Chapter 177 - 156 Her Childhood
By the next morning, fine snow was fluttering down.
Outside the wide and imposing gates of the Prince Mansion, its grandeur was now but a memory, stripped bare by confiscation. A few constables stood guard, as the sprawling estate was earmarked for future use by the Heavenly Family—whether for a temple, a pavilion, or a poetic academy, this mansion was the prime candidate for such plans.
But today, three unexpected guests arrived at the gates.
When the constables saw the emblem presented by the man leading the group, they dared not block their way. Instead, they deferentially pushed the gates open, allowing the trio to enter together.
"Ah-choo."
Crossing the threshold, Yin Tingxue sneezed, shivering from the cold. Her neck drew inward as if to ward off the chill.
Chen Yi glanced sidelong at her. Her frail figure was wrapped in thick clothing, yet the biting wind still left her trembling. She had caught a cold, her body feverish, but she adamantly refused to rest or recuperate before returning to the Prince Mansion.
She had longed to come back, too much to delay any longer.
Since it wasn’t a serious illness, Chen Yi took her hand and smiled, saying:
"Show me around, will you?"
Yin Tingxue chuckled and began to lead the way. Walking along the stone-paved paths, she guided him forward. After the mansion’s confiscation, its opulence had been reduced to a hollow shell. Yet even this empty shell represented a wealth most could only dream of. She pointed to the distant Nanmu Hall, once a resting place for servants. Chen Yi, upon seeing it, was startled—its wood was clearly made from golden-thread nanmu, a kind that was impervious to rot for centuries.