May this scumbag husband, who favored his concubine over his wife, rest in peace.

Wen Yuanshu designated four courtyards specifically for the Wen family, which made it incredibly easy for them to go to the hot springs – they could simply pack their bags and go.

However, there is a New Year's banquet before that.

The Lunar New Year is a major event, and the imperial court grants a general amnesty every year at this time, allowing prisoners who have committed minor crimes and have behaved well to reunite with their families.

Princess Anping knew this was her chance to regain her freedom, so she seized the time and diligently copied several volumes of scriptures, which she then entrusted to someone to deliver to the Empress Dowager before the New Year.

The Empress Dowager naturally couldn't say anything more, so she lifted her confinement.

Princess Anping was finally able to go outside for some fresh air.

As the year draws to a close, the capital is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, bustling with activity. However, the dark prison of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's office remains cold and desolate.

The sun never shines here, and when you're in it, you hardly feel the passage of time.

The air was filled with the heavy stench of blood, and there were piercing screams and dying groans everywhere, like a living hell.

Lu Chengyuan, however, had long been used to it. His tall figure moved through the crowd, becoming a veritable hellish demon.

The innermost cells held the spies from the riverside tower that day. Their current state was beyond description; each of them had broken arms or legs, and their clothes were stained with blood, making them almost unrecognizable.

The most terrifying thing is that although they are mentally exhausted, they are still very clear-headed.

The pain on their bodies was real, but they didn't even have a chance to faint and escape. They could only endure it until the Embroidered Uniform Guard took pity on them and gave them a quick end to their injuries.

However, that day will not come anytime soon.

"Commander." A guard in embroidered uniform stepped forward and bowed.

Lu Chengyuan didn't speak, his gaze swept over them, his thin lips pursed slightly beneath the beast mask, and then he turned and left.

Emerging from the dark dungeon and stepping into the sunlight, Lu Chengyuan's expression remained unchanged: "Among those spies are also people from the Great Zhao. The New Year is almost here, so let them have a few good meals and release them for a stroll on New Year's Eve."

The people of Dazhao have an ingrained longing for the New Year.

Let them watch the fireworks, listen to the firecrackers, and join in the fun.

Once their psychological defenses are broken down, it becomes easier to ask questions.

"Yes."

One of the embroidered guards accepted the order and turned to make arrangements.

-

Time flies, and a few more days have passed.

On this New Year's Eve, it's time to attend the annual banquet.

Wen Yuanshu was too lazy to go, so the Wen family let her be. As for the younger generation in the family, including Wen Xi, Wen Yuanshu didn't need to worry about them; they had their own places to go.

As a result, the huge mansion of the General of the Cavalry was unusually quiet tonight.

Wen Yuanshu asked Zheng's mother to cook a table full of delicious dishes, but she still felt that something was missing.

She then waved her hand and led her servants to Wen Jing's courtyard, where they carried back several jars of fine wine.

Once the food and drinks were served, it finally felt like Chinese New Year.

But it was still a bit deserted.

"Chunhua," Wen Yuanshu said, "Have someone check if Qinglan and Wangyou have any plans. If they're free, invite them over to eat together!"

"Yes!"

Chunhua left with a smile, and soon returned with Wen Qinglan and Wangyou.

This was Wen Qinglan's first New Year since leaving home. She thought she would be spending it all alone, but unexpectedly Wen Yuanshu came to call her, so she came without thinking.

As for Wangyou, she never fails to come whenever Wen Yuanshu calls her, whether it's for medical treatment or anything else.

The three of them sat down in the courtyard, and Wen Yuanshu then told Chunhua to leave.

She knew that the maids had already bought a table full of dishes from the restaurant outside and were now waiting for Chunhua.

While the courtyard was filled with laughter and joy, the atmosphere inside the palace was even more lively.