After returning to Shengjing¹, Zong Zheng Lin finally breathed a sigh of relief. He believed that as long as he left Qingzhou, the place that made him feel awkward, he would quickly regain his usual meticulous personality and composure. He also believed that he would no longer be troubled by guilt and the strange emotions he had been feeling.

And as expected, over the next few days, Zong Zheng Lin’s mind calmed down and he was able to collect himself. He became even stricter with himself and believed that his improper thoughts had led to those absurdities and disturbance of his mind. Therefore, Zong Zheng Lin grew more fond of practicing drawing and calligraphy in his spare time, as it contributed to the cultivation of one’s moral character and temperament.

Dear readers! Sithkazar had made an amazing TBIC characters and their relationship diagrams for you! From now on it will be available in the footnote section in case you get confused by the characters and their mutual connection/relationship in the story. Thank you, Sithkazar, for your hard work ^o^  

Mu Xi Yao had predicted wrong the time of Zong Zheng Lin’s arrival in Qingzhou. Instead of coming after the New Year festival, he had come two days earlier to pay a formal visit to Di Wu Yi Zhao. Mu Xi Yao was very curious and wondered if there would be an elegant event like ‘Three Humble Visits to a Thatched Cottage’¹. 

As soon as Mu Xi Yao and her group returned to the residence, she immediately went to the main house to pay her respects to Lady Yu. At this moment, Xi Yao’s attitude could only be described as extremely well-behaved. She clung closely to Lady Yu in a daughterly manner, chattering about what she had seen and heard on the streets, such as which maidens had beautifully combed hair or which maidens’ fragrance couldn’t compare to the ‘Ting Zhi’ she used. It was all girl talk. After a while, as if suddenly remembering something, she mentioned that she had encountered a mother and daughter on the way home.

The carriage of the Fifth Prince, Zong Zheng Ming, slowly made its way toward Fahua Temple.

This trip was due to his maternal aunt. He was going to pick up his little cousin, Mo Wan Qing, on his way back and send her home. Zong Zheng Ming’s maternal aunt was the sister of the deceased consort Dong Xian¹. It happened that his aunt took her younger daughter to the hot spring villa outside of Qingzhou to stay for a while. Zong Zheng Ming’s mother passed away early, and as a result, he shifted his affection to his maternal family.

In the Hall of Taihe, a group of courtiers was gathered with their heads down and postures humble.

Yuanchen Emperor had just vented his anger. The former Provincial Governor of Qingzhou, Guo Jian Ping, was removed from office and being interrogated. The Regional Commander Song Yu was suspended from his duties and handed over to the Ministry of Justice for investigation. The rest were taken into custody, still waiting for trial. He then ordered the Ministry of Personnel to appoint new provincial governor candidates within three days. Yuancheng Emperor was always swift and decisive, and this time was no exception.

The Hour of Hai¹. In the palace, the Sixth Prince’s study.

Zong Zheng Lin finished writing the memorial and walked slowly towards the window to watch the mottled shadows of the trees and the far-off sky, which appeared gloomy due to the impending rain. There were no stars shining, only large dark clouds. The air felt stuffy. 

Very good. It matched well with the scenery. A storm was approaching……

The autumn of Zhanghe’s tenth year. In six months there would be a Selection. The imperial order was expected to reach each prefecture by the beginning of the new year.

Qingzhou. Prefect Mu’s residence.

The warm early spring sunlight made its way through the layers of branches and leaves and sprinkled on the light yellow muslin pleated skirt. A dark red embroidered blanket was softly draped over Mu Xi Yao’s lap, and a faint grass fragrance lingered around the courtyard. Mu Xi Yao comfortably squinted her eyes, lying on her side with her arm lifted and propped on the couch bed. Beside her was the Chief Maidservant Hui Lan who was peeling a fragrant fruit. Its meat was slightly sweet upon consumption. It was tender and juicy, very delicious.

When Zhou Tong woke up, she was lying on a silky bed. The gentle light of candles that passed through the bed curtain was warm and tranquil. As far as her eyes could reach, everything seemed unfamiliar. The furniture and its arrangement were all in the ancient style. Gradually, a ridiculous idea crossed her mind. As she tried to get up, the surroundings started to spin, and she was hit by an intense urge to throw up. Zhou Tong felt a splitting headache and had to grip the silky bedding tightly, stiffening her body and enduring the discomfort.