All the way, although neither of us spoke a word and I didnt lift the curtain again. But because I knew he was always riding beside me, my heart felt warm and at ease.

  Arrived at the Xiangs residence, my father and mother as well as many relatives were already waiting outside the door. As soon as I got off the sedan chair, a maternal aunt came forward to open the curtain for me. With a elegant and refined demeanor, he dismounted his horse, took big strides forward, and handed his hand over to me in the sedan.

  In ancient times, a new bride returning to her parents home should not get off the sedan chair by herself, as it was considered unlucky. This action should have been done by Nan Chongyao.

  I paused for a few seconds, gazed into his bright and gentle eyes, smiled slightly, and still placed my hand lightly on his strong wrist, walking out of the carriage slowly.

  I noticed Fathers eyes swept lightly over me, saying nothing, and led the family to bow to me.

  She had already turned her body to avoid the gesture, but I saw his silver hair as my father bowed, and my heart ached, almost bringing tears.

  After the courtesy was over, my father made way for me to go first, and from beginning to end, he didnt take another glance at Yi. I was somewhat puzzled, wondering if he was blaming Yi for his nonsense or silently approving of his behavior.

  Thinking so, I couldnt help but look in Pings direction, he happened to turn his head over, his line of sight coincided with mine, and he smiled brightly at once.

  Qin An personally directed the people to carry the Rongning ritual into the mansion, although he had tacitly agreed to let Wei escort it all the way, but also insisted on following along.

  His father looked at these return gifts that were much more generous than the betrothal gifts and thanked Qin An politely.

  Qin An naturally and politely answered, then explained to Nan Chengyao on behalf of the household, before following the maidservants to rest in the west hall, leaving me to reunite with my family.

  I hold the celadon cup with both hands and bow down to offer tea to my parents. After the family ritual, my mother cant help but stand up, embracing me in her arms, with tears shining in her eyes.

  Fathers face was also deeply moved, he quietly watched me and my mother embracing each other, after a while, he finally spoke: "Qinger, lets go out first, you accompany your mother well and have a good talk with her, she misses you very much."

  After Father said that, all the aunts and brothers in the house retreated, leaving only Shuying, Bixi, and a few personal maids to serve.

  Father walked to the door and looked back at me for a long time before closing the door with his own hands.

  My mother grasped my hand and sat down in a chair, refusing to let go.

  She gazed at me for a moment, then spoke softly: "Qinger, youve lost weight."

  I laughed: "Its only been three days since we last met, how could it be?"

  My mother looked at me for a long time and sighed: "I know all about your grievances."

  Before I could say anything, Mother hesitated for a moment and then dismissed the maid serving in the house.

  I was slightly surprised that among those present in the house were Piao Xiang and others who were originally my confidants, yet they had not even tried to avoid mentioning the fact that I had taken someone elses place in marriage.

  What is this retreat for at this moment?

  "Qinger, you are different from Huaner. She has never left the familys protection since she was a child and is therefore too weak. But you, although you have suffered misfortune, were rescued and taught by Mr. Su, your experiences are far beyond those of ordinary women in the boudoir. You seem gentle as water, but your heart is extremely resilient." My mother still held my hand, speaking softly, her voice filled with so much emotion that it sounded like she was narrating someone elses experience, calm and peaceful.

  "Thats why there are some old things that your mother wants you to know. If it were Yuner, I wouldnt have breathed a word no matter what, she couldnt handle it and might not even realize it later on. But now that the one who married into the Third Princes household is you, I have no choice but to say it. With your intelligence, youll find out sooner or later, so its better to tell you earlier."

  I raised my eyes and looked at my mother calmly, waiting for her next words. And my mother grasped my hand tightly and continued to speak.

  "You should know that the current emperor was originally a general of the previous dynastys imperial guard. Five years ago, he led his troops into the capital and changed the dynasty, resulting in the prosperous Southern Dynasty we have today."

  I nodded, even though I had no memory of it. This drastic change in the dynasty was well-known throughout the land. Five years ago, it was my father who followed the current emperor to conquer the south and establish a new dynasty. After the emperor entered the imperial palace, he tirelessly pursued the three princes of the Southern Dynasty, including the current Emperor Nan Chengyao, who eliminated the remnants of the previous dynasty, fought bravely, and achieved great military merit, ultimately earning his current esteemed position as the most powerful minister in the land.

  "In the war years, the Third Prince made great contributions, but also lost his beloved, the former dynastys princess, Ning Yuqing." My mother looked at me, paused for a moment, and seemed to flash a hint of tenderness in her eyes, but continued speaking word by word: "He loved her so much, yet ultimately, he personally forced her to death."