When Wen Wan’s carrier pigeon message arrived, the funerary procession was still on the way.

Song Wei had just finished his meal and was resting in the room, holding Qi Bao, who had cried herself to sleep. Seeing Wen Wan’s joy between the lines, Song Wei couldn’t help but smile.

At the end, when Wen Wan asked about the two children, Song Wei glanced at the tears hanging on Qi Bao’s eyelashes, then laid his daughter on a small couch and covered her with a fleece blanket, preparing to write back to Wen Wan.

At this moment, Song Yuanbao walked in, frowning, "Dad, Jinbao is not behaving either, always calling for mom. Should I write a letter to mom? Or better yet, go back and beg her? Jinbao and Qi Bao are still young, how can she be so heartless to leave them behind?"

Song Wei calmly tucked Wen Wan’s letter into his sleeve, his expression serene, "Even with a mother, they can’t be cared for their entire lives. They will have to get used to it someday."

Song Yuanbao sat down heavily, face full of frustration, "I still don’t understand the reason for your and mom’s separation. I was so busy those days that I couldn’t ask what happened between you two."

Despite what others said about Wen Wan being ungrateful and unfaithful, Song Yuanbao never believed a word of it. He had witnessed Wen Wan marry Song Wei herself; if she were truly superficial, given Wen Wan’s beauty, even if she couldn’t speak well back then, many wealthy men would have pursued her. Yet she resolutely married the infamous Song Family’s Third Son.

There must be a reason, a hidden story, but what was it? On this journey home, he contemplated until his head nearly burst, unable to figure it out.

Compared to Song Yuanbao’s impatience, Song Wei seemed completely unfazed, his demeanor indifferent as if he was not the one separated, "She grew up, has her own thoughts, I shouldn’t hold her back."

"Even if she grew up, it was you who raised her by hand."

Song Yuanbao knew he had spoken disrespectful words, but he didn’t retract them, truly angered.

Is Wen Wan thinking about flying solo now that her wings have grown strong?

Who raised her like a daughter back then, who patiently taught her to write, and who imparted wisdom on how to conduct oneself?

No matter the reason, she can’t disregard these things completely, right?

For Song Yuanbao’s anger, Song Wei had no intention of explaining, "Qi Bao is sleeping, don’t disturb her."

Song Yuanbao checked on his sister and returned to his room.

Ye Ling was still coaxing Jinbao.

The little one wasn’t crying, but was unhappy throughout the journey because he couldn’t see his mother, not speaking, pouting, refusing to interact with anyone.

Seeing Song Yuanbao enter, Ye Ling asked, "Did you go see dad?"

"Yes."

"How was it?"

"I still didn’t find out anything." Song Yuanbao sighed and shook his head, "To be honest, mom was really heartless, leaving two children just like that."

At this moment, Jinbao suddenly said, "Mom isn’t heartless. She’s protecting dad. Jinbao also wants to protect dad."

Song Yuanbao was stunned and then focused his gaze on the little one, "What are you saying?"

Jinbao lowered his head.

That day, when dad and mom were talking in the room, he and Qi Bao were sitting inside; he overheard a little, but didn’t quite understand. It seemed very confidential and important; he couldn’t betray mom.

"Jinbao, do you know something?" Song Yuanbao squinted suspiciously, trying to coax the little one into speaking the truth.

The little one shook his head vigorously, "Jinbao is hungry, Jinbao doesn’t know anything."

Song Yuanbao and Ye Ling exchanged a glance.

Ye Ling said, "Let it go, husband, things are the way they are. Don’t make it difficult for Jinbao, and stop asking dad, either. We’ll take care of Qi Bao along with the nanny, it’ll be fine."

Song Yuanbao deflated, reaching out to tap Jinbao’s little nose, "You snack on candies, but don’t eat proper meals. Just after mealtime, you’re already calling out that you’re hungry. Wait, I’ll get you something to eat."

...

Song Wei wrote back to Wen Wan and went to see Old Song.

These days, Old Song, upon seeing him, would only sigh.

He knew his Third Son had bad luck since childhood, but he hadn’t expected that the usually obedient daughter-in-law would leave Third Son at such a crucial moment.

He didn’t know what sin the Song family had committed in the past that this younger generation must endure so much suffering.

Song Erlang was also present, and he was just discussing with Old Song, saying Qi Bao was still young; she couldn’t do without a mother. They should quickly find a gentle, obedient woman to marry Third Son after the mourning is over and they return to Ningzhou, so someone can help out and Third Son won’t struggle alone with two kids.

The custom in Ningzhou is that one can remarry in the first year of mourning, but starting from the second year, one must observe mourning for three years.

This means that, at this time until the end of the year, Song Wei could remarry if he wishes, but once the year turns, he must observe mourning.

Old Song neither agreed nor disagreed.

"Third Son." Seeing Song Wei, Song Erlang greeted him warmly.

Song Erlang felt more sympathy for this younger brother.

He used to envy Song Wei for marrying a beautiful and gentle wife who was of noble royal blood, thinking he was incredibly lucky!

Later, when Wen Wan unceremoniously proposed a divorce at the memorial hall, Song Erlang was angry, but upon reflection, he felt sorry for his brother who had always had a hard time.

It was precisely out of pity that he felt Third Son couldn’t manage without someone by his side; after all, the road ahead was still long!

Song Wei responded indifferently, "Father, Second Brother."

Song Erlang said, "I was just discussing your future with Father."

Song Wei’s eyelid twitched, "What future?"

"Didn’t you divorce Third Sister-in-law?" Song Erlang said: "I noticed Qi Bao has been crying herself hoarse lately; once she gets older and understands that her birth mother left her birth father and brother, it will affect her, so I was thinking of finishing the mourning rituals and taking advantage of the mourning period to get you remarried."

Song Wei glanced at him, "Instead of finding me a new wife, Second Brother should sort out his own family matters first."

Song Erlang’s face reddened with frustration, "Third Son, how can you talk like that? I’m doing this for your good."

"I’m also thinking about what’s best for you, Second Brother." Song Wei’s tone was slow, "Song Qi is, after all, from your second household. Having committed such a huge mistake, morally and logically, your household owes an explanation to Father, the deceased mother, Jiaojiao, and even the Song Family. How to handle her is up to you as parents to decide."

These words completely silenced Song Erlang.

He didn’t feel comfortable staying any longer and left with an excuse.

After Song Erlang left, Old Song finally spoke, "Your second brother hasn’t read much, but what he just said, though rough, makes sense. Think it over yourself; the child is still young. If you remarry now, after some time, she will get used to it and will see her as her birth mother."

He sighed helplessly, "The Commandery Princess has a noble status beyond our reach, and you were just unlucky. Crises in the family have probably scared her, so if she wants to leave, let her go!"

Song Wei didn’t dwell on Old Song’s words; he thought of his unjustly dead brother and sister-in-law from seventeen years ago, and the biological mother and Jiaojiao who had recently died in hatred, and then about his own fateful life, feeling a mix of emotions.

...

Wen Wan received Song Wei’s reply a few days later, and it read: The child is fine. Little girl, remember to eat and sleep on time, even if you’re busy, and take care of yourself.

Wen Wan pursed her lips, "I was happy for nothing."

Zhao Xunyin, hearing her muttering, asked curiously, "What did Third Son write to you?"

Wen Wan said, "I wrote him a long letter about the first thing I did and shared my insights, but his reply didn’t mention any of it. Mom, look, this is all he wrote."

Zhao Xunyin took a look, "That’s just how Third Son is. I think it’s quite normal. Besides, what he focuses on isn’t what you did, but whether you’re taking good care of yourself. Isn’t that thoughtful?"

"True that."

Wen Wan looked at Lu Yanli, who was playing contentedly on the carpet, and her heart ached with longing for Qi Bao and Jinbao, to the point where her eyes turned red.

Zhao Xunyin noticed her daughter’s mood, sat down beside her, and comforted, "As you said, three years pass in the blink of an eye; don’t get upset. There are many things ahead that will need your attention!"

Wen Wan didn’t cry; she just couldn’t suppress missing her children when she saw other children.

...

In the Beiyan Imperial City, Fengyang Palace.

A hidden guard, dressed in black with a hood covering his face, was reporting to the Imperial Concubine.

"The iron mine trade with Chu Country can no longer continue," the hidden guard said. "I found out that Emperor Xuanjing got wind of the weapon improvements in advance and immediately sent an imperial envoy to Liaodong to verify the situation. Now, the data on the Liaodong Iron Mine is completely transparent to Emperor Xuanjing, and Jiang Tao can’t provide extra ore for us to buy."

The Imperial Concubine squeezed the orange in her hand tightly, her red nail polish-clad sharp nails piercing the fruit, her previously beautiful face now showing extreme anger, "They ambushed and killed over a hundred of my hidden guards when escorting Amuer back to Western Border, and now they’ve destroyed my carefully laid plans. It seems I’ve underestimated that seventeen-year-old young Emperor of Chu!"

The hidden guard asked, "What does Your Highness plan to do next?"

"Isn’t the plague still rampant in Northern Border?" The Imperial Concubine coldly curled her lips, "Send a message to the spies over there to incite the government to quarantine and burn villages. With such panic, I don’t believe there won’t be internal turmoil in Chu Country!"