The man's grip on her hand suddenly tightened, and the smile on his lips froze slightly. After a long pause, he spoke in a low voice, "Something happened at home."

Song Xizhi stiffened, staring at him with wide eyes: "What did you say? What happened at home?"

He Jingyan's large hand, hidden beneath his cloak, held hers tightly, as if to comfort her or to give her strength: "Don't worry, no one is hurt or in any danger. I'm just afraid you'll be upset."

Song Xizhi took a deep breath and finally relaxed. She frowned and looked at him: "What exactly happened?"

“Something happened at your maternal grandfather’s house; a fire broke out at night. But after what happened with Zeng Yaxian, I happened to send people to protect your maternal grandfather’s house, so it was just a false alarm, and they are all fine.”

Song Xizhi gritted his teeth, "What? Something happened to my maternal grandfather?"

"Was it an accident or arson? Have the arsonist been caught and the truth of the matter been found out?"

He Jingyan simply shook his head: "The matter is still under investigation."

Song Xizhi nodded silently, and He Jingyan remained silent as well.

The two walked in silence for a while before Song Xizhi finally raised her head, her bright eyes looking at him earnestly: "Thank you for protecting my maternal grandfather."

"But why do you look so sad when no one else is hurt?"

Hearing this, He Jingyan smiled and asked, "Where did you get the idea that I was sad?"

Song Xizhi simply looked at him and said, "I felt it with my heart."

As the two were talking, they arrived at the palace gate. The old woman who was leading the way bowed respectfully to her and gave her a few more instructions.

Song Xizhi nodded and thanked the Empress Dowager, while He Jingyan was left in the palace.

The palace gates were not closed. Song Xizhi stood there, watching He Jingyan's back as he walked into the palace. It took him a long time before he turned around.

She and Siqin waited in the carriage for a while before He Jingyan's low voice rang in her ear: "Actually, I'm not happy."