The February night was cool as water, but inside the room, there was much activity. Several paulownia wood chests stood open, with various items laid out on the kang bed as maids helped organize them.

“Which pillowcase do you think is better?” Yu Wan Xue held two pillowcases in her hands, looking somewhat undecided as she handed them to Chen Xuan Qing. “This duck-green velvet one feels comfortable, while this Hangzhou silk one with embroidered bamboo leaves looks beautiful and would suit your study…”

Chen Xuan Qing was leaning against the bed railing reading a book, though he wasn’t absorbing the content. His mind was still on Chen Xuan Yue’s words. Chen Xuan Yue was merely an overlooked concubine-born son, while he was the eldest son of the main wife—normally such a person wouldn’t concern him. But Chen Xuan Yue’s words were very accurate and quite sharp. He truly couldn’t continue like this, and would indeed implicate Gu Jin Chao.

He looked up briefly and said, “Both are fine.”

Then lowered his head to continue reading.

The smile on Yu Wan Xue’s face froze as she felt she was the only one making an effort. Afraid he was too aloof, she tugged at his clothes, smiling and asking, “What’s so interesting in this book that you won’t even pay attention to me…”

Chen Xuan Qing replied coolly, “I’m not ignoring you.”

Yu Wan Xue silently lowered her head, slowly gathering the items in her hands, suddenly losing all sense of joy. Perhaps Chen Xuan Qing truly didn’t want her to accompany him to his post. Indeed, going to serve as a county magistrate while bringing her along must be troublesome for him. Being a woman, she had no idea what she might have done to displease him.

“Mother said that Father wanted me to accompany you to your post. If you’re unwilling, I can tell Mother I won’t go,” Yu Wan Xue said softly. “To avoid causing trouble.”

Chen Xuan Qing remained silent for a long while after hearing this. “…This was Father’s wish?”

Yu Wan Xue nodded.

Chen Xuan Qing said nothing more, his fingers gripping the book pages so tightly that his knuckles turned white. After a moment, he finally said, “I’m not unwilling to have you come. Don’t say such things to Mother… I see those clothes in your cabinet haven’t been packed. Aren’t you taking them?”

Yu Wan Xue shook her head with a smile, “Those fabrics are too precious. Going with you to Suning, it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear them…”

Chen Xuan Qing replied, “It’s fine to bring them. You can wear them when not going out, and you look nice in them.”

Yu Wan Xue’s heart stirred, and she looked up at him.

He leaned against the bed railing, his profile exceptionally handsome and composed. His emotions, whether joy or anger, were never obvious—he seemed indifferent to everything, making him difficult to read.

This was just how he was; she couldn’t force him to be cheerful and friendly! Yu Wan Xue told herself again.

An elderly maid brought over a box of jewelry, asking if she wanted to bring everything or just select a few pieces.

Yu Wan Xue stopped talking to Chen Xuan Qing and busied herself with packing.

That evening after bathing, she saw that he was already lying on the inner side of the bed. For some reason, she felt hesitant… She hadn’t removed the crimson gauze curtains. The carved bed was adorned with birds, beasts, and flowers, extremely exquisite. The embroidery on the bedding depicted mandarin ducks playing in the water, one tilting its head to nip at the other’s neck.

Chen Xuan Qing might have already fallen asleep, his eyes closed without the slightest movement.

Yu Wan Xue gently lifted the bedding and lay down. The maid outside lowered the bed curtains, blew out the candles, and closed the latticed door.

Suddenly, someone turned over and embraced her. Yu Wan Xue gasped softly in surprise, her back pressed against a warm chest. She quickly realized what was happening, and her face grew hot.

“Have you packed everything?” he merely asked while holding her, without making any additional movements.

Yu Wan Xue’s body went rigid as she replied softly, “I don’t know if you want to bring the books from your study…”

“I’ve already moved the books I need. No need to bring more,” Chen Xuan Qing answered.

Yu Wan Xue had just randomly found something to say to him but felt it wasn’t a good topic. She wasn’t unintelligent; she just seemed foolish in front of him… Being held by him like this made her whole body flush with heat. They always slept with separate bedding, and he was so proper that he never crossed boundaries or showed such intimacy. Now she didn’t know why he was behaving this way.

After a long silence, Yu Wan Xue finally said, “I’ve brought some bank notes with us, but I don’t know if it will be enough to use…”

“With me here, you won’t go hungry,” Chen Xuan Qing closed his eyes and said, “Go to sleep.”

Sleeping like this would surely make her back and waist ache by morning, Yu Wan Xue thought, but said nothing.

Even if it meant an aching back and waist, she wouldn’t complain.

Despite the discomfort, her lips curled into a slight smile.

…

Before Chen Xuan Qing left, Third Master Chen spoke with him through the night. They talked until dawn.

No one knew what they discussed, but when Chen Xuan Qing emerged in the morning, his face was somewhat pale.

Third Master Chen had only said a few words to him, leaving him shocked and thoughtful.

“You know why I’m having Yu accompany you. You’re grown now and must learn to think for yourself. However, sometimes what you see on the surface isn’t necessarily true. You’re still too young and need to calm down and think.”

“You know about your Fourth Uncle being under house arrest. Many people wonder why I did this, and I can tell you the reason. He betrayed the Chen family… and for certain reasons, not just because of your Fourth Uncle, the Chen family now faces a major crisis. You leaving North Zhili is a good thing. Even if something happens to me, you’ll have room to react.”

“Don’t ask what exactly is happening; you can’t get involved.”

“Be a good official in the future. If something does happen to me, you’d be better off resigning from your post. Otherwise, your future career will be extremely difficult. But if you insist on remaining in office, I won’t stop you. You choose your path.”

Third Master Chen looked at him calmly, “Though I’m disappointed by your lack of ambition, I’m still your father. I’ve planned for you as much as I can.”

Chen Xuan Qing found it all very confusing, though he had already sensed problems within the family.

The increased guards at Ninghui Hall, the frequent comings and goings of his father’s men, Zhao Huai being transferred back from Shaanxi…

Something major was about to happen.

He pressed his lips together, suddenly feeling the weight on his shoulders.

The Chen family was facing great danger, yet he was still thinking about personal romantic matters—truly shallow.

After a long moment, he said, “I understand, Father.”

In matters where he couldn’t help, he could only follow his father’s instructions. In his heart, his father was still that all-capable father.

Chen Yan Yun silently observed his son, who had truly become an adult.

When facing sudden changes, he must learn to remain calm. Otherwise, no one could help him.

Chen Yan Yun had always believed that his son didn’t lack talent, but had too little experience. Perhaps this would finally help him grow. After thinking for a while, he took something out and gave it to him.

Chen Xuan Qing clutched the object tightly in his hand.

…

Chen Xuan Qing and Yu Wan Xue left for his post two days later. Yu Wan Xue brought only two maids and two elderly servants, but their trunks filled two carriages.

Gu Jin Chao only saw them off as far as the main gate. Chen Xi, however, couldn’t bear to part with her brother and tearfully accompanied them to the screen wall.

Third Master Chen didn’t go to see them off. When Gu Jin Chao returned, she saw him talking to someone in his study. As she approached, she realized it was a very young man. He was quite handsome, wearing a sapphire-blue straight gown with auspicious patterns, looking extremely dignified.

Third Master Chen hadn’t expected her to return so quickly and could only gesture toward the man he was speaking with, “This is Marquis of Zhengguo, Chang Hai.”

She had heard his name but never seen him. She hadn’t expected him to be so young and dignified.

Gu Jin Chao curtsied, and Chang Hai smiled, “Madam, please don’t stand on ceremony. Chen San and I have been friends since we were in open-crotch pants! When he was young and didn’t want to admit to his mischief, I was always covering for him…”

Third Master Chen smiled and said, “Aren’t you getting it backward?”

Chang Hai’s ability to enter the inner quarters meant he must have important matters to discuss with Third Master Chen. Gu Jin Chao didn’t want to intrude further, so she just smiled, “I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.” She walked into the covered corridor, but Chen Yan Yun called to Cai Fu who was following behind her, “…The madam’s medicine has already been prepared in the small kitchen, warming on the stove. Remember to serve it to the madam.”

Cai Fu curtsied in acknowledgment.

Chang Hai watched from the side and clicked his tongue, “No wonder you kept her hidden from me! You’re so controlling… even managing when she takes her medicine.”

Chen Yan Yun merely smiled and said, “Enough of that. I called you here to discuss important matters. Come inside and we’ll talk.”

Chang Hai’s face also grew serious, “Chen San, you shouldn’t do this without sufficient assurance. It’s too risky!”

“What choice do I have if I don’t take risks?” Chen Yan Yun poured tea for Chang Hai. “Ordinary methods won’t overcome Zhang Ju Lian, and his foundation in court is certainly much deeper than mine… This is simply seeking victory through danger.”

Chang Hai accepted the tea but didn’t drink it, “Zhang Ju Lian also knows the importance of military power. Although he hasn’t directly controlled the Ministry of War these years, his influence there is substantial. The Five Commander’s Court is split into several factions. My faction aside, the Left Military Command is where his forces are most concentrated…”

Seeing Chen Yan Yun’s fingers lightly tapping the table, Chang Hai stopped speaking.

Chen Yan Yun already knew all this; he didn’t need to be told.

“Fine—I’ll just follow your lead! I can’t stand that old scoundrel either. Though I’m not good at strategy, I can lead troops,” Chang Hai casually continued. “That old bastard, could he possibly match me on the battlefield?”

Chen Yan Yun just smiled, “You don’t need to lead troops. You’re the only heir of the Chang family. If something happened to you, what would the Old Madam do?”

Chang Hai was somewhat surprised, “Chen San, what do you mean? I said I would follow you through life and death. When has Chang Hai ever gone back on his word—”

Chen Yan Yun raised his hand, gesturing for him to stop.

“I know what you want to say,” Chen Yan Yun said. “I only entrust you with one thing.”

“If matters are exposed and something happens to me, I hope you can protect the Chen family’s peace. Whether by relocating them out of the capital or far from North Zhili would be fine. If the other branches don’t wish to leave, so be it. I’ve already arranged for a residence in Hangzhou. Secretly help those who want to leave get out.”

When the nest falls, no egg remains intact—Chen Yan Yun was already planning for his failure.

Chang Hai was momentarily speechless.

A lump formed in his throat stuck uncomfortably between rising and falling.

Chen San not letting him participate was actually for his good. He truly trusted him to entrust his family to his care. This responsibility was as heavy as a mountain.