Looking at Cheng Song, Shao Gong asked, 'What's wrong with her? Ever since she returned from the palace she seems to be a different person!' Father Cheng peeked and shook his head, 'In the past, both your mother and I were always worried that she would get into trouble. Now that she is studious, we still continue to be worried. It breaks my heart seeing her like this.'

Shao Gong stepped out of the room speaking loudly, mentioning that this was the day Huo Buyi would leave and head North, protecting the border. Shao Shang hastened her pace returning to her room. Shortly after, she emerged and handed a pouch over to Shao Gong. Shao Shang had requested for Shao Gong to make a trip on her behalf to return the pouch to Huo Buyi and passed a message to him. Shao Gong rode his horse to the gate and returned the pouch. Huo Buyi's facial expression changed when he received the pouch from Shao Gong. With a shivered voice, Huo Buyi asked, 'Did she leave any message for me?' Shao Gong sneered, 'Have you not made your choice that night?' Silence fell for a moment.

Since Huo Buyi had chosen to abandon Shao Shang, she sent Shao Gong to bid him goodbye on her behalf. Shao Gong cleared his throat and said, 'May this goodbye be forever. May bygones be begones. In this new journey of yours, I hope you will find your happiness.' Shao Gong mounted his horse and rode home. With a heavy heart, Huo Buyi led his troops and headed North. He left his most competent guard behind to look after the Cheng family, most importantly to overlook the safety of Shao Shang.

Back in the Cheng family, Shao Shang had finished a meal with the family. She took a good look at everyone at the table. With a smile, she requested to be excused. As she took a stroll towards the main door, her mother called out to her, 'Shao Shang, where are you heading?' She smiled and replied, 'Nowhere Mother, I'm just taking an evening stroll before heading to the palace to visit the Empress Quan. I hoped it was not too late for me to perform the act of filial piety.'

Shortly after, as if something had struck Mother Cheng in the head, she dashed towards the direction of the front door. Along the way, she shouted for the servants to get the horse carriage ready at the front door. Cheng Yang went after Mother Cheng asking if everything was alright. Mother Cheng held back her tears, she held onto Cheng Yang's arm and said, 'I don't think she is coming back. She's going to lock herself in the cold palace. Empress Quan had locked herself in the palace and declined visitors.'

Both Cheng Yang and Mother Cheng threw themselves onto the horse carriage and headed for the palace gate at their fastest speed, for the curfew of the gates was nearing by the minute. At that moment, Mother Cheng realised that Shao Shang was more than good enough and that she was the daughter she had always hoped for. Deep in her heart, Mother Cheng regretted and prayed really hard that everything was not too late.

When the carriage stopped, Mother Cheng alighted and dashed towards the gate. However, due to the curfew, she was stopped at the entrance of the gate. She shouted for Shao Shang to return to her. Mother Cheng apologised, she kept on asking Shao Shang to step out of the gate. Shao Shang turned and waved at them. With a warm smile, she gestured for them to leave. The gate closed and Mother Cheng fell onto the ground. Cheng Yang helped Mother Cheng boarded the carriage and returned home. Cheng Yang shared the news with the rest of the family, and the devastated Mother Cheng had fallen sick.