“Yes, what we can do is keep the assassination order absolutely secret. We absolutely cannot let Feng Suzhen know about it and endanger His Majesty.”

Ming Yan interjected this remark, and Qinglong’s heart, which had already been wavering somewhat, saw the firm attitude of the two and nodded. However, Baihu was indignant and said resentfully, “Why did we let her escape in the first place?”

Xuanwu glanced at her. “Who told that dead ghost Fu Jingshu and Minister Feng to be sworn friends, and by some twist of fate, he discovered this matter and notified Minister Feng before Minister Yan led people to Huai County. Minister Feng had his twin children escape separately, and somehow found a woman who looked very similar to his daughter to pretend to be the daughter with poor martial arts, buying her ample time.”

“Mm, when we received Minister Yan’s notification and rushed to Huai County to make arrests, we thought only this old fox’s son had escaped. How could we know his daughter had already left right under our noses?”

His tone was rarely grave. “Baihu, do you still remember? The night we killed Feng Suzhen’s elder brother, we actually fell into an ambush. Those who ambushed us were either people from Prince Jin’s side under Minister Feng, or Quan Feitong’s people.”

“And that night, our master was severely injured. Feng Suzhen actually saved our master, helping him block some attacks. Moreover, when all is said and done, even though she’s the descendant of a rebel minister, she’s quite innocent. She may not necessarily know what her father and brother were secretly doing, or what kind of people they truly were.”

“Now everything is fate, the natural order of things. Not the slightest bit is up to human will.”

Baihu took a deep breath, turned sideways, and said nothing. Qinglong, however, said in a low voice, “I agree with you. After all, future matters are hard to say, but now, she is someone our master values greatly. Brother, it’s just that I always feel many matters are just beginning. This case is far from over. I don’t know what will happen.”

*

When Suzhen returned to the Court of Judicial Review, everyone was sitting in the main hall with expectant expressions. Seeing her return, they were all very excited. Wuyan carefully observed Suzhen’s expression and said hesitantly, “If reconciliation wasn’t possible this time, it doesn’t matter. As long as we remain in the capital, there will still be opportunities. Don’t lose heart.”

Suzhen grasped her hand and forced out a smile. “After more than a year, aren’t you used to it yet? I often offend His Majesty, then grovel in various ways, and in the end everything turns out fine. This time is the same. The house you found won’t be needed – we’re staying at the Court of Judicial Review.”

Everyone was incredulous. Zhuiming pulled Tieshou up and jumped with bright eyes. “Tsk tsk, Huaisu, you really have it. Even your ghostly family background could convince His Majesty.”

Tieshou glared at him. “Look at that loose tongue of yours. What kind of talk is that? Huaisu’s family might very well be wrongly accused.”

Zhuiming stuck out his tongue and looked at Suzhen guiltily, his face flushed red. “Definitely wrongly accused.”

Suzhen looked at the two of them, remaining quietly silent. Both men felt a trace of unease, fearing they had just displeased her. The feelings of this past year were not false. Although there had been deception and conflicts, there are some friends where you don’t ask about origins or discuss experiences – they had come through together like this.

But then they saw Suzhen suddenly bow deeply, completely in a man’s manner. “I’ve never been able to apologize to you all properly. Thank you.”

Zhuiming and Tieshou exchanged smiles and both reached out to pat her shoulders.

Wuqing also smiled with his eyes. This person who was like an elder brother had been worried in his heart moments ago, but now seeing his smiling face, Suzhen felt much more settled in her heart. He said, “All calamities will pass.”

Little Zhou, that fellow, was sitting boldly in her chair. “I said it – all morning there was no sign of officials coming to confiscate the house. There had to be some change.”

Zhuiming teased her sourly. “Never heard you say such a thing before. Today the one pacing around in circles the most was you, old lady.”

Suzhen walked over and hugged her. Little Zhou pinched her face hard. “Get away, you pest.”

“I’m going in to rest a bit. Tomorrow I’ll begin issuing official documents. Help me pass the documents to the couriers to be delivered to all provinces and prefectures to overturn wrongful cases throughout the nation.”

“Excellent!”

Everyone laughed heartily. Zhuiming quietly asked, “But when can we overturn the case for your family?”

Suzhen smiled. “One day it will come. I believe that day will definitely arrive.”

Looking at those bright, clear eyes before her, Wuyan remembered a period of time in Minzhou when she had also participated. Her heart stirred slightly with excitement.

If it weren’t for you, the Empress Dowager wouldn’t have ordered us women to participate in interrogations. You accomplished something we might have once thought about but never completed.

Before returning to her room, Suzhen hesitated slightly but still asked Wuqing, “Has Leng Xue come back?”

Wuqing seemed to sense something and didn’t speak, but Zhuiming couldn’t help asking, “He went out yesterday. Did he go find you? When will he be back? When he returns, let’s all have a pigeon barbecue tonight to celebrate!”

Suzhen’s nose stung, and she shook her head with a smile. “He had business and went far away. It will be a very, very long time before he returns.”

Zhuiming and Tieshou looked stunned. Wuqing said lightly, “There is no banquet in the world that doesn’t end. Let’s go return the deposit for that new house over there.”

Returning to Suzhen’s bedroom, Wuyan asked with a smile, “You made up with Sixth Young Master, right?”

Suzhen knew she was staying for her sake, not wanting her to worry further, so she nodded. “Couldn’t be better.”

Wuyan looked at her heavy dark circles and said gently, “That’s good then. Get a good night’s sleep first. When you wake up, there will still be many challenges waiting for us, and also much happiness.”

“Good. Wuyan, wait for me. In a while we’ll have a heart-to-heart talk, draw circles together to curse Huo Chang’an, and have Lian Yu introduce some rich and handsome men to you to make him jealous to death.”

Wuyan smiled as if nothing had happened. “Won’t make him jealous to death, but I’ll definitely be very happy. Sleep now.”

“Mm.”

After tucking her in properly and taking a long look at her, Wuyan quietly left the room.

*

When Suzhen woke up, it was only midday. She had things on her mind and didn’t sleep well – just a light doze. Actually, sleeping was just an excuse to avoid forcing a cheerful expression to face everyone.

In her heart, one side was unwavering determination, the other endless grief – because the future was uncertain, because Leng Xue had left, because of Lian Yu’s love… But no matter what, she was the type who, once she made a decision, would never retreat. This was true for both Lian Yu and the Feng family case.

Lian Yu always gave her chances, didn’t he? she thought.

It was just that tomorrow, facing him, how should she act? Cold and distant like him?

She put on her outer robe and got up, wanting to go see Wuyan. These past few days, preoccupied with her own affairs, she hadn’t properly comforted Wuyan.

However, after searching the entire courtyard, she couldn’t find her. Just when she was getting anxious, Uncle Fu appeared before her and slowly said that Consort Wei had already left.

Suzhen’s eyes moistened. She hadn’t had time to bid her farewell, and she had already left.

For everyone, life’s greatest regret is probably never not having a beautiful beginning, but rather parting without time to say proper goodbyes. It was so with Leng Xue, and so with Wuyan.

But she thought she understood what Leng Xue and Wuyan meant. That silent brother didn’t want to see her changed by this world. That proud woman didn’t want tears to be the memory of parting.

When Wuyan returned home, the Wei Chenghui family was having their midday meal in the hall. Wuxia was there too, with several households gathered around a large table, very lively.

Given her current status, according to protocol, the entire family should perform bowing rites. Wei Chenghui usually observed all proprieties, but today he acted completely contrary to his usual manner. When the steward led her in, he seemed not to see her. Wuxia, however, couldn’t contain herself. “Oh my, who’s come back? Consort Shu! Everyone, shouldn’t you pay your respects?”

The youngest son from the fourth household, a boy of four or five, influenced by what he’d heard, pouted and said, “Sister Consort is a fallen consort. His Majesty doesn’t want her anymore. No need to pay respects.”

The eldest son, Wei Chenghui’s firstborn, was relatively honest and summoned a servant to instruct, “Hurry and bring bowls and chopsticks for Consort Wei!”

He smiled and said, “Sister, come sit here.”

“Thank you, eldest brother.”

Wuyan thanked him and saw her mother cowering to one side, so she walked over.

The second son was one who could read the room. Seeing his father’s and Wuxia’s expressions, he sneered and said to the servant, “No need. Set up a small table to the side. Third sister and Fifth Aunt can eat over there.”

The second daughter had already started clapping and laughing, personally getting up and walking to Wuyan’s mother, snatching away her bowls and chopsticks.

“Master, First Madam, Wuyan and I will return to our room first. Please take your time eating.” Wuyan’s mother said with a low smile, giving Wuyan a meaningful look.

Wei Chenghui remained silent, his expression fierce and threatening. Madam Wei finally spoke, her tone languid, “Just eat here. Wujun and Wulei have already had tables set for them.”

“This…” Wuyan’s mother was timid and cowardly, quietly glancing at her daughter.

Wuyan said gently, “Mother, come to my side.”

Wuyan’s mother looked at Wei Chenghui again, but said, “Yan’er, you should apologize to your father and eldest sister.”

Wuxia sneered, “Where does Fifth Mother get such words? Wuxia couldn’t bear such responsibility.”

Wei Chenghui’s expression darkened as he threw his bowls and chopsticks at Wuyan’s mother, coldly shouting, “What do you know? Shut up!”

Wuyan had been pressing her lips tightly, saying nothing, but seeing this scene, she suddenly snatched the little brother’s bowl and threw it at Wei Chenghui. “Minister Wei, what great fury. Cool down a bit.”

—