The legitimate daughter returns to the capital and embarks on a splendid life, tearing apart the fak

The study in the Fifth Prince's residence was brightly lit.

Xiao Yifan was sitting at his desk reviewing official documents when he heard footsteps outside the door. He looked up and his gaze fell on the doorway.

"Your Highness, Lord Yun and Miss Yun request an audience," the steward's voice came from outside the door.

Xiao Yifan raised an eyebrow slightly, put down his pen, thought for a moment, and said, "Please invite them in."

Soon, the steward went out and welcomed Yun Heting and Yun Xiu in.

Upon entering, Yun Heting quickly stepped forward and knelt respectfully to pay his respects: "Your subject Yun Heting greets Your Highness."

Yunxiu quickly knelt down as well, and said softly, "Your subject Yunxiu greets Your Highness."

Xiao Yifan waved his hand politely, his tone very gentle: "Lord Yun, there's no need for such formality. Miss Yun, please rise as well."

Yun Heting stood up, and Yun Xiu followed suit, but kept her head down, not daring to look at Xiao Yifan.

Xiao Yifan's gaze lingered on her for a moment, but he didn't rush to speak. Instead, he picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and looked back and forth between the two of them.

After a moment of silence, he put down his teacup and asked unhurriedly, "It's so late. I wonder what brings Lord Yun and Miss Yun here at this hour?"

Yun Heting quickly bowed, a smile plastered on his face, and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, Xiu'er went to my father-in-law's house with my wife today. After returning home, my wife told Xiu'er and me some things, and my daughter and I are unsure what to do, so we came to ask Your Highness for advice."

"Oh?" Xiao Yifan's gaze sharpened slightly, and he leaned forward a little. "Madam Yun took Miss Yun to the General's Mansion?"

Yunxiu nodded quickly: "Yes, Your Highness. Mother said that my grandmother misses me, so she took me back to see her today."

She looked up, glanced quickly at Xiao Yifan, then looked down again, her cheeks flushed.

Xiao Yifan's lips curled slightly. He picked up his teacup, took another sip, and asked unhurriedly, "What did Madam Yun say to you after returning to the manor? I'm quite curious."

Yunxiu hesitated for a moment, then repeated what Chu Wanqing had said to her.

After listening, Xiao Yifan did not offer any opinion, but instead looked at Yun Heting and asked, "I am very curious, what did your wife and Lord Yun discuss?"

Yun Heting quickly repeated what Chu Wanqing had said to him, but he didn't dare mention wanting him to join the Ministry of Revenue or the Ministry of Personnel.

After listening, Xiao Yifan didn't speak immediately. He picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and his gaze lingered on the two faces, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts.

He was always suspicious and couldn't immediately believe what the two said.

Chu Duanshan, that old fox, has served in the court for decades, never interfering in the struggle for the princes' positions, remaining loyal only to the emperor. How could he change his stance because of a granddaughter? Could there be a trap behind this?

He was more afraid that this was a trap, that someone was deliberately trying to lower his guard so that he would fall in and then close the net.

He thought for a moment, then changed the subject: "Miss Yun, what kind of food did your grandmother cook for you when you went back today?"

Yunxiu was taken aback for a moment. Shouldn't they be talking about the wedding? Why were they asking about food? But she didn't dare to ask or show any doubt, so she could only answer truthfully: "Grandmother made sweet and sour fish, chicken slices with egg white, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and a pot of pork rib soup. These are all my favorite dishes."

She thought for a moment, then added, her tone tinged with pride and boastfulness, "My maternal grandmother also gifted me a set of gold and ruby ​​jewelry, as well as two bolts of Shu brocade. My maternal grandmother really dotes on Xiu'er. She said she would persuade my maternal grandfather to support His Highness for Xiu'er's sake."

Xiao Yifan nodded thoughtfully. His gaze lingered on Yun Xiu's face for a moment before turning to Yun Heting, changing the subject: "Lord Yun, I heard that your relationship with your wife seems to be strained lately?"

Yun Heting froze, his smile almost fading. He hadn't expected the Fifth Prince to ask this, much less that the Fifth Prince knew about his marital affairs.

He opened his mouth, his mind racing as he carefully chose his words: "Perhaps it's because... I promised her that we would be together for life, but I took in a concubine, and she's unhappy about it and is sulking with me."

Xiao Yifan smiled faintly, a smile that held a profound meaning. He put down his teacup and said to Yun Heting, "Lord Yun, to govern a country and bring peace to the world, one must first handle family affairs well. How can one establish oneself in the court if the inner quarters are not at peace? I hope that you and Madam Yun can live in harmony."

The implication is that if Madam Yun was dissatisfied with you, why would she help you make plans?

Yun Heting's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness is right. I will handle my relationship with my wife well. Please rest assured, Your Highness."

Xiao Yifan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the two men's faces before he suddenly asked, "Lord Yun, how is your adopted daughter doing lately?"

Yun Heting was taken aback. He didn't understand why the Fifth Prince had suddenly brought up Yun Jin, so he cautiously asked, "I wonder what aspect Your Highness wishes to inquire about?"

Seeing that he didn't understand, Xiao Yifan prompted, "I heard that she also recognized Zheng Guodong and his wife as her godparents."

He paused for a moment, then added, "This adopted daughter is still somewhat useful."

Yun Heting hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Your Highness, she is, after all, just an adopted daughter. The Zheng family probably won't take her seriously. Besides... that girl might not be willing to listen to me."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yifan's gaze darkened slightly.

He tapped his fingers lightly twice on the table, paused for a moment, and then spoke: "Lord Yun, those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles. If our paths truly diverge, we should not be soft-hearted. Do you understand this?"

The words were spoken cryptically, but Yunheting understood them.

The Fifth Prince was implying to him that if Yun Jin disobeyed, he should get rid of her.

His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed and replied, "Your subject... understands."

Xiao Yifan nodded in satisfaction and withdrew his gaze. This time, his words surprised Yun Heting: "Lord Yun, you've been in the Ministry of Rites for several years now. It's time for a change. After the New Year, I intend to recommend you for a position in the Ministry of Revenue. Would you be willing?"

Yun Heting was overjoyed, and could no longer suppress his smile. He quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness, I thank you for your kindness! I swear to follow Your Highness to the death and am willing to give my life for you."

Xiao Yifan waved his hand and said indifferently, "Well, you can go out now. I have a few words to say to Miss Yun."

Yun Heting quickly responded, bowed, and withdrew.

The study door closed gently behind them. Only Yunxiu and Xiao Yifan remained in the room.

Yunxiu's heart pounded like a drum. She lowered her head, not daring to look at Xiao Yifan, yet she could feel his gaze upon her.

Xiao Yifan stood up, walked around the desk, and stood in front of her. He didn't rush to speak, but quietly looked at her for a moment, his eyes filled with a mixture of scrutiny and amusement.

He reached out and gently lifted her chin, forcing her to look up.

Yunxiu's face turned as red as an apple. She wanted to say something, but couldn't utter a single word.