The Crown Princess is busy fishing

That night, in the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion, in the same study as yesterday.

Mo Dong reported the events of the day to Xiao Yunqing.

Xiao Yunqing's expression grew increasingly helpless as he listened, and he couldn't help but rub his forehead.

"It's true that with Father away from the capital, Mother is becoming more and more willful in her actions."

In the past two days, foreign envoys have come to pay their respects, and the Emperor has ordered him to be in charge of all the reception arrangements.

He thought that his mother and Yuge were both reasonable people.

The meeting and exchange were harmonious and amicable, so I did not interfere in the matter.

To his surprise, his mother approached Yuge in such a peculiar way, which made him both amused and somewhat worried.

Mo Dong whispered from the side:

“Your Highness, although the Princess Consort’s actions were somewhat rash, it is clear that she cares deeply for Miss Lin, and perhaps she truly loves her.”

Xiao Yunqing shook her head slightly:

“I understand my mother’s thoughts, but she is testing me in secret like this.”

Yu Ge is intelligent and perceptive; he will surely notice something and may harbor resentment towards this.

He stood up and paced back and forth, his brow furrowed, pondering how to resolve this potential misunderstanding and crisis.

When Hua Ruoyan returned, she was quite satisfied with Lin Yuge.

Granny Gui still harbored doubts. She frowned slightly and said softly:

"Your Highness, isn't Miss Lin's family background a bit too low?"

Although she is beautiful and clever, the difference in their social standing is too great…

Hua Ruoyan gently waved her hand, interrupting Granny Gui:

"Those are not important."

Her gaze held a calm and resolute quality, a testament to the many trials and tribulations she had endured within this grand mansion.

She already knew that some things were far less precious than sincerity and character.

Suddenly, as if remembering something important, a glint of light flashed in her eyes:

"Granny Gui, is my birthday coming up soon?"

Granny Gui looked puzzled, as the princess had always been extremely indifferent to birthday celebrations.

I've never really lived up to this before, so why bring it up suddenly today?

But she still replied respectfully:

"Yes, Your Highness, your birthday is in a few days."

Hua Ruoyan nodded slightly, and after thinking for a moment, said to Granny Gui:

"Send someone to invite the Crown Prince over."

Before long, Xiao Yunqing arrived in a hurry. He was tall and straight with a cold expression.

Upon entering the room, he bowed and said:

"Mother, did you look for your son?"

Hua Ruoyan looked at her son, who had an indifferent expression and was becoming more and more like her own prince.

He sighed softly and slowly lifted it up:

"My birthday is coming up soon, and this year my mother wants to hold a birthday banquet at the mansion."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yunqing frowned slightly, her confusion becoming even more apparent.

“Mother, you always find those formalities troublesome, and you have always kept your birthday simple and rarely made any arrangements.”

Why the sudden change of heart and the desire for a grand celebration?

Upon hearing this, Hua Ruoyan immediately feigned anger and glared at her son, raising her voice as she said:

"What do you know! Don't you realize that you've been aloof from women these past few years, not even giving a second glance to the ladies of those prestigious families in the capital?"

You may be living a carefree life, but others are pointing fingers and gossiping behind your back.

As your mother, how can I stand by and watch you be criticized?

As she spoke, Hua Ruoyan's tone softened slightly, but her eyes revealed a hint of determination and cunning.

"Now, finally, a Miss Lin has appeared."

I think she is pretty and clever, and you two get along quite well.

I thought I would take advantage of this birthday banquet to introduce her to everyone.

It will also let those gossipy people see this, so they won't make up stories and say unpleasant things behind my back.

"When the time comes, you must remember to bring Miss Lin back safely and without any mishaps."

After hearing her mother's words, Xiao Yunqing suddenly understood and pondered to herself:

This must be the real purpose behind Mother's grand birthday banquet!

He stood there in silence for a moment, pondering carefully.

Very well, things have come to this, and Mother Consort has acted this way today.

With Yu Ge's intelligence and keen insight, he probably already had doubts and suspicions in his heart.

Instead of trying to hide it, I'd better take this opportunity to be honest with her.

It's better to talk everything out so she can feel at ease.

Xiao Yunqing bowed respectfully to Hua Ruoyan and said in a calm tone:

"Since Mother has made this arrangement, I will certainly comply and follow Mother's decision in everything."

If there are no other important matters to be addressed at this moment, I will take my leave.

After saying that, he made a move to turn around and leave.

Hua Ruoyan raised an eyebrow slightly, asking with a hint of doubt:

"What are you rushing to do, child?"

Xiao Yunqing stopped and looked helplessly at Hua Ruoyan, patiently explaining:

"Didn't Mother just instruct me to invite Yuge to your birthday banquet?"

Your Majesty, I believe this matter should be addressed sooner rather than later; we must inform her as soon as possible so that she can be prepared.

Hua Ruoyan's lips curled up slightly as she muttered to herself:

"This matter is not urgent; it can be done tomorrow."

Xiao Yunqing shook her head slightly and gave her a strange look.

"Mother Consort has probably forgotten what she went to do today?"

If I don't explain it clearly, Yuge will probably think that his mother is some kind of wicked person.

You don't want to develop a grudge against her later, do you?

Hua Ruoyan looked embarrassed, but after a moment's thought, she realized that what he said made sense.

So she waved her hand gently and said:

"Alright, alright, since you have this idea, then so be it."

Go ahead and make sure you handle this matter properly, so that nothing goes wrong.

Xiao Yunqing bowed again, then turned and hurriedly walked outside.

Watching her son's hurried departure, Hua Ruoyan sighed helplessly.

Granny Gui beside him said softly:

"Your Highness, His Highness is truly fond of this Miss Lin."

His eagerness to explain shows that Miss Lin holds a significant place in his heart.

Hua Ruoyan nodded slightly, a complex look in her eyes.

"This child usually seems calm and reserved, but I never expected him to be so persistent when it comes to matters of the heart."

Well then, as long as he's happy, I, as his mother, can only go along with his wishes.

I only hope that this Miss Lin is a good person and won't betray Yun Qing's deep affection.

Xiao Yunqing and Mo Nan hurriedly arrived at the Lin residence.

In Lin Yuge's courtyard, after a busy day, she had just finished taking a bath and was preparing to rest.

Hearing Hei Niu report that Xiao Yunqing had arrived, she was filled with surprise, not expecting Xiao Yunqing to come at this time.

She quickly straightened her clothes and went out to greet them.

As Xiao Yunqing stepped into the courtyard, her gaze instantly locked onto Lin Yuge.

She was wearing a moon-white brocade dress.

Her dark hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and she was still beautiful and charming even without makeup.

He was slightly taken aback before he came to his senses.

"Why are you here so late?" Lin Yuge asked softly.

Xiao Yunqing stepped forward and said with a slight apology:

"Yuge, I'm so sorry to bother you so late."

Lin Yuge gently shook her head. "It's alright. Is there something important?"

Xiao Yunqing took a deep breath and told her about Hua Ruoyan's identity.

"I'm sorry, Mother, for causing you trouble today!"