You can come home whenever you wish.

Jun Prince’s Residence, Serene Study

Since returning from the imperial palace, Zhao Chengxian had been sitting quietly in the Serene Study. Hui Yue’er assumed the Emperor had assigned him some new task—perhaps another entertaining spectacle was about to unfold. She never imagined this matter would concern herself.

Gazing at the excited expression on Hui Yue’er’s face, Zhao Chengxian finally asked, “Do you want to go home?” He thought to himself that as long as he could grant Yue’er a few days of freedom, he should. Once the imperial edict arrived, her liberty would be lost forever. Thus, he had resolved to let Hui Yue’er go.

Yue’er’s excitement only grew. She seized Zhao Chengxian’s arm, exclaiming, “Are you truly going to let me return home? Is it real? You won’t cause trouble for the Hui Escort Agency, will you?” Her barrage of questions made her exhilaration plain. Yet, how long could this happiness last? Perhaps in a day or two, Xuanyuan Ren would decree her a princess, stripping away her joy entirely. Sometimes, to be loved by a powerful man is a sorrow; but to be loved by the most powerful of all—what kind of sorrow must that be?

Zhao Chengxian smiled faintly, gazing into her eyes as he nodded. “Yes, you may return home whenever you wish.” Only now did he understand why he had made Hui Yue’er his maid. It was not out of hatred for her brother, but rather to curb her spirit. He had not realized that such selfishness would harm her so. If he had never brought her to the prince’s residence, Xuanyuan Ren would never have encountered her again, nor would she have been summoned to the palace. He was the cause of her lost freedom.

Though the prospect of returning home thrilled Yue’er, she also felt a faint, inexplicable reluctance deep in her heart. Nevertheless, she asked Zhao Chengxian happily, “Does this mean my brother and the Princess will be back soon?” Zhao Chengxian shook his head in silence. Yue’er eyed him curiously and said, “Did you have a sudden attack of kindness? Well, whatever your reasons, I’m grateful you’re letting me go. I’ll pack my things right away. May Qiqi come to stay with me for a few days?” Regaining her freedom delighted Yue’er, though she would have been happier if her brother and the Princess were back as well.

Zhao Chengxian could not bear to tell her the truth. How could he explain to this little bird, newly released from its cage, that she was about to be confined in an even more formidable, unyielding prison? He nodded. “Yes, Qiqi may go with you. You’d best settle matters at the escort agency quickly, and find a new chief escort.” Yue’er didn’t understand—why seek a new chief escort when she was returning home? Zhao Chengxian pondered, then explained, “You’re a young woman, and will marry one day. If you don’t find a successor soon, you’ll be too old to marry. I’m reminding you as a friend!” He hoped she’d have no regrets, and that by arranging things at the agency now, she could enter the palace with peace of mind. Smiling to himself, Zhao Chengxian realized his feelings for Hui Yue’er had long since surpassed the boundaries of friendship, though he had never noticed.

Yue’er replied disdainfully, “That’s nothing you need to worry about, Your Highness. I have no plans to marry anytime soon!” Some things cannot be predicted; it is the unexpected that shapes a life. Smiling at Zhao Chengxian, she added, “Since you consider me a friend, you’re always welcome to visit the Hui Escort Agency!” She could never have imagined that, three days later, she would return to the Jun Prince’s Residence under a new identity—and even the Old Princess would have to show her respect.

Yue’er and Qiqi walked out of the residence. Yue’er glanced back at the plaque above the gate, her heart a tangle of emotions. She had lived here for several months; while the memories were not entirely pleasant, at least she had gained a friend and a little sister. This journey to the Jun Prince’s Residence had been worthwhile. She exchanged a smile with Qiqi at her side, then continued on toward home.

Only after Hui Yue’er left did Zhao Chengxian realize he could not forget her. He suddenly understood that every smile and gesture of Yue’er’s had been etched into his heart. Otherwise, why would he have opposed Xuanyuan Ren? Why would he feel so desolate now that she was gone? It is only after losing someone that one truly understands her place in the heart.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, those not quite young and not quite old—shower me with your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Show no mercy! Let the storm be even fiercer!