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

Xiao Yifan then helped him up with satisfaction, his tone warmer: "Lord Yun, please get up. From now on, we're family. You're my father-in-law, so there's no need for these formalities when no one else is around."

Yun Heting smiled broadly and said repeatedly, "No, no, the proper etiquette must not be neglected."

Xiao Yifan did not correct him, but instructed again: "Lord Yun, there is one more thing you must remember. Do not make this public beforehand. Wait until the imperial decree is issued to discuss it, so as to avoid any uncontrollable accidents."

Yun Heting nodded repeatedly, unable to suppress the smile on his lips.

Xiao Yifan added, "Remember to tell Xiu'er not to mention to anyone that she is destined to be a phoenix. If others find out, it could lead to her death."

Yun Heting felt a chill run down his spine and readily agreed.

After finishing his business, Xiao Yifan got up and left without lingering any longer.

Yun Heting, leaning on his cane, limped as he personally escorted him to the door. Once Xiao Yifan's figure disappeared from sight, he turned around and whispered to Ping An, "Go, invite the young lady here. Don't disturb the madam."

Ping An responded and turned to leave.

In Xuezhai, Yunxiu had been feeling rather troubled these past two days.

After Yun Jin's accident, she went to Qingshui Garden to pay her respects every day, but her mother remained indifferent to her. She felt uneasy. If her mother didn't support her, did that mean the General's Mansion wouldn't support her either? Would the Fifth Prince still propose to her?

She was sitting by the window, lost in thought, when she suddenly heard a servant come to tell her that the master had invited her.

She pulled herself out of her reverie, straightened her clothes, and led Meixiang toward the study in Yunhe Pavilion.

Yunxiu pushed open the door and entered, first bowing slightly, then softly asked, "Father, are you looking for your daughter?"

Yunheting waved for her to sit down, then glanced at Meixiang.

Yunxiu understood and told Meixiang to go out and keep watch.

The door closed, and Yun Heting looked at her, unable to suppress the smile on his lips. He lowered his voice and said, "Xiu'er, the Fifth Prince came to the manor today."

Yunxiu blushed, lowered her head, and whispered, "Father, the Fifth Prince is here... Why are you telling your daughter all this?"

Yun Heting looked at her and smiled, saying, "The Fifth Prince said that he is preparing to ask His Majesty for permission to marry you as his principal wife."

Yunxiu suddenly raised her head, her face full of disbelief: "Father, are you telling the truth?"

Yun Heting nodded with a smile, his voice brimming with undisguised pride: "Of course it's true. The Fifth Prince said it himself, how could it be false?"

Yunxiu's tears fell instantly, and she choked out, "I thought... I thought I would have to wait a long time."

Yun Heting quickly smiled and comforted her, "Xiu'er, your good days are yet to come."

Yunxiu nodded vigorously, wiped away her tears, and couldn't suppress the smile on her lips.

She thought of Yun Jin, and that wild girl from the countryside who had taken everything that should have belonged to her since she arrived.

Now that she's dead, everything is finally back on track.

She took a deep breath, looked up at Yun Heting, and asked shyly, "Father, did the Fifth Prince... say when he will issue the decree?"

Yunheting said, "It should be within the next two days."

Yunxiu tentatively asked again, "Father, does Mother know about this?"

Yun Heting shook his head: "She doesn't know yet. Let's not tell her yet, we'll wait until the imperial decree comes down."

He paused, then said solemnly, "There's one more thing. The Fifth Prince specifically instructed me that you must not mention your Phoenix Fate to anyone. If it gets out and reaches other people's ears, it could bring about your death. Do you understand?"

Yunxiu's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly nodded in agreement: "I remember. I won't tell anyone."

She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Father, what about my dowry...and Mother's..."

Yun Heting waved his hand and said, "I'll talk to her after the imperial decree comes down. Your mother isn't unreasonable. If you're better off, she'll be better off, our Yun family will be better off, and the General's Mansion will also gain prestige. Don't worry, you'll receive all the respect due to marry into the Fifth Prince's household."

Yunxiu was relieved and stood up, bowing to Yunheting: "Daughter thanks Father. Daughter will return now."

Yun Heting waved his hand and watched her leave.

The curtain fell, and the footsteps gradually faded into the distance.

Yunheting leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table.

He wasn't worried about the dowry. Even if Chu Wanqing was unwilling, she would still pay the money for the sake of her own pride.

He was worried about something else. The Fifth Prince had come to tell him this in person late at night. Should he do something to show his appreciation?

He limped to the private treasury in the corner of the study, leaning on his cane. He searched through all the drawers and cabinets, but found nothing of value. He sighed and his gaze unconsciously drifted towards the direction of Qingshui Garden.

……

Now, Consort Shu, after Xiao Yifan left today, sat alone for a long time, thinking about this marriage.

Although she had promised her son that she would seek the imperial decree, she remained skeptical of the "Phoenix Fate" theory and dared not gamble on it.

What if Yunxiu is truly destined for the throne? What if she is the one who can help Fan'er ascend to the throne? If she stops her, wouldn't she ruin Fan'er's future?

But then she wondered, would the General's Mansion really side with the Fifth Prince? That old fox Chu Duanshan never takes sides, but would he make an exception if Yunxiu married into the family?

She then thought of the Eldest Princess. The Eldest Princess said she wanted Ya Min to marry the Fifth Prince, but her actions showed no enthusiasm, indicating that she wasn't sincere.

But what exactly is she planning?

After thinking about it for a long time, Consort Shu decided to talk to the Princess to avoid any future misunderstandings.

She sent a female official to the Princess's residence to tell her that she had something to discuss.

The eldest princess was resting on the couch with her eyes closed when she heard that Consort Shu had summoned her to the palace. She frowned and asked the lady-in-waiting who had come to invite her, "What business does Consort Shu have with me?"

The female official shook her head: "Your Highness, this servant does not know."

The eldest princess thought for a moment and then asked, "Who went to Consort Shu's palace today?"

The female official thought for a moment and realized that this matter didn't seem to be a big deal, so she replied, "The Fifth Prince went there after court today, but I don't know what he said."

The eldest princess nodded, stood up, straightened her clothes, and ordered, "Prepare the carriage, let's go to the palace."

(I have something to do today and will only be posting this one chapter.)