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

Grandma Yun was in a good mood, and upon hearing this, she waved her hand and said, "What is it? Just tell me. Why are you beating around the bush with me?"

Liu Zhixue lowered her head slightly and said somewhat nervously, "It's like this, Madam. You heard what Madam said today."

The lady wanted Zhixue to stay at Xuezhai with the eldest young lady, but Zhixue thought it over and over. After all, Xuezhai was the eldest young lady's courtyard, and it was inappropriate for an unmarried young lady like herself, an outsider, to live there.

She paused, looked up at Old Madam Yun, and said with utmost sincerity, "So, Zhixue thought that I could stay here with you and keep you company. I beg you to grant my request."

Hearing this, Old Madam Yun felt very comforted. She took her hand and smiled, "You're still young, why are you keeping an old woman like me company? You're just too polite. If it weren't for you, Xiu'er wouldn't be where she is today. In the Yun family, you're not an outsider!"

She pondered for a moment and said, "Here's what we'll do: tomorrow I'll have Chu Wanqing prepare the courtyard next to Xiu'er for you to live in. That courtyard has been empty for a while. Although it's not big, it's quiet and close to Xiu'er. Xiu'er is getting married in March. Although Xiu Niang will be there to oversee her dowry and wedding dress, it's still important to have someone who can keep an eye on things. Compared to Chu Wanqing, I trust you more."

Liu Zhixue quickly declined, "Grandma, Zhixue still wants to stay by your side. The eldest young lady has servants and Granny Su looking after her..."

"Nonsense," Old Madam Yun interrupted her. "Can servants compare to you? And what about Granny Su? Although she came from the palace, she's still a servant. Xiu'er needs someone of her own. I don't trust anyone but you."

She patted Liu Zhixue's hand and said earnestly, "Go and keep Xiu'er company. After she gets married, it won't be so convenient for you to keep her company. While you're still in the manor, help her out and look after her for me."

Liu Zhixue quickly stood up and bowed deeply to Old Madam Yun: "Zhixue thanks you for your consideration, Old Madam. Please rest assured, Old Madam, Xiu'er's matter is Zhixue's matter, and Zhixue will definitely take good care of her for you."

After saying what she needed to say, Liu Zhixue exchanged a few more words with the old lady and then got up to take her leave.

Dongxue watched Liu Zhixue's figure disappear from sight, then stood quietly in the shadows for a moment to make sure no one noticed before silently taking a few steps back and leaping away into the night.

In Jinshu Pavilion, Yun Lang had just left, and Yun Jin was sitting at the table, reviewing the events of the day.

Grandma Yun's return this time is clearly to cause trouble.

Now that Liu Zhixue has returned, the Yun residence will only become more and more lively.

The old lady values ​​Liu Zhixue so much that she probably knows about Liu Zhixue's relationship with Yunxiu. Since she insists on coming forward, she might as well deal with her too.

Dongxue knocked and came in at that moment. Yun Jin looked up and saw her serious expression, so she couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? Did you hear something?"

Dongxue stepped forward and whispered back what she had overheard in the old lady's courtyard.

After saying that, she unconsciously clenched her fists, her voice filled with barely suppressed anger: "Miss, that old lady really did know, and I'm afraid she was involved in what happened back then."

Yun Jin listened quietly, her gaze fixed on the view outside the window. After a long while, she slowly spoke, her tone calm: "I understand."

She hadn't expected that Old Madam Yun really knew all this; Dongxue's words confirmed her suspicions.

She suppressed her turbulent emotions and changed the subject: "Dongxue, I'm going to the manor tomorrow. Could you please send a message to Lingfeng and ask him to come with me early tomorrow morning to interrogate a few people and then find a place to settle them down?"

Winter Snow nodded in agreement.

Yun Jin added, "And Hong Ling and the others, let's bring them back together tomorrow. So much has happened today, I haven't had a chance to mention it to my mother yet."

Now that I have the status of a county princess, it's not unreasonable for me to have a few more maids by my side. I can bring them into the manor tomorrow. You should tell Hongling and the others tonight so they can make preparations in advance.”

Dongxue noted everything down, then asked, "Miss, is there something else you've forgotten?"

Yun Jin was taken aback: "What is it?"

"Imperial decree," Dongxue reminded her, "His Majesty has personally bestowed upon you the title of Princess of Ninghai. According to custom, you should go to the palace to express your gratitude."

Yun Jin blinked, then patted her forehead: "I really forgot."

The problem was that she didn't know the proper procedure for expressing gratitude, so she humbly asked Dongxue, "Dongxue, do you know the procedure for expressing gratitude?"

Just as Dongxue was about to answer, a clear voice suddenly came from outside the window: "Instead of asking her, you should ask me."

Yun Jin was startled and almost dropped the teacup in her hand.

Dongxue whispered, "Miss, it's the Prince."

As she spoke, she walked to the window and gently pushed it open.

Xiao Jingyan braced himself against the windowsill with one hand and lightly leaped into the room. After he steadied himself, he stared intently at Yun Jin.

Seeing this, Dongxue quickly and quietly left the house, closing the door behind her.

Xiao Jingyan frowned as his gaze fell on the small plum blossom silver hairpin in her hair: "Why aren't you wearing the white jade hairpin I gave you? Don't you like it?"

Yun Jin paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "I love it! Thank you for the gift, Your Highness!"

Xiao Jingyan frowned and uttered two words: "Ayan!"

Yun Jin was taken aback for a moment, then quickly realized what was going on and readily replied, "Thank you for the gift, A Yan. Jin'er likes it very much."

Xiao Jingyan's brows relaxed. He sat down opposite her, poured himself a cup of tea, drank it in one gulp, and then spoke again: "I also prepared another congratulatory gift for you. It's inconvenient to bring it today, but I'll have someone send it to you tomorrow."

Yun Jin quickly shook her head: "No, Ayan, if we are too conspicuous, we will alert the enemy."

Xiao Jingyan didn't insist, and simply said, "Alright. I'll keep them all for you, and bring them to you when we go to present the betrothal gifts."

Yun Jin's face flushed red, but she said without any affectation, "Okay."

Xiao Jingyan was immediately amused, his smile deepening. He coughed lightly and changed the subject: "I heard what you and Dongxue were saying just now. What do you plan to do with your grandmother and that Liu Shi? Do you want my help?"

Yun Jin shook her head and looked up at him: "Not for now. Let's raise the fish first, and then we'll deal with them together after Yun Xiu gets married."

Seeing her confident demeanor, Xiao Jingyan smiled and said, "Alright, as you wish."

He paused, then asked, "What are you planning to do at the estate tomorrow?"

Yun Jin then recounted the story of Zi Juan and the others, adding, "I feel like they're still holding back some things, so I'd like to ask them again tomorrow. But I'm not good at interrogation, so I'd like to trouble Ling Feng."

Xiao Jingyan frowned: "You don't need to ask Ling Feng to interrogate people. I can help you."