The implications behind these words ran deep, with many aspects worth examining closely—such as how Xiao Ziheng knew Qi Ying had been to Qixia Temple, and how he knew Xiao Zihuan had been there at the same time. But to Xiao Ziyu’s ears, she could only hear the most superficial layer: she only knew her fourth brother cared about her marriage prospects and wanted to facilitate the match between her and Brother Jingchen. Beyond that, she didn’t consider anything else.

At the thought of that fox spirit surnamed Fang, Xiao Ziyu’s heart grew bitter. In that moment, she almost forgot her conflict with Fu Rong, saying sullenly, “What can I do about it? That Fang girl stubbornly clings to Brother Jingchen’s side and won’t leave. I can hardly interfere in Fenghe Court’s affairs, can I?”

Fu Rong glanced at her worthless sister-in-law with faint contempt in her eyes, which then quietly disappeared without a trace.

She put on an appropriate smile again and said lightly, “I heard that little girl is about to have her coming-of-age ceremony?”

Xiao Ziyu responded with confusion, then heard Fu Rong continue, “Initially, she was fostered at Fenghe Court simply because she was young. Now that she’s of age, naturally she needs to marry—who will she marry? Will Second Young Master Qi marry her?—Once she’s married, naturally she’ll be far away from you both and never be able to get close again.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ziyu was stunned, then began to ponder thoughtfully.

When they resumed play later, the Sixth Princess was injured.

The injury wasn’t particularly cleverly orchestrated: when everyone was competing for the wooden ball, Her Highness also joined in. When the ball flew up, she somehow positioned herself near Qi Ying. Han Feiyu on the other side extended his mallet to strike the wooden ball, swinging it rather close to Qi Ying and nearly hitting him.

This was actually quite common in polo, and the men were accustomed to it. Qi Ying could naturally dodge it, but Xiao Ziyu deliberately blocked it with her body, intercepting the blow. Han Feiyu hadn’t expected her to suddenly appear and hurriedly restrained the force of his mallet, though he couldn’t completely control it. It still scraped Her Highness’s arm with neither light nor heavy force.

This immediately became a major incident.

Her Highness cried out in pain repeatedly, as if severely injured, while her brother and sister-in-law chimed in to support her.

The Fourth Prince initially didn’t know his sister had received Fu Rong’s guidance and thought she was truly injured, naturally being very worried. He was about to spur his horse to his sister’s side to check her injury, but was secretly stopped by Fu Rong. The couple exchanged glances, and Xiao Ziheng saw the half-smiling expression in his consort’s eyes before understanding the situation.

A hint of roguish smile appeared in Xiao Ziheng’s eyes, then immediately disappeared, replaced by a genuinely concerned frown as he said, “Xiao Ziyu, you’re truly foolish! He’s a grown man—when is it a little girl’s turn to protect him? I think you’ve lost your mind!”

Whether the Sixth Princess had lost her mind, everyone didn’t know, but they all understood that the Fourth Prince’s matchmaking technique was truly exquisite. With one sentence, he both lamented his sister’s misfortune and reproached her lack of fighting spirit, while thoroughly dragging Qi Ying into the water. Even with Young Master Qi’s great intelligence, at this moment he found himself unable to explain or extricate himself.

Xiao Ziyu covered her arm, which actually didn’t hurt much, and pouted. Her peach blossom eyes filled with tears as she looked pitifully at Qi Ying and said, “Brother Jingchen, can you take me to rest under the pavilion?”

Before Qi Ying could speak, Han Feiyu wanted to take responsibility for the matter. First, no matter what, the princess was injured by him, and second, this was Han family territory—it would be more appropriate for him to handle it. However, before he could take a step, Fu Zhuo grabbed him. Han Feiyu turned to see Young Master Fu’s meaningful look and understood the situation, realizing this wasn’t about propriety or appropriateness anymore. So he too became a bystander and stopped interfering.

Everyone had conspired to create this situation, each contributing their part, leaving Qi Second no choice in the matter whatsoever.

They heard Qi Ying remain silent for a moment, seeming to sigh—or perhaps not—then say, “Please follow me, Your Highness.”

Everyone was satisfied, except for the helpless Qi Yun.

All were pleased.

The Han family’s polo field was not only beautifully constructed but also very well-staffed.

Since polo was inherently dangerous, especially when played intensely, with frequent accidents like falling from horses and even cases of permanent disability, the Han family kept physicians on site year-round for safety, and even arranged medical women in advance to care for female family members.

The medical women were skilled. In no time, they had properly bandaged the Sixth Princess’s jade arm, which hadn’t been seriously injured anyway. Servants offered tea to Her Highness and the extraordinarily handsome Young Master Qi beside her, then all withdrew at the Sixth Princess’s instruction.

Thus, Xiao Ziyu finally got an opportunity to be alone with Qi Ying.

They now sat together under the ornate pavilion, neither too far nor too close. On the field, dust flew and drums sounded—still a lively polo scene. Xiao Ziyu quietly turned her face sideways and saw he was watching the field, not looking at her.

Actually, she quite liked this aloof side of Qi Ying. Even when he was silent and unresponsive, she found him appealing. If not for how difficult it was to see him now, she wouldn’t mind just accompanying him in silence like this, enjoying a strange intimacy within that silence.

However, such enjoyment should be saved for after marriage. Right now, every moment was precious as gold—she couldn’t bear to waste a single bit.

Xiao Ziyu glanced at him again, thought for a moment, and said, “Does Brother Jingchen still want to go play? Then you should go. Don’t let me waste this rare opportunity—it’s not easy for you all to gather like this.”

Advancing by retreating—Xiao Ziyu had also improved.

She naturally knew that even if she said this, Qi Ying couldn’t possibly leave her alone here at this moment. Indeed, she saw him turn his face toward her and reply “it’s fine.”

Xiao Ziyu felt joy in her heart, smiled with pursed lips, glanced at him again, and said as if casually, “Speaking of which, we should have invited third brother along today, but unfortunately he was busy and couldn’t come.”

Qi Ying nodded and said, “Prince Duan works hard.”

Xiao Ziyu also exchanged some pleasantries, then changed the subject: “Speaking of which, I ran into third brother a few days ago. He told me he had visited Qixia Mountain and said the red maples all over the mountain were very vibrant and beautiful. He also said that Qixia Temple, situated in such scenery, must be more efficacious than Jiming and Dingshan temples.”

A flash of unusual color passed through Qi Ying’s half-lowered phoenix eyes, though his expression remained calm. He acknowledged with a sound but said nothing else.

Xiao Ziyu secretly observed his expression and continued, “Third brother also said he encountered Brother Jingchen at the Buddhist temple—why would you go to a Buddhist temple? I thought you didn’t believe in Buddhism.”

Qi Ying was silent for a while, then smiled faintly and replied, “Just a whim. I can’t really say whether I believe or not.”

Xiao Ziyu had hoped to use these probing words to get him to voluntarily mention that Fang family girl. He certainly understood her thoughts, but he was too composed, still not mentioning her by even half a word.

She felt somewhat frustrated and bitter, thinking that since he wouldn’t bring it up, she would have to. After brooding for a while, she said, “I heard from third brother that Miss Fang went along too? She’s grown into a graceful young lady now.”

After speaking, Xiao Ziyu watched Qi Ying closely, not missing even the slightest change in his expression. But she only saw his expression remain calm as he replied flatly, “Mm, she’s almost of age.”

His composure left Xiao Ziyu uncertain whether to worry or rejoice. After a moment of silence, she said with forced lightness, “Time really flows like water. When I first saw her, she was still a little girl. In the blink of an eye, she’s of marriageable age.”

She paused, continued watching Qi Ying, and asked, “Has Brother Jingchen already thought of a suitable marriage candidate for her? She’s the daughter of Master Fang—we mustn’t neglect her. She should marry into a good family.”

At that moment, Qi Ying was actually somewhat at a loss for words.

He had never thought about Shen Xiling’s marriage before. Rather, he had never considered that Shen Xiling would marry someone someday.

That little girl he had rescued from the snowy ground at the city gate years ago, that little girl he had personally taught and raised word by word, that quiet little girl with heavy thoughts, that little girl who occasionally showed him hesitant expressions, that little girl who so easily made his heart ache and made him break his own rules…

…was someday going to marry someone.

He was truly somewhat stunned.

But who was Young Master Qi? Even if he was indeed stunned for a moment, he wouldn’t easily let others see it. He only remained silent briefly, then replied calmly, “Yes, she should marry into a good family.”

Seeing his expression remain completely unruffled, as if he didn’t mind the Fang family girl marrying someone, Xiao Ziyu felt somewhat relieved and became slightly happier. She continued, “If Brother Jingchen can’t find a suitable person, you could actually entrust this matter to me. I could help find someone for her and have news soon.”

Qi Ying frowned almost imperceptibly and said, “Marriage matters needn’t be so urgent. It should be someone she likes.”

Xiao Ziyu smiled and said, “What you say is reasonable, but it inevitably has the flavor of ‘why don’t they eat meat?’—marriage matters are the most elusive. How many people in this world can have everything exactly as they wish? Being able to marry appropriately and respectably is already the best possible outcome. Not urgent? Then when should we wait? Must we follow our example and be dragged out until now?”

As soon as Xiao Ziyu finished this long speech, she immediately regretted it, knowing she had spoken unwisely.

The first half was fairly reasonable, but the second half, by involving their own situation, inevitably showed some resentment and seemed urgent, which was inferior strategy.

But she couldn’t care about all that. At the mention of Fang Jun, she was like someone whose tail had been stepped on—her whole being became tense and anxious, inevitably becoming suspicious. She wished the next hour would see the girl randomly married off to someone and quickly driven out of Fenghe Court. Looking at Qi Ying now, she felt very panicked and wronged, saying, “Brother Jingchen, she’s been by your side for three years, and I’ve endured it for three years too. You know my temperament—I usually can’t bear any grievances, but because she’s your benefactor’s daughter, I’ve endured it all. After the flower festival three years ago, have I ever mentioned this matter to you even once? It’s not that I can’t endure, but now that she’s of age, if she continues staying by your side, it’s improper both emotionally and logically…”

She paused, looked at Qi Ying even more intently, lowered her voice, and asked, “Or… do you want to marry her?”

As soon as she finished speaking, she saw Qi Ying turn his face to look at her.

A indifferent and unfathomably deep glance.

She thought he was considering Fang Jun’s matter, not knowing his thoughts went much deeper and further.

Now both the Han and Fu families had chosen sides, leaving only the Qi family’s attitude ambiguous. Although Xiao Ziheng appeared open-minded and dissolute, when in his position, he had to act according to his responsibilities. Being in the vortex of succession struggle, he couldn’t possibly truly be detached from worldly desires, and naturally couldn’t be indifferent to the Qi family’s stance.

Since Xiao Ziyu knew about the Qixia Temple incident, Xiao Ziheng must also be aware, yet today he hadn’t asked even once about what he had discussed with Xiao Zihuan that day.

Was he unconcerned? Impossible.

Then it was quite the opposite: he cared too much, so much that he had to pretend not to care.

He was Xiao Ziheng’s companion reader. They had grown up together since childhood, so their relationship was naturally close. Yet he didn’t directly ask what he had discussed with Xiao Zihuan at Qixia Mountain that day, which could only mean he had already developed misgivings about him and the Qi family.

Misgivings were terrible things. Once they took root in someone’s heart, they easily grew, and by then removing them would be extremely difficult.

What was the best and most convenient way to eliminate such suspicions?

Marriage alliance.

With a marriage alliance, the two families would become one. Even if they still remained guarded against each other, at least to outsiders they would appear united, and that would be sufficient—no one cared about what was truly underneath the surface. As long as it looked right, that was enough to determine many things.

Both the Han and Fu families now had marriage alliances with the Fourth Prince, only the Qi family didn’t. Unfortunately, the Qi family’s legitimate line of this generation had no daughters. Qi Yun, the legitimate eldest son, was already married. Now only Qi Ying remained unmarried among the legitimate sons. To reassure the Fourth Prince, he would have to marry Xiao Ziyu.

Xiao Ziheng was very intelligent. There were no fools in the imperial family—they all had natural sensitivity to political maneuvering and understood these intricacies better than anyone. Xiao Ziyu saying these things to him today was definitely not just her own idea. Behind it was her imperial brother’s tacit permission, even invisible instruction.

He couldn’t refuse her. In the princess’s eyes, the matter between them was merely romantic love, but in her brother’s eyes, it was political stance. Once he refused Xiao Ziyu, the seed of mistrust would bury itself deeper and deeper in the Fourth Prince’s heart, and when it reached a certain depth, they would become enemies.

Sometimes it was just a matter of an instant.

His father was proud of the family, always believing the Qi family no longer needed the merit of supporting the dragon. Perhaps that was indeed the case, but how should they handle the situation after the new emperor ascended? Two of the three great surnames were the emperor’s in-laws, with only the Qi family excluded. How should they conduct themselves then?

Their family seemed deeply rooted and solid as a rock, but in reality, missing just one opportunity could lead to a complete reversal of fortune and changed circumstances—everything hung in the balance.

The turmoil in his heart was invisible to others. At this moment, Xiao Ziyu could only see his beautiful phoenix eyes slightly lowered and his consistently calm expression.

She heard him say very indifferently, “There are no improper feelings between Miss Fang and me. She is indeed of marriageable age. If there’s someone she favors who seeks to marry her, I will never obstruct it. Your Highness may rest assured.”

These words came easily to him, while simultaneously a thin thread in his heart snapped, and after breaking, it trembled faintly, giving him an indescribable, obscurely painful sensation.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ziyu’s heart suddenly relaxed, and her charming peach blossom eyes immediately brightened. She restrained her joy and said, “Oh, that—that’s wonderful, that’s the best possible outcome—regarding the candidate… should I help consider that as well?”

While listening to her words, Qi Ying quietly buried the broken thread in his heart so that no one could detect his pain and turmoil at that moment.

He looked at Xiao Ziyu calmly, then withdrew his gaze and said flatly, “In that case, I’ll trouble Your Highness.”

At this point, Xiao Ziyu could no longer suppress her smile. She responded joyfully, feeling that today’s injury was truly worthwhile—she would willingly take another blow. For a moment, she was filled with infinite joy and sweetness, becoming more talkative, chattering incessantly beside him.

And Qi Ying, amid her words, became slightly lost in thought, once again thinking of Shen Xiling.

On that night when the moonlight was clear and carried the fragrance of crabs, they had been very close.

So close.

The deserted Wangyuan was their gentle dreamland where they both became slightly intoxicated and lingered, reluctant to leave. Even he had thought they could grow closer.

He had even thought they could stay together like that for life.

And now he suddenly understood.

They were very, very far apart.

There had never been a true Wangyuan in this world.

Author’s Note: “Though one cannot reach it, the heart still yearns for it.”

“The heart yearns for it, yet ultimately cannot reach it.”