After the ghost-hunting master descended the mountain, his fame spread throughout the capital.

The next moment, a breathtaking scene unfolded.

Right behind Princess Yongning and Princess Zhaohua, countless pale golden lights gathered out of thin air like fireflies, quickly outlining a blurry human figure.

In just a few breaths, the figure of a man dressed in a plain brocade robe, with a slender build and a gentle face, appeared clearly behind the mother and daughter.

He looked to be around forty years old, and his features bore a slight resemblance to Princess Zhaohua.

She possessed a refined and elegant demeanor, but was shrouded in an inescapable weakness, as if a gust of wind could dispel it.

At his waist, there was clearly an old purse made of blue cloth and ink bamboo.

However, even under the protection of the golden light net, his figure still trembled slightly, appearing extremely unstable.

"My husband...?!"

Princess Yongning seemed to sense something and suddenly turned around.

When her gaze fell upon that figure, Princess Yongning couldn't help but cover her mouth, her pupils contracted sharply, and her whole body trembled violently.

"Father...Father?!" Princess Zhaohua was also stunned, and tears welled up instantly.

The moment the manifested spirit saw his wife and daughter, his soul trembled violently, his eyes filled with endless longing and sorrow.

His lips trembled, as if he were struggling greatly.

Finally, a hoarse, weak call rang out in the flower hall, and also in the ears and hearts of Princess Yongning and Princess Zhaohua:

"Achu, Zhao'er..."

It's real! It's his voice!

Although weak and ethereal, Princess Yongning would never forget that unique timbre and gentle tone of voice, even in death.

"Qinghe! It really is you! You...you've been here all along?!"

Princess Yongning could no longer hold back her tears. She stood up, wanting to rush over, but was afraid of startling this fragile figure.

Shen Qinghe's ghostly figure gazed at them greedily, its eyes glistening with tears.

He tried to move, but it was as if he was bound by an invisible force, and he could only stay in place.

He spoke again, his voice broken and hesitant, but he tried his best to make each word clear:

"I'm sorry, Chu... she fell ill so suddenly, but I can't bear to leave..."

His gaze turned to Princess Zhaohua, filled with affection, "I am so gratified to have watched Zhao'er grow up, but I also regret not being able to see you get married..."

"Father!" Princess Zhaohua cried out, "Your daughter misses you so much! My mother...she misses you so much."

"I know... I know everything..." Shen Qinghe's soul shadow seemed to become even more transparent.

He looked at Princess Yongning with longing, "Achu, you've suffered so much... You've raised Zhao'er so well, I'm so proud of you..."

"No! It's not bitter..." Princess Yongning shook her head, her heart aching. "As long as you're still here, I..."

Just then, Jiang Dusheng's calm voice interrupted, "Princess, County Princess, the Prince Consort's soul has reached its limit."

"I forcibly manifested myself and helped him condense his voice, which lasted at most half a cup of tea. His soul power is about to be exhausted, so he needs to speak quickly."

This reminder was like a bucket of ice water poured over my head.

Princess Yongning suddenly came to her senses, realizing that this might be the last time she would see Shen Qinghe.

Shen Qinghe also heard Jiang Dusheng's words. His face showed anxiety and reluctance. He tried to gather his soul power and spoke faster, but his words seemed even more ethereal:

"Ah Chu, listen to me. Although you haven't seen me all these years, I've always been by your side. Now that I can say goodbye, my obsession is over..."

He glanced down at the purse at his waist, then looked up, his gaze finally settling on Princess Yongning's face.

Her eyes were so gentle they seemed to melt your heart, yet so sorrowful they were heartbreaking. "Take care of yourself from now on, and don't grieve for me anymore. I... I have to go."

"No! Qinghe! Wait a little longer!" Princess Yongning reached out her hand, trying in vain to persuade her to stay.

Shen Qinghe's spirit gave her a gentle smile, and its form faded rapidly at a visible speed.

"Take care, my Achu... Zhao'er..."

As that final call faded, the golden net of light that bound him finally gave way and quietly shattered.

Jiang Dusheng quickly opened the gates of hell and sent his soul inside.

Inside the flower hall, after a deathly silence, came the suppressed sobs of Princess Yongning and the weeping of Princess Zhaohua as she embraced her mother.

Those calls went unanswered.

Jiang Dusheng stood quietly and waited.

A long silence fell over the flower hall, broken only by the suppressed sobs of the mother and daughter.

After a long while, Princess Yongning finally managed to stop her tears and was helped to sit up by Princess Zhaohua.

Her face was still pale, but her eyes seemed to have been freed from some heavy shackles.

Although the grief has not subsided, the emptiness that has lingered for many years seems to have been somewhat soothed.

She looked at Jiang Dusheng with a complex expression, a mixture of gratitude and weariness.

Princess Yongning's voice was hoarse and weary, "Jiang Dusheng, I have witnessed your abilities."

"So, what is the princess's answer?" Jiang Dusheng asked calmly.

She has finished resolving her worries; now it's time to collect her reward.

Princess Yongning closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them again, they were filled with the clarity befitting a person in a position of power:

"I agree to your two conditions. First, I will find an opportunity to create momentum for you."

"Secondly, I will not interfere in the affairs of the Jiang family. If public opinion is unfavorable to you, I will try to intervene on your behalf at an appropriate time."

She paused slightly, "But today's matter is my private affair, and if even the slightest leak occurs..."

Jiang Dusheng interrupted her, replying frankly, "Princess, rest assured. My deal with you is limited to resolving your troubles and leveraging your influence to establish myself."

"Your family matters are none of my business, nor will they be the subject of my conversation."

Her attitude was straightforward and clear, which made Princess Yongning nod in satisfaction.

"Alright." Princess Yongning waved wearily. "I will send someone to escort you back to your residence. Thank you for your trouble today."

This thank you felt more genuine.

Jiang Dusheng bowed slightly, said no more, and turned to walk towards the door.

The sunlight under the eaves gilded her moon-white skirt with a pale gold hue, and the Buddhist prayer beads on her wrist swayed gently with her steps.

Her figure quickly disappeared into the bright spring scenery outside the flower hall.

Meng Xueyan's soul followed silently. As it floated across the threshold, it couldn't help but turn back and glance at the mother and daughter embracing and weeping inside the hall.

She looked at Jiang Dusheng's straight and aloof back in front of her, her eyes filled with indescribable complex emotions.

There was admiration, shock, and even a hint of realization and bitterness.

If she had had the same resolute spirit as Miss Jiang, dared to break free from those suffocating shackles, and chosen the path she wanted, wouldn't she... have avoided jumping off the cliff?

Can't we all be like Miss Jiang right now, walking firmly even when we're all alone, to earn a sense of freedom that belongs to us?

Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs" in this world.

She was, in the end, Meng Xueyan, trapped between rules and her own cowardice.

Meng Xueyan sighed softly, her soul trembled slightly, and she quickened her pace to keep up with Jiang Dusheng's steps.