Chapter 446: Here to Say Goodbye
Crown Prince’s Residence—
Freshly bathed, Yu Mei Yao was led out of the bathing chamber, where several maids were already waiting.
As her eyes fell on the beautifully laid-out dresses and luxurious jewelry, a glimmer of greed flashed across her face.
This was the first time she had ever set foot in the Crown Prince’s residence. No—she hadn’t even been to the Second Prince’s estate before exile.
After all, her lowly status had never granted her such privileges. Yu Yingying, as the legitimate daughter, had visited the Second Prince’s estate multiple times, while she could only dream of such opportunities.
Even in the former Yu household, though Chang Huilan had treated her kindly, she had never been given such extravagant clothing and accessories.
As expected, every woman longs to marry into the imperial family. Only women of the royal household deserve to possess such riches.
Yu Mei Yao could hardly believe that after returning from exile, Yu Qiu Yun would personally bring her to the Crown Prince’s residence.
She was even more curious—why had her eldest sister suddenly changed her attitude toward her?
While lost in thought, Yu Mei Yao suddenly heard Yu Qiu Yun, who was reclining on a chaise lounge, lazily beckon her over. Hurriedly, she lifted her skirts and approached.
“Elder Sister.”
Yu Qiu Yun studied her carefully, examining her freshly cleansed face and delicate figure before nodding in satisfaction.
“You’ve suffered a great deal. Your skin is darker and duller than before, but with proper care, it will recover. Your figure, however, is still quite good. Once properly dressed, you’ll be a real beauty.”
Hearing this praise, Yu Mei Yao blushed, lowering her head shyly. Her fingers unconsciously played with the ends of her damp hair.
“Sister, it’s only because of your kindness that I was given this opportunity to see the Crown Prince’s estate. I can never compare to you in beauty, nor am I worthy of even a fraction of your grace. If not for your favor, I would never have had the chance to enter such a place in my lifetime.”
Seeing Yu Mei Yao’s obedient and tactful demeanor, Yu Qiu Yun became even more pleased. A faint smile curled at her lips.
“It’s good that you know your place. Our Yu family is not as large as it once was. With Yingying in her condition, we sisters must support one another in the future.”
With that, Yu Qiu Yun glanced at one of the waiting maids.
The maid instantly understood, picking up a carefully prepared set of robes and bringing them over to Yu Mei Yao.
“Third Miss Yu, our Lady Side Consort personally selected these for you. Please change into them, and we’ll apply some light makeup.”
Yu Mei Yao’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the gorgeous gown in the maid’s hands. She immediately turned to Yu Qiu Yun and bowed deeply.
“Thank you, Elder Sister, for bestowing such a precious gift upon me.”
“If you like it, then wear it. As long as you obey me, I will continue to treat you well.”
Once Yu Mei Yao had dressed in the luxurious robes and applied a touch of makeup, her complexion brightened considerably. With the addition of fine jewelry, her natural charm became even more apparent—so much so that Yu Qiu Yun, upon seeing her, couldn’t suppress the jealousy flickering in her eyes.
“Tonight, the Crown Prince will be coming to my chambers. Make sure you behave yourself.”
Yu Mei Yao!
Her heart pounded. Could it be—was this exactly as she had guessed?
Had Yu Qiu Yun brought her here to become the Crown Prince’s woman?
When Yu Mei Yao realized the truth, she was ecstatic.
Even if she was merely a pawn in Yu Qiu Yun’s grand scheme, even if she was nothing more than a tool to secure the Crown Prince’s favor—she, an illegitimate daughter, had the chance to become his woman!
Before their exile, she had dreamed of entering the Second Prince’s estate, but after Yu Qiu Yun’s marriage, the prince rarely visited the Yu household, leaving her without an opportunity.
After returning to the capital, she had assumed her parents would marry her off to some noble as a concubine to form alliances.
But now… Yu Qiu Yun had personally elevated her.
The Crown Prince likely wasn’t even aware of her existence yet, but since Yu Qiu Yun had given her this opportunity, she would seize it with everything she had.
As Yu Mei Yao followed the maid out of the main hall, Yu Qiu Yun’s personal maid, Shui Yue, frowned in disapproval.
“My Lady, this Third Miss seems rather ambitious. And she was personally trained by Lady Lan… Are you sure you’re not inviting a wolf into the house?”
As a mere servant, Shui Yue didn’t dare to speak too bluntly, but as Yu Qiu Yun’s personal maid, she had to voice her concerns.
Yu Qiu Yun smirked, her eyes flashing with ridicule.
“She has a weakness in my grasp—what do I have to fear?”
Meanwhile, in Luocheng—
One would think that with the onset of bitter winter, Luocheng would enter a state of dormancy, free from external threats.
But recently, several uninvited guests had attempted to infiltrate the City Lord’s estate. If not for the increased security measures after the destruction of Bai Ting Sect, Yu Luo and her family might have already been assassinated multiple times.
“These intruders… Every time we capture them, they immediately poison themselves. We still don’t know if they were seeking revenge for Bai Ting Sect or if they were sent by Fengcheng.
“Xiao Luo, I don’t know when we’ll finally have peace.”
Yu Haojie sighed, staring at the two dead assassins lying in the snow.
“Father, we have no way to retreat anymore.”
Yu Haojie let out another long sigh. “You’re right. We’ll need to strengthen our defenses and thoroughly investigate everyone entering the city. Alright, I’ll go keep your mother company. The cold is harsh—don’t stay out here too long.”
With that, Yu Haojie left, leaving Yu Luo standing in the courtyard, deep in thought.
Just then, a servant hurried over.
“Miss, Lord Chi is here.”
Yu Luo entered the front hall, where Chi Jinchen was already waiting. Taking the main seat, she studied him curiously.
Although they both resided in Luocheng, they had barely seen each other in recent weeks. For him to arrive so early in the morning—it must be something important.
“Xiao Luo, I’ve come to say goodbye.”
Yu Luo!
So, even Luocheng’s precarious situation had made Chi Jinchen uneasy? Was he planning to leave before getting caught up in the storm?
At this thought, a wry smile crept onto Yu Luo’s lips.
They were not bound by blood or duty. It was only natural for him to avoid unnecessary trouble and act in his own best interest.
There was no reason for her to feel disappointed.
“I see. If I had known you were leaving today, I would have hosted a farewell banquet yesterday. This is quite sudden.”
Seeing that Yu Luo had misunderstood his intentions, Chi Jinchen’s smile deepened.
“Xiao Luo, that doesn’t sound like you’re even a little reluctant to see me go.”
His gaze locked onto hers, unblinking.
Yu Luo furrowed her brows slightly before forcing a polite smile.
“You must have your own plans. Why should I ask you to stay?”
Hearing this, Chi Jinchen’s heart tightened with disappointment.
“If all goes well, I should return in half a year. If not… I may never come back.”
(End of Chapter 446)
