The Zhu Family has been sentenced to execution after Autumn.

Chuzheng went to the scene that day, watching as the Zhu Family was dragged to the execution ground, each one disheveled and haggard, far from their former glory.

Zhu Dongfeng and Lord Zhu knelt at the front; after enduring torture for some time, both were significantly thinner.

Zhu Dongfeng, whose eyes were muddled, spotted Chuzheng in the crowd.

A sudden surge of hatred burst forth from his eyes.

He had discussed with his father, convinced that she was responsible for this.

She was avenging the Ji Family.

Zhu Dongfeng regretted not having eliminated her when she first appeared.

Chuzheng met Zhu Dongfeng’s gaze with indifference, neither sorrowful nor joyful, calm as stagnant water.

"It is noon—"

Someone above shouted.

Zhu Dongfeng’s expression suddenly turned fearful.

How could he die here...

As the executioner raised his arm, Chuzheng turned and left.

-

Not long after the Zhu Family incident, Xu Jiaowei was sent out of the Capital City by Prince Jinan.

Even if she stayed here, who would marry her?

Even if someone didn’t mind, remembering Xu Jiaowei’s fierce side made everyone shy away.

Leaving the Capital City was the smartest choice for Xu Jiaowei.

Xu Jiaowei returned flamboyantly, but in the end retreated in such a manner; the happiest person was probably Princess Changhuan.

This princess did not hide her schadenfreude at Xu Jiaowei’s plight, almost visiting Chuzheng daily to bask in it.

"It’s getting late, aren’t you leaving?"

Chuzheng reminded Princess Changhuan.

Princess Changhuan was startled and stood up with a jolt: "Oh no, that dead eunuch must be looking for trouble with me."

Chuzheng gave her a fleeting look, then shifted her gaze to the person behind Princess Changhuan.

Yin · Dead Eunuch · Shen: "Your Highness, Princess."

Princess Changhuan: "..."

A chill ran down her back.

Princess Changhuan stiffly turned her head, as if mourning her parents.

Yin Shen maintained a faint smile: "How did Your Highness come out today, could you tell me?"

The smile did not reach his eyes, giving Princess Changhuan goosebumps.

Like hell she would!

Princess Changhuan picked up her skirt and ran: "Sister, I’ll be going back first."

Yin Shen signaled to the people behind him, indicating they should follow Princess Changhuan and escort her back to the palace.

Princess Changhuan probably had practiced her skills, running swiftly, leaving the others behind.

"Have you finished your business?"

Yin Shen sat next to Chuzheng, glancing sideways at her.

"Mm."

"Let’s leave this place," Yin Shen suggested.

He had thought about it for a long time; this place held unpleasant memories for him.

He wanted to leave with her, to start anew, just the two of them.

"Are you willing to give up everything?" After all the effort to climb to this position, would the Good Person Card just let go?

Yin Shen chuckled softly, his fingertip resting over Chuzheng’s heart: "My everything is here."

Chuzheng fell silent for a moment, then asked: "Where do you want to go?"

"I don’t know, just wandering around," Yin Shen replied.

Wherever you are is where I want to be.

-

The first to oppose Yin Shen quitting was the Secluded Emperor.

The Emperor was unwilling to let Yin Shen go, probably because he couldn’t find someone equally handy and trustworthy.

Yin Shen had firmly decided to leave, rendering the Emperor’s pleas ineffective.

Thinking about attending court alone in the future caused the Emperor to become reclusive.

Yin Shen’s sudden departure shocked the Ministers more than the Emperor.

What is the treacherous rascal up to? 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Is he trying an enforcement sting?

The majority shared these thoughts.

Since he already reached this position, who would suddenly relinquish power?

But soon, the Ministers realized that Yin Shen was genuinely gone.

The Emperor’s sudden appearances at court were unsettling for some Ministers.

"Did Yin Shen really leave?"

"Seems like it..."

"Is he insane?"

"..."

He must be insane.

The Emperor also suspected Yin Shen was crazy, contemplating sending the army to capture him back.

-

Another year for the River Lantern Festival.

It’s not a festival specific to the Capital City, but a nationwide event where everyone hits the streets once it gets dark.

Lanterns light the night, creating a dazzling spectacle.

In the crowd, a tall, handsome man carried an octagonal pagoda lantern, attracting more than a few looks from passersby.

Even some bold young girls approached directly, attempting to offer their lanterns to him as a show of affection.

The man lowered his hand, revealing a red string tied around his wrist.

To avoid trouble, people would tie a red string around their wrists to indicate that they were already spoken for.

The disappointed young girls walked away, unwilling to give up, standing in the vicinity to judge whether this gentleman’s beloved was worthy of him.

If she was unattractive, they could perhaps still make an effort.

Yin Shen carried the lantern, slightly lowering his head to avoid scrutiny.

Chuzheng had asked him to wait here, but she had disappeared somewhere.

Bang—

Suddenly, fireworks burst overhead.

The splendid fireworks bloomed in clusters, like flowers blossoming in the sky.

"Were there supposed to be fireworks today?"

"I don’t think so..."

"Then why are there fireworks?"

"No idea... They’re so beautiful; it seems to be coming from over there. Let’s go and see."

The crowd suddenly surged in one direction, everyone heading that way.

This city is different from others, its terrain sloping downward, giving its architecture layered levels. His current location was in a high zone, allowing him to see the city below.

Now, fireworks bloomed overhead, and few had noticed the dark city below.

It seemed the city’s lights had vanished, leaving only the fireworks in the sky.

Suddenly, a corner lit up.

The fireworks in the sky disappeared, and people noticed the changes in the city below.

Once that cluster of lights lit up, they kindled one after another, like stars gradually lighting up.

Even from a distance, one could recognize that all the lights were river lanterns, and those lanterns seemed alive, flowing smoothly.

If nearby, one could see people moving along.

When all the roads below were illuminated, the lights suddenly went out, and fireworks simultaneously lit up overhead.

Their attention was instantly captured; when the fireworks disappeared, lights below gradually began to reappear.

This time not the entire city; some places lit up while others remained dark.

Yin Shen carried his lantern, stepping forward a few paces, gazing at the slowly emerging letters below, his eyes gleaming brilliantly.

Below, the river lanterns formed just two characters—Yin Shen.

Yin Shen seemed to hear his heart beat irregularly.

"Do you like it?"

Yin Shen turned his head, seeing the young woman standing a few paces away, fireworks rising behind, setting off her serene and elegant face.

Yin Shen’s lips gradually curved into a smile: "I like it."

Chuzheng stepped forward a few paces, gripping Yin Shen’s hanging hand, intertwining their fingers, gazing downward together.

The river lanterns on the streets constantly changed, presenting a special lantern show.

[Congratulations to the young lady for receiving a Thank-You Card ×1]

Chuzheng: "???" Frightened me! Who was that? What good deed did I do?

[Princess Changhuan]

Chuzheng: "..."

Alright then.

Just the special thought process of a princess.

*

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