Xu Qingyun had already seen Yun Qing and followed her into Pang Xinhui's courtyard.

He originally intended to wait until the two finished talking before asking Yun Qing to leave, but Pang Xinhui's words became increasingly outrageous.

Xu Qingyun's mother doted on her younger sister Pang Yue, and naturally extended that affection to Yunqing, often inviting her to their home.

Over time, Xu Qingyun became familiar with this cousin he met later in life, and his feelings for her gradually surpassed those for Pang Xinhui, his cousin with whom he had grown up.

Or rather, his feelings for the two were not the same.

He genuinely treated Xin Hui as his own sister, but his feelings for Yun Qing were always mixed with too much pity and inexplicable emotions.

Whenever he sees Yun Qing being bullied, he can't stay rational, even if it's Xin Hui on the other end.

"Cousin, I'll pretend I didn't hear what you said today. But if it happens again, just pretend I don't exist as your cousin."

After saying that, Xu Qingyun took Yun Qing's hand and led her out of Cangxin Courtyard.

Once outside the courtyard gate, he seemed to realize something and hurriedly released Yun Qing's soft hand.

Seeing this, Yun Qing's face gradually turned red, and for a moment, an ambiguous atmosphere filled the air.

"Cousin, are you here to see Xinhui?"

"No, I came to see you. I was planning to visit my aunt as well, but I ended up witnessing this."

As if worried about affecting Xu Qingyun and Xin Hui's relationship, Yun Qing anxiously explained to him.

"Cousin, don't misunderstand. I'm not usually like this. It's just that I was scolded by Uncle today, so—"

"Alright." Xu Qingyun raised his hand to interrupt her: "Don't try to explain for her. So what if she was scolded? She brought it on herself. That's no reason for her to take her anger out on you."

As he spoke, he put his hand on Yun Qing's shoulder: "Remember this, if she dares to treat you like this again, come to me, and I will stand up for you."

Upon hearing these words, Yun Qing's cheeks flushed again, and her eyes glistened with tears, as if she was deeply moved by his words.

"Cousin, thank you so much. I don't know how to repay you."

Xu Qingyun affectionately patted her head: "Don't say that. I don't need your repayment. As long as you are doing well, that is the best repayment to me."

“No, you don’t understand.” Yun Qing casually grasped his broad palm: “After my father passed away, no one has ever said such things to me again.”

Yun Qing's words stirred up Xu Qingyun's pity once again.

She thought to herself: Yes, if it weren't for the Pang family, her aunt wouldn't have married into the Yun family. If she hadn't married into the Yun family, Yun Qing wouldn't have had a father who died young, and she wouldn't have had to live under someone else's roof at such a young age, suffering all kinds of cold looks from others.

After clarifying the cause and effect, Xu Qingyun felt a sense of disgust towards Pang Xinhui.

Everything she enjoys now was bought with the sacrifice of Yun Qing and her daughter's happiness, and yet she still bullies her because of her status; she is truly heartless and ungrateful.

Seeing Xu Qingyun's unpleasant expression, Yun Qing knew that she had achieved her goal for today, so she picked up the topic again.

"Cousin, what brings you here today?"

"It's like this, there's a poetry gathering at Prince An's residence tomorrow, why don't you come with me?"

"A poetry gathering?" Yun Qing's eyes lit up, but then, as if remembering something, her gaze dimmed again.

"Cousin, you know I really don't have any talent for writing poetry, so I'd better not go and make a fool of myself."

Xu Qingyun couldn't stand Yun Qing's self-deprecation, so he frowned and retorted, "What kind of talk is this? Everyone has their own strengths. Who says that you can't participate in a poetry gathering if you can't write poetry? You can come with me without worry. I want to see who dares to laugh at you."

Yun Qing rarely saw Xu Qingyun so serious. After hesitating for a moment, she finally agreed.

The next day, at Prince An's residence.

"Linghua, I heard that Xu Qingyun's cousin is coming today too, is that true?"

"Really? Then I'll have to take a good look later."

"Xu Qingyun's two cousins ​​are known as the Twin Beauties of the Capital. We're in for a treat now."

When Ling Hua heard her friend mention Yun Qing, she felt inexplicably irritated and replied perfunctorily, "I just sent an invitation; she might not even come."

"Your Highness, look at what you're saying. Who would dare not attend a banquet you host?"

The young master next to Ling Hua noticed that Ling Hua's expression was not good and flattered her in a self-righteous manner: "That's right, who in the capital doesn't know that Miss Pang has liked Young Master Ling since she was a child? How could she not come?"

The man thought he had definitely hit Ling Hua's vanity, and he held his wine glass with smug satisfaction.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing the name "Miss Pang," Ling Hua's indifferent expression instantly darkened.

"Enough! I'll say it one last time, what Pang Xinhui is like has absolutely nothing to do with me, and you'd better never mention her name in front of me again."

Ling Hua suddenly launched an attack, and the crowd that had been talking so confidently just moments before fell silent.

After a while, Princess An's niece came out to smooth things over: "Cousin, it's a wonderful day today, so don't bother with them."

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the group of people who had just been teasing him offered to drink a penalty shot as an apology, and Ling Hua's expression gradually softened.

As the guests took their seats and the banquet was about to begin, Xu Qingyun arrived late with Yun Qing.

Upon seeing the two, the guards at the entrance of the Prince's Mansion hurriedly went into the courtyard to report.

"Your Highness, Young Master Xu and Miss Yun have arrived."