Nothing happened that night.
Just after Yin Hour, dark clouds drifted over Shuzhou, veiling the summer stars.
The hot, damp wind had vanished, replaced by a cool, refreshing breeze that set the lanterns in Chunhe Garden swaying unsteadily.
Before long, fine rain began to fall, pattering against the flying eaves and roof tiles.
Even so, Chen Yi still did not wake.
It was not until some commotion arose outside that he groggily opened his eyes. Watching raindrops streak through the darkness beyond the window, he finally realized it was raining.
"Xiao Die, what time is it?"
Xiao Die's voice came from outside the side room. "Son-in-law, it's already past the midpoint of Yin Hour."
Yin Hour... the madam had said they would depart at mao hour yesterday, hadn't she?
Chen Yi's expression cleared. He consciously got out of bed and stretched his limbs, then called Xiao Die in to help him wash and dress.
As he got dressed, he asked, "Who has come outside?"
Xiao Die straightened his collar and smoothed out its wrinkles before answering crisply, "They're all servants here to pack Second Miss's luggage."
"Early this morning, Sister Zhenyue started arranging people to come over. They've filled two carriages to the brim."
Chen Yi nodded in understanding. Once he was fully dressed, he leisurely walked downstairs.
He looked around, and his gaze inevitably settled on the Wooden Tower where Xiao Jinghong was.
At that moment, thin mist rose amidst the gloomy rain, making it difficult to see clearly. Yet he could still make out that graceful figure under the candlelight.
He vaguely heard her voice as well. "Zhenyue, find a Brocade Box and pack this Calligraphy Copybook properly. The mountain roads will be bumpy in the rain, so be careful not to let it get wet."
"Miss, why