National Master Mansion.

In the snow, Little Dumpling clasped Jiang Ning and Ji Mingyue’s hands together, their palms touching, Ji Mingyue’s cheeks slightly reddened, her gaze flickering lightly.

Jiang Ning’s expression was gentle, and he did not withdraw his hand, only gently rubbing Little Dumpling’s head.

Everyone returned to the corridor and sat down by the charcoal fire.

Ji Minghao lifted the hot tea offered by Qinghe, pondered for a moment, and then spoke: "Brother Jiang, tonight there is a year-end banquet at the palace. My father has specially sent me to invite you and the State Preceptor to attend. Many ministers and sons of noble families will be present, making it quite a grand event."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning thought for a moment, then shook his head and politely declined: "Thank you for your and His Majesty’s kind invitation. However, my cultivation has reached a crucial point lately, requiring me to adjust in peace, so I’m unable to attend the banquet. Please convey my apologies to His Majesty."

Ji Minghao had anticipated this answer and did not insist, nodding: "Brother Jiang’s diligence is the true path. So, I will report this truthfully to my father."

He paused and then lowered his voice, "Although the Royal Capital seems peaceful, there are hidden currents beneath the surface, and my father’s health is deteriorating!"

Upon hearing this last sentence, Jiang Ning nodded slightly.

"Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness!"

Beside him, Ji Mingyue looked at Jiang Ning, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes, but quickly hidden away. She then smiled and said: "Then you should focus on your cultivation. After the year-end, if you have time, come to the palace to find me."

"Alright." Jiang Ning agreed.

After chatting for a while longer, Ji Minghao and Ji Mingyue rose to bid farewell. Jiang Ning and Su Qingying escorted them to the mansion’s gate, watching the carriage go far.

...

In another place.

In a secluded courtyard.

The courtyard was snow-free, the ground dry, a few plum blossoms quietly releasing their scent under the moonlight, contrasting sharply with the warm bustle of the National Master Mansion, as it was icy and silent here.

Lin Qingyi sat cross-legged in the courtyard, surrounded by snow like frost, with the sunlight approaching noon above her.

At this moment, moonlight flowed around her, like wearing silver gauze, with a bright moon rising slowly above her head.

She slowly opened her eyes, a coolness like water in her gaze, but compared to the previous days, there was a subtle undetected warmth.

It was the warm residue left after the fusion of Yin and Yang, completely refined and integrated into the essence of Tai Yin.

"Sigh..."

She softly exhaled a cold breath, as her breath passed, the air condensed into fine ice crystals, falling with a quiet rustle.

The coldness within her still remained heavy, but the sluggish feeling in the depths of her Divine Soul due to excessive solitary Yin was somewhat alleviated.

The Spirit Platform became increasingly clear, and her sensitivity to the moonlight heightened slightly.

"Indeed, solitary Yin does not last long, Yin and Yang complement each other, even simple fusion has benefits." Lin Qingyi mused: "But he has yet to truly achieve the state of Hunyuan, his physique is Pure Yang, yet still lacking. Should he master Hunyuan in the future, with Yin and Yang balanced, perhaps he could truly equal me!"

As she contemplated, her eyes moved slightly, looking toward a corner of the courtyard.

The bright moon above also subtly disappeared.

Then, with a slight fluctuation in the void, a withered old man walked out from behind the tree.

Wearing a grey robe, pale face without a beard, his eyes hazy, as if ready to disperse in the wind at any time.

"Princess Consort Qi." The old man bowed, his voice hoarse: "Back in the Royal Capital to meditate for a few days, are you well?"

Lin Qingyi’s expression remained unchanged, and she merely spoke lightly: "I’m alright. What does the Old Prince command?"

The old man lifted his eyelids, his murky gaze resting on her for a moment, slowly saying: "The Old Prince heard that after returning to the Royal Capital, you did not return to the mansion, and chose this secluded place for meditation, hence sent me to ask you to return!"

Lin Qingyi shook her head: "Not returning for now!"

At this moment, the old man raised his hazy eyes, looking at Lin Qingyi: "Forgive my audacity, but I must ask, why does your aura seem somewhat murky?"

His tone remained respectful, yet carried a subtle scrutiny.

Lin Qingyi’s gaze turned slightly cold.

This old servant named "Shadow Elder" is the chief death warrior raised by the Qi Royal Mansion, specializing in monitoring and assassination.

His cultivation is unfathomable, especially adept at concealment and insight, having been alongside the Old Prince for many years. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

At this moment.

The air in the courtyard suddenly stiffened.

Lin Qingyi’s fingers slightly curled in her sleeve, yet her face remained unruffled: "Is Shadow Elder questioning me?"

"I dare not." Shadow Elder lowered his head, maintaining a humble posture, yet his words pressed on in steps, "The Old Prince only asked me to remind you, you are ultimately Princess Consort Qi, the consort of Prince Qi, though not officially wed, you are also Qi Royal Mansion’s sole consort, many times you must be mindful of your identity."

Lin Qingyi fell silent for a moment, then suddenly let out a light laugh.

The laugh was chilling, yet carried a trace of mockery: "Princess Consort Qi... yes, I am Princess Consort Qi. So the Prince fears I might ’stray from home’, tarnishing the mansion’s face?"

Shadow Elder quietly looked at her, then slowly shook his head.

"Should that day truly come, it would not be this simple! Although the Old Prince hasn’t been angry in a long time, I believe you wouldn’t want to see the Old Prince’s wrath."

Looking at the old man’s calm expression, Lin Qingyi felt a chill within.

She understood who the old man meant by the Old Prince, and understood the Old Prince’s strength, as well as knowing her status as Princess Consort Qi was mostly due to the Old Prince’s intent, not the long incapacitated Prince Qi.

She once couldn’t see through many things, but now she understands much more.

That Old Prince made her Princess Consort Qi, yet allowed her many things, clearly seeing her future fate.

Now bearing the Tai Yin inheritance, her physique has also transformed, hence she understands what it represents for her.

She might be considered an exquisite treasure coveted by any man.

Anyone who gains her would enter a phase of rapid improvement.

But to her, the most precious thing has already been handed over.