Yun Mo's words caused more than half the people gathered in front of the Yun King's mansion to twitch their lips. The Yun King's Consort's expression grew somber.
The cousin, Ruo Yun, her pupils flashed with disdain. So what if she was the Empress? She was just a fool. If it weren't for the King's face, who among them would pay any heed to her?
However, the Yun King's Consort dared not show her feelings. She spoke cautiously, "He has just returned and hasn't had time to notify him yet?"
As soon as she finished speaking, a voice as gentle as flowing water was heard.
"Father and Xiao'er are back."
The voice was elegant, as gentle as the wind, with a touch of magnetic languor, pleasing to the ear.
Everyone looked up and saw a tall, elegant figure emerge from the Yun King's mansion. He wore a lake-blue long robe, so light it seemed to sway like the ripples of the sea in the breeze.
His finely arched eyebrows slanted upwards, his forehead was broad, and his eyes were as clear as unblemished jade, bathed in a soft glow.
The corners of his handsome lips curved into a warm smile. His dark hair gently lifted in the wind as he walked, bringing with him a subtle warmth that slowly flowed into the hearts of those present.
Yun Xiao watched him with rapt attention. What an elegant man, refined like bamboo, radiating a scholarly aura as if he had stepped out of a book, carrying with him the faint fragrance of ink.
Upon seeing him, Yun Mo's face lit up with joy. These were his two most cherished children.
"Zhen'er, hurry over. Your sister is back."
Yun Zhen strode to Yun Xiao's side, extended his hand, and took Yun Xiao's from his father. He examined her from head to toe, then pulled her into an embrace, gently patting her back.
"Xiao'er, don't you remember your brother?"
Nestled in his arms, Yun Xiao clearly felt the deep familial affection in his heart. This man genuinely loved her and treated her as family.
It seemed she had gained another person who liked her – her father and her brother. Yun Xiao couldn't help but smile and said softly, "Brother."
As soon as she spoke, Yun Zhen released her, his face beaming with joy. "Xiao'er, it seems my affection wasn't in vain. You still remember me, don't you?"
The sunlight shone upon them, creating a warm and picturesque scene. The servants of the Yun King's mansion watched with unblinking eyes. Li Ruo Yun, who had been standing by, felt her pupils darken, and her teeth gnashed together.
She couldn't understand why her cousin cherished this fool so much. A man as refined and ethereal as he was, rarely showed favor to anyone.
Even towards her, he seemed distant, yet he doted on this fool to his very core. She had been jealous of this for a long time but was powerless to do anything about it.
No matter what methods she employed, she couldn't capture his attention, let alone shift his affections from the fool to herself.
Yun Mo watched his two children with a smile, his mood greatly improved. With a wave of his hand, he commanded in a deep voice.
"Alright, everyone disperse. Zhen'er, take your sister inside."
"Yes, Father," Yun Zhen took Yun Xiao's hand and walked directly into the Yun King's mansion, with Yun Mo following closely behind.
Yun King's Consort and Li Ruo Yun walked at the rear. They exchanged a look. The Yun King's Consort's eyes were filled with endless bitterness. One was her husband, the other her own son.
Yet, the attention of both men was focused on a fool. This pained her deeply, and more than that, it brought a sense of helplessness. Li Ruo Yun, standing beside her, gently supported her aunt and said softly.
"Aunt, don't be sad. Let's go inside."
"Mm," the two also entered the Yun King's mansion. The servants dispersed, each going about their duties.
The Yun King's mansion, as an imperial residence, occupied a vast expanse of land. Numerous pavilions and towers, rockeries and flowing water were interspersed within, exuding a rich charm. It possessed both the delicate aesthetic of the Jiangnan region and the grandeur of an ancient city.
Indeed, it was an imperial dwelling. Although it didn't rival the opulence of the imperial palace, it was beyond compare to anywhere else.
Yun Xiao followed Yun Zhen, heading back to her former residence. Xiuxiu, Xiao He, and two young eunuchs followed them at a distance.
In the small courtyard, flowers and plants bloomed vibrantly. Beside the garden wall stood a tall phoenix tree, its fallen leaves drifting gracefully. A young maidservant was busy sweeping the leaves.
Upon seeing Yun Xiao enter, she bowed respectfully. The winding jade path led directly to the main house in the center. A maidservant on the corridor was already looking out expectantly. As soon as she saw Yun Xiao's figure, she rushed forward, crying out joyfully.
"Miss, you're back. Qiao'er missed you."
Yun Xiao blinked, looking at the young maidservant who was kowtowing to her. She was delicate and pretty, appearing no older than twelve or thirteen.
At this moment, her delicate face was streaked with tears, and her clear eyes shone with happiness. Yun Xiao reached out and helped her up. This Qiao'er must have been a maidservant who attended to her before. Although young, she seemed attentive.
Yun Zhen stood beside Yun Xiao and said gently.
"Xiao'er, this is your little maid Qiao'er. Do you remember her?"
Yun Xiao shook her head. She truly didn't know who Qiao'er was. Moreover, she had been a fool before; how could she possibly remember who anyone was? Wasn't it only by acting this way that she would conform to her supposed identity?
However, as soon as she spoke, Qiao'er burst into tears, a sound of utter heartbreak, mingled with her own sobs.
"Young Master, Miss doesn't want Qiao'er anymore. Miss doesn't want Qiao'er anymore. Qiao'er should have accompanied Miss into the palace that day."
Yun Xiao looked at the scene before her, feeling a headache coming on. Who knew this girl could cry so much? However, her sadness seemed genuine. She reached out and rubbed her forehead, appearing very confused, and said faintly, "Qiao'er?"
As her voice sounded, Qiao'er stopped crying and looked up at her, her long, dark eyelashes fluttering up and down, exceptionally cute, with tears still clinging to her cheeks.
To prevent further torture of her ears, Yun Xiao quickly nodded. At this, Qiao'er jumped up with joy. "That's great! Miss still remembers me! Miss still remembers me!"
The courtyard where Yun Xiao resided remained the most unique and tranquil spot in the Yun King's mansion. Jade Pavilion, the courtyard's name, was inlaid with her birth mother's name, a name Yun Mo had specially chosen to commemorate his beloved woman.
In the flower hall.
Yun Xiao and Yun Zhen sat on chairs, Yun Zhen smiling as he observed his sister. He feared she might have suffered grievances in the palace; after all, none of the people in the palace were easy to deal with.
Yun Xiao felt a little uncomfortable under such concerned gazes, her heart heavy with guilt.
They cared about her, and she felt she shouldn't deceive them. However, the current situation was unclear, and she didn't understand many things yet.
If she were to reveal that she was not foolish, it would only plunge the Yun King's mansion into a quagmire rather than help them. Since they loved her so dearly, she absolutely would not harm them.
Just as Yun Xiao was wondering how to speak, Qiao'er and Xiuxiu entered. One stood behind her, while the other went to the side to prepare tea, which they soon served.