"If my sister is plump, then I must be a big fatty," Yu Mingyue puffed out her cheeks, her expression charmingly naive.
Yu Mingyue had grown taller in the past two years and appeared much thinner, but compared to Luo Lingyi's delicate and graceful figure, there was no comparison.
Moreover, after being confined for half a month, she had gained at least two catties, and she felt that these two catties had all gone to her face.
Alas, the places that should grow don't, and the places that shouldn't are competing to grow.
Luo Lingyi was amused by her: "My sister is still young. In a few years, who in the capital can compare to you."
"My sister's words are golden. Thinking this way makes me a little proud," Yu Mingyue said, then burst into laughter.
Luo Lingyi also laughed along, her mood much improved. To understand the world but not be worldly, to be naturally intelligent yet retain innocence, she was truly wonderful.
Sometimes she wondered if, had her father and grandfather not harbored rebellious intentions, she too could have been as carefree as Mingyue.
But life is not full of "if onlys." The Luo family would not abandon the achievements their ancestors had carved out through countless battles and hardships. Even without rebellion, the Sage would not have let them off, would he?
"The Sage wants to control the noble families through Wang Ningqing, and I fear they will not comply obediently. What is lost in one place may be gained in another. I fear your engagement to the Seventh Prince will be brought up again."
Luo Lingyi was also a little worried for Yu Mingyue. She knew that Yu Mingyue had no interest in the position of Seventh Prince Consort, nor did the Yu family.
Xiao Che would soon be made Crown Prince, and the noble families would likely use the Yu family's military achievements to push Mingyue into the position of Crown Princess.
"Sister, don't worry. I'm not alone anymore. My brother has returned to the capital. He will protect me and let me continue to be an unruly young lady."
"Yes, from now on, in the capital, let's see who dares to provoke our Little Mingyue."
"Absolutely. If you have any difficulties, sister, you must tell me, and we will find a solution together."
Luo Lingyi nodded. She truly regarded Yu Mingyue as her best friend, but there was a hint of calculation mixed within this sincerity.
She had to secure the position of Seventh Prince Consort. Otherwise, as the only survivors of the Luo family, she and her sister would eventually face repercussions, and power was the best weapon to protect them.
"Let's go back. Today is a celebration banquet, and we shouldn't be away for too long," Luo Lingyi said.
The palace was a deep abyss, and one never knew where the eyes of a noble might be hidden. It was best to be cautious.
By the time the palace celebration banquet ended, it was already nearing the hour of Xu (9 PM). Someone sent by Xiao Che intercepted the Duke's mansion's carriage.
"Sixth Miss, our Highness wishes to invite you to alight and speak with him," the young eunuch said, bowing respectfully, with a hint of fawning in his tone.
Yu Mingyue leaned against Chi Dan, her eyes closed. Chi Dan thought she had fallen asleep and softly said to the other attendant, "Tell him the young lady is asleep."
"No need, I heard," Yu Mingyue opened her eyes and lazily straightened up.
Given Xiao Che's personality, even if she refused, he would find other ways. It was better to meet him openly now.
Yu Mingyue followed the young eunuch. After walking a short distance, she saw Xiao Che's carriage.
Yu Mingyue stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "This humble subject greets Your Highness. May Your Highness be well."
Xiao Che stood with his hands behind his back. Seeing Yu Mingyue bow, he reached out to steady her, his gaze also falling upon her: "You've grown much taller."
Xiao Che gestured with his hand. During his campaign, he had grown more than three inches taller. Standing before him, her height was only slightly less than before.
Yu Mingyue blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting Xiao Che's first words to be a compliment about her height.