That night, Luoshen’s tender heart was filled with countless sorrows, while Xiao Yongjia also slept alone in an empty chamber. Both mother and daughter tossed and turned sleeplessly.

Gao Qiao, as before, still slept in his study.

Late into the night, he had not yet retired, reading by lamplight. Lifting his head, he saw a figure standing motionless outside the door.

“Zile?”

He set down his book and trimmed the gradually blackening wick. The candlelight brightened again.

Gao Huan pushed open the half-closed door, walked in, and knelt down before Gao Qiao.

“Uncle! It’s entirely my fault that has caused Aunt to blame you and made A’Jie so heartbroken…”

On Gao Huan’s young face, still bearing traces of boyish innocence, was written deep self-reproach.

“Uncle has treated me as his own son, yet not only do I fail to repay this kindness, I’ve instead caused Uncle’s family to fall into such a predicament! It’s all nephew’s fault! Had I not left home back then, today’s events would never have occurred…”

He kowtowed to Gao Qiao, tears glistening in his eyes.

Gao Qiao hastily left his seat, helped him up from the ground, and smiled gently: “How can Sixth Young Master say such words? Uncle has always regarded you as my own son. If you had transgressed, Uncle would naturally impose discipline. This time was merely an accident—how could you have foreseen it at the time? Don’t worry yourself—Uncle has his own considerations. Go sleep now.”

Gao Huan wanted to say more, but Gao Qiao’s expression had already turned serious: “Go now. This matter has nothing to do with you. Remember Uncle’s words—maintain lofty aspirations, cultivate both literary and martial arts. If you can accomplish real service for our Great Yu in the future, it won’t be in vain for Uncle’s nurturing intentions toward you.”

Tears glistened in Gao Huan’s eyes as he nodded: “Then nephew will go. Uncle also remember to rest—don’t wear yourself out.”

Gao Qiao nodded.

Gao Huan bowed to him once more and respectfully withdrew.

…

The next morning, white morning mist swirled around the marshy waters outside Jiankang City.

Cold fog shrouded the river. Gao Qiao personally escorted his wife and daughter out of the city. After their boat reached Bailu Zhou and he had settled the two women, he returned to the city alone.

That very day, Xu Mi learned this news from his younger cousin Xu Yue.

Yesterday, when the Eldest Princess entered the palace and, half through emotion and half through coercion, successfully obtained the Emperor’s promise not to force the marriage, the Xu family brothers naturally learned of it as well.

Xu Mi frowned, saying nothing.

Knowing he worried that the Gao family would use this as an excuse to keep delaying and that problems might arise over time, Xu Yue laughed: “Gao Qiao personally acknowledged Li Mu as his son-in-law in front of so many people yesterday. Could he still dare to go back on his word? Elder brother worries too much!”

Xu Mi stroked his beard and shook his head: “You don’t know Gao Qiao. He appears gentle and generous, but is actually shrewd. Yesterday was under duress—he probably never expected Lu Jianzhi to lose. I always feel he won’t so easily marry his daughter to Li Mu. What’s more, there’s that Eldest Princess who, when she throws a tantrum, even His Majesty fears…”

“Then what should we do?”

Xu Mi pondered.

“Like this—have Yang Xuan arrange as quickly as possible for someone to go to the Gao family on Li Mu’s behalf to formally propose marriage and press the Gao family. Also, send people to Jingkou to spread the news that Li Mu defeated the Lu family’s young master and that Gao Qiao publicly announced him as his son-in-law before all the world. The more people who know, the better—ideally everyone including women and children should know!”

Xu Yue was startled, then burst into laughter: “Excellent! If everyone in Jingkou knows, let’s see how Gao Qiao can weasel out of it!”

Xu Mi smiled without speaking, then suddenly remembered something.

“By the way, was there any movement from the Lu family today?”

Xu Yue shook his head: “Today the Lu family had no news except for keeping their main gate closed.”

“When Gao Qiao announced the competition results yesterday, I saw Lu Guang’s expression was extremely ugly. This time, the Gao family has been humiliated, but the Lu family fares no better. Their family’s most outstanding son actually lost to a humble military general! Our move using Li Mu as a chess piece was indeed correct. Just wait and see—not only will the Gao and Lu families fail to become in-laws, they’re likely to become enemies.”

Xu Mi smiled meaningfully.

“Remember to have people watch the movements of both the Gao and Lu families closely. Don’t relax vigilance.”

Xu Yue nodded: “Elder brother, rest assured—younger brother remembers.”

…

After Luoshen accompanied her mother to Bailu Zhou, she noticed something.

A subtle change had quietly occurred in her mother.

The sharp edges that usually surrounded her seemed to be gradually disappearing.

All of this stemmed from that day when Father personally escorted her and Mother to the island. Though the two didn’t speak much along the way, through some keen intuition, she sensed that between her parents there suddenly existed some extraordinary atmosphere that had never been there before.

She remembered clearly—at that time, she and Mother sat in the ox cart while Father rode alongside on horseback, escorting them.

She noticed that Mother’s gaze would unconsciously drift to Father’s figure.

In Mother’s eyes looking toward Father, Luoshen no longer saw the familiar disgust and coldness, but rather something resembling tenderness and carefulness.

And Father seemed not entirely unaware either.

Several times along the way, he turned back to look. Each time he looked over, Mother, as if afraid he might notice her watching him, would quickly avert her gaze, so Father would turn to show her a gentle smile instead.

Mother probably thought Father wouldn’t notice, but she forgot there was a daughter sitting beside her.

What exactly had happened between her parents that previous night to cause such sudden changes between them, Luoshen didn’t know.

But this unexpected discovery finally added a touch of brightness to her spirits, which had previously fallen to rock bottom.

After several days, she couldn’t help but worry about Lu Jianzhi, so she sent a letter to Lu Xiurong inquiring about the situation.

Previously, whenever she wrote to Lu Xiurong, she always received a reply the same day.

But this time, Luoshen waited two days and still received no reply.

Just as she was growing increasingly uneasy, on this day, the painted pleasure boat that served Bailu Zhou brought someone.

Her cousin, Gao Yongrong.

…

Gao Yongrong was five years older than Luoshen and had married Prince Dongyang of the imperial clan several years ago. By genealogy, he was the nephew with the closest blood ties to Emperor Xingping, aside from the princes themselves.

The last time Gao Yongrong had returned was a year ago, for Luoshen’s coming-of-age ceremony.

When she arrived, she wore the noble Lingyun hairstyle, was adorned from head to toe in gold, jade, and brocade, and was surrounded by numerous attendants, standing at the bow like a divine consort or celestial fairy.

But her expression was extremely grave. After disembarking, upon seeing Luoshen who had come to welcome her, her eyes immediately showed deep sympathy. She pulled Luoshen tightly into her arms, as if Luoshen were still a little girl, constantly comforting her.

She had originally returned to Jiankang for Luoshen and Lu Jianzhi’s wedding. Unexpectedly, while en route, she heard scattered news about changes in Luoshen’s marriage—that Minister Gao, to keep his promise, intended to marry her to a humble military general named Li Mu.

Gao Yongrong was extremely shocked and immediately hastened her journey, finally arriving at Bailu Zhou.

“A’Mi, you’ve grown even more beautiful.”

Gao Yongrong studied her lovely younger cousin, her eyes showing relief.

“Don’t worry—Elder Sister won’t let you marry some crude military man for nothing!”

Finally, she gripped Luoshen’s hands tightly and whispered these words in her ear.

Luoshen knew she was trying to comfort her.

Even their parents couldn’t solve this problem—what good solution could Elder Sister possibly have?

But regardless, seeing Elder Sister, whom she had relied on and trusted since childhood, at such a time was still something that brought Luoshen comfort.

Xiao Yongjia was also very fond of this niece who had been sensible and capable since childhood. Smiling, she stood to one side watching the sisters’ reunion. After their whispered conversation ended, she led Gao Yongrong inside.

After sitting and exchanging pleasantries, Gao Yongrong gave Xiao Yongjia meaningful looks. Understanding, Xiao Yongjia made an excuse to send Luoshen away, then led her niece into the inner chamber.

“Aunt! How could Uncle be so careless as to make such a promise that day, allowing crude people to exploit loopholes and create today’s situation, bringing such shame to the Gao family!”

Once inside, Gao Yongrong spoke immediately, her brow deeply furrowed.

Hearing this, Xiao Yongjia felt somewhat displeased. She smiled and said coolly: “That person saved Zile that day. You also know that to your uncle, Zile is more precious than his own flesh and blood. If it could exchange for Zile’s safety, even trading his own life, I believe he would be willing. At the time, he was overwhelmed with gratitude, which is why his words were too absolute.”

Gao Yongrong, observing expressions, immediately sensed Xiao Yongjia’s displeasure and quickly changed her tune, following Xiao Yongjia’s tone and nodding: “Yes, Aunt speaks truly. Uncle has always been generous by nature, naturally judging others by himself—how could he imagine others could be so devious? If anyone’s to blame, it’s that military man surnamed Li for daring to covet my sister A’Mi. He should look at his own background—how could he be worthy of our Gao family’s status?”

Xiao Yongjia frowned silently.

“Aunt, though you cleverly obtained His Majesty’s decree postponing the wedding, this can only delay matters temporarily. You surely can’t keep A’Mi by your side forever? Moreover, the longer such matters drag on, the more gossip there will be, bringing greater shame to our Gao family’s reputation!”

Xiao Yongjia sighed, her eyes showing worry: “How could I not know what you’re saying? But at present, unless that Li Mu is willing to withdraw himself, what else can be done? Your uncle is thinking of solutions—let’s wait a bit longer.”

“That Li is Xu Mi’s man, and this whole affair has Xu Mi stirring the pot from behind. Things have reached this point—seeing their goal nearly achieved, would they abandon it themselves?”

Xiao Yongjia, recalling the analysis her husband had shared with her previously, hesitated: “He might not necessarily be Xu Mi’s man…”

“Even so, this Li is no good person! If not for him, how would our Gao family have fallen to today’s predicament? Aunt, I actually have a solution that could resolve this matter.”

“Tell me.”

Gao Yongrong leaned close to Xiao Yongjia’s ear and whispered something.

Xiao Yongjia was startled: “Kill him?”

“Yes.”

Gao Yongrong nodded, a cold gleam flashing in her eyes.

“On my way here, I thought about this repeatedly. Things having reached this point, the best and fastest solution is this one!”

Xiao Yongjia shook her head: “Impossible! If he dies now, others will suspect us. Moreover, your uncle would never agree!”

“So what if they suspect?”

“As long as it’s done cleanly without leaving evidence, what can others do to our Gao family?”

“This won’t do! This Li Mu has exceptional martial skills—if we fail to kill him and the matter is exposed, it would make things even worse.”

“Aunt needn’t worry. Your niece knows an expert skilled with poisons. There’s a certain drug—colorless and odorless—that when mixed in food, kills instantly upon ingestion, yet appears as if the person simply fell asleep. Send a trusted subordinate with high martial skills to slip into the military camp at night and put the drug in his food—just a tiny amount is enough. After he dies from the poison, leave snake bite marks on his body. Military camps in the wilderness inevitably have snakes and insects. When his corpse is discovered at dawn, even if people suspect our Gao family, without concrete evidence, what can they do? Remove him, and the problem is solved. A’Mi won’t suffer the shame of marrying beneath her station. The Gao and Lu families can resume marriage negotiations. With our two families’ reputations, in at most two or three months, no one will mention this matter again.”

“As for Uncle, just keep it from him. Even if he suspects afterward, if you don’t tell and I don’t tell, what can Uncle do?”

Xiao Yongjia hesitated.

“I heard that Li Mu is a filial son with a widowed mother now in Jingkou. I’ve already sent Gao Qi to Jingkou to invite his mother here, hoping she’ll intervene to suppress this matter…”

Gao Yongrong sneered: “Aunt, you’re being as naive about human nature as Uncle! Such a woman, having spent years struggling in poverty and tasting every hardship, seeing her son about to climb high branches and achieve success—even if forced by circumstances to agree, when she truly sees her son, how could she sincerely speak for us? If we’re going to involve his mother, better to use her as leverage against Li, which might be more useful.”

Xiao Yongjia shook her head.

“This matter requires long-term planning! Let me think more about what would be best.”

“Aunt!”

Gao Yongrong was somewhat anxious.

“The Xu family opposes our Gao family at every turn, and His Majesty is soft-eared. With Xu Shi by his side, who knows if he might change his mind tomorrow? Hesitation brings disaster! On my way here, I heard people discussing this matter everywhere—my heart burned with anxiety! Every day we delay, our Gao family’s reputation suffers another point of damage!”

Xiao Yongjia suppressed her turbulent emotions and said: “I know! But your method is too risky. Unless there’s truly no other path, we should be cautious.”

Gao Yongrong lowered her eyes, concealing the fierce look within, and said respectfully: “Your niece understands. I’ll follow Aunt’s arrangements completely.”