Moon, I’m sorry.

Afternoon on Bamboo Mountain, Zhuxin Village

Today the sunlight was gentle, a rare blessing in the depths of autumn. After breakfast, Hui Yue’er called Hui Qinghui up the mountain, wanting to have a proper conversation with him. Gazing at her now much more mature brother, Yue’er asked, “Brother, didn’t you always dislike staying in the mountains? Why did you come here this time?”

When they were children, after every New Year, they would come to Zhuxin Village with their parents for half a month, because Old Master Hui loved the bamboo-scented air here. Ever since Old Master Hui passed away, they hadn’t returned.

Hui Qinghui shook his head with a smile, looking out at the sea of bamboo ahead. “When I was little, I thought climbing the mountain was exhausting, so I was always afraid when I heard we were coming here. This time, I left the capital without any plans. I didn’t know where to go and was worried about being found by people from Prince Jun’s manor, then I thought of Uncle’s place. This place is so remote that only those who’ve been here could find the way, so I came. After arriving, I realized climbing the mountain isn’t so bad after all. I was just too pampered before!” Normally, it should have been the girl who dreaded hardship, but in their family it was the opposite. Hui Qinghui was always the one afraid of hardship, while Hui Yue’er could handle any kind of physical labor. Old Master Hui and Madam Hui often joked that their children’s genders should have been switched; then perhaps things would be perfect.

Hui Yue’er looked at Hui Qinghui in surprise and said, “No way, you two ran away without even deciding where to go? That’s so reckless!” This wasn’t just a trip—you couldn’t just figure things out after leaving. Even for a vacation, you’d at least pick a destination before setting out. Yue’er truly admired the luck of Hui Qinghui and SIRou, managing to hide this long with no plan at all.

Hui Qinghui had to admit they had acted on impulse. But at least they hadn’t forgotten to bring silver notes when they left. With those, they didn’t have to worry about food, clothing, or shelter—a rather clever move, all things considered. Hui Qinghui looked at his sister and asked, “Yue’er, how is Mother?” He wasn’t always thoughtful, but he still worried about Madam Hui and was, in his own way, filial.

Yue’er shook her head. “I don’t know. I’ve been away from home for a month now!” She figured her brother certainly didn’t know she had entered the palace. Out here, there was no way news from the capital could reach them. In the capital, everyone already knew about her being chosen as a palace maiden.

Hui Qinghui looked at her and asked, “Are you still working as an escort? You’re a girl—if you can, you should give it up. Don’t force yourself for the sake of the family. Once I get back, hand the escort agency over to me. Before, I was at fault for not taking responsibility. The civil service exams were just my excuse to avoid it. I was scared of the dangers of the martial world. But don’t worry, from now on I’ll take on the duty of supporting the family. You should think about how to be a good princess!” He had no idea that Yue’er and Zhao Chengxian faced far greater obstacles than he and SIRou.

Hui Yue’er smiled sweetly. Seeing her brother mature at last made her truly happy. But remembering her own situation with Zhao Chengxian, she sighed. “Brother, things aren’t so simple anymore. Let me tell you what’s happened since you two left.” Hui Qinghui nodded, and Yue’er began her story from the day after Hui Qinghui and SIRou departed—her first meeting with Zhao Chengxian, her days as a maid in Prince Jun’s manor, the initial bullying by Zhao Chengxian, how she was eventually granted the title of Princess Siyue and entered the palace for the selection, and how she had secretly left the palace to find them. Seeing Hui Qinghui’s astonished expression, Yue’er spoke earnestly, “Brother, go home. I believe Bookworm won’t make things difficult for you. I don’t know when I’ll be able to return. You and the Princess should go back and take good care of Mother. That’s the only way to honor Father’s last wishes.” That way, she wouldn’t have to worry about Mother being alone.

Hui Qinghui was dazed for several minutes after hearing it all. He had never imagined that his actions would cause his sister so much suffering. Gazing at Yue’er, he said with heartfelt remorse, “Yue’er, I’m sorry. I never realized my selfishness would make you endure so much. I thought if SIRou and I left, you, Mother, and the escort agency would be fine, but I never considered…” Truly, ever since they were little, he had been more like Yue’er’s younger brother, always needing her care rather than the other way around.

Yue’er smiled gently. “Brother, as long as you can take care of Mother and our people at the escort agency from now on, I’ll be at ease!” Seeing Hui Qinghui nod solemnly, her worries about the agency’s future melted away. She knew her brother was capable; he just never had the heart for it before. Now, she believed that if he truly committed himself, he would do even better than she had.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and everyone in between—quickly shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back, let the storm rage even fiercer!