Heartstrings Resonance: The Beloved Princess of the Female Power

He couldn't help but laugh and said, "Your great-grandfather's family is really unique! Other families would just beg for it, but they have the emperor chasing them to give rewards. Besides, your eldest cousin should be considered the youngest Duke, right?"

Yongle smiled and replied, "That's right! My eldest cousin won the top prize in the last Spring Imperial Examination, but he didn't want to join the cabinet. Instead, he requested a position outside the court. Because he had won the top prize before, his appointment as Duke this time didn't cause much opposition."

Mu Yunxi asked curiously, "As the youngest in the family, does he have a say in the family?"

Hearing this, Yongle remembered something and couldn't help laughing. "You came out late, so you might not know this. A few days ago, I went to congratulate him on his succession to the Duke. I asked him how he felt, and he told me it was nothing special. Every time the family discussed something, my great-grandfather would ask him to join in, but he couldn't get a word in. My great-grandfather and his uncles would each speak a little bit, and they'd finish the discussion, leaving him listening silently. In the end, he even joked about being the Duke with the easiest job."

Mu Yunxi praised: "Your eldest cousin has a good character! Although he is young, he has a very open mind! He is a Duke now, so he will have to stay in Kyoto from now on!"

Yongle nodded: "Yes! Without the emperor's order, officials in the capital cannot leave the capital at will."

Mu Yunxi thought for a moment, then turned to look at Yongle and asked softly, "After two days of rest, I want to go to the Southwest Pier. Do you want to go with me?"

Yongle was startled when he heard this. He looked at Mu Yunxi with some confusion and asked curiously, "Aren't you supposed to rest for half a month? Why do you suddenly want to go there?"

Mu Yunxi gently pinched Yongle's cheek and explained softly, "I want to get familiar with the environment first, so that I can get started right away when I go there."

Yongle suddenly understood and nodded repeatedly, saying, "So that's how it is. I'll go to the palace tomorrow to ask my father for instructions!"

Mu Yunxi smiled and nodded in agreement, then continued, "By the way, please help me pass a letter to your great-grandfather's house. Tomorrow when you come back, we will go to the posthouse and call my mother, and we will go to pay a visit together."

Yongle responded obediently: "Okay!"

The next day, after learning that Yongle planned to go to the southwest pier with Mu Yunxi, Emperor Qing Zhao readily agreed.

Afterwards, they went to the posthouse and found Xiao Yao who was waiting there. After they got together, they set off together for the Lin family, which was the home of Yongle's great-grandfather and is now the Duke of Huaian's Mansion.

As for Mu Cheng, he was still busy with official duties, so the others left without him. Mu Yunxiao and Mu Yunyue were currently staying at the Duke's Mansion, and Mu Yunxi and Xiao Yao had specially prepared generous gifts for them. Princess Yongle looked at the carriage full of gifts and couldn't help but laugh, "I wanted to say I prepared them for you, but you declined. So you thought I didn't prepare enough!"

Hearing this, Mu Yunxi smiled and responded, "How could I let you spend money? I'm going to visit my own brothers and sisters, so naturally I should prepare it. Besides, I asked the emperor to exchange all the gifts he gave me for banknotes. They're useless if I just keep them, so I might as well use them for practical things."

The group set off in a grand procession and arrived at the Huai'an Duke's Mansion. Since the current Duke Lin Qingfeng had not yet married, there was no Duke's wife in the mansion, and they were received by Lin Qingfeng's mother, Sun.

Mrs. Sun, a woman in her forties, came from a distinguished family. She was elegant and well-spoken, giving off a warm and amiable vibe. She greeted everyone with a gentle smile, her words revealing the demeanor of a lady from a distinguished family, making them feel particularly at home. Led by her, the group was warmly welcomed into the Duke's Mansion.

After they had spoken for a while, Mu Yunxiao and Mu Yunyue were brought over. After the siblings had paid their respects to the elders present, Mu Yunxi carefully examined Mu Yunxiao, her eyes filled with satisfaction and pride. She smiled and said, "Boy, you've grown quite a bit! It seems you've made considerable progress in your studies, too."

Hearing this, Mu Yunyue was not to be outdone. She skipped to Mu Yunxi, raised her little face, and said expectantly, "Sister, Yueyue has grown taller too!" Her voice was filled with childish joy, as if growing taller was a very fulfilling thing.

Mu Yunxi touched her head and exclaimed exaggeratedly: "Wow, Yueyue has grown taller too, that's amazing!"

Mu Yunxiao also came up to her with a little pride on his face. He said in a serious tone: "Eldest sister is now a fifth-rank official. You are an official. You have to be more careful with your words, especially those methods of bullying your younger brother must not be used anymore." There was a hint of sarcasm in his words, but it also revealed his recognition of Mu Yunxi's achievements.

Hearing this, Xiao Yao glared at him and said lightly, "Are you itching for trouble?" There was a hint of threat in her eyes, but she couldn't hide her love for her son.

Mu Yunxiao chuckled and called out "Mom." He knew that although his sister usually didn't hit him now, his mother would hit him at any time. He still remembered the scene of his mother kicking him away. The power of that kick was not to be underestimated!

Mu Yunxi turned and asked with concern: "How are your studies going?"

Mu Yunxiao scratched his head and replied guiltily, "It's okay!" His eyes flickered, as if he was hiding something.

Sun, who had wanted to leave to let the mother and son talk privately, was kept by Xiao Yao. She praised them, "They've only been here a few days, and the teachers are already praising them! They say they're quick learners!" She smiled at Mu Yunxi, "As expected of Mr. Mu's younger siblings! Madam Mu! How did you raise them? They're all so bright and clever. Could you please teach me a thing or two?" Sun's words were filled with admiration for the Mu children and curiosity about Xiao Yao's parenting methods. She looked at Mu Yunxi and Xiao Yao, her eyes filled with admiration and envy.

Xiao Yao smiled and said, "Madam, I'm so lucky that you don't mind bothering me. These two little monkeys are always running around at home. How could I teach them anything? It must be the teacher at the mansion who taught them well. These little monkeys have understood something. How can they deserve your praise?"

Upon hearing this, Sun thought to herself: This Madam Mu is quite modest. How could her children be so smart and clever without any connection to her? She must have put a lot of effort into their lives.

She smiled and replied, "Mrs. Mu is too modest. Although the gentlemen in the mansion are good, the foundation of the children is still laid at home."

Xiao Yao smiled and said, "I'm so lucky that Madam doesn't mind bothering me. These two little kids are always running around at home. I couldn't teach them well. It's all thanks to the gentlemen in the Duke's Mansion for their careful guidance." Her words revealed a hint of modesty, as well as gratitude towards Sun.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Sun responded with a smile, "Madam Mu, you are too modest. Although the teachers in the mansion are good, the children's foundation is laid at home. It can be seen that Yunxiao and Yunyue have been well brought up at home, and this is all thanks to Madam Mu." Her words were warm and sincere, which made Xiao Yao feel very comfortable.

The two exchanged pleasantries in a harmonious and friendly atmosphere. They talked about their children's growth and education, shared their parenting experiences, and seemed to have become good friends who could talk about anything.

After learning that the brother and sister were doing well and what they had learned at the academy, they prepared to leave. As they were leaving, Sun had specially prepared a cart full of return gifts, which made Xiao Yao feel a little embarrassed. She quickly declined, "Madam, how can this be so embarrassing? We just came to see the children. How can we let you spend money?"

However, Mrs. Sun smiled and shook her head, saying, "Madam Mu, there is no need to be so polite. The princess has paid tuition and it's not for nothing. These return gifts are also due. Please accept them." There was a degree of determination and sincerity in her words, which made Xiao Yao unable to refuse.

In the end, Xiao Yao had no choice but to accept the return gift and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Sun. She was filled with emotion, feeling that this visit not only allowed her to understand the children's situation at the school, but also allowed her to meet such a gentle and amiable lady. It was really a fruitful experience!

The three of them rode together in Yongle's carriage, chatting and laughing as they arrived at the inn. After dropping Xiao Yao off, Mu Yunxi and Yongle returned to the princess's residence. On the way, Mu Yunxi asked, "Your eldest cousin is already twenty, right? Why hasn't he arranged a marriage yet?"

Yongle shook his head, "I don't know, but I heard from my third cousin that he was waiting for someone to return to Beijing!"

Mu Yunxi understood in her heart that he had a crush on someone! But thinking about the fact that marriages in this era were all decided by parents and matchmakers, she asked again, "Then won't your aunts urge him? Or show him a match?"

Yongle shook his head again, "No, it should be that my eldest cousin told them, and they are also satisfied with the person my eldest cousin chose, so they didn't see him."

Mu Yunxi nodded to show that she understood.

In a flash, the two were ready to depart for the southwest pier. As the morning light began to break, their carriages had already left the city. Instead of riding in Yongle's carriage, they opted for a more ordinary-looking one. While the carriage's appearance was unassuming and unadorned, it seemed quite understated. However, once inside, a different world unfolded, revealing an air of luxury amidst its understated elegance. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with soft seats and thick velvet carpets. Exquisite tea sets and snacks were also provided, ensuring a relaxing journey.

Yongle was swaying like she was sleepy at this moment. Mu Yunxi gently held her in her arms and comforted her, "If you feel sleepy, just take a nap. I'm here."

Yongle also reached out and hugged her waist, responded in a soft voice, "Yeah!" and then fell asleep.

Mu Yunxi also closed her eyes to rest, but she listened to the sounds around her. Fortunately, they walked discreetly, avoiding any prying eyes. The road was a bit bumpy, and Yongle hadn't slept well either. He opened his eyes, looked up at Mu Yunxi, and a sweet smile played on his lips.