Heartstrings Resonance: The Beloved Princess of the Female Power

"Yes, Your Highness!" Ruo Ling responded respectfully, then turned and left quickly.

At this time, Qin Lan lowered her voice and continued, "Actually... my parents always told me to avoid as much contact with you as possible because of your noble status, as it would make people think I was trying to curry favor with you. But it's been a long time since we last met, and I wanted to see you. I also heard that your mansions are next to each other, so I couldn't help but run over here. I originally planned to visit Sister Yunxi's house first, but the doorman said that Sister Yunxi was not at home, but at the Princess's Mansion, so I just came here directly."

After hearing what Qin Lan said, Yongle and Mu Yunxi looked at each other and secretly laughed in their hearts. They thought that this little girl was so honest and cute that she sold out her own parents in an instant.

"It's true that Ayin is a princess and has a noble status, but it's different for me! Can't you just say you came to see me?" Mu Yunxi said with a smile on her lips, a teasing look in her eyes.

Qin Lan heard this and shook her head gently, then hurriedly explained, "Sister Yunxi, you're now the Minister of the Ministry of Rites! I heard from Daddy that you're a legitimate fourth-rank official!" Then, as if she suddenly remembered something, she asked curiously, "Sister Yunxi, don't you have to go to work?"

Mu Yunxi smiled slightly and replied softly, "Not for now. The Emperor has granted me special permission to rest for a few days before I take up my post."

Yongle, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, finally couldn't contain his curiosity and asked, "Then what are you doing in Beijing this time?"

Qin Lan couldn't help but sigh and said helplessly: "To be honest, the reason I came here this time is because one of my father's close friends, his mother is about to celebrate her 60th birthday, so they invited our whole family to come and celebrate the birthday. In fact, their real purpose is to take this opportunity to bring me out to meet them." After saying this, she couldn't help but curl her lips to express her inner dissatisfaction.

Hearing this, Yongle immediately became interested and asked, "Which family in the capital is this?"

Qin Lan hesitated for a moment, then answered somewhat listlessly: "It's the Li family located in the west of the capital. They are in the incense and candle business. And the person my parents want me to meet is the second son of his family." From her words, it was obvious that she didn't have much expectations for this marriage.

When Qin Lan mentioned her marriage, her once bright and moving eyes dimmed instantly, and she seemed to have lost all her energy, her lack of interest so palpable that it made one feel pity. Yongle, watching this, grew increasingly curious. After much hesitation, she finally tentatively asked, "Have you already met the person you're about to marry, but aren't attracted to them?"

Qin Lan shook her head slightly after hearing this, and her jade-like fingers like scallions slowly fiddled with the corner of her clothes, murmuring softly: "I have never seen that person...but when I think about leaving my familiar home and marrying into a completely unfamiliar place in the future, and being separated from my family forever, my heart can't calm down. I always feel an indescribable discomfort in my heart!" She raised her head slightly and looked outside the door, her eyes full of confusion and uneasiness.

Yongle smiled and soothed her gently, "Your sister Yunxi and I will always be in the capital. If you encounter anything, you can always come to us for help! Are you worried that I can't protect you?"

Qin Lan shook her head slightly and replied firmly, "No, how can I bother you with everything?"

"As long as it's not something that violates the law, I can protect you, so there's no need to worry about it. Besides, your parents have always had sharp eyes and can distinguish right from wrong. How could they make a mistake in choosing someone? I believe that the character of the second son of the Li family is definitely trustworthy!" Mu Yunxi on the side also echoed and comforted.

Thinking that they should be happy to finally meet, Qin Lan swept away the gloomy mood and put on an excited look. She said, "Oh! Don't bring up these boring topics! Sister Yun Xi, you are now a high-ranking official. I wonder if you have decided on your marriage?"

"I haven't decided yet! Besides, I don't plan to get married. I once vowed to serve my country wholeheartedly." Mu Yunxi said casually while leisurely eating the exquisite and delicious cakes on the table. While speaking, she also thoughtfully gave a piece of cake to the two people beside her.

"Oh, I really envy you for having such ambitions and aspirations! But it's also true that now that you are an official, I don't think many people can match you!" Qin Lan took the pastry, took a light bite, and then looked at Mu Yunxi with admiration on her face.

Facing Qin Lan's praise, Mu Yunxi just smiled slightly and did not respond to her words.

Afterward, the group began chatting about the events of the past year or so. From Qin Lan, Mu Yunxi learned of the unfortunate passing of the Wang family's aunt and niece, as well as the joyous news that her second uncle had a new son. Upon hearing this news, the two couldn't help but sigh. However, this was, after all, a private matter within the Qin family, and as outsiders, all they could do was offer sympathy and congratulations. Just like Qin Lan's marriage, while the two felt sorry for her, her parents were still alive, so they couldn't interfere too much.

The three of them chatted happily, and before they knew it, a long moment had passed. Just then, Ruo Ling, leading Liu, slowly approached the Princess's residence. Upon seeing Liu arrive, everyone exchanged pleasantries, and then enjoyed a hearty and delicious lunch together. Afterward, Yongle thoughtfully instructed his men to escort Liu and her daughter safely back to the inn.

Yongle and Mu Yunxi also learned from Liu the reason for their visit to Beijing. It turned out that the Li family's second son had stumbled upon Qin Lan while passing through Shuanglin Prefecture. He immediately developed a liking for her. After some inquiries, he learned that Qin Lan was Qin Donglai's beloved daughter. Even more coincidentally, his father and Qin Donglai were acquainted. Coincidentally, to celebrate the Li family's grandmother's birthday, he had specially sent someone to the Qin family to invite them to Beijing. His goal was to get to know Qin Lan in public.

After listening to what Liu said, the two of them thought to themselves that the way Li Erlang acted was indeed a gentleman, and he must be a good match worthy of entrusting their lives to.

Mu Yunxi also rested for a few days. During these days, she and Yongle lived in close contact and went everywhere together.

"Alas! In two days you will have to take up your post at the Honglu Temple." Yongle hugged Mu Yunxi tightly and said with a sad face.

"I'm just taking up a new position, not staying here forever. I'm just leaving early and coming back late every day. How can I feel at ease about taking up my new position when you're like this?" Mu Yunxi reached out and gently pinched Yongle's cheek, saying softly. "It's just that once I take up my new position, you'll have to take care of a lot of things again!"

"These are just trivial matters. Besides, I don't need to do them myself, so why should I worry about it? It's just a pity that you can't be present on the day the academy's establishment is announced!" Yongle said with a smile.

"It doesn't matter whether I'm here or not. It's just that the weather has been getting colder lately. Even if the sun comes out, it won't feel warm on your body. You'd better wear more clothes when the weather comes." As she spoke, Mu Yunxi suddenly remembered that they still haven't found a suitable candidate for the farming class, so she stood up and said, "I'd better hurry and write a recruitment guide!"

Yongle had already consulted the Imperial Astronomical Observatory and carefully calculated an auspicious date, ultimately settling on the 18th of this month for the academy's inauguration ceremony. However, Mu Yunxi would have to take office two days earlier, on the 16th. Furthermore, she would have to attend court every morning. Initially, many ministers strongly opposed her appointment due to her female status. However, after witnessing the powerful capabilities of the Zhaoyang warships and crossbows, they began to view Mu Yunxi with a new eye, gradually accepting the presence of such a female official in the court. Furthermore, the wheelbarrow and two-wheeled cart Mu Yunxi had meticulously designed at the southwest pier had already earned the emperor's praise for their convenience and practicality, and he had ordered their widespread use throughout the Zhao Kingdom. He had once again successfully won the hearts of the people, and their affection for him grew even deeper. He generously attributed the credit to Mu Yunxi and frankly announced to the people that these exquisite and beneficial things were all carefully designed by this intelligent female official. Mu Yunxi also received a wave of praise for this.

About a cup of tea later, Mu Yunxi walked briskly to Yongle, holding a handwritten employment contract, and asked softly, "How is it?"

Yongle took the brief and read it carefully. After a moment, she couldn't help but smile. She nodded frequently and praised it profusely, "It's really wonderful! Although it's different from the notices we see every day, it's clearly organized and easy to understand. Its unique presentation is refreshing! Such a masterpiece is truly rare. I will immediately order many copies to be posted not only on notice boards throughout Kyoto, but also throughout Zhao State."

However, after thinking for a moment, Mu Yunxi shook her head and said, "There's no need to rush this matter. After the academy officially announces it, we'll post this recruitment brochure together with the enrollment notice. This way, we can attract more knowledgeable people to apply, and recruit many outstanding students to enroll for further studies." After that, she smiled slightly, and then took out another enrollment notice that had been prepared long ago and handed it to Yongle.