Lu Chao didn't finish his sentence, but Lu Jiao could easily guess what was going on.

He sighed heavily: "Chaochao, I always thought you were smart, how could you be so confused at a time like this?"

It was precisely because Lu Chao was intelligent and could assess the situation that he rarely had to worry about her. Therefore, he would tacitly approve of whatever his daughter did, even something as unilateral as acting first and informing later, which he had never questioned before.

But this time, she was indeed too hasty.

Yu Nanqing's status was already above theirs, not to mention that after the Bai family incident, many of them had given up on their ambitions. It wasn't that Lu Jiao didn't want to climb the social ladder, but negotiating with Prince Gong's Mansion was not a good idea right now.

"It's my daughter's fault." Lu Chao lowered his head.

Lu Jiao didn't say much, and after a long silence, he asked, "Chaochao, do you like Prince Gong that much?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Chao clenched his fist in his sleeve, his face showing embarrassment at having his thoughts exposed.

She was very proud of herself and had been taught to be polite and proper since childhood. She was exceptionally talented, and in Fucheng, there was a constant stream of suitors coming to the Lu family to propose marriage. However, she felt that all of them were too ordinary and not worthy of her at all.

If it weren't for the events in the capital, she would most likely have entered the palace as a concubine to serve the emperor.

Unfortunately, plans can't keep up with changes.

The image of Yu Nanqing unconsciously appeared in my mind: broad shoulders, narrow waist, handsome face, every move he made seemed to be a figure who had stepped out of a painting.

Hearing that he had fought in many battles and had achieved great military exploits, and that his aura was so powerful that it could captivate people's souls, he was completely different from the young masters of the noble families in Fucheng. After seeing him, how could anyone else possibly look up to him?

If she could be chosen as a husband, that would be the best thing. Why shouldn't she give it her all?

No one knows a daughter better than her father. Lu Chao didn't say anything, but Lu Jiao had already figured out her thoughts clearly. He sighed and said, "I advise you to give up on this matter. The prince is decisive and ruthless, and he holds great power. As of now, there is no one in Fuzhou who can stand against him."

These local bullies wanted to give him a hard time, but they had already seen the result: the Bai family was destroyed overnight. Before they could do anything, they were all too scared to make a move.

How could their small force possibly compare to Yu Nanqing's vast army?

Lu Chao pursed his lips for a long time, then suddenly uttered, "Father, if we report the Prince's situation to the capital..."

Lu Jiao's temples throbbed, and he instantly understood the meaning behind Lu Chao's words. Now that the Empress Dowager was in power, submitting a memorial to the capital was tantamount to seeking refuge with the Empress Dowager.

The power struggle between the Empress Dowager and Yu Nanqing caused quite a stir...

Lu Jiao's brows furrowed instantly: "Chao Chao, don't do anything foolish!"

"Father, I am not reconciled." Lu Chao's eyes revealed an emotion that Lu Jiao could not understand.

“Don’t be in such a hurry.” Lu Chao’s words made Lu Jiao’s heart pound. “I’ve never seen a man in my life who doesn’t take concubines. Can Your Highness promise for a while and for a lifetime? These days are not a good time. Let’s wait until things calm down before we make a more careful plan.”

Seeking refuge with the Empress Dowager is not a wise move.

Besides, he doesn't approve of women in power at all.

In fact, Lu Chao was indeed of marriageable age, and even without Lu Chao mentioning it, they cared about it more than she did.

Hearing Lu Jiao's words, Lu Chao's emotions were finally calmed down. He lowered his eyes and bowed, saying, "Yes, Father, thank you for your trouble."

"It's getting late, you should go and rest. Stay in the manor for the next few days and don't go anywhere. I'll take care of everything else, and your two brothers will support you if things get really bad. Why should a girl like you show your face in public?"

"Yes," Lu Chao replied obediently.

Seeing that she was obedient, Lu Jiao nodded, got up, and left the hall.

The next day, Su Wanyan got up very early.

Just as she was about to throw off the covers and get out of bed, a large hand pulled her down around her waist. Su Wanyan let out a soft "Ah!" and her back pressed against Yu Nanqing's chest. She couldn't help but laugh, "Get up if you're awake, I'm hungry!"

"I can sleep a little longer." Yu Nanqing buried his face in the back of Su Wanyan's neck.

The breath on her neck tickled Su Wanyan, and she pried Yu Nanqing's arm away, saying, "Yu Nanqing, stop fooling around."

"Yan'er, I'm sleepy."

Unable to break free, Su Wanyan had no choice but to give up: "Didn't you go to bed early last night? Why are you still sleepy?"

It seems Yu Nanqing is really free today; he's usually the first one to get up.

Before Yu Nanqing could speak, Qiu Ye's voice rang out from outside the door: "Has Your Highness woken up?"

"Yes, she's awake," Su Wanyan said.

The next second, the door creaked open.

Qiu Ye and Huang Ye lowered their eyes and brought in hot water and toiletries. Through the bed curtains, they could vaguely see the overlapping figures of Yu Nanqing and Su Wanyan.

Autumn Leaves and Yellow Leaves dared not linger. After leaving their toiletries, they retreated with their eyes lowered.

As she left, Luo Xue, carrying her breakfast, brushed past the two.

After placing the breakfast on the table, Luo Xue lowered her eyes and retreated, closing the door behind her.

"Aren't you getting up?" After a long while, Su Wanyan asked again.

Yu Nanqing nuzzled the back of her neck with his nose, then slowly opened his long eyes, and with a slight movement, propped himself up.

Yesterday we agreed to explore the secret passage today, and Su Wanyan has remembered this for a long time.

After washing up and having breakfast, Su Wanyan pulled Yu Nanqing toward the library.

Despite having been at the Prince's Mansion for so long, Yu Nanqing had never actually seen the entire mansion. For him, having a place to eat and a place to sleep was enough; everything else was secondary.

If he were alone, he would have thought the same way, but now that Su Wanyan is by his side, he naturally can't just let things slide.

The library contains over a thousand jade slips, making the entire library priceless. It's just a pity that the jade slips only record trivial matters.

Turning the mechanism, the floor of the library opened with a rumble, revealing steps that seemed to extend all the way to the ground.

Su Wanyan poked her head inside: "I remember there was a breeze when the secret passage was opened last time."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a gentle breeze blew in his face.

Su Wanyan took a step back and said, "You go first."

Yu Nanqing chuckled softly, lowered his eyes slightly, and took Su Wanyan's small hand: "Don't worry, I've got everything covered."

He took Su Wanyan's hand and slowly walked down the steps.

As soon as she entered, Su Wanyan raised her hand to touch her nose. There was a musty smell in the secret passage, but no rotten smell.

After walking only a few steps, the light was shrouded in darkness, but the steps beneath their feet were not yet finished.

Just as Su Wanyan was about to speak, a few scattered lights appeared. Yu Nanqing, holding a tinderbox, laughed and said, "So, Yan'er is afraid of this."

"What?" Su Wanyan chuckled. "Nonsense, where did you see that I was afraid?"