After returning home from the teahouse, Duke Wuge of England instructed his maid to send his young mistress, Xueying, to the study, and then went directly to the study.

Xueying thought her father had something important to say, so she rushed to the study. "Father, did you call me here because you need something from me?"

Beads of sweat appeared on Xueying's fair forehead as she hurriedly made her sweat.

"Xueying, your wedding with Hongli will be moved up. Starting today, you need to begin preparations," Wuge said with a serious expression.

"Father, why is it ahead of schedule?" Xueying asked in surprise.

"Then do you remember why I betrothed you to Prince Hongli?" Wu Ge didn't answer Xue Ying's question, but instead asked.

Xueying looked troubled. Although she knew that her father had agreed to her marriage with Hongli so that it would be easier for her to monitor Hongli, help Hongshi seize the throne, and consolidate the Ulanara clan's position in the court, Xueying knew in her heart that she really wanted to marry Hongli, not only for the sake of her family, but also because she really loved Hongli.

"Understood, Father, I'm going to keep an eye on Hongli!" Xueying replied.

Seeing that his daughter seemed somewhat forlorn, the Duke of England couldn't help but wonder if she had truly fallen in love with Hongli.

"Xueying, you must remember that you are a member of the Ulanara family. You bear the mission of the Ulanara family on your shoulders. Don't let personal feelings for your children make you disregard the entire Ulanara family. You must know that you are going to monitor Hongli to help Hongshi seize the throne. Moreover, even if you have feelings for someone, because you are a member of the Ulanara family, Hongli will definitely be wary of you. You must find a way to get close to Hongli. Do you understand?" Wuge said sternly.

Hearing her father's words, Ulanara Xueying suddenly recalled what Hongli had said to her at the Yuanmingyuan Garden. A pang of pain shot through her heart. She had risked punishment from the Emperor to visit the injured Consort Xi, yet she had received not a shred of his affection. Her sincere devotion had been met with his unwavering devotion to Fucha Mingyu. She loved him so much, had done so much for him, but what had Fucha Mingyu done for him? He, however, was devoted only to Fucha Mingyu.

Thinking of this, Xueying frowned: "I know, Father, I will always remember that I am a member of the Ulanara family."

"Xueying, keep this bracelet with you. It's a family heirloom from the Ulanara family. You're about to leave your father's side, so seeing this bracelet is like having your father by your side." Wuge usually doted on this daughter, and now he was forced to put her in danger, which he found very difficult to bear. He could only try his best to make it up to her.

Seeing how good her father was to her, and remembering what Hongli had done to her, Xueying was even more at a loss. On one side was her family, and on the other was the man she loved but could not have.

"Father, Xueying will definitely listen to you." Xueying said, putting aside her lingering affection for Hongli. At this moment, she didn't know what it would be like if she really married Hongli.

Wu Ge nodded, signaling Xue Ying to return to her own courtyard.

Xueying had just stepped out of Wuge's study when she saw Alu standing at the door waiting for her.

"Princess, what's wrong?" A'Luo asked, seeing Xueying's expression and realizing something was amiss.