Did Miss become a nun today?

Pei Changyu had just been transferred to the Ministry of Personnel and was very busy with official duties, so he hadn't had time to return home these past few days.

Xie Yun Chu's tense nerves relaxed.

Songheyuan is a beautiful, quiet, and peaceful place, undisturbed by others, making it an ideal spot for meditation and spiritual practice.

Unfortunately, this is Pei Changfeng's courtyard, so it can't be this peaceful every day.

Lan Yue came in from outside and whispered, "I just heard the steward in the courtyard say that a distinguished guest is coming to the Marquis's mansion today. Everyone in the mansion must be on alert and not offend the important person."

Xie Yun Chu didn't care much, so she didn't need to entertain her.

Sitting on the veranda, looking at the lake, accompanied by birdsong and the sound of flowing water, it was very pleasant.

Not far away, Zhao Yu turned in from outside and saw the woman under the eaves. She wore simple clothes and had no makeup in her hair. Her eyes and brows showed a kind of indifference to the world, like a fairy maiden who had ascended to Buddhahood.

He stood there staring for a long time, then stopped moving.

The young eunuch beside him followed his gaze and smiled, "That must be Miss Pei, the cousin of the Pei family. Is Your Highness interested in her?"

"If you are interested, I will have Young Master Pei bring the person to see you in a moment."

Zhao Yu was somewhat dazed, and his steps uncontrollably led him toward Xie Yun Chu.

Xie Yun Chu looked up when she heard the noise and saw a strange man, who looked to be in his thirties, wearing a brocade robe with gold trim and a purple-gold jade crown. He was clearly not an ordinary person.

She quickly got up and bowed. Zhao Yu stared at her face in a daze until the little eunuch coughed lightly, bringing him back to his senses.

He smiled slightly, "The young lady looks like an old friend of mine. My apologies."

Xie Yunchu nodded, "It's alright."

Zhao Yu still found it unbelievable. The face was too similar, so very similar. If it weren't for the age discrepancy, he would have thought that person had returned.

This person looks so much like him, and he has lived in the Pei family for ten years, yet he has never seen him before.

This Pei Changyu is quite good at hiding his true intentions.

Zhao Yu smiled kindly. "What's your name?"

"My daughter's surname is Xie, and her given name is Yun Chu."

"Xie? Your father's surname is Xie?" He murmured a few times. Were there any people with the surname Xie in the capital back then?

I racked my brains but couldn't remember anyone with the surname Xie.

Xie Yun Chu was also observing the person in front of her. Although she didn't have much discernment, the temperament she had cultivated over the years was still different, and this person was clearly of extraordinary status.

This is the first time in all these years that someone has asked about her father. Unfortunately, she doesn't know who her father is. When her mother gave her this name, she used her maternal grandmother's surname, but this cannot be said to outsiders.

"Yes, my father's surname is Xie."

"Then your mother..."

Before he could finish speaking, Pei Changyu walked in. "Your Highness the Crown Prince."

As the person approached, the surprise in Zhao Yu's eyes had not yet faded.

"Changyu is here." He chuckled softly, his tone amiable.

"Your courtyard is well hidden; I searched all around before finally finding it, and I unexpectedly ran into your cousin."

Pei Changyu had already approached and bowed to Zhao Yu, saying, "I was unaware of Your Highness's arrival and failed to greet you properly; this is my fault."

Zhao Yu pursed his lips. They had to come when he wasn't around, otherwise how could they meet this young lady?

This trip was definitely worthwhile; I met an interesting person.

Zhao Yu didn't ask any more questions and followed Pei Changyu to the study.

She thought it was just a coincidence, but two days later, someone from the Eastern Palace came to give her a reward, and the Crown Princess even summoned her to the palace.

*

Inside the palace.

As soon as the court session ended today, Prince Su took Pei Changyu to the East Palace for tea.

"The Crown Prince acquired some fine tea a few days ago; we mustn't miss it today," said Prince Su.

Pei Changyu said respectfully, "Then I will be honored by Your Highness's favor today."

Prince Su, Zhao Zhang, sat down in the pavilion and, as if familiar with the place, beckoned to the palace servants of the Eastern Palace, "Quickly bring up the tea that His Highness the Crown Prince has just received."

While waiting for the tea, Zhao Zhang looked at Pei Changyu, the younger generation, and said, "I've heard that you locked your little cousin in your own courtyard and won't let her leave."

Pei Changyu remained expressionless and refused to say more.

Zhao Zhang patted him on the shoulder, quite admiringly, "That's right, if you like something, you should go for it, even if it means using force, it's better than letting someone else take it away."

"If you ask me, you should make it a done deal as soon as possible. Even if you have to tie them down, you have to keep them by your side. If they're yours, their heart will be yours sooner or later."

Pei Changyu finally looked up at the Prince of Su, not surprised that he would say such a thing.

This Prince Su seems easy to talk to, but he's actually quite cunning. In the end, they're all the same kind of people.

"Your Highness is right, I have noted it down."

Meanwhile, Xie Yun Chu entered the East Palace, not looking around or asking any questions, but quietly following them into the hall.

The Crown Princess sat upright in the main seat. Seeing that she was about to curtsy, she said gently, "It's alright. We're meeting in private, so there's no need for formalities."

She sat down slowly, noticing that the Crown Princess was observing her, but she did not panic.

That day at the Marquis's residence, His Highness the Crown Prince also looked at her in the same way.

The Crown Princess was momentarily captivated. "Your Highness is right," she thought, "it's just like him, it really is."

But then I felt they were too far away, and I wished I could call them over to take a closer look.

In the end, he held back.

"Miss Xie has been in the capital for over ten years, yet I have never met her before. Today, we met, and it felt like we had known each other for a long time."

Xie Yun Chu smiled and nodded, "It is my good fortune to be able to hit it off with the Crown Princess at first sight."

"You child, why are you so polite at such a young age?" The Crown Princess laughed, looking like a very kind and approachable older sister.

I was a little nervous at first, but I gradually relaxed.

It shouldn't be a bad thing. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess both felt that she looked familiar, so they must know her mother.

But I didn't dare ask directly, what if it was another enemy?

"I haven't asked yet, is your mother's surname Shen?"

That's confirmed; this is genuine understanding.

"The girl's mother's surname is Jiang, not Shen."

My mother had told me before that if anyone asked, I should say my surname was Jiang to avoid trouble.

Upon hearing this, the Crown Princess was somewhat disappointed, but upon seeing Xie Yun Chu's face, she felt that it didn't matter what surname she was.

Given that person's temperament, it wouldn't be strange for him to change his surname.

She had been sitting in the hall for less than an hour when the Crown Princess sent someone to escort her out. As she passed through the backyard, Prince Su saw her from afar.

Unfortunately, I only saw a back view and didn't see the face.

"Your darling cousin is out, so I won't keep you any longer. Go back now."

He then whispered a reminder, "Women are most afraid of you clinging to them; they'll always soften their hearts."

He didn't say the rest, after all, they were elders, and it wasn't appropriate to say too much.

Pei Changyu seemed to understand something, "Yes, Your Majesty, I have learned your lesson."