The speaker has no intention, but the listener takes it to heart.

Prince Qi put down the teacup in his hand, his expression slightly sad, and said slowly: "I’ve always known the days at the Northern Border are harsh, but I never imagined my third brother lived so bitterly. Three Brother never mentioned any of this while in the Northern Border, as if he had no plans to return once he left."

His voice halted several times, as he spoke with emotion.

Prince Qi was already handsome, making it difficult for anyone not to want to comfort him in such a state.

Treasure Bead toyed with the idea of risking being driven out by the Old Madam to offer some comforting words, but in the end, she dared not speak.

Old Madam Gu sighed, her voice was very low, mixed with an indescribable desolation.

"Why does Your Highness bring it up again? It’s all in the past."

It’s all in the past—whether it’s sadness, resentment, pain, or happiness, joy, and bliss. They have all passed, and they will continue to pass.

Prince Qi lowered his head and said nothing.

Qin Yuan was also seemingly lost in thought.

Yesterday’s events are like yesterday’s death; today’s events are like today’s birth.

One cannot hold onto the past, yet is always held by it.

It’s all in the past.

The past turns into the present, the heart shouldn’t dwell on what’s gone.

The Old Madam’s words sounded simple but had a profound meaning upon careful reflection. Though she was advising Prince Qi, they also caused Qin Yuan’s mind to wander. Since her rebirth, she was no less shackled by the past.

The hardest achievement for a person’s heart is the word "freedom."

Everyone in the room had their own thoughts, making the atmosphere somewhat stagnant.

This silence was abruptly broken by Gu Jinghui’s cold voice.

"If you’re always like this, why would I talk to you? A person lives with a sense of pride; a real man stands tall and firm. Life and death are trivial matters; why should these petty concerns weigh on the heart. As the descendant of the Dingbei Marquis, dying on the battlefield wrapped in a horse skin is worth more than letting our ancestors be shamed."

Prince Qi was startled, raised his head to look at Gu Jinghui, and asked urgently: "So Three Brother always intended not to return, is that right? You have such a ruthless heart; even if you’re not afraid of us brothers and friends being saddened, aren’t you afraid of Old Madam being heartbroken?"

"Yes," Gu Jinghui replied solemnly: "If I couldn’t drive the Yelv Family from the Northern Border, I swore never to return to the Capital. At the time I said that, people only thought it was a joke, but no matter, as long as I achieved it, that’s enough. Even if the worst happened to me, the Marquis Mansion has Sixth Brother’s line; even if there’s no one left, the Gu Family still has people. I cannot let my father and brothers bleed in vain. Every day at the border towns there’s life and death separations; tears and sorrow are as light as a feather. Surviving and winning battles are my real concerns. That’s how I’ve lived these ten years."

His sharp features, piercing brows and eyes, arrogant nose, and chiselled contours... all radiated with a righteous aura that stirs the heart.

Seeing Marquis Gu like this, a hint of admiration flashed in Qin Yuan’s star-like eyes.

To live as a hero in life and as a revered spirit in death, that’s truly what is meant.

Prince Qi was clearly also overwhelmed by this generosity, unable to speak for a while.

Treasure Bead repressed the urge to applaud.

Suddenly, Old Madam Gu spoke: "From now on, don’t talk about these things. Third Brother has returned and has married; it’s time to live a peaceful life. There likely won’t be any more wars. Always talking about these things, outsiders would think we’re claiming credit, which wouldn’t be good."

Gu Jinghui immediately nodded and said obediently: "Mother is right; I will remember."

Prince Qi also came back to his senses.

"Currently, the court plans to suppress the military generals, and during peaceful times it’s the civil servants who are in power. The Old Madam is right; Third Brother’s wishes have been fulfilled, just close the door and enjoy the good life alone. They’ve had enough of their days filled with song and dance; it’s your turn to enjoy it."

Gu Jinghui said: "That’s why I don’t want to have much to do with you."

Prince Qi smiled bitterly: "Have I become this marginalized at court? After all, I’m still a legitimate prince."

Gu Jinghui said: "I’m not that kind of opportunistic person. Besides, since I returned to the court, I’ve been overseeing the Great Camp outside the city and haven’t meddled much in court affairs. I just don’t like being involved with you, with your dual nature. A straightforward person like me will easily suffer losses."

Gu Marquis’s words were so straightforward that Prince Qi couldn’t respond.

Old Madam Gu laughed: "Third Brother indeed has a bit of self-awareness. If we talk about scheming and finesse, Third Brother is certainly lacking. Back when so many of you played together, he never learned. Clearly, the Saint’s saying ’close to vermilion makes one red, close to ink makes one black’ isn’t always right."

Prince Qi felt quite aggrieved.

"Old Madam used to care for me too, so why is it that now it’s only Third Brother you care about? What Third Brother said truly disregards my sincerity; it’s really hurtful."

Gu Jinghui smiled: "To know oneself and others is to win every battle. I know my weaknesses, and I know your strengths, so I think it’s better to hang a truce flag."

Prince Qi sneered: "So you just let me continually face your cold attitude, always avoiding me and making me face closed doors?"

Gu Jinghui said: "What’s the alternative? Despite this, I can’t escape the calculations of your brothers. I haven’t even left an heir, and I have no desire to involve myself in your Royal Family’s issues."

"What do you mean by that?"

Gu Jinghui ambiguously said: "I’ll tell you about it later."

Clearly, he felt this wasn’t the place to talk.

Treasure Bead regretfully withdrew her perked-up ears.

Prince Qi ground his teeth, stamped his foot, and said: "I don’t care; others can scheme against you, so why not allow me to?"

He no longer had any semblance of elegance.

Treasure Bead stared, dumbfounded.

Qin Yuan found it amusing; the relationship between these two was quite complex, a mix of longing from afar and wary disdain up close.

Prince Qi no longer spoke to Gu Jinghui but turned to Qin Yuan, saying: "Third Sister-in-law, let me be blunt. I know Third Sister-in-law wants to buy pepper. Recently, the Chief Historian of the Prince Mansion has been inquiring about prices, driving the pepper price up, and Third Sister-in-law hasn’t received any. Does Third Sister-in-law still plan to stock up?"

Qin Yuan smiled: "Of course I still want to. The Chief Historian of Prince Qi Mansion inadvertently caused the pepper prices to drop faster, which in a way helped me. But I’m still not satisfied with the price and plan to wait for it to fall further before buying."

Prince Qi said: "I dare not ask why Third Sister-in-law wants to buy pepper, but I can find a way to help lower the pepper price further."

Qin Yuan asked: "What does Prince Qi need me to do?"

Prince Qi nodded and praised: "A wise person doesn’t speak in riddles; Third Sister-in-law is forthright. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been searching for a particular incense, one with a distant and lasting aroma that remains for a long time without dissipating."

Qin Yuan said: "I’ve heard many perfumers can create such an incense. Is there anything else unique about the incense Prince Qi is seeking?"

Prince Qi said: "Indeed, if it’s just a peculiar scent, a way can always be found to create it. But this incense is not just any fumigating incense; it is also medical incense."

After speaking, he stared at Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan raised an eyebrow and said: "Oh? I happen to be able to craft a bit of medical incense. What special effect does it have that makes Prince Qi search the entire Capital City for it?"

Her excitement was apparent, making Prince Qi uncertain.