As Ning Yin held the cup, the longevity thread swayed at his sturdy wrist, accentuating his long, cold white fingers.

Though his appearance was that of a cold and willful immortal, somehow a hint of sensuality had been added.

Yu Lingxi thought it was probably because he rarely took the initiative to do anything; whether it was his lofty control in her previous life or his actions with the medicine earlier, more often he would simply sit calmly, enticing her to take the bait.

“Why does the Young Lady keep looking at me?”

Ning Yin pressed his lips against the faint red residue on the cup’s rim, pressing slightly, and said while gently caressing the cup, “It’s just a cup, why be so reluctant to part with it?”

Yu Lingxi suspected he was doing this on purpose.

“Enough,” she held her slightly warm cheeks, choosing not to argue with him.

Ning Yin drank several cups in succession, his deep black eyes half-closed, appearing quite savoring and appreciative.

Due to taking medicine, Yu Lingxi didn’t drink any wine, but still followed his lead by slightly curling up the corners of her lips, saying softly: “In the future, if there’s anything on your mind, you can tell me directly, rather than keeping it bottled up. If you always brood over things, it’s so exhausting!”

In her previous life, Ning Yin’s thoughts had been too difficult to fathom, causing many misunderstandings. This lifetime, while there was still time, she had to help him change.

Ning Yin raised his eyes from behind the wine cup, the faint gleam of the wine reflected in his black eyes, and asked: “Is Young Lady saying this to Wei Qi or Ning Yin?”

His question was tricky.

If she said it was to Wei Qi, as a lady she would seem overly attentive and intimate; but if she said it was to Ning Yin, it might seem like flattery due to his status as a prince…

Yu Lingxi’s curled eyelashes fluttered, catching the light from the window as she smiled gently: “Whether Wei Qi or Ning Yin, aren’t they both you?”

Ning Yin gave a snorting laugh.

“Don’t you have anything to say to me?” Yu Lingxi asked again.

In her previous life, Yu Lingxi had made him numerous sachet bags, handkerchiefs, and shoes, yet had never properly heard him say “thank you.”

Ning Yin naturally noticed the expectant smile in her eyes and lowered his gaze to the knotted thread on his wrist.

With a deep laugh, he said: “Rest assured, Young Lady, I will treasure this bracelet close to my body.”

He emphasized the words “close to my body,” and Yu Lingxi couldn’t help but recall that ribbon he had wrapped around his wrist for so long…

Her heart warmed, though it wasn’t necessary to go that far.

In her previous life, she had embroidered so many things for Ning Yin, yet never saw him cherish them particularly;

It seemed that extremes reverse themselves—in this life, perhaps he treasured things excessively.

Just as she was thinking this, she heard Ning Yin languidly say: “In the future, I’ll give Young Lady a chain in return.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Ning Yin said shamelessly, “Young Lady knows, I am most grateful for kindness.”

Yu Lingxi looked at him suspiciously, watching his smiling expression with curled lips, feeling that something was strange.

…

After the Dragon Boat Festival, the scorching summer arrived.

In the sweltering heat, even the court situation was turbulent with undercurrents.

In Kunning Palace, it was so quiet that not even the sound of cicadas could be heard.

The Buddha Hall isolated the hot white daylight outside, leaving only heavy coolness spreading out, covering Empress Feng in her loose hair and plain clothes before the lampstand.

“Has it been discovered who spread the news?” Empress Feng asked with hollow eyes, like the emotionless Buddha statue on the pedestal.

“In reply to Your Majesty, we are still investigating,” Cui An said.

Empress Feng put down her hand that had been turning the prayer beads and asked: “Cui An, how many things have you messed up? Do you remember yourself?”

These plain words pressed the young eunuch to lift his robe and kneel.

“When I was first imprisoned and suffered the humiliation of castration, I was in utter despair. It was Your Majesty’s appreciation and trust that allowed Cui An to live until today. Though I am incompetent, my loyalty to Your Majesty is crystal clear. Please grant me some more time.”

Cui An prostrated himself to show his loyalty, his dark eyes reflected on the floor tiles as he said slowly: “Besides, all those who knew about this matter back then have been executed by my own hands. Your Majesty need not worry.”

“But didn’t one escape back then?”

The Empress’s gaze fell on the Buddha statue sitting on the lotus, her finger lightly caressing it. The dark red copper color seemed to still retain traces of blood splashed from that year.

Empress Feng withdrew her gaze and stood up, asking: “What about the Crown Prince’s concubines, is there any movement?”

Cui An approached on his knees, extending his arm to support the Empress’s hand, saying: “Two Liangs and one Liangyu are already with child.”

The Empress nodded. When one chess piece was ruined, it was necessary to prepare several backups.

The sunlight reflected a blinding white light on the tiles, yet it couldn’t brighten the darkness of the Buddha Hall.

At the Yu manor, the sun shone brilliantly.

Yu Lingxi sat in the waterside pavilion to enjoy the cool air. Only today did she learn from the fragmented conversations between her father and brother that rumors had spread from somewhere claiming that the current Crown Prince was not born to the Empress, but rather to a lowly palace maid from Kunning Palace…

Added to the fact that the Crown Prince, relying on being the only legitimate prince, was lustful and depraved, with many instances of misconduct, once this rumor emerged, many conservative court officials began to waver and observe.

She gently scooped some ice-cold caramel custard, glancing at Ning Yin beside her.

While the court was full of strange clouds and waves, the future formidable Seventh Prince now leaned against the railing of the waterside pavilion, turning his head to look at the shimmering lake surface, the corner of his mouth curled almost imperceptibly, harmlessly quiet.

…

After several days of scorching heat, a cooler day finally arrived, and the Yu household also welcomed their biggest celebration in recent years.

On the eighth day of the sixth month, Yu Huanchen, the eldest son of the Yu family, was to be married to the talented young lady from the Su family of Pingchang Marquis.

As Yu Huanchen held an official position, he should establish his household after marriage. General Yu had ordered the large vacant garden on the west side of the Yu manor to be connected, renovated, and used as his son’s residence.

Although they would live separately, the two residences were adjacent, making it very convenient to visit each other.

Today, both the main residence and the western residence were filled with red silk and characters of joy. Servants and maids came and went continuously, greeting guests and sending them off—such liveliness was rare to see in the entire capital.

Yu Huanchen had changed into his wedding attire, a vermilion robe with a jade belt, looking extraordinarily heroic.

Yu Xinyi had also changed back into girls’ attire, leaning boldly against the corridor and laughing at him: “Yu Huanchen, I didn’t expect you to look somewhat presentable in wedding clothes!”

Yu Huanchen was already reluctant about this marriage, and immediately retorted coldly, “Unlike you, who doesn’t look like a woman even in a dress.”

The twin siblings started quarreling as soon as they met, angering Yu Xinyi so much that she rolled up her sleeves, ready to hit him.

Yu Lingxi covered her face with a fan, smiling with curved eyes, and held Yu Xinyi’s hand, saying softly: “Today is Brother’s wedding day. Sister, could you please be patient?”

Only then did Yu Xinyi angrily give up and turn to attend to the female guests.

Yu Lingxi asked Hutao to help look after the tea and refreshments, instructing: “Tell the kitchen that the lotus pastries should be served later, or they’ll be too greasy when cold.”

As she was speaking, the sound of jade pendants tinkling came from behind, and a clear voice rang out: “Second Sister.”

Yu Lingxi turned around to see Xue Cen standing in the summer sun, dressed in a jade crown and brocade robe, as refreshing as mountain snow, smiling gently at her.

He was elegantly dressed today, yet not overshadowing the hosts, just like his person—gentle and restrained.

Yu Lingxi was stunned for a moment before remembering that Xue Cen was her brother’s best man today.

She returned his greeting with a bow and smiled: “Brother Cen, why don’t you rest for a while? The wedding procession won’t set out for another hour.”

Xue Cen remained refined as always, though his eyes seemed to hold more concern. He shook his head: “I’m not tired.”

“Ah Cen! Dressed like that to accompany me to fetch the bride, you’ll captivate countless young ladies!”

Yu Huanchen came over, hooking his arm around Xue Cen’s shoulder and swaying him, “I’m getting married now, when will you marry my sister?”

Yu Lingxi anticipated that her brother would joke about the engagement between the two families again, so she quickly cleared her throat and said: “Mother is calling me to help. Brothers, please continue chatting.”

With that, she lifted her skirt and quickly escaped this troublesome place.

Xue Cen’s gaze followed that enchanting figure as she left, reflecting on her words.

She had just said “Brothers.”

Yu Huanchen hadn’t noticed this subtle difference, thinking his sister was just shy, and patted Xue Cen, saying: “Let’s go, Ah Cen. I still need you to explain the wedding etiquette to me, in case I forget.”

Xue Cen suppressed the hint of desolation in his eyes and smiled warmly as usual, nodding: “All right.”

At the auspicious time, the wedding procession departed magnificently from the Yu manor.

By dusk, they finally escorted the bridal sedan chair back from the Su residence. Yu Huanchen and his bride each held one end of a red silk, crossing the long red carpet side by side, heading to the main residence for the ceremony.

After the ceremony, they returned to Yu Huanchen’s residence in the western compound.

At the end of Your hour, as the lanterns were first lit, the manor was as bright as daylight. After drinking the change-of-attire tea, the relatives of the Yu family would receive the bride’s greeting.

Removing the veil fan, Yu Lingxi finally saw her sister-in-law’s appearance.

She was a very beautiful and delicate woman, with eyebrows like willow leaves and eyes like colored glass. Her height reached only about her brother’s shoulder, making her appear particularly delicate and lovely next to the tall and spirited Yu Huanchen…

Just by appearance, Yu Lingxi could not connect her with the strong-willed woman from her previous life who would rather cut off her hair than remarry.

Su Wan paid her respects to her parents-in-law and Yu Xinyi in order, then moved with lotus steps before Yu Lingxi.

As their gazes met, a flash of amazement crossed Su Wan’s eyes. She looked at Yu Lingxi a moment longer before softly bowing and saying: “Sister.”

“Sister-in-law,” Yu Lingxi returned the greeting.

Due to her memories from her previous life, Yu Lingxi naturally had a favorable impression of her, and they exchanged smiles.

After the greetings, it was time for the true wedding night.

Her parents had already returned to entertain the wedding guests. Yu Lingxi instructed Hutao: “Miss Su has been busy all day and must be hungry. Go prepare some porridge and pastries to send over, and take good care of the young mistress.”

Hutao agreed cleverly and led two young maids to make arrangements.

The night was beautiful, with a sea of lanterns winding along with the red silk joy characters, especially pretty.

The path from the western residence back to the main residence passed through a landscaped garden with fountains and ponds. Yu Lingxi was in high spirits and dismissed the maid carrying the lantern, saying: “You need not follow me. I’ll walk alone.”

She stepped along in the soft moonlight, passing through the arch of wisteria vines, and at the moon gate dividing the two residences, she saw Ning Yin standing tall.

He seemed to have been waiting there for a long time, yet also seemed to have just casually come out for a walk.

Yu Lingxi was somewhat surprised and ran over calling: “Wei Qi!”

Ning Yin stood in place without moving, waiting for her to approach.

“Why are you here?” Yu Lingxi’s crimson gauze top and skirt fluttered as she looked up at him, her eyes filled with the warm light of swaying lanterns.

Ning Yin didn’t mention that he had taken advantage of the Yu manor’s wedding feast to leave the compound and kill several troublesome fellows, and by the way…

He lowered his eyes, the corner of his mouth moving almost imperceptibly: “Waiting for the bird to return to its nest.”

“Talking nonsense again.” Yu Lingxi laughed lightly.

Ning Yin had only raised that cat for her, when had he ever raised birds?

The two passed through the moon gate one after another, entering the winding-covered corridor.

Today being a joyous occasion in the manor, a pair of lanterns hung every five steps along the corridor. Yu Lingxi and Ning Yin bathed in a river of light, walking on a path paved with lantern fire.

Ning Yin followed a step behind her, able to see the fluffy light settling on top of her hair, the crimson skirt hem swaying, her entire being beautiful and light-hearted.

“Young Lady is in a good mood,” he said.

“Of course.” Yu Lingxi’s tone was also light, her eyes curved as she said, “Today is Brother’s wedding day, naturally a cause for happiness.”

In her previous life, although Yu Lingxi had gone to Ning Yin, she had been presented as a gift, pressed into a sedan chair, and delivered to his residence, with no wedding clothes and no wedding feast.

Just now, seeing her sister-in-law wearing a blue ceremonial robe with large sleeves, flower hairpins adorning her cloudy hair, looking extremely beautiful, marrying into the family with a grand dowry, it had stirred up long-dormant girlish thoughts.

She sighed, with a small regret even she hadn’t noticed: “To be husband and wife bound by hair, to share the same bed in life and the same grave in death, to remain of one heart without separation, is the most beautiful thing in the world.”

“The same grave in death?”

Ning Yin walked with his hands behind his back, sneering: “When dead and buried, the body decomposes into dry bones—what’s beautiful about that?”

Yu Lingxi faltered, and instantly all her sentimentality vanished.

She smiled helplessly, patiently explaining: “This is just a metaphor, meant to express how deeply husband and wife love each other, wanting to be together even after death…”

Seeing that Ning Yin didn’t respond, Yu Lingxi realized that he probably disdained understanding such things.

Talking about these matters on her own was truly disappointing.

“By the way.”

She untied a candy pouch from her waist, smoothly changing the subject, “Would you like some wedding candy?”

The small silk pouch was filled to the brim with her favorite salt and pepper plums, as well as various dried fruits and sweet candies from the wedding feast.

Ning Yin lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on her delicate white fingertips holding the candy pouch, and reached out to pick a salt and pepper plum.

Yu Lingxi remembered that he couldn’t eat spicy food and hurriedly tried to stop him: “This one is spicy…”

But it was already too late. Ning Yin had put the plum in his mouth and gently bit down.

Yu Lingxi watched as a thin flush rapidly spread to the corners of his eyes, as if he had been bullied, adding a vulnerable brilliance.

She was first shocked, then frowned and said: “Hey, I already said it was spicy, why did you still eat it?”

Ning Yin savored Yu Lingxi’s preference with an almost masochistic pleasure, and Yu Lingxi knew this little madman had deliberately eaten it.

She sighed helplessly, glared at him, and then walked away.

Ning Yin unhurriedly followed behind her, and after a while softly said: “I don’t agree with Young Lady’s view.”

“What?” Yu Lingxi stopped in her tracks, unable to react for a moment.

Ning Yin said casually: “Things one likes should be preserved forever. How could one bear to bury them in the dark ground to rot and breed maggots?”

Yu Lingxi was shocked by his twisted logic, recalling her fate in her previous life, and was speechless for a long while.

“If one cannot die with her, then her body should be frozen and hidden deep inside.”

Ning Yin clicked his tongue softly as if constructing an extremely beautiful idea, “Even after death, she should remain by one’s side, to be seen daily… isn’t that more beautiful?”

The wind came through the corridor, blowing away the dust of memory.

Yu Lingxi was as if struck by lightning, looking at him in disbelief.