Chapter 72: Accompanying Him Out

Last night, Duan Nanyu did not return. Yun Xueyan knew he had stayed with Yun Xiyin.

By the time everything was tidied up, it was already close to noon. She glanced up at the sky—it looked as though it might rain. “Ziyu, help me bring in the clothes. It seems it may rain soon.”

“Yes, my lady.” Ziyu hurried over from not far away to assist Yun Xueyan in gathering the laundry.

As the two of them looked up, they saw Yun Xiyin approaching from a distance. Ziyu warily stepped in front of Yun Xueyan. “Your Grace, what should we do?”

If the Princess Consort intended to make things difficult for Yun Xueyan, there was little she could do to help. The Prince had left early in the morning—what should she do if something happened?

“It’s alright. Just take the clothes inside and fold them. With so many people in the courtyard, nothing will happen to me,” Yun Xueyan reassured her with a gentle nod.

Finding Yun Xueyan’s words reasonable, Ziyu responded and went inside with the laundry.

By this time, Yun Xiyin had already entered the courtyard. Because she was pregnant, her attire was much simpler now—just a few gold hairpins adorned her hair, and her dress was a plain silk skirt, though the fabric was of the finest quality.

“Peace and blessings, Princess Consort.” Yun Xueyan greeted her with respect, though in her heart she wondered at Yun Xiyin’s purpose in coming—was it about the matter with Xingren? If so, then Yun Xueyan was indeed at fault.

“My dear sister, what are you doing? We both serve the Prince; there’s no need for such formality.” Yun Xiyin smiled lightly, reaching out to support Yun Xueyan.

Yun Xueyan discreetly drew her hand back, smiling in return, though unease crept into her heart. Yun Xiyin’s sudden kindness surely masked a deeper intent.

“I would not dare. May I ask what brings Your Grace here?”

‘Xueyan?’ Elevating her own status, was she? Yun Xiyin’s smile stiffened into a cold sneer. “I came to ask you to accompany me out to buy some things—preparations for the unborn child.”

“The servants of the Prince’s household will surely see to such matters. Why must Your Grace go in person?” Yun Xueyan replied, suspicion lingering in her mind. Yun Xiyin’s intentions could not be so simple.

Just as she was thinking this, the woman before her suddenly laughed. “Sister, once you have a child, you’ll understand—there are some things best done personally.” She took a few steps forward, leaning in close to Yun Xueyan’s ear. “In truth, I want you to see Third Mother.”

As soon as the words left her lips, Yun Xueyan’s body stiffened, rooted to the spot. Was Yun Xiyin truly offering her the chance to see her mother? But only for a moment—she quickly reconsidered. Yun Xiyin would never be so generous.

“Third Mother misses you dearly. Would you not like to see her?” Yun Xiyin pressed, sensing Yun Xueyan’s hesitation. She knew well that Third Mother was Yun Xueyan’s greatest weakness.

Yun Xueyan was at a loss. She yearned to see her mother, yet she had no idea what Yun Xiyin truly intended.

Given Duan Nanyu’s sudden shift toward her, Yun Xiyin was bound to harbor resentment.

What should she do?

“Never mind. It seems you do not wish to go, and I won’t force you. I will send Third Mother back to the Grand Tutor’s residence.” With these words, Yun Xiyin said nothing more and, supported by Yicui, began to walk out of the courtyard.

“Wait!” Yun Xueyan’s hands twisted together, fidgeting anxiously. After a moment’s consideration, she finally spoke, “Princess Consort, I will go. Please wait a moment while I change my clothes.”

“Go ahead—and dress beautifully, so that Third Mother will be pleased to see you.” As Yun Xueyan turned away, a cold and vicious glint flashed in Yun Xiyin’s eyes.

But Yun Xueyan did not see it.