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Yun Kexin felt embarrassed to maintain eye contact with a man and wanted to turn her face away. However, Feng Yinxiao did not notice her awkwardness and continued to ask, "Yun Kexin, what did you want the prince to remember to help you with?"
"Oh, my cousin Yun Ke is going to participate in the Martial Examination, but the Imperial Examination does not allow unrelated people inside," Yun Kexin said without any hesitation, complaining straightforwardly, "Brother Feng, why didn't you tell me earlier? You even led me to believe I could go 'watch.'"
"I didn't mislead you," Feng Yinxiao couldn't help but chuckle. "I will also be supervising the Imperial Examination this time; I can find a way to get you in."
"Really?" Yun Kexin's eyes lit up. She was like that; as long as he didn’t show any emotions, they could interact naturally and comfortably. "Brother Feng, how will you do it?"
"Of course, when have I ever lied to you?" Feng Yinxiao teased her playfully because he found her adorable. "As for the method, I haven't figured it out yet, but I promise Yun Kexin will get her wish."
Yun Kexin felt warm and shy from Feng Yinxiao's comforting demeanor that resembled a gentle way of coaxing a child. Her face flushed as she turned slightly away. However, before she could sit up straight, the carriage suddenly jolted. Caught off guard, Yun Kexin lost her balance and fell into Feng Yinxiao's arms. He instinctively reached out his long arm and pulled her close, protecting her tightly as if afraid she would fall.
Both were startled and unsure of what had happened outside until the carriage gradually stabilized. The attendant Ma Minghao then lifted the curtain and poked his head in.
"Sorry, Young Lord, Seventh Sister. A bullock cart suddenly rushed out and nearly collided with the carriage. I hope it didn't scare you."
"It's fine now; you can go," Feng Yinxiao instructed. "Make sure the carriage moves quickly through the market."
Ma Minghao nodded and left promptly.
Yun Kexin sighed in relief but suddenly realized that Feng Yinxiao was still holding her tightly. Feeling embarrassed, she struggled slightly, prompting Feng Yinxiao to hurriedly release her.
"Yun Kexin, I didn't mean to offend you." He lowered his head and shifted slightly away, awkwardly explaining—realizing that this was not the first time he had said such a thing—a hint of red crept onto his fair face.
"It's okay, Brother Feng," Yun Kexin crossed her arms and glanced at Feng Yinxiao with a light smile. "I should thank you for always protecting me."
After that, the carriage fell into silence until it stopped and the attendant lifted the curtain to announce, "Duke of E State Mansion has arrived," prompting them both to get out.
Feng Yinxiao escorted Yun Kexin back to the Western Courtyard. On their way, they encountered Feng Momo, who informed them that the Three Elders were currently at the Second House, so they headed there together.
In the Southern Courtyard hall, Second Madam Yue Ziyun and Yun Yang were discussing Yun Kexin's upcoming martial arts examination, with their two children standing obediently on either side, listening attentively.
"Kexin, although the martial arts examination is crucial for your future and the glory of the Yun family," Yun Yang said with concern, "you shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself. Third Uncle supports you, so if you need anything, just let Third Uncle know."
"Thank you, Third Uncle," Yun Kexin replied respectfully while standing next to Yue Ziyun. "I don't have any issues at the moment; it's just that the imperial examination will be presided over by His Majesty himself. It's my first time participating, and I'm a bit nervous since I'm not familiar with the situation."
"Don't be afraid. His Majesty is a wise ruler, and his military and literary skills are on par with those of many civil officials and military generals," Yun Yang said, noticing Yue Ziyun's concerns. He smiled reassuringly. "Moreover, he is fair and strict. Our dynasty has held martial arts examinations for several years without any instances of favoritism or corruption, so you can rest assured about that."
Yue Ziyun relaxed her expression; she had been worried about this issue, and Yun Yang's words eased her mind.
"As long as you don't let down all your hard work, that's what matters," Yue Ziyun said with a smile.
"However, Fu Family's Second Brother Fu Yueheng, who is currently the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor, will also be supervising this time," Yun Yang suddenly became serious, his tone filled with caution. "Second Sister-in-law and Kexin should be mentally prepared for that."
The previously relaxed brow of Second Madam furrowed again at this news.
"There's no need to worry; I will also be supervising," Wind Yinxiao and Yun Kexin entered the room simultaneously at some point. He continued, "Additionally, while His Majesty will listen to the opinions of military officials, he will also have his own thoughts. If Kexin truly has talent in martial arts, His Majesty will not change his mind just because of a few words from the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor."
Yun Yang and Yue Ziyun, along with Yun Kexin and Yun Yan, were about to pay their respects but were stopped by Wind Yinxiao, who reminded them that they were not in the palace and did not need to observe formalities. The four then returned to their respective positions as Yue Ziyun instructed the servants to provide seats for Wind Yinxiao and Yun Kexin.
"Xiner, how did you end up with Young Lord? Weren't you attending classes at Tong Mansion?" Yun Yang asked in surprise.
"Oh, let me explain," Wind Yinxiao first asked Second Madam to dismiss the servants. Once they had left the room, he continued, "I promised Seventh Sister that I would come tell her as soon as there was any news."
"News?" Yun Kexin was taken aback and interjected.
Then Yun Kexin recounted how she and three maidservants had been waiting in the fields during their last outing when they unexpectedly encountered Young Lord. They managed to capture a murderer but were ultimately silenced. The others listened in shock and horror.
"What do you mean? The murderer is Yu Mu?" Second Madam suddenly jumped up from her chair, "And they are an insider?!"
Yue Clan's face turned red, taking a deep breath, "Then who is the insider?"
Feng Yinxiao briefly repeated the murderer's testimony. Before Yue Clan could finish listening, he shook his head and waved his hands in denial:
"It can't be Duke of Wind, this is slander and framing. Master never mentioned the matter of the Brocade Box in front of me; how could Yu Mu have eavesdropped? The leak must have come from someone else," Yue Ziyun narrowed her eyes, her face darkened as she spoke each word deliberately, "Because it is not only Second House that knows about the Brocade Box."
Everyone was taken aback: Who else could it be? Feng Yinxiao felt grateful for Second Madam's trust in Father, and he became even more convinced that there was an unusual relationship between Second House and Duke of Yan's Residence. His intuition told him that there must be a common secret among Second Master, Second Madam, and Father. However, he couldn't guess what that secret was. He pondered whether to reveal his earlier conversation with his parents in front of so many people, especially since Aunt Zhuo seemed to know about the Brocade Box...
"Thank you, Second Madam, for your trust in my Father," Feng Yinxiao said, "Then according to what you just said, who else knows about the Brocade Box matter?!"
Yue Ziyun smirked coldly and replied, "Yun Clan's four elders." She suddenly paused, her gaze alternating between blurry and sharp, her voice trembling, "A year ago, Master, unable to go against filial piety, mentioned it to them. It wasn't hidden anywhere, but if there is an 'insider' in the house, it would make a huge difference." Yue Ziyun twisted the fabric of her clothing tightly in her hands, suppressing her sarcasm.
Yun Kexin also narrowed her eyes: The one who leaked the information about the Brocade Box must be among those four!
"Second Sister-in-law, are you suspecting..." Yun Yang guessed almost correctly but hesitated to expose family matters in front of outsiders.
"No, I don't suspect anything," Yue Clan understood what Yun Yang was concerned about—men from the Yun Family were like that; to maintain their surface dignity and honor, they could blow things out of proportion. Now that things had escalated, she looked at Yun Yang, saying, "Third Brother, since the murderer has been brought to justice, let's put an end to the matter regarding Second Master. Please don't bring it up again."
Both Yun Ke and Yun Yan were shocked and exclaimed, "Mother, you..."
However, Yun Kexin understood her mother's intention well. With their father gone and her older brother and sister still young—especially since Jiu Di Yun Qi had just turned three—even if they identified the true mastermind behind the scenes now, out of so-called filial piety and honor, it would be quietly covered up. They would only be able to discuss countermeasures once they had "grown their wings."
But she felt that even if one of the four elders leaked information about the Brocade Box, it couldn't possibly lead to her father's death; there must be a "third hand" involved...
"I won't let my Second Brother die so inexplicably," Yun Yang felt a bit complicated but at this moment he and Yun Kexin were thinking along the same lines. Looking ahead with a blank expression, he said firmly, "I will find out the truth eventually. For now, let’s focus on preparing for the upcoming Martial Examination, we must not get distracted."
Meanwhile, a thought flashed through the silent mind of Feng Yinxiao: Could it be that Aunt Zhuo has some sort of connection with the Duke of E State Mansion!
After sitting for a moment, Feng Yinxiao stood up to take his leave. Everyone accompanied him to the door, and as he rode a few steps away, Yun Kexin suddenly chased after him, calling out from behind, "Young Lord, please wait a moment."
Feng Yinxiao reined in his horse and jumped down. "Yun Kexin, what’s the matter?"
"The Crown Prince and Brother Tong have arranged for me to go to the horse racing grounds to learn how to ride," Yun Kexin said, rubbing her hands together. "Does Young Lord want to join us?"
Feng Yinxiao's heart stirred, and a hint of surprise and joy flowed through his dark eyes. Ever since the incident at Tong Mansion, when the Crown Prince had made some mysterious "agreement" with Yun Kexin, he had wanted to ask her about it. However, seeing how tightly she kept her lips sealed, he assumed she was unwilling and perhaps had her reasons, so he had given up on asking. In truth, he genuinely wanted to be by her side and hoped that his presence could be part of her life.
Who would have thought that at the moment of parting, Yun Kexin would take the initiative? How could this not surprise and move him?
"I'll go! I want to go!" Feng Yinxiao eagerly replied. "What time? Which horse racing grounds?"
"This afternoon at the hour of the monkey at North City Equestrian Center," Yun Kexin replied succinctly. "We’ll meet at Teahouse first and then go together."
"Alright, I will definitely be there on time." Feng Yinxiao couldn't suppress his excited smile. "Yun Kexin, I’ll go back and make arrangements so that nothing holds me back."
"Mm, it’s really great that Young Lord can come along..." Yun Kexin smiled slightly.
The two of them were laughing intimately here, which left Yue Ziyun, Yun Ke, and Yun Yan standing at the door in a daze: Did Seventh Young Lady and Young Lord seem very close? Yun Yang frowned: He had just learned that Second Sister-in-law intended to betroth Yun Yan to Feng Yinxiao. What about Kexin? She probably didn’t know about this yet; he needed to tell her to avoid future pain.
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