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Under the bleak winter sky, a lacquered carriage departed from Yongye Lane, heading toward Dayong Lane. Inside the carriage, Shen Qingluan smiled brightly at Xue Huai and teased, “Brother Huai, are you reluctant to part with me?”

Her tone betrayed no hint of sorrow or farewell.

The Guangtai Bank had obtained its license from the Ministry of Revenue four days earlier. Along with the fabric shop that opened half a month ago, the Shen family now held a respectable position in the capital’s commercial circles. All that remained was to manage their businesses patiently and honestly, and fame would surely follow in due time.

Shen Qingluan had been very busy these days. Meticulous and cautious by nature, she didn’t intend to merely glance around the capital on a brief visit. Instead, she carefully considered every detail of operating both the fabric and banking businesses, repeatedly consulting with the seasoned shop managers who had served Shen Bingwen for years, striving to avoid any mistakes.

She dared not be lax, for the princess’s deadline was tight.

Gazing at the young woman’s radiant face, Xue Huai’s feelings were complex.

Though their time together was brief, Shen Qingluan’s arrival stirred dormant memories within him: the picturesque waters of the Jiangnan region surfaced in his mind, and the tall figure of Xue Mingzhang gradually became vivid.

It seemed that only now did he truly merge with his past — inseparable ever after.

“Qingluan, would you like to rest for a couple of days before continuing your journey?” Xue Huai asked with concern. He knew Shen Qingluan had rushed to the capital without much rest, busy with the business affairs these past days, and would soon head south again. He worried whether her slender frame could withstand such exertion.

“Thank you for your concern, Brother Huai. I’ve been traveling frequently these past two years and have grown accustomed to this lifestyle. I’ll be fine,” Shen Qingluan replied with a smile, then curiously asked, “Brother Huai, how come you and the princess are so familiar with each other?”

For Xue Huai, his acquaintance with Jiang Li was nothing shameful, and since Shen Qingluan bore no resentment, he briefly recounted the story.

When Shen Qingluan heard that Xue Huai had nearly drowned, though she knew he was safe now, worry still showed on her face. Softly, she said, “Brother Huai, please be more careful in the future. Someone must be trying to harm you. I refuse to believe you would be so fragile as to drown yourself.”

Xue Huai nodded. “Don’t worry, I’m well aware.”

Now, wherever he went, he was always accompanied by guards, and with Jiang Li’s people watching from the shadows, no one would dare openly threaten his life.

Though the political climate in the Great Yan court was complicated, it had not yet descended into such peril.

Shen Qingluan silently made up her mind.

She then relaxed and glanced around. “Brother Huai, I can’t help but feel that the princess might have feelings for you?”

“How could that be?” Xue Huai chuckled. “You can’t say such things lightly. She’s one of the emperor’s most beloved juniors, and I’m just a minor official recently freed from the whirlpool of scheming. I’m nowhere near worthy of such noble blood.”

“I don’t believe that,” Shen Qingluan said softly, shaking her head. “I’ve heard from the senior managers at home that the gatekeepers of Minister Wang’s residence refused to accept their visiting cards regardless of how much silver was offered. The princess may be noble, but she holds no real power, and it isn’t easy to command a Minister of Revenue. Yet, just because you asked for help, she agreed without hesitation. That shows you hold a special place in her heart.”

At that moment, a strange ripple stirred within Xue Huai — not one of desire, but of confusion.

He recalled that day at the Qinglv villa: Jiang Li’s unusual attire, her several moments of hesitation, her odd expressions, and the complex emotions hinted at in her words. All seemed to support Shen Qingluan’s guess — the formidable Yun’an Princess, feared even by the most decadent in the capital, might indeed harbor some kind of affection for him.

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Shen Qingluan continued, “If all this were merely because the Yun’an Princess has a chivalrous heart, then her imposing a return deadline on me becomes even more strange. Normally, she wouldn’t care about a merchant’s daughter like me, unless she found me inconvenient. But since she’s willing to help, it must be entirely because of you, Brother Huai.”

Her analysis was impeccable, but to Xue Huai, the matter remained baffling.

Having lived two lifetimes, Xue Huai’s greatest strength was not cunning but self-awareness — knowing exactly when to act and what to do.

His relationship with Jiang Li was built on a transactional basis. By now, he understood her style, the connections she wielded, and the resources at her disposal.

Though only sixteen, she was no naive girl.

How could someone like her suddenly fall in love so openly?

He did not believe it.

Calmly, he said, “Qingluan, there’s another reason behind this. Though I haven’t fully uncovered it, the Yun’an Princess’s actions have nothing to do with romantic feelings.”

Shen Qingluan responded gently.

In her heart, she silently repeated, “I don’t know if Jiang Li means anything by it, but I’m sure Brother Huai holds no such feelings for her. That’s enough.”

To her, the Yun’an Princess was an exalted figure far above reach; no matter how wealthy the Shen family was, they could not rival the imperial dignity. For the safety of her family, she dared not harbor hostility toward the princess, nor would she stir strife in front of Xue Huai.

But she believed in Xue Huai’s integrity.

As long as he had no intention, what could the princess do to force him?

Even if the emperor disregarded Xue Mingzhang’s merits, he would still consider the imperial family’s face and the court officials’ opinions.

Having thought through these matters, Shen Qingluan’s mood calmed, and the grievance she had hidden deep within from their forced separation gradually eased.

Xue Huai sensed her emotional change and, understanding the cause, felt relieved.

They chatted until time passed swiftly.

When the carriage stopped, they had arrived at the Xue residence.

Xue Huai alighted first and saw his mother, Madam Cui, holding Mo Yun’s wrist, reluctant to part as she stood under the corridor.

“Greetings, Madam.” Shen Qingluan stepped forward and bowed with a serene smile.

“Qingluan, you’ve been through so much,” Madam Cui said. As one who had experienced hardship, she immediately saw the reason for Shen Qingluan’s rushed visit. Though she did not show it, she felt the princess’s overbearing nature was far less endearing than Shen Qingluan’s dutiful spirit.

Shen Qingluan smiled. “Madam, how could you say that? This trip allowed me to see you and Brother Xue, and the business troubles were smoothly resolved. This journey has been most successful; where is the hardship?”

Madam Cui warmly grasped her hand and sighed, “You truly are broad-minded. It’s good you think so. But the journey was long and arduous. Please take care of your health and don’t rush to return before New Year’s Eve. Only when you arrive home safely will your father and mother be at ease.”

Shen Qingluan replied, “I will heed your advice, Madam.”

“In such haste, I couldn’t prepare everything perfectly, so I had some specialties from the capital packed for you to take home and share with your family. Also—” Madam Cui paused. Mo Yun stepped forward holding a box.

Looking at Shen Qingluan with pity, she said, “Child, this is a small token from Madam. Please accept it.”

Opening the box, Shen Qingluan saw an exquisitely crafted set of head ornaments.

Well-versed as she was, she recognized the set was worth a fortune and immediately declined, “Madam, this is too precious. I cannot accept it.”

“Accept it.” Madam Cui squeezed her hand gently and whispered, “This was given to me by my grandmother when I married out. I have kept it carefully all these years but never worn it. Now that fate has brought us together, and our families are longtime friends, I cannot let you leave the capital empty-handed. If you refuse, it would mean you don’t regard me as your elder.”

At this point, Shen Qingluan had no choice but to accept the highly symbolic gift.

They chatted a while longer, but Madam Cui, fearing delay to Shen Qingluan’s journey, took her leave with warm farewells and reminded Xue Huai to ensure Shen Qingluan’s safe escort to the river dock.

Xue Huai agreed.

Afternoon, outskirts of the capital, the river dock.

At the moment of parting, Shen Qingluan’s expression finally darkened, her lively eyes dimmed with sorrow.

“Brother Huai, I must leave now.”

“Will we... meet again?” she asked hesitantly.

Looking at her saddened face, Xue Huai said firmly, “Of course.”

Shen Qingluan forced a smile. “After today’s farewell, who knows when we’ll meet again?”

Xue Huai did not want to trouble her with the capital’s complex political situation and comforted her instead, “According to court custom, I will be assigned to an official post next year. It shouldn’t be too remote—likely somewhere in Jiangnan. When that time comes, we won’t be far apart and can reunite naturally.”

Her eyes brightened visibly, happiness blooming.

Suddenly recalling something, she softly exclaimed, then nervously withdrew a seal from her purse and handed it to Xue Huai.

“What’s this?” he asked.

Shen Qingluan quickly explained, “Brother Huai, this is a personal seal I prepared. I’ve already told the two senior managers here in the capital that presenting this seal is as good as seeing me. If you encounter trouble while I’m away, you can seek them out. Whether for money or manpower, they will do their utmost to assist.”

She had said before that Guangtai’s entry into the capital was to expand the Shen family’s network—and more importantly, to help Xue Huai as much as possible.

Feeling the light seal in his hand, Xue Huai’s heart grew heavy. Looking into Shen Qingluan’s expectant eyes, he nodded, “Qingluan, thank you.”

She smiled shyly, then feigned casualness. “Well, I’m boarding the ship now. Brother Huai, you should head back.”

“Safe travels. Take great care.”

Xue Huai watched the young woman turn and walk away, raising his hand in farewell.

Suddenly, Shen Qingluan paused, turning back in the cold wind. Her eyes fixed on Xue Huai as she silently spoke:

“Brother Huai, I’ll be waiting for you in Jiangnan.”