Outside was indeed chaotic.

People were hurrying everywhere. Across the street, shop assistants were frantically boarding up their storefronts while the shopkeepers, sweating profusely, urged them to “Hurry, hurry!” At the corner, a child who had become separated from an adult stood bewildered and wailing, only to be found moments later by a pale-faced mother who grabbed the child and hurried away, loudly scolding the child for not listening… The scene was bustling, noisy, and filled with panic.

Fu Tingyun was momentarily stunned.

A woman called out to Zheng San Niang: “Why are you here? Hurry home and tell your master to barricade the gate. Prince Mu’s army has already passed through Chengtian Gate.” As she spoke, she lowered her voice and pointed to the sky, “The regime is about to change!” She looked up and noticed Fu Tingyun and Manager Ye standing behind Zheng San Niang, and she paused in surprise.

Prince Mu’s forces entering the capital might be a disaster for others, but for them, it was the good news they had been eagerly awaiting. How could she stop herself from addressing Miss Fu?

Zheng San Niang pondered while putting on a courteous smile and introduced the woman to Fu Tingyun: “Miss, this is Mother Li from the Ji family in Bensi Alley.”

Mother Li quickly curtseyed to Fu Tingyun, unable to resist examining her.

She was truly beautiful, especially her smile, which emanated from the depths of her heart, as dazzling as the summer sun.

She secretly wondered.

The inner city of the capital was in such chaos, yet why was this Miss Fu smiling so happily as if she had no worries?

Looking at the steward-like person beside Miss Fu, though his lips were pursed, his eyes sparkled like stars, clearly also pleased.

Mother Li couldn’t help but shake her head.

Fu Tingyun had no mind to consider these things. She smiled and asked Mother Li: “Prince Mu’s forces have already passed through Chengtian Gate?”

Mother Li’s heart tightened upon hearing this. Remembering her errand, she quickly said: “Yes, yes. Our madam and young master are no longer in the city, leaving only a few of us common servants. Our steward sent me to check the situation on the street, and I just heard this from people there.” After speaking, she realized her slip and said awkwardly with a smile, “Miss Fu, our steward is waiting for my report. I must go now.” She offered a hasty curtsy and hurried away.

No wonder Madam Wu had been frequently visiting the Ji family in those days. It seemed that both the Wu and Ji families had left the city to avoid the conflict.

Fu Tingyun contemplated this.

Manager Ye advised her in a low voice: “With Prince Mu entering the city, his most urgent matter is meeting with the Emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager. He likely won’t have time to manage external affairs. Who knows how many people will take advantage of this chaos to profit from the turmoil? Miss, you should keep your doors tightly closed as before to avoid falling victim to opportunists. I believe that once Lord Zhao enters the capital, he will certainly find a way to see you. Please remain patient.”

Fu Tingyun was too worried about Zhao Ling. Upon hearing that Prince Mu had entered the city, she couldn’t help wanting to inquire about Zhao Ling’s situation. However, seeing the chaotic scene on the street and considering that she neither knew where Zhao Ling was stationed nor recognized any of Prince Mu’s people, rashly searching around would only put her in a difficult position. Since Prince Mu intended to rule, he would certainly restore order to the capital quickly. It wouldn’t be too late to find a way to inquire then. So she smiled and agreed with Manager Ye, exchanging promises to “send word as soon as there’s news” before parting at the entrance to the alley.

As they headed home, tightly closed gates were visible everywhere.

Zheng San continued to patrol at night with A Sen as instructed by Fu Tingyun.

That night, the imperial palace was brilliantly lit, illuminating the capital city.

Fu Tingyun stood under the eaves, gazing at the red glow in the sky until the first light of dawn before turning back to her inner chambers.

Just two hours later, the clanging sound of bronze gongs resonated throughout the streets and alleys of the capital.

People couldn’t help but peek out to look.

A man’s deep voice spread like waves: “The Emperor has issued a ‘Self-Blame Edict,’ posted outside the Meridian Gate, announcing his abdication to Prince Mu… The Emperor has issued a ‘Self-Blame Edict,’ posted outside the Meridian Gate, announcing his abdication to Prince Mu…”

“Ah, the regime has truly changed!”

“Prince Mu is going to be Emperor!”

“I heard the Marquis of Wuding’s family is Prince Mu’s maternal family. Won’t they rise to prominence now?”

“Are there any male descendants still alive in the Marquis of Wuding’s family?”

As long as swords weren’t at their throats, busybodies would always engage in lively discussions.

Fu Tingyun breathed a long sigh of relief.

Resolving the Emperor’s situation without bloodshed would be beneficial for future stability.

Outside, Li Hui, the Commander of the Five Cities Military and Cavalry Bureau, personally led his men to maintain order in the capital, encouraging merchants to open their shops. He earnestly persuaded people: “Prince Mu only wants to execute Hong Du and Shi Wenbin to eliminate these public menaces. Now that Hong Du and Shi Wenbin have been sent to prison, everyone should remain calm and go about their business as usual.”

The men from the Five Cities Military and Cavalry Bureau were much friendlier than usual.

Most people remained cautious, but some bolder ones led their assistants to open their shops.

Things were indeed not much different from usual. There were no fierce-looking ruffian soldiers, no rampaging officers, and even the usual bullying gangs were nowhere to be seen. Shops on West Main Street were the first to gradually open, followed by those on East Main Street and Drum Tower Street. Within just two or three days, the capital regained its prosperous appearance.

Meanwhile, the Grand Empress Dowager returned to the palace. First, there was an imperial edict stating that the new ruler lacked virtue and was unfit to inherit the throne, so he was deposed and given the title of Prince Shun, to be relocated to the Western Garden. Then, Prince Rong submitted a memorial stating that since the late Emperor had no sons and his brothers were gone, a worthy successor should be selected from among his nephews. Subsequently, numerous officials submitted memorials praising Prince Mu’s virtues and noble birth, advocating for his enthronement… These dizzying changes added a lively atmosphere to the capital.

Fu Tingyun felt anxious.

She waved a snow-white round fan, pacing back and forth in the hall.

When she finally stopped, she asked Yu Wei: “Still no news at all?”

Yu Wei shook her head and said: “Manager Ye said that the Emperor was escorted into the capital by cavalry, and some troops are still on the way—Lord Zhao may not have entered the capital yet.”

The Grand Empress Dowager had already issued an edict for Prince Mu to ascend the throne. They were just waiting for the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to select an auspicious date for Prince Mu to perform sacrifices to Heaven, Earth, and ancestors before formally ascending the throne. But people had already begun referring to Prince Mu as “Your Majesty.”

This bastard, since some people had entered the capital, why hadn’t he sent her a message? Didn’t he know how worried she was?

Fu Tingyun vigorously fanned herself a few times, which somewhat dissipated her anger.

“We can only wait until His Majesty ascends the throne,” she said discontentedly, suddenly considering another possibility.

Could he have been wounded during the campaign?

Was that why he couldn’t send her a message?

As the thought flashed through her mind, the fingertips holding the fan had already turned visibly white.

No, she couldn’t keep waiting like this.

If she continued waiting, she would go mad.

Fu Tingyun summoned Master Lü: “Please go to Duke Fu’s mansion and see if there’s any movement from the Marquis of Yingchuan’s side?” She murmured, “Everyone is saying that it was Duke Fu who personally persuaded Li Hui to open the Zhengyang Gate. The Iron Cavalry established by the Marquis of Yingchuan is renowned in the northwest. I don’t believe that the cavalry by His Majesty’s side has no connection whatsoever with the Marquis of Yingchuan!”

Master Lü departed in response.

Fu Tingyun sighed, resting her elbow as she sat on a stone bench under the wisteria trellis, staring absent-mindedly at the gracefully swaying goldfish in the large cyan lotus-patterned jar.

A gentle breeze blew, causing the willow-like hanging wisteria flowers to lightly brush against her face. Her clear eyes resembled a mountain spring, pure and trickling, yet conveying a quiet, soundless solitude.

When Zhao Ling entered the courtyard, this was the scene that greeted him.

He felt as if his heart would break.

As if to break her solitude, he called out loudly, “A’Jun.”

“Zhao Ling!” Fu Tingyun jumped up.

Her almond eyes widened in shock as she stared at him, hardly believing what she saw.

Fu Tingyun’s expression delighted Zhao Ling.

The corners of his mouth couldn’t help but turn upward.

“A’Jun!” His voice was as gentle as the March sunshine.

“It’s you!” Fu Tingyun’s eyes glistened with tears, her face radiating joy as she ran toward him like a happy bird. “When did you come back? I was so worried. Why didn’t you send me a message? Are you injured? Where have you been all this time…”

Each sentence flowed like warm spring water into Zhao Ling’s heart.

He opened his arms and held Fu Tingyun tightly against him.

“Nan’nan, Nan’nan!” He murmured her name, as if only this way could he confirm that she was truly in his arms and not like countless nights when she appeared in his dreams, only to disappear when he opened his eyes searching for her. “Prince Mu has succeeded… No one will dare covet you anymore…” After separation, their reunion made him instinctively kiss her delicate white face. “Nan’nan, Nan’nan… I will protect you for a lifetime…”

Warm breath enveloped Fu Tingyun, soft lips branding her cheeks like fire. Her heart raced, her body felt weak, and she anxiously tried to escape. But from the corner of her eye, she noticed bright arrows of light shooting through the wisteria trellis.

She suddenly jolted.

“Let me go!” She pushed him away, both embarrassed and annoyed. “We’re in the courtyard!”

Her embarrassed voice was like heavenly music to Zhao Ling’s ears. Though somewhat reluctant, he released Fu Tingyun, but his gaze remained stubbornly fixed on her face, unwilling to move away even for a moment.

This rascal…

Fu Tingyun was extremely embarrassed and quickly glanced around the courtyard.

In the quiet afternoon, only the pomegranate flowers were in full bloom.

She breathed a sigh of relief.

If Zheng San Niang and the others had seen them, it would have been mortifying.

Her face flushed like the morning clouds as she lowered her head: “Let’s go inside to talk.” She turned and entered the main room.

Zhao Ling, with a smile in his eyes, followed her in.

…

The black lacquer furniture gleamed like mirrors. A Li Cheng ink painting hung in the central hall, and a few bright red oleanders were arranged in a celadon vase.

Zhao Ling nodded in approval and looked toward Fu Tingyun.

She was bringing him a pink porcelain teacup with begonia patterns.

In her rose-red Hangzhou silk shirt and bright blue Hunan skirt, her pure white face emitted a lustrous glow in the dimly lit room, like a shining pearl. There was no trace of the earlier solitude.

Was it because he had returned?

Zhao Ling’s heart was immediately filled with joy.

What could be more delightful than making someone happy?

He couldn’t help but grasp Fu Tingyun’s hand as she offered him the teacup.