Gallant and rapturous in demeanor, strikingly handsome to the point of enchantment.
Yun Jinnian glanced at his reflection and touched his own face, which felt blazing hot.
Shi Jiayu giggled, and Yun Jinnian cast her a faint glance, feeling somewhat bashful as he looked away, ignoring Shi Jiayu’s teasing.
On the way back, Yun Jinnian didn’t read but rather enjoyed the scenery along the way, feeling at ease.
The May weather wasn’t too hot; he lifted the curtains of the carriage, and a gentle breeze made it quite comfortable.
Relaxed, Yun Jinnian drifted off into a drowsy sleep.
Han Tianci followed Prince Yanjun, engrossed in the prince’s conversation, which was as gentle as a spring breeze, and he listened attentively and earnestly.
Everyone was in good spirits, except for Nanny Qian and her entourage.
After ten days on the road, they were about to arrive in Hengzhou.
Yun Bi had managed Hengzhou very well; the locals lived and worked in peace and contentment, free from worry about food and drink. Even in the drought last year, Hengzhou had been affected, but with Yun Bi in charge, the people didn’t suffer too much hardship.
Looking at the lush and verdant crops along the road, there was a sense of vitality and a pleasing sight it was indeed.
Thirty-year-old Yun Bi set down his writing brush.
He stood up and walked to the window.
Looking up, he gazed at the blazing sun in the sky.
Blue sea and sky stretching endlessly.
Only he had trapped himself in this corner of the world for many years.
"Hmm?" replied Yun Bi softly, showing indifference.
His handsome face bore not a trace of expression.
"We’ve just received news that Prince Rui, Prince Yanjun, along with the Yun Family’s Fourth Miss and the Han Residence’s young master, are about to pass through Hengzhou!"
"Who?" asked Yun Bi in a low voice.
The Yun Family’s Fourth Miss? The Han Family’s young master?
"It’s your niece, the Yun Family’s Fourth Miss, and a Han young master; he’s the child from the Fourth Miss’s maternal family!"
"Jinnian?" Yun Bi murmured softly.
He remembered the soft and sweet little girl who loved to laugh.
From afar, she would run toward him, patter, patter, patter, sweetly calling him ’Third Uncle’ and opening her arms to be held.
The butler didn’t know the Fourth Miss’s name.
"Prepare Xingchen Academy and clean up the outer court guesthouse as well. Have Prince Rui and his party stay for a couple of days!", commanded Yun Bi in a detached tone, then added, "Tell the cooks to prepare some Hengzhou dishes. Also, gather some information, send someone to wait at the city gates, and welcome them to the residence as soon as they arrive!"
Continuing, Yun Bi paused, "Open the storeroom, take all the things I’ve collected to Xingchen Academy. When Jinnian leaves, let her take them back with her!"
Yun Bi issued so many orders at once, the butler couldn’t afford to be negligent.
Whether it was for the sake of Prince Rui or for the Fourth Miss, such an outpouring of words from their typically impassive master was an eye-opener for him.
Yun Jinnian’s party was still quite noticeable.
There were bandits interested in making a move along the way, but seeing their large numbers, they dared not act. Several trade caravans also followed behind them, ensuring a safe arrival in Hengzhou.
"Sister, Hengzhou is just ahead!", exclaimed Han Tianci excitedly.
Yun Jinnian hesitated, wondering whether to take Tianci to see Yun Bi.
Her mother and maternal grandfather had kept Tianci hidden, unknown to the Yun Family, but Tianci would eventually have to come before the public.
Yun Jinnian held Han Tianci’s hand tightly, "Tianci, are you ready?"
Han Tianci nodded, "Sister, I’m ready. No matter when, I will always be a member of the Han Family, your true brother, and nobody can change that!"
The road ahead was fraught with dangers, but he wasn’t afraid.
"As long as you are ready, Sister will stand behind you, silently supporting you!"
"I will protect Sister!"