The Empress revealed a satisfied smile and walked over warmly:
“This must be the Second Miss of the Yun Estate, Lady Bai Lian, correct?”
“Ah… yes, it’s me. This humble girl pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress! Pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince!” Yun Bai Lian, overwhelmed by the unexpected honor, performed a deep curtsy.
Her voice was famously pleasant and melodious, making even this somewhat timid response seem less insincere. Hearing it, the Empress felt even more pleased and immediately gave the Crown Prince a meaningful glance.
Xiao Zirui had also noticed Yun Bai Lian earlier. Although her temperament couldn’t compare to Su Yurou’s outstanding grace, she excelled in beauty, a sweet voice, and a soft figure—she wouldn’t be a bad choice to marry and bring into his estate.
Most importantly, this woman could play a key role in his ascent to the supreme position.
He nodded in satisfaction and immediately addressed Old Master Yun:
“This Prince has come today specifically to propose marriage to Miss Yun Bai Lian!”
There is only one Heavenly Phoenix. Since she has been found, she must be secured as quickly as possible, absolutely not allowing anyone else to get ahead.
“What?”
“His Highness the Crown Prince wants to marry the Second Miss?”
“Hiss… Didn’t he just get engaged to Su Yurou…”
The Yun Estate crowd erupted in a buzz of commotion.
Old Master Yun’s expression darkened, his brows furrowing as he said gravely:
“Is Your Highness the Crown Prince not joking? Not long ago, you broke off a marriage engagement with our Yun Estate. Today, you and the Prime Minister’s legitimate daughter are still bound by a marriage decreed by His Majesty. How can you now speak of marrying Bai Lian?”
Mentioning the previous broken engagement, Xiao Zirui’s expression shifted slightly. He frowned, glanced at Yun Qingqing, then looked away with disgust.
The Empress quickly smiled to smooth things over:
“Old Master, there’s no need to worry about the Prime Minister’s marriage matter. The Crown Prince sincerely wishes to welcome Lady Bai Lian as his principal consort. Su Yurou is merely a secondary consort—how could she compare to Lady Bai Lian?”
“His Majesty has already consented to this. The Imperial Edict for the marriage will arrive tomorrow. The Crown Prince and I have come specially today to inform you, precisely to express our sincerity!”
Upon hearing this, everyone was even more shocked, and their gazes toward Yun Bai Lian changed.
However, the Empress and the Crown Prince exchanged glances, both knowing full well that the Emperor was actually still unaware of this matter. But the Emperor was ill, weak, and pliant, obedient to the Empress’s words. Obtaining another Imperial Edict would be just a matter of a few sentences.
The three members of the second branch were practically dizzy from this immense surprise.
Just moments ago, they were facing severe punishment for the exposure of their private accounts. In the blink of an eye, they had climbed to the Crown Prince’s favor—Yun Bai Lian was actually going to become the Crown Princess!
They had no time to ponder the oddities of this situation, already eagerly puffing up with pride.
Yun Zhiping beamed with joy:
“Father, Her Majesty the Empress and His Highness the Crown Prince have come in person with such sincerity to propose marriage. As subjects, we should be grateful and indebted! Your attitude is somewhat discourteous.”
Liu Shi also said delightedly:
“His Highness the Crown Prince truly has a discerning eye for talent. Our Bai Lian has been proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting since childhood. So many young masters from the capital have worn out our threshold seeking her hand, yet she never fancied any of them. A girl as outstanding as our Bai Lian is a perfect match for the Crown Prince, a union of pearl and jade, nothing could be more fitting!”
Yun Bai Lian, her heart racing and face flushed, stole a glance at the Crown Prince. Though inwardly proud, she said:
“Mother! Please don’t say such things. To receive His Highness the Crown Prince’s favor is Bai Lian’s honor. Bai Lian will certainly not fail His Highness’s deep affection and will strive to be a worthy Crown Princess.”
Xiao Zirui smiled faintly:
“I have been captivated by Miss Bai Lian at first sight and am convinced that only she is worthy of becoming the Crown Princess. I hope Old Master Yun, Uncle, and Aunt will grant your approval.”
Yun Bai Lian felt her heart was about to leap out of her chest—the Crown Prince looked so incredibly handsome when he smiled!
Liu Shi was already grinning from ear to ear. Swaying her waist, she stepped into the center of the room, shot a smug glance at Yan Jinghua, then turned to the Crown Prince with a coquettish smile:
“Since Your Highness is so sincere, surely the betrothal gifts will not be less than what was prepared for Consort Su, right? After all, our Bai Lian is to become the principal consort!”
Xiao Zirui’s expression stiffened slightly. He hadn’t expected her to make such a demand at this critical moment, and he felt instantly displeased.
The Regent King had just “snatched” a large portion of his betrothal gifts, which was already painful enough. For Su Yurou, he had planned to use the imperial marriage decree as an excuse to offer only symbolic gifts. Yet this foolish woman actually had the audacity to demand even more!
But if he refused now, he feared the Heavenly Phoenix he had just secured might slip away. Xiao Zirui could only reply vaguely:
“Rest assured, Aunt, I will certainly not treat Bai Lian unfairly.”
Yun Zhiping, Liu Shi, and Yun Bai Lian were overjoyed, eager to sign the marriage contract immediately. However, by custom, this matter required the approval of the highest-ranking elder in the Yun family—Old Master Yun. They immediately turned to the old master, urging him to agree.
Yun Zhiping couldn’t wait: “Father, Bai Lian’s engagement to the Crown Prince is an honor for our entire Yun Estate. Please give your consent quickly!”
Just then, Yan Jinghua suddenly sneered coldly:
“Consent to what? Have you, the second branch, forgotten? The matter of the Yin-Yang Ledger has yet to be settled. Any engagement must wait until this affair is resolved!”
Liu Shi’s face changed, and she shrieked sharply:
“That is a private matter within our Yun Estate! The Crown Prince’s proposal is a matter of great importance. How dare you prioritize private affairs over His Highness’s business? What are your intentions?”
Ignoring her, Yan Jinghua turned directly to the Empress, curtsied respectfully, and said solemnly:
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, you may not be aware. For years, the second branch has acted against all principles, embezzling vast sums from the Yun Estate and concealing it with a Yin-Yang Ledger. The facts are clear, and the evidence is conclusive. The head of the family and I have already discussed and decided to expel the second branch from the Yun Estate, severing all ties!”
“Your Highness has come at an inopportune time. Please wait until the settlement is complete before discussing marriage with Yun Zhiping’s family. This matter no longer concerns our estate.”
Both the Empress and Xiao Zirui were taken aback, never expecting such a turn of events.
Yun Zhiping exclaimed in disbelief:
“What are you saying! Have you gone mad, to act so ruthlessly! Bai Lian becoming the Crown Princess would bring glory to the entire Yun Estate! How could you trample our family’s dignity over some petty personal grudge?”
Yan Jinghua’s gaze turned icy:
“Your actions have betrayed the entire Yun Estate. Do you think you can cover it up by labeling it a personal grudge? Not a chance!”
“Our Yun Estate already has a Princess Consort of the Prince Regent, which is more than enough honor for our ancestors. We have no interest in any Crown Princess!”
“You have one hour to pack your belongings and leave. From now on, do not claim any relation to our Yun Estate!”
Yun Qingqing silently gave her mother a thumbs-up in her heart.
“You… you’d better think this through!” Yun Zhiping had thought the Crown Prince’s proposal would instantly elevate his family’s status. He never expected Yan Jinghua to outright reject it!
Even Old Master Yun did not speak a word in his defense, clearly approving of her decision!
Liu Shi’s face twisted in fury as she screeched:
“Empress, Crown Prince, look at this vile woman, she dares to disregard the Crown Prince! You must punish her!”
The Empress and the Crown Prince also looked displeased.
Xiao Zirui saw it clearly—the Madam of the Yun family was clearly hostile toward him, undoubtedly venting her anger on behalf of her daughter over the broken engagement!
A mere marquis’s wife, acting so arrogantly in front of the Empress and the Crown Prince—Xiao Zirui’s expression darkened, and he was about to erupt on the spot.