Chapter 404: Family Friends

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Who was Mr. Xian Yun?

In this world, only Mingzhao and Yin Huaixi could catch his eye. The third young master of the Xie family, Xie Jingliu, seemed to have received guidance from Mr. Xian Yun when he was young.

Now that Zhou Linghuai was added, she could guess that he was definitely also talented.

However, Old Madam Song frowned and couldn’t help but sigh. “Mr. Xian Yun’s attitude towards Youzhou seems a little unusual.”

There was a flawless Prince Yin in Youzhou, and now there was Zhou Linghuai, who had always been hiding his strength. In addition, there was Ye Hanyuan…

Old Madam Song’s heart sank. “There are talents in troubled times. It seems that these peaceful days won’t last for long.” As she spoke, she turned to look at Song Mingzhao. “You deliberately mentioned Zhou Linghuai. Are you

suspecting that he’s related to Yin Huaixi and Ye Hanyuan?”

Song Mingzhao nodded. “The matter of commanding is hereditary. Although it’s not deeply related to the vassal king, it’s under the jurisdiction of the state capital. Zhou Linghuai and Ye Hanyuan must be involved. On the other hand, Ye Hanyuan knocked on the drum and reported the Marquis of Changxings ten crimes. However, after investigating, he was crying out for justice for King You and was ordered by Yin Huaixi.”

What he didn’t say was true!

Yin Huaixi could drive Ye Hanyuan, the son of the Prefecture Governor, away. It was obvious that even though King You was dead, the Marquis of Changxing had been in charge of Youzhou for three years. Yin Huaixi was weak, crippled, and sick. Youzhou was still under Yin Huaixi’s control.

On the surface, Yin Huaixi, Ye Hanyuan, and Zhou Linghuai did not seem to have anything to do with each other, but they were al]. involved.

In that case, what role did Zhou Linghuai play?

Song Mingzhao frowned and continued, ‘Zhou Linghuai must be related to Yin Huaixi. Moreover, I suspect that Zhou Linghuai’s motive for entering the capital is definitely not as simple as seeking refuge with his relatives. Recently, everything in the royal court is probably related to him.”

Old Madam Song frowned and said nothing.

Song Mingzhao thought for a moment. “When Mr. Xian Yun entered the capital this time, he brought Ye Hanyuan and Yin Huaixi to see Mr. Hu Shan and Zhou Linghuai. He’s indifferent on the outside, but his heart is focused on the royal court. It’s definitely not as simple as visiting an old friend.”

The Marquis of Zhen couldn’t help but feel wary. “Our family has been on good terms with the Yu Residence for generations, and we’re in-laws. It’s a huge taboo for vassal lords to be related to the court officials, especially for military families…”

Old Madam Song was also worried.

Song Mingzhao said calmly, “There’s no need to panic. Zhou Linghuai has a crippled leg and can’t become an official. Even if he’s involved with Prince Yin, others won’t take him seriously. In addition, the Zhou familys hereditary love is thanks to the emperor’s grace. Zhou Linghuai is a smart person and knows his limits. He won’t let the Yu Residence have any connections with the vassal lord on the surface.”

With that said, Old Madam Yu felt relieved. “That’s true. Yin Huaixi is a crippled man and is alone. Zhou Linghuai is also a crippled man. He can’t even become an official. Even if he’s involved, as long as he doesn’t expose himself on the surface, it’s fine. Moreover, the relationships between aristocratic families are beneficial for all. As long as the interests of each other are the same, there’s no need to be afraid of unpredictable changes in the court.” The Marquis of Zhen agreed deeply.

Song Mingzhao lowered his eyes. “The court is in troubled times. It’s not necessarily a bad thing to have some secret connections.” As for why it wasn’t a bad thing, he didn’t say it clearly.

However, Old Madam Song and the Marquis of Zhen both understood that the imperial court was in a troubled period. There were vassal lords stirring internally and four external threats eyeing them covetously. The situation in the imperial court was also unpredictable.

Once Yin Huaixi had military power, he would definitely become the emperors most trusted person. Being related to him was equivalent to a protective talisman.

Old Madam Songs gaze darkened. “In a few days, it won’t be a big event even on Wan Hui’s birthday. I’ll invite her young sister who she usually plays with into the residence to join in the fun.”

The more troublesome it was, the more they should stick together and hold each other tightly.

Their relationship should be closer.

It looked like an ordinary interaction between the younger generation, but what was important was the tacit understanding between them. There was no need to waste their breath to know each other.This was a family friendship!

Song Mingzhao’s heart skipped a beat, and he thought of Eldest Miss Yu. He lowered his head and drank his tea, covering his thoughts without leaving a trace.

The news that Yin Huaixi was going to lead troops to Shandong to quell the rebellion caused an uproar.

Everyone in the court was preparing to suppress the rebellion.

Yu Youyao also helped her cousin pack up and prepare to return to Youzhou.

“Returning to Youzhou is just an excuse. The emperor has sent an imperial physician, an internal servant, and an old nanny from the palace to accompany me and take care of my daily life. All of this will also be carefully arranged by the East and West Palaces.” Zhou Linghuai’s gaze darkened slightly as he frowned. “I probably won’t be able to bring them along. There’s no need to trouble myself to tidy up.”

Yu Youyao placed a velvet blanket into her bag. “I know, but you have to put on a full show. I can’t let anyone suspect Cousin.”

After saying that, she realized in a daze that her cousin was really leaving.

She would not see her cousin for a long time.

Her cousin would not accompany her to practice calligraphy, teach her zither skills, guide her in her studies, play chess with her, and make tea with her for a long time…

Yu Youyao suddenly felt sad.

Her cousin had only lived in the Yu Residence for three to four months. It was clearly such a short period of time, but to her, it was as long as a lifetime. It was so long that this person had already penetrated into the bits and pieces of her life. Thanks to his existence, she felt that every day was a surprise, and every day was stable and reassuring.

However, the person who had been accompanying her was suddenly leaving! Yu Youvao was both reluctant and afraid! A suffocating silence spread through the room…

Zhou Linghuai pursed his lips and broke the silence. “What’s wrong?

Yu Youyao shook her head, but she lowered her head, not daring to look at him. Zhou Linghuai leaned forward and gently pinched her chin, raising it bit by bit. Yu Youyao’s face was pale, and her eyes seemed to be covered in a layer of rouge. They were thin and red, and her eyes were also red. She held back her tears and stubbornly refused to let them fall. She pursed her lips tightly, and even the tip of her nose was red.

She looked pitiful, like a little rabbit about to be abandoned.

Zhou Linghuai’s heart ached, and his throat felt like it was blocked. He looked at her for a long time before comforting her. “Don’t cry. I’ll be back in three months at most.”

It would have been better if he hadn’t said anything. As soon as he did, Yu Youyao felt a lump in her throat. She couldn’t help but tear up. It flowed down her face and suddenly slid down to her chin, landing on the back of Zhou Linghuai’s hand.

Zhou Linghuai felt the back of his hand tremble and he panicked. “Don’t cry…

“Cousin… Yu Youyao threw herself into her cousin’s arms and hugged his neck. She sobbed, probably because she was crying too sadly. Even her small figure trembled.

Zhou Linghuai completely froze and pursed his lips..

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