He stood under the tree, when a breeze came by, lifting the red silk that covered the entire tree, and blowing the red sign hanging beside Mingxi's name to Huo Lin's side. However, he didn't notice it at all, as he lowered his gaze and thought about Zhong Junming.

This marriage certificate needs to be hung together by both individuals for it to be considered valid.

Ke Ming is not around, so he only signed his name, treating it as a form of blessing.

Mingxi clasped her hands together, a satisfied smile dancing at the corners of her lips.

Originally, he still wanted to search for the little doll from earlier. But thinking that Xiang Po-po might be waiting for him, Ming Xi did not dare to linger any longer, and hurriedly left the monastery.

After he left, a monk wearing Buddhist robes and with a compassionate face approached the tree. He raised his hand and looked through the wind-tossed marriage destiny sticks gathered in one place, then sighed helplessly while gently stroking his white beard.

"Karmic fate... Karmic fate..."

"Master, what is the meaning of 'karmic bond'?"

Suddenly, the little doll in a red jacket appeared, still holding a sugar-coated hawthorn skewer in her hand.

The old monk smiled and gently patted his head when he heard his innocent question, saying, "You will know when you grow up."

The little child licked the shiny candy skewer, lost in thought.

Ming Xi returned to the mansion in the late evening. As soon as he stepped into the dilapidated courtyard, he saw Shen Xiang standing outside the door, waiting for him.

Seeing her face, which was pale from the cold and aged, he hurriedly walked up.

"Xiang Po Po..." As Mingxi approached, she timidly halted in front of the other person, afraid that Shen Xiang would be upset with him because of what happened earlier in the day.

Seeing him, Shen Xiang reached out and pulled him closer.

"The young master has finally returned. This old servant was truly worried that something might have happened to you..."

Seeing her swollen eyes, Mingxi shook her head and said, "It's Xier's fault... I shouldn't have left Xiang-po alone..."

"It's cold outside. Come... let's go inside," Shen Xiang pulled him into the house, carefully examining Ming Xi for a moment, using her sleeve to wipe the dirt off his face. "Where has the young master been all day?"

At the mention of this, Mingxi seemed spirited. "I went to the temple..." There was a smile in his eyes and eyebrows. "There was a little child... who gave me a marriage fate divination..."

"Is that so?" Shen Xiang withdrew his hand and said, "As long as Young Master is happy."

After she finished speaking, she asked Mingxi to sit beside the wooden table.

At this moment, Mingxi finally noticed that there were many dishes arranged on the table, all of which she had never seen before.

"Xiang Po Po... what is this?" he asked, staring at the brightly colored soup.

It smells so good... He has never eaten such a delicious meal before.

Shen Xiang sat down beside him and served him soup with old bowls and chopsticks. "This is a soup called Li Xike Cui Geng that I specially asked someone to buy from the best restaurant in the royal city. It is the signature dish of that restaurant..."

Upon hearing her words, Ming Xi's fingers clenched tightly around the wooden table. "Then... then it must cost a lot of money, right?"

"Don't worry, Young Master, I have some savings. It should be enough." Shen Xiang placed the soup in his hands and said, "Quickly... drink it while it's hot."

"Mmm... delicious..." Mingxi carefully cradled the bowl like a precious treasure and took a gentle sip. A smile appeared on her face.

Shen Xiang tearfully watched this scene, feeling countless reluctances in her heart as she thought about the imminent parting with him.

But after they separated, Ming Xi was able to live in a good house, free from suffering, exhaustion, and cold. Thinking of this, her heart could finally find a bit of peace.

"It tastes so good... why isn't Xiang Po Po drinking?"

Seeing Shen Xiang not moving, Ming Xi also followed her lead and handed her a bowl of soup, saying, "Aunt Xiang and Xi Er, let's drink together."

Shen Xiang bit back her tears and nodded at him with a smile, "Okay, let's drink together... Young Master, drink more..."

The cold wind outside the window was bleak, and inside the house, although it was just as freezing, a warmth no less than that of blood ties flowed between an elder and a youngster, making this harsh winter day slightly more bearable.

The following morning, just as dawn was breaking, Mingxi was awoken by shouts from outside the house. Shortly after, three or four guards rushed into the room and, without waiting for his response, forcibly pulled at his clothes.

"Master Xiaoshao, the master has given instructions. Starting today, you are to move out of here and go to the new courtyard."

The person in charge spoke and waved his hand impatiently to the guard beside him, saying, "Take the person away."

Ming Xi subconsciously struggled, looking towards Shen Xiang standing by the table. "No... I don't want to leave... I want to stay with Grandma Xiang... I don't want to go."

He anxiously yelled in a low voice, struggling hard to break free from the guards' restraints, and rushed towards Shen Xiang in a panic.

"Why... doesn't Xiang Po Po go with Xier..."

He shook his head and said, "I don't want to live in any new courtyard... I won't leave... I don't want to leave..."