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Chang Ji expected that Rong Shu would present something like pastries or fruits for the occasion, but to his surprise, it was two wooden boxes.

"These originally belonged to Second Master. I haven't found the right moment to return them."

Chang Ji recognized the items; he had personally fetched them from Liumiao Hall on the day of the visit back to her family and delivered them to Ying Que.

"Isn't this the gift Lady prepared for Duke Cheng'an and the Elder Madam?"

Rong Shu nodded. "Mr. Chunshan's paintings are priceless, and a single rosary bead from Daci'en Temple is hard to come by. It would be a waste on my father and grandmother."

Chang Ji wanted to argue that how could it be a waste? Mr. Chunshan's paintings and the Daci'en Temple's rosary beads were indeed precious to ordinary people, but to Lady and her husband, they might as well be common cabbages.

Then, he remembered the expressions of the Cheng'an Duke's family, and he realized that yes, it truly was a waste.

That damn Duke Cheng'an and Elder Madam Rong, they didn't deserve even a cabbage.

Upon receiving the items, Chang Ji conveyed Rong Shu's words verbatim to Gu Changjin in the study: "Madam is reluctant to let the Lord spend silver."

Gu Changjin's gaze fell upon the wooden chests.

She wasn't afraid of wasting his silver; she simply didn't wish to accept anything from him.

The divorce papers had been prepared long ago, and these two chests had never made it into the marquis residence.

It seemed she had planned on divorcing him for quite some time.

Gu Changjin retracted his gaze and spoke calmly, "Put them away. While I'm at the Minglu Yard, I'll take the opportunity to visit Daci'en Temple and meet with Xuan Ce."

"Xuan Ce?" Chang Ji's eyes widened. "Why is Master looking for that monk?"

Gu Changjin tapped the table lightly as he pondered, "I want him to investigate something for me in Su Prefecture and search for someone along the way."

County Lord Danzhu said Wen Xi was searching for a person with a scar on their face. If possible, he wished to find this person before Wen Xi did.

Chang Ji hesitated, "So Master plans to enter Daci'en Temple through the secret passage in the courtyard?"

Master's relationship with that demonic monk Xuan Ce was highly secretive, even his wife knew nothing about it. It wouldn't do for him to enter the temple brazenly; they would likely receive news at Hall Six Myriad the moment he stepped inside.

Gu Changjin hummed in response, "One of you should stay here with Heng Ping."

Chang Ji immediately understood the intention: to have someone keep an eye on the movements in Liumo Hall.

"I'll stay. That Heng Ping's expressionless face and dull mind won't be of much help."

Back in the annex, Chang Ji pulled Heng Ping off his bed and said, "Tomorrow, you'll drive the carriage to take Madam and Master to Minglu Yard. Master will seize the opportunity to visit Xuan Ce, that devilish monk, at Daci'en Temple."

With that, he fished out a jade bottle the size of half a palm from his robe. "Take this medicine and make sure to protect Master well."

Heng Ping, whose peaceful sleep had been abruptly interrupted, was initially annoyed. But after hearing Chang Ji's words, his anger dissipated significantly. He took the medicine bottle expressionlessly and assured, "Don't worry, I'll return it to you."

Chang Ji clicked his tongue.

This was a life-saving medicine prescribed by the old court physician. He and Heng Ping only had one dose each, which would be given to the one on a mission. Upon their safe return, the medicine would be returned.

These two doses provided at least two chances to save their lives.

He, Heng Ping, and Shiiun couldn't afford to lose anyone else.

The following morning, Rong Shu and Gu Changjin embarked on her ornate carriage, laden with gifts for the New Year, and set off in a grand procession towards Minglu Yard.

On the two previous occasions when I accompanied Gu Changjin on a carriage ride, the first was a return to the Marquis's residence for a visit, and the second was to meet with Lady Xu (Li'er) at the posthouse. Both times, my mood could hardly be described as relaxed.

Today's journey is indeed most pleasantly relieving, not merely because she is about to see her mother, but more significantly, because her tumultuous relationship with Gu Changjin has finally culminated in a favorable outcome.

When Rong Shu is in a good mood, she feels like indulging in some delicious food.

Thus, Gu Changjin observed firsthand how the maiden devoured a purse full of honey-drenched jujubes, another purse filled with longevity nuts, and a tray of pastries and fruits.

Her manner of eating was pleasing to the eye, unhurried and graceful. She didn't hog the food either, repeatedly asking if he would like to share.

Gu Changjin had no interest in such trifles; he was about to decline, but when he met her amber-colored, apricot blossom eyes, the word "no" stuck in his throat.

Thus, he indulged in a handful of honey dates, a piece of malt candy, and a small plate of rose and lily cake.

With all the snacking along the way, by the time they arrived at Minglu Yard, it was already noon.

Rong Shu couldn't possibly have much of an appetite for the lavish feast that Madam Shen had prepared. Seeing this, she understood the situation and shot Rong Shu a chiding glance before addressing Gu Changjin, "Did this little glutton cat feast on more snacks during the journey?"

"Mother." Rong Shu coaxed sweetly, her tone soft and endearing to the listener's ears.

Gu Changjin lowered his gaze slightly, then lifted his eyes after a moment, saying, "Not much, just two honey dates and a piece of rose cake."

There was an inherent trustworthiness in his calm demeanor when he spoke.

Could Madam Shen not know her own daughter? No matter how convincing his words were, he was still lying for Zhaozhao's sake.

She couldn't help but smile wryly.

On the day of the return visit banquet, Madam Shen had noticed that her son-in-law treated Zhaozhao with a distant attitude, as if there was a barrier between them. But today, that barrier seemed to have vanished like snowflakes under the blazing sun.

It was said that her son-in-law was an incorruptible official with an unyielding facade. Now, seeing him willing to lie to cover for Zhaozhao, it was clear that he held his daughter dear in his heart.

Very well.

After the meal, Madam Shen instructed someone to lead Rong Shu and Gu Changjin to the western wing room.

That western wing room was where Rong Shu used to live, facing an old plum forest. At this time, the blossoms clung to the branches, and the scent of plum flowers filled the air gently, marking the most beautiful season of the year.

Rong Shu instructed her servants to light incense within the room and pluck a lush, blooming branch of plum blossoms, hoping that the young couple could spend two affectionate nights together.

Upon entering the room, Rong Shu said, "I am grateful for your discretion regarding our divorce matter, Lord Gu. My mother had already arranged for this place to be cleaned up before. I have also replaced the bedding, pillows, and other utensils with new ones. Please make do for the next two days, Lord Gu."

After all, it was a room she had once inhabited. If not for the fear of arousing suspicion from Madam Shen, Rong Shu would not have desired Gu Changjin to stay here.