Liuyun and Yuyao looked at each other and smiled, then they walked into the house together.
The interior was elegantly and meticulously decorated, sunlight streaming through the carved windows illuminating the ground with patterns of light and shadow.
"Madam, you must have been tired on the journey. If there is anything you are not satisfied with in this mansion, please do let me know, and I will have someone adjust it for you."
Liuyun turned his head to look at Yuyao, with a smile on his lips.
Her eyes scanned the interior of the mansion, satisfaction glinting in them, and she smiled, "This mansion is perfect, I love it very much. You've spared no effort."
"What are you saying, madam? If it weren't for you, how could I have the chance to return to the capital?"
Liuyun laughed and sat down inside the house, her gaze directed towards her, and sincerely said, "I am truly grateful for your help."
She was indeed very grateful to the lady.
No one knows that Liuyun is a discarded wife; her husband has taken another woman outside the marriage, brought her home, and not only refused to acknowledge her but also demoted her to be a concubine. The mother-in-law also looked down on her as an eggless hen and constantly bullied and harassed her, even stirring up trouble.
Unable to endure such treatment, Liuyun submitted her resignation and completely relinquished the position of the primary wife to that woman.
Then, with a resolute heart, she left the capital and returned to her hometown in Lotus County. She had hoped to start anew but who would have thought she would meet the lady and get the chance to return to the capital.
Liuyun feels especially delighted every time she thinks about the shocked expressions of her ex-husband's family.
Particularly her ex-mother-in-law and the woman who had taken her place, seeing her preparing to open a shop, thought it was hers and became jealous, their eyes turned red with envy.
She was spreading bad rumors about her, saying that she had gotten together with a wild man, how could she possibly have the money to open a shop?
Just thinking about those two people makes Liuyun feel aggrieved.
Yuyao, who didn't know about Liuyun's past, had never asked and only smiled when she heard her words.
Then, sitting opposite her, they began to chat idly.
Aunt Zhou promptly brought over the tea, placing it in front of the two women before smiling and leaving.
Liuyun drank the tea naturally with a cup, then set it down lightly and naturally asked, "Lady, this time you came to the capital, are you planning to stay here for a long time?"
"Hmm, I came to see the capital by chance."
As for this question, she was actually a little confused in her heart, not knowing what might happen in the future in the capital.
If I'm happy living here, I'll stay. If I'm not, I'll go back to Lotus County, whatever works for me.
Liuyun smiled slightly and changed the topic, "Madam, I've booked a private room at the Dreamy Wine Pavilion. I'm planning to welcome you with a feast. As you're new to the capital, it would be nice for you to taste the delicious food of the capital. The taste of Dreamy Wine Pavilion is most authentic."
Yuyao smiled and agreed without hesitation, "That would be fine. Just arrange it as you see fit. The expenses will be recorded in the public account."
Liuyun laughed upon hearing this and was about to open her mouth to say something.
Zhou Bo suddenly came in with a look of panic, his voice urgent, "Madam, something has happened outside. Two guards have arrived; one claims to be from the Wei Kingdom and the other from the East Palace. Both claim to have come to fetch you, and for some reason they've started a fight."
Her fair eyebrows furrowed slightly, and a trace of helplessness surged through her heart.
She sighed softly and stood up, addressing Liuyun, "You sit here for a bit. I'll go out and see what's going on."
Liuyun was slightly stunned and then furrowed her brow.
The Eastern Palace prince and the King of Wei's men?
When did the lady meet the prince and the King of Wei? They just appeared in the capital, and both sides have sent people to fetch her.
Curiosity piqued, she followed to see what was happening.
Aunt Zhou followed behind as well.
As they arrived at the courtyard, they saw two guards fighting each other, their fists and feet locked in a struggle, and the sound of clashing weapons could be heard everywhere.
Clearly, both sides had already thrown in their lot.
Yuyao's face grew stern, and she shouted, "Stop it!"
Although the voice wasn't loud, it was clear and powerful.
Instantly, the two fighting men stopped their movements, looked at each other awkwardly, and their expressions grew uncomfortable.
She frowned as she walked forward, gazing at the two unexpected guests, and said with a sigh, "Gentlemen, what is this all about? Why are you fighting outside my mansion?"
The guard from the Wei Palace saw her and answered promptly, "Madam, I have been sent by the King of Wei to fetch you. However, this guard from the Eastern Palace keeps obstructing us and speaking rudely. I couldn't help but become angry and resort to force."
The guard from the Eastern Palace, not to be outdone, defended himself, "Madam, I have also been sent by the prince to fetch you. This guard from the Wei Palace is acting up and wants to rush ahead of me. How can I just sit back and watch?"
His eyes were full of anger.
Upon hearing this, Yuyao's heart filled with more helplessness.
Come and get her. They just happen to run into each other and start fighting. What is this all about?
Now, Xuanji will definitely know about her and Du Guo Ye's affair, and she doesn't know what he might be thinking.
She rubbed her forehead in frustration, no matter where she went, the other would be angry and heartbroken.
She paused for a moment, then said, "I appreciate your kindness, but I've been on a long journey and just arrived in the capital. I'm really tired and have no desire to go anywhere today. Please go back and report to your respective masters."
After saying that, without waiting to see the expressions of the two guards, she turned around and entered the mansion.
Liuyun's beautiful eyes flicked around the two guards, her expression filled with an air of contemplation.
However, she was tactful and did not pry further. She turned around and followed her inside.
Aunt Zhou followed closely behind.
Two guards were left outside, looking at each other in confusion, not knowing what to do for a moment.
Then, each of them glared at the other, and they left one by one, going back to report.
The night was as dark as ink. In the Eastern Palace, the study, the candlelight flickered, creating a quiet and tranquil atmosphere.
Du Guo Ye leaned back in the chair of the study, his legs crossed, one hand supporting his head, his eyes fixed on a certain point, his expression vacant as if lost in thought, not knowing what he was pondering about.
At that moment, a black-clad guard hurried in, knelt on one knee, and respectfully reported, "Your Highness, we have found Lady Yu's residence. It is at 28 in the Wuyi Alley, purchased on behalf of a woman named Liuyun."
Du Guo Ye snapped back to his senses immediately, his gaze directed towards the guard, a sly and malevolent smile curling up the corners of his mouth, "Who is Liuyun? She seems to have a deep connection with her."
He was extremely interested in everything related to Yuyao, so he couldn't help but ask.
"Liuyun was once the wife of the Zhou family. Her husband demoted her to a concubine, and as she was unable to bear children, she endured much bullying and harassment. She resigned from her position as a wife, left the capital for Lotus County, and met Lady Yu, becoming the manager of Lady Yu's shop."
The guard hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Thanks to the good business of the shop, Lady Yu has allowed Liuyun to come to the capital to open a branch. That is why Lady Yu is here today."
Du Guo Ye nodded slightly, understanding in his heart.
As he thought, Yuyao wouldn't have come to the capital suddenly for no reason; it turned out to be like this.
As long as it's not for Xuanji, any reason will do.
Du Guo Ye's mood improved significantly, "Isn't it that I asked you to find and bring her back to the Eastern Palace once you locate her? Where is she?"
The guard's expression momentarily stiffened, his look expressing that he wanted to say something but held back.
Du Guo Ye saw this and his face turned stern, "What's going on? Speak the truth."
The guard dare not conceal the truth, so he told the truth about encountering a situation where the King of Wei was also requesting people at the same time when he went to Lady Yu's residence.
"Lady Yu came out to stop us. After hearing our purpose, she said she was tired from the journey and needed rest, and she didn't want to go anywhere."
The guard repeated with respect, "Lady Yu has agreed to our request."
Du Guo Ye heard this, a playful smile curling up the corners of his mouth, but the smile didn't reach his eyes; instead, it was filled with a coldness. "Oh? Did people from the Wei Palace also go? Or is it because of Shidi, my adopted brother, who is really paying attention to my Yuyao."
With that, he waved his hand to dismiss the guard.
He walked to the window, gazing at the flickering lights outside, and murmured softly, "Yuyao, since you're not coming, I'll have to find you myself."
Afterward, he changed into casual clothes and quickly left the Eastern Palace, heading straight to the residence in Wuyi Alley.
Xuanji was also heading towards Wuyi Alley.
After hearing that the Eastern Palace was also looking for someone, he confirmed that the "Night Uncle" mentioned by An An and Yuyou was indeed the prince.
And the widow that Du Guo Ye would rather give up the throne to marry is Yuyao.
When he heard this truth, he said that he wasn't pretending to be indifferent. He struggled and hesitated at first. Even once he thought about accommodating both of them.
But as soon as he thought about actually cutting off ties with Yuyao and letting her marry Du Guo Ye, wouldn't An An and Yuyou call Du Guo Ye their father?
At the thought of his children calling someone else their father, Xuanji could not bear it.
All his coldness and self-control were thrown to the wind.
It's impossible to give up. The only way is to step over his body.
The two of them went to Wuyi Alley together without realizing it.
