The concubine is a man, and the illegitimate son of a divine physician has a spatial ability.

This is the difference between Sheng Yixuan and Zhang Peng. To find someone to spend your life with, you definitely need to share the same values ​​and have a soulmate. Although Yin Zijing and Sheng Yixuan are far apart in age, their soulmates and shared values ​​are enough.

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. During this time, Yin Zijing remained confined to her exquisite yet somewhat cramped boudoir, never stepping out of the door. It was said to allow her to recuperate peacefully, but in reality, it was a form of house arrest.

During these days, Yin Zijing could only gaze through that small window at the accumulated snow and the yellowing bamboo outside, her heart filled with helplessness and frustration. In the evenings, she would retreat to her own space, tinkering with new gadgets or scrolling through Douyin (TikTok) on her phone to relieve her boredom.

Finally, the end of the year was approaching. On the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, every household busied themselves, dusting and cleaning their houses according to tradition, preparing to welcome the New Year. Yin Zijing finally stepped out of her room, but still couldn't get down to the second-floor attic.

Although the pavilion wasn't tall, it was like an insurmountable chasm. These past few days, Yin Zijing's health had almost fully recovered. Besides A-Tian's frequent treatments, Yin Zijing would also use the water from the spiritual spring to heal herself when the pain became unbearable.

As Yin Zijing slowly pushed open the long-closed door, a breath of fresh air rushed in, making him feel refreshed and invigorated. Yin Zijing, with his bound feet, walked towards the Red Plum Pavilion.

As the year draws to a close, the biting cold wind seems to have softened considerably, and a mysterious and warm power seems to have been injected into the world, allowing everything to gradually regain its former vitality.

The servants in the mansion got to work early, each one energetic and quick, busily and methodically busy. Some held brooms, carefully sweeping every corner; others rolled up their sleeves, diligently wiping the doors, windows, tables, and chairs.

Others were busy organizing the mountain of items piled up in the storeroom, arranging them neatly. The entire courtyard was filled with laughter and lively sounds. Although everyone was exhausted and sweating profusely, their faces beamed with happiness and satisfaction. For them, this was not just a simple spring cleaning, but also represented their anticipation and best wishes for the New Year.

As Yin Zijing walked by, maids and servants greeted him respectfully, each offering a slight curtsy. Yin Zijing merely nodded in acknowledgment, continuing his journey towards the Red Plum Pavilion without stopping.

As soon as I stepped into the courtyard of Hongmei Pavilion, I heard a burst of silvery laughter coming from inside. I saw Yin Zixiao sitting by the window, holding a small pair of delicate scissors, intently trimming the red paper in her hands.

Hearing footsteps, she quickly looked up and saw Yin Zijing entering the courtyard. She immediately put down her scissors, stood up with a joyful expression, held up the paper-cut window decoration she had just finished, and cheerfully called out, "Zijing, come and see! Come and see how well I cut this paper-cut window decoration!"

Seeing this, Yin Zijing's lips curled into a gentle smile, and she quickened her pace to stand before Yin Ziniao. Yin Zijing happily picked up the exquisite paper-cut window decoration, examining it closely, and exclaimed in admiration, "Niaoniao, I never imagined your paper-cutting skills were so superb! Look at this little rabbit, it looks like it's about to jump off the paper!"

Its round eyes, its cute three-lobed mouth, and its fluffy short tail—every detail has been depicted so vividly and realistically! As she spoke, she gently stroked the outline of the little rabbit on the paper-cut window decoration with her fingers, her eyes full of admiration and surprise.

Yin Zijin said sullenly, "Zijin, I'm so bored. The more you cut, the more skilled you become."

Zijing, let's cut it together. When we're done, we can stick it on the window on New Year's Eve. It will look really nice..."

…………

Inside the Yimei Courtyard, Madam Zhang was directing the servants to clean the rooms, and she was extremely busy. Meanwhile, in the other courtyards of the inner residence, maids and servants frequently came to Madam Zhang to report on the income and expenditure of each courtyard.

Before long, Granny Liu anxiously approached Madam Zhang and whispered something in her ear. Madam Zhang was greatly shocked upon hearing this. She quickly said, "Granny Liu, help me change my clothes, let's go to the front yard."

Madam Zhang frowned slightly, her steps unwavering. As she walked, she turned to look at Granny Liu beside her, asking with a hint of urgency, "Granny Liu, the end of the year is just around the corner. The palace should be busy preparing for the New Year. Why would a palace eunuch come at this time? Have you found out what happened?"

Granny Liu's expression was slightly grave. She sighed softly and replied, "Madam, you don't know this, but as soon as I heard the news, I rushed to the front courtyard. It took a lot of effort to finally find an opportunity to secretly slip some silver to that eunuch. After much pleading, I finally managed to get some information out of him."

At this point, Granny Liu paused slightly, then lowered her voice and continued, "According to the eunuch, they came on the orders of Princess Anding. They said they wanted to invite our sixth young lady to the palace. They also said that the sixth young lady is involved in a murder case and is a crucial witness, so it is imperative that the sixth young lady be present in person."

This matter has caused quite a stir, involving a princess and her consort. It's said that the Imperial Clan Court, the three judicial departments (Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review, and Censorate), the Emperor, and the Empress are all present for a joint trial..."

Upon hearing what Granny Liu said, Zhang was startled, as if an invisible hand had gripped her heart tightly, causing her heartbeat to skip a beat. Her originally dignified and beautiful face was slightly distorted by surprise and anger, her eyebrows raised and her beautiful eyes wide open.

Her hands clenched into fists unconsciously, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force. Then, she angrily ordered Liu Mama, who was standing nearby, "Liu Mama! Quickly send someone to fetch the Sixth Miss for me! Remember, you must be quick, without the slightest delay!"

This sixth young lady is truly audacious! She's been away from home for a full eight years, and those eight years have truly made her temperament as wild and unruly as a runaway horse. Logically speaking, a "woman" like her, who no longer has bound feet, should be properly raised in the deep chambers of her home, learning music, chess, calligraphy, painting, needlework, and embroidery every day, becoming a gentle and quiet lady from a respectable family.

"How could they have gotten involved in such a serious case? They really need to be disciplined." Her voice was sharp and urgent, filled with barely suppressed anger.