A sudden, seemingly random statement, yet the Hidden Guard complied and withdrew.
The Emperor leaned against the headrest of the bed and, after a moment, took a deep breath.
Lying down, he closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
Life in the Imperial Palace for Yun Jinnian was both busy and leisurely. During the day, she detoxified the Emperor, letting him endure pain for a while, followed by a medicinal bath, concluding his day’s suffering.
The afternoons were mostly free and easy; reading books, taking naps, and the day would pass.
Tomorrow would be the Chrysanthemum Festival. There would be chrysanthemum cakes to eat, chrysanthemum wine to drink, and chrysanthemums to admire. But with the Emperor in such a state this year, not even holding court, how could there be a palace banquet? Nevertheless, chrysanthemum wine and cakes were still distributed in the palace.
The Emperor had graciously allowed Yun Jinnian to leave the palace, requiring her to return before dark the following day.
Initially, Yun Jinnian planned to leave the palace on the ninth day of the ninth month to return to either the Yun Residence or the Han Family, but she learned that Mrs. Han had gone to Huguo Temple, and with no master in the Han house aside from the servants.
Her maternal grandfather had not returned from a trip, and Tianci had gone to Nanjiang.
With her mother at Huguo Temple and Yun Jinnian not wanting to go back to the Yun Residence, for a moment, she didn’t know where she could or should go.
"Have you decided where you want to go tomorrow, Fourth Miss?" Shaoyao asked.
Yun Jinnian pursed her lips, "Yes, I have decided!"
She would go and visit her second sister.
She wondered whether her second sister and brother-in-law would welcome her intrusion?
Accompanied by Hemei, Henuan, Ru Yue, and Shi Jiayu, Yun Jinnian left the palace, told the carriage driver the address, and boarded the carriage.
As soon as she got on the carriage, Yun Jinnian regretted it.
What about her wet nurse if she went to her second sister’s place?
If she went back, she could still take her wet nurse out to enjoy the outdoors and pick cornelian cherries.
"Let’s go back to the Yun Residence!"
Although perplexed, the carriage driver turned and drove back to the Yun Residence.
The Yun Residence was bustling at the moment, for the marriage between Yun Zhen and Princess Yanran had been settled. Even though Noble Consort Wang had been punished by the Empress Dowager with confinement for reflection, the Emperor had not imposed any punishment.
The Wang Family had agreed to the marriage also in the hope that Yun Chen would put in a few good words for Noble Consort Wang in front of the Emperor.
Today was the day for the two families to exchange marriage appointment letters.
Mrs. He was radiant with joy, enthusiastically inviting Lady Wang for drinks and making plans to go out with the children to enjoy the high views the next day.
This also conveniently allowed Princess Yanran and Yun Zhen to spend more time together.
Yun Muyou chatted with Princess Yanran, flattering her at every opportunity, while Yun Musi and Yun Mulan, though young, also demonstrated their understanding of the situation.
Xu Xinmo smiled and chatted with Princess Yanran, who glanced at Xu Xinmo with disdain.
When she married into the family, her first step would be to send Xu Xinmo back to the Xu Family.
"Miss Xu, tomorrow is the Chrysanthemum Festival. Aren’t you going back to pay your respects and seek peace from Madam Xu? If you don’t, isn’t that unfilial..." Princess Yanran said, covering her mouth with a giggle, as she teased Xu Xinmo mockingly.
In matters of cunning, Xu Xinmo was no match for Princess Yanran.
And in terms of status, Princess Yanran was a county princess.
Xu Xinmo, blushing with embarrassment, stood up with flushed face, "Who said I’m not going back? I—I’m going back right away!"
"Is that so? Then when I return, shall I give you a lift by the way?"
For a girl with relatives, staying for a long time at her maternal family’s home and causing so much trouble, she certainly had thick skin.
Xu Xinmo, now in a difficult position, couldn’t afford to offend Princess Yanran either, knowing that her aunt would not let it slide.
After some thought, she said, "Sure, why not!"
She didn’t believe that after returning, the Xu Family would turn her away!
She was young and ignorant before, but now she was grown up, sensible!
"Then, Miss Xu, please prepare yourself, as we will be leaving soon!" Princess Yanran smiled warmly.
Yun Muyou secretly snickered to herself.
If Xu Xinmo returned to the Xu Family, it was unlikely she’d have a peaceful time. The third wife of the Xu Family was nine months pregnant and close to giving birth...