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Duanhua watched Yan Huisheng's carriage depart in the distance until it was out of sight, then she turned back and headed for the Princess Residence. As she stepped through the gates, she was startled. "Father?"

Duanhua's husband quickly covered her mouth, "Quiet, lest the Crown Prince hears you."

Duanhua widened her eyes in surprise, "Father, you startled me. What were you doing hiding behind the door? You look guilty, like you've done something wrong."

Her husband was taken aback, lost for words for a moment before asking, "Have you been to see the Crown Prince again?"

"No, on my way back from Eastern Fourth Hutong, my carriage broke down. The Crown Prince happened to be passing by, so he gave me a ride," Duanhua replied skeptically, "Father, why were you hiding behind the door?"

Her husband explained in a hushed voice, "I was about to enter our Residence when I heard that the Crown Prince was escorting you home. I wasn't sure how to face him, so I hid."