Upon leaving Yan Huisheng's Eastern Palace, Zhou Gu felt both relieved and overburdened.
The relief came from Yan Huisheng unexpectedly agreeing with his ideas and plans. The burden lay in the words of Yan Huisheng — as a descendant of the Duke's residence, he could not disgrace the family name.
Without carriage or horse, he chose to walk back to the Duke's residence himself.
On his way, he chanced upon the carriage of Ye Guixue, who was returning to his own Duke Residence. Glancing at the day's light, which was still sufficient, he took a step aside to make way for the approaching carriage of Ye Guixue.
Just as Ye Guixue's carriage neared him, the coachman pulled on the reins, bringing the carriage to a halt. From the inside, Ye Guixue lifted the carriage curtain and greeted Zhou Gu, "Lord Thursday."
Zhou Gu bowed slightly in response, "Second Young Master Ye."
Ye Guixue asked, "Why is Fourth Brother Zhou walking alone?"
