“You’re naturally doing well, but what a pity for the Zheng family,” Princess Wenyu sighed. “Seventh Sister, don’t blame me for speaking harshly, but you really should find a master to change your fate. Otherwise, even if Father Emperor arranges another marriage for you, that person will also be cursed to death by you.”

Seeing her disparage her mistress like this, Ruyi couldn’t bear it and immediately said, “Young Master Zheng wasn’t cursed to death by the Princess!”

Princess Wenyu’s face darkened as she glared at her. “I’m speaking with Seventh Sister. When is it your turn to speak, you lowly maid? How ill-mannered!” Then she turned to Yunyi and said, “Seventh Sister, is this the kind of servant you’ve trained?”

Yunyi glanced at her coolly. “How I discipline my servants doesn’t seem to be your concern, Ninth Sister.” Without waiting for her to respond, she continued, “Very well, you’ve all seen what you came to see. Please leave.”

Princess Xin’an frowned. “Ninth Sister kindly reminded you out of goodwill. If you don’t want to listen, that’s fine, but why are you driving us away? Are we truly less important in your heart than a mere maid?”

Yunyi replied expressionlessly, “Whether it’s goodwill or deliberate mockery, we both know the truth. Please leave!”

Princess Wenyu’s round face fell as she huffed angrily, “Fourth Sister, since someone doesn’t appreciate our concern, let’s just go. Why should we stay here and suffer such treatment?”

Princess Xin’an advised, “Enough, we’re all sisters. Why get so angry? Don’t give outsiders something to laugh about.” As she spoke, she walked past Du Ruhui and approached Yunyi, whispering, “It seems my sister’s good fortune has come to an end.”

Meeting her gaze, Yunyi smiled gracefully and said slowly, “Ninth Sister just mentioned masters, which reminds me of something. I heard from Mother Empress that when I was born, she had a true master divine my fate. He said that in this life, I would enjoy wealth and honor without worry, gathering all the envied fortune of women under heaven. So Sister’s words are quite wrong!”

Her words made Princess Xin’an’s expression freeze momentarily before she smiled again. “Is that so? Then I’ll watch how my sister gathers all the envied fortune of women under heaven.” With that, she and Princess Wenyu swept their sleeves and departed together.

After they left, Yunyi let out a long breath, pressing her aching forehead. Ruyi brewed a fresh cup of tea for her, saying, “Finally got rid of those two. They’re truly infuriating.”

“Enough, let’s not talk about this anymore.” Yunyi waved her hand and asked Du Ruhui, “What were you about to say earlier?”

Du Ruhui thought for a moment before recalling his interrupted words. “Brother Zheng was not someone without restraint. Perhaps there’s some inside story.”

Yunyi sighed. “Since he’s no longer here, there’s no point discussing this further. I cannot leave the palace, so you must go burn incense for him on my behalf.”

“I will,” Du Ruhui agreed. After his promise, Yunyi suddenly asked, “Are many people now saying that I cursed Zheng Yang to death?”

Du Ruhui’s expression stiffened as he lowered his head. “Such baseless rumors need not concern Your Highness.”

Facing his words, Yunyi simply said, “Answer me.”

Du Ruhui remained silent for a moment, then reluctantly replied, “Yes, many people in the city are spreading such talk. The common folk spread rumors without basis. Your Highness, you…”

Yunyi interrupted him. “I understand. You may go.”

Du Ruhui said with concern, “Your Highness…”

Yunyi smiled slightly. “I’m fine. You didn’t sleep all night yesterday and must be tired. Go back quickly, and don’t forget to burn incense for me at the Zheng residence.”

Seeing her say this, Du Ruhui had no choice but to withdraw from Changsheng Hall. Upon leaving Ziwei Palace, he saw Cuiji standing beside the carriage. Seeing him emerge, Cuiji hurried over and asked, “How is it? Is the Princess alright?”

Du Ruhui smiled bitterly. “She’s managing, I suppose.”

Cuiji’s expression darkened. “So the Princess isn’t doing well?”

Du Ruhui sighed. “After such a major incident, how could she be well? Moreover… the Princess already knows about the rumors in the city.”

Cuiji’s face changed abruptly as he asked urgently, “You mean the rumors about the Princess cursing Brother Zheng to death?” After Du Ruhui nodded, he became both angry and anxious. “Brother Du, you… how could you be so confused? How could you tell the Princess about this?”

“What are you thinking? How could I tell the Princess such a thing? It was Princess Xin’an and the others.” Du Ruhui recounted how Princess Xin’an and her companion had mocked and ridiculed Yunyi.

Cuiji said in disbelief, “But they’re blood sisters! How could they do such a thing? It’s truly outrageous!”

Du Ruhui shook his head bitterly, then asked, “How are things at the Zheng residence?”

“Brother Zheng has been placed in his coffin. Brother Pei is there helping out. I waited here to ask about the Princess’s condition, and also to call you to burn incense for Brother Zheng together.”

Du Ruhui nodded. “Let’s go.”

Throughout the vast Du residence, white mourning banners could be seen fluttering in the air. The atmosphere was filled with the scent of incense and candles. Continuous wailing came from the main hall, where Zheng’s mother, supported by maids, repeatedly called out “My son, come back” and “My son, come back,” causing anyone who heard it to feel sorrow.

Pei Qiancheng was instructing the servants when he saw them arrive. “Hurry inside and burn incense for Brother Zheng, then come help out.”

“Very well.” The two men agreed and entered to burn incense for the deceased Zheng Yang. Du Ruhui burned incense twice, and after the second time, he said to Zheng’s father, who was suppressing his grief, “The Princess has learned of Brother Zheng’s passing and is also deeply saddened. Due to her position, she cannot leave the palace to personally burn incense for Brother Zheng, so she asked me to do so on her behalf.”

Zheng’s father wiped the tears from his eyes and said hoarsely, “The Princess is thoughtful. It’s unfortunate that Sanlang had no such fortune to marry the Princess. He has failed her.”

Cuiji comforted him, “Uncle, please accept our condolences. I’m sure Brother Zheng’s spirit in heaven would not want to see you and Aunt so heartbroken.”

Zheng’s father nodded and was about to speak when a servant hurried in, saying, “Master, the Grand Dowager says she hasn’t seen Third Young Master for several days and misses him terribly. She insists on coming to see Third Young Master. We couldn’t stop her no matter what, and she’s already heading this way. Please go see her quickly.”

Upon hearing this, Zheng’s father hurriedly left with the servant. Seeing this scene, Cuiji asked Pei Qiancheng, who had just entered, “Doesn’t the Grand Dowager know about Brother Zheng’s death yet?” The Grand Dowager they spoke of was Zheng Yang’s grandmother.

Pei Qiancheng replied with a bitter expression, “No, the Grand Dowager is already eighty years old. Since New Year’s, her health hasn’t been good. She usually doted on Brother Zheng the most, so Uncle Zheng has been afraid she couldn’t handle the shock and has kept it from her.”

Both men sighed deeply. Not to mention the old lady—even they had difficulty accepting the sudden news of Zheng Yang’s death, still hoping it was all just a dream.

For the next several days, they continued helping at the Zheng residence. On the day of Zheng Yang’s burial, the old dowager finally learned of her beloved grandson’s death. The shock was too great for her, and she immediately collapsed, weeping constantly. No amount of consolation could help her.