Looking at you brings true peace to my heart.

This attracted many onlookers who stopped to watch.

Wu Miaofu bit her lower lip hard, her face as pale as someone who had been ill for a long time. She quickened her pace, ignoring Wu Shaozhong’s cursing behind her, with no intention of stopping whatsoever.

She wished she could reach home instantly.

She could no longer afford to lose face like this.

A crushing pressure weighed heavily on her, involuntarily evoking memories of when she first arrived at the State Duke’s Manor.

Back then, she had lacked for nothing in food or clothing. Every so often, exquisite garments and hairpins were delivered straight to her courtyard, and numerous servants attended to her with utmost respect.

No matter whom she encountered, and regardless of what they might truly think in their hearts, they were obliged to address her respectfully as Miss Biao.

Perhaps in a place she had always yearned for so deeply, her ambitions had gradually swelled until they became uncontrollable, until there was no turning back...

Regret wound around her heart like vines, tightening inch by inch.

The tears pooling in her eyes finally overflowed, falling drop by drop. Yet the curses from behind came one after another, and unable to endure it any longer, she spun around and shrieked hysterically.

"Wasn't it you who told me to climb high? Wasn't it you who looked down on those people in Yunzhou and made me come to the capital? When you first arrived at the State Duke's Manor, didn't you agree when I spoke to you about that matter? Now that we have nothing left, you pin all the blame on me. How dare you treat me this way!"

Wu Shaozhong strode up to her, raised his hand, and slapped her across the face, boiling with rage. "I am your father! How dare you speak to me like that?"

Wu Miaofu’s head snapped to the side from the blow, a burning pain searing her cheek. She turned her head back with a sneer, a chilling smile curling the corners of her lips. "You are no longer my father. From now on, you no longer have a daughter like me."

With that, she turned and strode away right before the crowd.

Wu Shaozhong was so furious that his face turned red and his neck swelled. Seeing the gathering crowd growing larger, he followed closely behind with a dark expression.

***

Shen Nanyuan had originally assumed that the Wu father and daughter would return to Yunzhou. However, after some days had passed, she learned that Wu Miaofu had mysteriously vanished right after leaving the State Duke’s Manor. Wu Shaozhong had searched the capital for several days without finding a trace, and since his remaining savings were no longer enough to sustain life in the capital, he had no choice but to head back to Yunzhou first.

She knew not what had transpired between them, but under the circumstances, Shen Nanyuan could only conclude that they had brought this entirely upon themselves.

Her own departure from the capital was being secretly arranged by Shen Sinian behind the scenes.

Shen Sinian had asked her where she wished to go, but Shen Nanyuan had not yet decided. Upon listening to his suggestion, she resolved to go to a place called Beisu, where the scenery was said to be splendid.

However, she did not intend to stay there indefinitely; she also wished to visit other places to see the sights.

As for her traveling companions, apart from Qingrui, there would be a few guards to ensure her safety, and as for money, Shen Sinian had arranged everything thoroughly.

Yet all of this was done behind the Grand Princess's back.

She must not let her find out.

Her departure was set to take place after Xiao Yan's next visit. Since he always waited a considerable interval between visits, this would prevent him from coming to Zhaohua Courtyard only to find her missing, which would cause endless trouble.

At the mere thought of stepping into the free life she longed for, Shen Nanyuan was overcome with joy.

To ensure safety, very few people knew of this plan.

After waiting for a few days, Xiao Yan indeed arrived as expected.

For reasons unknown, Shen Nanyuan felt a sudden surge of tension in her heart.

Sitting in her chair, she watched Xiao Yan walk in from the outdoors, his figure carrying the chill of the frost outside, while her expression remained as calm as ever.

"What brings you the time to come today?"

"Matters within the palace are nearly settled." Xiao Yan seated himself beside her naturally. Unlike before, the look gradually gathering in the depths of his eyes made Shen Nanyuan’s heart flutter with unease.

It was the look of a hunter who considered his prey already within his grasp.

It genuinely unsettled her.

"I see... Then you must have some leisure time now."

"Mm, I should be entirely free in a few days," Xiao Yan said in a low, deep voice. "His Majesty will invest me as Crown Prince in three days. When that time comes, I will send someone to bring you into the palace."

Hearing this, Shen Nanyuan paused. "...Why should I enter the palace?"

"Only by keeping you in my sight will my heart be at ease."

"Wouldn't that violate propriety...?"

"There is nothing improper about it," Xiao Yan said, gazing at her intently. "No one will utter a single word of criticism against you."

...

Shen Nanyuan nodded in acquiescence. "Very well."

Yet, she had a lingering intuition that Xiao Yan wanting her to enter the palace was not as simple as merely wanting to see her.

She had the distinct feeling that once she entered the palace, leaving again would become an insurmountable task.

Therefore, she had to flee the capital within the next two days.

The Emperor's intention to name Xiao Yan Crown Prince had evidently been decided only recently, which was why Shen Sinian and Shen Yi only learned of it after attending the morning court session the following day.

Shen Sinian hurried to Zhaohua Courtyard with a solemn expression. "Yuanyuan, leave tomorrow or the day after. Xiao Yan is about to be invested as Crown Prince, and leaving after that will become exceedingly difficult."

Should the Emperor suddenly take it upon himself to bestow a marriage decree, there truly would be no way out.

Shen Nanyuan nodded. "Let's make it tomorrow."

It was better to leave sooner; otherwise, she would constantly feel a sense of unease, as if a massive boulder were pressing down upon her heart.

"Very well," Shen Sinian said. "I will make the arrangements right away. Take whatever time you have left to go and speak with Grandmother and Mother."

In truth, she did not intend never to return; her plan was to travel outside for a while and, once the storm had passed, return to the capital to visit them.

Even so, it would be a very long time before she could see them again.

Shen Nanyuan went to the Old Madam’s courtyard and kept her company, talking with her for the entire afternoon. The Old Madam actually knew nothing of the impending departure, and seeing her granddaughter beaming with joy, she even had servants prepare numerous pastries for her to eat.

As she ate, Shen Nanyuan’s eyes inevitably grew red.

When she had first transmigrated to this world, her only thought had been to survive. But after living here for so long, she had truly come to regard the Old Madam and the others as her own flesh and blood.

Yet, even without knowing the truth, the Old Madam seemed to have guessed something. Stroking Shen Nanyuan’s head, she smiled kindly.

"Our Yuanyuan should harbor no burdens. Go and do whatever your heart desires. Grandmother's greatest wish is simply for my Yuanyuan to live according to her own heart and lead the life she loves."

"Though Grandmother is aged, my constitution remains quite robust. Yuanyuan need not worry about Grandmother; Grandmother is doing very well."

Shen Nanyuan’s tears finally broke free and fell. She hurriedly lowered her head and nodded vigorously. "Mm!"

After spending the afternoon with the Old Madam, Shen Nanyuan went to Madam Shen's courtyard.

Just as evening approached and it was time for dinner, Madam Shen piled numerous dishes into Shen Nanyuan's bowl. "Go out and enjoy yourself thoroughly. Just remember to return eventually, and don't fret over us. With your father and older brother here, the State Duke's Manor is in good hands, so you have nothing to worry about."