After giving birth to twins, the princess became pregnant again, and the royal uncle took care of he

Her words carried a hint of teasing, but also revealed her boundless love for her daughter.

Chu Xingyao could only smile helplessly. She knew her place in her family's hearts and was grateful for their deep affection.

After dinner, Chu's parents told her two older brothers to go home and rest, since they must be very tired after watching over her all night yesterday.

Chu Xingyao sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the ten mahogany boxes that were brought in one after another. She was dumbfounded, wondering what was inside.

Chu's mother said gently:

"These were all sent by your eldest uncle. He's on his way back and should be able to attend your coming-of-age ceremony in time," said Chu's mother, her voice filled with anticipation and joy.

Following Chu's mother's instructions, Pearl carefully opened the box.

Inside were six boxes filled with winter coats, overcoats, and fox furs.

These brocades were all of the finest quality. Even Chu Xinglan, the most favored among them, could only have two sets made each year, yet her eldest uncle had sent six boxes of them.

What surprised Chu Xingyao even more was that these fox furs were all white and extremely precious.

Pearl continued to open other rosewood boxes, which contained more than a dozen sets of jewelry, three sets of Ru kiln tea sets, several pairs of jade bracelets, and other pearls, jadeite, and agate.

There was also a box of raw mutton fat jade. Chu's mother said that Chu Xingyao could have any kind of jewelry made from it.

There was also a box of trinkets belonging to a young woman, and 50,000 taels of silver notes.

These scenes shocked Chu Xingyao. She recalled the times her uncle would send her gifts in her previous life, always carrying them directly to the Begonia Garden and letting Chu Xinglan choose first, sometimes leaving her only a few hairpins.

Thinking of this, Chu Xingyao felt a surge of anger. She secretly vowed, "Chu Xinglan, you wait, I will make you vomit up everything you've eaten."

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps broke the tranquility of Xinghe Garden.

A servant came running in, panting, his face showing a mixture of nervousness and excitement. He announced loudly:

"Eunuch Li has come to deliver the imperial decree; the messenger has already arrived at Xinghe Garden!"

This sudden news immediately made Chu's parents nervous, as they knew it must be something important concerning Chu Xingyao.

Chu Xingyao had already finished washing up and was preparing to start her day's activities.

She's fully recovered now, she can jump and bounce around again. And she even has internal energy now.

But Chu Huaizhong still allowed her to support him.

Chu Huaizhong carried her out and carefully dressed her in a bright red feather gauze cloak lined with white fox fur.

The luxurious cloak completely covered Chu Xingyao, making it difficult to even recognize her face.

Although Eunuch Li could not immediately determine whether it was Chu Xingyao.

But seeing Chu Huaizhong's tense attitude and Chu's mother standing beside him, he already knew the answer in his heart.

Just as Eunuch Li was about to read the imperial edict, he was stunned by Chu Huaizhong's action.

Chu Huaizhong ordered the servants to lay six thick quilts on the ground before Chu Xingyao knelt down to receive the imperial decree.

Such pampering made Eunuch Li sigh in his heart, thinking that Chu Huaizhong was truly the number one doting father in the capital.

He thought to himself that it was wise to come directly to Xinghe Garden to deliver the imperial decree.

If Chu Huaizhong were to carry Chu Xingyao to the front courtyard to receive the imperial decree, and she were to catch a cold, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Eunuch Li dared not think any further; he only wanted to complete the task of delivering the imperial decree as soon as possible.

So, Eunuch Li quickly opened the imperial edict and read aloud:

"The Emperor Fengtian Chengyun issued an edict:

I have heard that Chu Xingyao, daughter of General Chu Huaizhong, is virtuous and beautiful, prudent and kind, and a model of virtue for women.

His father, Chu Huaizhong, repeatedly made meritorious contributions and was loyal and devoted, serving as a pillar of the nation, which greatly pleased me.

I hereby issue this decree to confer upon Chu Xingyao the title of Princess of Ding'an County, in order to recognize her virtue and encourage her aspirations.

May Princess Chu Xingyao of Dingyuan County uphold virtue and propriety, manage her household with humility and prudence, and serve as a model for women throughout the world.

And I hope the Chu family will continue to be loyal to me and contribute to the nation and its people. This is my decree. So be it.

Chu Xingyao replied: "This humble woman accepts the imperial decree and thanks Your Majesty for your great favor. Long live the Emperor!"

The old man then hurriedly brought out tonics such as ginseng, lingzhi, and deer antler brought from the Imperial Hospital.

Then, as if fleeing for their lives, they hurriedly left the general's mansion and went back to the palace, without even accepting the reward money.

Chu Huaizhong was completely bewildered by this scene; he couldn't understand why Eunuch Li was in such a panic.

Chu Xingyao, though somewhat embarrassed by her father's overprotectiveness, couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Chu Xingyao's laughter echoed in Xinghe Garden. Her laughter was clear and melodious, like silver bells ringing in the garden.

Her laughter contained both gratitude for her father's affection and surprise at this unexpected honor.

As soon as Jun Xuanche entered Xinghe Garden, he was drawn in by the clear, cheerful laughter.

His gaze fell on the woman in Chu Huaizhong's arms, a woman who looked like a fairy.

Chu Xingyao's face was sweet and round, with a pair of charming dimples. Her eyes were bright and clear, like the most dazzling stars in the night sky.

When she smiles, her eyes curve into crescent shapes.

Jun Xuanche was mesmerized, his gaze revealing a complex emotion.

When Chu Xingyao saw Jun Xuanche arrive, her smile froze instantly, and memories of her past life surged into her heart.

The pain and betrayal filled her heart with hatred, and her body trembled uncontrollably.

Chu Huaizhong noticed his daughter's unusual behavior and mistakenly thought she was shivering from the cold. He hurriedly gave Jun Xuance a perfunctory bow and then quickly carried Chu Xingyao back into the house.

His actions revealed his deep concern and protectiveness towards his daughter.

Upon seeing this, Chu Xingchi and Chu Xingyi also approached Jun Xuance. They politely bowed and greeted him, but their tone revealed a hint of coldness.

They were all men, so they could naturally sense the hidden meaning in Jun Xuanche's gaze as he looked at their sister.

Jun Xuance sensed the hostility from the Chu brothers. A flash of ruthlessness crossed his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He knew his goal, and he knew he needed to remain calm.

His purpose was not only to obey Consort Su's orders, but also for his own future.

Chu Xingyao's identity and background were a huge temptation for him, and he needed this alliance to consolidate his position.

Chu Huaizhong could only step forward, bow, and ask:

"What brings the Prince of Yan to the residence? Is he here to see his future concubine, Xinglan? I suppose the Prince of Yan got lost. Xinglan is staying at Youlian Garden."

He then said to the servant at the door, "Personally escort the Third Prince to Youlian Garden and treat him well. Do not neglect him."

Chu Huaizhong's appearance broke the tense atmosphere. His voice carried a hint of coldness, and his gaze was sharp as a knife as he stared directly at Jun Xuance.

As the General Who Guards the South, Chu Huaizhong has been through many battles and is well-versed in such power struggles. He will not easily allow anyone to harm his precious child.

He tried to distract Jun Xuanche by using Chu Xinglan's name, hoping that he would leave Xinghe Garden and not disturb Chu Xingyao's peace.

The servant respectfully replied, "Yes, sir." He turned to look at Jun Xuance, gestured for him to follow him.