In the blink of an eye, three days passed, and it was Mu Yunhan’s wedding day.

Mu Yunjin woke up early, having Zixiang arrange her hair in a dignified style. All her black tresses were neatly pinned up, creating an elegant and formal appearance.

After getting dressed, Mu Yunjin instructed Zixiang to bring the prepared wedding gifts, then left her bedchamber.

As soon as she stepped out, she saw Ding Xian standing in front of Chu Li’s door.

Mu Yunjin glanced at Ding Xian and had walked only a few steps toward Liquan Pavilion’s main door when the door diagonally opposite opened. Out stepped a figure in purple splendor, his head adorned with a jade crown, exuding refined nobility.

“Where are you going?” Chu Li raised his eyes, catching sight of Mu Yunjin, and spoke calmly.

Mu Yunjin raised her eyebrows. “My brother is getting married today. I’m going to the Prime Minister’s Mansion.”

“What about you?” Mu Yunjin looked at Chu Li, adding her question.

Chu Li tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I’ve been invited by Grand Tutor Zhuang to attend a banquet at the Zhuang Mansion.”

…

…

“I see. What a coincidence—we’re attending the same celebration. I’ll go ahead then.” Mu Yunjin smiled and left Liquan Pavilion with Zixiang.

Behind her, Chu Li watched Mu Yunjin’s retreating figure and shook his head with an amused smile.

Ding Xian, standing to one side, smiled. “Your Highness truly cares for the Princess Consort these days.”

“Now that she’s married into this household, many eyes are watching her. As she’s nominally my person, I must ensure her well-being,” Chu Li replied coldly.

Ding Xian nodded in understanding but couldn’t help teasing, “This is the first time I’ve heard Your Highness speak such a long sentence…”

…

When Mu Yunjin arrived at the Prime Minister’s Mansion, the entrance was filled with festive decorations. Many guests had already taken their seats inside, and the entire mansion was filled with laughter and joy.

As soon as Mu Yunjin entered, she saw the Prime Minister and Luo Ningyu smiling as they greeted the guests.

Upon seeing Mu Yunjin, the Prime Minister and Luo Ningyu approached and bowed to her. “Greetings, Sixth Prince’s Consort.”

“Father and Third Madam need not be so formal. Today I’ve returned home to attend my brother’s wedding banquet. You don’t need to treat me as the Sixth Prince’s Consort,” Mu Yunjin replied politely.

The Prime Minister and Luo Ningyu nodded.

After Mu Yunjin’s arrival, several officials approached the Prime Minister and smiled. “The Prime Minister’s household has had many joyous occasions lately. This old official congratulates you, Prime Minister.”

“Minister Li, you’re too kind. Your young daughter will soon be coming of age. Remember to invite this old man to drink a celebratory cup of wine then,” the Prime Minister replied.

“Minister, you jest. Of course, you would be the first person this old official would invite.”

After the officials exchanged pleasantries, cheers could be heard from the direction of the back garden entrance. Mu Yunjin looked up to see Mu Yunhan walking out in a groom’s red attire.

Seeing that Mu Yunjin had arrived, Mu Yunhan’s eyes filled with joy. He walked over and looked down at her. “Ah, Yunjin, you’re here.”

“Yes, are you about to go fetch the bride?” Mu Yunjin looked Mu Yunhan up and down.

Mu Yunhan nodded. Just as he wanted to say a few more words to Mu Yunjin, laughter came from nearby. “Alright, the auspicious hour has arrived. It’s time to go fetch the bride.”

With those words, surrounded by a crowd, Mu Yunhan left.

Watching this scene, Mu Yunjin slightly pursed her lips, recalling how at her wedding to Chu Li, she had been the one to go to him.

Fortunately, Chu Li hadn’t made things difficult for her at the Sixth Prince’s Mansion, so she had swallowed that grievance.

After Mu Yunhan departed to fetch his bride, the Prime Minister’s Mansion became somewhat quieter.

“Oh, Third Sister has returned!” Mu Xiarou’s delighted voice came from nearby.

Mu Yunjin looked toward the sound and saw Mu Xiarou in pink attire today, looking adorable as she walked over and gave Mu Yunjin a slight bow.

Behind Mu Xiarou, Mu Lingzhu also slowly emerged from the back garden. Upon seeing Mu Yunjin in the front hall, she paused briefly.

Then, she walked slowly to Mu Yunjin and bowed deeply. “Greetings, Sixth Prince’s Consort.”

“You may rise,” Mu Yunjin said flatly.

“Thank you, Sixth Prince’s Consort.” Mu Lingzhu expressed her thanks, then raised her eyes to meet Mu Yunjin’s gaze. “We are blood sisters. Today is our brother’s wedding—may I call you Sister?”

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin pressed her lips together in a smile. “It seems my sister has indeed tempered her character quite a bit during these months in the mansion.”

“Yes, all thanks to my sister’s contribution,” Mu Lingzhu curved her lips, then glanced at Mu Yunjin’s side. “Why have you come alone? Is the Sixth Prince not accompanying you?”

“You still think of my husband,” Mu Yunjin deliberately emphasized the word “husband.”

Mu Lingzhu’s face paled, but she quickly recovered with a smile. “Sister jests. The Sixth Prince is now my brother-in-law. I was merely making casual conversation.”

“He went to attend the banquet at the Zhuang Mansion,” Mu Yunjin said, finding a chair to sit down and pouring herself a cup of tea, which she sipped gently.

Seeing this scene, although young, Mu Xiarou understood the situation perfectly.

In the past, one sister had been treasured as the family’s pearl, held carefully in the palm of their hands. The other had been viewed as the Mu family’s disgrace, firmly trampled underfoot.

Now, in just a few short months, a complete reversal had occurred.

Looking at her Third Sister now, sitting leisurely and drinking tea, where was any trace of her former timid, useless demeanor?

Instead, it was her Fourth Sister, once known for her refined and graceful manner, who now spoke cautiously and carefully watched her Third Sister’s expressions.

“Third Sister, have some snacks,” Mu Xiarou took a plate of exquisite pastries from nearby and placed it on the table beside Mu Yunjin.

Mu Yunjin smiled at Mu Xiarou. “Thank you, Fifth Sister.”

After speaking, she picked up a pastry and ate it at a leisurely pace.

About an hour later, the sound of firecrackers erupted outside, and the guests all rushed toward the main entrance.

Estimating that Mu Yunhan had returned, Mu Yunjin stood up, very curious about the appearance of the Zhuang family’s daughter.

Soon after, Mu Yunhan entered the front hall carrying Zhuang Yuyan in his arms.

Seeing this scene, Mu Yunjin raised her eyebrows slightly.

…

After the ceremony, Mu Yunhan carried Zhuang Yuyan toward the back garden, while the guests were arranged at banquet tables.

Mu Yunjin, Mu Xiarou, and others were arranged at the main table. The Prime Minister and Luo Ningyu were busy greeting guests and had no time to attend to this area.

Mu Lingzhu also sat down, slightly lowering her eyes and pressing her lips together. After a while, she spoke slowly, “Sister, may I ask for your help with something?”

“What is it?” Mu Yunjin lifted her eyelids slightly.

Mu Lingzhu bit her lip. “Since Mother’s incident, I’ve been excluded from several literary societies I used to frequent. They won’t allow me to step foot inside again.”

“I’ve begged Father multiple times, but he’s unwilling to intervene on my behalf. So I thought, since you’re now the Sixth Prince’s Consort, those society directors might respect your status.”

Hearing that it was related to scholarly matters again, Mu Yunjin laughed mockingly. “I’m afraid I cannot help.”

Seeing that Mu Yunjin had directly refused her, a strange look flashed in Mu Lingzhu’s eyes. She then gave a bitter smile and said nothing more.

…

In the afternoon, after attending the banquet at the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Mu Yunjin bid farewell and returned to the Sixth Prince’s Mansion.

On the way back, Mu Yunjin did not ride in a carriage but strolled through the streets. “Zixiang, what did you think of Mu Lingzhu today?” she suddenly asked.

Zixiang paused, furrowing her brow. “Fourth Young Miss has indeed tempered her character considerably and was especially humble toward Young Miss. But this servant feels something is strange, though I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

“So you felt it too,” Mu Yunjin smiled faintly.

“This servant is dim-witted and dares not think too much,” Zixiang replied.

Upon returning to the mansion, Mamma Shen was sitting in the garden doing embroidery on a handkerchief. Catching sight of Mu Yunjin from the corner of her eye, she immediately stood up.

“Princess Consort has returned early,” Mamma Shen said.

Mu Yunjin smiled and nodded.

“His Highness also left early this morning and hasn’t returned yet. In the past, he never deigned to attend weddings of officials, no matter their rank.”

“But Grand Tutor Zhuang happens to be His Highness’s teacher, deeply respected by His Highness. He never refuses a request from him,” Mamma Shen explained.

Mu Yunjin pressed her lips together and smiled slightly.

“By the way, the seventh day of the month is approaching. Have you prepared your gift?” Mamma Shen suddenly remembered and asked.

At the mention of a gift, Mu Yunjin slapped her forehead. She had completely forgotten about this matter over the past few days.

Seeing that Mu Yunjin hadn’t prepared anything, Mamma Shen sighed. “Princess Consort, you and His Highness are newlyweds. You must not neglect his birthday gift.”

“I understand. I’ll go prepare it right away,” Mu Yunjin said.

With those words, Mu Yunjin walked toward Liquan Pavilion.

Back at Liquan Pavilion, Mu Yunjin sat down at the stone table in the courtyard, propping up her head and tilting it as she considered various types of gifts.

“Young Miss, Mamma Shen mentioned sincerity that day. This servant thinks you should embroider a pouch for the Sixth Prince,” Zixiang suggested, standing nearby.

Hearing about embroidery, Mu Yunjin’s brows furrowed tightly, and she immediately waved her hand in refusal. “That’s too complicated and not suitable for me.”

“Then this servant has no other ideas. This servant has heard that when a woman gives a gift, it’s usually a pouch embroidered by her own hands,” Zixiang pouted.

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin caught the words “her own hands” in Zixiang’s statement.

Indeed, handmade items showed more sincerity. But what could she personally make for Chu Li now?

Mu Yunjin slightly lifted her eyelids, her gaze falling on the row of lanterns in front of the house. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and an idea formed in her mind.

“Zixiang, go and have some carrots prepared for me on the sixth day of the month.”

Zixiang was stunned. Though she didn’t understand Mu Yunjin’s meaning, she nodded.

As the mistress and servant were chatting, a purple figure entered Liquan Pavilion. Spotting Mu Yunjin sitting at the stone table, he pressed his lips together slightly.

Ding Xian, who had returned with Chu Li, spoke first. “The Princess Consort has returned early?”

“Yes, a bit earlier than you,” Mu Yunjin replied.

Ding Xian smiled, then gave a look to Zixiang standing behind Mu Yunjin. Zixiang immediately understood and followed Ding Xian out.

In Liquan Pavilion, only Chu Li and Mu Yunjin remained.

“Tonight, you will accompany this Prince to Shuiyun Temple,” Chu Li walked closer to Mu Yunjin and spoke calmly.

Hearing Shuiyun Temple mentioned again, Mu Yunjin frowned slightly, feeling a hundred times unwilling to go. “What are we going there for?”

“Business,” Chu Li replied.

Mu Yunjin raised her eyebrows slightly. “Why choose to go at night?”