With her delicate face and slender waist, the royal uncle lost control.

Yun Chengming slowly said, "Prince Ningxiang used his illustrious military achievements in the past, such as his campaigns against the Northern Barbarians and the pacification of border troubles, to exchange for your freedom with the Emperor."

Yun Chengming spoke slowly and deliberately, his gaze fixed on Yun Nian, "He not only petitioned the emperor to formally annul your engagement with the heir, but also secured a favor for you. From now on, you can decide your own marriage, and no one may interfere, including your father."

Upon hearing this, Yun Nian was taken aback.

Earned through military merit?

Qin Jiuchen actually used his military achievements, which were enough to make him a marquis and prime minister and to be recorded in history, to exchange for her freedom and the right to choose her own marriage.

This news shocked her a hundred times more than his public announcement of breaking off the engagement yesterday.

Seeing Yun Nian's shock and distraction, Yun Chengming became even more certain.

He pressed his advantage, saying, "Since the prince is so devoted to you, even willing to use his military merits for you, then you no longer need to cling to that good-for-nothing prince."

"Nian'er, don't worry. As long as you obediently follow your father's arrangements, your father will definitely plan the best future for you."

Yun Nian was still reeling from the shock of the news and didn't respond for a moment.

Yun Chengming thought she was stunned by the immense wealth, and he was even more satisfied.

He changed the subject abruptly, "By the way, Nian'er, there's something I need you to say to the Prince on my behalf."

Yun Nian snapped out of her daze, suppressed the turmoil in her heart, and looked up at him: "Father, please speak."

"It's about the jade pendant of Princess Danyang from last time."

Yun Chengming frowned. "Your sister, Yun Wei, is still imprisoned in the Dali Temple's jail. She's young and doesn't know any better; she made a mistake in a moment of confusion and has learned her lesson. Put in a good word for her with the Prince and ask him to be lenient and release Yun Wei. After all, we're all family; making things too ugly won't be good for anyone."

He finally revealed one of his true purposes.

Yun Nian sneered inwardly.

Should we send her to plead for them?

If she hadn't been given a second chance at life and learned that Yun Wei was the one who harmed her, she would be the one locked up in prison now.

She wished Yunwei would stay in jail a few more days.

But her face showed a troubled and timid expression, and she muttered softly, "Father, I mentioned this to the Prince when Yunwei had her accident last time..."

"Oh? What did Your Highness say?" Yun Chengming immediately asked.

Yun Nian lowered her head, looking aggrieved, and said, "The prince only replied to me with one sentence: 'Women shouldn't meddle in men's affairs.' I... dared not say anything more."

Upon hearing this, Yun Chengming's expression indeed darkened.

He suppressed his displeasure. "Last time is last time, Nian'er. Your status is different now. Go and talk to her again. After all, Yunwei is your sister. You don't want anything to happen to her in prison, right?"

His words carried a subtle threat.

If something happens to Yun Wei, Yun Nian will also be implicated, and the Yun family will be disgraced as a result.

Yun Nian felt even more disgusted, but she still maintained a compliant demeanor.

She knew it wasn't the right time to completely break ties with Yun Chengming, as she had other things to do.

So she nodded timidly.

"Alright. Then I'll go ask the Prince again."

Seeing that she had relented, Yun Chengming's expression softened slightly, and he waved his hand: "Okay, go and give it a try. Your father will be waiting for your good news."

Yun Nian stood up and curtsied, saying, "Then I'll take my leave."

"Go."

Yun Chengming leaned back in his chair, watching her leave the study, a calculating glint in his eyes.

This adopted daughter seems to have really climbed the social ladder.

But as long as it can still be used by him, it's not bad.

-

When Yun Nian returned to the courtyard gate of the Ningxiang Prince's Mansion, she saw Chen Sha standing at the door.

"Miss Yun."

Upon seeing her, Chen Sha immediately bowed respectfully, "Your Highness invites you in."

Yun Nian nodded, her mood, which had been soured by seeing Yun Chengming earlier, vanished. She followed Chen Sha through the corridor and arrived at the study.

Chen Sha pushed open the door and stepped aside, saying, "Please, young lady."

Yun Nian entered the study.

Inside the study, Qin Jiuchen was sitting behind his desk reviewing memorials when he heard the sound and looked up.

"come over."

He put down his pen.

Yun Nian obediently took a few steps closer and stood in front of the desk.

The two looked at each other across the large desk.

Qin Jiuchen raised an eyebrow, stretched out his hand, palm up: "Come over here."

Yun Nian pursed her lips and obediently walked around the desk.

Just as he walked to his side, Qin Jiuchen suddenly reached out and grabbed him.

In the blink of an eye, she was sitting steadily on his lap.

"what!"

Yun Nian was startled and instinctively hooked her arms around his neck, her eyes wide with shock.

A smile flickered across Qin Jiuchen's eyes.

"Did the old man give you a hard time?"

Yun Nian realized what was happening.

He was worried that she would be mistreated if she returned to the Prime Minister's residence.

She recalled what her father had said today: he had traded his illustrious military achievements for her freedom.

A sudden softness touched my heart, like spring ice breaking and a warm current flowing through me.

Yun Nian wrapped her arms around his neck, tilted her head back, and smiled, her eyes crinkling: "With the Prince's protection, who dares to make things difficult for me now?"

When she smiled, shallow dimples appeared on her cheeks, and her eyes were clear and bright, which made Qin Jiuchen's heart flutter slightly.

"She has a very sweet tongue."

He chuckled softly, but his gaze involuntarily drifted downwards, landing on her rosy lips.

Her lips opened and closed as she spoke, glistening with a moist sheen, like a ripe cherry, tempting one to pick it.

Qin Jiuchen's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and he couldn't help but lean closer.

Yun Nian immediately saw through his intentions. She leaned back and said, "Father just asked me to tell you to release Yun Wei."

Qin Jiuchen's kiss missed its mark, and he frowned slightly, but he wasn't annoyed.

He remained close, his warm breath brushing against her nose: "Nian'er, do you want to let her go?"

Yun Nian blinked and smiled slyly: "I'm not Guanyin Bodhisattva, saving all sentient beings. Those who deserve their punishment, Your Highness can deal with them according to the law."

"Listen to Nian'er."

As Qin Jiuchen spoke, he suddenly grabbed the back of her head and kissed her directly.

This time, Yun Nian didn't have time to dodge.

The moment their lips touched, the soft touch, carrying his unique warmth, gently pressed against her lips.

Qin Jiuchen did not rush to delve deeper, as if he was patiently waiting for something.

Yun Nian stared blankly into space.

He stepped back slightly and looked at her.

"Close your eyes."

His voice was low and hoarse.

Yun Nian hurriedly closed her eyes.

His lips covered mine again, this time not content with just a fleeting touch...