Chapter 074

Chapter 74: So That’s How the Book Describes Him

“Alright then, heir apparent, please stay safe.”

Suppressing the sour ache in her heart, Su Qian Yue quickly came to her senses and gave a distracted nod.

“I will.”

Yun Wan Chen turned and walked out, finding Cang Yan standing guard outside.

“Heir apparent,” Cang Yan greeted him at once.

Yun Wan Chen gave a soft reply and said, “Cang Yan, go find a well-behaved maid to look after Miss Su. She is not to leave Moon Seizing Pavilion for even half a step during this time.”

“Understood.”

Cang Yan’s eyes flickered, then he smiled and asked, “Any other orders, heir apparent? If not, I’ll go now.”

“There is. Find two guards to replace you here. I’m heading out today, so you’ll be watching over Miss Su. When I return, I’ll give you a few days off.”

“Yes! Many thanks, heir apparent.”

The mention of a break made Cang Yan beam with delight.

Soon, he returned with a gentle maid and two guards.

“You two must guard this courtyard well. Aside from the lord’s family, no one else is allowed to enter the heir apparent’s residence, understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

Once the guards were in place, Cang Yan led the maid to the side chamber and gave her detailed instructions to care for Su Qian Yue. He remained stationed in the courtyard to oversee things himself.

…

Peace-Keeping Courtyard

Yun Wan Yao and Yun Wan Ye had arrived early to fetch Yun Wan Ning.

For today’s banquet, the siblings had dressed with great care.

Yun Wan Yao wore a lavish gown of golden pink. Her hair was styled into two lovely buns, with the rest cascading down her back. Bejeweled ornaments shimmered brightly in her hair, her makeup flawless, her beauty ethereal—nothing like a mundane daoist.

The moment Yun Wan Ning laid eyes on her, stars lit up in her eyes as she fell straight into a daze.

[Wow…]

[Whoa, big sis looks so pretty! I’m almost drooling.]

[If she walks outside dressed like this, I bet a whole crowd of young masters will faint from love.]

Yun Wan Ye: “…”

Little sister really is obsessed with faces no matter the time or place.

But… why wasn’t she looking at him?

Didn’t he look just as good as Yun Wan Yao today?

Yun Wan Yao blushed from the compliments but couldn’t help feeling pleased. She stepped forward, scooped Yun Wan Ning into her arms, and pressed a kiss on her soft cheek.

“Little sister, let’s go! Big sis is taking you out to see something fun.”

[Yes, yes, let’s go! Going out!]

[Oh, and big sis’s embrace is so soft and comfy!]

Yun Wan Yao: “…”

“Yun Wan Ye, you carry little sister’s things,” she commanded.

Rolling his eyes, Yun Wan Ye strode over and reached for Yun Wan Ning.

“I’ll carry little sister, you take the things.”

“Why?” Yun Wan Yao was unconvinced.

“Because I’m stronger than you. Your arms are like mosquito wings—what if you drop her?”

“Who are you calling mosquito arms?”

“You, of course.”

Snatching Yun Wan Ning into his arms, Yun Wan Ye gave her a look of exaggerated disdain and exposed her past without mercy.

“From here to the main gate is two li. You really think you can carry little sister the whole way? Did you forget how you used to pant just walking this stretch empty-handed?”

Yun Wan Yao: “…”

Ah. Right. Mother’s courtyard was quite far from the gate, and there were a lot of stairs. Why was she trying to act tough now?

How had a few sweet words from little sister made her forget everything?

Blushing, she picked up the small bundle from the bed and, without arguing further, gave a light cough and said awkwardly, “Alright, alright, it’s getting late. Let’s go.”

“Mother, we’re heading out now,” Yun Wan Ye called toward Madam Yun, who was sitting at the bedside arranging something.

“Wait.”

After quietly listening to the siblings’ exchange, Madam Yun swiftly packed another bundle and walked over with it in her arms.

“Come, I’ll walk you out.”

Yun Wan Yao glanced at the bundle and asked, “Mother, what’s that you’re carrying?”

Madam Yun smiled gently. “Little Fourth’s clothes, handkerchiefs, diapers, and a small blanket.”

Yun Wan Yao looked down at the bundle in her own arms, confusion clouding her face. “Didn’t I already pack those? Why did you pack more?”

“It’s always better to bring extras when going out. Just in case something unexpected happens. You’re taking a carriage anyway, and there’s plenty of space. One more set won’t hurt.”

“Oh.”

They stepped out of the main gate, and right away, Yun Wan Yao’s gaze was drawn to the coachman.

Something about him felt oddly familiar.

Just as she furrowed her brows in thought, Yun Wan Ye’s voice sounded in her ear.

“Big brother, what the heck are you wearing?”

Yun Wan Ye walked up, eyeing the ‘coachman’ from head to toe before sighing and rolling his eyes.

The man wore a dull gray outfit. His usually glossy, jet-black hair had been made to look dry and yellowed, tied up messily with cheap cloth.

His face was covered with a human-skin mask—an ordinary, even slightly ugly face.

Except for his eyes—those cool, star-like eyes as cold as snow—nothing about him was recognizable.

Yun Wan Yao’s mouth dropped open so wide it could have fit a whole egg.

“What? B-b-big brother??”

So this was what he meant yesterday when he said he’d go in disguise with them?

Yun Wan Yao walked in circles around the ‘coachman,’ clicking her tongue in amazement.

“Incredible. Absolutely incredible. I never would’ve guessed this shabby old driver was actually my big brother, who usually looks like a banished immortal.”

[Wow. Second brother really does have a sharp eye.]

[Big brother’s disguise skills are amazing, yet second brother and I both recognized him instantly.]

[I used spiritual sense to figure it out, but how did second brother do it? Big brother didn’t even say a word yet.]

[No wonder the book said second brother was an unparalleled prodigy—a rare genius with unmatched talents. That kind of ability really is impressive.]

Oh? So the book said that about him?

An unparalleled prodigy, with unmatched talents? Not bad. The description suited him well.

But compared to that praise, what made him even happier was receiving little sister’s admiration.

Yun Wan Ye couldn’t help but curl his lips into a satisfied smile.

Everyone’s gaze drifted to Yun Wan Ye in surprise. They hadn’t expected the book to hold him in such high regard.

Perhaps they had underestimated him.

“Mm,” Yun Wan Chen replied. “I’ll be protecting you all, and this disguise makes it easier to avoid attention.”

“Also, Yao’er, Ye’er, remember—once we’re at the banquet, you mustn’t reveal my identity.”

“Got it!”

The siblings answered in unison. Yun Wan Yao then took the bundle from Madam Yun and bid her farewell.

“Mother, we’re leaving now. You should go back in.”

“Alright. You must be careful, and take good care of Little Fourth.”

“We will, Mother. Don’t worry, we’ll keep little sister safe.”

“Mm.”

Inside the carriage, the nursemaid was already waiting with the food box.

When she saw Yun Wan Yao arrive, she greeted her respectfully.

Yun Wan Yao waved a hand casually, placed the two bundles down, and helped Yun Wan Ning into the carriage.

As for the two brothers, one rode a horse and the other drove the carriage.

Secretly, a few of Yun Zheng’s men followed behind them as well.

“Young miss, please hand me Fourth Miss,” said the nursemaid, her gentle gaze settling on Yun Wan Ning as the carriage swayed forward.

Yun Wan Yao smiled gently as she looked toward Yun Wan Ning and asked, “Little sister, do you want to stay with me, or go with the nursemaid?”

[Either is fine. Elder sister can decide.]

Since Madam Yun had fed her before they left the house, Yun Wan Ning wasn’t hungry and didn’t particularly care who held her. She was happy to go with whoever wanted to carry her.

“I’ll hold little sister for now,” Yun Wan Yao quickly decided, turning to the nursemaid with a light smile. “When she gets hungry, I’ll hand her to you.”

“That’s fine.”

The winter banquet was being held at the Waterside Pavilion in Moon Shadow Lake, located along Heaven Street.

The Waterside Pavilion stood right in the heart of the lake, with twelve crimson-red structures linked together by covered walkways. At its center was a large open pavilion capable of hosting several hundred guests. From a distance, the entire view looked like a painted scroll—majestic and dreamlike.

[Ahhhh, it’s so beautiful. This place is too stunning.]

[The book devoted pages upon pages describing the Waterside Pavilion, going on and on about how beautiful it was. Back then I thought—how amazing could a lakeside structure really be? But now that I’ve seen it with my own eyes, I realize even pages of elegant prose couldn’t capture this fairyland.]

[If it’s this breathtaking in winter, what must it look like in summer?]

[I don’t even dare to imagine.]

It had snowed lightly the night before, leaving a thin sheet of ice on the surface of Moon Shadow Lake. A fine layer of snow dusted the frozen water, and the bare willow branches along the shore were dressed in delicate white frost.

With pavilions every few steps, bridges every few more, each frame of the scene was like a portrait of an earthly paradise.

As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, Yun Wan Ning was captivated by the view, unable to stop herself from screaming internally in delight.

The three siblings remained composed, listening to her heart-voice with practiced calm. Their little sister came from a world beyond this one, and had barely been allowed outside since arriving. It was only natural she’d find everything fresh and fascinating.

“Servants are not permitted inside the Waterside Pavilion. I’ll remain outside to keep watch. If anything happens, send a signal immediately,” came Yun Wan Chen’s low warning from behind, his voice disguised and calm as he kept a short distance between them.

Yun Wan Ye casually nodded as he adjusted his hold on Yun Wan Ning. “Got it. Don’t worry. With me here, nothing unexpected will happen.”

Even if it cost him his life, he would never allow any danger to come near his little sister.

“Still, it’s better to stay cautious.”

“I know, I know. We’ll be careful. It’s getting late—we should head over now.”

With that, the brother and sister walked side by side toward the Waterside Pavilion. Yun Wan Chen followed closely behind, not too far.

“A’Yao, over here!”

A voice as bright as fire called from the bridge ahead. A red silhouette flared against the snowy backdrop as a young woman lifted her skirts and ran over, her steps light as a sprite’s.

Yun Wan Ye’s eyes narrowed slightly, his breath catching just a little.

[Oh ho—looks like the princess really has a strong effect on second brother. He only heard her voice and his heart’s already racing.]

[When she gets closer, what’s he going to do? Pass out?]

“……”

Yun Wan Yao turned her head to look at him, her expression filled with curiosity. Was little sister right?

Just hearing the princess’s voice made his heart beat faster?

Yun Wan Ye: “……”

Noticing her gaze, even someone as thick-skinned as Yun Wan Ye couldn’t quite hold it together. His throat bobbed, and a faint blush crept up his cheek, equal parts shame and embarrassment.

[Why does little sister always have something to say about me?]

[And what’s worse, why is her perception so ridiculously sharp?]

[She can even tell when my heart rate changes—that’s just absurd.]

“A’Yao, why did you bring little sister out with you? It’s so cold today. What if she catches a chill?”

Mo Zhao Zhao quickly arrived at their side, her eyes falling on Yun Wan Ning’s round, bundled form.

[Hello there, princess.]

Yun Wan Ning looked up at her, greeting her in her heart.

“She won’t. Our mother dressed her warmly today and wrapped her in blankets. She’s not cold.”

If she ever did get cold, Yun Wan Ye would use his inner power to warm her.

In short, even if they had to strip off their own clothes to cover her, they would never let their little sister feel a hint of chill.

“Oh, that’s good then. Little one, it’s been a while. Do you still remember me?”

Mo Zhao Zhao gently hooked her little pinky around Yun Wan Ning’s and smiled while teasing her.

[Of course I remember you. How could I forget?]

[It’s only been a few days, not years. Even if it were years, I’d still remember the princess.]

[I’m really good at recognizing people, you know.]

Yun Wan Yao couldn’t help smiling as she heard that.

How good at recognizing people was this little sister supposed to be?

“Princess, it’s getting late. We should go.”

Into this harmonious moment came a gentle and pleasant male voice.

Yun Wan Ning didn’t even have time to think before she felt it: Yun Wan Ye’s aura darkened in an instant. A chilling, oppressive rage pulsed from him.

[Uhhh yep, the speaker’s definitely Lu Huai Jin—the young marquis from Marquis Chang Le Manor.]

[Second brother only ever turns this sour when Lu Huai Jin’s around. No one else can flip his mood this fast—or bring out that much killing intent.]

[Having to watch the one he loves spend her days with another man… yeah, second brother’s really got it rough.]

[Worse still, the princess is fated to marry Lu Huai Jin.]

[In the original storyline, when the wedding happens, second brother has already been exiled to the frontier. He loses it when he hears the news and tries to escape, only to fall into a river and be rescued by the female lead. After that, he loses his memory and becomes her devoted lapdog.]

[But this time, thanks to me stepping in, I helped him avoid that tragedy. He’s still here in the capital, safe and sound.]

[So now the question is… will he just watch the princess get married? Or will something change?]

[……]

The more Yun Wan Yao listened, the more her heart trembled.

Her second brother really tried to escape because of the princess? What did he plan to do after escaping?

She didn’t dare to keep imagining it. Just the thought made her worry he might suddenly draw his sword and stab Lu Huai Jin on the spot.

She hurriedly patted Yun Wan Ye’s arm, her voice tight with nerves. “Yun Wan Ye, come on. Let’s walk with the princess.”

“Alright.”

Yun Wan Ye’s eyes narrowed. His low response carried a killing edge that made one’s blood run cold.

Mo Zhao Zhao’s back stiffened as a strange unease crept through her heart.