Li Ruoyun had no sooner conceived the thought than she spoke, "Aunt, Ruoyun misses home and wishes to return to the Li manor for recuperation. If Aunt misses me, you may send someone to fetch me."
Upon hearing her niece's words, the Princess of Yun felt immense heartache. Furthermore, considering her current appearance, if she were to return to the Li manor, how would her aunt and uncle regard her as an aunt? She immediately wished to dissuade Li Ruoyun.
"Yun'er, after your injuries have healed, Aunt will send someone to escort you back."
However, Li Ruoyun could not listen. She was terrified of Yun Xiao. Staying here, upon seeing Yun Xiao, she would inevitably be reminded of the beating.
"Aunt, Ruoyun wishes to return to the manor for recuperation. If Aunt misses Yun'er, please send someone to fetch me."
After speaking, Li Ruoyun, disregarding the pale-faced Princess of Yun, rushed out of the main hall, leading her maid Xiao Qi, and departed from the Prince of Yun's manor.
The Princess of Yun quickly rose, intending to stop Li Ruoyun, but then Yun Mo spoke from the flower hall, "Forget it, let her go. She deserves to learn a good lesson."
At the entrance of the flower hall, after hearing her husband's words, the Princess of Yun abruptly turned around. Her face was as pale as paper, her lips trembled, and her eyes were misty with tears.
"Your Highness, such a heart of hatred."
With that, she turned and fled from the main hall, a tearing pain in her heart. Was loving a man who did not love her destined to be a lifetime tragedy? Did he not know how lonely she was?
Zhen'er and he were both busy with their own affairs, and she felt their lack of attention, growing ever more solitary. But at least Li Ruoyun accompanied her and alleviated her boredom. Now that Li Ruoyun was also gone, she had nothing.
Yun Mo raised an eyebrow, gazing at the doorway. To be honest, Li Jinglan was a good woman. She came from a reputable background, possessed elegant demeanor and appearance, and handled affairs with great propriety.
Yet, he simply could not fall in love with such a woman. The one he loved was Ji Yu, Yun Xiao's mother. He doubted he would ever be able to accept another woman in this lifetime.
As Yun Mo pondered, a small, tender hand tugged at his arm. He looked up to see Xiao'er, her large, clear eyes blinking up and down, exuding an immense cuteness.
Looking at this daughter who so resembled the woman he loved, Yun Mo's mood inexplicably improved.
"Xiao'er."
In the main hall, father and daughter chatted happily for a while.
It was, in fact, Prince Yun who spoke the most, with Yun Xiao listening, appearing exceptionally quiet, beautiful, and delicate, like a well-behaved kitten, evoking affection.
Finally, Prince Yun, with a contented expression, instructed a servant to escort his daughter back to Yuxuan.
In the room at Yuxuan.
Yun Xiao lay on the couch, closing her eyes to rest. She was indeed a bit tired today. Dealing with Li Ruoyun had taken some effort. Her current body was somewhat weak, and any slight exertion left her feeling strained. It seemed she would need to practice more in the future.
Yun Xiao mused inwardly, a cold smile curving her lips. Whoever dares to provoke me, come at me. It’s a good opportunity for me to practice my skills.
Just as she was lost in thought, a soft little hand touched her face, and a low voice murmured.
"Miss, I never thought you could fight! Qiao'er is so happy! Qiao'er can finally rest easy. You have no idea how worried I was after Miss entered the palace, fearing you would be bullied. I never expected you to be so formidable now."
Yun Xiao remained still, but her heart was touched. Qiao'er truly cared for that simpleton. If she knew that the real young lady was dead, she would likely be heartbroken.
However, it was fortunate that she could substitute for that simpleton and live on, preventing those in the Prince of Yun's manor who cared for her from being saddened.
As Qiao'er finished speaking, another voice chimed in, "Qiao'er, the mistress is resting. Don't disturb her and make her unhappy, or none of us will have a good time."
"Mm," Qiao'er responded, stood up, and walked out of the bedroom. The room suddenly became quiet. The last rays of the setting sun cast a soft glow upon the sheer silk curtains, bathing the room in gentle radiance.
The woman who had been lying peacefully on the couch suddenly opened her eyes. Her dark pupils shimmered with a captivating light, fathomless and deep. A sweet smile curved her cherry-like lips, revealing charming dimples, making her even more alluring.
"Xiuxiu."
Xiuxiu approached and respectfully asked, "Yes, Mistress, what are your orders?"
Yun Xiao remained silent, tapping the couch with one hand. The smile on her face did not change, but the depth in her pupils grew darker. She slowly spoke:
"Have Xiao Yuan and Xiao Zhao go and gather some information for me. First, what is the background of Li Ruoyun's family? Second, I wish to craft a soft weapon; where can I get one made?"
As soon as Yun Xiao finished speaking, Xiuxiu quickly accepted the command, "Your servant understands. Your servant will attend to it immediately."
"Mm," Yun Xiao waved her hand, lying back down on the couch and closing her eyes, but her mind was ceaselessly pondering.
The current situation, though appearing calm on the surface, was in fact filled with hidden currents and undercurrents. Whether for the Prince of Yun's manor or for herself, she had to take some advantageous measures.
She, Yun Xiao, was not a woman of no worth.
In her previous life, she was a medical prodigy, possessing a unique talent for medicine. She not only knew how to perform surgery but also had extensive knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, especially concerning herbs and plants, which she had mastered.
With these skills alone, it was difficult for ordinary people to harm her. She could harm others, but no one could harm her.
Even if the martial arts in this era had reached unfathomable heights, if she did not wish to be taken advantage of, no one could succeed.
Moreover, she possessed more than just medical skills. Her taekwondo was also formidable. Most importantly, she had a unique skill that she had always been proud of, yet kept hidden.
Since childhood, she had enjoyed playing with surgical knives. Gradually, over accumulation, she had developed a rare and exceptional skill. The surgical knife, in her hands, seemed to possess a life of its own, becoming her unique weapon. It was as fast as lightning, capable of saving lives or taking them in the blink of an eye.
What she needed to do now was to quickly prepare defensive medicines and some essential antidotes. Secondly, to craft a delicate surgical knife, which could not only save lives but also protect herself.
As Yun Xiao thought, she gradually drifted off to sleep...
Within the Quiet Contemplation Courtyard of the Prince of Yun's manor.
At this moment, sounds of argument could be heard, emanating from the Princess's chambers. Along the corridor, all the servants held their breath, cautiously keeping their distance.
Regarding the affairs of the masters, it was better for them, the servants, to know as little as possible.
In the Princess of Yun's chambers, a tall and upright figure stood by the screen, silent. His handsome face was serene, his almond-shaped eyes exuding a clear, spring-like luster. A faint smile played on his lips, and he gazed motionlessly at the Princess of Yun, who was currently throwing a tantrum in the room.
"Mother, why must you? Xiao'er is merely a simpleton. It has been so many years, why can you not let go?"
Yun Zhen's magnetic voice sounded. He truly did not understand his own mother, why she continued to cling to Xiao'er. Xiao'er’s mind was not good to begin with, and she was already a pitiable person. Why did she insist on holding onto her so tightly? Women, indeed, held grudges.