The cannon fodder heiress trembled with fear after being recognized as a member of her family.

The letter was from none other than Ma Youcai, whom I had met once in Changle County.

The letter mentioned that half a month ago, Ma Xuankang returned home to rest for a few days before setting off by boat to that island.

We should receive news from there around the end of July.

Han Cuiyin's brows finally relaxed.

She now suspects that the person who used that set of jewelry to barter for other items is very likely Qingyun.

If Qingyun were to also end up here and trade that set of jewelry, her situation would likely be dire.

On the last page of the letter, gratitude was overflowing.

The piece of driftwood we gave them last time really came in handy.

At least, the journey through the Pinglian River was smooth and without any problems, and the voyage at sea was also uneventful.

Ma Youcai's thank-you gift is on its way and will arrive soon.

"This guy knows how to scheme!"

Han Cuiyin was deeply impressed by the father and son.

The father was shrewd and worldly-wise, but unlike the typical unscrupulous businessman.

The Ma family's son is bold and meticulous. If we can find Qingyun this time, we really should give him some gifts.

The spiritual energy in this Konoha world is depleted. It seems that his sect has some resources. Sending some things to help him out would also settle the karmic debt.

Han Cuiyin drifted off to sleep, while the Prince of Xiaoyao and his wife remained unconscious.

The night passed, and Han Cuiyin didn't get up early.

I was exhausted last night and felt quite listless.

Ma Youcai's letter filled her with anticipation, and she slept somewhat restlessly last night.

After a quick wash, Gao Xiaolan's voice came from outside, "Miss, Princess Jinghe is waiting for you to have dinner. Also, the Princess has sent people to move Prince Xiaoyao and your mother to another courtyard, and assigned someone else to take care of them."

Gao Xiaolan and Granny Gao are only half-baked at serving others; they are still learning.

Granny Chu also returned here today, seemingly confirming that she is by Han Cuiyin's side.

Han Cuiyin showed no dissatisfaction upon hearing this, saying, "It's good that the Grand Princess is taking over. I'm used to being lazy and don't know how to take care of people."

In the thousand years of the Longevity Realm, many mundane affairs were spared.

In particular, she also followed her master in rigorous training, and even when she occasionally went out for training and relaxation, she kept it as simple as possible.

Back here, although she enjoys life, she is far inferior to other young ladies from wealthy families.

When she arrived at the main courtyard, a meal had already been laid out on the dining table.

"Did Xiaohe make this?"

A steamer of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) was right next to Han Cuiyin.

The table was covered with her favorite foods, all prepared with great care.

"Xiao He was brought here by Qingshan and the others last night. They've been preparing your favorite food since early this morning. Luckily, you made it in time for lunch, otherwise it would have been kept warm on the stove."

The one speaking was Shi Yun, the daughter of Granny Gu.

She had always treated Han Cuiyin with utmost respect and never neglected her.

The two were also more familiar with each other than the other maids.

"Where's the prince?"

Han Cuiyin greeted the Grand Princess and then asked Shi Yun about Luo Jingqian.

In the past, Luo Jingqian would dine with the Grand Princess.

"Young Master has returned to the capital to handle some matters and will not be back until tonight or tomorrow."

"Oh."

Han Cuiyin already knew about Luo Jingqian's parents' situation and assumed he was there to handle it, so she didn't ask any further questions.

Princess Jinghe ate a simple meal and then went to the Cold Pool.

Something changed at the Cold Pool last night, but it was a good change.

If it weren't for waiting for Han Cuiyin, she would have gone to the center of the cold pool that morning.

Han Cuiyin held the token given to her by the Grand Princess without saying anything.

Having this token certainly makes things much more convenient.

There was nothing uncomfortable about spending time with Princess Jinghe.

On the contrary, the Grand Princess was completely unpretentious and acted more like a kind elder.

“Cuiyin, you don’t need to worry about your mother and your... your father’s safety. I’ve protected them. No fools will bother them. Besides, those people may not know they’re in Qingshuang Mountain. Jingqian is going to deal with their whereabouts today.”

Princess Jinghe did not hide it from her.

How could her beloved grandson possibly do good deeds quietly?

If you do something for the girl you love but don't say it, how can you win her favor?

Meanwhile, Luo Jingqian watched coldly as his father packed up and moved his things away from the princess's residence, without saying a word.

Princess Changyun's divorce from the Duke of Dingguo was permitted by the Emperor, causing a huge uproar in the capital.

A loving couple suddenly divorces without any warning.

Princess Changyun lived a secluded life in the years that followed and rarely appeared in public.

Could it really be because of that second wife who was also a descendant of a family?

Their relationship has sparked much speculation.

Seeing that Luo Yuan had finished packing, Luo Jingqian left the former Duke of Dingguo's mansion without saying a word.

He had someone help Princess Changyun back to her room to recover from her injuries, and then he chased after her.

Luo Jingqian and his sister did not leave anything to the Luo family; the three of them still followed Princess Changyun.

Emperor Chuyuan did this to curry favor with the Jinghe Grand Princess's faction.

Apart from the second wife, the Luo family did not experience much joy.

Luo Jingqian was in poor health, but he was still a rare good son of the Luo family.

After this incident, General Luo was also bedridden and fell ill.

Luo Yuan was in a hurry, as he was heading back to discuss matters with the old general.

Luo Jingqian stopped the man, "Your Excellency, stop!"

"You~" Luo Yuan looked at his son, who no longer called him father or dad, and felt a pang of resentment.

"Yesterday, you told us to leave the Luo family and start our own household. Do you know something about this?"

"I never said that, perhaps you misheard," Luo Yuan denied.

"My lord, whether you believe it or not, it was the second wife who repeatedly stirred up trouble yesterday. My mother already dotes on me—"

Luo Jingqian couldn't help but defend Princess Changyun a bit.

It was also yesterday that he learned how the second wife had treated his mother.

"This matter is over, do not mention it again." Duke Dingguo did not let Luo Jingqian finish speaking before leaving the current princess's residence.

Luo Jingqian frowned. "Have someone keep an eye on the Luo family."

Qingshan nodded and went down to give instructions.

"Young master, someone from the palace has come to summon you!"

He is no longer the heir apparent of the Duke of Dingguo, and can only be called "Young Master" by others. He feels no resentment or sense of loss.

"My mother and my sisters must be well protected."

Before entering the palace, Luo Jingqian gave his steward a few instructions.

After giving his instructions, he took Qinghe to the palace to meet the emperor.

"Jingqian, where did you take the Prince of Xiaoyao last night after you took him from the Han family?"

Emperor Chu Yuan sat at the head of the table, his eyelids drooping, and did not glance at him.

"Your Majesty, the Prince of Xiaoyao was seriously injured. After I rescued him, a sacred mountain suddenly appeared and sucked the couple in, leaving no trace."

"Their intrusion into the Han residence that day was also to support their daughter..."

Luo Jingqian didn't embellish the story; he simply recounted what had happened to Han Cuiyin.

Emperor Chu Yuan relaxed. "Miss Yang is also a pitiful person. After she recovers, she can return to the capital to acknowledge her ancestors."

With this hostage in the Han family, even if the Carefree King was angry, he wouldn't dare to act rashly.

Luo Jingqian was unaware of Emperor Chu Yuan's wishful thinking; he simply sat below, head bowed, remaining silent.

"Alright! Who are you trying to impress? It's just the position of heir apparent. Let your mother rest assured."

After leaving the palace, Luo Jingqian breathed a sigh of relief.

They finally managed to fool the carefree king about his whereabouts.

The sacred mountain is indeed a good excuse.

After he returned to the princess's residence, the imperial edict arrived almost immediately.

The eunuch who delivered the imperial decree was an old man who served Emperor Chu Yuan. "Young Master Luo, prepare to receive the decree."

Princess Changyun and Luo Jingqian exchanged a glance and waited quietly for the imperial decree to be announced.

"Hereinafter known as Luo Jingqian, son of Princess Changyun, is a filial and respectful man..."