Let's go to Maple Courtyard.
When Cui Yunchu arrived at Maple Courtyard, only Yun'er was keeping watch under the eaves. Where is your young lady?
Yun'er pointed awkwardly toward the window lattice. Cui Yunchu followed her gaze and saw Cui Yunfeng sitting there in a daze, her face buried in her hands.
Her eyes had clearly been weeping again; they were red and swollen.
Big Sister, Cui Yunfeng said upon seeing her, her mouth trembling slightly as she was about to shed tears once more.
Why are you crying? If you don't want to see him, Big Sister will help you send him away, Cui Yunchu said, her heart aching for her sister, impulsively taking on the responsibility.
Cui Yunfeng shook her head. I just... I just don't know how to explain it to him clearly.
Big Sister, you know his temper. If he makes a scene, how will we put an end to it? Besides, he is injured right now.
Cui Yunchu stood before the window and reached through to gently stroke Cui Yunfeng's head. But if you hide from him, I'm afraid he will only go crazier.
It had been almost ten days by now. Prince An was so intelligent; how could he not understand what the Cui family meant?
Cui Yunchu silently shed tears.
At this moment, another older maidservant hurried over. Second Miss, that person simply refuses to leave. What should we do?
Cui Yunfeng wiped her tears with a handkerchief and slowly stood up. I will go.
Yunfeng.
Rest assured, Sister. I have known him for years. I know what to do.
Cui Yunchu was still uneasy. That madman Xiao Yi was capable of anything, even kidnapping someone.
I will go with you.
Cui Yunfeng nodded and instructed Yun'er to touch up her makeup, trying her best to conceal the redness under her eyes.
The two sisters headed toward the entrance. Cui Yunchu held Cui Yunfeng's hand tightly, comforting her softly along the way.
She could not help but sigh inwardly. The task their grandmother had given her was truly not an easy one.
Actually, setting aside family interests, she privately hoped the two could form a good marriage and avoid the tragedy of her past life.
But now, Cui Yunchu could already foresee a new tragedy unfolding.
Everyone said the daughters of the Cui family were noble, second only to princesses and commandery princesses. However, this nobility also bound them tightly, depriving them of their freedom.
At the end of the veranda, Prime Minister Cui, who had just returned from his government office, was walking toward them from a distance. Beside him was an unfamiliar young man. The two seemed to be discussing something.
However, Prime Minister Cui's expression did not look particularly pleased.
Cui Yunfeng hurriedly nudged Cui Yunchu's arm, wanting to hide.
Father has already seen us. Cui Yunchu held Cui Yunfeng back, walked forward gracefully, and bowed.
Prime Minister Cui's gaze fell upon Cui Yunfeng, his sharp eyes carrying a hint of scrutiny. Where are you going?
I...
Her father and grandmother had forbidden her from associating with Prince An anymore.
Father, Yunfeng and I are bored, so we are going out of the estate for a walk.
Cui Yunchu was certain that Prime Minister Cui knew Prince An's men were waiting at the gate. Furthermore, given Prince An's temper, probably even Prime Minister Cui had no way to send him away.
Prime Minister Cui's gaze turned slightly cold. If you need anything, instruct the servants. As for other matters, your father and grandmother are here to handle them. Just stay peacefully in the estate.
Cui Yunfeng's eyes visibly dimmed.
She had always been obedient since childhood and rarely defied her elders. Therefore, regardless of whether she wanted to or not, she had agreed to Old Madam Cui's words.
For the sake of the family, and even more so, not wanting to cause her family worry or put them in a difficult position.
She lowered her head, momentarily at a loss for what to do.
While the father and daughter were speaking, Cui Yunchu was observing the young man beside Prime Minister Cui.
He was dressed in official robes, and his features were considered handsome. His stature was decent, and he looked very gentle when meeting someone's gaze. He had an elegant and refined scholarly air, with a natural sense of uprightness about him.
When he first bowed to the two sisters, he was perfectly polite and proper, showing the full demeanor of a gentleman, and his gaze was steady.
In all likelihood, this was the husband her father had chosen for Yunfeng.
Cui Yunchu frowned. Such a man would probably not even withstand a flick of Xiao Yi's finger.
In her past life, the Chen family had at least been an official household. Now, if this young man got mixed up in this, he would be no better than an ant.
Sister, stop staring, Cui Yunfeng muttered softly.
. Cui Yunchu withdrew her gaze.
She had thought her gaze was quite discreet.
Father, we will not take long.
Whoever tied the bell to the tiger must untie it. If even Cui Yunfeng could not persuade Xiao Yi, then no one else stood a chance. If all else failed, she would just have to marry him.
However, Prime Minister Cui and her grandmother, having never witnessed Xiao Yi's madness, surely did not realize the severity of the consequences.
Father, your daughter will definitely return as soon as possible.
Looking at his daughter's undeniable loneliness and the redness at the corners of her eyes that even makeup could not hide, Prime Minister Cui sighed silently, his heart aching.
Very well, go then. Let your big sister accompany you, and do not go too far.
Prime Minister Cui meant that she was not to leave the estate.
Yes. Cui Yunfeng hurriedly curtsied and pulled Cui Yunchu away.
Prime Minister Cui watched his daughter's swiftly departing figure, his eyes darkening. After a long while, he withdrew his gaze. My youngest daughter is quite playful. I hope Young Master Zhou will excuse the display.
Not at all, Lord Cui. The two young ladies have vibrant and bright personalities, which is very endearing.
Hearing this, Prime Minister Cui turned his head to look at the man, a satisfied smile curling the corners of his lips.
Since entering officialdom, I have often heard of the heroic deeds of Old Madam Cui. I wonder if I might have the honor of paying my respects to her today.
Prime Minister Cui was very pleased with the young man's intelligence and thoughtfulness, and personally led him toward Songhe Garden.
