Heartstrings Resonance: The Beloved Princess of the Female Power

Xiao Yao turned her gaze towards Mu Cheng and said solemnly, "On the way back yesterday, Xi'er suddenly asked me what it felt like to like someone. After I told her, she then asked what if she liked a woman. At the time, I thought she might have just asked on a whim, so I replied that how could a woman like another woman. Unexpectedly, Xi'er then asked if we would agree if this was true. Now that I think about it, she probably already knew my feelings, so she asked this on purpose."

After hearing this, Mu Cheng was shocked. He widened his eyes and asked, "Then who does she like?" He stared at Xiao Yao anxiously.

Xiao Yao took a deep breath, then said slowly: "I guess it should be the one who lives in the mansion now." After saying that, her brows frowned even tighter.

When Mu Cheng heard the news, he couldn't help but gasp. He rubbed his eyebrows and sighed helplessly.

This night was destined to be a sleepless night for the couple.

Mu Yunxi came to the gate of Yongle's courtyard and looked inside quietly. The guard at the gate asked, "Miss Mu, do you want to come in? I'll go and inform you now."

Mu Yunxi stopped him and said, "No need. I think the princess has gone to bed. I'll come back tomorrow." Then she returned to her own courtyard. The maids and servants came forward to serve her, but she sent them away.

Sitting quietly at the table, her thoughts drifted away, recalling every detail of her acquaintance with Yongle. Initially, she felt they were very compatible, and so she wanted to become good friends with him. After all, in her past life, she had no close friends, and now meeting someone like Yongle was truly a rare opportunity.

As time went by, they discussed everything from music, chess, calligraphy, and painting to the myriad aspects of life. No matter the topic, Yongle always offered unique insights, often aligning with her own. Gradually, she began to enjoy these interactions and was delighted to have Yongle as her friend. However, as their departure approached, she felt a surge of reluctance.

She couldn't help but fall into deep thought: "My feelings for A Yin seem to be getting deeper and deeper, not like friendship. But what kind of feeling is it?" She guessed that it was love, but she didn't know what it felt like. With doubts, she asked Xiao Yao what it felt like to like someone?

Xiao Yao told her, "To like someone is a gentle and subtle interweaving of emotions. It's like a first blooming flower in spring, quietly blossoming within your heart with shyness and anticipation. Whenever you think of that person, a warmth wells up in your heart, as if the entire world has become soft and warm. Their smile, their words, even their every subtle gesture, can tug at your heartstrings, filling you with joy and worry. In countless ordinary moments, you find yourself involuntarily searching for their presence, longing to spend every moment with them. This love, both sweet and slightly bitter, fills your life with color and teaches you to wait and persevere. Because of love, you're willing to endure all uncertainties, just for that possible beauty. You want to monopolize their attention and thoughts, yet you're also willing to tolerate their flaws and shortcomings. When they face difficulties, you're willing to share their joys and sorrows."

After realizing her feelings for Ayin, Mu Yunxi felt a mixture of emotions. She wanted to express her feelings to Ayin, but she was also worried about getting into trouble. After all, homosexuality was frowned upon in this era, and if their relationship were exposed, they would likely be scorned by the world. Furthermore, as someone from the ancient times, she knew that such a love relationship would be fruitless.

Mu Yunxi clearly realized that even if she confessed her feelings to Ayin, it would not change the reality. Ayin was a princess, and what's more, she didn't know whether Ayin would be willing to establish such a special relationship with her. Faced with these problems, Mu Yunxi felt unprecedented confusion and helplessness.

However, she knew she couldn't just focus on her own feelings; she also had to consider her family's reputation and well-being. If she pursued her Ayin recklessly, her parents, siblings, and Ayin would all suffer. Despite the pain in her heart, she decided to give up the relationship to protect everyone's reputation.

The next morning, Princess Yongle prepared to leave. Upon hearing the news, Xiao Yao anxiously asked, "Princess, why are you leaving so soon? Didn't you agree to stay here for two days? Did we fail to provide adequate hospitality?"

Princess Yongle smiled and comforted her, "Madam Mu, please don't misunderstand. Your hospitality here is very good. I just have some things to take care of, so I'm in a hurry to go back." After that, she leaned close to Xiao Yao's ear and whispered a few words. After hearing this, Xiao Yao's face changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.

"In that case, let's not delay the princess's trip." Xiao Yao nodded to show her understanding.

Princess Yongle continued, "However, it's so early in the morning, Madam, please prepare some breakfast for me. I will eat on the way."

Xiao Yao quickly nodded in agreement and told the servants to prepare.

At this moment, Princess Yongle looked around, as if searching for someone. Xiao Yao knew she was looking for Mu Yunxi, so she explained, "Princess, Xi'er may not know you're leaving today."

Princess Yongle smiled slightly and shook her head: "It's okay, no need to wake her up."

Outside the Mu Mansion, Yongle boarded his carriage and prepared to depart. At this moment, a man in his mid-twenties, wearing silver armor, stepped forward and saluted, saying, "General Liu Yuancong pays respects to Her Royal Highness the Princess."

"Your Highness the Princess has been traveling for the past two days. Why don't you rest for a few days at Lord Mu's residence before leaving?"

Yongle's voice came from the carriage in a gentle and melodious voice, but the words were tinged with coldness: "I can leave whenever I want. What's the matter? General Liu wants to be my boss?"

"I dare not," he said, kneeling on one knee. But while Liu Yuancong said he dared not, his eyes were filled with sinister intent. He hated being called General Liu the most. He was already twenty-eight, and these people still called him that; and he was still a sixteen-year-old girl. He snorted inwardly.

Yongle ignored him, but looked around with cold eyes and asked, "Where is the Youzhou prefect?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Cheng hurriedly stepped forward and responded respectfully, "Your Highness, I am here!"

Yongle nodded slightly, then looked at Mu Cheng and said, "Young General Liu wants to stay in Youzhou for a few more days. You must treat him well and not neglect him in any way."

Mu Cheng followed Yongle's gaze and looked at Liu Yuancong. A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, but he still bowed and replied, "Yes!"

However, Liu Yuancong, who was standing by, suddenly said anxiously, "Your Highness, I still need your escort back to the capital. How can I let you go back alone?"

Yongle turned and stared coldly at Liu Yuancong, his tone carrying a hint of chill as he slowly said, "What's the matter, General Liu, are you going to disobey my order? Or do you simply not take me seriously?"

Liu Yuancong's face turned pale instantly, cold sweat began to appear on his forehead, and he hurriedly explained: "I dare not, but..."

Before he could finish his words, Yongle interrupted him. Her voice was gentle and melodious, yet majestic. She said coldly: "Liu Yuancong disobeyed the imperial order and disrespected the majesty of the royal family, Mu Cheng."

Mu Cheng heard Yongle's call and took another step forward, bowing and saying, "I'm here."

Yongle's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness, and he ordered: "Temporarily detain Liu Yuancong in the prefectural prison. When I return to the capital, I will report this matter to the emperor, and he will decide how to deal with it."

Mu Cheng nodded without hesitation and said, "Yes!" Then he turned around and waved to Jing Qi and Jing Ba behind him.

The two of them went back and forth, and quickly arranged for Liu Yuancong. Liu Yuancong stood up and wanted to argue a few words, but Mu Cheng immediately signaled Jing Qi and Jing Ba to tie him up and take him to the prison to avoid disturbing the princess.

Liu Yuancong was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized that Princess Yongle was deliberately trying to keep him here. He snorted in his heart again. The purpose of his visit was to delay Princess Yongle's return to the capital and let Jin Rongsheng die directly in the capital. However, he did not expect that after he rested for one night at the Mu family, Princess Yongle was about to set off again without notifying him. When he and his men learned the news, the carriage was already ready. Princess Yongle was in the backyard and he could not enter. He had no chance to see her until she got on the carriage.

The men Liu Yuancong brought with him looked at each other in bewilderment, and finally decided to go to Lin Wenyuan, explaining that Liu Yuancong had no intention of disrespecting the royal family. Lin Wenyuan told them to go and plead with the princess themselves, emphasizing that he was still the princess's uncle in private, and that if he went to persuade her, it would be suspected that he was using his status as an elder to suppress the royal princess, so he would not go.

Several people actually went to beg, and Yongle was waiting for them. When they went alone, Yongle said that they were not really pleading for Liu Yuancong. When several people went together, Yongle said that they were threatening her because of their large number. So, Yongle asked Mu Cheng to detain all these people.

At this time, a man in his forties, with a burly build and a murderous face walked over and asked Yongle cautiously: "Your Highness, isn't it inappropriate to do this?" This man was the captain of the guard, Wutou.

Yongle said nonchalantly, "There's nothing wrong with that. Liu Yuancong staying here will only delay our journey. Besides, the Liu family in the capital has already taken action against the Jin family, and my father urged me to return as soon as possible."

Wutou thought of the shadow guard who had arrived last night and immediately understood why Princess Yongle had done this. But he couldn't help but ask, "General Jin hadn't revealed the princess's whereabouts, and Liu Yuancong only found out after he arrived!"