Tong Minzhi was frozen by her sudden action, but when he heard her words, his stiff body softened involuntarily. He raised his hand, with a momentary hesitation and softness flashing across his face, fleetingly...

Yes, her words perfectly validated the gap between them. What he didn’t dare to do, she did naturally; what he hesitated over, she did resolutely... Some gaps are chasms he can never cross!

He pushed Le Yao away, looking at her tear-streaked face, and his own eyes reddened. If it’s better to cut off the ties swiftly than to linger in hopes, leaving both parties enlightened, he slowly began, his voice ethereal yet without hesitation: "I’m sorry, I can’t!"

As if everything she did became a joke, Le Yao looked at him stunned, as if trying to see through him, trying to discover what was on his mind. Why, after she had lowered herself so much, why after she had abandoned everything to give to him, was he still unmoved, like a rock...

Le Yao shook her head, struck as if hit, stepped back a pace, her eyes like blood: "Tong Minzhi, how cruel you are!"

Tong Minzhi clenched his fist tightly, as if trying to crush his whole hand, using all his strength. He didn’t dare look at Le Yao, afraid that another glance might make him waver, might lead to total defeat. He turned his gaze aside, looking into the distance, saying nothing.

One sentence of apology had already explained everything.

What was between them was a misunderstanding right from the start, which was thought to have ended three years ago, yet still continued unexpectedly. He couldn’t afford to let the misunderstanding deepen and leave everyone troubled!

Le Yao clutched her chest, squatted on the ground, and wailed loudly.

Tong Minzhi stood against the wind, standing silently like a soulless sculpture.

"Miss Le." Someone came over, their voice gentle yet cold: "Since Miss Le rarely comes to the mansion, why not follow me for a cup of tea and take a break?"

Tong Minzhi turned awkwardly, then quickly lowered his head and called, "Sister-in-law!"

Madam Jiang looked at him, nodded and smiled: "Seventh Brother is here too. Father is looking for you. He probably has something to discuss with you. You should go quickly." Then walked nearer, looking at the inconsolable Le Yao: "I’ll take care of Miss Le."

Tong Minzhi hesitated, she feared Le Yao might do something foolish.

"Seventh Brother!" Madam Jiang shook her head at him, indicating that he should not stay. Tong Minzhi still hesitated without moving. Madam Jiang sighed inwardly, shook her head, and went over to help Le Yao up, speaking gently: "Come sit with me for a while."

Le Yao, somewhat exhausted, was helped up by Madam Jiang, with Nanny Qiu coming over to support her other side. Le Yao looked at Tong Minzhi through tearful eyes, and Tong Minzhi, filled with shame, hung his head.

After Le Yao was helped away by Madam Jiang, Tong Minzhi turned and went to the First Master’s study. The First Master and Tong Shen Zhi were inside. Originally, he expected a thorough scolding, but unexpectedly, he stood for a long time, yet only silence persisted. After a while, it was Tong Shen Zhi who spoke first: "Sit down!"

Tong Minzhi glanced uneasily at the First Master’s unpleasant expression, remained standing, and replied: "I... I’m not tired."

Tong Shen Zhi did not insist further. The First Master finally looked at Tong Minzhi, and with a heavy voice, replied: "The year-end is approaching, and your second uncle has been reportedly unwell these past few days. Your brother and I have been busy, so you should go. While you’re at it, go check the farm with Manager Lai."

Tong Minzhi was stunned, glanced at his father. The First Master took a sip of tea and said: "But don’t neglect your studies. You’ll enter Imperial College next year, where it’s full of elites. You must not dawdle and waste such precious time."

Tong Minzhi was somewhat guilty and didn’t dare refute, lowered his head and replied: "Yes, I’ll discuss it with Manager Lai tonight." However, the First Master frowned slightly: "No need. Manager Lai has already packed up. Depart tonight, and you just gather a few clothes quickly and leave at once!"

Tong Shen Zhi paused his tea-drinking action, showing surprise at the First Master’s decision.

"Father!" Tong Minzhi didn’t expect the First Master to have him leave now. He knew the First Master had his best interests in mind, but Le Yao...

The First Master waved his hand, indicating for him not to speak further: "Go prepare." Unwilling to say more.

Tong Minzhi left the study with unsteady steps, concerned about Le Yao in Madam Jiang’s room. He also knew the First Master was doing this to protect him and Le Yao, though he couldn’t help feeling an emptiness in his heart, as if a piece was gouged out.

When he bewilderedly returned to the courtyard, Madam Jiang was already waiting at the gate for him. Tong Minzhi paused and called out: "Sister-in-law!" wanting to inquire about Le Yao’s situation.

"She was taken back by Madam Le." Madam Jiang replied warmly: "Don’t worry, she’s fine, just needs to calm down for a day or two."

Tong Minzhi nodded with difficulty, lowered his gaze and said no more. Madam Jiang gently consoled him: "I also know Father has asked you to go to Baoding, Liufu has helped pack your things, rest assured and go. Fortunately, you don’t need to attend Imperial College until the new year, it’s a good chance to relax. Don’t worry about the marriage arrangements. I’m here, and if not me, then there’s Sixth Sister or your concubine, don’t feel burdened by it."

"Thank you, sister-in-law, for your concern." Tong Minzhi clasped his hands and bowed to Madam Jiang. Madam Jiang waved off: "No need for formality among family. Be at ease going to Baoding. I have things to send to Second Aunt, you can help deliver them."

Tong Minzhi agreed and went into the courtyard to pack his things. Liufu and Caixia saw him off, together with Manager Lai, he boarded the carriage. The carriage raced along, brushing against the dusking night, exiting the city gate.

Tong Shen Zhi lifted the curtain, gazing at the city gate growing distant, his eyes welling up with tears again.

Le Yao, I cannot give you what you want. I hope you find a man who truly loves you and live a lifetime of happiness!

The next day, the news of Miss Le from Marquis Zhongshan storming Tong Mansion demanding marriage spread outside. Later, Madam Ruan took her back where she went hysterical overnight. When Le Xiu heard this, she was having lunch and instructed Chief De to send snacks to Tong Minzhi. After a pause, she confirmed with Jinyu: "Are they really saying that outside?"

Jinyu nodded: "The maid just left the palace gate and heard the rumors."

Le Xiu frowned, her face showing anger: "What exactly is this Le Yao trying to do!" The face of the Le family was disgraced by her, and if it spreads in the palace, who knows how others might mock her behind her back.

"Take my token to the Marquis Mansion, have Madam Ruan come to the palace." Le Xiu instructed Chief De with a stern face: "If you see Le Yao, bring her along too."

Chief De knew the matter was important, and if someone with ulterior motives took advantage, it might lead to slander against the Imperial Concubine.

In the afternoon, Le Yao and Madam Ruan entered the palace, and upon seeing Le Yao, Le Xiu couldn’t help but say: "You’re so grown up now, yet still act impulsively. Have you thought about the consequences of your actions? Now people outside are laughing at us sisters. Is this the outcome you wanted?"