Lin Zhengyang wiped his tears in relief, “That’s good. Otherwise, I could never forgive myself.”
Ning Wanwan handed him a package. “This is gold and silver I prepared for you, for use on your journey. When you reach your place of exile, serve your sentence well and take care of yourself. This is the last thing I can do for you as your daughter.”
Lin Zhengyang looked at the package, his heart in turmoil, choking, “Okay, thank you, Waner.”
The two constables finished their tea and urged, “It’s getting late, time to go.”
Lin Zhengyang, hunched, followed the constables away.
Ning Wanwan, with reddened eyes, called out, “Father! Take care on your journey.”
Lin Zhengyang turned with difficulty, gave Ning Wanwan a deep look, smiled, and then left.
On the upper floor of Nanxun Tower, Si Zhan and Yuan Bi stood by the railing, watching Lin Zhengyang being escorted away. Si Zhan said, “Send people to protect him. Arrange assistance at the place of exile to minimize his suffering.”
“Yes,” Yuan Bi responded.
*
Soon after, the palace sent orders to the Prince of Yi’s residence and the Ning Guogong’s residence. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau had selected an auspicious date for the wedding of the Prince of Yi and Yunxiang on the twenty-eighth day of the fourth month.
Both residences began preparing for the grand wedding.
Although it was an imperial marriage, Si Zhan followed the traditional matchmaking process, ensuring respect was upheld, with only the final step of bride-fetching remaining.
Fuyi and Zhanxiang were busy packing Ning Wanwan’s belongings for her dowry to the Prince of Yi.
The Chuyun Courtyard buzzed with activity.
Finding it noisy, Ning Wanwan was about to visit her grandmother at Suyu Hall when Dian Qing approached her.
“Miss, a young man disguised as a servant stopped me outside and gave me something to bring to you.”
Ning Wanwan furrowed her delicate brows, “Where is it?”
Dian Qing took out a small wooden box and handed it to her.
Ning Wanwan opened the exquisitely crafted mechanism letter box, which could never be closed again. A faint cicada pattern was barely visible on its surface.
She instructed Dian Cui, “Go help them inside; I don’t need anyone to accompany me.”
“Yes.”
