Han Zhi stationed his men at both ends of the alley, ensuring that every entrance and exit was watched by several pairs of eyes, wary of anyone slipping past undetected. His suspicion ran even deeper than Song Chunning's had; once he became suspicious of the neighboring house, he wasn't about to let a few reassurances from local residents ease his doubts. Outwardly, he pretended to accept their word, but inside, he trusted none of it.

  Zhou Weizhao exhaled coolly, letting out a soft chuckle. "That temperament... it's just like the other one's."

  Qingzhuo and Hanfeng must have told him about Song Chuning's scheme to frame Song Yi and send him to the Ministry of Justice prison. Song Chuyi wasn't surprised at Zhou Weizhao's assessment, narrowing her eyes to mask the glint within them and giving a cold ugh as she echoed, "Exactly. If we're measuring cruelty alone, this one might be even worse."

  Yet, she thought further, recalling that if Zhou Weizhao hadn't perished at Prince Duan's hands in her past life but had instead been killed by Zhou Weiqi, it would mean that Zhou Weiqi was no less dangerous. Both of these cousins were as vicious as each other—no doubt thanks in part to the influence of the two Fan Sisters.

  Zhou Weizhao sent Hanfeng out to check the surroundings, then frowned and said, "If we don't create a diversion, you won't make it home today. Han Zhi is a meticulous man, and he's probably got your home under surveilnce as well."

  Han Zhi was fond of showing off, but when things went wrong, he would go to great lengths to trace the issue back to its roots. Since he had recited that cryptic poem to her and knew her background, it was inevitable that he'd become suspicious of her.

  Song Chuyi looked at Zhou Weizhao with a bit of concern. "But my grandfather returned today, and the family is hosting a dinner."

  Not returning would raise suspicion. Although Old Lady Song knew she was out, she didn't know her whereabouts. If a fuss were made, it might give Han Zhi the confirmation he needed.

  Zhou Weizhao lifted an eyebrow, quickly coming up with a pn. "There's no need to rush. I'll have someone take your carriage out ter. Meanwhile, you and your maid can change clothes and go back with Qingzhu and Hanfeng along another route."

  Given all she'd gained from helping the Crown Prince's son in this lifetime, Song Chuyi's heart rexed, a smile spreading across her face. "Thank you, Your Highness."

  Zhou Weizhao shook his head. Having spent seven or eight years studying under Master Zhang, he had shed much of the arrogance common to noble scions, radiating a refined and ethereal elegance. "My master always said I escaped my fated camity because of you. Since you took on my troubles, helping you with these things is the least I could do. If it weren't for your vigince, Han Zhi would have achieved his aim of bringing your dangerous sister close to him. That alone would rob me of sleep."

  Zhou Weizhao had ensured her safe arrival in the capital without incident; any remaining issues were no longer his concern. Song Chuyi appreciated his kindness deeply, though she said nothing more. When Qingzhuo returned, nodding to indicate the coast was clear, she quickly rose to her feet.

  Qingzhuo led them to a rented pin green carriage, winding through back alleys—Chou Shui Alley, Tian Shui Alley, and finally Zhou Que Street, before taking a detour past the Li residence on Sansheng Alley. Confirming that no one was tailing them, they switched carriages midway, finally taking Song Chuyi and her maidservant safely home.

  News of Old Master Song's return to the Marquis of Changning's residence was well-known, and the front hall was filled with invitation cards. Each family's servants crowded the entrance, trying to gather information. The green-painted carriage was like a drop in the ocean, drawing no attention at all.

  When Han Zhi received word that nothing unusual had been reported from the residence, and that no one had seen the young dy of the house leave, his hand clenched around a chess piece, veins bulging in frustration. His first suspicion had been Song Chuyi. Despite the report, he refused to believe it. He instructed his watchers to remain vigint, ensuring they missed nothing of the Song family's comings and goings.

  "If she needs help, she'll have to leave to find it eventually," he thought. "There's no way she won't slip up."

  Meanwhile, Song Chuyi truly felt relieved. Only upon entering through the west gate did she finally feel at ease. Qingying had seen the spies clearly outside, and without Qingzhuo's cleverness, she wouldn't have made it back unharmed.

  After leaving, Song Chuyi had switched to an unremarkable, ordinary carriage. Both the horse and the carriage itself were pin, leaving Han Zhi no way to trace her. Her personal carriage was still at the Cui residence, and in a few days, when it could be quietly retrieved, all traces would be erased.

  Back at Guanju Courtyard, everyone was on edge, practically frantic. Although Song Chuyi often went out, she'd never been out this te before. With only half an hour until someone from Cuiming Pavilion would come to fetch her, even Ziyun was breaking out in a sweat. If Old Lady Song found out she hadn't returned, she would surely be beside herself with worry.

  Fortunately, Song Chuyi finally arrived. The maids hurriedly checked her from head to toe, all of them gaping in surprise at her changed attire.

  "We ran into some trouble, so we had to change clothes," Qingying expined, waving a hand to signal that everything was fine. "It's te, so let's get her dressed and made up quickly. If the Old Lady sees her in this state, it'll be quite the scene."

  Nearby, Song Chumi stood silently in the shadows, her lips pressed together as her nails dug into the leaves she was holding, juice dripping down her fingers. She stared absently for a moment, then let out a bitter ugh. Old Lady Song had repeatedly said she was unruly, damaging the family's reputation, and had even confined her for nearly three years. Yet here was another who was equally "unruly," and she was coddled and adored.

  This burning resentment refused to die down, only intensifying her hatred for Song Chuyi. If it weren't for Song Chuyi's refusal to help and her immediate report to the elders, Song Chumi wouldn't have had to live in humiliation these past few years.

  At first, she'd resigned herself to thinking Song Chuyi was obedient, that she had to accept her lot. But clearly, that was far from the truth. Song Chuyi dared to stay out this te, returning in strange clothes with a suspicious air. She must have been doing something disgraceful, which she was desperately trying to hide. Rules that only applied to some, she thought bitterly.

  With a cold gnce at the brightly lit Guanju Courtyard, she turned and, step by step, made her way toward Ningde Courtyard under the moonlight.