Tomorrow, I shall return to the palace once more.

Nighttime, the Hui Escort Agency, Lady Hui’s chamber.

As evening fell, the Hui Escort Agency finally returned to its tranquil state. Yue’er could now shed her disguise and be herself once more. She entered Lady Hui’s room, finding her mother still awake, sitting with her back to the door. Yue’er approached, leaned onto Lady Hui’s shoulder, and smiled, asking, “Mother, my brother is finally married today, you must be at ease now, right?” They had often been dragged by Lady Hui to matchmaking meetings; in this era, Yue’er was already considered a spinster. No wonder Lady Hui was so anxious to arrange her marriage, fearing it might jeopardize her daughter’s future happiness.

Lady Hui patted Yue’er’s hand, smiling, “Yes, I need not worry about your brother anymore, but what about you? When will you marry and settle down? Only then can I truly be at ease!” Lady Hui understood that Yue’er could not marry yet, as she was still a chosen maiden of Xuanyuan Ren. Only when Yue’er left the palace could such matters be considered.

Yue’er came to sit facing Lady Hui, laughing, “As for me, it’ll be a while yet, mother. Tonight, I want to sleep with you—I haven’t slept beside you in so long!” As a child, she had been timid, clinging to her parents to sleep even at the age of seven or eight. To encourage her bravery, Old Head Hui had trained her as he would a boy, which brought about the fearless Hui Yue’er of today.

Lady Hui stroked Yue’er’s hair and asked with a smile, “Do you still remember what your father did to help you overcome your fear of the dark?” Lady Hui often wondered whether raising Yue’er as a boy was truly for the best, whether it might have harmed her daughter’s chances at happiness. She never hoped for Yue’er to become extraordinary, only wished for her to live an ordinary life, as other girls did, following the path she herself desired.

Yue’er thought for a moment, nodded, and laughed, “Of course, how could I ever forget? Every night he’d leave me alone in the wilderness, then come back to fetch me in the morning. I was truly terrified then—just seven or eight years old—and he was so trusting! But without his determination, I wouldn’t be the Hui Yue’er I am today, so I am quite grateful for your confidence in me.” Had Old Head Hui not made that decision, Yue’er might still be a child who never grew up.

Lady Hui reminisced, saying, “Your father could never really leave you alone out there; every time, he’d hide where you couldn’t see him, secretly watching over you. Sometimes you’d fall asleep, but your father would stay awake all night, afraid wild animals might harm you. He truly cherished his daughter!” Sadly, Old Head Hui passed away too early, missing the chance to see his son marry, his daughter wed, and to offer his blessings in person.

Yue’er was deeply moved, smiling, “So father was lying to me all along. I remember once, while I was sleeping, I half-awoke to see him cover me with his cloak, but when I woke up fully, he was gone. That day I asked if he had covered me; he said I must have dreamed it!” Yue’er hadn’t realized her father had always stayed by her side. She believed that, though she could no longer see him, Old Head Hui was still beside her, watching over her.

Lady Hui stood and took a crescent-shaped necklace from a box on her dressing table. Hui Qinghui had received his necklace that morning; now Lady Hui placed Yue’er’s around her neck and smiled, “It really is beautiful. This necklace was carved for you both by your father when you were just a month old. He intended to give it to you on your wedding days, but today I’ll give it to you in advance!” She then lifted Yue’er’s left hand and laughed, “Look, it matches your bracelet quite well!” Lady Hui had no idea the bracelet was a gift from Yue’er’s beloved; if she knew, she would surely be shocked.

Hearing Lady Hui’s words, Yue’er felt sweetness in her heart. She glanced at her bracelet and smiled, “It’s quite harmonious!” Lady Hui assumed she meant herself and Old Head Hui, never realizing Yue’er referred to Zhao Chengxian and Old Head Hui—the two most important men in her life. Yue’er looked at Lady Hui with concern, saying, “Mother, tomorrow I must return to the palace. Now my brother and sister-in-law can care for you, so I am reassured. Mother, don’t worry about me; I’ll keep myself safe, and if anything happens, Prince Jun will help me. Please don’t fret.” Tears glistened in Lady Hui’s eyes as she nodded. They washed up and went to bed; there’s no safer feeling than sleeping beside one’s mother, ensuring a peaceful slumber.

The next morning, when Lady Hui awoke, Yue’er was already gone, leaving only a letter on the table. Lady Hui hurriedly opened it and read:

Mother, today is my brother’s first day of marriage. I do not wish to leave tears of farewell as a shadow over his wedding. The parting words were spoken last night. Mother, please take care of yourself; when your daughter returns, I hope to see you healthy and well. Your unfilial daughter, Yue’er.

Lady Hui’s tears fell as she smiled.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, neither too young nor too old, hurry and shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts—spare no mercy! Let the storm rage all the harder!