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Noticing how engrossed she was in her joy, Madam Shen sent her back to Phoenix Avenue on the twenty-first day.

"Nearly two months have passed since you left your husband's household; if you do not return soon, others will surely be quick to point fingers at your spine. Lord Yunzhi and Lady Gu, in their understanding of your filial devotion, have granted you permission to return to the Marquisate to be with me. However, you must not take advantage of their leniency and push your boundaries further. The year-end is fast approaching, marking your first New Year celebration within the Gu family. You cannot fail to be present on such an occasion."

Rong Shu hesitated, longing to share with Madam Shen that the Gu family's New Year celebrations were eerily quiet, nowhere near as lively as the bustling Minglu Yard.

But the words lingered on her lips, unwilling to be spoken.

Until now, she hadn't dared to mention to Madam Shen her desire for a divorce from Gu Changjin. First and foremost, her mother had been deeply affected by the recent events, and she didn't wish to burden her with any more worries.

Secondly, Mother might not consent to her divorce.

When Mother learned of her affection for Gu Changjin, she overcame all obstacles to arrange their betrothal, ensuring that she would marry the one she loved.

Back then, she truly adored Gu Changjin with all her heart. Her mother teasingly remarked about it countless times while they embroidered her dowry.

At this moment, even if she were to say she didn't like Gu Changjin, her mother would simply attribute it to her childish whims and not take it seriously.

When it came to the matter of divorce, she intended to take action first and seek approval later.

It was regrettable that Nijing had yet to reply, leaving Rong Shu unsure if she had any news of Wen Xi's whereabouts.

Nijing and Elder Brother Mu would send letters to the family steward every four months to assure their safety. They would definitely write again during the New Year, at which point Nijing would inform her, whether or not she had found Wen Xi.

Rong Shu's return to the capital would provide an opportunity to inquire at the general's residence.

After much deliberation, Rong Shu obediently returned to Wutong Lane with the unfinished account books.

That night, lights illuminated Songsi Courtyard once more. The dim glow from the lanterns along the corridor stretched to the Moon Cave Gate, casting a frosty radiance on the ground.

When Gu Changjin heard about Rong Shu's visit to the mansion from Heng Ping after his shift, he found her in Songsi Courtyard, warming herself by a heated footbath.

She sat with her knees bent, the hem of her light purple robe draping over the footbath, creating a small half-arch bridge.

Without even lifting the hem, Gu Changjin knew that her tiny feet were nestled against the small heated basin inside.

This young lady was most fearful of the cold. Whenever the weather turned cooler, she sought warmth for her hands and feet.

Gu Changjin still vividly remembered the sensation of her tiny feet pressed against his calf in his dream. His steps slowed, and he lost himself in thought for a moment. Mama Zhang was arranging charcoal braziers around the four corners of the bed with Yingyue and Ying Que. Catching sight of the man standing motionless at the screen door, she exclaimed, "Sir." Rong Shu quickly turned back. Seeing Gu Changjin standing there in his official attire, she knew he had just returned from the government office. She hurried down from the couch, slipped on a pair of butterfly shoes, and gave a graceful curtsy, smiling warmly. "My lord has finished his duties." Earlier that afternoon, she had gone to the Sixth Distant Hall to pay her respects and had come back smelling of medicinal herbs. After just having bathed, her delicate cheeks were flushed, her eyes as limpid as autumn waters, and her half-damp hair cascaded down her back. A few stray strands of hair by her cheeks were stirred by the wind rushing in through the door, perhaps because it was a bit chilly. Gu Changjin instinctively closed the door behind him and asked, "How is your mother? The Ministry of Justice has been busy lately, so I haven't been able to visit personally. I hope Madam will forgive me." Rong Shu was quite surprised. She hadn't expected the diligent and hardworking Lord Gu to also worry about Mother. The corners of her lips lifted into a deep smile as she expressed her gratitude. "Mother's condition has improved day by day, thank you for your concern, my lord."

Back when Mother was still unconscious, he had sent Chang Ji to the marquis manor with gifts and asked her to stay there and take care of Mother without rushing back to Phoenix Lane.

Nanny Zhou and Mama Zhang comfortingly said that Young Master Gu was a considerate person.

Rong Shu didn't interpret Gu Changjin's thoughtfulness as a sign of affection towards her; perhaps he was even more at ease with her not in the Gu residence.

Still, her gratitude towards Gu Changjin was genuine. If he hadn't promptly sent Sun Daoping to the marquis manor, she and Mother might have been forever separated.

Gu Changjin picked up on the gratitude in her tone and paused before saying, "Xu Lier has already entered the palace and is now being personally tutored by a trusted imperial nanny from Empress's side. After the New Year, the Three Offices will jointly interrogate Yang Xu and his associates. No one dares to vouch for Yang Xu's life anymore."

He brought up the subject of Li'er and Yang Xu rather abruptly, catching Rong Shu off guard. But she quickly grasped his meaning – he was assuring her of Li'er's safety.

A warm smile bloomed on her face, her crescent-shaped eyes sparkling like a lake filled with stars.

"That is truly excellent news. Your efforts have not been in vain, and Li'er no longer needs to fear encountering anyone from Yang Xu's faction."

She was genuinely delighted for Li'er. With Yang Xu's group eliminated, Rong Shu could now serve as a court lady in the palace without worry.

"Thank you, my lord, for taking the time to convey this comforting news about Li'er to me," she said, bowing respectfully once more.

Gu Changjin nodded faintly, not lingering further. After saying what needed to be said, he left the room and returned to his study.

Ying Que puffed out her cheeks and said, "Why did Lord Husband stay in the study again? What's so good about that cold place?"

Rong Shu had already anticipated this. In his previous life, he was genuinely occupied at this point and always slept in the study.

It was only after she shamelessly joined him on the hard, chilly futon in the study that he eventually moved back to the Songsi Courtyard.

Back then, Rong Shu sincerely wanted to accompany him in the study. However, the futon was so hard and cold that she fell ill from the chill after just a few nights.

Recalling her behavior then, Rong Shu's cheeks flushed slightly.

Nowadays, only a fool would freeze in the study unnecessarily. With a charcoal basin in her cabriole bed and the curtains drawn, even the coldest frosty days felt like a warm spring. It was incomparably comfortable.

Mother Zhang scolded Ying Que sternly, "Lord Husband is busy with official duties. Staying in the study is for the benefit of the people. Why are you talking so much?"

Rong Shu shrugged her shoulders slightly and said softly with a smile, "Second Master likes sleeping in the study, so let him. He probably doesn't enjoy sleeping in this cabriole bed anyway." With that, she kicked off her soft silk slippers, climbed onto the bed, adjusted the fine coal in the incense warmer, and continued to warm her feet.