Yu Mingjing was seventeen years old, dressed in a silver brocade robe with a matching cloak, exuding an aura of cool detachment.
Not yet of age for his hair to be bound, it was simply tied back with a ribbon.
Unlike Yu Mingyue's almond-shaped eyes, Yu Mingjing's were slender and long, giving him an air of haughty superiority even when standing still.
In the entire Duke's mansion, only Yu Mingyue dared to throw herself into his arms so uninhibitedly.
Yu Mingjing curved the corners of his lips and stroked his sister's hair, "Running so hastily, have you caused trouble again?"
Yu Mingyue was the pampered darling of the Duke's mansion, and it was normal for her to cause minor trouble. Her father was busy with court affairs, and her mother paid no mind to such trivial matters, so Yu Mingyue usually sought her brother's help, occasionally shedding a few tears and complaining that the cousin had gotten her punished again.
"Father left the city overnight, do you know, brother?" Yu Mingyue remembered the important matter.
Yu Mingjing's eyebrows slightly raised. How did this little dumpling even know their father had left the city?
"Who told you Father left the city?"
"Gatekeeper Da Liu said Father left overnight, and he even took Uncle Zhan and Uncle Fei with him. He hasn't returned all night, so I guessed he must have gone out of the city," Yu Mingyue shifted the blame to Da Liu.
This Da Liu had been bribed by Su Wanqing and had done many things for her. Yu Mingyue had only remembered him today upon seeing him, and it was a perfect opportunity to get him in trouble and have her brother deal with him.
Yu Mingjing nodded, "You are quite clever. Something happened at the yamen, and Father needs to go take care of it."
Yu Mingyue clutched his robe, "Brother, will Father be in danger?"
"Don't worry, Father is skilled in martial arts and has guards with him, so he'll be fine. You be good, I need to go out for a bit!" Yu Mingjing believed in his father's capabilities.
Leaving overnight must mean he had received definitive news.
Yu Mingyue, however, refused to let go, "I dreamed last night that Father had an accident. Brother, I'm so worried about Father."
Yu Mingyue's eyes immediately misted over.
Yu Mingjing's heart stirred slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. He bent down and tapped Yu Mingyue's nose, "You're just overthinking things."
However, seeing his sister's worry, Yu Mingjing still called for Si Yan, "Go see if Mr. Gongsun is here. Tell him I have something to consult him about."
Si Yan took the order and left quickly.
Mr. Gongsun was their father's advisor. He was immensely talented and very loyal. For her brother to seek him out, it must be to discuss their father's affairs.
"I will find a way to send people to support Father. It's cold outside, go back inside quickly."
Yu Mingyue nodded solemnly. Her brother was truly outstanding.
Currently, only their father was in court from the Yu family. His second and third uncles held idle positions. Their fourth uncle had been posted outside for many years and was still only a sixth-rank Tongpan.
The Emperor's intention was clear: only one person from the Yu family could serve in the imperial court.
The old madam was short-sighted and couldn't see these advantages and disadvantages.
Unable to see her beloved youngest son, she had often scolded her father for not taking care of his younger brother.
In the storybooks, Su Wanqing, to please the old madam, had the Seventh Prince recall the fourth uncle to the capital and secure him a significant official post. The Yu family then reached its peak, like a raging fire.
Because of the fourth uncle's matter, the old madam favored Su Wanqing even more. After the fourth branch returned to the capital, Su Wanqing gained further support, completely suppressing her, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis's mansion.
And her brother, because of the fourth uncle's entry into court, did not want the Duke's mansion to be too prominent, so he had to postpone his official career. The Duke's heir, despite his literary and military talents, had no hope for a career, which could be imagined as a source of great frustration.
Yu Mingjing left the main hall, walking outwards while instructing Si Yu, "Go investigate which guards were on duty at the outer gate last night. Give them all twenty heavy board punishments and tell them what they should and shouldn't say. As for that Da Liu, exile him to the estate."
The Duke's whereabouts had been exposed so easily. Fortunately, it was Yue'er, but if it had been known to someone with ulterior motives, wouldn't it have ruined great matters?
"Yes!" Si Yu dared not delay and hurried off.