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Chapter 18 – Did he think she looked… quite good today?

When May arrived, the gloomy spring sky over Shangdu finally broke open with a sliver of golden light.

The floods had come to an end, the epidemic-stricken people were gradually recovering, and slowly stepping out of their makeshift shelters.

The calamity that had struck Shangdu, though perilous, ended without disaster and was about to become a thing of the past.

As the Imperial Commissioner, Song Mi had to remain to properly handle the remaining aftermath. Yuan Zheng, on the other hand, could return early to report back to the court.

Before departing, Yuan Zheng was leading his horse, his brow slightly furrowed in thought, letting out a long sigh.

Lu Feng, hearing this sigh, felt there was a story behind it and couldn’t help but ask.

He was famously outgoing, and among the noble sons of similar age in the capital, he had ties with nearly all of them, including Yuan Zheng.

Being acquaintances, their conversations were naturally less formal.

Yuan Zheng replied with concern, “I have to go to Southern Jiang to fetch Xuyang.”

After completing their wedding ceremony in the Eastern Capital, Princess Xuyang had followed him to the Yunnan Palace as tradition dictated. However, she had trouble adapting to the southern environment and didn’t get along with his mother. The two were nearly at each other’s throats.

After much thought, Yuan Zheng decided it was better to send her back to the capital to live in the Princess’ residence to avoid daily confrontation and save himself from being caught in the middle.

Yuan Zheng had made considerable contributions in maintaining order in Shangdu. Song Mi came to see him off and, in line with protocol, offered him all the deserved praise and rewards.

However, upon learning he was going to fetch Xuyang, the usually indifferent Prince of Pengshan unexpectedly asked, “You’ve been here for days. Why hasn’t Xuyang written to you?”

Yuan Zheng was stunned for a moment, then gave a bitter smile. “We’re not that close. She’d rather not see me.”

Song Mi’s tone deepened. “Not close?”

As the words fell, the temperature around them seemed to drop, and a chill crept in.

Yuan Zheng looked at Song Mi’s cold, stern expression and suddenly remembered something.

He almost forgot! Though they were the same age, in terms of seniority, Song Mi was technically Xuyang’s uncle — her half-brother from the same mother!

As the saying goes, “A mother’s brother holds great power…”

Sweating nervously, Yuan Zheng quickly said, “But I always let her have her way! Between us, it’s always her deciding everything.”

Still, he couldn’t help but wonder. From what he remembered, the Prince of Pengshan and Xuyang hardly had any interaction growing up.

Mainly because Xuyang’s family background was… complicated.

Yuan Zheng thought, even if Song Mi disliked his half-sister and wanted nothing to do with her, he’d understand. But if Song Mi showed concern, he’d accept that too.

After hearing Yuan Zheng out, Song Mi only gave a slight nod.

Yuan Zheng mounted his horse and rode off. As he looked back at his imposing brother-in-law, he still felt that the man’s upright figure and solemn face had not relaxed even a bit.

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Late May – Eastern Capital enters the rainy season.

Drizzling rain and dense fog covered the entire city. Even the usually bustling Gold Market was unusually quiet.

At dawn, with the morning light barely breaking through the clouds, a carriage rumbled through Zhuque Avenue, heading toward the southern gate.

Soon, it stopped at the eastern gate checkpoint.

Juchen stepped down, looked up at the drizzling rain, and took the umbrella from Ming Luan’s hand.

“You take another one,” she said.

The rain was heavy. If they shared one umbrella, Ming Luan would end up getting soaked. The weather was unpredictable—catching a cold wouldn’t be good.

Ming Luan understood her well, quickly opened a second umbrella, and adjusted Juchen’s collar. “The Young Lord’s letter said he’d arrive around 9 AM. Why did you come so early?”

And dressed so lightly too.

Juchen touched the hairpin at her temple and replied with another question, “Is my hair messy?”

Ming Luan frowned slightly. “Perfectly neat.”

“Do I look nice?”

“You always do.”

Satisfied, Juchen smiled faintly. She recalled the report the Prince of Pengshan submitted to the court, which said he’d return to the capital today.

But he didn’t specify the time—she didn’t want to sleep late and miss him.

Rain fell silently as Juchen stood under the city gate, peering down the official road.

She waited… until midday.

The ground turned muddy, and the air grew cold. Ming Luan worried she might catch a chill and offered to buy hot pastries.

Juchen hesitated, nodded, and had just turned when the sound of well-trained horses echoed behind her.

She instinctively turned around.

Through the mist and rain, she saw riders in cloaks and bamboo hats—faces hidden.

But her heart suddenly pounded.

Moments later, a few majestic horses galloped near.

Song Mi led his guards at full speed. As he turned onto the main road, he saw a few vendors by the city gate and two young women with umbrellas.

He didn’t pay attention at first—until he passed by and unintentionally met her gaze.

Just one look, and Song Mi instinctively pulled his reins.

His horse neighed and circled in place.

Juchen lifted her umbrella, revealing her beautiful face, her lips curving into a smile. She was about to greet him…

When a voice suddenly called from behind: “A-Chen!”

Startled, Juchen turned. Through the rain, Yuan Zheng was riding toward her, with a carriage behind him. A girl peeked out and beamed at her.

“Ranran!” Juchen said joyfully.

Princess Xuyang, ignoring the rain, leapt from the carriage and threw herself into Juchen’s arms, chattering non-stop.

“I missed you so much!”

“No one played with me in the South. They spoke strange dialects I didn’t understand!”

“The weather was weird. I even tanned!”

“The food was bad—look, I’m skinny now!”

So… he was here to pick up Xuyang.

Song Mi held his reins and stood quietly behind them without interrupting.

Just as he was about to leave, Yuan Zheng quickly approached and greeted him respectfully, “Brother-in-law… Your Highness.”

Hearing this, Xuyang turned and saw her celestial-looking Ninth Uncle on horseback.

She immediately let go of Juchen, straightened herself, and respectfully called, “Uncle.”

Song Mi nodded slightly. Xuyang asked softly, “Why are you here?”

“I’ve returned to report my duties.”

“Oh,” she smiled politely. “I’m going to visit Mother. Shall we go together?”

She lowered her voice, clearly calculating. Juchen suppressed a giggle.

Xuyang feared facing her mother alone—she hoped Song Mi’s presence would divert some attention.

Song Mi glanced at Juchen and agreed.

On the road, Song Mi and Yuan Zheng rode ahead while the girls chatted in the carriage.

Xuyang had been a pampered royal child. When her behavior became too unruly, the Empress Dowager entrusted her to Lady Xian Ning for strict upbringing.

Lady Xian Ning was a famed scholar and disciplinarian. In her house, Xuyang was regularly disciplined, and her private school was renowned.

Among many noble girls, she had picked Juchen to accompany Xuyang.

Later, Juchen once asked why she had been chosen. Lady Xian Ning had smiled and said:

“Because the day Xuyang snatched your toy, you snatched it right back. You only shared when she politely asked.”

Juchen had been just two then, but even now, she was shocked at her own boldness for standing up to a princess.

From her earliest memories, she had been Xuyang’s close friend—sharing mischief and punishments alike.

In the carriage, Xuyang praised Juchen’s looks, especially her coral dress from last year.

“You look stunning today!”

“It’s my prettiest dress,” Juchen replied.

“Of course!”

They smiled at each other. Juchen brushed her sleeves, then peeked through the curtain at Song Mi’s figure.

It had been three months. When he first saw her today… did he think she looked good?

As if feeling her gaze, Song Mi turned suddenly.

Flustered, Juchen quickly looked away, pretending to admire the scenery.

Song Mi followed her line of sight—straight to Yuan Zheng.

Her attire was clearly special, carefully chosen. He had noticed that immediately.

But now, he realized…

She dressed up today for Yuan Shizi?