"Father..." Yu Xiaoyu quickly rose to greet Yu Zhendong upon seeing him.
Yu Zhendong looked at his beautiful and elegant daughter with a sigh. It was said that Lin Shishu was the foremost beauty in Jiangnan, possessing outstanding talent as well. Yet, no one knew that his own daughter was even more exceptional.
Her appearance had improved further, but it was only because he was not the Prefect of Jiangnan, unable to find a better match for his daughter. Li Yiniang was not from the Min family and lacked her sister's support.
Although his only sister was the Prefect's wife, she was devoted to Buddhism and incense, completely detached from worldly affairs. Even if she were to intervene, Yu Xiaoyu was merely his concubine's daughter. Would the Min family consent to her involvement?
Otherwise, with her daughter's excellent qualifications, marrying into royalty would not be out of the question.
Alas, he lacked power and influence. The thought filled him with guilt.
"Father..." Yu Xiaoyu laid two thick cushions on the chair. "It's getting cold. I've laid down cushions for you and Auntie. Please sit down!"
Looking at his thoughtful daughter who considered every detail, Yu Zhendong felt even more ashamed.
"Father, is something the matter?" Yu Xiaoyu noticed her father wasn't speaking, only gazing at her.
"Xiaoyu, do you have someone you care for?" Yu Zhendong slowly looked up and asked.
Yu Xiaoyu was startled. As she looked at Yu Zhendong, Li Yiniang by his side said, "Xiaoyu, if you do, tell your father. Perhaps he can help you."
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaoyu lowered her gaze, her face flushing slightly. Seeing this, Yu Zhendong couldn't help but ask, "Xiaoyu, do you have someone in mind?"
Yu Xiaoyu nodded. "Yes, there is one."
"Who is it?" Yu Zhendong asked.
Yu Xiaoyu clutched the handkerchief in her hand, then after a long moment, looked up and said, "However, my cousin also fancies that young master."
Yu Zhendong frowned. "Shishu likes him?"
Yu Xiaoyu nodded. "Yes, my uncle even went specifically to inquire about that young master today."
Yu Zhendong was taken aback. "Are you sure?"
Yu Xiaoyu nodded. "Absolutely. I was disguised as a man at the Gathering of Poetry event at Juhua Tower, and I heard it very clearly. He asked that young master if he was married and if he had any feelings for my cousin."
"My lord... Xiaoyu cannot compete with Miss Lin," Li Yiniang said dejectedly from the side.
Yu Xiaoyu continued, "However, that young master refused. But I observed that Uncle likely won't give up."
Li Yiniang exclaimed, "He even refused the Prefect's daughter, Xiaoyu, you might... you might not catch his eye either."
"Nonsense, my daughter is far superior to Shishu..." After saying this, Yu Zhendong looked at Yu Xiaoyu and asked, "Do you truly favor that young master?"
Yu Xiaoyu's face flushed, and she shyly lowered her gaze. "Yes, Father."
Someone who could be favored by both Lin Shishu and Prefect Lin must be extraordinary. Yu Zhendong stood up and walked to Yu Xiaoyu's side. "Don't give up. Father will help you."
Li Yiniang chimed in from the side, "My lord, we cannot compete with Miss Lin, you..."
Yu Zhendong sneered, looking at Li Yiniang. "You are truly foolish. Have you forgotten about Madam? She favors Lin Shishu. Do you think Madam will let the person she favors slip away?"
Li Yiniang's expression brightened upon hearing this, but quickly dimmed again. "But if Prefect Lin acts faster and secures this before Madam returns, then..."
"Isn't there still me?" Yu Zhendong pointed to himself and continued, "With me here, they won't succeed."
Yu Xiaoyu said, "Father, if it's too dangerous, please don't do it. Although I admire that young master, I don't want you to be harmed in any way."
Compared to the cold words of Min Shi earlier, Yu Zhendong felt warmth from his daughter's gentle speech and filial piety. "Xiaoyu, don't be afraid. Father will handle this properly."
Yu Xiaoyu still felt uneasy.
Li Yiniang said, "Since your father says it's alright, then it's alright. You just wait."
Yu Xiaoyu could only nod. After Yu Zhendong and Li Yiniang left, the corners of her lips curved upwards.
Just then, a sound came from outside. She opened the window, and a man stood there. She smiled. "You've come."
"Yes, I brought you honey-glazed duck. It's very delicious."
Yu Xiaoyu giggled, covering her mouth. "You bring food every day. How can I accept it?"
"You... you don't have to feel obligated. I do it willingly."
Yu Xiaoyu extended her hand. "Alright, give it to me. I'll try it."
Taking the honey-glazed duck, Yu Xiaoyu opened the paper wrapper, took a bite, and her eyes crinkled. "Good, it's delicious. Thank you."
"No... no need to thank me..."
Yu Xiaoyu smiled, her smile like crescent moons. "Are you on break today?"
"No, my young master is going to a banquet."
"A banquet? Are you going too?"
"Yes..."
"It's getting late. Shouldn't you be on duty?"
"Yes, I'll come again next time..."
Before Yu Xiaoyu could reply, the person had already vanished.
Yu Xiaoyu looked at the honey-glazed duck in her hand and took another bite. "Come out..."
A figure descended. "Miss."
"Go and find out where Lin Shishu is going today."
"Miss, you..."
"Go!" Yu Xiaoyu said. As the person was about to leave, she threw the honey-glazed duck to them. "This is for you."
"Xue Feng, where have you been?" Xue Song looked at Xue Feng, who had been acting rather mysteriously lately, and paid close attention.
Xue Feng looked up at Xue Song. "Go dream about women, don't bother me."
Xue Song stepped forward and sniffed. "No wonder it smells so good. Honey-glazed duck."
Xue Feng quickly retreated several steps. "What business is it of yours? Do I need your permission to eat a duck?"
Xue Song frowned. "Xue Feng, your reaction is a bit excessive."
Xue Feng turned his head away. "It's because your questions are problematic."
Xue Song's expression turned serious. "Xue Feng, both of us are the young master's guards. You must never do anything that betrays the young master."
"Xue Song, what do you mean?" Xue Feng asked indignantly.
Xue Song said, "I don't mean anything else, just a reminder."
"I know better than you," Xue Feng said, then left.
Xue Song scratched his head. This Xue Feng was definitely not right, but he couldn't figure out what was wrong.
Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned to see Yan Jin Zhao and quickly stepped forward. "Young Master, are you going out?"
Yan Jin Zhao nodded. "To a banquet."
Xue Song's mouth twitched. He spent his days dreaming about women, while his young master, on the other hand, got to see women every day.
"Young Master, I will prepare the carriage immediately." With that, Xue Song left.
The carriage was prepared, and Yan Jin Zhao got into it. Before it could depart, a servant from the Lin estate hurried over. "Young Master Yan, my young lady has something to attend to today and cannot make the appointment."
"Alright," Yan Jin Zhao said faintly.