The capital was at the feet of the Son of Heaven, the metropolitan area, with seven outer gates and nine inner gates, vast land and abundant population, a treasure trove of natural and cultural wealth. Fu Tingyun and her group hadn’t yet seen the city walls of the capital, but they could already see old men carrying shoulder poles, playful wealthy young men accompanied by gorgeously dressed courtesans, dusty and noisy merchant caravans, haughty and imperious officials… all streaming along the road, already giving them a sense of the capital’s prosperity and splendor.

Zheng San’s wife couldn’t help but exclaim: “No wonder Chen Er from our village would raise his chin to the sky whenever he mentioned having been to the capital. Just looking at how spirited everyone is here—I’ve followed the young lady to many places, but I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Yu Wei found her words amusing and almost burst into laughter, but then thought of the deceased Zhe Liu and swallowed her smile. Asen, however, accustomed to joking with Zheng San’s wife, chimed in: “Lord Nine said he wants to buy a house in the capital, so won’t we be able to stay in the capital for some time in the future?”

“How could that be possible?” Zheng San’s wife laughed, “It takes three or four months to travel to the capital! A round trip would take more than half a year, leaving less than half a year—what could you accomplish in that time?” As she spoke, she turned to Fu Tingyun, who was sitting aside smiling as she listened to their conversation, “Young lady, isn’t that right?”

Fu Tingyun smiled slightly without answering, turning her head to look out the carriage window.

The post road leading to the capital was two or three zhang wide, with willow trees planted on both sides. The long willow branches were sprouting fresh green leaves that hung over the roadside. Many travelers had already shed their winter clothes for padded jackets—the scene was full of spring’s warmth.

She couldn’t help but sigh softly.

They had departed from Zhangye in mid-August, spent the Spring Festival in Baoding Prefecture, and set off again after the Lantern Festival. By the time they reached the capital, it was the beginning of the second month, and on every fine day, the road was filled with people out to enjoy the spring scenery.

How was Zhao Ling doing?

While still in Baoding Prefecture, she had sent him a letter through someone.

He had said he would set off for the capital in spring after handing over his current affairs. She wondered if he had started his journey yet.

Her original plan was simple: see her mother, report that she was safe, and ask her mother to speak to her father on Zhao Ling’s behalf, considering that he had saved her life, and to agree to her marriage to Zhao Ling.

But ever since hearing Yu Wei’s words, she had become uncertain.

Even the two maids, Yi Tong and Yu Wei, had been able to discover the truth with careful investigation, yet her family had still chosen to let her “die from illness”—what was the inside story behind all this?

Thinking that her father had even returned once because of this matter, yet things had still developed beyond repair, she felt a vague uneasiness. The closer they got to the capital, the more tense she became, speaking less and less, with more and more chaotic thoughts.

If only Zhao Ling were by her side!

No matter what happened, with Zhao Ling beside her, her courage would grow.

Thinking of this, she called to Zheng San, who was accompanying the carriage: “How far are we from the capital city?”

Zheng San had come to the capital twice as an escort, making him a natural guide compared to Fu Tingyun and the others who had never been.

“We’re less than twenty li from the city,” Zheng San smiled, “We’ll reach Fucheng Gate by noon.”

At the Tongzhou relay station, Old Master Lü had already spoken with Guard Jian on Fu Tingyun’s behalf, agreeing that once they entered the city, Guard Jian and his men would help them find an inn to settle in. As for finding a house and visiting relatives, these small matters wouldn’t trouble the stewards of the Duke’s Mansion. They only asked that when they went to pay their respects at the Duke’s Mansion, Guard Jian could help introduce them, and once they had bought a house, the stewards of the Duke’s Mansion could put in a word with the Shuntian Prefecture to expedite the property transfer documents.

Throughout the journey, both Old Master Lü and Zheng San, though not showing any flattery toward the Marquis of Yingchuan’s guards, had discreetly made efforts to befriend them, getting along well with Guard Jian and the others. Although these guards didn’t consider Fu Tingyun and her group particularly important, they had developed some goodwill. Hearing Old Master Lü’s proposal, they felt obliged to offer some polite phrases, and later, seeing that Old Master Lü had arranged everything for entering the capital in an orderly manner, they realized that if Fu Tingyun and her group went to the Duke’s Mansion, they probably wouldn’t even meet a decent steward, let alone be allowed to stay there. So it was better for them to find their accommodation, and they didn’t insist further, merely telling them “come find me if you need anything,” thus settling the matter.

Fu Tingyun nodded and sat back against the large pillow, noting that they were all still wearing heavy winter clothes. She instructed Zheng San’s wife: “We’re newcomers here, and people often respect the clothes first and then the person. Zheng San will go to the Duke’s Mansion to deliver thank-you gifts, and I need to visit relatives. When we reach the inn, have Zheng San accompany you to look around and find a good ready-made clothing shop to pick out some good quality clothes for everyone…” As she spoke, her eyes inadvertently glanced at Yu Wei, seeing her downcast expression, and Fu Tingyun paused slightly.

Being able to reunite with Yu Wei and unravel some of the mysteries in her heart, Fu Tingyun felt it was already a blessing from heaven. But Yu Wei didn’t think so.

During these days, no matter what Fu Tingyun said, Yu Wei always showed deep guilt and remorse, attributing past mistakes to herself.

A troubled mind needs a mental remedy.

Since she always felt she had wronged Fu Tingyun, it might be better to give her more tasks to keep her from overthinking. With time, she could gradually be guided out of this state.

Fu Tingyun sighed slightly and said: “Yu Wei, go with Zheng San’s wife! Help her make some decisions.”

“Me!” Yu Wei looked at Fu Tingyun in astonishment.

She had been Fu Tingyun’s maid, so it was appropriate for Fu Tingyun to order her around. But during these days on the road, Fu Tingyun had arranged medical care for her, and Zheng San’s wife had been polite to her, leaving her uncertain and anxious. Hearing Fu Tingyun’s words, she couldn’t help but be overjoyed.

Fu Tingyun was willing to use her services—did that mean she had forgiven her mistakes?

Yu Wei immediately showed a delighted expression: “I’ll go with Third Sister! I’ll go! I know what clothes to pick…”

Seeing Yu Wei’s happiness, Zheng San’s wife couldn’t help but smile, saying: “No rush, no rush, let’s settle in the inn first.”

Yu Wei blushed.

Fu Tingyun watched, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned.

The atmosphere in the carriage became cheerful.

Asen asked Fu Tingyun: “Young lady, where will we stay?”

Today, Old Master Lü had set off ahead of them to arrange lodging at an inn before they reached the capital.

“I’m not entirely sure,” Fu Tingyun smiled, “However, the Duke’s Mansion is located on Xi’an Gate Street, not far from Fucheng Gate. We might find an inn nearby, making it convenient to ask the Duke’s Mansion’s stewards for help if needed.”

“Can I go see the front of the Duke’s Mansion?” Asen blinked his round eyes, “I’ve never seen a duke’s mansion before!”

“Of course!” Fu Tingyun believed that seeing and learning more would broaden one’s horizons and mind. “There are many fascinating things in the capital. Once we’re settled, I’ll have Zheng San take us out for a look around.”

“Great!” Asen cheered, patting Linchun’s head. Seeing this, Linchun imitated Asen’s cheer and reached to pat Asen’s head.

Everyone laughed continuously.

The carriage arrived at Fucheng Gate.

Fu Tingyun felt the carriage slow down. Guard Jian and his men, who had been bold and fierce before, now seemed more cautious, becoming carefully restrained.

Old Master Lü was waiting at Fucheng Gate. Seeing their carriage, he immediately ran over with a smile: “I’ve booked several rooms at the Gao Sheng Inn on Xi’an Gate Street and arranged several tables for a feast. After lunch, it won’t be too late for Guard Jian to return to the Duke’s Mansion to report!”

Guard Jian thought for a moment, then agreed with a smile.

From afar, someone shouted.

They couldn’t help but look toward the sound.

A large group escorting two luxuriously decorated carriages was racing toward them, with pedestrians along the road hastily making way.

Guard Jian’s expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly said: “Make way quickly, that’s the carriage of Liu Hu, the Left Commander of the Tengji Guards.”

The driver, who was also one of the Marquis of Yingchuan’s men, hadn’t waited for Guard Jian to speak before driving the carriage to the roadside and stopping. The guards also reined in their horses. By the time Guard Jian finished speaking, the carriage of Liu Hu, the Left Commander of the Tengji Guards, had already raced past them.

Old Master Lü couldn’t help but stare wide-eyed: “Who is this Commander Liu?”

Guard Jian smiled bitterly and said in a low voice: “He’s the adopted son of Hong Du, the Chief Eunuch of the Ceremonial Department.”

A eunuch’s adopted son forcing the Duke’s Mansion’s guards to make way?

Old Master Lü was speechless.

Guard Jian, unwilling to say more, smiled and asked: “Where is this Gao Sheng Inn you mentioned? It’s already past noon, we’ve been traveling for most of the day, and we’re all starving…”

Old Master Lü, having been an innkeeper, was adept at reading people’s expressions. He immediately understood the hint and didn’t bring up Commander Liu again, saying hurriedly: “Guard Jian, please follow me… It’s in an alley not far from the Duke’s Mansion. Although the inn is a bit small, it’s very clean, and the owner makes excellent food…” As he spoke, they turned from Fucheng Gate Street onto Xi’an Gate Street.

…

The inn was indeed small as Old Master Lü had said, with only three courtyards, but it was kept very clean. Opening the door to Fu Tingyun’s wing room, she found it facing a grape trellis, though it wasn’t yet time for the vines to sprout, leaving only dried vines entwined on the bamboo frame.

Fu Tingyun stood by the window, thinking about Old Master Lü’s words.

“When will you visit your relatives? I should prepare some gifts.”

“Let’s get the clothes and accessories ready first,” she had answered Old Master Lü, “I’ll let you know in advance when I’m ready to go.”

Old Master Lü had hurried to the front hall to entertain Guard Jian, while she remained here, lost in thought.

Having arrived in the capital, with her mother still ill, she should go see her mother immediately—why was she hesitating?

Fu Tingyun took a deep breath.

In the evening, she had Yu Wei keep night watch and asked her: “Can you find a way to learn precisely when my father goes to the government office?”

There were some things she didn’t feel comfortable asking Zheng San or Old Master Lü to handle.

Fu Tingyun instinctively wanted to avoid her father.

Yu Wei didn’t hesitate: “Young lady, get me some coarse cloth clothes. I see many street food vendors—I can pretend to sell snacks and gather information!”

Fu Tingyun nodded. In front of Zheng San and the others, she only mentioned that she wanted Yu Wei to go out and buy some personal items, giving Yu Wei twenty taels of silver. Yu Wei left early and returned late each day, while Old Master Lü and Zheng San were busy purchasing items to thank the Duke’s Mansion and finding a broker to look at houses.