Chu Yu returned to the mansion as the sky dimmed at dusk. After a day full of setbacks, she felt somewhat exhausted but did not rest. Instead, she asked for Rong Zhi's whereabouts and went straight to find him in his courtyard without even changing her clothes.
On the carriage ride, she had already detected the hidden agenda behind the events. Recalling the peculiar expressions of the palace attendants she encountered, she had an epiphany, realizing that the palace would likely be abuzz with rumors tomorrow.
But she did not care.
Not having found Rong Zhi in the house, Chu Yu returned to the bamboo forest. This time, Rong Zhi was not sitting on the green stone platform which one could see upon entering the forest. The stone platform was deserted and cold to the touch when Chu Yu laid her hand on it.