“Yes, no one is foolish. However, the Dowager Princess controls the Duke Dingbei Mansion like an iron fortress, and she protects the Princess of Changning very carefully. There’s no way to make a move, no other avenues to pursue, so they could only target our family. Regardless of how slim the chances are, what if it succeeds? Although I enjoy the Emperor’s favor right now and my position is good, I am still hovering around mediocrity. Whether I’m here or not, it makes little difference. If I fall, it would leave a vacant position. If their plans don’t involve us, it would only affect the Wenren family. Why would that matter?”

After all, Han Shi was just a woman. No matter how capable, facing such situations would make anyone flustered.

“So, what should we do now? Is it not a bad idea for Xuan’er to keep the item?”

“Right now, everything is just speculation—don’t panic before the true situation unfolds. If there’s indeed truth behind all this, signs will show soon enough, and we’ll act accordingly. Whether it’s a blessing or a misfortune, we can’t avoid it if it comes. And who knows, as you all suspect, it might even have something to do with that elusive son-in-law of ours. Xuan’er keeping it is fine for now. If there’s any scheme, as long as it’s in our household, it makes no difference who holds it. Telling her too much now would only make her unnecessarily worried.”

“I just hope it won’t bring disaster. Xuan’er has just come home and hasn’t enjoyed comfort yet; I’d hate for her to get dragged into any family troubles.”

Wenren Taibo embraced Han Shi gently, “There’s no need to worry too much, my love.”

Han Shi, after all, was no fragile flower. She could face the coming storms with strength. “So, should we still go pay our respects to the Dowager Princess?”

“Why not? We should do what’s proper.”

“I see.”

Xiao Cao was restless and unaware of the storm brewing on her parents’ side.

That night, it was safe to say none of them slept well.

The next morning, because of the imperial exams, Wenren Taibo left the house early. Since the Emperor ascended to the throne, he has personally drafted the exam questions each time. No one would know what the exam topic would be until he spoke, saving many ministers the effort.

However, the Emperor did not make an appearance at today’s exam. He had his chosen topics sent over instead. Additionally, a few key ministers were also absent, clearly preoccupied with some urgent matter. Though the examinees were regretful, the absence of these prominent figures eased the pressure significantly, and many felt they could perform better under these conditions.

Meanwhile, Han Shi sent her invitation to the Duke Dingbei Mansion. As it was not common for many to visit the Duke’s family, the gatekeeper was familiar with the Wenren family, and the message quickly made its way to the Dowager Princess.

As people age, few of them, like the old madam of the Wenren family, grow to dislike commotion. Most enjoy the company of laughter, with children and grandchildren around them. The Dowager Princess was one of the latter. Compared to the Wenren family’s old madam, who had a large extended family to keep her company, the Dowager had only one granddaughter. Even with the granddaughter around, her home was still somewhat lonely, and when her granddaughter was not around, the place felt even emptier.

The Dowager Princess was privately envious of the Wenren Old Madam. When she discovered that the Wenren Old Madam didn’t even like having her younger relatives around, she immediately felt bitter—what she longed for, the other didn’t even appreciate.

However, as a dignified and composed figure, the Dowager Princess never displayed her true thoughts outwardly.

She swiftly responded to Han Shi’s invitation, indicating they could visit at any time. In fact, after learning that Han Shi’s long-lost daughter had returned, she had been waiting for the visit.

That afternoon, they went to the Duke Dingbei Mansion. Since this visit was intended specifically for Xiao Cao to pay respect to the Dowager Princess, Han Shi originally didn’t plan to bring anyone else. However, Wenren Ying insisted on tagging along. And since Han Shi often indulged her, she agreed.

Because of their special position, the Princess of Changning had few close friends during her upbringing. Although friendships among girls typically had little political consequence, many families harbored ulterior motives, so the friendships others sought with her weren’t always sincere. Once, someone even attempted to entice her to meet with an unfamiliar man, a situation that the Dowager Princess firmly intervened in.

In theory, given their age and the close relationship between the two families, the Princess of Changning and Wenren Ying should’ve been inseparable. But their personalities were rather different, so the relationship just remained cordial. As a result, the Princess of Changning’s circle of friendships was quite limited and lonely.

“I wonder what kind of personality this older sister from the Wenren family has?” Sitting beside her grandmother, the gentle, elegant Changning Princess looked expectant, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“You’ll know once you meet her,” said the Dowager Princess. She clearly understood her granddaughter’s current emotional state and, because of that, felt even more heartache. But there was nothing she could do. Though the Duke Dingbei Mansion appeared affluent and powerful, a single misstep could bring ruin to the entire household. The current Emperor was a wise ruler, well-loved by the people, and military generals could never overshadow him politically. Even if they did, the Emperor’s immense tolerance would merely reduce their influence rather than eradicate them. However, forming factions or cliques was always a red line for those in power, and though the Duke Dingbei family tried to steer clear, there were always forces attempting to pull them in. Thus, they had to remain constantly vigilant.

When the Wenren family members arrived, they paid proper respects and greeted the Dowager Princess.

The Dowager Princess glanced at Xiao Cao. Having followed her husband to the battlefield in her youth and later having held a prominent position for many years, even the Empress Dowager treated her with reverence, and even the Emperor showed her respect. Her imposing aura was overwhelming, and when she deliberately scrutinized someone, it could be intimidating.

Even Xiao Cao, who wasn’t usually sensitive to such things, felt a little tense in this moment.

However, as the Dowager Princess observed Xiao Cao’s calm and composed demeanor, her eyes downcast politely, she was quietly impressed. Truth be told, there weren’t many young people or even those of Xiao Cao’s father’s generation who could maintain such poise under her scrutiny. Even individuals who had been seasoned by years in court often found it difficult not to feel nervous in her presence, largely due to her reputation for integrity and fairness, as well as her ability to see through people’s intentions. Those with guilty consciences couldn’t help but feel less confident.

For a young person to remain unyielding in front of her like this indicated not only courage but also a pure and open heart, free from deceit. Of course, there were those who could mask their feelings at a young age—but this girl clearly wasn’t one of them. That made her all the more admirable. “She’s a good girl. The Wenren family indeed raises fine children.”

Han Shi had been a little nervous, but hearing this, she couldn’t help but smile. “You flatter us, Dowager Princess.”

“There’s no need for modesty. You’ve done well over the years, raising fine children.”

It was no small feat to earn such rare praise from the Dowager Princess, and it brought genuine joy to Han Shi.

The Dowager Princess then had the gifts prepared for Xiao Cao brought forth. Though not too extravagant, they were highly meaningful.

Over the past few days, Xiao Cao had received countless gifts and had become somewhat numb to them, yet she still accepted these with the utmost care.

But no sooner had they just sat down when a servant came in to announce that someone from the palace had arrived.

The Dowager Princess heart skipped a beat when she saw it was a trusted eunuch from the Emperor’s side, sensing that something unpleasant was coming.

And at the same moment, Wenren Ying, standing by, unconsciously clenched her fists, thinking to herself, “It’s here.”