Song Chuyi's words echoed like an explosion in Lady Fang's ears. She clutched her head, trying to clear her chaotic thoughts. The mere idea of her family being sacrificed next filled her with despair, making it hard to breathe. But when she looked up to ask Song Chuyi more, she found that Song Chuyi had already walked away.

  This seemingly innocent Sixth Miss Song had delivered every word with the clear intention of driving a wedge between the Fang and Chen families. Lady Fang stared bnkly at the fish in the ke, but despite the btant manipution, she couldn't bring herself to resent Song Chuyi. She knew that Sixth Miss Song was right; the Chen family had been quick to abandon the Wang family as scapegoats, distancing themselves without a shred of assistance. They could do the same to the Fang family.

  Compared to the silent and steady Song family, the Chen family suddenly seemed far less dependable... Lady Fang shook her head, trying to compose herself. She called a maid to fix her appearance before heading to the flower hall.

  Old Lady Chen was chatting with Duchess Ying, her fuller figure leaning comfortably on the armrest, wearing a serene smile. Lady Fang thought of her unfortunate daughter, and bitterness surged within her. Although the Chen family had instigated everything, it was the Fang and Wang families who suffered. The Chen family, fully capable of helping, had refused to lend a hand, fearing any association...

  Unable to endure the sight any longer, Lady Fang stood up and left hastily. She needed to find Sixth Miss Song and ask if her words were spoken with the consent of her family elders, to decide her next course of action.

  Meanwhile, Song Chuyi had just crossed the bridge when she was blocked by Shen Qingrang among the flowers. His face looked haggard, with dark circles visible even under a dusting of powder—evidence of his miserable days.

  But she felt no sympathy. In her past life, she had exhausted her love and passion in this very garden, yet Shen Qingrang hadn't spared her a single moment of compassion. The Song Chuyi who once fretted over the slightest scratch on his hand was long dead, perishing in his indifference and in the hopeless web of her own making.

  Determined never to repeat her mistakes, she looked at Shen Qingrang with almost cold detachment, her words sharp as freshly drawn bdes, piercing his heart. "Just a moment ago, Miss Tong threw a tantrum on your behalf. Seventh Young Master, for your own sake, and for those of us unfairly dragged into this, please conduct yourself properly and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings."

  For the first time, Shen Qingrang realized how much more appealing even this cold demeanor was than Tong Shao's domineering outbursts. He took two steps forward, wanting to reach out to her as he used to when they were children. "Sixth Sister... I was wrong before..."

  He trailed off, overcome by memories of their carefree childhood and the ease with which everything had once gone his way. He was almost choked with emotion.

  Song Chuyi stepped back, eyeing him with wary disgust, as if he were something repulsive. Her voice was harsh as she rebuked him, "Seventh Young Master, please mind your behavior! I'm here for the chrysanthemum banquet, not to witness your family's drama."

  Her words jolted Shen Qingrang, who opened his mouth to say more, but was abruptly pushed backward several steps by a strong hand.

  Ye Jingchuan stepped in front of Song Chuyi, blocking Shen Qingrang's path with a mocking smile. "Quite the bold move, Shen Qingrang. If I'm not mistaken, isn't today the day your new wife and sister are hosting this banquet? Cornering other young dies like this doesn't seem appropriate, does it?"

  Ye Jingchuan, tall and strong, easily pushed Shen Qingrang several steps back. Shielding Song Chuyi completely, he looked at Shen Qingrang impatiently. "If you're looking to reminisce, you're seeking out the wrong person. Hasn't your family troubled Sixth Miss Song enough? Do you really want the Changning Marquis Residence to sever ties with your family? I suggest you drop these inappropriate ideas and focus on keeping that wild tigress of yours happy."

  Shen Qingrang dared not confront Ye Jingchuan. His final shred of misguided hope was ruthlessly trampled, and he stood dejectedly under the shade, watching Ye Jingchuan and Song Chuyi disappear down the garden path.

  There was no hope left. He crouched down, burying his face in his hands, utterly exhausted and filled with regret. Why had things come to this? Why was he saddled with someone as clingy as Tong Shao, while the once adoring Song Chuyi now looked at him with disdain?

  His father had said that Sixth Miss Song's attendance today might mean there was still a chance. But now, where was that chance? He would spend his life with a wife who was unpleasant in both appearance and demeanor...

  Ye Jingchuan escorted Song Chuyi back to the gathering of women and hesitated, finally calling out to her before she walked away, nervously asking, "Do you... like the ntern I gave you? When the lights are off at night, it glows... like a sky full of stars filling your room..."

  His cautious, anxious expression softened Song Chuyi's heart. In that moment, she glimpsed her own former self from her past life, cherishing a pure heart only to be met with disregard.

  Feeling slightly embarrassed, she gave him a small nod before walking toward Lady Fang, who was approaching her.

  Lady Fang stopped before her and lowered her voice. "Sixth Miss Song, did the words you shared with me earlier come from Elder Master Song and Old Lady Song? Were they instructed by your family elders?"

  Song Chuyi composed herself and gave a bright smile, looking up at Lady Fang with a clear and confident response. "Yes. I heard Grandfather and Grandmother say that it would be a pity if Lord Fang continued following the Chen family."

  Would it be a pity to stay with the Chen family? But would it not be a pity to follow the Song family? Lady Fang stared in slight shock, realizing that the Song family's words seemed like an invitation.

  After a moment, she smiled kindly at Song Chuyi. "I understand. I heard that the wife of the heir of the Marquis also practices Buddhism and visits the temple on the first and fifteenth of each month. If the opportunity arises, please invite me along."