In the storybooks, she was the one punished, the one confined, and her father's disappointment in her grew, worsening their father-daughter relationship.
Did that mean she could change the events in the storybooks if she planned carefully?
However, the most pressing matter right now was to tell her father about today's events before the old madam complained to him.
Yes, that's it, no time like the present.
But at this hour, father was usually at the yamen.
Yu Mingyue's eyes darted around, and she suddenly thought of a brilliant idea.
"Mammy, for lunch, I want to eat phoenix tail shark's fin, eight-treasure wild duck, kung pao wild rabbit, and snow-moon mutton..." Yu Mingyue listed a string of dishes.
Granny Rong grew suspicious. "Why has the young lady's taste changed today?"
Yu Mingyue's palate was similar to her mother's, favoring sweetness, while these dishes were all savory, spicy, and rich in meat.
"Nothing can be hidden from you, Mammy!" Yu Mingyue tiptoed and whispered a few words into Granny Rong's ear.
Granny Rong was taken aback, then burst into laughter. "The young lady is filial. Madam and the Duke have not doted on you in vain."
"The cook in Mother's courtyard knows Father's taste best, but Mother is too shy to say it. Mammy has the most influence and is best friends with Mammy Qin. It will require Mammy to make a trip," Yu Mingyue said sweetly.
"Young lady, rest assured, this old servant will ensure you get your wish." Granny Rong left with a beaming smile.
"Chidan, go tell the gatekeeper to prepare the carriage. I need to go out at noon."
"Yes!"
It was still snowing outside, and it was bitterly cold. The brazier had already heated the carriage.
Yu Mingyue went out low-key today, with only one carriage accompanying her, and only Chidan and Chihua by her side.
As long as she didn't leave the capital, the Duke's mansion's name was still very useful, and no one would dare to bully her.
Soon, they arrived at the Ministry of Justice yamen.
It was Yu Mingyue's first time here. She called Chidan down to announce their identity.
The yamen runner at the gate, upon learning it was a lady from the Duke's mansion, quickly went inside to report. Another led Yu Mingyue and her entourage further in.
When Yu Zeyan heard that a lady from the mansion had arrived, he instinctively thought it was Cui Shi and hurried out, not even having time to properly put on his hat.
"Father,"
"Yue'er," Though it wasn't his wife, he was also pleasantly surprised.
"Why did you come out in such cold weather?"
"I brought lunch for Father."
Only then did Yu Zeyan notice the two maids carrying food boxes behind her.
Yu Mingyue divided the dishes she brought among her father's colleagues. Since she had made plenty, this would also help foster better relations between her father and his colleagues.
"These dishes..." Yu Zeyan recognized that they were made by the cook from Qingfeng Courtyard.
"Father recognizes them?" Yu Mingyue's eyes curved into crescent moons when she smiled, looking particularly adorable.
"Did your mother order this?" Yu Zeyan's usually stern face was filled with unconcealed smiles.
"Otherwise, in the entire Duke's mansion, who cares about Father more than Mother? Eat more, Father. The cook in Mother's courtyard was busy all morning preparing these dishes!" Yu Mingyue seized the opportunity to speak for Cui Shi.
After all, her proud mother would never back down.
If either her father or mother had been willing to soften their stance, it wouldn't have ended in separation.
Alas, she was destined to worry.
Yu Zeyan lowered his gaze and looked at his daughter. There was a bit of exaggeration in her words.
After more than a decade of marriage, he knew Cui Shi's temper well.
"Father, Mother is just a bit proud. She truly cares for you. Think about it, who prepares all your clothes, shoes, and socks? Who attends to all your needs?" "If Mother hadn't managed the inner courtyard and kept everything in order, could Father have served the court with peace of mind? Seeing Father's suspicious look just now, Yue'er feels it's unfair to Mother."