Chapter 80 Indissolubly Linked

worth mentioning. Only the green jade bracelet on her wrist looked like something valuable; she raised her hand and offered the bracelet to Ye Qingran, making her intentions clear.Ye Qingran's face d...Chapter 80 Relying on Each Other

Yun Qianyue picked up a quill pen and wrote the character "好" (good) on a note, which she then tied to the leg of a mountain finch. The bird flapped its wings and flew away. She turned her gaze back and smiled at Rong Jing.

"Why are you smiling" Rong Jing raised an eyebrow.

"I'm smiling because I think there's going to be another interesting show!" Yun Qianyue tapped the table lightly, causing a ringing sound. She looked at Rong Jing with a smile and asked in a low voice, "What do you think my role should be in this act"

"Sing as your heart tells you," Rong Jing smiled slightly. "Even if you don't sing at all, the Emperor and Prince Xiaoqin will find it uncomfortable like swallowing a fly. A little girl like Yun Xianghe dying is not a big deal, but behind her stands General Feng. As an old minister loyal to the emperor for two dynasties, this time he might be chilled to the heart."

"That's what imperial strategies are all about! They can use anything at any moment, even the most loyal ministers." Yun Qianyue’s smile turned cold. "They don't understand that water can both carry a boat and overturn it."

"In this game of chess, the Emperor has calculated everything thoroughly except for Sanzi (Third Young Master)." Rong Jing smiled faintly and spoke calmly, "One miscalculation ruins an entire game."

Yun Qianyue remained silent. She thought to herself that the old emperor was indeed getting old; if it were her father when he was younger and more ruthless, she wouldn’t have won so easily, nor would things on Sanzi’s side have gone so smoothly.

Rong Jing fell silent again and sipped his tea slowly.

Soon footsteps approached the Moonlit Chamber. Yun Qianyue looked out of the window and saw a young servant girl in unfamiliar clothes, looking flustered as she hurried up to the chamber. Ling Lian and Yi Xue stopped her at once. Hearing this, Ling Lian asked, "Who are you Where do you belong Why are you coming here"

"Sister, I’m Ke’er, a caretaker of the ancestral hall. Madam Feng heard about Miss Yun’s predicament and is insisting on visiting her in Prince Xiaoqin's mansion. Could Miss Yun let me take my message to Madam Feng Since she was locked up in the ancestral hall, no one has visited her for more than two months," Ke’er said.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue exchanged glances before looking inside the room but didn’t say anything.

"Please help me. Madam Feng is really pitiable, eating barely enough to keep alive and suffering in the cold ancestral hall. Every day noble concubines from our family come there to hassle her. Though I know my status is lowly, when I heard about Miss Yun’s situation today, I ran madly to the gate of the ancestral hall. So I came here to beg you for help…" Ke’er's voice was urgent and she almost cried.

“How did Madam Feng find out that Miss Yun had an accident at Prince Xiaoqin's mansion” Yun Qianyue pushed open the window to look at her.

Ke’er was surprised by this, then happy. She knelt down and said in a low voice, "Just now Third Concubine went to the ancestral hall and told Madam Feng."

"Third Concubine's information is indeed accurate!" Yun Qianyue smiled. How could she have forgotten that her father’s other concubines were still living in the mansion Especially Third Concubine and Fifth Concubine, who were always scheming. She told Ling Lian, "Ling Lian, take Madam Feng from the ancestral hall to Prince Xiaoqin's mansion."

“Yes, Miss!” Ling Lian replied.

"Thank you so much!" Ke’er looked at Yun Qianyue with an expression of joy.

Yun Qianyue smiled faintly and closed the window.

Ling Lian stepped out, followed closely by Ke’er. They left the Moonlit Chamber.

"Prince Xiaoqin’s mansion will be busy tonight!" Rong Jing smiled at Yun Qianyue when she turned around. "By letting Madam Feng go now and then revealing that her daughter is dead, General Feng will lose his only daughter. His mourning flag should fly from his residence tomorrow morning."

"Since this capital has already started to stir up commotion, let’s make it even more restless! The old emperor doesn’t want peace; neither do some other people. Why don't we all remain restless together" Yun Qianyue smiled back. When Madam Feng learned that her daughter was dead, she had only one child left, and all hopes were placed on her. What could she do but commit suicide In recent days, Third Concubine and Fifth Concubine would come every day to see her. She had enjoyed a high status in Yun Manor for half of her life, hoping that her daughter would bring honor to her name and let her take revenge. With this support, she managed to survive under their bullying and humiliation until today. Unfortunately, the last pillar supporting her was now dead; if she didn’t want to return to the ancestral hall to suffer again, then there was only one solution.

Rong Jing smiled and nodded, "This is a good idea!"

"Miss! Something's wrong!" Yun Meng rushed into the Moonlit Chamber. He had been starting his sentences with these words for two days now.

“Uncle Meng, you’re an old man now; can’t you be more composed No matter how serious a problem is, it’s not worth mentioning in front of Miss. Please don't say this phrase anymore. It's annoying to hear it, even if I’m just a servant. If you keep saying this, I think the Miss might send you home to farm." Yi Xue stopped Yun Meng and said with an unhappy expression.

Yun Meng stopped in his tracks and looked at Yi Xue. He put on a stern face, "You little girl have only been here for a few days but already teaching me" After seeing that Yi Xue didn’t respond, he coughed lightly. “I know I shouldn't panic, but there’s too much going on these days! Old age catches up to you. What if I bring trouble to the Miss”

"Since you老人家 already know, be more careful next time!" I Xue also knew that Yun Meng was an old servant in the Cloud王府. He was highly esteemed by the old prince and had not been replaced after Miss took charge of the household despite many changes. He was very cautious and kind to Miss, but he tended to panic easily when faced with problems, which is why she stopped talking after a few words.

Yun Meng nodded and reported inside, "Miss, the eldest sister's injuries were too severe; we couldn't save her."

Cloud Qianyue pulled at the corners of her mouth. "Big Sister has always been reckless. This time she even lost her life, finally settling down." With that, she looked out the window towards Yun Meng and asked, "Where is Father What does he say"

"The prince and Prince Filial Piety are worried, demanding an explanation from the Prince Filial Piety's household. They're currently causing a disturbance there," Yun Meng sighed. "You know that the prince has always treated the eldest sister well these years, but his heart was chilled by Concubine Feng's attack on you and her repeated reckless behavior. However, he still cares about her kindness to him. Now that the eldest sister is dead, I'm afraid the prince will be very sad; otherwise, considering His Highness's temperament, it wouldn't have been possible for him to cause a disturbance at Prince Filial Piety's household given his situation these years."

"Hmm! Big Sister has always been Father's beloved daughter. It's not unexpected that she would get into trouble," Cloud Qianyue nodded. "Has the Old General Feng's residence received news What do they say"

"Someone from our side just sent a message from the Old General Feng’s residence saying that upon hearing about the eldest sister's suicide and their inability to save her, the old general fainted immediately after only partially recovering. Now the Old General Feng's household is in chaos," Yun Meng said promptly.

"I understand. You can go now!" Cloud Qianyue waved her hand.

"Miss, aren’t you going to visit Prince Filial Piety’s residence" Yun Meng looked at Cloud Qianyue and advised, "Considering the significance of this matter, shouldn't you pay a visit Moreover, since it's now under your charge, if this isn’t handled properly, it could make life even harder for the Cloud王府 in the future."

"Uncle Meng, you really are old!" Cloud Qianyue said emotionlessly.

Yun Meng’s face turned pale; he immediately stopped speaking.

"Grand Steward, Miss has her own thoughts. You should go downstairs," I Xue whispered.

Yun Meng nodded, wiped his forehead with a handkerchief and left with a sigh. He thought that perhaps he was indeed old; yes, he had been the steward of the Cloud王府 for decades when the old prince was in his prime, and Prince Filial Piety was at the height of his youth. Now, the children of the prince were all grown up. Yes, it seemed he should retire.

Cloud Qianyue watched Yun Meng leave and said softly, "Uncle Meng has always been kind to me and loyal to the Cloud王府. Even though things are tough now, I can't bear to replace him despite his clumsiness."

"The position at Prince Rong’s household was changed; it's now taken over by Rong Xi. Emotional decisions only burden oneself," Rong Jing held onto Cloud Qianyue’s hand which rested on the window frame and gently pulled her into his arms, giving her a kiss on the cheek as he spoke softly, "But this also shows that my Cloud Qianyue is someone who values emotions deeply. This world has enough cold-hearted people; we don’t need to be like them."

"What did you say" Cloud Qianyue turned and looked at Rong Jing.

"I said this world already has many cold-blooded, heartless individuals; we don't need to be such people," Rong Jing replied.

"That's not what I meant. The sentence before that!" Cloud Qianyue stared into Rong Jing’s eyes.

Rong Jing glanced sideways, "What did I say in the previous sentence Oh, right, I said you value emotions."

"It wasn't phrased like that; it's word-for-word!" Cloud Qianyue emphasized.

Rong Jing looked up at the ceiling and slowly replied, "I said this shows how deeply my Cloud Qianyue values emotions."

"Rong Jing, you're deliberately doing this!" Cloud Qianyue glared at him.

Rong Jing suddenly chuckled softly, then kissed her lips and whispered into her ear in a slightly hoarse voice, "I said my Cloud Qianyue."

Cloud Qianyue smiled with one corner of her mouth, looking askance at Rong Jing's profile, "Mine"

"Yes, mine!" Rong Jing tightened his embrace around her, inch by inch, leaving no space between their bodies as if cherishing a precious treasure. "This lifetime, and for all eternity, you belong to me. Even if you run away to the ends of the earth, you will return to my side."

Cloud Qianyue smiled with pursed lips, thinking that is it like this For all eternity, I'm yours; even if I ran away to the far corners of the world, I would come back to your side Then does this mean we have met and loved each other across many lifetimes too. Perhaps in a previous life she had wandered off into another realm but then returned

“I never noticed that you tend to daydream!" Rong Jing tapped Cloud Qianyue’s head and said with a smile.

Yun Qianyue's thoughts returned to the present, and she laughed as well, leaning softly against Rong Jing's embrace. These kinds of thoughts were something she never had before; indeed, love made women prone to fantasies and foolishness. But if it meant happiness, she would gladly accept.

The moonlight outside shone in, illuminating the two figures, a faint glow with deep emotions. The window screen cast their shadows, hazy yet harmonious.

On the top of the west wall, Ye Tianyi held his green jade flute and watched at Qianyue Pavilion's windows. His handsome face seemed covered in frost and snow under the moonlight, whiter than the moon itself. Shortly after, he snapped the green jade flute into two pieces with a flick of his hand, turned over, and leaped down from the west wall to return to the Seventh Prince’s Mansion.

"Time for sleep!" Rong Jing glanced out at the west wall and suddenly smiled.

"Sleep" Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrows, looking outside. "It's still early! What about waiting to see what happens next"

"No need. A predictable show isn’t a good one. In two days there will be a better performance, and we need our energy for it." As he spoke, Rong Jing lifted Yun Qianyue and headed toward the bed.

Yun Qianyue thought about it and agreed; today’s and tomorrow's acts were already predetermined. She was more interested in seeing what unexpected move the old emperor would make on his birthday after losing this round of chess. The unpredictable is what one looks forward to.

Rong Jing laid Yun Qianyue down, helping her remove her outerwear before taking off his brocade robe and lying beside her, pulling her delicate body into his embrace. Closing his eyes, he sighed softly, "I finally understand the saying ‘Die under a peony flower bed, even as a ghost one remains romantic’."

Yun Qianyue blushed and said sternly, “How could you not understand that lust can be dangerous”

Rong Jing chuckled softly. "This is something to be understood over time. Now I don’t feel like there’s a knife above my head."

Yun Qianyue smiled and turned her face away, closing her eyes as she rested her head on his arm and draped an arm across him. She was very tired and said sleepily, "Let's sleep."

"Sure," Rong Jing agreed.

The two didn’t speak anymore; moonlight filtered through the curtains, enveloping them in its glow as they lay together.

Midnight arrived, Ling Lian returned to Qianyue Pavilion. Yi Xue immediately greeted her and whispered, "The Miss and Prince Rong Jing have gone to sleep."

Ling Lian nodded and said quietly, “I took Feng Concubine to the Filial King’s Mansion. Upon seeing that the eldest daughter is dead, she was enraged, hitting and cursing the king saying he killed his own flesh and blood. She claimed that the Miss isn’t even his biological child, how could she resemble him at all The king felt guilty but was angered by Feng Concubine's words, striking her in a fit of rage. In grief, Feng Concubine picked up the knife with which the eldest daughter killed herself and slit her own throat before both kings."

“Then what” Yi Xue asked quietly.

"The king was furious yet regretful; he wept holding Feng Concubine and the eldest daughter," Ling Lian lowered her voice. "I think the king will seek trouble with our Miss because of this."

"Why did the master marry such a man" Yi Xue frowned.

"Hush, don’t speak ill!" Ling Lian glanced at the main room and seeing it quiet, said quietly, “I’m also puzzled. Besides his status as king, Yun King has nothing commendable; cowardly, favoring concubines over wives. I investigated the old king but found no reason for the master to marry him, truly baffling.”

"Perhaps our Miss and the Yun Household are fated," Yi Xue said quietly.

Ling Lian nodded and added in a low voice, “Old General Feng woke up and went to the Filial King’s Mansion. Later, hearing that Feng Concubine had committed suicide, he collapsed from shock. Now, Old General Feng's residence is in chaos as well as the Filial King’s Mansion. The news of his death reached the palace, alarming the emperor; I heard when I returned earlier today that the Emperor went out of the palace at night to visit Old General Feng."

"A small matter has turned into something big," Yi Xue said.

Ling Lian nodded. "Third Young Master’s move is ingenious indeed, no wonder Miss entrusted Wind Pavilion to him. He anticipated that the eldest daughter would commit suicide at the Filial King’s Mansion and used his inner strength to push her knife an inch further when she slit her throat, making it a real death with no evidence of foul play. All those present saw the eldest daughter take her own life; he had nothing to do with it."

"Miss knows whom to trust!" Yi Xue smiled and praised him to Ling Lian. "You’ve been busy today too, go rest now. I’ll keep watch here."

Ling Lian nodded without further ado and went off to sleep.

The two thought they spoke very softly, but Yun Qianyue's inner energy was refined at this point; she woke when Ling Lian returned to the pavilion. She heard every word of their conversation clearly now. She glanced at Rong Jing who had opened his eyes and whispered lightly, "As I predicted."

"Hmm!" Rong Jing responded and patted Yun Qianyue's shoulder, "Go to sleep!"

Yun Qianyue nodded and closed her eyes again.

The next morning, heavy footsteps were heard outside the Shallow Moon Pavilion. The sound woke up Yun Qianyue, who knew it was Prince Cloud; however, she remained with her eyes closed. Soon, I雪's voice could be heard: "I pay my respects to His Highness."

"Is Qianyue still sleeping" Prince Cloud’s voice sounded extremely hoarse.

"Reporting to Your Highness, yes! Miss heard about the eldest miss last night and was sad because they were sisters after all. She just fell asleep," I雪 chose her words carefully before speaking softly.

Prince Cloud seemed to sigh upon hearing this: "She deserves it!"

I雪 was taken aback.

"Tell Qianyue when she wakes up that the body of Feng Concubine and the eldest miss have been brought back to the estate. Let her instruct someone to bury them! Bury them next to Cloud Prince’s mausoleum, as she is merely a concubine without the qualification to be buried in the mausoleum." After saying this, Prince Cloud glanced inside the room before turning and leaving.

I雪 watched Prince Cloud's retreating figure. She seemed to age by ten years instantly; she couldn’t help sighing. With so many concubines at Prince Cloud’s disposal, Feng Concubine managed to dominate the household for all these years, and Yun Xianghe, a concubine-born daughter, was treated as though she were a legitimate one. It was evident that Prince Cloud favored both Feng Concubine and Yun Xianghe. What weight did his main wife hold in his heart then

"All men are fickle!" Ling Lian walked out of the room with a disdainful sneer, her voice echoing as she looked at Prince Cloud’s retreating figure.

I雪 immediately covered her mouth and pointed back to the room as a warning: "Be careful that Young Master Jing doesn’t hear."

Ling Lian shrank back and fell silent instantly.

Yun Qianyue opened her eyes, looking out of the window with amusement. Though she couldn’t see through the curtains covering it, she could imagine Ling Lian's and I雪’s expressions at this moment. She turned to look at Rong Jing; he chuckled softly, "Your two maids are quite interesting."

Yun Qianyue neither agreed nor disagreed but asked: "Where are you going today"

"To Feng General's residence for mourning," Rong Jing sat up and put on his clothes.

"You can take care of my portion as well. Since he’s a minister from two dynasties, many officials will go to mourn him when he passes away. It makes sense that you have to attend," Yun Qianyue said.

Rong Jing nodded in agreement: "Alright!" He got out of bed and dressed properly before walking over to the washbasin for his face washing.

Yun Qianyue also got up, dressed herself, and instructed Ling Lian at the door: "Go get Jade Bracelet and Green Branch."

"Yes!" Ling Lian responded and left.

After Yun Qianyue finished grooming together with Rong Jing, Lisnow and Liyu brought in breakfast. After they had eaten, Rong Jing stood up and whispered to Yun Qianyue: "I won’t be coming over tonight."

"Hmm" Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow.

Rong Jing sighed: "You sleep soundly while I find it hard to fall asleep. It would probably be better if I return home and get some rest."

Yun Qianyue burst out laughing; she could understand Rong Jing’s meaning perfectly, nodding with a blush: "Alright!"

Rong Jing turned around and left the room. A corner of his moon-white brocade robe disappeared from view.

Yun Qianyue retracted her gaze, looking down at the desk. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to or was unprepared; rather, it felt inappropriate given their current situation. There were no contraceptive measures available here, and if she became pregnant, it would be even more inappropriate. Only after things settled down a bit, or when Rong Jing and she could officially set the date for their union, could she let go.

"I am I雪; I am Jade Bracelet, paying our respects to Miss!" Green Branch and Jade Bracelet arrived at the door, bowing deeply to Yun Qianyue.

When Yun Qianyue looked up and out of the door, she gently instructed, "Leave Feng’s status as a secondary consort and the funeral arrangements for Big Sister to you two!" Feng should be treated according to the rites for a secondary consort, while the eldest Miss should receive the full honors due a legitimate daughter. A grand burial is in order."

"Miss, this does not conform to propriety!" Jade Bracelet was taken aback.

“Rules are made by people. Since death is of utmost importance, it’s only right that I as Father King's daughter make some adjustments to let him rest in peace," Yun Qianyue said coolly. Just like Ice Snow had pointed out, she and Yun Xianghe were sisters after all. Even though they didn’t have sisterly affection, there was still the matter of their blood relationship. For that reason alone, she couldn't allow her to leave on a mere straw mat.

"Yes! I’ll follow Miss’s instructions!" Jade Bracelet responded.

Yun Qianyue waved dismissively and both left at once.

Shortly after they had gone, Yun Meng brought in a young man to the Moonlit Chamber. On hearing his footsteps, Yun Qianyue looked out and saw that he was around eighteen or nineteen years old, with handsome features and slim build; though not as noble as those she knew, it was still an impressive physique that made people feel refreshed upon seeing him. She raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Uncle Meng, who is the man you brought Why did you bring him into Miss’s quarters" Linglian blocked Yun Meng's way.

“This young master of Cloud Palace is a grandson called Yun Li from one of its collateral branches. He has great talent; I know that I’m getting old and am increasingly unable to keep up with things, so I’ve brought him in for Miss’s consideration. If she likes him, he will become the new housekeeper. These days he has been following me around and helping a lot. This position is too minor for his abilities, but if Miss doesn’t like him, I’ll go find someone else.” Yun Meng explained.

Linglian was surprised at this; she glanced at Ice Snow.

Ice Snow was equally stunned and asked Yun Meng inquisitively: "Uncle Meng, is it because of what I said yesterday that you…"

"No, no! It’s just that I’ve been wanting to retire for a long time; now that I’m old and getting weaker, my courage has decreased. Miss doesn’t find me very useful anymore but still keeps me out of gratitude. Ever since she took over the household management, I have tried to look for someone suitable to replace me. After much consideration, I’ve chosen Yun Li as being most fitting; he agreed when I asked him about it. That’s why I brought him here." Yun Meng shook his head and said with a smile.

Ice Snow fell silent, looking into the room.

"Uncle Yun, invite Yun Li in," Yun Qianyue then spoke up.

Yun Meng immediately answered; Linglian lifted the curtain for him to enter first and Yun Li followed behind.

As Yun Qianyue watched Yun Li come in, she saw that despite his young age he walked steadily. He was holding a book but showed no scholarly airs. When he noticed her looking at him, he bowed respectfully: "I’ve met Miss!"

"No need for formalities," Yun Qianyue smiled gently.

“Miss, do you remember that day when the collateral branch moved into our household This Yun Li was the one who helped the old servant count people and record numbers. You had asked me then whose hand it was in the paper. I got too busy to ask him his name at the time, but later on, whenever I tried to find out, you weren’t around. So he’s been helping under my supervision.” Yun Meng said.

“Oh! I remember now!” Yun Qianyue recalled and looked at Yun Li with realization.

"That’s him!" Yun Meng turned to Yun Qianyue, "Did Miss hear what the old servant just said outside Do you think Yun Li is suitable for the job If you have other plans..."

“Uncle Meng, do you want to go back home and retire or stay at Cloud Palace” Yun Qianyue interrupted.

The look on Yun Meng’s old face darkened with a trace of sadness: "I don’t hide anything from Miss. I’d like to remain in the palace; if not serving Miss, then tending to Lord King. I’ve been here for half my life and can’t bear to leave!"

“Even if you want to go home and retire, I wouldn’t let you,” Yun Qianyue smiled at him: “You’ll serve Grandfather from now on! He’s getting old, and his bad temper is due to lack of company. You should keep him entertained with conversation more often, after all your hard work; spend the rest of your days in Cloud Palace.”

Yun Meng was delighted at this and tried to kneel down: "Thank you so much, Miss!"

Yun Qianyue gently lifted him with her hand without touching his body, smiling as she said: “Uncle Meng needn’t do that; you’re like a senior in my eyes. You’ve taken good care of me these years and I consider you as one. Truth be told, maybe even more so than Father King.” Seeing Yun Meng’s tear-filled eyes, she waved her hand dismissively: "Go on! Leave Yun Li with me."

"Yes!" Yun Meng wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his garment; patting Yun Li’s shoulder he left.

“Sit down!” Yun Qianyue pointed to a chair opposite and told Yun Li.

Yun Li nodded and slowly took a seat.

"Uncle Meng didn't just find you a steward; he found me a top imperial scholar!" Yun Qianyue looked at the book in Yun Li's hand and said with a smile, "Not everyone reads 'Records of Various States.' Yun Li, what is your ideal"

Yun Li's expression changed slightly. He tightened his grip on the book. After a moment, he lowered his head and spoke softly, one word at a time, "To rise to prominence!"

"How do you plan to rise to prominence" Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrows. "By passing the imperial examinations"

Yun Li pursed his lips without speaking.

"The branch of the Cloud Prince's Household has been in residence at the Cloud Prince's Estate for about a month now, hasn't it Although I haven't asked about matters within the household these past few days, from your handwriting that day, I've gained an understanding of everyone's situation. For example, Yun Li—you're nineteen years old, aren't you You are the direct lineal descendant of the Cloud Prince’s Household in the Run generation and enjoy reading poetry and books. At ten, you could write essays. In the Year of Tiansheng 114, you participated in the imperial examinations at age ten. In the Year of Tiansheng 117, you took part in the provincial examination and wrote an essay titled 'Ruling the Mountains and Rivers,' which even reached the Emperor's ears, prompting him to want to meet you. However, because you are from a branch line of the Cloud Prince’s Household and with the words spoken by the Duke of Filial Piety, ‘a young man who rashly speaks about the country,’ he dismissed this idea and terminated your imperial and provincial examination eligibility."

Yun Li was stunned as he looked at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue also looked at him with a smile. "Yun Li, nineteen years old. You are the direct lineal descendant of the Cloud Prince’s Household in the Run generation and you love poetry and books. At ten, you could write essays. In Tiansheng 114, you participated in the imperial examinations when you were ten years old. In Tiansheng 117, you took part in the provincial examination and wrote an essay titled 'Ruling the Mountains and Rivers,' which even reached the Emperor's ears, prompting him to want to meet you. However, due to your being from a branch line of the Cloud Prince’s Household and with the words spoken by the Duke of Filial Piety, ‘a young man who rashly speaks about the country,’ he dismissed this idea and terminated your imperial and provincial examination eligibility."

Yun Li looked at Yun Qianyue in amazement.

"You're surprised, aren't you I've known you for six years." Yun Qianyue smiled faintly as she poured a cup of tea and handed it to Yun Li. "This should calm your shock!"

Yun Li did not reach out to take the tea; instead, he looked at Yun Qianyue in amazement for a moment before lowering his head. "Please instruct me, Miss Yun Qianyue."

"Firstly, do well as the chief steward of the Cloud Prince’s Household! From small matters, see big ones. If you cannot manage this small area within the Cloud Prince's Estate, naturally, you will not be able to manage 'Records of Various States' and 'Ruling the Mountains and Rivers.' You would only talk about it on paper. Looking at the world, there are many people who can read 'Records of Various States' and write essays like 'Ruling the Mountains and Rivers.' To rise to prominence, merely reading books will not suffice!" Yun Qianyue smiled at Yun Li.

Yun Li's face turned somewhat pale.

Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrows as she looked at him. "Don't understand"

Yun Li suddenly stood up, placed the book he was holding in front of Yun Qianyue, and bowed respectfully to her. "Miss Yun Qianyue is correct. I have been foolish!"

Yun Qianyue smiled faintly, with a bit more warmth in her smile as she instructed from outside the room, "Ling Lian, take Yun Li to the Duke of Filial Piety's Household now and thank him for the painting he gave me. I very much like it."

"Yes!" Ling Lian responded.

"You two can go," Yun Qianyue said as she waved at the Third Young Master.

The Third Young Master nodded, though puzzled but not asking further, and turned to leave.

Yun Qianyue watched as Yun Li's figure left. She then stood up and looked out the window. A few clouds were gently floating in the sky, reminding her of Qin Yuning’s plain white robe. She smiled faintly, with a touch of coldness to it. With the Duke of Filial Piety's Household and the Household of Old General Feng already at odds, if she made another enemy like the Chancellor's Household, the capital city would become even more chaotic.

Not long after, Ling Lian and Yun Li returned, saying that upon hearing their words, the Duke of Filial Piety’s face had turned extremely grim. He said nothing but quickly dismissed them to enter the palace in a hurry. Yun Qianyue asked Yun Li, "What did you see this time"

Yun Li spoke one word, "Conspiracy!"

Yun Qianyue smiled gently and hung the badge of chief steward around his neck.

—— Excerpt ——

Jing Meiren’s bridal chamber will arrive at the right time; don't be anxious! O(∩_∩)O~

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a part of this volume that is highly emotional. Ladies, you can start looking forward to it now... O(∩_∩)O~idence. It might just be a coincidence, after all, that’s the Crown Prince.""Alright," Yun Qianmo agreed.Seeing she truly had no intention of meeting them, Princely Uncle Yun nodded and said, "Since y...