While the Ye and Jiang families were thrown into disarray by this sudden imperial marriage decree, the Yin residence remained completely quiet.

The servants here had spent a long time in Yunzhong. The people of Yunzhong had simple and bold customs, unlike the liveliness of the capital Yanjing. Moreover, because Yin Zhan was a general, the manservants had picked up habits from military camps—walking silently, not as boisterous as servants in other residences. Additionally, seeing their masters’ unpleasant expressions tonight, the servants dared even less to speak.

After getting off the carriage and entering the residence, Madam Yin wanted to first take Yin Zhiqing back to her courtyard. Yin Zhiqing pulled away, walked a few steps to stand before Yin Zhan, wanting to say something yet unable to say anything at all. Her mouth trembled and she nearly burst into tears.

Yin Zhan glanced at her. “Zhiqing, go back to your room with your mother first.”

Yin Zhiqing blinked. Yin Zhili patted her shoulder and said gently, “Whatever it is can wait until tomorrow. It’s very late today, Zhiqing.”

Madam Yin also nodded along, looking anxiously at Yin Zhiqing. Yin Zhiqing suddenly felt somewhat mortified and simply turned around. Ignoring Madam Yin’s calls from behind, she ran back to her courtyard first. Madam Yin could only smile helplessly at Yin Zhan and Yin Zhili, apologize, then chase after her.

Yin Zhili watched Yin Zhiqing’s retreating figure and sighed.

Although Yin Zhiqing was born charming and lovely with a pitiable beauty, in truth, the one Yin Zhan cherished most was still his son Yin Zhili. Though he doted on Yin Zhiqing as well, it was absolutely different from how he treated Yin Zhili—personally raising him, personally teaching him to read and study, to ride horses and shoot arrows. Yin Zhiqing had been raised by a wet nurse. But from childhood to adulthood, Yin Zhan never deprived Yin Zhiqing of anything. Moreover, because the Yin family had no concubines, no room servants, no illegitimate sons or daughters, Yin Zhiqing’s days were lived with innocent happiness.

However, compared to their relationship with Yin Zhan, this pair of half-siblings Yin Zhiqing and Yin Zhili actually had better feelings for each other.

While still in a daze, Yin Zhan’s voice sounded beside his ear. “Come with me,” he said.

Yin Zhili followed Yin Zhan to his study.

Under the lamplight, Yin Zhan’s expression had shed the heartiness displayed at the palace banquet. Though he couldn’t be called gloomy, he absolutely wasn’t pleased either. “Tonight’s matter—did you know about it?” he asked.

Yin Zhili shook his head. “I didn’t know.”

“I guessed you didn’t know either,” Yin Zhan said. “Today I watched Jiang Yuanbai’s expression—he didn’t look like he knew either. Ji Heng acting this way is truly unexpected. Didn’t you get along quite well with Second Miss Jiang before?”

Yin Zhili suppressed the bitterness in his heart. “Yes, quite well.”

“This is very strange then,” Yin Zhan said. “When Jiang Li received the decree today, she showed no surprise. She even smiled at me. I even suspect she knew about this long ago, perhaps even conspired with Ji Heng. After all, before this, Zhiqing once mentioned that when they first returned to the capital, they shared a carriage.”

Yes, Yin Zhili thought to himself—that was the first time he had seen Jiang Li.

“At first I also thought they had a close relationship. Later I inquired and learned that Jiang Li had been abducted to Huangzhou by Prince Cheng’s subordinates. Ji Heng happened to pass by and saved her on a whim, so afterward they returned to Yanjing together. However, I always felt something was strange. Ji Heng doesn’t seem like someone who acts heroically for strangers. The relationship between Jiang Li and him is indeed not simple. Although there’s no concrete evidence today, I still believe Ji Heng did this deliberately. Zhili,” he looked at the young man, “when you spent time with Jiang Li, didn’t you notice she had someone in her heart?”

Yin Zhili felt even more uncomfortable, but he only said, “No, Second Miss Jiang showed no such signs.”

“Perhaps it was the Jiang family’s idea,” Yin Zhan said. “The Jiang family told Ji Heng about our intention to form a marriage alliance with them, allowing Ji Heng to act first and obtain the imperial decree before us. Otherwise, it couldn’t be such a coincidence.”

“But isn’t Prime Minister Jiang willing to form the alliance?” Yin Zhili asked doubtfully.

“Jiang Yuanbai is an old fox who’s probably weighing the pros and cons, wavering uncertainly. He just wants to see whether we or the Duke’s mansion has greater power. I underestimated him.” Yin Zhan smiled, though his smile carried more coldness.

Yin Zhili said nothing.

“This isn’t your fault. It’s not that you’re inferior to Ji Heng or failed to win Second Miss Jiang’s heart. It’s truly because the Jiang family came prepared all along, made backup plans. We miscalculated one layer.”

Yin Zhili thought bitterly—no, it wasn’t like that. Second Miss Jiang truly liked that person. The way she looked at Ji Heng, and the hint about the fan—he had indeed lost to Ji Heng.

“These are all minor matters, Zhili. Don’t let this setback affect you,” Yin Zhan said. “Since the Jiang family broke their word like this, naturally they’ll pay the price in the future. What’s urgent now is that we must stay in Yanjing. Once we stay in the capital, the first one we need to deal with is Duke of Su Ji Heng.”

Yin Zhili opened his mouth, wanting to ask why. In the end, he remained silent. Actually, he had asked Yin Zhan this question before, but Yin Zhan refused to tell him, so Yin Zhili could only let it go. Even if he asked today, he wouldn’t get an answer. He could only numbly agree.

When Yin Zhili walked out of Yin Zhan’s room, his footsteps were extremely heavy.

Behind him, the study’s lamplight burned bright, as if it would burn through until dawn. Yin Zhan was this kind of person. He had endless official business to handle. Even in Yunzhong, when many people mocked him for becoming an empty-shell general who would never return to the capital, Yin Zhan was still like this. When Yin Zhili was young, he was puzzled, not understanding why Yin Zhan in Yunzhong, where the heavens were high and the Emperor far away, would still have so much to do every day. After growing up, this puzzle remained unsolved, but Yin Zhili learned not to ask—probably out of habit.

He walked very slowly, step by step. Without realizing it, he had actually walked to the outside of Yin Zhiqing’s courtyard.

When he came to his senses, Yin Zhili shook his head and turned to leave. Suddenly, a voice called out to him: “Yin Zhili!”

Yin Zhili turned around to see Yin Zhiqing sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, looking at him sadly.

Usually she called him “older brother,” but in private she always addressed him by his full name. Yin Zhili indulged her in this. Seeing Yin Zhiqing’s tear-stained face, he sighed inwardly, walked forward, looked left and right but didn’t see Madam Yin’s figure, so he asked, “Where’s Mother?”

“I said I wanted to sleep, so I sent her back,” Yin Zhiqing said.

“What’s wrong with you?” Yin Zhili said. “Quickly wipe your face. It’s covered in tears.”

Yin Zhiqing carelessly wiped her face with her sleeve. Today, to attend the palace banquet, she had dressed up elaborately with makeup and powder. Now her tears had washed the cosmetics clean, revealing a different kind of beauty. If someone else were here, they would surely feel heartache for this beauty with pear blossoms in the rain. Unfortunately, the beauty’s tears were for someone else.

“What did Father say?” Yin Zhiqing asked. “Is there still any way to change this marriage decree?”

Yin Zhili said, “That’s an imperial decree. Defying it means losing one’s head.”

Hearing this, Yin Zhiqing was greatly disappointed. Looking at Yin Zhili, her heart aching, she said, “We truly share the same misfortune.”

She didn’t hide her feelings from Yin Zhili. Of course, Yin Zhili’s feelings hadn’t escaped her notice either. It seemed these two siblings—the people they had fallen for had by some twist of fate become a couple. If this were written in a storybook, even theater audiences probably wouldn’t believe it.

“Father must have comforted you,” Yin Zhiqing said gloomily. “Told you not to be sad, that the next one will be better?”

Yin Zhili smiled bitterly. Everyone thought he was favored, so naturally Yin Zhiqing took it for granted that Yin Zhan would empathize with all his joys and sorrows. But in truth, it wasn’t like that. Actually, sometimes Yin Zhili himself was quite puzzled. He knew his father treated him well—that hand-in-hand teaching, that father-son affection filled his heart with gratitude. So from childhood to adulthood, Yin Zhili strictly demanded of himself to be the most perfect son in his father’s heart, the most outstanding one. And indeed he did extremely well—whether deploying troops in battle formations or composing literary masterpieces, he could do everything brilliantly. Whenever he saw the proud smile on his father’s face, he felt everything was worthwhile.

But Yin Zhili was now only in his twenties. As a child he could follow his father’s wishes in everything, but after growing up, he developed his own ideas. Especially when his father often didn’t tell him why, only told him to do things this way—over time, Yin Zhili himself developed resistance.

This time coming to the capital, forming a marriage alliance with Jiang Li—Yin Zhili had initially refused as well. If it weren’t for later hearing those rumors and stories about Jiang Li, seeing Jiang Li in person, Yin Zhili’s heart wouldn’t have been very willing. Unfortunately, on this rare occasion when he shared his father’s thoughts and was willing to do something, it failed so abruptly.

Yin Zhiqing was extremely sad. Yin Zhili said, “Don’t cry anymore. It’s fine. Look at me—I’m in the same situation as you, yet I’m not crying either. You’re so beautiful, naturally you’ll find someone better in the future.”

“But even if future people are better, I won’t like them,” Yin Zhiqing answered stubbornly.

Hearing this, Yin Zhili disagreed. She had only met Ji Heng a few times, barely even spoke to him—it was just a momentary infatuation. Though she spoke decisively, she would actually forget quickly. On the other hand, he himself appeared calm and unaffected on the surface, but in reality… no one knew his dejection.

It’s all in the past. Yin Zhili looked up at the sky and took a deep breath.

One must accept defeat gracefully.

…

In the palace, after the grand banquet dispersed, the lights grew dim. After the liveliness disappeared, it actually looked even more desolate than usual.

The Empress Dowager and Emperor Hongxiao were walking toward the Imperial Garden.

Emperor Hongxiao had dismissed all the imperial consorts. He had drunk some wine today but wasn’t yet drunk, though he appeared in an extremely pleasant mood. The Empress Dowager looked at him and smiled. “Your Majesty is very happy today.”

“Naturally,” Emperor Hongxiao said. “I remember several years ago, Old General Ji mentioned to me that if he met a suitable young lady, I must arrange a marriage for the Duke of Su. The Duke’s mansion lacks a mistress. Several years have passed, and I’ve finally fulfilled Old General Ji’s wish. This can be considered living up to his trust.”

Laughter filled the corners of his eyes and brows without any concealment. The Empress Dowager smiled along. “Today’s events gave this dowager quite a shock. Originally, I thought the marriage would be decreed to the heir of Prince Jun. I didn’t expect the Duke of Su to act first. Your Majesty didn’t tell this dowager beforehand about this matter.”

“Mother doesn’t know because the Duke of Su came to me on his own initiative. Everyone in the capital says the Duke of Su is unpredictable, never taking anyone to heart. Yet he proactively mentioned to me that he wanted to marry Second Miss Jiang. I happened to think well of the Jiang family, and Second Miss Jiang’s performance in the Tongxiang case showed both courage and strategy. The Duke of Su’s judgment is good, so I went with the flow and did this good deed.”

“It’s just a pity for the heir of Prince Jun,” the Empress Dowager sighed. “This dowager saw him today—he was quite devastated.”

“That’s because he has no fate with Second Miss Jiang. He can’t blame others,” Emperor Hongxiao said with a laugh. “Moreover, a real man need not worry about finding a wife. No need to dwell on it.”

“That’s true. The Duke of Su has truly gotten his wish this time.” The Empress Dowager seemed to remember something, her face carrying a reminiscent expression. “This dowager still remembers when he was small, brought into the palace by General Ji. He was truly like a child who walked out of a painting. When he was young, his temperament was quite obedient. But as he grew older, he became increasingly unfathomable and frightening.”

Emperor Hongxiao disagreed. “The Duke of Su is just somewhat unrestrained in his actions. If others don’t provoke him, he won’t cause trouble either.”

These words clearly took Ji Heng’s side. The Empress Dowager smiled at Emperor Hongxiao but didn’t continue the topic. The two walked through the last section of the Imperial Garden. As it was getting late, the Empress Dowager pleaded fatigue and returned to Cining Palace first.

Emperor Hongxiao stood in the garden, his face still bearing a pleased smile, quietly watching the Empress Dowager and palace servants’ figures recede into the distance. Eunuch Su stood to one side, head lowered. For some reason, a trace of unease crossed his heart.

“Let’s go,” Emperor Hongxiao said.

After the Empress Dowager returned to Cining Palace, she first sat down on the soft couch. Palace maids hurried over to massage her shoulders and legs, serve tea, and fan her. Incense burned in the hall. The Empress Dowager’s mood seemed to calm somewhat.

“Did the Duke of Su enter the palace yesterday?” she asked with a frown.

The palace maid closest to the Empress Dowager answered, “No trace of the Duke of Su was seen.”

The Empress Dowager’s frown deepened. After a moment, she said to the palace maid before her, “Go deliver a message. Tell Yin Zhan not to act rashly now. His Majesty… is guarding against him.”

The palace maid nodded in acknowledgment. When she lifted her head, it was shockingly a familiar face—none other than Meixiang, the most trusted personal maid of Princess Yongning.

…

Regardless of anything else, what had happened had happened.

In this late summer and early autumn season, Jiang Li’s marriage was thus settled. Moreover, it was a marriage by imperial decree. The previous betrothal with the Marquis Ningyuan’s household had only been a verbal agreement—Zhou Yanbang broke it off when he wanted, replaced the bride when he wanted. Now it had become the Emperor’s golden words—who dared break it off, who dared replace anyone? Everyone could only obediently prepare.

Jiang Yuanbai personally went to the Duke’s mansion once. When he returned, he told Jiang Li that he had discussed it with Old General Ji. Because this marriage decree came rather suddenly and the Jiang family had prepared nothing, the wedding would wait until next summer. Jiang Li guessed that Jiang Yuanbai wanted to delay some time, probably still feeling that Ji Heng truly couldn’t be trusted. But all this was still just a delaying tactic. Could an imperial decree from the Emperor be changed? Unless Ji Heng was no longer in this world—but even if he weren’t, she might still have to remain a widow for him.

But regardless, things still had to be done one by one, piece by piece.

The Jiang family felt helpless about this marriage, so they couldn’t be called enthusiastic. Lu Shi didn’t understand the stakes involved. She simply believed that Yin Zhili’s temperament was much gentler and kinder than Ji Heng’s. Several times in front of Jiang Li, she sighed deeply, expressing regret.

Jiang Li was indifferent. The happiest ones were still the maids of Fangfei Courtyard—specifically, Bai Xue and Tong’er. These two had always taken Jiang Li’s preferences as their own preferences. For Jiang Li to marry someone she liked—there was nothing better in the world. So regarding the wedding dress, jewelry, and what patterns should be embroidered on the sachets, Tong’er and Bai Xue were actually even more enthusiastic than Jiang Li.

Jiang Li didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. After learning of the marriage decree, Jiang Li went to the Ye residence once. Ye Mingyu pulled her aside and asked what exactly was going on. With great difficulty, she appeased Ye Mingyu. When it was Xue Huaiyuan and Xue Zhao’s turn, Jiang Li didn’t quite know how to explain.

However, even in this matter, Xue Zhao had prepared ahead for her. Xue Huaiyuan actually indicated he had long known that the relationship between Jiang Li and Ji Heng was not simple. If Jiang Li truly liked Ji Heng from her heart, Xue Huaiyuan would have no objections. As soon as Jiang Li heard this, she knew Xue Zhao had told their father everything. Xue Zhao was even quite smug, saying that if not for him, right now just explaining things to Xue Huaiyuan alone would take Jiang Li considerable effort.

In short, what was difficult to accomplish in the Jiang family was easily understood in the Xue family. Xue Huaiyuan also told Jiang Li that although he hadn’t met Ji Heng, from what Xue Zhao said, he shouldn’t be as wicked as the rumors made him out to be. Moreover, Xue Huaiyuan believed that Jiang Li was a sensible young lady. If Ji Heng were truly such an evil person, how could Jiang Li like him? He trusted Jiang Li’s judgment. However, he still hoped to see Ji Heng in person one day—only then would he feel at ease.

Naturally, Jiang Li agreed. However, after returning to the Jiang family, she began to worry. Ye Mingyu found Ji Heng disagreeable no matter how he looked at him—how would he proactively let Ji Heng go to the Ye residence? Furthermore, if Ji Heng went to the Ye residence to see Xue Huaiyuan… what if people found out?

She felt somewhat of a headache coming on and couldn’t help pressing her forehead.

Tong’er was sketching floral patterns. Seeing her like this, she said, “Miss, what’s wrong? Are you tired? Why don’t you rest on the couch for a while? You’ve been reading since early morning.”

“You’re the one who should rest,” Jiang Li answered. “You’ve been sitting here sketching patterns since morning. Aren’t you tired?”

“Not tired at all,” Tong’er said with a grin. “This servant is quite happy doing this. Miss, look—how about making the embroidered sachet in a peony pattern? Or butterflies would look nice too? This servant sketched out several patterns. Miss, carefully choose one. The others for other people, the servants will make them well. But the one for the Duke, Miss must make it yourself.”

Jiang Li was speechless. “Why must I make him a sachet?”

“Now is different from before,” Tong’er was still cheerful. “Miss and the Duke now have a marriage contract, so naturally you must exchange tokens.”

“I don’t like doing needlework,” Jiang Li said. Actually, she didn’t dislike needlework. When she was Xue Fangfei before, she also made clothes for Xue Zhao and Xue Huaiyuan. After marrying Shen Yurun, it was the same. However, after becoming Second Miss Jiang, although it wasn’t to the point of having everything handed to her, indeed many things didn’t require her to personally do them. She rarely touched needle and thread anymore.

It was the same now.

“But if Miss makes a sachet for the Duke, the Duke will be very happy. Right, Bai Xue?” Tong’er asked Bai Xue, who was drying tea leaves nearby.

Bai Xue was suddenly called upon. Being an honest person, she was stunned for a moment before saying, “I’m not the Duke, so I don’t know if he’ll be happy.”

Jiang Li was doubtful. Would Ji Heng be happy? This man was extremely particular about his clothing. Jiang Li had seen several times—his clothing materials were superior quality, changed every day. Although all red, the patterns were different. Her handiwork, though not poor, was truly quite shabby in comparison.

Better to hide one’s incompetence than display it poorly—this was a principle Jiang Li deeply understood. She had no reason to invite suffering upon herself.

“Miss, should we go browse the jewelry shops again in a few days? Have some new jewelry made. Oh my, our residence has never had a young lady marry out, so we don’t even know what needs to be prepared for a wedding,” Tong’er said. “This servant should go ask around and inquire.”

Among the young ladies in the Jiang residence, only Jiang Yu’e had married, and that was as a concubine—no auspicious date, no grand eight-person sedan chair. It couldn’t be called marrying out at all.

“There’s still plenty of time,” Jiang Li said. “No need to rush.”

While they were laughing and talking, Mingyue ran breathlessly into the courtyard from outside. “Miss, the Duke—the Duke has arrived!”

Tong’er and Bai Xue were both stunned, then immediately came to their senses, understanding that Mingyue meant the Duke of Su. Jiang Li stood up. “How can that be?”

“It’s true! This servant just came from Wanfeng Hall. The Duke is talking with Old Madam right now. Old Madam wanted to have Sister Zhenzhu come fetch you, but the Duke said there was no need—he would come find you himself.” Mingyue said everything in one breath.

Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping weren’t in the residence right now. What was Ji Heng doing here?

Just as Jiang Li was thinking this, she heard Ji Heng’s voice from the courtyard entrance. “Your maid is truly clever, so quickly coming to tip you off,” he said.

Jiang Li turned to look. Ji Heng was walking in from outside the courtyard. His red robes were especially eye-catching in the elegant Jiang residence. Mingyue and the other maids hurriedly curtsied. Jiang Li told them to go do their own things and needn’t stay here.

The little maids of Fangfei Courtyard blushed so deeply they could drip blood. Jiang Li found it amusing—this seemed to be the first time she’d seen them like this. However, this was also the first time Ji Heng appeared openly and legitimately in the Jiang residence. His previous uninvited arrivals at night didn’t count. His appearance truly had nothing to criticize. Although Wenren Yao was also gentle and handsome, he wasn’t as skilled at captivating people as Ji Heng. The little maids were all at a marriageable age—how could they withstand his unconscious allure? Just looking at him, their hearts would fill with longing.

This person was clearly doing it deliberately. Jiang Li felt annoyed. She grabbed his sleeve and brought him into her room, closing the door. Then she suddenly realized this seemed somewhat improper. She had acted as if it were the past. After sneaking into the Duke’s mansion so many times at night, being alone together had become completely natural.

Just as Jiang Li was about to open the door, Ji Heng said, “Open it for what? So others won’t see.”

“Others seeing?” Jiang Li asked. “See what?”

“See the scene of you drooling over me, pawing at me with your hands,” he said with a smile.

Jiang Li glared at him. “Why did you come?”

Ji Heng leaned against the edge of Jiang Li’s desk, casually picked up the book Jiang Li had been reading earlier and flipped through a few pages, saying offhandedly, “Came to see you. Since you and I are both betrothed, I came to see my father-in-law.”

Jiang Li had just picked up a cup of tea and taken a sip. Hearing this, she nearly spat all the tea out. “What nonsense are you talking?” she said.

“Not nonsense.” He put down Jiang Li’s book again and raised his eyebrows. “I’ve met this father-in-law here, and though he doesn’t much like me, I don’t mind. As for that father-in-law at the Ye residence, A Li—when will you take me to see him?”

Jiang Li froze.

She almost suspected Ji Heng was a worm in her belly. Father wanted to see Ji Heng, and Jiang Li was still troubled about how to broach this topic with Ji Heng, yet he brought it up himself, sparing her the awkwardness. Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng and asked softly, “Are you willing to go meet him?”

“Why not?” With one hand holding a folding fan, his body leaned forward. His other hand patted Jiang Li’s head. “Isn’t this proper?”

Jiang Li suddenly smiled.

The girl’s smile was brilliant, as if her happiness couldn’t be contained. Because of this one sentence from him, her whole person lit up. It made one’s heart want to melt just looking at her.

“Thank you,” she said.

“If you really want to thank me…” He suddenly sat down beside Jiang Li. The two chairs were extremely close. Before Jiang Li could react, his face was already close at hand. His voice gentle, carrying some coaxing enchantment, he said, “Then sing me a song.”

Jiang Li frowned. “I can’t.”

“I know you can,” he said calmly. “I’ve heard you.”

“When did you hear me?” Jiang Li asked in surprise.

“Mm, during the Mingyi Hall examination.”

Only then did Jiang Li remember—before “Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute,” she had sung a folk song from Tongxiang. Ji Heng must have heard it then. She said, “Wenren Yao also said you can sing opera. Why haven’t you sung for me?”

He smiled slightly. “I’ll sing for you in the future.”

Jiang Li wanted to retort, but when she turned her head, she nearly bumped into Ji Heng’s face. His lips were extremely close. Between shared breaths, even her heartbeat seemed to stop. The young man’s gaze fell on her tender lips. Her lips were full—though she wore no lip rouge, they were red as cherries. He slowly drew closer…

Jiang Li suddenly turned her head away. “Ji Heng!”

He was truly too brazen! Just because he could now enter the Jiang residence freely with the status of “son-in-law” and no one dared say anything—even with a marriage contract, in broad daylight, before she’d even married over, he dared to take such liberties in her room. What would happen in the future at this rate? Wouldn’t he be completely unrestrained?

Ji Heng looked at her and laughed.

Jiang Li felt somewhat flustered, somewhat annoyed, glaring fiercely at him. Yet Ji Heng patted her head again as if to soothe her, but his words were utterly threatening: “If you don’t sing, little miss, I’m going to kiss you.”

Jiang Li: “I’ll sing!”

She began singing with annoyance, reluctantly and unwillingly.

“When the spring river moon rises, the great embankment is level; on the embankment, maidens walk hand in hand. They sing all the new songs until unseen, while red clouds, tree shadows, and partridges cry… The new songs winding and turning pass from one to another; sleeves shake, skirts sway before wind and dew. The moon sets, crows call, clouds and rain scatter; playing children pick up fallen hairpins on country paths.”

Her voice was clear and warm, exceptionally pleasant to hear. At first she sang with some anger, but as she sang, her voice grew tender and soft.

Ji Heng reached out and put his arm around her shoulders. Tall as he was, his chin rested against Jiang Li’s forehead. He closed his eyes, his long lashes lowering.