Song Chuyi returned to the estate just as dusk was settling in. It was te summer, almost autumn, and the red maple tree at the end of the alley looked as if it were covered in fiery blossoms, with leaves falling in waves with every breeze. Despite the gatekeeper's efforts to sweep them, a new yer quickly bnketed the ground, forming a vibrant red carpet.

  She alighted from the carriage at the second gate, waiting patiently for Xiang Mingzi to join her, then lifted her skirts and jogged towards Ningde Courtyard. But as she approached the doorway, she suddenly hesitated, her steps faltering as she gazed at the figures moving inside. Her eyes filled with unbidden tears.

  Xiang Mingzi, slightly out of breath, reached out to hold her hand, speaking softly to comfort her. "You've waited three full years for this moment. Now that he's finally home, you should be happy. So why are you suddenly afraid?" Yet even as she spoke, her own eyes grew misty—unlike Song Chuyi, who had a younger brother as a cherished hope, Xiang Mingzi truly had no family of her own. If Old Lady and Old Master were ever to pass...

  Yushu stepped out with a menu in hand, on her way to consult with Nanny Qiu, and upon seeing Song Chuyi, she let out a joyful excmation, "Sixth Miss is back!"

  Song Chuyi gave her a smile, then stepped forward into the courtyard, just in time to see Song Yan running out from the hall.

  He had grown so much. Once a child who barely reached her shoulder, he was now slightly taller than her, dressed in a refined sky-blue robe with patterns symbolizing wealth and prosperity, a silk tassel she had made hanging at his waist. He looked every bit the elegant, cultured young gentleman of an aristocratic family.

  The sight of him overpped with memories from her previous life, bringing tears to her eyes. She thought of the aimless, dishonored Song Yan of the past, married off even after death. But here he was, standing before her, brimming with youthful vigor. After steadying her emotions for a long moment, she finally managed to call his name, "Yan'er."

  Song Yan had already reached her, studying her intently before breaking into a smile. "Sister, it seems I'm taller than you now..."

  Nanny Huang called out urgently, "This is no pce for conversation. If you have things to say, come inside. Just look at Miss Mingzi, standing here with you!"

  Old Lady Song beamed as they entered, but she couldn't help scolding Song Chuyi. "Standing around in the courtyard—what's that about? You think you're the only one longing to see Yan'er, as if we don't care for our grandson too?"

  Xiang Mingzi, sitting beside Old Lady Song, leaned her head on her shoulder and joined in with a smile. "Exactly! Here I am, with no brothers or sisters of my own, and you're deliberately trying to make me jealous."

  Old Lady Song turned serious and gently patted her head, chiding her, "Nonsense! What do you mean you have no siblings? This house is filled with brothers and sisters for you."

  Song Yan, knowing his cousin's story, sincerely bowed to Xiang Mingzi. "Grandmother is right. I'm not only Sister's brother but yours as well. Everyone in this family is your sibling."

  After his time away, he understood social graces and could read people's expressions. Clearly, Tang Mingzhao wasn't some rigid schor only focused on Confucian teachings. Old Lady Song nodded in satisfaction. "Yan'er is absolutely right. We are all family. Anyone who tries to draw lines here is just asking for a scolding!"

  They had a joyous dinner together that evening. Song Yan clung to Song Chuyi, insisting on escorting her back to Guanju Courtyard. As they walked, he asked about everything, eager to hear about her life over the past few years, if she'd suffered under their insufferable uncle while in Qingzhou. Finally, he asked, "Today, Grandfather and Grandmother sent me to greet Father. He seems to be in good health now, but it feels like his illness is more of the heart, doesn't it?"

  When Song Yan left for Shuzhong to study, he had been only a seven-year-old child, clever but still limited in understanding. After three years of learning and meeting more people, he could now perceive the awkward position Song Yi was in.

  Song Yan knew about how Song Yi had been falsely accused and imprisoned. Letters had mentioned that the matter had been resolved long ago, so Song Yi shouldn't still be distressed to the point of being absent-minded. It seemed he must have done something else to warrant such an uncomfortable position within the family.

  He held Song Chuyi's hand, his eyes bright as he looked at her. "Did he do something foolish again...?"

  Originally, Song Chuyi hadn't wanted to tell him. She knew Song Yan had grown, and telling him might only deepen the rift between him and Song Yi. But then she considered that she'd likely be preoccupied with Cui Shaoting's situation soon and worried that Song Yan would start paying attention to family matters. So, she decided to tell him in a light tone about Song Yi's unauthorized acceptance of a betrothal token from Duke Ying's household.

  She softened the story as much as possible, mentioning that Old Lady Song had scolded Song Yi harshly, which was why he'd fallen ill. Despite this, Song Yan was furious. His grip on her hand trembled slightly. He remembered how Shen Qingrang had once treated Song Chuyi with disdain and scorn. And now, as he was no longer a child, he understood the awkward position and unstable prospects of Duke Ying's household. That Song Yi, a man seasoned in court affairs, could still consider marrying her into such a family... Song Yan let out a cold ugh, his eyes fshing with anger as he gripped Song Chuyi's hand even tighter. "Sister, don't worry about a thing. I'll work hard to succeed in the exams, and no one will just marry you off as they please!"

  Song Chuyi nodded earnestly, not thinking his words were the boastful cims of a reckless young man. Seeing Ziyun's anxious look, she smoothed Song Yan's robe and said, "Alright, I'll look forward to that day. You've had a long day today, so go back to your room and rest. Uncle and Aunt will come to see you tomorrow."

  Although he had more questions, he swallowed them for now, nodding obediently before following Yushu back to the Chuzhou Pavilion. Since he had just returned, Old Lady was wary of the idle maids who had been serving him, so she had assigned Yushu to temporarily assist him.

  After watching Song Yan cross the bridge, Song Chuyi turned back to Ziyun. "There's news?"

  Ziyun nodded, brushing the fallen petals from Song Chuyi's hair as she replied, "Qingzhu sent word that the meeting will still be at Chongyin Pavilion tomorrow."

  Song Chuyi hadn't expected the message to come so quickly—it had only been four or five days. Could it be that Zhou Weizhao had already managed to contact Ye Jingkuan? She looked across the way at the brightly lit Chuzhou Pavilion, her hand slowly clenching into a fist.