At the beginning, I was a rich female prisoner

"What do you mean, old general? Everyone in the capital knows that our fifth brother is a fool! How can we give him the command of an army of 400,000?" The fourth prince, Nangong Yu, could no longer suppress his inner excitement and anger. He shouted loudly, his voice echoing in the hall, with obvious doubt and dissatisfaction.

"Your Highness Prince An, have you forgotten? Five years ago, it was His Highness Prince Yu who led only two thousand troops to repel the 30,000-strong army of Xiliang and successfully trapped them in the Black Sand Valley. If it were not for the heroic act of His Highness Prince Yu, I'm afraid the entire Xizhou would have become the territory of Xiliang by now. Therefore, Prince Yu is the best person to lead these 400,000 Dacheng troops." General Lin responded righteously, his eyes firm and sharp, as if they could penetrate people's hearts.

General Lin's words were like thunder, shocking everyone present. They recalled the thrilling battle five years ago, when the Western Liang army was approaching and the situation was very critical. However, it was the Prince Yu, who was called "the fool", who led two thousand soldiers to fight bravely and finally won the victory and defended the peace of the Western Province.

General Lin's words made Nangong Yu unable to refute, and his face became very ugly. However, he was still unwilling to hand over the military power to Nangong Lin. He tried to argue again and said, "Although the fifth brother has made military achievements, he is just a fool after all. How can he take on such an important task?"

However, General Lin did not give him a chance to continue arguing. He handed the military token to Nangong Lin without hesitation, his eyes full of trust and expectation. Nangong Lin took the military token and felt the heavy responsibility. His eyes became focused and firm, as if telling everyone that he would live up to everyone's expectations and protect this land.

At this moment, the whole hall fell into silence. Everyone's eyes were focused on Nangong Lin, some were full of admiration, and some were suspicious. But in any case, the decision had been made, and the future fate would be in the hands of the seemingly silly but hidden Prince Yu.

At this time, the Crown Prince and the two princes could only watch helplessly what was happening before their eyes, their hearts filled with jealousy and resentment. The Second Prince in particular shouted angrily, "I don't believe it! Unless I see with my own eyes that my Fifth Brother is not an idiot, and that he has enough strength to lead the army to the battlefield."

Hearing this, Emperor Cheng fell into deep thought. After a while, he slowly said, "It's already late today, so let's put this matter aside for now. You are all my biological children. Let's go to the royal hunting ground to have a competition some other day. By then, not only you four princes will need to participate in the competition, but the old general's five grandsons will also participate. I will give this military token to the final winner, and the old general will serve as the chief examiner of this competition. General Lin, do you think this is okay?"

"Your Majesty, this is a brilliant idea! It's great, and I, this old minister, will fully support it!" General Lin responded excitedly.

After speaking, everyone present, led by Emperor Cheng and the Empress, walked into the Yunxiang Palace. After everyone had entered, Emperor Cheng and the Empress took the most honorable seat in the Jade Palace. Then, Emperor Cheng waved his arm and signaled everyone to take their seats.

With this action, the prelude of the dinner was officially opened. For a moment, many maids shuttled through the hall like butterflies, holding delicious delicacies and fine wines in their hands, presenting them to the guests one by one like flowing clouds and water. At the same time, a cheerful and pleasant sound of stringed instruments sounded leisurely, and twelve beautiful dancers in light silk dresses danced on the red carpet in the center of the hall. Their dancing postures were graceful and pleasing to the eyes.

The dancers were graceful, twisting their waists like willows swaying in the wind, light and elegant; their dance steps were light and agile, and every step seemed to be on the clouds, which made people fall in love with them. The light silk dance skirts they wore were as colorful as the clouds in the sky, fluttering with their dance and shining with charming luster.

Amidst the wonderful music and moving dance, the guests present were all concentrating on appreciating everything in front of them, immersed in this visual and auditory feast. They tasted the exquisite food while appreciating the graceful dance, with happy smiles on their faces. The whole hall was filled with a joyful and peaceful atmosphere, like a fairyland on earth.

The people are as beautiful as fairies, the music is as beautiful as the sound of nature, the dance is as beautiful as a dream, the wine is fragrant, the food is fragrant, and the flowers are intoxicating.

This was destined to be a wonderful and unforgettable night. Yu Yunxin could not find any reason not to let everyone present enjoy all the beauty. She walked to each table with a light figure, picked up the knife and fork and skillfully cut the tender and juicy raw steak into small pieces, and then carefully sprinkled the special sauce she carefully prepared on it. Finally, she smiled and nodded to the palace maids around her, asking them to steadily bring these delicious foods to the table, and invite the guests to enjoy them slowly.

However, the prince frowned and felt depressed in such a wonderful night. He had lost count of how many times he had been to Prince Yu's mansion, but each time he went there with high hopes and returned with disappointment. It was not until the dinner started that he finally saw Yu Yunxin, who had not been seen for many days and looked much thinner. The prince stood not far from Yu Yunxin without saying a word, gazing at her busy body with gentle and affectionate eyes, his heart filled with concern and doubts for her.

Yu Yunxin was concentrating on cutting the steak, as if the whole world was just her and that steak. Her movements were skillful and elegant, and every cut was extremely precise, with crisp sounds between the blade and the steak. Her eyes were focused and determined, as if she was completing a sacred mission.

However, the prince standing aside was completely ignored. He stared at Yu Yunxin quietly, with complex emotions flashing in his eyes. He had been watching here for a long time, but Yu Yunxin didn't notice his presence at all. As time passed, a sense of loss gradually surged in the prince's heart.

Finally, when Yu Yunxin finished cutting the last plate of steak, she turned around gently. At that moment, her eyes met the prince's. She couldn't help but feel a little surprised, and a puzzled look appeared on her face. Obviously, she didn't expect the prince to appear here at all.

Yu Yunxin smiled and asked, "What's up, Prince? Why don't you sit over there? If there's nothing else, please move aside. I have other things to do." Her tone was calm and natural, as if she didn't care about the prince's appearance. After she finished speaking, she turned around and prepared to leave.

A trace of disappointment flashed across the prince's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He hurriedly stepped forward, blocked Yu Yunxin's way, and said with concern: "Yunxin, I just want to see if you are okay. I haven't seen you for a few days, and you seem to have lost a lot of weight." His voice was low and gentle, full of sincere concern.

Yu Yunxin stopped and looked up at the prince, with a touch of emotion in her eyes. But she quickly concealed her emotions and replied calmly: "Thank you for your concern, Prince. I'm fine. I've just been busy recently, so I've lost some weight."

The prince frowned slightly and said worriedly: "Yun Xin, don't overwork yourself. If you need any help, just tell me." His eyes revealed deep concern.

Yu Yunxin looked at the prince gratefully and said with a smile: "Thank you for your kindness, Prince. However, I can handle it. You also have your own affairs to deal with, so don't worry about me." After that, she turned and left again, leaving the prince standing alone, looking at her receding back, his heart full of helplessness and loss.

Yu Yunxin stopped, smiled slightly, and said: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I'm fine. I've been busy with the preparations for the banquet recently, so I may be a little tired." Her tone was calm and gentle.

The prince hesitated for a moment, then continued: "Yun Xin, actually I have something to say to you..." His eyes became firm.

Yu Yunxin raised her head and looked at the prince with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. She said softly, "Prince, please feel free to speak."

The prince took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to say, "Yun Xin, since we last parted, I have missed you more and more. I know that our statuses are different now, but I really hope that you..." His words revealed sincerity and frankness.

Yu Yunxin's face flushed, she lowered her head and thought for a moment. Then, she raised her head, looked at the prince firmly, and said, "Your Highness, I have received your kindness. However, our identities and responsibilities prevent us from doing whatever we want. I hope you can understand this." Her voice was soft, but it was full of determination.

The prince nodded. He understood Yu Yunxin's concerns. He said, "I understand, Yunxin. But I won't give up easily. I will wait for the right time. No matter what happens, I will be by your side." His eyes were full of persistence and determination.

Nangong Sheng looked at Yu Yunxin, who looked haggard, and felt full of guilt and self-blame. He reached out and held Yu Yunxin's hand tightly, saying softly, "I'm sorry, it's all my fault for not protecting you well..."

However, Yu Yunxin shook her head slightly, with a determined look on her face. She struggled to break free from Nangong Sheng's hand and said calmly, "I don't need protection now. I have the ability to protect myself. Besides, I am living well in Prince Yu's Mansion and I don't lack anything."

After saying that, Yu Yunxin turned around and left without any hesitation, leaving Nangong Sheng standing alone, feeling heavy-hearted and sad. He stared at her back as she walked away, as if time had frozen at this moment.

Nangong Sheng silently watched Yu Yunxin's busy figure, and an indescribable sense of loss surged in his heart. He knew very well that the girl who once made his heart beat was gradually drifting away from his life. The distance between them was getting bigger and bigger, and it seemed that they could never go back to the past.

At this moment, Yu Yunxin seemed to be completely oblivious to the strange looks around her. She lowered her head slightly, walked lightly to Nangong Lin and sat down, with a faint smile naturally appearing on the corner of her mouth. In front of her was a carefully cooked slippery crab ball. This dish was not only bright and eye-catching, but also exuded waves of tempting aroma.

She lifted her arm slightly, stretched out her slender and white jade fingers, and gracefully picked up the chopsticks on the table, her movements were so gentle as if she was afraid of waking up a sleeping baby. Then, she carefully picked up a crab ball with her chopsticks, and slowly put it into her mouth, savoring it carefully. The wonderful taste filled her entire mouth in an instant, making her intoxicated by it. At this moment, all the troubles and worries in her heart were thrown behind her, and she was completely immersed in the endless joy brought by the food.

Nangong Lin saw the food on the side and took a bite. It was really delicious. He quickly ate all the slippery crab balls on his plate. Seeing this, Yu Yunxin asked the maid to add some more for Nangong Lin and said, "Your Highness, please be a little restrained. There will be a more sumptuous meal later! These are just appetizers." After saying that, Yu Yunxin smiled at Nangong Lin.

"Miss Yu, you can still eat?" Sitting next to Yu Yunxuan was the imperial censor's concubine's daughter Liu Yingying. She and Yu Yunxuan were good friends. She seemed to have full sympathy for Yun Xin and looked at her with a frown.

Yu Yunxin continued to enjoy the food while replying, "The dishes in this palace are so delicious! Miss Liu, you should try them too! Also, please pay attention to your address, call me Princess Yu."

Yu Yunxin's eyes slowly turned to herself sitting next to Liu Yingying, and she instantly realized something. Her eyes then fell on Nangong Lin, and when Nangong Lin noticed her gaze, he picked up a piece of slippery crab ball without hesitation and put it in her bowl. She did not refuse, but tasted it directly. At this moment, it seemed as if the whole space was filled with a sweet atmosphere, allowing everyone present to feel the deep love between them.

The prince witnessed all this and could not help but feel a pang of sadness in his heart. He could not help but remind him, "Fifth brother, please pay attention to the occasion. This is a palace banquet after all."

Everyone's eyes were drawn to Nangong Lin and Yu Yunxin. Feeling everyone's gaze, Yu Yunxin smiled and responded, "This dish was made by Prince Yu and I. It's called Love and Intense. I hope everyone can taste it while it's still hot."

At this time, Lin Dengyuan smiled and said, "Cousin, congratulations! You and Prince Yu are truly a match made in heaven. I heard that Prince Yu is no longer mentally retarded, is this true?" His words revealed his concern about the news.

At this moment, Bai Yan, who was sitting aside, quickly kicked her youngest son. Although this action was very quick, it still could not escape Yu Yunxin's sharp eyes. It turned out that the person who was kicked was Lin Dengyuan, the youngest son of Bai Yan, Yu Yunxin's second aunt. Because he was weak and sick since childhood, fortunately, his grandfather had only Bai Yan as a daughter, so he taught him the Bai family's ancestral medical skills and let him inherit the unique medical essence of the Bai family. In addition, Lin Dengyuan was deeply loved by General Lin, and his handsome appearance attracted the admiration of many wealthy daughters in Beijing. Many daughters sent him secret glances, however, Lin Dengyuan had a crush on Yu Yunxin since he was a child, and Yu Yunxin only regarded him as a brother and sister.