On the stage, a lively performance of “The Jade Hairpin” was underway. As Lady Wei turned her head to discuss the lyrics with others, Song Mama hurriedly approached from the stage’s passageway, whispering urgently into her ear with a grave expression.
Upon hearing Song Mama’s words, Lady Wei’s face immediately changed color. Despite the warm April weather, her hands began to sweat profusely. Quickly composing herself, she instructed her maid, “Tell the performers to stop and ask all the young ladies to return home. Say that I’m feeling unwell today and need to end the gathering early.”
Luo Yihui assumed something significant had happened in the household. As she stood up, she realized Yining had not yet returned. She called Songzhi over, but the maid knew nothing. Puzzled, Yihui hurried towards Jing’an Residence.
The stage had already been cleared, and the visiting young ladies had left. Zhao Mingzhu escorted Shen Jiarou out through the hanging flower gate. Upon returning, she noticed several stout matrons guarding the exterior of Jing’an Residence, with no one moving about inside. As she entered the second gate, she found Yining’s maids and servants kneeling outside. An eerie silence enveloped Jing’an Residence, causing Mingzhu to feel uneasy. She pulled aside one of the guards at the door and asked, “Where’s my great-grandmother?”
The matron bowed and replied, “The old madam is inside with the young miss.”
Mingzhu attempted to enter, but the matron blocked her way, shaking her head. “The old madam said no one is allowed in.”
Accustomed to moving freely within the Marquis of Ying’s residence, Mingzhu became irritated at being obstructed. She coldly retorted, “Who are you to stop me?”
Su Xi, who had hurriedly caught up, tugged at Mingzhu’s sleeve and whispered, “Miss Mingzhu, please don’t say anymore!”
Still annoyed, Mingzhu noticed the matron’s unwavering expression. Frustrated, she allowed Su Xi to pull her aside. Only then did she notice Su Xi’s pallid face. Su Xi spoke in a hushed tone, “You mentioned earlier that you gave directions to Young Master Shen, telling him where to find Miss Yining, didn’t you?”
“What’s wrong with that?” Mingzhu replied. “I did give him directions, but he wanted to find Luo Yining on his own.”
Su Xi grabbed Mingzhu’s hand, dragging her behind a cluster of bamboo. She continued, “Do you know what I just saw? Young Master Shen was kneeling in the main hall, with the young master of the house standing beside him, along with two of his attendants! Young Master Shen’s face was bruised, but the young master’s gaze remained cold as ice. The two attendants kept Young Master Shen pinned down. Miss Yining hasn’t been seen at all… nor has her scholar brother! I fear Young Master Shen may have done something improper to Miss Yining…”
Shocked, Mingzhu mumbled, “He… he did something improper, what does that have to do with me?” Suddenly, a thought struck her, and she tugged at Su Xi’s sleeve, asking, “If Luo Yining’s reputation is damaged, doesn’t that mean… she’ll have to marry him?”
Su Xi looked at Mingzhu, exasperated by her slow comprehension. “Think about it. If he’s forced to confess that you gave him directions, how can you escape blame? Moreover, do you think the Marquis would let Miss Yining marry Shen Yu? He’s more likely to break Shen Yu’s legs on the spot! You need to come up with an explanation quickly. The old madam will surely summon you for questioning soon. This isn’t like other times; even if the old madam wants to protect you, she won’t be able to. At best, you’ll be punished; at worst, you could be expelled from the Marquis’s residence. You must think of something quickly!”
Upon hearing Su Xi’s words, Mingzhu’s heart tightened as she finally grasped the gravity of the situation.
Earlier, she had given Shen Yu directions merely as a casual gesture. While she disliked Luo Yining and hoped she would simply marry Shen Yu to remove herself as a rival, Mingzhu, despite her boldness, would never intentionally arrange for Shen Yu to take advantage of Luo Yining. Even in her lack of wisdom, she knew that if Luo Yining suffered any harm, Mingzhu’s position in the Marquis’s household would be untenable. How could she have anticipated Shen Yu would act so recklessly?
If Luo Yining truly suffered because of Shen Yu… No, Luo Yining hadn’t appeared at all, which meant Shen Yu must have gotten close to her… Wei Ling would surely not let her off easily!
Mingzhu felt her legs weaken and her heart race, overcome by a sense of impending doom. She mumbled an explanation, “But I only gave him directions… He’s the one who did it, it has nothing to do with me.”
Su Xi sighed, “What use is telling me this? Do you think the Marquis will listen to such excuses?”
Mingzhu opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and footsteps approached.
Mingzhu instinctively gripped Su Xi’s hand tightly.
A matron rounded the bamboo grove, approached Mingzhu, and bowed, saying, “Miss Mingzhu, the old madam requests your presence. She has some questions for you.”
In the west side room, Yining curled up in Luo Shenyan’s embrace. She still felt nauseous and weak, likely due to her cold worsening from the previous night. However, inhaling her third brother’s familiar scent gradually calmed her.
Nearby, Luo Yihui watched silently. Luo Shenyan was now a court official, and Yining was no longer a child. Their proximity seemed inappropriate. Yet, remembering Yining’s pale, lifeless face when she was carried back earlier, Yihui felt a pang in her heart. Yining had always relied on Luo Shenyan since childhood; letting her brother hold her for a while seemed harmless.
Yihui stood up and bowed to Lady Wei, saying, “Although I am the wife of the heir of the Marquis of Dingbei and shouldn’t interfere in the Marquis of Ying’s affairs, I am still Meimei’s sister and have watched her grow up. If you’re going to question Miss Mingzhu, I’d like to listen as well. Would you allow it, Old Madam?”
When Lady Wei learned from Cheng Lang that Zhao Mingzhu had given Shen Yu directions, she felt a chill run through her. She had always thought Mingzhu was pure-hearted, never imagining she would harbor ill intentions towards Yining. To cause such a disaster – this time, there would be no escape! Seeing her granddaughter lying weakly on the couch, Lady Wei could barely bear to look.
Luo Yihui’s words clearly showed her intent to protect Yining as well.
Lady Wei took a deep breath and said, “Come with me. I must deal with that beast Shen Yu properly!”
Luo Shenyan tried to put down the little girl but found her still clutching his sleeve, unwilling to let go. He remembered when she was small, burning with fever during her studies, clutching his sleeve, and refusing to let him leave.
It seemed that for her, this was the safest place to be.
He sighed, allowing her to hold onto his sleeve. Looking up at Lady Wei, he said, “Old Madam, please don’t make any hasty decisions. This matter concerns Yining’s reputation; it’s best to wait for the Marquis to return and discuss it. To prevent word from reaching the Zhongqin Count’s household, you should send someone to inform them first.” He paused, then added, “It would be best to invite the Zhongqin Count here, but without revealing the reason.”
At this point, the situation was beyond what the women could resolve. The Countess of Zhongqin had intended to propose a marriage between Yining and her son. If she learned what her son had done, she might seize the opportunity to demand Yining’s hand in marriage, escalating the situation. Lady Wei’s gentle nature might not be able to handle her. The Count of Zhongqin, however, was different – Wei Ling could certainly keep him in check.
Lady Wei, hearing this, hesitated briefly before immediately sending someone to fetch the Count of Zhongqin.
The Marquis of Ying’s residence was now under strict guard, with servants forbidden from moving about freely. Cheng Lang had not only restrained Shen Yu but also detained all the maids and servants involved. By the time everything was settled, it was nearly evening. Upon receiving the message, Wei Ling rushed back immediately.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of Jing’an Residence. Wei Ling’s face was dark with anger as he strode into Jing’an’s Residence with several of his guards. After inquiring about Yining’s whereabouts, he immediately entered the west side room.
Wei Ling had already learned of the incident from the messenger. Now, he was consumed by rage.
To think that someone had almost taken advantage of his daughter in the noble house of the Marquis of Ying! That bastard Shen Yu! He still wanted to be the heir? Wei Ling would ensure he never had the chance!
In the west side room, candles had just been lit. Yining had not yet fully recovered.
Wei Ling entered, pulling aside the curtain to see his daughter lying on the bed. Her usually delicate and pretty face seemed lifeless, her fine lips devoid of color. Suppressing his emotions, he lifted the blanket covering her neck, revealing clear red marks. Wei Ling’s fist clenched tightly around the blanket.
Zhenzhu knelt beside Yining’s bed, crying uncontrollably. She had only been gone for less than half an hour when this happened – it was truly her negligence. For such an incident to occur under her watch, she would accept even death at Wei Ling’s hands without complaint! At the time, she had thought Yining wouldn’t wake so soon, and being within the residence, nothing would happen… She had feared the other servants might be too rough in selecting lotus buds…
Her lips trembling, she sobbed quietly, “Marquis, please punish this slave. I have no face to serve the young miss anymore…”
Wei Ling closed his eyes briefly, his voice icy, “I don’t want to hear about your negligence now. Withdraw and kneel outside.”
Zhenzhu kowtowed, then stood and went to kneel outside the door. As Yining’s head maid, she had always been one of the most respected in the household. Now, kneeling like this, she felt no shame – her entire being was consumed by fear and guilt, oblivious to how the other servants might view her.
Yining, hearing voices, slowly opened her eyes. Her head still throbbed painfully, almost to the point of nausea. Seeing Wei Ling sitting before her without speaking, she grasped his large hand, her voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz, “Father…”
Wei Ling clasped her hand in return, “Meimei, are you feeling better?”
“I was so scared earlier…” Yining murmured. Her head had been pounding, and then Shen Yu had tried to take advantage of her. She felt both angry and terrified. If she had truly lost her virtue because of this, she might have had no choice but to marry him! But a man who would use such tactics to trap a woman could hardly be a good person! If her third brother hadn’t arrived in time, she would have been truly helpless…
“Don’t be afraid anymore, everything’s alright now.” Wei Ling leaned down to kiss the girl’s forehead, drawing her into his embrace. She was his only daughter, precious beyond measure. The thought that such a thing had happened made him want to tear Shen Yu to pieces.
Now that he was back, he would naturally protect Yining. Anyone who had harmed her in the slightest would not be spared!
In this household of the Marquis of Ying, his will would be done!
Yining took a deep breath, looking up at her father’s deep, handsome face. He had always had a somewhat fierce countenance, now even more terrifying in his anger. She spoke slowly, “It’s not Zhenzhu’s fault… I sent her to gather lotus buds…” Zhenzhu was her headmaid; she couldn’t lose her life over a momentary lapse.
Wei Ling had already decided not to keep Zhenzhu, but he comforted Yining again with a kiss on her forehead, his voice softening, “Alright, I understand. Sleep now, everything will be fine with Father here.”
His guards were already stationed outside, with Qingqu and others inside the room.
Yining, still uneasy, tried to sit up and look around. Wei Ling gently pressed her shoulder, saying, “Don’t get up.” He instructed Qingqu to bring the prepared medicine for her to drink.
Feeling heavy-headed and weak, with her cold worsening and nausea threatening to return at any movement, Yining had no choice but to lie back down.
Only then did Wei Ling exit the room.
Luo Shenyan stood outside, gazing at the Marquis of Ying’s residence. The night was too deep, the lanterns under the eaves only illuminating half of his profile, his expression indiscernible in the dim light. Seeing Wei Ling emerge, he stepped forward and said, “…The Count of Zhongqin will be arriving soon.”
Wei Ling looked up, and Luo Shenyan continued, “We didn’t tell him what happened, fearing he might use it to pressure Yining. You can directly use your military achievements to intimidate him when he arrives.”
With that, he withdrew. Wei Ling remained silent for a moment, finally understanding Luo Shenyan’s intentions. This young Luo Shenyan… despite his youth, his mind was truly intricate.
He walked towards the main hall.
Shen Yu knelt in the main hall.
Having been beaten by Luo Shenyan, he had sobered up considerably. In truth, he had been momentarily possessed by his desires earlier. He had always admired Yining, and being alone with her, he lost control. Now that the impulse had passed, he was filled with regret. Pinned down in the hall, he was utterly disheveled, his bruised forehead throbbing with pain.
Shen Yu saw Luo Shenyan enter, recognizing him as the newly crowned top scholar. He appeared calmer now, though his earlier blows had been far from gentle. His fists were likely more than most could handle, certainly beyond what a pampered young master like Shen Yu was accustomed to.
Wei Ling followed, causing Shen Yu’s pupils to constrict reflexively.
Striding to the center of the hall, Wei Ling fixed Shen Yu with an icy, knife-edge gaze. Without a word, he drew a sword from a nearby guard and moved to strike Shen Yu!
Lady Wei cried out in alarm, rushing to stop her son: “You can’t kill him!”
Terrified, Shen Yu scrambled to dodge. Wei Ling’s battlefield-honed skills left him no chance to resist if the intent was truly to kill.
The sword’s edge veered, merely destroying Shen Yu’s headdress and leaving his hair disheveled. The blade’s tip rested at his throat, leaving him trembling as if he’d just escaped death, cold sweat soaking his clothes. Wei Ling’s voice cut through the air: “If I wanted, I could kill you right now. I’ve killed hundreds – one more makes little difference.”
Before Shen Yu could respond, Wei Ling yanked him up, hissing, “What gave you the audacity to touch Yining?”
“I… I love her,” Shen Yu swallowed hard, regaining some composure. “I truly do, Lord Marquis. Why not… why not let me marry her?”
Were it not for fear of damaging Yining’s reputation, Wei Ling would have cut the bastard down on the spot.
“Marry her?” Wei Ling sneered. “Who do you think you are?”
Wei Ling’s battlefield-forged presence was overwhelming. Shen Yu couldn’t withstand it, noticing Cheng Lang and Luo Shenyan standing silently behind Wei Ling.
Recalling advice from his privileged peers about forcing compliance from unwilling women, Shen Yu mumbled, “I… I would treat her well, I beg you. I’ve wronged her, but I truly love her! She’s been… seen by me, she should marry…”
Before he could finish, Wei Ling’s fist connected. This time, Shen Yu crumpled, colliding with a small table. He curled up in agony, unable to stand, his face ashen with pain.
Wei Ling shook out his fist, asking his guard, “Has the Count of Zhongqin arrived?”
“Yes, he’s waiting in the East Garden study,” the guard quickly replied.
“Bring him here. Tell him I’ve crippled his son for him,” Wei Ling said, sipping tea. “Whether he recovers depends on his fate now.”
He continued, “Also inform him that if he dares speak of today’s events, I guarantee no one from the Zhongqin household will ever enter the military or inherit the title of Count.”
The guard inhaled sharply.
Wei Ling then turned to Lady Wei, saying, “Bring Zhao Mingzhu here. Since this originated with her… it’s time to settle it today.”
Seeing her son’s cold expression, Lady Wei said nothing this time, sending someone to summon Zhao Mingzhu.
Zhao Mingzhu was kneeling in punishment in the study, under Luo Yihui’s watch. When Wei Ling had returned and wanted to see her, she was filled with dread. Lady Wei had barely questioned her earlier; it was Luo Yining’s elder sister who had interrogated her, each question more forceful than the last as if everything was her fault.
She couldn’t go! Wei Ling would surely send her away from the Marquis’s household, back to that desolate home in Tongzhou. Always watching her gambling father, her weak mother, her useless brothers… Tears streamed down her face as she thought of this. With sudden strength, she pushed away the matron sent to escort her and ran towards the west side room.
She had to tell Luo Yining the truth! She couldn’t go back!
The matron chased after her, but Zhao Mingzhu pushed her aside. Wei Ling’s guards blocked the west side room’s entrance, preventing her entry. She cried out at the door, “Luo Yining, come out! This has nothing to do with me, it was all Shen Yu’s doing!”
Yining had awakened, a faint light passing through her eyes as she opened them.
She had heard from Luo Shenyan about what had transpired, including how Zhao Mingzhu had given Shen Yu directions, and even that Cheng Lang had initially planned not to intervene.
She also knew Wei Ling wouldn’t let Zhao Mingzhu off easily. Perhaps after hearing about these two incidents, her approach had changed, which was why she told Wei Ling she was afraid, fueling his anger further. Originally, she hadn’t planned to deal with Zhao Mingzhu, seeing no need and feeling some pity for her. But this wasn’t reason enough to let her off. Remembering the earlier scene, she couldn’t help but shudder.
If Shen Yu had succeeded, she might have had no choice but to marry him… or face death as her only alternative!
She reached out to Qingqu, saying, “Help me up. I’ll go see her.”
Qingqu frowned, muttering, “After what she did to you…” But she didn’t disobey, helping Yining to her feet.
The door opened, and Zhao Mingzhu saw Luo Yining standing there. Her face was as pale as snow, the lantern light casting an ethereal glow on her slender neck that seemed as if it might snap with the slightest pressure. Perhaps due to Shen Yu’s actions, she exuded a dangerous allure, the kind of beauty that might provoke desires to destroy or possess. Without protection, her life would be incredibly difficult. Her expression was colder than usual as she slowly approached Zhao Mingzhu and crouched down, asking softly, “Do you feel you’ve been wronged?”
Zhao Mingzhu took a deep breath and said quietly, “I did give him directions… but I truly didn’t know he would do such a thing!”
Before she could finish, Yining cut in with a cold laugh, “Didn’t you want me to marry Shen Yu? How convenient for you if I married into the Zhongqin household, leaving you free to stay here.” Having been schemed against and reborn, she understood the young girl’s mindset all too well. “Do you know what it feels like to nearly be raped?”
Tears still lingered in Zhao Mingzhu’s eyes as her lips quivered, “I… I didn’t like you before. But I didn’t do it on purpose…”
Suddenly, Yining began coughing violently, with Qingqu supporting her. The headache struck again, throbbing painfully, leaving her dizzy.
Wei Ling and his entourage arrived, seeing Yining barely able to stand at the door. Wei Ling immediately went to pick her up, carrying her inside and placing her on the couch.
Zhao Mingzhu was then called in.
Kneeling on the ground, she saw Wei Ling’s cold expression and couldn’t help but cry, “Uncle Wei, I didn’t mean to… How could I dare do such a thing!”
“The old madam raised you,” Wei Ling said, his heart aching at the sight of the vivid red marks on his daughter’s slender wrists. He continued, “I won’t make things difficult for you. Pack your things and leave tomorrow. You can no longer stay in the Marquis’s household.”
Hearing her greatest fear confirmed, Zhao Mingzhu cried and grabbed Wei Ling’s sleeve, “Uncle Wei! I’m heartbroken that Sister Yining was harmed… I’ll never dare do it again. From now on, whatever Sister Yining says goes!” She cried like a child, her usual arrogance completely gone. “Please don’t send me back, I don’t want to go back!”
Wei Ling, hardened by countless battles and deaths on the battlefield, was the most cold-hearted of men. Moreover, his daughter who had nearly met with disaster lay beside him. He didn’t move a muscle.
Seeing this, Zhao Mingzhu immediately stumbled to grab Lady Wei’s skirt. Lady Wei closed her eyes and turned away. Wiping her tears, Zhao Mingzhu said, “Great-grandmother, I know I’m not the Marquis’s biological child. But I grew up with you! When I first came here as a little girl, I was afraid to take fruit from the table, and you told me… that everything in this household was mine to take, no one would blame me.” She spoke between sobs, “When great-grandfather had just passed, you cried night after night. Afraid you’d hurt your eyes, I crawled into your bed to sleep, trying to cheer you up…”
Lady Wei remained silent, her hands trembling slightly.
Seemingly oblivious, Zhao Mingzhu continued choking back sobs, “Now you don’t want me anymore, you’re sending me back! But with my father the way he is, and our home in that state… what am I to do if I go back? How can you be so cruel? If you never wanted me, why did you bring me here in the first place…”
“That was always your home,” Wei Ling said coolly, “Not the Marquis’s household.”
“Wei Ling, stop,” Lady Wei finally couldn’t bear it anymore. Tears streamed down her wrinkled face, making her seem much older. She took a deep breath and said, “Mingzhu cannot leave.”
Wei Ling frowned, immediately standing up.
Lady Wei waved her hand, “Don’t be angry yet, hear me out.” She sat down and continued, “I raised Mingzhu, spoiling her. Whatever temperament she has, I’m responsible for it. She was so young when she came, crying and fussing to see her mother… but to keep her from going back, I indulged her. Now that she’s grown, she’s not a pet we can simply discard. If she goes back to that home, she’ll be ruined. She can’t go back.”
“Besides, this wasn’t intentional,” Lady Wei added. “Mingzhu couldn’t have imagined Shen Yu would do such a thing.”
Lady Wei turned to Yining, “Yining if I speak like this and keep Mingzhu here… will you resent me?”
Yining closed her eyes without speaking. She understood Lady Wei’s thoughts – the old lady had been lonely for so many years, with only Zhao Mingzhu by her side. Mingzhu’s earlier words had stirred guilt and pity in Lady Wei’s heart. Yining could understand Lady Wei’s feelings, but having experienced this herself… she couldn’t bring herself to sympathize with Zhao Mingzhu.
Hearing this, Zhao Mingzhu hugged Lady Wei’s legs, sobbing uncontrollably. She was truly terrified, trembling non-stop.
“Mother, Yining is your granddaughter,” Wei Ling said coolly.
Lady Wei knew it was impossible to get Wei Ling to forgive Zhao Mingzhu completely.
She said, “What happened to Yining, Mingzhu bears some responsibility. I won’t shield her.” Lady Wei continued, “I’ve discussed this with Yihui. From now on, there will only be one young miss in the entire household – Yining. Mingzhu will be just a cousin, staying here temporarily. All of Mingzhu’s expenses and treatment will reflect this change. She’ll move from Fangshan to live in my side room, under my direct supervision, without her courtyard. If she does anything untoward again, I’ll personally drive her out of the household, without you having to say a word.”
She glanced at Zhao Mingzhu and said, “Mingzhu, considering you’ve been with me since childhood, this is your last chance. Yining is my granddaughter after all… if you show her the slightest disrespect again, our relationship will be over. Do you understand?”
As long as she could stay, Zhao Mingzhu was willing to do anything!
Zhao Mingzhu looked toward Wei Ling. His face remained stern as he said coolly, “Ask Yining yourself.”
Zhao Mingzhu walked to Yining’s bedside, taking her hand and pleading, “Sister Yining… please let me stay. I don’t want to go back… I know I was wrong, I truly do!”
Yining opened her eyes, looking at Zhao Mingzhu. She suddenly remembered seeing her for the first time in Baoding, how proud and disdainful she had been. Now her hair was disheveled, her eyes swollen, clutching Yining’s hand like a lifeline. Yining sighed softly. In truth, this “pearl”… even if she stayed in the Marquis’s household, she would never be the same again. If Yining refused, Lady Wei wouldn’t say anything, but she would be unable to let go of Zhao Mingzhu…
She glanced at Luo Shenyan standing at the edge of the crowd, at Cheng Lang’s blurred face. She even saw Lady Wei’s somewhat pleading gaze… Slowly, she nodded.
Seeing Yining’s nod, Zhao Mingzhu’s body went limp, nearly collapsing.
As the lanterns began to dim, Shen Yu narrowly escaped being crippled by Wei Ling. The Count of Zhongqin came to retrieve his son, but seeing his miserable state, dared not utter a word. He left the Marquis’s household with his son in tow.
Luo Yihui felt sympathy for her sister but knew she couldn’t interfere too much in the Marquis’s affairs. After all, this was Yining’s home, not hers. However, seeing Yining’s agreement earlier brought her some relief. While Zhao Mingzhu played a role in the incident, she couldn’t be blamed entirely. Yining’s maid and Shen Yu were the true culprits. If they had been blamed unfairly, Lady Wei would never have been able to let go of Zhao Mingzhu. Yining’s forgiveness, allowed Zhao Mingzhu to remain in the household as a cousin – though only a word’s difference, the implications were vastly different.
After comforting Yining briefly, Luo Yihui prepared to leave. Her son Yugeer couldn’t be without her at night.
Exhausted from the ordeal and already seriously ill, Yining had no energy left to deal with others. She allowed Wei Ling to carry her back to the East Garden to rest. Wei Ling tended to her illness, only leaving in the middle of the night.
Mingzhu followed Lady Wei back to her quarters in Jing’an Residence.
Lady Wei walked quickly, staying a step ahead of Mingzhu.
As they reached the doorway, Zhao Mingzhu forced a smile and said to Lady Wei, “Great-grandmother, thank you so much for today…”
Before she could finish, Lady Wei turned and slapped her across the face.
In all her years, Zhao Mingzhu had never been struck by Lady Wei. This slap was particularly fierce! She stood there, hand on her cheek, lips trembling, unable to speak.
Lady Wei said, “That slap was for Yining.” She continued, “Whether you harbored ill intentions, you know best. If you ever transgress again, it won’t be just a slap. I protected you this time… think carefully about why.”
Zhao Mingzhu stood at the bottom of the steps, her body trembling slightly. Tears fell like broken strings of pearls.
Things would never be the same again.