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

Yunxiu hesitated for a moment, then said apologetically, "I'm not sure about that either. I had already gone to bed that night when Meixiang whispered outside the window that there was someone in the courtyard. She went to check and told me not to sleep on the heated kang. Your Highness, have you found Meixiang's whereabouts?"

The Fifth Prince shook his head and sighed softly, "No. A group of thieves has infiltrated the capital these past few days, targeting the outer courtyards of officials' homes. Meixiang disappeared after chasing after them that night; she most likely ran into that group, and her chances of survival are slim."

Yunxiu gasped in shock, covering her mouth and exclaiming, "Your Highness, a thief really broke into Xiu'er's courtyard? Meixiang... could something have really happened to her?"

Her face was pale, and this time her fear was genuine.

Xiao Yifan looked at her and gently comforted her, "Don't be afraid. Since Meixiang isn't here, I'll send someone else to protect you."

Yunxiu quickly said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Highness. You treat me so well."

Xiao Yifan waved his hand, his tone gentle: "You are my future wife. If I don't treat you well, who else can I treat well?"

Yunxiu lowered her head shyly, her ears turning red.

After hesitating for a moment, she tentatively spoke, "Your Highness, Xiu'er has another request to make of you today. It's...it's about Father."

The Fifth Prince's eyebrows twitched slightly, but his face still held that gentle smile, signaling her to continue.

Yunxiu then said, "My father has served in the Ministry of Rites for many years, always working diligently. He hopes to go to the Ministry of Revenue to do more practical things for the court. Although I don't understand the affairs of the court, I know that the Ministry of Revenue is under His Highness's jurisdiction. So I would like to ask His Highness to put in a good word for my father, for my sake. I would be extremely grateful."

She spoke cautiously, but her eyes followed the Fifth Prince's expression closely.

After hearing this, the Fifth Prince did not speak immediately. His smile remained unchanged, but a hint of impatience flashed quickly in his eyes.

The position in the Ministry of Revenue was too lucrative; he was reluctant to give it up easily and even wanted to sell it to someone for an even better position.

But then Prince Yu intervened, saying that Yunhe Pavilion was the most suitable.

He gave a perfunctory reply, thinking he could delay it as long as possible.

Now that Yunxiu had brought it up again, he was a little annoyed, but he couldn't refuse her on the spot.

He thought for a moment and then smiled, "So that's what it's about. Lord Yun is indeed qualified. Since you've brought it up, I'll find an opportunity to say a few words for your father to the Emperor later."

"But this matter cannot be rushed. There are some changes at the Ministry of Personnel, and Father has not yet made up his mind about the personnel for the Ministry of Revenue. If I were to speak rashly, it would appear as favoritism. You should ask Lord Yun to wait a little longer."

Hearing his reply, Yunxiu was overjoyed and quickly rose to her feet, bowing respectfully: "Thank you, Your Highness. With Your Highness's words, my father can rest assured. I truly don't know how to repay Your Highness for your concern for my father."

The Fifth Prince reached out a hand to help him up, and said gently, "It's too formal to say such things. You and I are about to become husband and wife, and your father will be my father-in-law. How could I not help my father-in-law who is ambitious? But..."

He paused, then instructed, "Go back and tell your father that he must not go around asking for favors these next two days. The more composed he is, the more confident he will appear. If he tries to scheme around, he will leave a trace, and it won't be good if someone has a handle against him."

Yunxiu nodded repeatedly, feeling that the Fifth Prince was thinking of her in every way, and her heart became more and more devoted to him.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the Fifth Prince rose to see her downstairs and personally helped her into the Yun family's carriage.

He stood in front of the teahouse, watching the carriage disappear into the distance, before the smile on his face gradually faded.

He stood with his hands behind his back for a while, then whispered to his attendant beside him, "Go and find out how Meixiang disappeared. She went missing near the Yun residence; she couldn't have just run away."

The attendant responded in a low voice and turned to disappear into the crowd. Only then did the Fifth Prince get into his carriage and head towards his residence.

When Yunxiu returned to the Yun residence, it was almost time for dinner. Knowing that Yunxiu had gone to the palace that day, Old Madam Yun specially invited Chu Wanqing and Yun Jin to have dinner together.

Upon seeing that everyone was in the flower hall, Yunxiu had all the rewards given by Consort Shu brought over and displayed them in front of everyone.

Grandma Yun stroked the brocade for a while, then picked up the South Sea pearls to examine them, praising them incessantly: "The workmanship, the quality—it's truly from the palace; nothing outside can compare. Our Xiu'er is so lucky; Consort Shu treats you like her own daughter!"

Yunxiu smiled smugly: "Grandmother is right. Consort Shu is a very kind person and treats Xiu'er very well. Today, she even specially asked the embroiderers of the Imperial Wardrobe to take Xiu'er's measurements and make a wedding dress for her."

Grandma Yun was both surprised and delighted: "Consort Shu is so thoughtful! What an honor it would be for Xiu'er to wear a wedding dress made in the palace!"

Yunxiu raised the corners of her lips smugly, her gaze intentionally or unintentionally sweeping over Yunjin, and she pretended to be kind as she comforted her, "Sister, don't be envious. When you marry into the Prince Yu's mansion in the future, you will naturally have no shortage of good things."

Yun Jin was not angry upon hearing this, but smiled and said, "Elder sister is joking. Elder sister is favored by Consort Shu, and even the Imperial Wardrobe personally made your wedding dress. You can't find another noble lady in the entire capital with such honor. I come from the countryside and it is already a great blessing for me to be betrothed by His Majesty. How could I dare to compare with elder sister?"

Yunxiu raised her chin proudly, her tone full of undisguised pride: "Yes, Xiu'er never expected that Consort Shu would be so thoughtful for Xiu'er. Even the ladies of the Imperial Wardrobe came personally to take Xiu'er's measurements, saying that they would definitely make the wedding dress perfectly before the wedding date."

Yun Jin smiled but didn't reply.

Seeing this, Yunxiu felt bored. She turned to Yunheting and recounted how the Fifth Prince had promised to speak well of him to His Majesty and do his best to secure his transfer to the Ministry of Revenue. She added at the end, "His Highness said that since he has agreed, he will keep it in mind. Father, just wait patiently."

Upon hearing this, Yun Heting was overjoyed and excitedly said, "Excellent! With Your Highness's help, my chances of getting into the Ministry of Revenue are much better. Once I'm settled in the Ministry, I will definitely thank Your Highness properly."

Yun Jin suddenly chuckled and reminded her, "Elder sister, have you asked His Highness how confident he is about this? After all, His Highness is in charge of the Ministry of Revenue. If he could really make the decision, why would he say such things? Could it be that His Highness has some concerns?"

Yunxiu choked, somewhat annoyed, and said, "Second Sister, how could you possibly understand matters of the court? Although His Highness is in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, ultimately it is His Majesty who makes the final decision. It's already quite difficult for His Highness to agree to help with this. Are you implying that His Highness is just giving me the runaround?"

Yun Jin raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Elder sister is overthinking it. I was just asking because I was thinking of my godfather."

After hearing Yun Jin's words, Yun Heting turned to Yun Xiu and asked, "Xiu'er, what exactly did His Highness say? Tell me the whole story again, and don't leave anything out."

Having no other choice, Yunxiu had to repeat what the Fifth Prince had said in the teahouse.

Upon hearing this, Yun Heting's joy faded considerably, and his brows furrowed.

As they were talking, Liu Zhixue lifted the curtain and walked in, raising her voice, "I heard Miss's voice outside just now. But Zhixue has a different opinion."

Yun Heting quickly followed up with, "Oh? What does Mr. Liu think?"