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But Li'er didn't hesitate for a moment. She pushed the wooden wheelchair obediently towards the corner gate.

Today, there was to be a banquet in the palace, and many attendants from the Kunning Palace had been assigned tasks. At this moment, apart from two senior palace maids and two eunuchs standing under the veranda of the main hall, no one else could be seen.

Wen Xi's eyes were fixed on the wooden door of the main hall. She couldn't tell how long she had been staring until she heard a creak, and a tall figure stepped over the threshold and walked out.

Sunlight filtered through the clouds, pouring down upon his head. The man was still the same as in her memories: eyes like a cold lake, prominent cheekbones, thin lips slightly pursed, exuding an aloofness that warned others to keep their distance.

Yet, upon closer inspection, Wen Xi felt that he seemed different from before.

Perhaps it was because of the solemn purple imperial robe he wore, but she sensed an indescribable aura of authority now emanating from Gu Changjin.

She was quite far away at the corner gate, so Wen Xi thought Gu Changjin wouldn't notice her presence.

However, after a few steps, the man paused and looked in her direction.

Wen Xi's heart tightened, then skipped a beat. She opened her mouth, her gaze meeting his with a hint of anticipation.

But Gu Changjin calmly withdrew his gaze and turned to leave, his strides broad and purposeful.

Wen Xi's lips moved slightly.

She had been accustomed to his aloofness since childhood, but even so, it still stung a little inside when he looked at her as if she was a stranger.

Did he know how much she had sacrificed for him?

To replicate the fake cinnabar mole on her shoulder, she endured hundreds of needles from Nurse An at the age of six or seven. All for the sake of pretending to be Princess Qi's daughter and taking poison from the age of nine to legitimately remain in the palace, assisting him in overthrowing Emperor Jiayou and Empress Qi.

Wen Xi took a gentle breath of cool air, and with a blink, her vulnerable and harmless appearance returned.

"According to you, that night when you were attacked, His Highness sent you to Songsi Courtyard." Wen Xi turned her head slowly and spoke softly to Xu Li'er, "Did you meet Miss Rong, who was living there at the time?"

Xu Li'er's grip unconsciously tightened. "Of course I did. Miss Rong arranged my accommodation that day and also saw me off to the carriage the next morning."

Wen Xi responded with an "Oh," then asked, "Were they... affectionate towards each other?"

"I only met Miss Rong twice, so I don't know much about His Highness and Miss Rong's relationship. However," Xu Li'er glanced around hesitantly, "I heard from the people in the mansion that back then, His Highness always slept in his study."

With those words, she refused to say anything more.

Wen Xi didn't press for more; just that sentence was enough for her.

Aunt An's letter had conveyed the same message: Brother Changjin had been sleeping in a separate room from her, and they had yet to consummate their marriage.

If he truly liked someone, how could he treat her so coldly?

She assumed that Brother Changjin must have had his own motives for marrying her.

After leaving the Kunning Palace, Gu Changjin found time to visit the Eastern Palace.

Rong Shu knew there was a banquet in the palace today and thought she wouldn't see him all day.

Two days ago, he had led a group of people in the Purple Imperial Palace to hang peach charms and lanterns, transforming the entire palace into a colorful, festive scene.

Back then, he had told her that he wouldn't be able to spend New Year's Eve with her this year.

It was customary for people to stay up late on New Year's Eve to ward off evil spirits and ensure a safe and healthy year ahead.

Rong Shu wished to live for several more decades, so naturally, she planned to stay up late for the New Year's Eve celebration. However, she didn't need Gu Changjin's company; there were plenty of people in the Purple Imperial Palace, and his presence or absence wouldn't make a difference.

Thus, she replied, "I have Aunt Zhu and Lan Xuan with me. Your Highness, your presence is not necessary."

Gu Changjin was busy tapping on peach wood charms when he heard her words. He glanced at her indifferently and simply hummed in response.

Aunt Zhu informed Rong Shu that Gu Changjin would have to remain in the palace all night and would have to offer sacrifices to their ancestors early the next morning according to an auspicious time calculated by the Astronomical Bureau. She wouldn't see him again until the following evening.

To her surprise, he returned after only half a day.

"Why did Your Highness come back?" Rong Shu stepped out, pausing as her gaze fell upon him.

He had left early, and this was the first time she had seen him wearing an imperial robe. With his pale complexion and tall figure, the dark purple robe adorned with five-clawed dragon embroidery accentuated his regal demeanor and striking handsomeness.

Ordinary people seldom could pull off such vibrant attire, but it suited him exceptionally well, even more so than the official robes he used to wear. It was impossible to take one's eyes off him.

"Banquets usually commence after two hours. I've returned to accompany you for an hour," Gu Changjin explained. "In that case, we can consider celebrating this New Year's Eve together."

It might not be enough time to return to the imperial palace from the Eastern Palace in half an hour.

This man was usually composed; she had just praised him inwardly for looking especially dignified in his regal attire, yet now he was being so hasty.

Rong Shu glanced at the rare clear sky and pondered for a moment before softly suggesting, "Your Highness should set off back to the palace in fifteen minutes. It would be improper to make the Emperor and Empress wait for you."

A slight curve formed on Gu Changjin's lips as he nodded in agreement. "I've brought some Tusu wine. Once I've had it, I'll return."

Tusu wine was essential for bidding farewell to the old year, as it was believed to ward off illnesses and calamities in the new year.

The previous year, they had both consumed Tusu wine together. That very night, Rong Shu had received a letter from Mu Nijing and decided to discuss their divorce with Gu Changjin, thus bringing the wine to his study.

On that night, the Tusu wine Rong Shu drank was also a gesture of apology.

Gu Changjin recalled that New Year's Eve as well. Lifting the wine jar, he said, "This year, I should be the one offering you an apology with the Tusu wine."

Could the maidservants of the Purple Imperial Palace really witness the esteemed Crown Prince bringing wine to apologize to a maiden?

Of course not. The moment Gu Changjin entered with the wine, Zhu Jun promptly led her people away.

Regarding the apology he uttered, Rong Shu truly found it perplexing.