Xu Yunci's phoenix eyes were the most captivating feature, his gaze deep and seemingly capable of drawing people in at any moment. Yet, he seemed oblivious to his own charm, his gentle gaze adding a touch of tenderness to his usually aloof face.

It's like the spring breeze after a cold winter, gently caressing the heart.

The simple four words, "So what?", encapsulate Xu Yunci's attitude. Why shouldn't the cousin of the Xu family have the right to be arrogant? If not, then Xu Yunci himself would be.

Xu Yunci seemed unwilling to dwell on this topic and stopped walking: "Let's go back. I'll go pay my respects to my grandmother later."

Li Shiyue's figure entered the courtyard gate of Shousong Hall, and Xu Yunci turned to leave. However, he went straight out of the mansion and into the palace.

Xu Yunci arrived in a hurry. Inside Chonghua Palace, the Crown Princess was handling palace affairs. When she saw Xu Yunci arrive at this time, her dignified face showed a hint of surprise.

Crown Princess Xu Lingyu was his half-sister, and their facial features were very similar. However, the Crown Princess had a kind face and was dignified and generous. Even when wearing ordinary palace clothes, she still had an imposing presence.

"Why did you come in such a hurry?"

Xu Lingyu didn't put any effort into her younger brother. It seemed that from a young age, Xu Yunci knew that as the heir, the responsibilities he bore were different from those of the other young men in the Xu family.

He became the top scholar in the imperial examination at a young age, and his name was known throughout the capital. No one ever had to worry about him. She was proud of her younger brother, and he was also the one she loved the most. She rarely saw Xu Yunci lose his composure.

This is the first time I've rushed into the palace like this.

Seeing Xu Yunci purse her lips, Xu Lingyu was in no hurry to ask questions. She put down what she was holding, stood up and pulled Xu Yunci to sit down: "You, who always follow the rules. Even if His Majesty allows people to freely enter and leave Chonghua Palace, they still have to submit a memorial and follow the rules of the Imperial Household Department."

With that, he left only his trusted confidants to serve him.

“It was my fault, elder sister is right.” Xu Yunci took a sip of tea and told Xu Lingyu about what had happened at the Duke’s mansion that day.

As soon as she finished speaking, Xu Lingyu's face gradually darkened: "Even a princess shouldn't go to someone's door to bully them."

"In the end, it's all your fault. Is A-Yue alright? His Majesty only has one princess, Chunhui. With that kind of temperament, I'm afraid A-Yue will suffer."

Xu Yunci shook his head: "No, it's just that what Princess Chunhui said was really unpleasant to hear. When I came, I saw her enter Shousong Hall. She loves her grandmother the most and wouldn't want her to worry."

Xu Lingyu paused, holding the teacup, and looked at her younger brother suspiciously: "When did you become so attentive to your mother?"

Meeting Xu Yunci's gaze, Xu Lingyu's heart skipped a beat: "You don't have any thoughts about the marriage that Grandmother and Old Madam Li arranged for A-Yue, do you?"

"What do you think I should think about this, elder sister?"

Xu Lingyu put down her teacup and suppressed her smile: "Grandmother's plan was originally for the good of Cousin Yue. The fact that no husband has been chosen yet is probably because she wants to see what Yue herself wants."

“Ah Yue is beautiful, no wonder Si Lang is interested in her. But have you thought it through? Is it just because you think Ah Yue is beautiful that you have feelings for her, or do you really want to spend your life with her?”

"Don't let it be lust at first sight, and then forget about it after a while. If that's the case, then don't bring up what you just said."

Xu Yunci wasn't stupid; she could hear the warning in her elder sister's words—she was afraid of ruining the young woman's future.

Seeing his silence, Xu Lingyu's phoenix eyes were full of warning: "Second Brother, Yue has personally experienced my aunt's example. If you are still my brother, then put away your lustful thoughts."

"What if I hadn't been lustful at first sight?" Xu Yunci raised his head and met Xu Lingyu's gaze directly.

Xu Lingyu's gaze was complicated: "Your wife is the future matriarch of the Xu family, the future wife of the Duke of Rongguo. I dote on A-Yue, but the Yunyang Earl's Mansion behind A-Yue cannot help you."

“Your wife needs your parents’ approval more. Your grandmother dotes on A-Yue, would she be willing to give her up? If you really care about A-Yue, then put away your thoughts and don’t let her follow in your aunt’s footsteps.”

Xu Yunci could easily hear the earnestness in his elder sister's words. It was the moment he stepped into the palace gates that he suddenly wondered if he had been paying too much attention to his little cousin.

Xu Lingyu said sternly, "Whether it's lust at first sight or love that grows over time, if you don't understand your own heart, then don't waste other people's time."

"As for Princess Chunhui, I have my own way of dealing with her."

Xu Yunci stood up, his expression returning to its usual coldness: "I understand what you mean, elder sister, but there is one thing I need to explain to you. I will marry a woman based on my own preferences. As for any so-called assistance, I am a man, and I should strive for it myself."

"Whether it's genuine or not, there's still a long time to tell, and I think there will be a clear answer."

Xu Yunci turned and left, not seeing the relief in Xu Lingyu's eyes. This was her brother—determined and capable. If fate truly brought them together, she would gladly relinquish power to ensure the safety and happiness of her family.

·

Li Shiyue carried the wooden box into Shousong Hall. Inside, they were talking about something, and as soon as she entered, she heard Old Madam Xu laughing.

Taking off the cloak, Granny Chang took it from her: "The Fourth Madam is inside. Miss, you've come at just the right time."

Li Shiyue held the wooden box tightly in her arms and walked inside, lifting her skirt.

Old Madam Xu sat in the center of the warm couch, while Madam Zhou was happily talking about something, and Old Madam Xu's lips never fell down.

Upon seeing Li Shiyue enter, Madam Zhou stood up and made way for Old Madam Xu. Li Shiyue seemed a little embarrassed, but Madam Zhou appeared composed, and it would have been inappropriate for her to be coy.

"How was your time?" Old Madam Xu smiled and looked at the wooden box in Li Shiyue's arms. Before Li Shiyue could answer, she said to Zhou Shi with a smile, "It seems you're having a good time. You've been holding onto it since you came in."

Li Shiyue smiled sheepishly: "Grandmother is laughing at me again. My cousin picked out all the things for me. These are for Grandmother. As for my uncles and aunts, I had them delivered to their respective courtyards."

Upon hearing this, Zhou was overjoyed: "Oh my, there's one for me too! Jiaojiao is so thoughtful. No wonder your mother loves you the most."

She didn't stay long. After chatting for a few minutes and learning that the grandmother and grandson had something to talk about, Zhou took her leave.

Old Madam Xu examined the new Buddhist prayer beads that Li Shiyue had bought. Each bead was full and looked quite nice. She looked up and saw Li Shiyue hesitate, holding the prayer beads in her hand: "What's wrong? You seem distracted."

Li Shiyue raised her eyes and told Old Madam Xu everything that had happened outside the Duke's mansion, including what Princess Chunhui had said when she arrived.

Madam Xu's expression turned ugly almost instantly, and she gripped her hand tightly.

"Don't worry, my cousin is right about something."