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Among them, an elderly eunuch, dressed in a scarlet robe, clearly held a high rank within the palace.

The atmosphere suggested that something significant was about to unfold.

Several astute servants in the crowd had already rushed towards their masters' mansions to deliver the news.

Rong Shu initially found the situation perplexing, but as she met Gu Changjin's gaze, her heart began to race, and she suddenly understood what he meant by the matter that would anger her.

On the other side, Wang Dehai, seeing her finally emerge, instantly donned a benevolent smile. Holding the bright yellow imperial edict in his hands, he stepped forward and said, "Miss Rong, I am Wang Dehai, the chief eunuch of the Qianqing Palace. Today, I have been entrusted by His Majesty the Emperor—"

"Hold on!" Rong Shu gripped the corner of her cloak and looked at Wang Dehai. "Eunuch Wang, would it be possible for this commoner woman to have a few words with Prince Jin first?"

"Well, this—" Wang Dehai was taken aback. This was the first time someone had attempted to calculate the implications of an imperial edict granting marriage in his presence.

Though Miss Rong had been officially removed from the Rong family's genealogy, the Rong family would henceforth be known as a fallen household. Even if she were stripped of her title, she would still be implicated in their downfall.

This imperial edict of betrothal is to her like an oasis in the desert, a lifeline!

By her reaction, it was clear she had guessed the content of the imperial edict yet deliberately interrupted him, as if she did not wish for him to proclaim it.

Wang Dehai dared not speculate on Rong Shu's intentions and quickly turned to Gu Changjin.

Normally, the Crown Prince wouldn't need to accompany him for this imperial edict. On such a cold day, Wang Dehai would have preferred not to make this journey if it weren't for the Emperor's order. Yet, the Crown Prince insisted on coming along.

Could it be that he had already anticipated this young lady's reaction?

As he pondered, he saw her lift her skirt and approach the Crown Prince, speaking softly, "Your Highness, may I have a word with you in private?"

Fine snowflakes swirled around, dusting Gu Changjin's cloak with a layer of frost.

Lowering his gaze at Rong Shu, he knew that he should harden his heart and let Wang Dehai continue reading the imperial edict. Only then would their marriage arrangement remain unaltered.

He acknowledged his own cunning. This girl cared for the Shen family, Shen Yizhen, and some of her relatives from the Rong family. She wouldn't defy the imperial command.

But as he gazed into her clear, resolute eyes, the resolve to be harsh suddenly softened.

"What do you wish to say?" he asked.

Rong Shu glanced around, unwilling for others to overhear her conversation with Gu Changjin. "Please follow me, Your Highness."

With that, he headed for the Cheng'an Marquis Estate, where the officials were bustling about in great haste. Upon seeing the Crown Prince enter, they were all taken aback.

Gu Changjin glanced at Li Meng, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who had just emerged from inside upon hearing the news.

Li Meng immediately snapped to attention, bellowing, "What are you all standing there for? Follow this official out!"

The officials, as if granted a reprieve, promptly put down their belongings and followed Li Meng out of the marquis estate, even thoughtfully closing the grand gates behind them.

The once-noisy courtyard instantly lost its vitality.

Rong Shu glanced back at Gu Changjin and said, "Your Highness, please follow me."

Gu Changjin stepped forward, remaining silent as the lady did. After walking in silence for about half an hour, they arrived at Qingheng Courtyard.

The bamboo grove in the courtyard where Rong Shu used to live was now covered in snow, making the bare stalks resemble white jade from a distance.

Pointing to the house behind the white wall and gray tiles, she said, "I used to live here, in this one courtyard and one room, leading a life of seclusion. Occasionally, when Mother had to go out, I would accompany her and broaden my horizons."

Pausing for a moment, she continued, "During my time in Wutong Lane, I spent three whole years in the same manner at Songsi Courtyard."

Three years.

She was referring to her past life.

Gu Changjin lifted his gaze, his dark and profound eyes fixated on her.

Rong Shu smiled and said, "Back then, when I married you, it was my own choice. I was aware of the kind of life I would lead as a married woman. Therefore, I'm not complaining about the past. But Gu Changjin, I often believe that a person, or more specifically, a woman, her world shouldn't be confined to the bricks and tiles of a backyard, nor should it be limited to the space within her sight."

How unfair the world can be. Men could ascend to the court, fight in battles, roam the vast lands. Yet for women, two gates and a courtyard were enough to imprison their horizons.

It shouldn't be like this.

"What I desire now is not to marry anyone. Rather, I want to explore the world beyond Shangjing and Yangzhou before my time runs out."

The wind grew stronger, dispersing the gentle voice of the young lady.

Gu Changjin's Adam's apple bobbed as he suppressed his emotions, saying, "Marrying me doesn't mean you'll lose the world you aspire for."

Rong Shu shook her head.

"The grandest palace is still a confined world, built brick by brick. Even as an Empress, there are many things one cannot avoid," Gu Changjin spoke with profound understanding.

One only had to look at Empress Qi to understand. Despite knowing that Gu Changjin was not her biological child, she had no choice but to acknowledge him, all for the sake of preserving her status and her family's power. Even the most exalted woman in the world still had to exhaust herself with worries and face countless challenges.

"We will be different," Gu Changjin assured her. "I will give you the world you desire, as long as you stay by my side. Rong Shu, this time, it will be different."

Now, he had the strength to protect her, unlike in his past life where he had to restrain himself, suppressing his feelings, afraid that any misstep would lead them both into a hopeless abyss.

"When I married you, I thought it would be different too," Rong Shu said with a faint smile. She realized that perhaps her love wasn't deep enough, unwilling to sacrifice the life she wanted for him. If she hadn't died early in her previous life, she would have still divorced him and left.

"But I can't let go," Gu Changjin stepped closer, embracing her tightly. His voice was hoarse as he whispered in her ear, "Rong Shu, I can't let go. I don't want to experience the pain of losing you again. I want to open my eyes and see you, touch you, hear you call me 'Yunzhi'. I'd rather you hate me than to lose you."

His words echoed with sincerity and a depth of emotion that transcended their previous lives.