Inside Anguo Duke Mansion.
Madam Song meticulously inspected the phoenix coronet and ceremonial robes sent from the palace, not allowing a single thread or snap fastener to be overlooked. The gold-thread embroidered phoenix trailed long tail feathers, its eyes made of two gemstone beads.
The matching headdress beside it was even more extravagant—a pure gold phoenix coronet standing thirty centimeters high, its golden surface adorned with nine sapphires and eighteen rubies that glittered brilliantly.
The longevity lock for the neck had tassels alone measuring one meter long, each tassel tip curled around a yellow gemstone.
Gold hairpins and bracelets were too numerous to count.
The entire bridal ensemble cost ninety thousand taels of silver—equivalent to the national treasury's annual salary expenditures.
"You finally remember to come back. Come see if you're satisfied?" If not for the rushed wedding date, she would have made eight or ten more sets.
Song Chuyu's fingers glided over the phoenix coronet, feeling neck pain just from looking at it: "Did Mother prepare anything for Lord Lin?"
Madam Song shot her daughter a glance and remained silent.
Song Chuyu laughed: "Mother, your dislike is showing too obviously. If you didn't prepare for him, so be it. Later, I'll be dressed like a princess while he looks like an oil peddler. Thinking about it, it's quite amusing."
"Don't try to provoke me. His set has already been delivered." That child is quite diligent in his work.
Song Chuyu pursed her lips and took her mother's hand: "How is he worthy of having a mother-in-law who dotes on him so? If he doesn't show you filial respect in the future, I won't let him off."
Madam Song shook off her fawning hand: "Enough of your sarcastic remarks. There's no benefit in nurturing a man's growth."
"What do you mean no benefit? Are you worried he'll rely on me when he's poor and destitute, but seek to shower other women with wealth and honor later?"
"That's exactly how it is!"
"It's not so bad. I get to enjoy his youthful talent through my power and status, and later he can use his achievements to attract other young beauties. It's not like I gained nothing, right? Father has concubines too."
This topic always angered Madam Song: "If he dares, I'll break his legs!"
"I'll help you!"
"No, I need to make it clear to him—unless you bear no children, he cannot take concubines."
"Decisive! But Mother, since you're already being so unfair, why not give the manor you intended for me to Lord Lin? He has to travel far to the government office every day, waking up before dawn. Besides, if he's not taking concubines, shouldn't you send some servants to monitor, watch, and manage him, lest he deceive you by feigning compliance? Don't you think so, Mother?"
"Should I also assign him some beautiful maids to trim his lamp wicks and motivate his studies?"
"As long as Mother wishes it, he wouldn't dare refuse."
"The fact that I haven't been angered to death by you and your father shows how tolerant I am!"
…
After finishing his duties that evening, Kang Rui found himself inexplicably taking a detour past Princess Manor.
The entire street was quiet and solemn, devoid of human activity. No oxcarts passed through here, and no beggars dared to solicit on this street. He remembered that even street vendors only hawked their wares at the back gate, fearing to disturb the nobles at the main entrance.
The five-courtyard residence was vast inside with strict rules. The servants were taciturn yet efficient. All the people he had valued lived within.
Kang Rui stood on the street, looking at the currently closed and plaque-less main gate.
Since he was gone, this place probably wouldn't be used anymore.
Suddenly the main gate opened, revealing several servants sweeping the barely dusty steps. The screen wall decorated with artificial hills and flowing water blocked all attempts to peer inside.
Kang Rui's heart jolted as he recalled the Princess's impending wedding date. Could they be staying here too!
The realization struck Kang Rui like a thunderbolt. What right did Lin Qingyuan have to live here!
Someone tapped Kang Rui on the shoulder.
His mind was completely occupied by the thought: this was his home.
His shoulder was tapped again.
"How dare you!"
Lin Qingyuan withdrew his hand, thinking the Number One Scholar had quite the temper.
Kang Rui quickly came to his senses. He was no longer the powerful Lord Kang and had no authority to lose his temper with anyone on this street.
Almost instantly, Kang Rui reined in his emotions and clasped his hands in apology: "My deepest apologies, I was momentarily distracted."
Lin Qingyuan didn't mind: "No matter. But you're standing at my doorstep? Are you looking for me?"
Kang Rui abruptly looked up and saw a familiar yet unfamiliar face: "Lord Lin!"
Lin Qingyuan pointed toward the main gate: "Would you like to come in?" Otherwise, why would he be standing here? Many people struggled their whole lives in Shangjing City without ever owning a residence – he understood that.
Kang Rui nearly fainted from rage. This was his home! What right did Lin Qingyuan have to invite him in! He had stolen his life! "Lin Qingyuan! Don't think no one knows what you've done!"
Lin Qingyuan's expression immediately turned cold.
Kang Rui's heart skipped a beat. A man's reputation was like a tree's shadow – Lin Qingyuan was definitely not someone to be trifled with. But just because he wanted to shorten his struggle by a few years, could he arbitrarily steal someone else's life! "Lord Lin shouldn't forget about Prince Qi!" The Song family would inevitably fall sooner or later.
"Prince Qi?"
Seeing Lin Qingyuan's bewildered expression, Kang Rui immediately stopped speaking. He didn't know! Lin Qingyuan wasn't reliving his life? Had he just coincidentally saved Chuyu?
Just a coincidence? Because of this slight deviation, everything he had was ruined!
Why had there been a deviation?
"Is there something improper about Prince Qi?"
Kang Rui quickly adjusted his emotions. Since Lin Qingyuan knew nothing, he still had the chance to start over completely. He understood what Chuyu liked better than anyone – Chuyu would still be his: "Prince Qi is also at Three Rivers and Nine Streams."
Lin Qingyuan looked at him, intrigued. If he remembered correctly, this man before him was the new Number One Scholar. Had he come specifically to warn him?