On the battlefield, he was willing to fight for Da Wei, to die in battle, but he did not want his sister to enter the palace.
After his return to the capital, he heard about Empress Wang. He remembered meeting Empress Wang once as a child when he accompanied his mother to Qianshan Temple. She was an extremely gentle woman, and he still remembered the look in her eyes as she looked at him, so soft, just like his mother’s gaze.
If she hadn't entered the palace, her life shouldn't have ended in such a tragic death.
He did not want his sister to enter the palace for the sake of the Yu family's future, nor did he want her to be a caged songbird. He wanted his sister to live freely and happily, find a loving husband, and live a peaceful life.
Yu Mingyue noticed her brother's actions and pretended to be unaware, hiding behind her brother and enjoying his protection with a look of contentment.
Xiao Che didn't think much of it and also raised his cup, showing a rare smile.
This time, Yu Mingjing was also the object of everyone's flattery. Today, his status was no longer that of an obscure heir by favor, but an infinitely promising general.
Although Yu Mingjing was young, he knew that flattery should be taken with a grain of salt and handled it with ease.
Xie Jia'an's official position was not high, but due to the Emperor's favor, he was also present at today's palace banquet.
His seat was not too conspicuous, but not at the very end either. He tried his best to minimize his presence.
Today's grand feast belonged to the Seventh Prince. He only needed to be a quiet spectator.
Looking towards Yu Mingyue's seat, he saw the siblings talking with their heads bowed. Yu Mingjing said something that made her lips curve upwards in a beautiful arc.
Since her father and brother went to war, she hadn't smiled like this in a long time.
Since Yu Mingjing's return to the capital, she hadn't come to find him either. Xie Jia'an thought of this with a hint of bitterness and unconsciously raised the wine cup in front of him.
Luo Lingyi was also quiet. Although the Emperor had not canceled the arranged marriage due to the Luo family's rebellion, he had instead ordered the palace to prepare for their wedding.
But the more this was the case, the more uneasy she felt.
The position of future Crown Princess was too conspicuous, and she was now the target.
This was her first public appearance since returning from Qianshan Temple. The flattering tones and sympathetic glances made her very uncomfortable.
However, she didn't need to care too much.
She was not just a daughter of the Luo family, but also a descendant of the Eldest Princess. She could not disgrace her mother, nor could she fall. Her A'yuan needed her protection.
"Elder Sister, these people are so annoying," Luo Lingyuan finally lost her patience.
The way these people looked at her elder sister was like looking at a discarded wife. Even if her father rebelled, the Emperor still favored her elder sister as the Seventh Prince's consort, so their wishes were in vain.
Luo Lingyi patted her sister's hand, "You, ever since you came to the capital, which young lady haven't you disliked?"
"Mingyue sister is very good. Elder Sister, I can tell who genuinely cares for us sisters."
Luo Lingyi nodded and lowered her voice, "You know that. Be cautious with your words and actions in the palace."
Luo Lingyuan pouted and nodded. She only had her elder sister left as family, so she naturally listened to her.
"Yes, I'll listen to you, Elder Sister."
Without their mother, without their father, only the two sisters were left to rely on each other.
"Good girl!" Luo Lingyi comforted her with a smile.
When she looked up again, her gaze met Yu Mingyue's. The two shared a tacit smile and then found an opportunity to change their clothes.
The pavilion was very quiet. Their maids stood guard around them, and no one approached, so there was no need to worry about eavesdropping.
"Sister's complexion looks much better," Yu Mingyue felt relieved.
During the period after the Eldest Princess's death, Lingyi sister's condition was truly poor. Later, she voluntarily went to Qianshan Temple to observe mourning for the Eldest Princess. The temple was austere, and she was worried that her body wouldn't be able to endure it.
"Indeed, the palace sends nourishing food every day, and I've gained quite a bit of weight." How could she refuse the things sent by the palace? Not eating them would be a great disrespect.