Mother, I’m sorry for making you worry.

Noon, Benevolence Hall, Prince Jun’s Residence

Today, Prince Jun’s residence was bustling with excitement. The runaway Princess Sirou had been brought back by the prince, and everyone was abuzz with speculation over how Zhao Chengxian would punish Sirou. Two young men had arrived with them, and the servants whispered among themselves, trying to guess which one was the object of Sirou’s affections. The group proceeded together into Benevolence Hall.

The old Princess Consort, upon hearing the news, had initially wanted to leave the residence to greet her daughter, but fearing it would attract too much attention—such matters were best kept discreet—she anxiously awaited her daughter's return instead. At last, Sirou stepped through the doors of Benevolence Hall, and the old Princess Consort immediately rushed forward, embracing her tightly.

“My dear child, you’re finally back! Since you left, I haven’t had a single peaceful night’s sleep. I worried day and night—have you been eating well, keeping warm? Thank heaven, your brother has finally found you!” Such is a mother's heart.

Resting her head on her mother’s shoulder, Sirou sobbed, “Mother, I’m so sorry for worrying you all this time…” She apologized again and again, feeling deeply remorseful. Now that she was soon to become a mother herself, she understood her own mother’s anxieties all the more keenly.

Witnessing the tearful embrace between mother and daughter, Consort Yu stepped forward at just the right moment. “Your Grace, you should be happy now that Her Highness has returned—don’t let her be sad as well!” She led the old Princess Consort to a seat, her demeanor revealing the depth of her own calculations.

Consort Qin, meanwhile, found one of the young men strangely familiar, though she couldn’t place where she’d seen him before. She scrutinized the man standing beside Zhao Chengxian. The young man, uncomfortable under her gaze, nudged Zhao Chengxian with his elbow to draw his attention to Consort Qin. Zhao Chengxian shot her a warning look, and Consort Qin immediately lowered her eyes. In those times, no respectable woman would stare at a man so boldly—it was considered thoroughly improper. The young man gave Zhao Chengxian a quick smile, who responded with a slight glare but couldn’t suppress a smile at the corners of his mouth.

This young man was, in fact, Hui Yue’er in disguise. Worried that Hui Qinghui would be unable to handle things alone, she had decided to come along, fearing someone in the prince’s household might recognize her, so she had dressed as a man.

The old Princess Consort now turned her attention to the two unfamiliar men, her face expressionless. “Which one of you is Hui Qinghui?” She was eager to see what sort of man could have led her usually obedient and sensible daughter to such a reckless act.

Hui Qinghui stepped forward, bowed deeply with hands clasped, and said, “Greetings, Your Grace. I am Hui Qinghui.” He glanced at the old Princess Consort, then continued apologetically, “I did not consider things carefully enough when I left the capital with Sirou, and should have come to pay my respects at Prince Jun’s residence first. But my feelings for Sirou are sincere. I beseech you to allow me to marry her. I vow to cherish her for as long as I live and never let her suffer the slightest grievance!” Having already won Zhao Chengxian’s approval, only the old Princess Consort’s consent remained before he could marry Sirou and fulfill their promise to spend their lives together.

Consort Qin, recalling Hui Yue’er’s arrogance, gave a cold laugh. “How could our princess avoid being wronged if she married you? That sister of yours, who respects no one—if our princess were to marry into your family, wouldn’t she be tormented to death by her?” Her words painted Yue’er as an unreasonable and domineering young woman. Yue’er was so incensed she almost slapped Consort Qin then and there, but she restrained herself, glaring murderously instead. Consort Qin felt a chill run through her, as if a cold wind had swept over her.

Hui Qinghui addressed the old Princess Consort earnestly, “There may be some misunderstanding about my sister. She is not unreasonable at all. I am sure she and Sirou will get along splendidly!” So these were Prince Jun’s three consorts? They were nothing exceptional—far inferior to Yue’er, in his eyes a clever, capable, and considerate girl.

Yue’er also stepped forward, bowed, and lowered her voice, saying, “Your Grace, you need not worry. I am sure Miss Yue’er will be very fond of Princess Sirou. She only makes things difficult for those who stir up trouble for no reason. I trust Princess Sirou is not such a person?” She glanced meaningfully at Consort Qin, making it clear who she believed the real troublemaker was.

Consort Qin was about to retort when Zhao Chengxian cut her off, saying with a laugh, “My dear sister is bound to marry someday. To refuse Hui Qinghui just because of her seems unreasonable, doesn’t it?” Then, leaning close to the old Princess Consort, he murmured, “Mother, you’d best prepare to become a grandmother!” With that, the old Princess Consort had no grounds for further objection.

At first surprised, the old Princess Consort looked thoughtfully at Sirou’s belly, then nodded. “Very well, I agree to betroth Sirou to Hui Qinghui of the Hui Escort Agency. Let’s arrange the wedding as soon as possible!” Everyone was curious about what Zhao Chengxian had whispered to sway her so quickly, but only Hui Yue’er and a few others knew the answer.

Overjoyed, Hui Qinghui knelt to express his gratitude. “Thank you, Your Grace! Thank you, Prince Jun! I shall send a matchmaker to propose tomorrow!” Sirou, too, was overjoyed—this was the moment she had longed for, and she believed their families would one day truly bless their union.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old—and those neither young nor old—shower me with your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm rage on even more fiercely!