The Crown Princess is busy fishing

Lin Yuge hadn't expected that Hua Ruoyan really valued her so much.

Although she felt a little uneasy, she remained calm and composed.

She curtsied slightly and said softly:

"Thank you for welcoming me, Granny Gui. I am deeply honored to have the favor of the Princess."

Meanwhile, Mo Nan led Lin Qingzhou to where the male guest was.

Before leaving, Lin Qingzhou gave Lin Yuge a reassuring look, indicating that she didn't need to worry.

Lin Yuge nodded slightly.

Ye Lingxuan tugged at her sleeve and asked in a low voice:

"Yuge, when did you become so close to the princess?"

Lin Yuge shook her head slightly, unsure how to explain.

Xiao Qinglan coughed lightly and stepped into the inner courtyard first.

The group hurriedly followed, and along the corridor, they soon arrived in front of an exquisite pavilion.

The doors and windows of the pavilion are all carved with exquisite patterns, and the thin gauze covering the window frames flutters gently in the wind.

Granny Gui quickened her pace and gently pushed open the door to the pavilion.

He stepped aside and respectfully said, "Princess, ladies, please come in."

Lin Yuge took a deep breath and followed the princess slowly into the house.

The room was filled with a faint, elegant fragrance.

Hua Ruoyan was sitting listlessly in the main seat, occasionally exchanging a few words with the people around her.

His eyes, however, were fixed on the doorway, a hint of barely perceptible anticipation and joy in them.

When they saw Lin Yuge walking in with the eldest princess.

Hua Ruoyan's previously weary eyes instantly brightened.

She immediately stood up, took light steps, and went to meet him.

"Miss Lin, you've finally arrived! I've been longing to see you again these past few days!"

Hua Ruoyan smiled and held Lin Yuge's hand, appearing extremely intimate.

Lin Yuge quickly bowed, "Your Highness is too kind to me, Yuge is overwhelmed with gratitude."

Xiao Qinglan watched this scene from the side, feeling increasingly puzzled.

What is it about Lin Yuge that makes the usually aloof Wang Sao treat him with such warmth?

Hua Ruoyan seemed to only then notice Xiao Qinglan, released Lin Yuge's hand, and curtsied to the Princess.

"Qinglan brought Lingxuan along too, please come in and have a seat."

Xiao Qinglan returned the greeting slightly, "Sister-in-law Wang, you're too kind. I'm just here to accompany Lingxuan and join in the fun."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, everyone took their seats.

The other ladies in the attic, curious about Lin Yuge's identity, whispered amongst themselves.

A lady dressed in fine clothes and adorned with jewels was the first to be unable to contain herself.

His gaze swept over Lin Yuge, and he asked softly:

"Your Highness, whose daughter is this Miss Lin?"

He is so handsome and elegant; I have never seen him at a banquet before.

Hua Ruoyan picked up her teacup and took a small sip.

A faint smile played at the corners of his lips, but he didn't rush to answer.

Amidst the exchange of glances, some people's faces were filled with surprise and uncertainty.

Lady Ding'an's gaze was fixed intently on Lin Yuge.

It was as if they wanted to find some secret in her clothes, words and actions.

The gaze was as if scrutinizing a stranger who had suddenly intruded.

It's as if they're examining a treasure that has been lost and found again, but they don't know if it holds any hidden secrets.

After a long while, she seemed to suddenly come to her senses, and a warm smile instantly spread across her face.

She quickened her pace and stepped forward, her voice carrying a hint of deliberate intimacy and reproach:

"Yuge, you silly girl, why don't you come home after you've returned to the capital?"

When your cousin Qinghong said he saw you, I thought he was joking!

Lin Yuge sneered inwardly, thinking that this must be her aunt!

She played a significant role in helping her family when they were evicted from their home.

However, since it was Xiao Yunqing's mother's birthday banquet, she didn't want to make a scene here.

Lin Yuge maintained a faint smile on her face:

"Aunt, Lingnan is remote, and the journey back is very inconvenient."

Moreover, household affairs are numerous and complicated, and I haven't had time to return home yet.

Lady Ding'an chuckled twice:

"You child, even so, we are still family."

Your uncle and I miss you all very much. Please be sure to come back home for a visit when you have time.

Lin Yuge lowered her head slightly, avoiding her seemingly kind but hypocritical gaze.

"I appreciate your kindness, Auntie."

"But I've just returned to Beijing, and there are still many things to take care of."

At this moment, a lady nearby asked curiously:

"Madam Lin, since this Miss Lin is your niece, why have I never heard you mention her before?"

Lady Ding'an's face stiffened, then she sighed with feigned helplessness:

"Ah, it's a long story, all things of the past."

When the second wife's family encountered misfortune, we were powerless to help them. Now that they have been able to recover, it's truly a blessing from heaven.

Hearing her vague answer, everyone became even more curious, but they didn't press her for more information.

Those nearby who knew the inside story were secretly chuckling to themselves.

The explanation given by the Lady of Ding'an Marquis is hardly convincing.

Back when the second branch of the Lin family was exiled to Lingnan, the Marquis of Ding'an's mansion not only failed to offer any assistance.

Instead, they took advantage of the situation and quickly removed the second branch of the family from the genealogy.

They never mention their relationship with them to outsiders, for fear of being implicated in the slightest.

Now that the second wife has turned her fortunes around, this Miss Lin has grown into such a beautiful and charming young woman with an extraordinary temperament.

Lady Ding'an was eager to get closer to him, and her intentions were obvious.

On the surface, everyone just smiled and nodded, no one wanting to stir up trouble at the occasion hosted by the princess.

Hua Ruoyan observed this scene, put down her teacup, and slowly said:

"Lady of the Marquis of Ding'an, today is my birthday banquet, not a day for you to claim kinship."

Don't try to play your little tricks on me, the princess.

Everyone remembers the past of the Lin family's second branch. Don't you find your actions now abrupt?

Lady Ding'an's face instantly turned extremely ugly. She forced a smile and said:

"Your Highness, I was only thinking of family ties, and I had no other intentions."

Hua Ruoyan gave a light, cold laugh: "Thinking of family ties? When the second branch of the family was in trouble, why weren't you so enthusiastic?"

"Miss Lin is now under my care, so you needn't trouble yourself."

No one dared to utter a sound, and the atmosphere became extremely tense.

Lin Yuge raised her head slightly, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes, and gave Hua Ruoyan a gentle curtsy.

Hua Ruoyan gently patted her hand, signaling her not to worry, and then continued:

"I despise hypocrites the most. You'd better watch yourself."

Lady Ding'an had no choice but to lower her head, her heart filled with resentment and unwillingness, yet she dared not lash out.

Everyone saw that Hua Ruoyan was protecting Lin Yuge so much.

They felt a greater sense of awe and curiosity towards her, and all went up to greet her.

Lin Yuge handled the situation with ease, and his fondness for Hua Ruoyan deepened even further.

After a while, a greeting came from outside the pavilion: "Your Highness, you're back!"

Xiao Yunqing strode into the pavilion.

He entered the palace to meet the emperor today, wearing a long black robe embroidered with dark patterns.

A gold-inlaid jade belt cinched his waist, which accentuated his handsome figure and imposing presence.

As soon as Xiao Yunqing entered, he bowed to Hua Ruoyan:

"Mother, I am late in coming. May your birthday be blessed with good fortune and abundant blessings."

Having said that, he presented a beautiful brocade box.

Hua Ruoyan smiled and accepted it. Upon opening it, she found it to be a Guanyin statue carved from a single piece of Hetian jade.

The jade is warm and lustrous, the Guanyin's expression is serene and compassionate, and the carving is delicate and exquisite, clearly the work of a master craftsman.