The Capital City was scorching hot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The cicadas were chirping incessantly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Former Crown Prince''s birthday celebration had been grand, and so was his funeral.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was said that the Former Crown Prince had died from depression while under house arrest. But how could depression kill? So there were rumors that he was murdered, or that he died from abuse, or that he hanged himself, drowned himself, or swallowed gold...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
There were so many ways to die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And so many rumors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In the end, The Emperor put an end to all the rumors with a grand funeral.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was his son, his own flesh and blood. Though a father might be angry at his son''s mistakes, he wouldn''t want his son''s life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor''s decision to hold a grand funeral actually excited many people. For those aligned with the Former Crown Prince, it meant, at least for a moment, the possibility of forgiveness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Would the Former Crown Prince''s children be released from confinement?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Every move held deep meaning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As Jiang Wan and her grandmother rushed towards the Capital City, they saw the fluttering white banners at the city gates.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Someone important had passed away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chu Xi nced at Jiang Wan with some surprise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan returned a faint smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Then she lowered the curtain again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This journey together had continuously changed Chu Xi''s opinion of Jiang Wan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At first, he thought she was just a naive girl in love, unaware of the ways of the world. But as they conversed, he discovered she was very talkative, knowledgeable, and insightful - a very perceptive woman, rarely encountered in his life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
Perhaps it was because that Liu fellow had unexpectedly saved him, and the young girl, in the flush of youth, felt extra gratitude towards her lifesaver, mistaking it for love.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chu Xi clearly knew that his cousin''s marriage would not be smooth sailing. This Liu fellow already had a fiancée; his behavior outside was indeed improper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Of course, what moved Chu Xi''s heart even more was the information Jiang Wan inadvertently revealed in her speech.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She seemed extremely intelligent, as if she could deduce things from the slightest clues.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
During the journey, they somehow got to talking about the Former Crown Prince, and Jiang Wan actually said the Former Crown Prince had to die. Only his death could break the deadlock and pave a way for his descendants.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At the time, Chu Xi thought it was nonsense. If one could live, everyone would want to live. Death was easy, but terrifying; everyone strived to live.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But now, her words hade true.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chu Xi found Jiang Wan increasingly captivating, unlike any other girl. She was like an enigma.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He never thought there woulde a day when he would be infatuated, lost in a woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And a woman who was secretly betrothed to another, at that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thinking about it, wasn''t it thrilling?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong saw that Wan''er and the Chu Heir were chatting happily along the way, but he wasn''t jealous. Wan''er had said the Chu Heir was her cousin, a rtive, and it was good to maintain good rtions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Moreover, she had already dered her feelings in front of the elders.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although at certain moments, Liu Tong felt that Wan''er and the Chu Heir seemed too in sync, as if he were an outsider, he reasoned that it was normal for cousins. Besides, a girl had openly admitted her affection for him in front of everyone; she must bepletely devoted to him, and he would certainly take responsibility.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They arrived at the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong felt nervous yet excited.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nervous about how to tell his parents, excited at the thought that after informing them, he could marry Miss Wan. He imagined their future together, living in harmony, sharingmon interests, painting and ying chess - life would surely be blissful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He was also proud of his discernment. Who would have thought that on a journey, he''d find such a wonderful woman? It was worth it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But when they reached the city gates and saw so many white banners, he hesitated. Which important figure had passed away? It looked like national mourning. Would it affect weddings?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan looked at the white banners and felt relieved. Everything was back on track. Although she only had her grandmother by her side at the moment, she had traveled with Chu Xi and, using her understanding of him, their rtionship seemed even better than at the beginning of her dream.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In her dream, he had always been full of suspicion towards her at first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Here, she was just ying the role of a naive girl in love with someone else. What schemes could a girl with love in her heart have?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As they entered the city, perhaps because Liu Tong had written to his family earlier about when they would arrive, there was a carriage waiting at the city gate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A round-faced girl stepped down, looking unworldly. When she smiled, her pointed canine teeth showed, and her teeth were uneven, but she had deep dimples on both cheeks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
She saw Liu Tong and waved happily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Brother Liu, I''m here! Aren''t I clever? I thought you''d arrive soon, so I''ve been waiting here for days. I finally caught you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The girl smiled openly, making the sky seem brighter and the white banners gentler.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She was instantly likeable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Then she saw Jiang Wan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong felt awkward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan just nodded slightly to her. It was Miss Dong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She stood beside Chu Xi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong sighed in relief and said, "This is my friend. We traveled back together."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Miss Dong saw Jiang Wan and was stunned. She sincerely praised, "Sister, you''re so beautiful."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan nodded and smiled, somewhat reserved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was Miss Dong, the cheerful and innocent Miss Dong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Miss Dong apanied them, helping Jiang Wan settle in, chattering all the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong finally managed to avoid Miss Dong and promised toe see Jiang Wan soon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan just smiled gently, with a hint of sadness as she looked at Miss Dong outside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The wind in the Capital City was dry and a bit harsh, but her whole body rxed. She felt the familiar ce, where every move had support. She was like a kite blown high by the wind, spreading her wings and flying high and beautifully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The wind in Jingzhou was neither dry nor harsh, even a bit humid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
sses had resumed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At Shangqiu Academy, a group of girls were indignant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Wu Yi''an and the others had worked hard to distribute porridge, but instead of gratitude, they were cursed at.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
People used them of being fake and deceiving the public.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Heaven knows, even though their porridge became thinner than at the beginning, it was still much thicker than Jiang Mianmian''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But they didn''t curse at Jiang Mianmian, only at them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Wu Yi''an listened to everyone''sints and cried, face down on the desk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The young girl''s shoulders shook as she cried, her long hair spread across the desk, her whole being fragrant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian, who couldn''t concentrate on her studies anyway, was disturbed by her deskmate''s constant crying behind her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was like trying to memorize lessons while hearing a puppy whimpering next door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Stop crying. It''s not your fault, it''s their problem. You''ve already done very well."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Wu Yi''an looked up in surprise, her eyes red, tears hanging on her lowershes, pouting, her chubby face with fine down still slightly twitching.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her shoulders were still trembling slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She was surprised that Jiang Mianmian wasforting her; usually, Jiang Mianmian mocked her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I gave them so much, and not only are they not grateful, they even curse at me. Do you know what that man who received porridge yesterday called me? He said I was stingy..." At this point, Wu Yi''an choked up again, her hands shaking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She felt so wronged. For the porridge distribution, she had contributed all her secret pocket money saved for two years, yet that person called her stingy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian watched the little girl cry and found it quite amusing. The little girl cried prettily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She couldn''t help but pinch her cheek.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Wu Yi''an cried even louder.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"You''re bullying me too!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian said, "You gave too much at first, andter it wasn''t as good as before, so of course theyined. If you had given thin porridge at first, then made it a bit thicker the second day, and even thicker the third day, they would have been very happy. People always can''t stand things going from good to bad, but they''re full of hope and happiness when things go from bad to good, even if they end up getting the same amount."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
Wu Yi''an listened and felt there was some truth to it, but she still wanted to cry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She suddenly felt that Jiang Mianmian wasn''t so bad after all. She had wanted to steal her thunder in distributing porridge, yet Jiang Mianmian wasforting her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Now that I''m advising you, don''t you think I''m quite nice?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Wu Yi''an nodded with puffed cheeks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"It''s because I used to mock you all the time, and suddenly I''m being a bit nice to you, so you think I''m quite good. If I had been coddling you all along and now coddled you a bit less, you''d think I wasn''t good anymore."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I understand. Thank you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Wu Yi''an thanked her, choking back tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At this moment, she really did think Jiang Mianmian was nice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian took the opportunity to pinch her other cheek: "Bncing it out. The other side was getting a bit swollen."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
Wu Yi''an, her face pinched, burst into loud tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Jiang Mianmian, let go of me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Okay, but that side''s not swollen enough yet. Wait a bit."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Waaaah... Teacher, help!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The banana leaves swayed outside the window, while birds chirped merrily in the trees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The breeze was warm, and time seemed to slow down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0