The scene shifts to the sound of cicadas outside. The scorching sun blazes, the ground like a steam basket, making it hard for people to breathe.

Inside the house, an ice basin is placed; she wears a thin shirt. She’s packing her luggage.

"Whenever father went on a long journey, mother would always prepare clothes, dried food, travel expenses..., all sorts of small things added up to quite a lot."

"I know your subordinates are reliable and will prepare everything for your trip, but I still have to do my part."

"I’m not skilled at needlework, can’t make clothes, but I made socks for you. They’re for wearing inside, and it doesn’t matter if they’re ugly. Every stitch is filled with my regard."

Her tone is gentle and soft.

"This package contains jerky bought from a shop outside."

"This is a peace charm, given to me by a Daoist I met on the road some days ago. He claimed it was fated to be with me."

Once everything was packed, she looked at the man behind her: "So, do I care enough for you?"

Wei Zhao stared at her steadily.

His voice was a bit hoarse, but he was burdened with too much, destined to do what needed to be done.

"Rong Di and Tan Jiang are left to you."

"I’ve also stationed people nearby, making it safe enough here. Just in case, there’s a mechanism in the yard that Rong Di will activate once I’ve gone. There’s also a secret passage beneath the bed in our room."

"In the coming days, it might not be peaceful outside. It’s best not to go out unless necessary. Whatever you need, just ask, and they’ll bring it to you."

"Wait for me to come home."

She didn’t ask him how long she’d have to wait.

Her heart was uneasy, her hand tightly clenched in her sleeve.

Previously, Wei Zhao had been out for work, but this time it was clearly different.

She was very discreet.

Never asking too much.

Wei Zhao, on the other hand, never hid anything from her.

But she was willing to be entangled with this person, to give herself to him, yet didn’t dare to open her heart to him.

She was actually very timid.

Especially when it came to feelings.

Falling while being keenly aware that Wei Zhao wouldn’t be confined to the small world of Ze County like her.

He was an eagle, destined to soar in the sky sooner or later.

"Okay."

Wei Zhao was about to say something more when the voice of Xiao Huaian urging came from outside.

If they delayed any longer, traveling would be inconvenient.

Yu Tingwan picked up the luggage, escorting him out the door. Wanting to give some last advice, yet it all seemed stuck in her throat.

Wei Zhao bent down in front of her, hanging a beautiful string of rubies on her waist.

Only then did he mount the horse.

Her heart ached, her eyes unwillingly reddened, she was about to tiptoe to hand over the luggage.

Unexpectedly, Wei Zhao bent down, lifted her chin, and kissed her.

The kiss was not heavy, yet it carried a sense of comfort.

"Don’t shed tears like gold beans now."

He coaxed softly: "I promise to return safe and sound."

"I’ll be fine, and so will Yaoyao, alright?"

Yu Tingwan nodded heavily with a nasal voice.

The luggage reached Wei Zhao’s hands. No matter how reluctant, he had to leave.

The sound of hooves gradually faded, leaving the dust they stirred on the ground, taking away the man who thought of her fondly since her parents were gone.

His figure became smaller and smaller.

Finally disappearing at the corner.

"Madam."

Tan Jiang whispered beside her: "It’s hot outside, shall we go back in?"

Yu Tingwan seemed not to hear.

Inexplicably.

Panic swelled within her chest, belatedly felt.

This odd, absurd emotion came too quickly, almost suffocating her.

She instinctively chased forward, the rubies at her waist clashing, emitting a clear sound. But reaching the corner, there was no one in sight.

————

The steamy heat filled the room, at just the right temperature, yet seemingly able to moisten her eyes. The emotions of the person in the image surged across ages, affecting her.

Yu Tingwan uneasily pressed her chest.

The Yaoyao of her past life didn’t know what it was.

But she knew it might be the last farewell.

There would be no future for the two of them.

She drowned, and what about Wei Zhao?

Did he also meet with misfortune?

While in the compartment, Wei Zhao had gone out, returning with a red lacquer tray decorated with carnelian flowers in his hands.

On the tray were fruits and snacks, all peeled and cut.

Wei Zhao placed them on the stone table, glancing toward the compartment before opening a letter from Ying Fuyan.

He skimmed through it with a cold indifference.

The beginning was a heap of nonsense, asking for money.

Even with a sucker like Ying Yin, he still tried to snatch more from him.

Wei Zhao completely ignored it.

He read on.

It was all business.

For example, Minister Yang, who had returned from mourning, making sweeping changes in the Six Ministries upon his return.

Occupying this position again after a three-year mourning period and not being replaced, one is capable, and two... he is the Dog Emperor’s man.

Wei Zhao continued reading.

He raised his eyebrow.

Yu Tingwan calmed her emotion, removing the jewelry from her hair and earrings.

The dark hair hung to her waist, once tidied, she emerged.

She was no longer the still burdened Yaoyao of her past life. Without much hesitation, she walked over and picked up a piece of melon.

"Anything good?"

Wei Zhao: "Hmm."

"There’s a banquet to attend."

Yu Tingwan perked up: "For the living or the dead?"

Wei Zhao: ...

"Ying Cheng is going to marry."

Yu Tingwan thought for a moment.

Oh, the Fourth Prince, who never caught the Emperor’s attention.

"Who is he marrying?"

"The young lady from Minister Yang’s Mansion. Soon, a marriage edict will be sent to the Yang family."

Yu Tingwan was unfamiliar with the Yang family.

However, the office of the Chief of Staff is not low.

The Fifth Prince Consort’s family is the daughter of the century-old noble Chang Yibo, and the Second Prince Consort Yao Ru is the daughter of the Minister of the Ministry of Justice.

The Chief of Staff oversees the Six Ministries.

In terms of noble status, he stands on equal footing with Chang Yibo. As for the office, he overshadows the Minister of the Ministry of Justice.

Yu Tingwan puzzled.

"Is the Holy Emperor intentionally promoting the Fourth Prince?"

Wei Zhao: "Not just the Fourth Prince."

Wei Zhao’s tone was unhurried: "He’s also been quite nice to that cripple lately."

The cripple...

The Second Prince Ying Zhi.

The Fourth Prince’s family was humble, but with Minister Yang as a father-in-law, they cannot be underestimated.

The Dog Emperor is well-versed in power plays and won’t allow Ying Yin’s forces to expand excessively and threaten him. The Second Prince together with the Fourth Prince create a balancing force.

Regarding court matters, Wei Zhao wouldn’t tell Yu Tingwan everything.

After all, it’s dry and tedious.

However...

Wei Zhao: "Elder Cao privately met with Ying Yin."

Yu Tingwan sat by the pool, removing her shoes and socks, her snow-white toes lightly touching the water’s surface.

She turned her head at his words: "He wants to join the Fifth Prince?"

"Hmm."

"Ying Yin values capable people."

Who wouldn’t want to strengthen their team?

Wei Zhao put down the letter, removed his outer robe to avoid it getting soaked, and inconvenient to move, wading into the water towards her.

He directly entered the water.

"But that fool sent Ying Fuyan to gauge Cao Qian’s capabilities."

Yu Tingwan: ...

Wei Zhao: "Ying Fuyan did test him."

Wei Zhao smiled: "He feels Cao Qian is quite good."

"Sooner or later, he’ll be recruited."

Yu Tingwan: ...

Having Ying Fuyan is truly Ying Yin’s good fortune.

On one hand asking for Ying Yin’s money, on the other seeking talented people under him.