Li Ruoyun, who used to live in the Prince Yun’s manor, had seen that woman a few times when she opened her own medical clinic.
She was clearly an ordinary young lady, yet she carried herself with such airs, as if she would only marry into the royal family. Who knew who would put up with such a personality after marrying her.
“I won’t see her.”
Yun Xiao waved her hand, dismissing the request. She was a vengeful person. Li Ruoyun had often made things difficult for her. Moreover, her brother had once sneaked into the Prince Yun’s manor in the middle of the night intending to harm her. Thinking of these people made her dislike them. If she were to see them, it would be to deal with them.
However, hearing the butler mention Li Ruoyun reminded Yun Xiao of her stepmother, the Princess Yun.
Now that she had experienced love, she had forgiven the Princess Yun’s selfishness from the bottom of her heart. A woman in love with a man was always selfish, and it was her mother’s fault anyway.
She heard that the Princess Yun had not returned to the Li family but had gone to a nunnery to cultivate. She had suffered enough. Her father should bring her back.
Yun Xiao turned and walked towards her brother’s courtyard.
Wanwan followed behind, raising her eyebrows in curiosity. “Miss, where are we going?”
“I’m going to see my brother.”
This matter should be brought up by her brother and father, and then her father should bring the Princess Yun back.
Unexpectedly, as they approached the courtyard gate, they encountered someone standing on the stone steps, lost in thought, seemingly undecided whether to leave or stay.
This person was Li Ruoyun, who had previously lived in the manor. The two of them were observing each other up close for the first time.
Li Ruoyun was not unattractive. Her eyes were like apricots, and her face was like the crescent moon. Today, she wore a pink, thin jacket embroidered with peonies, which made her appear charming and alluring. Her dark hair was styled into a meticulous bun, adorned with a golden hairpin featuring two phoenixes holding a longevity fruit.
On the other side, a bead veil was attached, exuding splendor. At this moment, surprise flickered in her apricot eyes as she gazed fixedly at Yun Xiao.
Although this woman was not of peerless beauty, she was very cute and charming. Especially today, she wore a fine crimson feather cloak, which made her appear even more radiant and alluring. Every movement exuded an attractive charm.
She heard that Yun Xiao was no longer foolish. Looking at her clear eyes and the faint smile on her lips, it seemed the rumors were true.
Li Ruoyun was puzzled as to how someone who had been foolish for over ten years could suddenly become sensible. However, at the moment, she behaved appropriately, stepping aside slightly with a fawning smile.
“Cousin, you’re here. I was just thinking of going in to see Cousin.”
In fact, she had come earlier, but Yun Zhen refused to see her, asking the guards to send the cousin away.
Seeing Yun Xiao approaching now, she couldn’t hide her embarrassment and spoke as if that were the case. Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow, too lazy to bother with this woman. They were on different paths.
She really had nothing to say to Li Ruoyun. If Li Ruoyun didn’t provoke her in the future, it would be fine. But if she did, she would not fare well.
With that thought, she walked up the stone steps and entered directly, without even giving an order to announce her arrival. The servant dared not stop her. However, upon seeing the cousin follow behind and enter, his expression changed, and he followed closely into the courtyard.
Yun Zhen was standing by a corner wall, setting up an easel, painting cold plums. Red plum blossoms dotted the scene, exuding a faint fragrance.
His attendants were serving him. Seeing a group of people approaching from afar, one of them couldn’t help but call out, “Young Master, Miss is coming.”
Yun Zhen did not respond. He calmly added the final brushstrokes and signed his name before putting down his brush. He turned his head and saw Yun Xiao standing by his easel, smiling, appraising the painting on the screen, and nodding in admiration from time to time.
“My brother’s cold plum painting is truly unique in its spirit and charm. The pride and fragrance of the plum blossoms are all captured on this paper. If you don’t mind, Xiao’er will compose a poem for you.”
“Alright.”
Upon hearing that Yun Xiao wanted to compose a poem, Yun Zhen’s interest was immediately piqued. He wiped the ink stains from his hands and gestured for Yun Xiao to begin.
Yun Xiao felt inspired and did not stand on ceremony. She picked up a brush, pondered for a moment, and then began to write.
Red plum blossoms dotting pure snow,
As if swallowing elixirs, true bones are transformed.
Stealing from the Jade Pool to change into new attire,
Drawing swarms of bees for their secluded fragrance.
As soon as she finished, she casually tossed the brush aside and laughed, exhibiting a touch of scholarly elegance. Yun Zhen savored it slowly and found it to be filled with flavor. This poem had more charm than his painting. He couldn’t help but laugh.
“It seems our Xiao’er deserves to be called a female scholar.”
As he spoke, everyone burst into laughter. The courtyard was filled with an uncontainable spring atmosphere. Spring was about to arrive.
Li Ruoyun, standing behind them, felt a pang of annoyance when no one paid any attention to her. No matter what, they couldn’t simply ignore her to this extent.
However, seeing that Yun Xiao was not only no longer foolish but also so talented, even her cousin praised her as a female scholar, she couldn’t help but feel jealous and indignant. She pouted and called out, “Cousin?”
Upon hearing this voice, Yun Zhen frowned. This cloying voice gave him a headache. He had originally asked the servant to send her away, but he hadn’t expected her to come in again. He had no choice but to turn and speak gently, “So, Ruoyun is here.”
“Cousin, Ruoyun has something important to discuss with you.”
After speaking, she paused and glanced sideways at Yun Xiao, as if not wanting Yun Xiao to hear. Unfortunately, the woman in question was not naturally discreet; instead, she was even more curious.
What serious matter could Li Ruoyun possibly have to say? She crossed her arms, looking calm and composed, her large, bright eyes fixed on Li Ruoyun with an expression that clearly conveyed, “If you have something to say, say it. If not, get lost.”
Li Ruoyun looked helpless and glanced at her cousin. Yun Zhen nodded. “Alright, let’s talk in the hall.”
With that, he turned and walked along the stone path towards the main hall of the courtyard, followed by a group of people.
Li Ruoyun glared at Yun Xiao and followed closely behind. Then, her sweet voice rang out again, “Cousin, how have you been lately? Ruoyun has been very worried about you?”
Unfortunately, this time Yun Zhen ignored her, quickening his pace. All the people in the group were martial artists, so they didn’t pay it much mind.
The eldest daughter Li ran so fast that her face turned pale. Some of the meticulously styled hair on her head had come loose, and the light powder on her face was also smudged. Finally, she reached the flower hall and sat down with a plop, not wanting to get up.
In the flower hall, Yun Zhen and Yun Xiao sat on one side, while Li Ruoyun sat opposite them. Seeing that Yun Zhen still doted on Yun Xiao as before, she felt resentful, her expression looking displeased.
However, she had a serious matter to attend to today. Her father had repeatedly instructed her that only her cousin could handle this matter; no one else likely could.
Li Ruoyun drank a couple of cups of tea, finally calming down, and turned to look at Yun Zhen.
“Cousin, do you know? Auntie is living alone in the nunnery to cultivate. Can’t you bring her back to the Yun family?”
Yun Zhen and Yun Xiao were stunned. They hadn’t expected Li Ruoyun to come for this reason, but they both knew what was going on.
The reason Li Ruoyun came here wasn't because she was particularly clever; it was likely an idea from Master Li.
Who didn’t know and who didn’t acknowledge that Prince Yun had regained power, controlling half of the empire’s military might, and was deeply favored by the Emperor? Those without connections were desperately seeking them out from forgotten corners.
Moreover, those who did have connections would not let this opportunity pass. However, the Li family also knew that if the Princess Yun did not return to the Yun family, their two families would not have any substantial connection.
Yun Zhen was naturally indifferent and never associated with the Li family. They couldn't shamelessly come over, but if the Princess Yun returned, it would be different. She would be a proper relative.