While the Han family fell into a temporary cold war with Consort Fan over Han Yueheng's situation, the Song household was a picture of warmth and festivity. Old Lady Song chuckled as she watched Song Chuyan, bundled up like a New Year's doll, perform his greetings, then happily instructed Nanny Qin to take him inside for some fruits and sweets.

  After sending off the little ones, she smiled and instructed the First Lady, "Since the uncles are all here today, let's set up a few big tables in the veranda, decorate with some daffodils and triangur vases, and warm up a few pots of lotus and rice wine so they can have a hearty feast."

  The First Lady's brothers had come to the capital to deliver New Year's gifts. They had settled at the old family home in the north of the city a few days ago, personally bringing gifts all the way from afar. Deeply appreciative of their affection, Old Lady Song had also invited the Third Lady's brother and Cui Yingshu to join them for dinner, entertaining the uncles and providing good company.

  Recently, everything had gone well for the First Lady, and a smile touched her eyes and brows. She nodded and showed the menu to Old Lady Song, saying, "Including our own gentlemen, three tables should suffice. The manor in Taizhou sent us some red duck eggs this year, just the thing for Uncle Yun's taste. We also have cucumber sad with golden shrimp, red wine-marinated carp in sesame oil, and sour bamboo shoot soup with chicken skin..."

  Old Lady Song listened happily, noting how bright Mingzi's eyes were. Suddenly, she recalled, "Recently, haven't warm gatherings with homemade wine stoves become popur in the capital? We still have a few three-compartment dings; let's use one for a hotpot, to make the meal even more lively."

  Naturally, the First Lady agreed and finalized the menu before handing it over to the kitchen.

  Old Lady Song then turned to the somewhat distracted Song Chuyi with concern and asked, "Why have you seemed so out of it today? Did you have some of the spicy beef broth this morning to perk up? Are you feeling unwell?"

  Song Yan hadn't returned until te afternoon yesterday, and she had waited for him in the Chuzhou Pavillion, but he refused to say where he had been. This morning, he was missing again, even though he knew his aunt's brothers and the Third Lady's brother would be visiting along with Cui Yingshu. Song Chuyi hesitated over whether to mention this to Old Lady Song. Just then, the young maids outside began announcing the arrival of the Second Master, and soon the door curtain was drawn to welcome Song Yi.

  Song Yi had been ill for some time, and it was as if he had aged ten years overnight, his temples touched with gray. Entering, he ignored Song Chuyi and Mingzi, who had stood up in greeting, and instead bowed to Old Lady Song, coughing with his hand over his mouth. "I still haven't shaken off this cold, so I'll skip tonight's banquet..."

  He was still afraid of upsetting Cui Yingshu. The st time he privately accepted a token from Shen Xiaohai, the heir of Duke Ying's residence, Cui Yingshu had been furious, nearly shouting in his face. Even Song Yan had returned and treated him coldly, a distance forming that didn't feel like father and son.

  Seeing him in such a state, Old Lady Song's heart ached. It saddened her to see her son, foolish as he was, used by others and drifting further from his own children. She couldn't help but sternly scold, "Nonsense! Your brother-in-w is here, and you're avoiding guests? People will think you're arrogant. With your father and elder brothers present, how could you, of all people, not join?"

  Song Yi gnced at the dutifully standing Song Chuyi, lips pressed tightly, and finally, after a long pause, replied uneasily, "Yes."

  Old Lady Song sighed and then instructed Song Chuyi, "Escort your father out, and stop by Chuzhou Pavillion to call Yan'er. Why hasn't he been around tely? Aside from the morning and evening greetings, he's barely been seen, staying holed up in his room day in and day out. What is he doing?"

  Song Yi sneaked a gnce at Song Chuyi's expression. Outside, he hesitated for a long while before finally gathering the courage to speak to her. "I heard from the gatekeepers that Yan'er often goes to teahouses and theaters outside. This isn't a good habit. After all, he passed the child schor examination at only ten..."

  He trailed off, unable to continue. Whenever he faced Song Chuyi, he inexplicably felt as though he were shrinking in her presence, as if he had done something shameful. Though he had, indeed, done things he regretted, he had never before felt such a profound sense of shame.

  Noticing his sudden silence, Song Chuyi looked at him in surprise and nodded to indicate that she understood. "I'm aware, Father. You needn't worry—I'll ensure Yan'er is well-guided."

  It was as if he, as a father, didn't exist. Song Yi's lips moved, but recalling that he had contributed little to Song Yan's upbringing, he could only fall silent. He felt his heart sink as he realized they still had a long way to go, and he awkwardly tried to start another conversation. "Your grandfather has begun looking for a new wife for me... It's been nearly five years since Li Shi's passing, and it's time to bring someone new into the household. But rest assured, I'll never make foolish mistakes again..."

  He couldn't remain a widower forever. As he and the Fifth Master had occasionally discussed, he feared that remarrying would push his children even further away.

  Song Chuyi hadn't had a chance to respond when Song Yi choked back a sob, saying, "Chuyi, I wronged you in the past. Don't hold it against me... I... I failed you all..."

  Images of her past life's Song Yi came to Song Chuyi's mind. Back then, when she was hated by all, Song Yi alone, perhaps out of guilt or for some other reason, treated her like a treasure, indulging her every wish. Even when she wanted to marry Shen Qingrang, despite his heartbreak, he still tried to support her.

  But she could not forget that in this life, even when Song Yan was at death's door, Song Yi had chosen to protect Song Chuning.

  Some cracks, once formed, could never be fully repaired, whether in family bonds or other retionships.

  She looked up at Song Yi, and for the first time since learning the truth about her mother's death, she spoke seriously to him. "Parents are never wrong, and we dare not hold any resentment. But as I once told you, Father, please refrain from involving yourself in our matters. You haven't before, and there's no need to start now. We remain father and daughter, and Yan'er remains your son. But regarding our future, I ask that you leave it to us."

  Song Yi felt as if he were walking on cotton, disoriented and dizzy. Staggering slightly, he turned and left.