Song Chuyi’s melancholy was stirred up by Song Yi. The past crashed over her like waves, one after another, battering her until she was exhausted without a chance to catch her breath. She returned to Guanju Courtyard and didn’t go out again. She changed into embroidered shoes and reclined on the couch, holding a hand warmer and staring blankly into space.

From the moment she opened her eyes again in this life, she had told herself that she absolutely wouldn’t allow herself and Song Yan to fall into the circumstances of her previous life—helpless and at others’ mercy, watching loved ones die miserably one by one.

But was she too complacent, or had she overlooked something? Why had Song Yan started running outside every day again? What exactly was he doing that required keeping it from the family and even from her?

If her rebirth couldn’t change or save even Song Yan’s life, then what was the point of her rebirth? She covered her face with both hands. All of Song Yi’s past kindnesses and indulgences, and Song Yan’s bloodshot eyes from years ago along with the gold and silver he sent in again and again, all appeared in her mind, stinging her eyes until tears flowed.

Ziyun had come to Song Chuyi’s side when she was eight years old—over four years now—and had never seen her cry. Suddenly seeing crystalline tears seeping through her fingers, she was so shocked she forgot to move, panicking as she rushed to her side: “Miss…”

Qing Ying’s joyful voice came through the curtain: “Fourth Young Master has arrived! Fourth Young Master, please come in. Our young lady has been waiting for you all day.”

Song Chuyi took a handkerchief to cover her eyes. Just as she put the handkerchief down, she saw Song Yan stride in. He wore a sapphire blue robe embroidered with magpies perched on branches, with a matching sash at his waist. His features had opened up as he grew older—he looked exactly like the handsome, refined young master from a wealthy family, carved from powder and jade.

He naturally climbed onto the couch and sat beside Song Chuyi. Only when he drew close did he see her eyes were red-rimmed. He couldn’t help being startled: “Sister, you’ve been crying?” He leaned in a bit anxiously. Seeing Song Chuyi’s lashes were still wet, he jumped up: “Did you encounter Father at Ningde Courtyard? What did he say to you to make you sad?”

For the first time, Song Chuyi brushed his hand aside. Her eyes, though wet, were exceptionally bright like jewels, staring fixedly at him. Finally she asked: “Where have you been running off to every day lately?”

Having just cried, her voice carried a thick nasal quality. At this moment, her demeanor truly resembled that of a twelve-year-old girl.

Song Yan froze in place, unconsciously turning his head to avoid Song Chuyi’s gaze. He pressed his lips together: “I went out to meet my classmates.”

“Lies!” Song Chuyi finally couldn’t restrain herself. Her usually flat, unvarying tone suddenly became sharp: “You never went to see those classmates at all. I had people search all the teahouses and taverns in the capital—you’ve never been with those classmates.”

As she spoke, tears unconsciously slid down her long lashes again: “Song Yan, when did you learn to lie?! What exactly have you been doing that you need to keep even from me?”

She was truly terrified—terrified that Song Yan would sink into pleasure-seeking like in her previous life, ultimately accomplishing nothing, falling straight into others’ traps and losing his life.

Song Yan was at a complete loss in this situation. He had never seen his sister like this. In his memory, Song Chuyi had always been calm and composed. No matter what happened, nothing seemed able to shake her calm wisdom. He mumbled for a while, feeling his palms sweating, unable to speak a single word for a long time.

Fortunately, he was quickly rescued. Qing Ying lifted the curtain and entered. First glancing at Song Yan, she softly reported to Song Chuyi: “Someone came from Old Madam’s quarters to urge you. They say both maternal aunts have already arrived and want you to come keep them company.”

Song Chuyi sat up straight. Without even looking at Song Yan who stood beside her with his head lowered, she changed her shoes and prepared to go out. Only when she paused at the door did she turn back to glance at Song Yan: “Think it over carefully yourself, then decide whether you want to tell me when you come back.”

Song Yan opened his mouth wanting to call his sister back, but his throat felt stuffed with cotton. He couldn’t speak at all and could only watch helplessly as Song Chuyi was first to leave the room.

Song Chuyi gathered her spirits and first went to Ningde Courtyard. Lady Cui was discussing the Ninth Princess’s marriage alliance with Old Madam Song: “The Bureau of Astronomy has already calculated the date—it’s set for the second day of the twelfth month. The day before yesterday when I entered the palace to pay respects to His Imperial Highness and Her Majesty the Empress, I heard the Ninth Princess fell ill again…”

Lady Cui greatly disliked this cousin. As a child, she had merely thought her somewhat spoiled, but grown up she had somehow become unable to stand anyone having anything better than her. Once, because a palace maid had eyebrows that grew better than hers, she forcibly shaved the woman’s eyebrows and even used scissors to slash her face. Such a precious princess, no matter how noble her status, could no longer inspire affection or closeness. Add to that the Ninth Princess’s constant hostility toward Song Chuyi, and Lady Cui disliked her even more.

Old Madam Song watched Song Chuyi sit down beside Lady Cui, then shook her head: “With the Ninth Princess’s temperament, how can she possibly live well after marrying?”

Some people were born with a good hand but could play it terribly; others could patiently work even the worst hand and turn defeat into victory. Unfortunately, this principle was something the Ninth Princess would probably never understand.

Yu Shi, who had been silent until now, sighed and picked up the conversation at the right moment: “Isn’t that the truth? Always fixating on what others have, never knowing to look down at what she herself has—such a temperament will never lead to happiness. I heard she even instigated Consort Xian to petition His Majesty to have Xiaoyi accompany her as part of the marriage entourage. How did she even think of such a thing?!”

Mentioning this also filled Old Madam Song with anger. She gave a cold laugh: “Talking crazy nonsense about liking Xiaoyi—anyone who believes her words is a fool! Isn’t this just her being petty and vindictive? If we hadn’t prepared in advance, and Xiaoyi really had the misfortune to accompany her in the marriage alliance, who knows how she would have tormented her.”

Fortunately, the Ninth Princess ultimately didn’t succeed. Lady Cui looked toward Old Madam Song: “When girls reach about the right age, they’re easily targeted by others. This time it was the Ninth Princess making an issue of the marriage attendants; next time it might be families like Duke Yingguo’s estate coming forward again.”

Lady Cui was right—it would be better to settle Song Chuyi’s marriage early. That way, with the support of her husband’s family, Song Chuyi would gain an additional layer of assistance and could avoid others using her marriage as leverage again.

Old Madam Song glanced at Lady Cui. In unison, they both opened their mouths: “The Ye family—”

After just three words, both of them stopped. They couldn’t help but laugh together. This showed they had clearly thought of the same thing.