Yun Zhen had actually considered this matter long ago. His mother would always be heartbroken, but he knew clearly that his father might not allow his mother to return.
Firstly, his mother was not good to Xiao'er, and he feared that if she returned, she would only intensify her bad behavior, causing more trouble. Secondly, his father was a man of his word; once he spoke, he would not retract it.
Therefore, Yun Zhen had not mentioned it. But today, after Li Ruoyun brought it up, he felt a heavy burden in his heart.
Yun Xiao had already recovered. She had thought it through long ago. As children grew older and became more independent, she and her brother would not always be by their father's side. He would always need someone who cared for him.
If he were to take in a concubine now, it would be better to bring back Madam Yun. She would be more devoted and dedicated, as this woman truly loved their father.
After enduring hardship this time, she would surely have repented. If given another chance, she would definitely cherish it. Moreover, their father had divorced her for her own good, indicating that he still had affection for her as his wife.
Once Yun Xiao thought it through, she looked up and saw her brother Yun Zhen looking deeply troubled, seemingly quite hesitant.
"Brother, go and ask Father to bring Mother back."
Yun Xiao's words surprised Yun Zhen. Although Yun Xiao's soul was not that of his real sister, he knew her personality. She would always seek revenge. Their mother had not treated her well, and he assumed she disliked her. He hadn't expected her to proactively suggest this.
"Xiao'er."
"I feel sorry for Father and you. Go and tell Father that it's my idea to have him bring Mother back."
Yun Xiao's earnest words immediately filled Yun Zhen with hope. Their father doted on Xiao'er. Now that he and Xiao'er were jointly asking him to bring their mother back, he would surely consider it seriously.
"Thank you, Xiao'er."
Yun Zhen was deeply moved. Xiao'er was like a lucky charm, always bringing good fortune to others. She always knew when to be gentle and when to be firm. When she was gentle, she could touch one's heart; when she was firm, she left no room for rebuttal.
Yun Xiao yawned. She had gone out for a stroll. She hadn't slept well last night and was truly tired. She stood up and waved, "We are family, there's no need for such formality. Brother, I'm going to sleep for a while. I'm so tired."
"Go ahead, go ahead."
Yun Zhen personally escorted Yun Xiao out of the courtyard. Although Li Ruoyun was displeased, she was still a smart person. She followed Yun Zhen to the door. Seeing Yun Xiao about to leave, she suddenly called out to Yun Xiao in a voice as gentle as flowing water.
"Cousin Xiao, please wait a moment."
The sound made Yun Xiao tremble. She wanted to ask, couldn't she just speak normally?
Did she have to be so creepy? But in the end, she was too lazy to correct her, as this woman had always spoken that way since Yun Xiao first saw her, and she probably wouldn't change.
Seeing Yun Xiao look up, Li Ruoyun quickly lifted her skirt, twisting her slender waist, and walked up to Yun Xiao, speaking with a smile.
"Cousin, it was my fault before. I often bullied you. From now on, I will love you. Please forgive me this time."
As she spoke, her eyes sparkled, as if she had spotted prey. Yun Xiao was not a fool, nor was Yun Zhen. Everyone knew what she was thinking, but she herself was still living in her own delusion.
Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow, let out a cold snort, and turned to leave. If it weren't for giving her brother face, she would have retorted directly.
Where did she get a cousin from? All her cousins were in Xiliang.
Seeing Yun Xiao turn and leave with a blank expression, as if she hadn't heard her, Li Ruoyun, who received no acknowledgment, awkwardly turned to Yun Zhen by her side and grumbled discontentedly.
"Cousin, look at Cousin Xiao. Why is she so arrogant and bossy? You should ask Uncle to discipline her properly. It won't do if she's like this when she gets married."
Yun Zhen cast her a cold glance and said directly, "You should go back. I'm tired and going to rest."
Without looking back, he returned to the courtyard, calling out to a servant from a distance, "I'm resting. Don't let anyone disturb me."
The servant acknowledged and stood guard at the door. Li Ruoyun had originally planned to build a relationship with Yun Zhen and discuss when Uncle could bring Aunt back.
Who knew that her cousin was even colder than Yun Xiao and had directly driven her away? What kind of cousin was he? Li Ruoyun angrily flicked her sleeve and left.
Yun Xiao returned to Yuxuan to rest. Thinking of the scene with Shangguan Yin earlier, the last words he had said filled her heart with sweetness. He was still as good at sweet talk as before, which finally eased her mind.
She would sleep soundly now, as she had things to do in the evening.
She slept from noon until evening. The sunset poured from the horizon, as if painting the sky with a light blush. The small courtyard was also bathed in a red glow. The accumulated snow was even brighter, and the melted water on the branches made everything look clean and bright.
Wanwan served her as she woke up. Having slept all afternoon, she was energetic and stretched her limbs in the room, her mind spinning rapidly.
"Go and call Liuxing and Jingyun in."
Since she had regained her identity, Liuxing and Jingyun no longer served as hidden guards to protect her. They were now her personal guards, and she had much more freedom than before.
Wanwan didn't know what her mistress was planning and quickly went out to call the two of them.
Yun Xiao was not only refreshed but also in a very good mood, with a devilish smile on her lips. Liuxing and Jingyun exchanged glances, wondering who would be unlucky this time.
"Miss."
"We are going to do something tonight."
Yun Xiao pursed her lips and spoke mysteriously. Wanwan had already lit the lamps in the room. The gentle flickering candlelight reflected a cunning glint in her dark pupils. Liuxing spoke calmly, "What are we doing?"
Both of them sensed it wouldn't be anything good, but as long as their Miss ordered it, they would go through fire and water without hesitation.
Yun Xiao beckoned them to come closer and whispered a few words. Liuxing and Jingyun nodded vigorously, "Alright, when do we go?"
"After dinner. The timing will be just right."
"Yes, Master."
Liuxing and Jingyun withdrew. In the room, Wanwan looked at Yun Xiao with suspicion, her arms crossed. "Miss, you're being so secretive about what you're doing. Tell me honestly. It's not safe if there's danger."
"No danger, no danger. I'll tell you when I get back. Miss, I'm starving."
As soon as Yun Xiao finished speaking, footsteps sounded from outside the screen, and Qiao'er's obedient voice rang out, "Miss, dinner is ready. Please come to the flower hall to dine."
The little maid came out, wearing a light blue thin jacket. She was so cold that she kept exhaling, each breath a white puff, showing how cold the weather truly was.