At this moment, Lingzhi, who had been waiting outside the room, hurried in anxiously after seeing Prince Chen leave. She found her young mistress lying leisurely on the reclining chair and stepped forward, asking worriedly, “Young mistress, just now, you and Prince Chen…”
“Is there something?” Ye Yun asked calmly, looking at Lingzhi.
Lingzhi shook her head in response, but her young mistress’s tone made her wonder—are you really alright?
As far as she knew, Prince Chen was aloof by nature and disliked close contact with others. Not just in the Imperial Capital, but throughout the land, countless women admired him, yet there had never been any rumors of him being intimate with anyone. But today, she had seen Prince Chen carrying her young mistress. This…
Ye Yun glanced at Lingzhi, whose face was clouded with worries, and could easily guess what was troubling her. She made up an explanation on the spot, “When we were leaving the palace, the Empress Dowager instructed him to escort me back to the residence. Just as I was about to get off the carriage, I felt utterly exhausted and could barely stand or walk, so I asked him to carry me back. Don’t worry, it’s nothing.”
She thought to herself, Really, this is just the beginning. I’ve already claimed this man. What’s the big deal about him carrying me today? In the future, he’ll be mine entirely.
Just then, a series of calls echoed from outside, “Yun’er, Yun’er…”
Ye Yun sat up and looked in the direction of the voice. Clearly, the two people appearing before her were the original host’s parents, Ye Heng and Qin Yao.
“Father, Mother,” Ye Yun called out softly to the pair.
Qin Yao sat down closely beside Ye Yun, her eyes filled with affection. “Yun’er, news from the palace says that you went to the Eastern Palace, had a conversation with the Crown Prince, and after careful consideration, felt that you weren’t suited for each other. You specifically asked the Empress Dowager to annul the engagement. Yun’er, you…”
Ye Yun sneered inwardly. So, this was the story the palace had spread. Well, it made sense. Although the Empress Dowager favored her, the matter concerned the royal family’s reputation. After all, Mo Heng was the Crown Prince, backed by the Empress. They couldn’t press the issue too hard. As long as she was no longer tied to Mo Heng, that was all that mattered.
However, she saw no need to hide the truth from her parents and decided to explain the whole story clearly.
Qin Yao listened, her heart aching. “So that’s what happened. Yun’er, you’ve been wronged.”
Ye Yun replied gently, “Mother, I’m not wronged. I asked the Empress Dowager to intervene on my behalf. Being able to break off the engagement with the Crown Prince is something I’m overjoyed about. I don’t like him at all now; he simply isn’t worth it.”
Standing nearby, Ye Heng said in a doting tone, “Yun’er is right. He isn’t worthy. Our Yun’er deserves someone better.”
Suddenly, Ye Fan chimed in irritably, “Exactly! Who does he think he is, criticizing my little sister? Just because he’s the Crown Prince, does that make him so great? My little sister doesn’t care for him anyway. Who knows if he can even secure his position as Crown Prince or smoothly inherit the throne in the future? Little sister, you did the right thing. We should ditch a man like that sooner rather than later.”
Ye Yang coughed lightly beside him. “Third Brother, some thoughts are better kept to yourself. You need to watch your words when speaking.”
“I’m just telling the truth.”
Ye Heng said sternly to Ye Fan, “Your second brother is right. We’re only in the residence today, but outside, you must be more careful.”
“Father, I understand. I’m just a bit indignant, that’s all.”
Ye Yun looked at the two men approaching and called out, “Second Brother, Third Brother.” The original owner of this body had three older brothers, each more doting than the last. No matter what happened, they always sided with her.
Speaking of which, although the original owner was frail and sickly, her appearance was exceptionally outstanding. And as for her brothers, one had to admit that the Ye family’s genes were truly remarkable!
The eldest brother was brave and skilled in battle, currently stationed at the Northern Border as the general commanding the Northern Border troops, guarding the frontier.
The second brother was exceptionally talented in literature, selected to serve in the Hanlin Academy, with a smooth official career ahead.
The third brother was her twin brother. Though somewhat of a playboy, his abilities were by no means inferior to anyone else’s.
Qin Yao held Ye Yun’s hand and spoke with infinite tenderness, “Yun’er, today’s matter can only be left as it is. It’s not appropriate for us to pursue it further.”
“Mother, Yun’er understands. Moreover, Yun’er truly doesn’t feel upset; in fact, I’m very happy. Now that this matter has been decided by the Empress Dowager, the engagement is annulled. Mo Heng and I have no further connection, and the Ye family no longer needs to be entangled with the Eastern Palace. As Third Brother said, we’ll just wait and see how things unfold from here. The Ye family serves as officials, loyal to the Emperor. Before that, there’s no need to dwell on the various complications.”
Ye Heng, hearing Ye Yun’s words, said gently, “Yun’er is very clever. The position of Crown Princess is nothing in the eyes of our Protectorate Duke’s Residence. What matters most to us has always been Yun’er.”
Qin Yao echoed Ye Heng’s words, “Your father is right. Everything is up to you. By the way, Yun’er, you went out of the residence today. Did you take your medicine on time? After all this commotion, are you feeling unwell?”
Ye Yun now truly understood how much the original owner’s parents and brothers cherished her. She sighed inwardly. Of course, she couldn’t reveal the truth. Since she had taken over and become this lifetime’s “Ye Yun,” she would live well.
“Mother, I’m fine. I’m not feeling unwell.”
“Little Sister, in that case, shall we talk about Prince Chen?” Ye Yang’s gaze fixed on Ye Yun as he spoke softly.
“Prince Chen?” Ye Heng and Qin Yao exchanged puzzled looks.
Ye Yun did not deny it, her delicate voice saying, “Second Brother, is there a problem with him? I think he’s very good. I like him.”
Ye Fan, hearing this, immediately asked, “Little Sister, when you say ‘like,’ do you mean the kind of like I’m thinking of? Little Sister, Prince Chen is unfathomable, far from an ordinary man. I’m afraid…”
“Mm.” Ye Yun nodded. Of course, she knew Mo Qingchen was no simple man. Just judging by the injuries on his body was enough to tell, but that didn’t affect her liking for him. Looking at the people before her, she continued, “Father, Mother, Second Brother, Third Brother, don’t worry. Nothing will happen. I promise.”
Qin Yao, hearing this, raised her hand and gently stroked Ye Yun’s cheek, her words filled with warmth, “Good, as long as you like him. But Yun’er, you must promise Mother that if you encounter any troubles, never keep them to yourself. You must tell us, and remember not to force yourself.”
A joyful smile spread across Ye Yun’s face as she earnestly agreed to the words of the person before her.
…
Prince Chen’s Mansion, Alchemy room.
Beneath the Elixir furnace, the fire burned vigorously, and a rich medicinal aroma filled the air.
An old man with white hair lightly stroked his beard, carefully examining the Elixir Formula in his hand. After pondering for a moment, a look of astonishment appeared on his face. “Wang Ye, who created this Elixir Formula?”
“Is there an error in the Elixir Formula?”
“Exactly. This person’s use of medicine is exceptionally unique and sophisticated, entirely tailored to address Wang Ye’s specific condition. With six primary ingredients paired with twelve supplementary ones, the dosage of each herb is precisely measured. Even the steps for concocting this elixir, the timing of adding the ingredients, and the meticulous control of heat during different stages of the refining process are all flawless. In terms of elixir-making prowess, this old man is ashamed to admit inferiority. Following this formula, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Wang Ye’s injury will undoubtedly heal completely.”
A faint smile curled at the corner of Mo Qingchen’s lips. Yao Lao was the finest Elixirist in his residence, and to earn such praise from him—that little girl truly was full of surprises.
Noticing the expression on Mo Qingchen’s face, Yao Lao whispered to Feng Ying standing beside him, “Was Wang Ye smiling just now?”
Feng Ying surmised internally that Yao Lao’s words of praise had undoubtedly reminded Wang Ye of the young lady from the Ye family. “Isn’t it good for Wang Ye to smile? It means there’s something worthy of his delight.”
Becoming aware of his momentary lapse, Mo Qingchen uttered coldly, “Since it’s feasible, Yao Lao should proceed with the refinement as soon as possible.” With those words, he strode directly out of the alchemy room.
Feng Ying promptly followed after him.
Yao Lao watched Wang Ye depart, initially intending to inquire about the identity of such an accomplished Elixirist, but for now, he had no choice but to let it go. His gaze returned to the exquisite Elixir Formula in his hand.