternoon, escorting Miss back and bringing the umbrella back along the way saves Miss an extra trip.”

Mentioning returning the umbrella, Qiu Xinran couldn’t very well refuse again. Seeing Zhang Rong also had no objection, she could only agree: “Then I’ll have to trouble General Zhang to make this trip with me.”

Afterward, Zhang Hui pulled Mei Que to stay with her in the temple a while longer, and Zhang Rong escorted Qiu Xinran out first.

The two walked toward the temple exit. Zhang Rong was not talkative, so Qiu Xinran took the initiative to speak: “I haven’t yet congratulated the General on having his wrongful conviction overturned and clearing the Zhang family’s name.”

“Thanks to Miss,” Zhang Rong turned to look at her. “Previously I couldn’t directly reveal my identity. I hope Miss will forgive me.”

“Where does the General get such words?” Qiu Xinran waved her hand. “The Zhang family having today is entirely due to the General’s own efforts.”

Zhang Rong shook his head: “If Miss hadn’t kindly covered for me at the divination stall back then and passed the message to the Marquis, how could Hui’er and I have today?”

Qiu Xinran felt embarrassed: “Those were just small favors.”

But Zhang Rong lowered his eyes: “My father was betrayed by his subordinates back then. All the way fleeing and hiding back to Chang’an, I was then betrayed by his old friend of many years. Miss had no relation to me, yet was willing to help. This great kindness, I feel deeply grateful for in my heart. No matter what, I should repay it.”

Seeing his solemn appearance, Qiu Xinran felt considerable pressure and said awkwardly: “The General truly makes too much of it.”

Seeing her somewhat uncomfortable, as if he felt some self-reproach, Zhang Rong quickly said: “Alright, I won’t speak of it anymore. It’s just that if Miss ever needs my help in the future, Zhang Rong will definitely go through fire and water without hesitation.”

Qiu Xinran deliberately sighed: “The General must absolutely not hope I have such a time.”

Hearing this, Zhang Rong was startled, then laughed, finally dispelling that trace of solemnity between his brows: “Miss is extraordinarily intelligent and will certainly never have such a time.”

Seeing his expression relax, Qiu Xinran also smiled and didn’t discuss the matter further, turning to continue walking toward the temple exit.

Reaching the entrance, they saw He Zhong standing outside the temple gate as if waiting for someone. Zhang Rong was somewhat surprised and walked forward to ask: “How did you come here? Has something happened at the manor?” Seeing the two of them come out, He Zhong instinctively looked behind them but didn’t see Zhang Hui or Mei Que, seeming somewhat disappointed. Hearing him ask this, he quickly said: “What could happen? It’s just… cough, now that you’ve changed back to your identity, the military merits previously reported to the court need to be re-registered and recorded. Just now people from the Ministry of War came and are waiting for you to return.”

His expression was somewhat unnatural as he said this. A trace of doubt appeared in Zhang Rong’s gaze. Instead, Qiu Xinran quickly said upon seeing this: “Official business is important. I can personally deliver Miss Zhang Hui’s umbrella another day.”

Zhang Rong hesitated somewhat: “If that’s the case, let He Zhong escort Miss back.”

Qiu Xinran’s thoughts stirred, and she actually didn’t refuse. He Zhong wanted to refuse, but after his eyes widened, as if he too thought of something, the words that reached his lips changed to great reluctance: “Fine then, if I must escort, I’ll escort.”