"Alright, I'm coming," Jiang Peizhi nodded, glancing at a somewhat defeated Rong Yan. A strange sense of pleasure filled him. Most of the court officials were arrogant and condescending. Born into a merchant family, Jiang Peizhi had endured his share of disdain, and Rong Yan was no exception. 

Rong Yan, with his self-proclaimed nobility, looked down on him, and Jiang Peizhi, in turn, disdained to curry favor with him. Unfortunately, Shen Ruoyu was fond of Rong Yan, so Jiang Peizhi dared not show his dislike in front of her, fearing it would drive her away. Now, it seemed, his worries were unfounded.

With a sigh of relief, Jiang Peizhi hurried to catch up with Shen Ruoyu, leaving Rong Yan standing there, lost in thought.

After Jiang Peizhi arranged for Shen Xinghuai's accommodations, he rode on horseback behind Shen Ruoyu. "Yuyu," he began, "what you said to Rong Yan just now…"

Shen Ruoyu interrupted him, "It's nothing. There's no need to ask." Further explanation was pointless; she couldn't explain it to Jiang Peizhi. Could she tell him she was nothing more than a villainous supporting character? That her sole purpose was to facilitate the romantic relationships of others, especially her brother's? Her constant rebirths, her prophetic dreams of past lives—who would believe such preposterous tales?

Jiang Peizhi deliberately slowed his horse, trailing leisurely behind Shen Ruoyu. He didn't hurry to catch up, nor did he want to ride beside her. Suddenly, he spoke with a laugh, "Shen Ruoyu, after the New Year, I'll be leaving. Grandfather says I'm not cut out for scholarly pursuits and intends for me to gain experience in Chongzhou." Looking at her solitary figure, Jiang Peizhi's smile turned bittersweet.

Shen Ruoyu paused. "That's good. Leaving the capital, this place of constant strife, to live a carefree life." In her past life, Jiang Peizhi had gone to Chongzhou after her marriage. This time, it was happening much earlier. She wondered if this carefree, frivolous young man had grieved when she died in that small courtyard of the Rong Manor in her previous life. It was good that he was leaving. At least he wasn't like her, bound by circumstances.

For a long stretch, neither of them spoke.

Only when they entered the capital and the lively sounds of the city reached their ears did Jiang Peizhi break the silence. "Shen Ruoyu, could you please rein in your temper after I'm gone? Without me around to take the blame for you, be careful not to suffer the consequences."

Shen Ruoyu noticed the unusual seriousness in his tone, unlike the usual idle rich young master. "Alright, when did you start nagging like my father? You won't be able to attend my wedding. When will I be able to attend yours?"

They had spent years in playful banter, and now they were parting ways. Establishing himself in Chongzhou and never setting foot in the capital again was the best outcome for Jiang Peizhi.

Because in a few years, the Li Dynasty would be overthrown. This once prosperous land would be littered with corpses, barren and lifeless. Shen Xinghuai would never live past his twentieth birthday. How much time did she have left?

"Tch, this young master is unmatched in his handsome elegance and charm. You needn't worry. Now go back quickly, your brother is waiting for you at the estate." With that, Jiang Peizhi turned his horse and disappeared into the crowd.

Back in the capital, Shen Xinghuai rested for several days, consumed by self-reproach. He blamed his own inadequacy, feeling he was always a burden to his older sister. As for Helian Yi, Shen Xinghuai felt his obsession with Lu Zhixing was profound, and his torment of Shen Xinghuai was merely a vengeful act born of love turned to hate.

With the New Year approaching, news of General Zheng's triumphant return spread throughout the capital. Before returning, Zheng Ruyuan had written to both Jiang Peizhi and Shen Ruoyu. Shen Ruoyu was naturally delighted by Zheng Ruyuan's return. Filled with excitement, she visited Jiang Peizhi's residence, only to be told by the servants that the young master had already left.

"Left? Has he already gone to Chongzhou?" Shen Ruoyu asked the young maidservant.

The maidservant nodded, relaying Jiang Peizhi's message. "Miss Shen, the young master said he was afraid he wouldn't be able to leave if he saw you, so he left early."

That Jiang Peizhi was becoming increasingly frivolous, his words now slick and glib. But this parting might be their last. Shen Ruoyu couldn't deny a pang of sadness, yet she wished Jiang Peizhi a life of peace and happiness.

In the back courtyard, someone had planted a large persimmon tree, surrounded by crabapple trees. Snow weighed down the branches. A red silk ribbon hung from the tree, bearing Jiang Peizhi's wish for the coming year. "May Shen Ruoyu live a life free from worry, forever blessed with joy and peace."

The city was bustling, adorned with festive red lanterns. Everyone anticipated the arrival of the New Year, except for Rong Yan, who dreaded it. How could he forget? She hadn't survived that harsh winter, dying in despair in a corner of the Rong Manor. From then on, Rong Yan never looked forward to the New Year.

Rong Yan ordered all the lanterns in the estate taken down. In stark contrast to the city's festive atmosphere, the Rong Manor was shrouded in a somber silence. He shut himself in his study, poring over books, not speaking to anyone for days.

The steward, concerned for him, brought a bowl of hot soup. "Master, have something to eat before you continue reading."

Rong Yan shook his head. "Thank you, Uncle Liu. But I have no appetite. You can take it away."

"Is Master worried about Miss Shen? She hasn't visited this New Year…"

Uncle Liu was fond of Shen Ruoyu. In his eyes, she truly cared for his master. Rong Yan's parents had died for their country when he was young, leaving him withdrawn and quiet. Miss Shen, a young lady from a respectable family, was willing to set aside her pride and express her feelings, willing to make sacrifices for his master. Uncle Liu felt the Rong family was fortunate to have her, and he grew anxious every time he saw Rong Yan's indifferent attitude.

"She won't be coming. Not this New Year, not ever."

She wouldn't be coming. Shen Ruoyu had already petitioned the Emperor to annul the engagement. It was his stubborn refusal to agree that had dragged the matter on until now. The Emperor had instructed them to consider carefully before entering the palace together to make their formal request.

Shen Ruoyu was resolute. Now, it was he who was unwilling to let go.