It wasn’t until evening that Zhao Hanzhang brought Zhao Erlang to the Fu residence entrance. Fu Zhi had been waiting at the gate early. As soon as she knelt, he stepped forward to support her, sighing: “It’s been difficult for you two children.”

He took a strip of hemp cloth and tied it around his arm, sighing quietly: “Go back now. Today His Majesty has already issued an edict for a grand funeral for your grandfather. The Ministry of Rites has also sent people to assist with the funeral arrangements. Whatever you need, just ask.”

Hearing this, Zhao Hanzhang understood that matters had progressed as Zhao Changyu had hoped—the Zhao family was safe.

She exhaled deeply and bowed deeply to Fu Zhi. “Thank you, Grandfather Fu.”

Fu Zhi looked toward Fu Tinghan. “See Sanniang and Erlang home. As the grandson-in-law, you should also observe filial duties at the Zhao residence. No need to rush back.”

Fu Tinghan acknowledged and stepped forward to support the pale-faced Zhao Hanzhang. She had walked all day, knelt all day, and gone hungry all day—no matter how strong her constitution, she couldn’t withstand this.

“Let’s take a carriage back.”

“Take my carriage, take my carriage,” Wang Siniang ran up from behind, pointing to her ox cart. “Take mine—it’s smooth.”

Zhao Hanzhang thanked her and, supporting herself on Fu Tinghan’s hand, boarded the cart. Zhao Erlang followed in a daze, still feeling as if he were in a dream.

He couldn’t help leaning close to his sister, whispering: “Sister, won’t we wake up when dawn comes?”

Zhao Hanzhang reached out to stroke his head. “Dawn has already come and gone for a full day. This isn’t a dream.”

Zhao Erlang’s body stiffened. “Then Grandfather…”

Zhao Hanzhang said: “Grandfather has gone to reunite with Father.”

She pointed to stars that had appeared at some point in the sky. “See? They’ve become stars watching over us from heaven.”

Zhao Erlang craned his neck to look at the sky, saying dully: “The stars are so far apart from each other. Can Grandfather and Father sit together to eat?”

“They can,” Zhao Hanzhang said. “The sky isn’t dark enough yet, so we can only see a few stars. When it gets darker, look up again—the sky will be full of stars densely clustered together. Those close together are family. Never mind eating together, they can even sleep together.”

Hearing this, Zhao Erlang relaxed completely. “Then Grandfather won’t be lonely. When I die, I’ll go find Grandfather too. I want to eat with him, ride horses with him, and have him praise me. I’ve been very obedient to Mother lately, and I’ve learned two more characters…”

Zhao Hanzhang listened quietly, pulled him into her embrace, and gently patted his back. “Yes, Erlang has been very good lately.”

Wang Siniang listened with tears welling up, unable to help complaining to her brother: “Prince Donghai is too evil. Everyone knows that letter was forged, yet he didn’t even investigate before…”

“Watch your words,” Wang Xuan reprimanded in a low voice. “Speak carelessly again and I’ll confine you to the residence.”

Wang Siniang pouted aggrievedly but obediently closed her mouth.

The Wang siblings escorted the Zhao siblings back to the Zhao residence gate. The young men following behind also stopped.

Zhao Hanzhang held Zhao Erlang’s hand and stood still, bowing deeply to these young men who had accompanied them all day.

The young men all returned the courtesy.

Zhao Hanzhang looked toward Wang Xuan and Wang Siniang, saying softly: “Thank you.”

Wang Xuan sighed. “Master Zhao demonstrated great righteousness. We who benefited from it are ashamed.”

Fu Tinghan also bowed to everyone. “Thank you all for your help today.”

One young man cupped his hands. “Young Master Fu, remember it in your heart—repay us with a cup of wine another day.”

The Zhao residence gate was already hung with white cloth and white banners. Even the lanterns had been changed to white.

A servant saw Zhao Hanzhang and Zhao Erlang returning and immediately came forward. “Sanniang, Erlang, the mourning hall has been set up. The whole family is there keeping vigil and mourning.”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded slightly. “We’ll go there now.”

The servant looked at Fu Tinghan with difficulty. “Young Master Fu…”

Zhao Hanzhang glanced at him. “He will also remain here tonight to keep vigil for Grandfather. Where is Chengbo?”

The servant hurried to reply: “Chengbo is at the mourning hall.”

Zhao Hanzhang then pulled Fu Tinghan and Zhao Erlang toward the mourning hall.

The mourning hall had been set up. Zhao Changyu had already been placed in the coffin, though it hadn’t been sealed yet.

Zhao Ji was leading the family in mourning. Wang Shi, seeing the siblings return, felt her anxious and uneasy heart immediately settle. She rushed forward to embrace Zhao Hanzhang and look her over. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

Zhao Hanzhang reassured her. “No, today was very peaceful.”

Wang Shi wiped the tears from her face and pulled them before the memorial. “Quickly offer incense to your grandfather.”

Only after the siblings finished offering incense did Zhao Ji step forward anxiously. “How is the situation outside?”

Zhao Hanzhang: “The crisis facing the Zhao family has been resolved. Uncle should have already received His Majesty’s edict, yes?”

Zhao Ji exhaled. “Yes, though Prince Donghai withdrew his troops, I was still uneasy. Is the situation outside acceptable?”

Zhao Hanzhang hummed in acknowledgment. “Today, thanks to Wang Meizi and Wang Siniang, many outstanding young people accompanied and protected us. I believe from today on, whether Prince Donghai or the Emperor, they’ll have to think twice before moving against the Zhao family.”

Zhao Ji was surprised. “Wang Xuan? Our family doesn’t have much connection with Wang Yan, do we?”

Indeed. Your mode of address makes that clear. In current society, when people have respect and goodwill toward someone, they prefer to use their courtesy name directly. Wang Xuan’s courtesy name was Meizi. Whether Zhao Hanzhang or the original Zhao Sanniang, when addressing him, they either called him Wang Dalang or Wang Meizi.

However, the Zhao and Wang families did indeed have only ordinary relations. Zhao Hanzhang didn’t mind either. After looking around, she asked: “Where is Uncle Shuzu?”

Zhao Ji replied: “There are many matters to handle for the funeral. Father is discussing them with Chengbo. You’ve been exhausted all day—go rest first. This is the first night; you and Erlang still need to keep vigil tonight.”

Seeing Fu Tinghan standing not far away, he pondered for a moment. “Changming…”

“I’ll have someone prepare a guest room for him. He has a filial heart and isn’t an outsider. He’s already decided to keep vigil with us tonight.”

Even Zhao Ji, who had never particularly favored this match, couldn’t help feeling goodwill toward Fu Tinghan. Who wouldn’t appreciate a son-in-law who was filial, proper, and caring—even if it was a nephew’s son-in-law?

Zhao Ji said warmly: “He’s accompanied you in running about all day too. Go rest and eat first.”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded in agreement, also taking Wang Shi, whose eyes were swollen red from crying.

The family of four ate in Qingyi Pavilion.

She had been hungry all day but now had no appetite, so she sat staring at the food on the table.

Fu Tinghan noticed and turned to a servant. “Go serve a bowl of plain congee.”

He placed the congee before Zhao Hanzhang, gently urging: “Eat the congee at least—let your stomach feel better.”

Zhao Hanzhang accepted it. After eating two bites, she told Qinggu: “Send someone to wait at Uncle Shuzu’s place. When Chengbo comes out, invite him here.”

Qinggu acknowledged.

Zhao Hanzhang asked: “Did Mr. Ji and Zhao Ju not come today?”