Yun Chu Ling

Chapter 71: No Matter How Difficult, I Must Go

Yun Chu quickly stood up to bow.

“There’s no need for such courtesy, Lady Xie.” Chu Yi spoke, “I have a matter I’d like to ask for your help with.”

Heaven knew how difficult it was to meet Lady Xie.

His residence had no female family members, so he had no pretext to invite her over.

If he visited the Xie residence, the Xie family wouldn’t allow the lady of the house to entertain an unrelated man.

He could only have someone keep a close watch on the Xie family. Finally, when she stepped out the main gate, he immediately rode his horse to follow.

Entering this teahouse, he spotted her at once sitting by the window drinking tea, dressed in moon-white robes, her jet-black hair tied up, revealing her fair neck… Seeing this, he immediately averted his gaze.

He stood in place for quite a while before walking over to call out “Lady Xie.”

Yun Chu had no idea of the turmoil in his heart; she was merely surprised to learn that Prince Pingxi had sought her out intentionally, not by chance.

Lowering her head, she said, “It is this humble woman’s honor to serve Your Highness. Please state your command.”

The term “this humble woman” made Chu Yi frown slightly.

Ignoring this slight discomfort, he began, “A few days ago, my son and daughter mistakenly entered the Xie residence. I hope they did not disturb you, Lady Xie.”

Yun Chu’s expression froze.

She looked up abruptly, meeting Chu Yi’s dark gaze.

She had thought she concealed it well that day, but in truth, this man had seen through everything from the start.

So, had he come to demand an explanation?

But it didn’t seem so—his expression was too gentle, not at all like someone looking for trouble.

Yun Chu quickly withdrew her gaze and said, “This humble woman did not mean to conceal it. That day, the Young Son and Little Commandery Princess…”

“I’m not blaming you, Lady Xie.” Chu Yi sighed. “After my daughter returned to the residence that day, she has been despondent for many days, painting every day—all portraits of you. She likely wishes to see you again. Would you be willing to grant her this wish?”

Hearing that Changsheng had been despondent, Yun Chu’s heart felt as if squeezed.

Without hesitation or thought, she nodded directly.

Chu Yi breathed a sigh of relief and said gently, “For you to visit the prince’s residence might attract attention. I’ll have someone bring the children to the Yin family.”

Yun Chu knew that the Yin family was the maternal family of Chu Yi’s mother.

Chu Yi’s mother had originally been a low-ranking palace maid, favored by the Emperor to become pregnant. After giving birth to the Third Prince, she was elevated to Noble Lady, and when Chu Yi achieved merits, she was promoted to Pin.

Chu Yi’s mother was not one of the four principal consorts. The head of the Yin family, Lord Yin—Chu Yi’s maternal uncle—was only an obscure sixth-rank minor official. Thus, even though Chu Yi held military power and enjoyed the Emperor’s deep trust, he had not aroused the suspicion of the Empress or Crown Prince…

Chu Yi rode his horse ahead.

Yun Chu followed far behind in a carriage.

Ting Shuang, sitting beside her, said with some concern, “If you become too close with the Young Son and Little Commandery Princess, might Prince Pingxi misunderstand?”

“Should I refuse to see Yu Ge’er and Changsheng just because he might misunderstand?” Yun Chu also struggled inwardly. “Changsheng is only four years old but has been ill for over three years. If she wants to see me, no matter how difficult, I must go.”

The carriage moved forward steadily, passing through the busiest streets before turning into a small alley, finally arriving at the Yin residence.

Since Yin Pin had started as a low-ranking palace maid, it was clear the Yin family was no prominent clan. That they could now serve at court was entirely due to Yin Pin’s influence.They understood the principle of knowing when to stop. Having reached the sixth rank in officialdom, they advanced no further, contentedly serving as minor officials with leisurely duties without involving themselves in court disputes.

"Uncle, Aunt."

Chu Yi dismounted and bowed in greeting.

"Yi'er, today is truly unusual," Lady Yin began. "That rascal Yu Ge'er—every time he comes, he's chasing chickens and feeling up dogs, tearing tiles off roofs, causing complete chaos. Yet this time, he actually sat properly on a chair drinking tea. He really has grown up and become sensible. And Changsheng—from birth until now, she's never been willing to meet outsiders. How is she willing to come to the Yin residence today?"

Chu Yi was also quietly amazed.

Although Yu Ge'er had an outgoing personality, he wasn't someone who would readily accept just anyone. For him to take a liking to Lady Xie was truly puzzling.

And Changsheng—born unwilling to communicate with anyone. Even he, as her father, found it difficult to reach her heart. Yet Lady Xie had effortlessly made Changsheng remember her...

As they were speaking, the Xie family carriage slowly came to a stop at the entrance of the Yin residence.

Yun Chu, supported by Ting Shuang's hand, descended from the carriage and curtseyed. "Your Highness, Lord Yin, Lady Yin."

Lady Yin certainly recognized her as the legitimate daughter of the General's Manor, now Lady Xie. Just as she was about to return the greeting, she heard rapid footsteps behind her. Immediately, she saw two exquisitely beautiful children rush out from the main entrance, one on each side, simultaneously throwing themselves into Yun Chu's embrace.

"Mother!"

Chu Hongyu wasn't content with just clinging to Yun Chu's embrace. Using all four limbs, he climbed up until he was soon wrapped around Yun Chu's neck.

That single word "mother" stunned everyone standing nearby.

Even Chu Yi, who typically never showed his emotions, revealed a look of astonishment on his face.

Was the word "mother" something to be shouted so casually?

The key point was that Lady Xie didn't seem to find this the slightest bit inappropriate...

Could it be that when Lady Xie was alone with the children, Yu Ge'er had been calling her "mother" repeatedly?

"Ah, this..." Lady Yin was utterly bewildered. "Isn't this Lady Xie?"

Had she mistaken her identity, or what? How could Lady Xie have become the children's mother...

Oh, perhaps it wasn't Lady Xie, but another young lady from the General's Manor who closely resembled Lady Xie?

But the woman before her was dressed as a married woman, clearly indicating she had wed. How could Yi'er allow a married woman to serve as the children's mother?

Yun Chu finally noticed the expressions on the faces of those present.

She suddenly realized that the address "mother" shouldn't exist at this moment.

She discreetly pinched Yu Ge'er's bottom.

Chu Hongyu coughed. "What I meant was... Aunt Yun feels just like mine and Changsheng's mother..."

"That's what I thought," Lady Yin said with relief. "I've met Lady Xie several times before. I was sure I couldn't have mistaken her. Please, come inside. Someone, serve tea."

She led the way upfront while Yun Chu followed behind.

She carried Chu Hongyu in her arms while holding Chu Changsheng's hand.

After they entered the courtyard, as soon as Yun Chu sat down, the little girl eagerly climbed onto her lap, forcefully pushing Chu Hongyu off.

"Chu Changsheng, don't go too far!" Chu Hongyu shouted fiercely, hands on his little hips. "Mother... ahem, Aunt Yun has two legs and two hands. We can each have half! Don't push me again, hmph!"

Yun Chu: "..."Two children sat on her, their limbs wrapped around her neck and waist, giving her the sensation of being tied up with ropes.

But she knew such moments were fleeting—in less than an hour, she would have to part with the children.

It was only then that Lady Yin realized Chu Yi had brought the children to the Yin residence to meet this Lady Xie.