Lu Jingxue dug her nails into her palm.

She only had one thousand taels herself.

Even with the money just given, it added up to four thousand taels—how could she possibly establish herself in the Fourth Prince’s residence with that?

She needed money to bribe the servants, curry favor with the imperial consort, and win over her future mother-in-law…

Four thousand taels wouldn’t even scratch the surface.

Li Zhiyue said calmly, “My mother also prepared all of Shitou’s study funds over the years, as well as his future betrothal gifts. Why not just hand them all to Aunt Zhen? After all, she’s now a concubine of the Song family and doesn’t travel easily.”

The dowry and betrothal gift were promised by her father to the Lu family; the Marquis of Xiangyang’s residence wouldn’t withhold them intentionally.

But it also wouldn’t give a single coin more.

Since Lu Jingxue complained that her dowry was too little, then let her supplement it with her own brother’s betrothal funds.

She shouldn’t even think about taking advantage of the Marquis’ household any further.

Madam Zhou brought out the portion that belonged to Shitou.

Over ten years’ worth of tuition money totaled two thousand taels.

His future wedding expenses were another two thousand.

All given in silver ingots—an entire large chest full.

The glittering silver practically blinded Madam Zhen.

She immediately said, “Thank you, Madam!”

Bai Ruzhu exhaled lightly. “Someone, escort Concubine Zhen and Miss Lu back to the Song residence.”

Now that the money was clearly handed over, all ties between the two sides were severed.

Outside the Marquis’ residence, Lu Jingxue said softly, “Mother, let me use Shitou’s silver to fill out my dowry for now. Later on…”

“No.” Madam Zhen cut her off without hesitation. “Life at the Song residence is too hard. I only get two taels a month for expenses. Things are really tight. I have important uses for Shitou’s money.”

“Mother, you’re being shortsighted again.” Lu Jingxue shook her head. “Even if you run the Song household’s inner courtyard well, you’re still just a concubine. But I’m different. If I can win the Fourth Prince’s favor—if he ever ascends that position—just think, what would the future be like?”

Madam Zhen’s breath caught.

That position…

Heavens!

Was that even something one could say aloud?

“If I dare say it, it means I have the ability to be his support.” Lu Jingxue’s eyes were resolute. “Silver is just worldly wealth. Power is what truly protects us for life. Think carefully, Mother.”

Madam Zhen was already enchanted.

She didn’t need more convincing and handed over all the silver.

On a sunny afternoon, a sedan chair from the Fourth Prince’s residence came to carry Lu Jingxue away.

Technically, when a royal member takes a concubine, there should be a feast.

But the Fourth Prince’s mother strongly opposed the marriage, so it had to be done discreetly.

Lu Jingxue didn’t care.

For her, as long as she had the title, that was enough. Everything else, she would fight for herself.

…

As winter deepened, Li Muyun was preparing to leave for the northern territories for his new post.

His family held a farewell banquet for him.

The old Marquis reminded him, “Do your duties properly when you get there. I don’t need to say more about what should and shouldn’t be done.”

Li Suiwen added, “I’m not expecting you to make great achievements—just don’t cause trouble.”

“I know, I know!” Li Muyun grunted. “Just wait, I’ll definitely bring honor to the Li family one day!”

Everyone laughed and chatted warmly.

After the meal, Bai Tang, who had remained silent throughout, suddenly spoke up. “Aunt, I have something to say.”

She had been staying at the Marquis’ residence lately but was often out early and back late because of the restaurant business.

She smiled and said, “My cousin and I were betrothed as children. Today, I’d like to formally dissolve that engagement.”

“What?”

Li Muyun was stunned.

He had tried to end the engagement several times before, but his cousin always looked reluctant.

Now, she was taking the initiative to break it off?

For some reason, it felt like something had wrapped around his heart, suffocating him with a dense discomfort.

This was what he had wanted—so why did it feel so terrible?

“Since you two aren’t suited for each other, then the engagement should indeed be called off,” Bai Ruzhu sighed. “I guess I wasn’t lucky enough to have you as my daughter-in-law.”

“The New Year is coming. I won’t be staying at the Marquis’ residence anymore,” Bai Tang said sheepishly. “I’m not young anymore. Grandmother said it’s time to start looking at potential suitors. When the time comes, Aunt, please help me evaluate them.”

Bai Ruzhu nodded. “Of course.”

Li Muyun felt his head buzz.

He couldn’t hear anything else that was said after that.

Only one thought echoed in his mind: his cousin was going to be matched with someone else.

But he didn’t have time to dwell on why he felt this way.

At dawn the next day, he set off for the north.

..

Now it was the twelfth lunar month, and the capital grew colder by the day.

On the eighth day of the month, the palace held its Laba Festival banquet.

The Marquis of Xiangyang’s household was invited.

It was the first time Li Zhiyue had attended a palace banquet since arriving in this era.

The palace brimmed with opulence and extravagance. Eunuchs and maids bustled about, noblewomen and daughters adorned in splendid attire.

“Royal Princess,” Bai Ruzhu led Li Zhiyue over to greet the eldest princess. “Wishing Your Highness health and peace.”

The Royal princess looked exhausted and wan.

Since that incident, she had been utterly crushed.

She hadn’t planned to attend the Laba banquet, but the empress had personally invited her, so she had no choice.

Her daughter, Princess Qingping, said, “Mother has been coughing from overthinking. The imperial physician says it’s nothing serious.”

Bai Ruzhu remained worried.

Soon after, the emperor arrived in the hall with the royal family, and everyone saluted.

This was Li Zhiyue’s first time seeing the emperor.

He was indeed majestic—even though he looked ill, his aura of authority remained untouched.

Li Suiwen whispered, “Seems the frontier lost a battle. The emperor hasn’t slept well in days.”

Li Zhiyue shook her head.

There were many small nations on the western borders, constantly at war.

One lost today, another lost tomorrow—there was never peace. It was always the commoners who suffered.

The banquet began with palace maids performing music and dance.

The atmosphere was festive and harmonious.

But within that harmony came an off-key note.

At least, to Li Zhiyue, it was unpleasant.

Princess Danyang stood up, smiling sweetly. “I heard Miss Li excels in the arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Since we’re at a palace banquet, why not have Miss Li perform a piece for everyone’s enjoyment?”

Li Zhiyue: “…”

What the hell? When did I offend this Danyang Princess?

Everyone in the capital knew she was a spendthrift who didn’t know a thing about the arts—this was clearly a setup to humiliate her!

Princess Danyang kept smiling.

She had specifically investigated and learned that lately, the one closest to Cheng Changyan was the Li family.

Cheng Changyan’s sister was even doing business with Li Zhiyue.

Li Zhiyue had a seductive face—it was hard not to suspect that Cheng Changyan had fallen for her, which would explain why he had the gall to reject her, a noble princess.