Yun Mo released Yun Xiao’s body and paced around Wanwan. Finally, he looked down at Wanwan from above and spoke in a serious and earnest tone.
"Wanwan, you are very devoted to your mistress. It was not in vain that you stayed by her side. I hope you will protect her forever."
With a plea filled with paternal weight, Wanwan was stunned. She had not expected that the noble Prince Yun would show such respect to her, a mere maidservant, for the sake of his beloved daughter. This moved her deeply, bringing tears to her eyes. She slowly knelt and replied respectfully.
"Your Highness, please rest assured, this servant will always take care of the mistress."
Looking up gently, she saw her mistress’s pretty eyes clouded with mist. A sweet smile played on her lips, and a tear slowly slid down. She could no longer hold back.
She desperately wanted to tell Yun Mo that she was no longer foolish, that she had recovered. Although his real daughter was dead, she would live well for her, accepting his love and giving her own.
"Father," Yun Xiao called out, her voice choked with emotion. She couldn’t utter another word, her chest feeling too full, unsure how to speak.
Prince Yun turned and saw his daughter shedding tears. He was greatly shaken. Xiao'er finally felt his fatherly love; she was actually crying.
This was wonderful. If Zhen'er were here, she would be even more comforted. But he did not want to face such a painful farewell, so he chose to avoid it.
Yun Mo reached out and helped Wanwan to her feet. He steadily took her hand and led her to Yun Xiao, placing their hands together.
"Wanwan, take good care of Xiao'er. If this prince returns one day, I will surely reward you handsomely."
"Your Highness, please rest assured."
Wanwan nodded vigorously. At this moment, she was filled with emotion. She had lost her father at a very young age. Feeling Prince Yun’s profound fatherly love now, her heart was equally warmed.
Just as Yun Xiao was about to speak, Yun Mo released her, and called out into the shadows, "Liu Xing."
"Yes, Master."
A response suddenly echoed, and a person emerged silently, like a phantom. Swift as a shooting star, he appeared in an instant.
Startled, Yun Xiao and Wanwan jumped and looked up at this sudden apparition.
Liu Xing, was he? He was handsome, with a good-looking face and clear features. He wore a black belted brocade robe with a black cloak. His breathing was almost inaudible, indicating his exceptional martial skills.
Yun Mo said in a deep voice, "Liu Xing, from now on, this is your mistress. Remember, do not let anyone harm her, not even a single hair. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master, Liu Xing remembers."
Yun Mo no longer looked at him. He turned to the stunned Yun Xiao and Wanwan, raising his eyebrows slightly.
"Liu Xing is a hidden guard trained by this prince. He will protect Xiao'er in my stead. His energy concealing technique is exceptionally skillful; ordinary people cannot sense him. If you encounter any trouble, you can call him. He will protect both of you."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Wanwan was surprised that the Prince had invested so much effort just to ensure her mistress’s safety. It showed how sincere his fatherly love was.
"Your Highness, please rest assured, this servant and Liu Xing will protect the mistress well and ensure no one harms her."
"Good. Then this prince entrusts Xiao'er to you."
His tone was solemn, filled with deep helplessness. With that, he waved his hand, "You may go now. This prince wishes to spend a moment with Xiao'er."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Wanwan acknowledged the order and withdrew, while Liu Xing leaped up and vanished silently.
Inside the hall, Yun Mo pulled Yun Xiao to sit beside him and affectionately stroked her hair.
"Xiao'er, this time your father is leaving the capital, and I don't know when I will return, or if I will return at all. But your father must win this battle. The Empress Dowager has promised me that if this battle is won, she will allow Xiao'er to leave the palace. Then, we can leave here together."
Yun Xiao remained silent, but her heart felt disdain for the Empress Dowager’s shamelessness.
If this battle was won, would she really let the Yun Wangfu go? She doubted it.
Even if she let them go, the Emperor might not. It was evident that no one in the imperial family was good; they were constantly scheming against the Yun family. Was it as if they owed them something?
Yun Mo paused for a moment before continuing.
"Xiao'er, your father has wronged you. I have always known your situation in the palace, and to avoid conflict with the imperial family, I endured it. But it has caused suffering for my Xiao'er, and it was all in vain. Xiao'er must hate your father terribly, mustn't she?"
Yun Xiao silently shook her head. She didn't blame him, not at all. Perhaps when that foolish Empress endured those things, his heart ached even more, but due to his desire for peace and harmony between the nation and the family, he endured all the pain.
Yet, the people in the imperial family pressed closer and schemed everywhere.
"Xiao'er, your mother is…?"
Yun Mo finally mentioned Yun Xiao’s mother. Yun Xiao immediately perked up her ears. A woman who could make her father love her so deeply and without regret must possess extraordinary charm. What kind of woman was she?
However, outside the hall door, Lin Li led the eunuchs in and respectfully announced.
"Your Highness, it is getting late. It is time to depart."
Yun Xiao was stunned. Was today the day for departure from the capital? Tears welled up in her eyes. She reached out and tightly gripped Yun Mo’s palm, that hand broad and warm, holding her firmly.
"Xiao'er, rest assured, your father will return."
With that, he released Yun Xiao and stood up to walk away. His tall, straight figure stood in Yun Xiao’s heart like a mountain, unshakeable.
Watching his figure slowly disappear, Yun Xiao lifted her skirt and ran out swiftly. At the hall door, Wanwan and Xiuxiu called out, "Your Highness."
Outside the hall door, everything was a vast expanse of white. A light breeze blew, scattering snowflakes all over. Under the upturned eaves hung sparkling ice flowers. Everything was so sacred.
But in this world, she suddenly felt an overwhelming sadness. She could no longer hold back and cried out.
"Father!"
Yun Mo’s hand, lifting the curtain, trembled slightly. He turned back in disbelief. Sunlight shone on his face, and his features were filled with a watery smile, his eyes full of comfort.
His Xiao'er, after more than ten years, finally acknowledged him as her father. All of this was worth it. Xiao'er, Father will come back to take you away. He lifted the curtain and got into the carriage. The carriage slowly moved away, leaving Jinhua Palace.
Yun Xiao gazed foolishly as the carriage drove further and further away until it finally disappeared.
Snowflakes landed on her face, a chilling sensation. She raised her head, preventing her tears from flowing further.
Shangguan Yao, let us have a go at each other next. The game of cat and mouse has truly begun. A smile curved her lips, so sweet and radiant, yet a little unsettling in its sweetness.