Volume Two, Chapter Forty-Three

She drew a steadying breath and looked back at Li Chenjing. "Lord Li, if you have something to say, say it outright. What do you mean by following me all this way without explaining yourself? If you're upset because I suggested Miss Liu enter the palace to keep His Majesty company, then all I can say is that I don't think I said anything wrong. If you like someone, you should show it and do your best to win her over. If His Majesty is sincere, then instead of wasting time protesting to me, you'd be better off thinking about whether you understand what it means to like someone—to care about her. Whether you tell Miss Liu how you feel or try to win back her heart, either would be more worthwhile than standing here with me."

"..." He said nothing. After a long silence, he dropped a quiet remark, tightened the reins, turned his horse, and quickly vanished into the night.

"Just knowing you made it home is enough. Farewell."

Zhu Xiaojiu opened the mansion gate and tugged at his dazed elder sister. "Why are you standing there like a fool? Come inside."

"What did His Majesty want with you?"

"Nothing. He asked about my studies."

"Then who brought you home?"

"...I walked home on my own!" she said loudly. "All by myself!" With someone who happened to be going roughly the same way.

"What's so remarkable about walking home yourself? Why are you shouting?" Zhu Xiaojiu rubbed his ears, then suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right. The Autumn Examination is the day after tomorrow. Have you thought about that? Stop staring over there. What's there to look at? It's an empty road—not even a ghost in sight!"

"What is it?" She finally tore her gaze away and looked at