At the beginning, I was a rich female prisoner

"Your birthday banquet will also be held this autumn. In my opinion, why not let the princess take charge of it?" The queen looked at the banquet scene with admiration in her eyes. Whether it was the gorgeous flowers, the delicious food, or the beautiful dance performances, everything was extremely satisfying. With such a perfect example, even if it was a palace banquet, the princess would surely be able to handle it with her talent.

Upon hearing this, the Queen Mother couldn't help but smile: "Very good! Very good! I believe that Princess Xingguo will definitely live up to your expectations."

Upon hearing this, Yu Yunxin quickly stood up and saluted, saying earnestly: "Thank you, Queen and Queen Dowager, for your kindness. I will do my best to fulfill my mission." Her voice was clear and pleasant, her tone was firm and confident, and her dignified and beautiful manners and elegant behavior won applause from everyone present.

The banquet continued in a joyful atmosphere, people were chatting and laughing, enjoying this wonderful time.

Yu Yunxin was surrounded by the Queen Mother, the Queen, and Princess Yi. They were talking happily and laughing. Yu Yunxin smiled and handled the situation well, showing her intelligence and wit. Even the Crown Prince could only watch from afar and could not find a chance to meet her alone. As time passed, the banquet lasted until very late.

After the banquet, Yu Yunxin personally escorted the Queen Mother and the Empress out of the mansion. She bowed respectfully to the two distinguished women, expressing her respect and gratitude to them. The Queen Mother smiled and praised Yunxin, wishing her all the best.

At the same time, Princess Yi also decided to stay in the Queen Mother's palace overnight. This may be for various reasons, perhaps to better accompany the Queen Mother.

Nangong Jue took the prince back to the prince's mansion. The prince looked at Yu Yunxin standing at the door and left the Yu mansion reluctantly.

After watching everyone leave, Yu Yunxin turned back to the house, her thoughts drifting away. She was very tired today, so she went back to her room, lay down on the bed and fell asleep.

At night, the Lord of Hell sat quietly beside Yu Yunxin's bed. He stared at Yu Yunxin quietly, and saw that she was sleeping soundly with a smile on her lips. He didn't have the heart to disturb her sweet dream, so he just gently kissed Yu Yunxin on the forehead and quietly left the room.

However, before leaving, he placed several boxes beside the bed. The first box was filled with exquisite clothes, both the fineness of the embroidery and the pearls inlaid on the clothes, which were all top-notch. Each piece of clothing exuded a unique glow, as if it was tailor-made for a fairy.

The second box was filled with all kinds of exquisite jewelry, including dazzling necklaces, shining earrings, gorgeous and exquisite rings, etc. These jewelry were undoubtedly priceless treasures, but for the Lord of the Underworld, they were just a way to express his feelings.

The Lord of Hell knew that Yu Yunxin did not lack these material things, but all of them were from his heart. Whether she liked these gifts or not, he would give them to her without hesitation. Because in his heart, Yu Yunxin was the one and only one who deserved the best in the world. Even if these items could not completely replace his deep affection for her, they could at least let her feel his good intentions.

After doing all this, the mysterious man quietly left the room, leaving behind the room full of precious gifts and endless love. In this quiet night, Yu Yunxin might feel this deep affection in her dreams, and feel happy and warm for it...

The next day, she woke up and saw two boxes of gifts. She was speechless. She had already received the Night Pearl, so why did they secretly give her so many clothes and jewelry? However, these things were very special. The stitches on the clothes were fine and neat. These jewelry looked like the styles of modern gold shops, which were considered fine products in this era.

She quickly packed her things and began to dress up.

She had no intention of taking back the flowers in Yu's mansion and kept them there.

In the magnificent palace, Emperor Cheng was staring at the intelligence from the north. The north was unusually cold this year. Even though it was already spring, the ice and snow had not yet shown any signs of melting. And in this severe cold, the Beirong clan seemed to be beginning to stir.

Emperor Cheng frowned slightly, thinking to himself: "The situation in the north is so tense, we must be fully prepared." He knew very well that the Northern Rong people were brave and good at fighting. If they really launched an attack, the people on the border would suffer.

Thinking of this, Emperor Cheng immediately summoned the ministers to discuss countermeasures. The ministers offered their suggestions one after another, but their opinions varied. Some advocated strengthening the border defense force, while others suggested resolving the dispute through diplomatic means.

Emperor Cheng listened to the ministers' speeches quietly, nodding his head from time to time to show his agreement. Finally, he stood up and said firmly: "No matter what method we use, we can't let the Northern Rong invade our territory!"

As a result, a discussion on the action to be taken in response to the situation in the north was quickly launched. They had to select capable generals to guard the border and send more troops to strengthen the defense line; at the same time, they had to send envoys to negotiate with the Northern Rong in the hope of resolving the issue peacefully.

However, whether Beirong will accept the peace talks is still unknown. It is also unknown who to choose. General Lin is now in the situation of the war in Nanchuan. If Nanchuan is not tense, he will immediately write to the Lin family to transfer 300,000 troops back to Beijing. There is no threat in Nandian now. It is enough to have 100,000 troops stationed.

"Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, the negotiations with the Northern Rong should be personally led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince," Taifu Wang recommended in a firm tone.

The prince's eyes were firm, and he responded without flinching, "I am willing to go!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Cheng frowned slightly and glanced at the princes present. Wang Taifu keenly caught Emperor Cheng's gaze wandering between Prince Rui and Prince Qi. His heart tightened and he quickly said, "The Crown Prince is the heir to the throne of the country, of noble status, and both wise and brave. He is indeed the most suitable candidate."

At this time, the court was silent, and everyone held their breath, waiting for Emperor Cheng's decision. The prince stood quietly aside, looking calm, as if he was confident that he could take on this important task. If he could make a contribution this time, then his marriage with Yu Yunxin would be easy.

Finally, Emperor Cheng said, "There is no rush for the negotiations with Beirong. We can discuss it after General Lin returns to Beijing." His tone was calm and firm, as if he had already made up his mind. After saying this, he raised his hand slightly, signaling the people around him to leave.

In the study of Prince Rui's mansion, a tense conversation was unfolding. Prince Rui stared at Grand Tutor Wang with sharp eyes and questioned him, "Why did you recommend the Crown Prince to go to Beirong for peace talks? If the Crown Prince made a contribution in the peace talks, wouldn't my status be lower than the Crown Prince's?"

Tutor Wang smiled slightly and replied calmly: "Don't worry, Your Highness Prince Rui. I naturally have other plans." His eyes flashed with a shrewd light, as if hiding some secret plan.

Prince Rui frowned and asked, "Are you trying to assassinate the prince?" There was a hint of surprise in his voice.

Imperial Tutor Wang shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice, "No, no. Assassinating the crown prince is too risky and will easily arouse your majesty's suspicion. We need a more clever plan..." He paused, leaving the audience in suspense, and then continued, "I have a plan that can put the crown prince in a difficult position during the peace talks with the Northern Rong people and make him lose your majesty's trust. In this way, your status will naturally be improved, Your Highness Prince Rui."

After hearing this, King Rui's eyes flashed with excitement, but he immediately regained his composure and asked, "Oh? What's so ingenious about this plan? Tell me about it quickly."

Wang Taifu leaned close to the ear of King Rui and whispered his plan. After hearing it, King Rui gradually showed a satisfied smile on his face, nodded and praised: "Good! Good plan! Let's do as you said, Grandfather." The two smiled at each other.

In the backyard of the Rui Palace, Princess Meng Hongqing sat at the head of the table, looking at the concubines and maids who came to greet her with a slightly worried look. She keenly noticed that there seemed to be one less person present today than in the past.

Concubine Bai glanced at Meng Hongqing lightly and said cautiously, "Concubine Wen disappeared on the street a few days ago. Prince Rui has sent people to track her down, but there is still no news." After saying that, Concubine Bai lowered her head slightly, not daring to look directly into Meng Hongqing's eyes.

Meng Hongqing's heart tightened and her brows slightly furrowed. Concubine Wen had always been favored by the prince, and now she suddenly disappeared, which was really worrying. She secretly thought about various possible situations, and couldn't help feeling a little uneasy.

"How could this happen? Are there any clues from Prince Rui?" Meng Hongqing asked anxiously.

Concubine Bai touched her belly and shook her head, answering sadly, "Prince Rui is also very anxious, but no useful clues have been found so far. Everyone in the palace is looking everywhere, hoping to find Concubine Wen as soon as possible."

Meng Hongqing was silent for a moment, and a look of determination flashed in her eyes. She stood up and instructed Concubine Bai and others: "From today on, you must also send more people to assist King Rui in finding Concubine Wen's whereabouts. In addition, pay close attention to the movements in the palace, and report to me immediately if there is anything unusual."

The women all promised to cooperate fully. Meng Hongqing looked at them, then looked at Concubine Bai and said, "Sister, you are pregnant too. You should go out less in the future, so as not to end up like Concubine Wen. It is my responsibility to protect the safety of everyone in the mansion."

When Concubine Bai heard this, she immediately held her belly with a proud smile on her face. She knew that she was pregnant with the prince's child, and her status became even more noble. When the other women in the backyard saw this scene, they couldn't help but feel jealous. They all hoped to be favored by the prince and get pregnant with his child, but they never had the chance.

However, Concubine Bai did not realize that her pregnancy might also cause jealousy and resentment from others. In this palace full of fighting and intrigue, any slight disturbance could trigger a fierce struggle. And her pregnancy undoubtedly became the focus of everyone's attention.

Meng Hongqing knew that Concubine Bai's pregnancy would bring new changes to the Rui Palace. She had to be careful in dealing with this Concubine Bai.

At the same time, other women in the palace also began to compete secretly. They all wanted to perform better in front of the prince and win more favor. And the pregnancy of Concubine Bai made them feel more pressure. Thus, a struggle for the prince's favor and status quietly began...

As soon as Prince Rui left the study, Meng Hongqing "invited" him to the East Courtyard. She was the principal wife, how could she let any concubine give birth to a legitimate son before her! She "begged" Prince Rui to let him "rest" in her courtyard for a night.

Prince Rui was in a good mood today, so he was "happy" to stay in Meng Hongqing's courtyard for one night.

A few days later, the Lin family was overjoyed because they received a letter from afar. The letter brought exciting news: General Lin was about to lead 300,000 troops back to the capital! At this moment, the young and promising Lin Jingmo was in charge of guarding Nanchuan.

What was even more surprising was that General Lin also returned with the monarch of the Southern Dian Kingdom. The monarch actually expressed his willingness to reduce the Southern Dian Kingdom to a vassal state of Dacheng, which was undoubtedly a heavy gift. Everyone in the Lin family was very happy.

The prince was extremely excited when he received the news that General Lin was about to return. He couldn't wait to find Yu Yunxin and invited her to go to the suburbs to appreciate the blooming flowers.

"Princess, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince invites you to go enjoy the flowers together!" Qiu Shuang walked into Yu Yunxin's room happily with an invitation in hand.

Yu Yunxin took the note, glanced at it briefly, and then handed the reply to Qiu Shuang. After receiving the reply, the prince ordered the driver to prepare the carriage without hesitation and rushed to Yu's house in person.

However, when the prince arrived at the Yu Mansion, the first person to come out was not Yu Yunxin, but Yu Yunxuan. Yu Yunxuan saw the prince's carriage parked at the door, and her heart was filled with excitement and anticipation. She stared at the carriage, as if she could see the prince inside through the curtains.

"Your Highness, you have come all the way here to greet me!" Yu Yunxuan greeted him with a big smile on her face. She was secretly delighted in her heart, and the smile on her face became brighter and brighter.

When she was about to board the prince's carriage, she suddenly felt a powerful force coming at her, and she lost her balance and fell to the ground.

"How dare you, a concubine's daughter, dream of getting on the prince's carriage!" Ruan Ming stood beside the carriage, looking down at Yu Yunxuan who was lying on the ground, his eyes full of disdain and disgust.

Yu Yunxin and Qiu Shuang happened to walk to the door and witnessed this embarrassing scene. Yu Yunxin couldn't help but frown, feeling very contemptuous of Yunxuan's shameless behavior.

"Second Miss, don't you realize your own status? You can't just sit in this carriage casually." Qiu Shuang sneered.

Yu Yunxuan got up from the ground in a panic, her face burning with pain, but she still endured the pain and said calmly, "Humph, I just wanted to get closer so that I can talk to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

"Yu Yunxuan, stop dreaming! His Royal Highness the Crown Prince would never fall for someone like you!" Ruan Ming said sarcastically.

Yu Yunxuan was so angry that she trembled all over, but she didn't dare to refute. She knew that she was just a concubine in the Yu Mansion and had no status in front of the prince, so she could only silently endure the humiliation.

At this time, the prince got off the carriage. He glanced at Yu Yunxuan and a hint of annoyance flashed in his eyes.

"Stop arguing! Xin'er, get in the car!" the prince said calmly.