Happened to discover it.

In the difficult days that followed, Chen Xianzhi often recalled that fireworks display—the one that involved only himself and Shi Xu.

After the fireworks, Chen Xianzhi returned to his study and carefully took out an ancient book, turning over each page with utmost caution.

Finally, on the page about summoning spirit talismans, he noticed a small line of text easily overlooked.

He sat there, stunned and somewhat incredulous.

It seemed that in Shi Xu’s lifespan, he only existed for a single year. For someone with such a long life as hers, how long could he possibly remain in her memory?

He sat for a long time, his hand still resting on the talisman page.

Suddenly, he felt a bit self-mocking at his own sentimentality. But no matter—so long as he was still by her side now, that was enough.

As the exams approached, the entire Hou residence grew tenser. The servants all dared not speak loudly, lest they disturb the young master's studies.

Chen Xianzhi, however, showed no sign of exam anxiety. He ate and drank as usual, carefree.

But Qi Jingyun could not tolerate this and insisted he stay in his room to review his lessons.

Meanwhile, Shi Xu’s days were leisurely indeed. Though Qi Jingyun did not know much about the young lady’s background, he had come to like her.

Miss Shi was gentle, polite, and exquisitely beautiful.

Qi Jingyun was somewhat superficial, initially attracted to Chen Yi’s outstanding looks, which was why he chose him among many young gentlemen despite his obscurity.

Now, seeing Shi Xu, his fondness for the young lady grew even stronger.

One day, the Imperial Noble Consort sent out invitations, summoning the ladies of various noble households to a flower-viewing banquet.

Not wanting Shi Xu to be bored staying in the residence, Qi Jingyun brought her along.

Shi Xu, with her cool and distinguished presence following behind Qi Jingyun, surprised the other ladies. When had the Qi household acquired such a striking young lady?

Once everyone was seated, the Imperial Noble Consort took her place at the head of the table. She was a woman of refined features, her voice carrying the gentle charm of Jiangnan’s waterside towns.

The Noble Consort’s gaze fell upon the unfamiliar young woman beside Lady Qi. Her smile was warm as she spoke.

“Lady Qi, I’ve never seen this young lady at your side before.”

Lady Qi rose and bowed in response.

“Your Highness, this is my distant niece from my family, named Shi Xu. She only recently arrived at our residence.”

“What a remarkable beauty. Lady Qi, you are truly fortunate. I feel quite a kinship with this young lady. Please do visit my chambers when you have the time,” the Noble Consort said with gentle warmth.

After Lady Qi thanked her and took her seat, the attendees noticed how favorably the Noble Consort regarded the distant niece of the Hou household.

The Third Prince had reached the age to take a consort, so this was likely no ordinary flower-viewing banquet.

Soon after the feast began, the Fifth Princess, Princess You’an, daughter of the Noble Consort, arrived.

At barely five years old, the little princess was lively but notoriously hard to please. She would cry and cause a fuss whenever displeased, especially after waking, when only her mother’s presence soothed her.

Today, for some reason, upon arrival, she made her way straight to Shi Xu, as if especially fond of her.

The Noble Consort was surprised. This was the first time her daughter had spontaneously approached anyone other than herself.

In a soft voice, the little princess said, “Pretty sister, let’s play.”

With a hint of apology, the Noble Consort asked, “Miss Shi, would you be willing to play with You’an?”

Shi Xu looked at the adorable, soft-spoken little princess. Her round eyes held nothing but eager anticipation.

She rose and said, “Yes, Your Highness.”

The little princess immediately tugged at Shi Xu’s sleeve and dashed out.

In the imperial garden, Shi Xu and the little girl played hide-and-seek. The princess’s skills at hiding and seeking were still quite poor.

Each time the princess giggled uncontrollably, Shi Xu found her utterly endearing.

Shi Xu hid behind the flowering bushes near the corridor, knowing the little princess would soon find her.

Ji Yun had just finished reporting the latest developments from the court to the emperor and was walking along the corridor when his gaze was suddenly drawn.

He approached and stood behind Shi Xu, calling softly, “Miss Shi.”

Shi Xu was momentarily stunned. Why was it not the little princess who found her? The man before her was unfamiliar.

Seeing her bewilderment, Ji Yun smiled and explained, “Miss Shi, we met at the last banquet.”

Shi Xu still seemed not to remember him. Just as the atmosphere grew awkward, the little princess came running over, her innocent laughter ringing out.

“Found you, Sister Shi!”

Seeing his little sister’s foolish grin, Ji Yun finally found the one person who resembled him.

You’an noticed the imperial brother standing before her elder sister. Pouting, she looked at the brother who only teased her, turned away, and hurriedly ran over, grasping Shi Xu’s finger.

She pulled Shi Xu away but was suddenly lifted off the ground in Ji Yun’s strong arms.

Startled to find herself airborne, You’an was about to cry but was silenced by a pair of long, strong hands covering her mouth, effectively preventing any outburst.

Resigned, You’an quietly settled in Ji Yun’s embrace.

Shi Xu, watching Ji Yun’s swift actions to lift and silence the little princess, and then seeing You’an calm down in his arms, could not help but smile.

Seeing the smile on Shi Xu’s face, Ji Yun’s eyes deepened with a resolute determination.