Due to the Ninth Princess's sudden and suspicious illness and Noble Consort Xian's heartfelt petition, Emperor Jianzhang granted permission for Grandmaster Yuanhui to enter the pace to read her fortune. As Noble Consort Xian suggested, he also summoned the Ninth Princess's companions and several noble daughters from prestigious families.

  First Lady Cui, who had received advance notice from the Empress, was so worried she hadn't eaten all day. She came to the Marquis's residence to persuade Song Chuyi. "There's no need to fight them on this. They clearly don't mean well. Who knows what they're pnning inside the pace? I could ask the Empress to excuse you?"

  One can't hide forever. Song Chuyi bore no ill will, but if people tried to tread on her, she wasn't one to shrink away. Smiling, she leaned in to whisper a few words to First Lady Cui, who was first taken aback, then sighed, gently tapping Song Chuyi's forehead. "You! Always so cunning. I don't know who you get it from."

  After speaking, First Lady Cui fell into thought. Both she and Old Lady Song had long had their eyes on the second son of the Ye family—he was mild-mannered, upright, and ambitious, not a spoiled son relying on his family's prestige. What's more, he showed genuine interest in Song Chuyi. As elders, they could easily spot the signs of young love.

  However, this seemingly ideal match was sadly one-sided. No matter how keen Ye Jingchuan was, Song Chuyi didn't seem to reciprocate. She showed more warmth toward Zhou Weizhao than she did toward Ye Jingchuan... First Lady Cui felt troubled. It wasn't that Zhou Weizhao was unsuitable, but as the Crown Prince's legitimate son and future emperor, his life wouldn't be easy for any ordinary girl. A harem filled with consorts alone was enough to deter most.

  Moreover, the Eastern Pace's stability was far from assured. Beneath the surface, tension brewed, and the outcome remained uncertain. Winning would be great, but losing would be catastrophic, with even survival in question.

  Unaware of how invested First Lady Cui and Old Lady Song were in her marriage prospects, Song Chuyi prepared herself and went to the pace banquet with Xiang Mingzi. Her expression was calm, betraying neither joy nor distress.

  Compared to Han Yueheng's teary eyes and Shen Huiyi's gritted teeth, she and Xiang Mingzi appeared far more composed.

  Han Yueheng initially wallowed in self-pity, menting her fate of being paired with a princess destined for a foreign marriage. But upon seeing Song Chuyi, her self-pity faded—misfortune didn't seem so unbearable if others were sharing it.

  After they had their refreshments, Noble Consort Xian, wearing a kindly smile, looked at each young dy in turn, murmuring approvingly with each gnce. She then turned to the Empress's attendant, Ceremonial Officer Xie, and smiled. "If it weren't for the destiny of our Great Zhou, we would be reluctant to let go of these lovely girls..."

  Han Yueheng lowered her head, holding back tears. Her aunt had tried to comfort her all night, but the thought of leaving her homend terrified her. Shen Huiyi, too, had hoped to marry into a prestigious family, making up for her neglected childhood, but now those dreams were slipping away...

  Noble Consort Xian, studying the young dies thoughtfully, nodded to Officer Xie. "Please call Grandmaster Yuanhui. These girls are all wonderful. I only hope that one of them can bance Little Ninth's fate and allow her to contribute to her father and the people of Great Zhou."

  Officer Xie respectfully bowed and signaled to a maid to bring Yuanhui. But just as she was about to leave, she smiled and turned back to Noble Consort Xian. "As it happens, Grandmaster Zhang from Longhu Mountain recently arrived in the capital to perform a ceremony for His Majesty. His Majesty has decided that Grandmaster Zhang should also examine the princess and the young dies."

  Noble Consort Xian's radiant smile instantly vanished, her face freezing as if she didn't know what to say.

  Yuanhui would certainly follow her wishes. But Grandmaster Zhang?

  By the time the readings concluded, her fists were clenched tightly, and cold sweat beaded on her forehead. A thick yer of dread seemed to weigh her down, sapping her strength to speak.

  Yuanhui decred that the Ninth Princess was unfit for a distant marriage, while Grandmaster Zhang cimed that the Ninth Princess's fate was "water-bound." Yuanhui said that Song Chuyi's "Heaven's Solitary Star" fate would suppress the evil spirits of Japan, while Grandmaster Zhang countered that sending her to Japan would likely invite disaster.

  The two readings were worlds apart, almost contradictory. But it was clear to all whom Emperor Jianzhang would believe.

  A wave of helplessness welled up in Noble Consort Xian's heart, gradually overwhelming her, leaving her with no energy left to trouble Song Chuyi. She sat dazedly on the couch, stunned and disoriented for half the day.

  Behind the heavy curtains, the Ninth Princess listened, her rage building to the point where her eyes seemed ready to tear through. Finally, she was about to storm out uncontrolbly, but the pace maids beside her, more clear-headed, held her back firmly, refusing to let her move.

  Chen Mingyu lifted her head from amidst the crowd. She wasn't oblivious to the hidden schemes at py, yet she knew that this was not something she could meddle with.

  After her grandfather's recent blunder, she had come to understand that the Changning Marquis Residence was a colossal entity, one that would take them both down if she tried to swallow it in one bite. It would have to be worn down slowly, bit by bit.

  She saw Song Chuyi standing with her usual serene smile, her face bearing no trace of any unusual expression, a model of the dignified and composed daughter of a noble family. But Chen Mingyu knew all too well that the reality wasn't so simple. Noble Consort Xian's intention in calling them to the pace was no secret; everyone knew her true purpose. The presence of Grandmaster Yuanhui, with his fate-altering reading, was predictable. But as for Grandmaster Zhang...

  His appearance had been far too well-timed. The crimson beauty mark between Chen Mingyu's brows shone as vividly as a red bean, adding a delicate allure. Yet, the fierce glint in her eyes fred up almost immediately.

  Grandmaster Zhang was the tutor of the Crown Prince's son. Only he could summon the reclusive Grandmaster Zhang, whom even His Majesty saw no more than three times a year. He had arranged for Grandmaster Zhang to clear Song Chuyi's path. But what had Song Chuyi done to deserve such a favor?!