Cui Yunchu withdrew her gaze. Just as her vision blurred, a familiar figure suddenly leapt into sight.
She immediately turned her eyes to look. On the shore near the boat not far away, a girl in a pale purple dress stood with her back to them, saying something to the tall man in front of her.
Cui Yunfeng!
Cui Yunchu frowned.
Wasn't she supposed to be recuperating at the estate? How could she be here? And the man in front of her—if that wasn't the Prince of An, who was it?
What a perfect example of outward obedience and inward defiance! Cui Yunchu instantly grew angry and called out, Cui Yunfeng.
Her voice was not quiet; naturally, those by the boat over there could hear her.
Cui Yunfeng abruptly turned around. Across the shimmering, golden-flecked surface of the lake, the two locked eyes for a moment. An unconcealable flash of panic crossed Cui Yunfeng's eyes.
She pushed Xiao Yi away and turned right back into the cabin with incredible speed.
Cui Yunchu was speechless.
Did she think hiding would make her invisible?
Well, to be honest, she really couldn't be seen anymore. Cui Yunchu leaned to the side, peering toward the boat where Cui Yunfeng was, but there was no one there, as if what she had just seen was merely an illusion.
Only Xiao Yi remained, strolling at a leisurely pace as he followed her into the cabin. A moment later, he completely disappeared from sight as well.
Didn't you hate this older sister of yours the most? Since when did you become afraid of her? Xiao Yi came to a halt beside Cui Yunfeng, his tone teasing.
Times have changed. She is my sister. Cui Yunfeng wore a bitter expression, already racking her brains to come up with an excuse.
What is so different? Xiao Yi leaned in a little closer. He raised a hand, wanting to rest it on the small of Cui Yunfeng's back, but forced himself to stop. Yunfeng, she is truly a nuisance. Why don't we...
Xiao Yi. Cui Yunfeng's voice suddenly dropped. Her usually innocent and straightforward face took on an unprecedented seriousness. I've told you, you are not allowed to lay a single finger on my family.
But they won't let you be with me. The man could not stop himself from pressing against the woman's back, pulling her into his embrace.
Every time I think of this, I just want to... Xiao Yi left the rest unsaid. Never mind, I will listen to you. It was hard enough to get out this once; let's not lose our tempers.
Cui Yunfeng fell silent. After a moment, she said, You know the situation my family is in. My grandmother and my sister are both doing this for my own good. You should try to understand and not hold it against them.
Mhm. Xiao Yi's tone was lazy. If that weren't the case, I would have killed that annoying woman long ago. How could I allow her to keep jumping around, being such an eyesore?
Yunfeng, I heard that Old Madam Cui has arranged a marriage for Cui Yunchu?
Yes, it's the Chen family of the Minister of Rites' estate. Grandmother says the Chen family has noble character and a good family tradition. If Eldest Sister marries into their family, she won't suffer.
A soft chuckle escaped Xiao Yi's throat. Eldest Sister. Since when did Yunfeng become so close to her?
Cui Yunfeng did not answer.
Since when? She couldn't say for sure herself. But the current Eldest Sister was different from before. She would protect her and stand up for her.
Now that your eldest sister's marriage is settled, is it going to be your turn next? Xiao Yi lowered his eyes, gazing at the girl in his arms whose face was as smooth as creamy white jade.
Has Old Madam Cui set her sights on any family? His tone was casual.
However, having grown up with him, Cui Yunfeng immediately detected a chillingly dark undertone in his words.
Brother Xiao Yi, other than my family, you are the most important person to me. Please don't do anything that would put me in a difficult position.
The smile on Xiao Yi's lips froze. But what if they try to make things difficult for me?
Yunfeng, are you going to give me up for them?
Cui Yunfeng's red lips pressed tightly together. She pushed Xiao Yi's hand away and lifted her head to look into the man's dark, cold eyes. They are as important to me as my own life. You only need to remember that.
Xiao Yi said nothing, staring fixedly back at Cui Yunfeng.
As time ticked by, it was ultimately Xiao Yi who let out a soft chuckle first. Beneath his eyes, which held an air of both righteousness and wickedness, hid a wild arrogance. Alright. Then when you go back, you must have a good talk with them. You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. After all, storms can gather without warning.
Although my imperial brother is the Crown Prince, he is indecisive and blindly follows our imperial father's orders. He is already hesitating between Madam Tang, née Cui and the Liu family. For Prime Minister Cui and Grand Tutor Tang to expect him to protect their families is likely not a wise move.
He lowered his eyes, his gaze upon Cui Yunfeng exceptionally gentle. Yunfeng, for your sake, I do not wish to make enemies of the Cui and Tang families.
He raised his hand, intending to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Cui Yunfeng's ear.
But Cui Yunfeng immediately dodged away. Brother Xiao Yi, I am the most naive and straightforward one in the Cui family. I don't understand those things you're saying. I only know that my surname is Cui.
Xiao Yi replied, But in the Cui family, not a single one is easy to deal with.
... Cui Yunfeng glared at him in displeasure.
Fine, if you say you don't understand, then you don't understand. There is still room to maneuver regarding our matter. With the palace banquet approaching, the one who should be having the biggest headache is my imperial brother.
Cui Yunfeng said nothing. She simply sat down in a chair, resting her chin in her hands, and suddenly asked, Xiao Yi, do you like me and want to marry me because my surname is Cui?
Her mother had died early, and Xiao Yi's mother, the consort, treated her like her own daughter, often having her enter the palace to keep her company.
However, the Cui family was at the peak of its power in those years. Later, as the Emperor grew suspicious, she never stayed overnight in the palace again.
True affection? There was some. But how much true affection could someone who had been dead for years leave behind?
You doubt me? Xiao Yi slowly stepped forward, leisurely bending down and resting his arms on either side of the chair, trapping Cui Yunfeng's body in front of him.
Cui Yunfeng, are all members of the Cui family this heartless?
Meeting Xiao Yi's unkind gaze, Cui Yunfeng smiled frankly. Not exactly. Towards my own people in the Cui family, I have plenty of heart.
Xiao Yi curled his lips into a smile.
It's just that when dealing with you royals, one has to keep a few extra eyes open.
Xiao Yi straightened up, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. I should be the one saying that.
Which of us two brothers doesn't follow the lead of your Cui family? My imperial brother, despite his indecisiveness, is completely under Tang Qingwan's control—where is there even a shred of the Crown Prince's majesty? And that sister of yours, buzzing around us brothers day in and day out, isn't she still living perfectly well, without missing an arm or a leg?
The ones at a disadvantage should be their Xiao family.
Mentioning this, Cui Yunfeng suddenly remembered the important purpose of her visit today. At the palace banquet the day after tomorrow, the Liu family will inevitably target my eldest sister. When the time comes, I hope you can step up and help my eldest sister escape this situation.
A look of hurt and helplessness washed over Xiao Yi's handsome face. You want me to take the blame for her? Aren't you worried I'll be beaten until my flesh is torn open?
Cui Yunfeng replied, Anyway, you already admitted to it at the restaurant that day. Besides, you're a man; taking a beating is nothing. My eldest sister... is delicate, after all...
A gentle breeze brushed by, but it could hardly soothe Xiao Yi's completely chilled heart.
He looked at Cui Yunfeng without saying a word, yet his silence expressed a thousand words.
Cui Yunfeng also felt she was being a bit unfair, but she was her own sister after all. With Aunt Liang mediating, the Emperor won't punish you too heavily. Afterwards, I'll bring you medicine for your wounds.
Under Xiao Yi's intense stare, her voice slowly grew softer as she lost confidence, and she finally rubbed her nose sheepishly.
