The Princess of Zhennan’s magnanimity left Old Lady Song both surprised and deeply moved. Holding onto the hands of First Lady Cui and Lady Yu, she pursed her lips and sighed.

  “It’s easy to add flowers to brocade, but offering help in times of need is rare. No matter what, after hearing what Princess Rongcheng said, it’s remarkable that King Zhennan’s household would still have this attitude. With such a family, if Xiaoyi marries into it, she won’t suffer.”

  First Lady Cui shared the sentiment. She had watched Ye Jingchuan grow up, and Shen Yang had written home that Ye Jingchuan, during his time in Fujian, was unlike the typical frivolous sons of noble families. He was disciplined, open to advice, diligent, and personable—destined to be extraordinary in the future.

  Such a young man, who refused to simply coast on his family’s legacy, was genuinely invested in Song Chuyi. Moreover, his family was warm and accommodating, and their social standings were well-matched. There wasn’t a single fault to be found in this arrangement.

  Although King Zhennan’s household likely had motives of their own—ensuring the Song family wouldn’t sever ties with the heir apparent as Yuanhui had hoped—the fact that they made such a decision in these circumstances was truly commendable.

  With this in mind, First Lady Cui nodded and said, “Let’s ask Xiaoyi what she thinks first and see where her feelings lie. If she’s agreeable... we might as well finalize it before heading to Jinzhong. It would also bring some joy to Old Madam Cui.”

  Lady Yu, however, remained silent. Both Cui Yingshu and First Lady Cui were overly concerned about Song Chuyi and always eager to make decisions on her behalf. But after all this time together, Lady Yu had come to realize that Song Chuyi wasn’t someone who liked others deciding her fate.

  More importantly, this young girl wasn’t the type to indulge in romantic whims. When other girls attended flower festivals, even if they feigned composure, their shyness was unmistakable when teased. But Song Chuyi? From beginning to end, she showed no reaction whatsoever.

  Cui Shaoting had said it best—this young girl was too formidable. Her crity and insight into matters were beyond her years. If she were to find a lifelong partner, it would have to be someone capable of matching and grounding her.

  As for Ye Jingchuan, though he was an excellent young man, it would be exceedingly difficult for him to keep Song Chuyi in check.

  Hearing Old Lady Song and First Lady Cui instruct someone to fetch Song Chuyi from Mingzi’s courtyard, Lady Yu sighed silently.

  Ye Jingchuan wasn’t the only one delivering gifts. Standing before Song Jue, Song Qi, and Song Yan, he was so nervous that his palms began to sweat. Clutching a cquered ebony box adorned with golden peonies, he stood motionless.

  Song Jue, seated in the center with Song Qi and Song Yan fnking him like gatekeepers, stroked his chin and scrutinized Ye Jingchuan.

  “You’re here to deliver gifts? Why didn’t you have the county princess deliver them instead? A man randomly giving gifts could be misconstrued as private dealings. If someone uses this as leverage to snder our Little Sixth, will the bme fall on you or us?”

  Ye Jingchuan, usually fearless, was only intimidated by his father, elder brother, and this "grim reaper" of the Song family—Song Jue. Having risen swiftly through the ranks of the Yulin Guard after its recent purge, Song Jue was rumored to be on track for promotion to Vice Commander.

  Ye Jingchuan admired those who earned their position through merit, and having passed the imperial martial examination, Song Jue commanded his utmost respect. Adding to this, he was the elder brother of the girl he fancied, making his reverence even greater.

  Hearing Song Jue’s words, Ye Jingchuan dared not employ the usual mix of softness and roguery he used with Song Qi. Hastily, he waved his free hand.

  “Originally, my mother intended to send someone else, but I… I took it upon myself to handle this task.”

  He had been seething with frustration ever since Yuanhui had dragged out Song Chuyi’s supposed ill-fated destiny again, even wanting to tear down Huangjue Temple. Unfortunately, Yuanhui had hidden away in seclusion.

  But when he overheard his father and elder brother discussing the possibility of him marrying Song Chuyi to help both the Crown Prince and the Song family out of a difficult situation, his mood soared.

  Upon learning that his mother was hosting a theater gathering specifically for the Song family and had prepared an outfit and jewelry for Song Chuyi, Ye Jingchuan couldn’t contain his excitement. He volunteered to deliver the items himself, eagerly following Nanny Sang to the Marquis residence.

  Who would have thought he’d be intercepted by the three brothers?

  Song Jue, having observed Ye Jingchuan, immediately saw through the young man’s intentions. Just as he was about to speak, Yun arrived to inform them that Old Lady Song had summoned them inside upon hearing about the visitors.

  Although Ye Jingchuan had frequented the Marquis residence’s inner quarters as a child due to the close retionship between their families, he had seldom entered since coming of age. Usually, he was entertained in the outer courtyard by the brothers.

  Now, hearing that Old Lady Song had invited him inside, Song Jue, Song Qi, and Song Yan exchanged knowing gnces, suspecting her intentions.

  Song Chuyi, ever perceptive, immediately noticed something amiss upon arriving at the courtyard. Yun and the others kept stealing gnces at her, smiling meaningfully.

  In her past life, before her ill-fated marriage—which she had fought tooth and nail to secure—her family had looked at her with simir expressions and smiles.

  She stopped in her tracks, her mind racing. For some reason, her thoughts turned to Ye Jingchuan.

  Her grandmother and aunt had always thought highly of the Ye family. Ye Jingchuan, in particur, was seen as an impeccable choice for a son-in-w in terms of both character and status.

  Now that Yuanhui had decred her cursed, King Zhennan’s household, rather than distancing themselves, had chosen to support her. Coupled with Ye Jingchuan’s sincerity and the advocacy of Ye Jingkuan and Princess Rongcheng, it was highly likely they were here to propose marriage.

  She also knew Ye Jingchuan’s feelings for her were genuine. The way he looked at her radiated warmth, and the gifts he chose, though not extravagant, were all carefully selected with thought and care.

  But suddenly, an unprecedented fear swept over her—a fear that carried an overwhelming panic, freezing her in pce.

  The thought of marrying someone she liked felt impossible in this lifetime. She believed she was no longer capable of liking anyone.

  Yet, the idea of marrying someone who liked her seemed equally daunting. In her past life, no one had ever liked her, and her fervent love had ultimately frozen into a block of ice. In this life, there was someone who liked her, but she found herself preferring that no one liked her at all.

  If someone treated her too well, liked her too much, what if they stopped liking her in the future? Would she then become like an autumn fan, discarded and forgotten?

  To gain and then lose—it was better not to reach out and take it at all.

  Her thoughts were in disarray. She turned and walked away.