"My brother says the same thing."
Yu Mingyue's tone held a hint of familiarity, which in turn relaxed Xiao Che's expression.
In truth, stopping Yu Mingyue like this was improper, and if his mother concubine were to hear of it, she would surely scold him.
"I remember you always enjoyed reading travelogues. I found a few; take a look and see if you like them." As soon as Xiao Che finished speaking, the young eunuch behind him stepped forward and handed over the books.
Yu Mingyue accepted them. One of the books was a work by Master Jingyuan of the previous dynasty, a true rarity among rare editions.
"This is too precious," Yu Mingyue wanted to read it but dared not accept it.
Xiao Che chuckled, "It's just a book. Take it if you like it, and I'll find more for you if I come across anything good in the future."
Yu Mingyue accepted the book and bowed, "This humble subject thanks Your Highness."
In the storybooks, the Yu family met their unfortunate end because the old matriarch was short-sighted, causing strife among brothers, and the Yu family had rotted from within.
Coupled with Su Wanqing's deliberate revenge, the responsibility did not lie entirely with Xiao Che.
Now that the old matriarch and the fourth branch had been sent back to their hometown, and Su Wanqing had left the Duke's mansion, the root cause had been resolved, and the Yu family should not suffer the same fate.
Although she did not wish to marry him, his reliance on Xie Jia'an indicated that he was also a wise ruler.
He was the same age as her brother and had watched her grow up. Whether for herself or for the Duke's mansion, she did not want to fall out with him completely; offending a future sage would bring no benefit.
Xiao Che nodded, unconcerned. "Under the heavens, all land belongs to the king. I will have plenty of opportunities to find more for you in the future."
"My mother concubine is hosting a banquet in the palace for the Qixi Festival. Will you attend?" Xiao Che asked.
Yu Mingyue was surprised. A banquet at this time clearly meant a selection of concubines. It was too hasty.
Yu Mingyue feigned ignorance of his intentions and smiled as she refused, "The Northern Garrison has given my brother a few days' leave. He said he wants to take me and the young ladies of the mansion hunting. I'm afraid we'll have to miss it."
Xiao Che seemed to have anticipated Yu Mingyue's refusal. "A palace banquet can indeed be rather dull. Since your brother is going hunting, I might as well join."
Yu Mingyue: "..."
Seeing the flash of annoyance in Yu Mingyue's eyes, Xiao Che couldn't help but curve his lips. "Sister Mingyue, you don't want me to go, do you?"
Yu Mingyue did indeed think so, but it was not easy to say directly. "I fear the crowds might disturb Your Highness."
"This prince has been on the battlefield; a few people won't disturb me," Xiao Che said with a smile, but his tone was unyielding.
In the past, the Seventh Prince's pride stemmed entirely from his status. Now, however, a hint of kingly dominance was subtly emerging.
"Your Highness!"
A familiar voice called out. Yu Mingyue felt as if she had been granted amnesty. It was her brother.
"Brother," Yu Mingyue's reliance on her brother was undisguised.
Yu Mingjing naturally patted his sister's shoulder and shielded her behind him. "Your Highness, I have come to escort my sister home."
"Mingjing is so nervous. This prince watched Sister Mingyue grow up; do you think I would eat her?" Xiao Che said, half in jest and half as a warning.
They were friends who had grown up together, comrades-in-arms on the battlefield whom he could trust, but they were also ruler and subject.
"This humble subject dares not. It is getting late; Mother might worry," Yu Mingjing said respectfully.
Xiao Che was silent for a moment before saying, "Indeed, it is getting late. Rest early. When the hunting dates are set, send someone to inform me."
Yu Mingjing quickly responded, "Yes!"
After Yu Mingjing escorted his sister into the carriage, Yu Mingyue said, "The Seventh Prince just mentioned that the Noble Consort is hosting a Qixi Palace Banquet. I didn't want to go, so I said I was going hunting with my brother. Who knew he wanted to join."
Yu Mingyue pouted, her expression full of annoyance.