After walking just a few steps, Mu Yunjin spotted Chu Li waiting for her by the mountain stairs in the distance. When Chu Li saw Mu Yunjin’s figure, he slowly walked forward, and Mu Yunjin likewise moved in his direction.

Drawing near, Mu Yunjin looked up at Chu Li. Thinking of Huang Yan’s forlorn figure just now, her eyes revealed a trace of helplessness. “The situation between Huang Yan and Hua Ying is becoming increasingly thorny.”

“Let’s go.” Chu Li’s expression remained calm. He didn’t say much about the matter, simply taking Mu Yunjin’s hand as they walked down the mountain.

At this moment, Qiqi came running out. Seeing Mu Yunjin and Chu Li’s retreating figures, she ran to catch up. “Master…”

Hearing Qiqi’s voice, Mu Yunjin paused and looked back.

Qiqi quickly caught up with Mu Yunjin, her face full of astonishment. “What just happened? How did Huang Yan end up standing outside the door? How much did he hear?”

“Probably everything,” Mu Yunjin said as she continued walking downward.

Qiqi bit her lip. “Then we’re in trouble. Who knows what shocking actions Huang Yan will take next…”

“When are you and Lei Yan planning to get married?” Mu Yunjin changed the subject. As outsiders, they could only offer a little help with Huang Yan and Hua Ying’s situation. The final decision would still rest with the couple themselves.

…

…

“Tentatively set for autumn, in about two months,” Qiqi replied, her eyes sparkling with joy at the mention of Lei Yan.

Mu Yunjin nodded, the corners of her lips curving upward. “That’s good. Once you have a specific date, I’ll come to prepare your wedding feast.”

“Great!” Qiqi happily agreed.

When they reached the bottom of the mountain, Chu Li and Mu Yunjin did not linger at Fengyu Pavilion. The two left first, without waiting for Huang Yan.

…

Emerging beyond the stream, outside it was just noon.

The weather was somewhat gloomy, as though a heavy rain was imminent. The air at this time was humid and stuffy.

“Shall we return to the residence, or take a walk?” Chu Li lowered his gaze to look at Mu Yunjin.

“Let’s take a walk,” Mu Yunjin smiled lightly. Having finally been released from the residence, she was unwilling to return so quickly.

Chu Li nodded, agreeing to Mu Yunjin’s request.

The couple first went to Zhangzhou City’s black market.

As soon as they stepped onto the street, the sounds of cheering and applause from various gambling houses were unceasing.

“No wonder you’re so wealthy. The gambling houses here are all packed with people. Some have lost everything down to their underwear, yet they still gamble recklessly. It must be hard on their wives and children.” Mu Yunjin observed as they walked, glancing into each gambling house, all of which were crowded with people.

Hearing this, Chu Li couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you think that this Prince earns ill-gotten gains?”

Mu Yunjin wrinkled her brow and immediately took Chu Li’s arm, looking up at him. “Gambling depends on self-discipline. After all, they walk in on their own feet. It’s not as if you bound them and brought them here. How could it be considered ill-gotten gains?”

“Mm, you seem to have a point,” Chu Li said, his lips revealing a trace of pleasure.

As they passed the entrance of one gambling house, a familiar voice came from inside—

“Hahaha, I’m flattered, I’m flattered! Let’s continue. Those who didn’t bring enough money, take this token and go borrow from the money house next door!”

Hearing this voice, Mu Yunjin and Chu Li exchanged a glance, then stepped toward the gambling house.

The gambling house was now packed with people. After considerable effort, Mu Yunjin finally pulled Chu Li to the front, and upon seeing the person sitting at the main table, she couldn’t help but want to laugh.

The person at the main table was none other than Yun Lianqing.

Since his serious injury on the Great Saint Continent some time ago, Yun Lianqing hadn’t shown his face. Though he now sat seemingly unscathed at the gambling table, his bewitching and captivating face still showed traces of purple bruises.

And beside him, a cane was leaning against the edge of the gambling table.

Injured to such an extent, yet he had come to gamble in West Yuan Country. Mu Yunjin inwardly sighed. If Yun Guangyao saw this scene, he would probably be furious. This didn’t resemble at all the behavior of someone who was to inherit the position of ruler.

“Come, this round let’s open…” Yun Lianqing had spoken halfway when his gaze caught sight of Chu Li and Mu Yunjin standing directly opposite him. Suddenly, as though he had seen a ghost, he grabbed the cane beside him and limped away in a rush.

Some people around the gambling table thought Yun Lianqing was trying to run away after losing this round, and quickly moved to block his path.

Before they could approach Yun Lianqing, several guards emerged from the crowd, surrounding Yun Lianqing in the center, and escorted him out of the gambling house.

Yun Lianqing, leaning on his cane, was running on the main street. He hadn’t gone far when Chu Li appeared in front of him, blocking his way.

Turning around, he found Mu Yunjin standing behind him as well.

“Oh, it’s Royal Brother and Sister-in-law! What a coincidence! Why are you here?” Seeing no escape, Yun Lianqing had no choice but to smile and feign ignorance.

“Why aren’t you recuperating properly in South Court Country? Why have you come here?” Mu Yunjin stepped forward, suddenly noticing that Yun Lianqing’s left hand was still bandaged.

Speaking of which, they owed a debt of gratitude to Yun Lianqing from their time on the Great Saint Continent. Without him, Chu Qing’s scheme might have succeeded.

“In the palace, it’s always either taking medicine or lying down. It’s nearly suffocating, This Crown Prince,” Yun Lianqing said discontentedly.

“Hmm, sounds similar to what I’ve been going through,” Mu Yunjin rubbed her chin, her small face tensing as she recalled her recent days.

Hearing this, Yun Lianqing’s eyes lit up, as though he had found a kindred spirit. “Right? It’s inhumane! Even though I’m almost healed, they still insist on my lying in bed all day, not allowing me to go out for a walk!”

In his excitement, Yun Lianqing forgot they were on the main street, and his voice grew louder, attracting the attention of many passersby.

Seeing the conversation drifting, Chu Li stepped forward and spoke calmly, “It’s about to rain. Let’s find a place to sit and talk.”

“Yes!”

…

Shortly thereafter, in a teahouse.

“How did you escape from South Court Country?” Mu Yunjin took a sip of tea and looked at Yun Lianqing.

“Fortunately, Father set out for West Yuan Country some days ago. As long as he’s not in the palace, everything becomes manageable,” Yun Lianqing raised his eyebrows, looking smug.

Hearing his excited tone, Chu Li suddenly raised his eyelids and asked coldly, “Is your leg permanently lame?”

“Royal Brother, why are you cursing this Crown Prince for no reason?” Yun Lianqing glanced at the cane beside his hand. “It’s just that my injury hasn’t healed yet, so I need to use this thing.”

Chu Li didn’t even raise his eyelids now. “This Prince thought the imperial physician had given you a final diagnosis. Otherwise, why would you torment yourself like this?”

“Uh…” Yun Lianqing’s words suddenly stuck in his throat, not knowing how to respond to Chu Li.

Mu Yunjin, supporting her head with her hand, couldn’t help but smile at this. This stubborn Chu Li was concerned about Yun Lianqing, yet his words showed no mercy.

However, now it seemed it was her turn to smooth things over.

“With your leg injured, running about will only increase the burden on your wound. If you miss the optimal time for treatment, be careful not to end up truly lame…” Mu Yunjin raised her eyebrows, looking at Yun Lianqing.

Caught between the couple’s coordinated approach, Yun Lianqing, who hadn’t been concerned at all initially, had now glanced at his leg several times.

Done for. After their words, why did his leg suddenly feel painful…

What if it became lame? How could someone as suave and handsome as himself be a cripple!

“Aren’t you also running around? Aren’t you afraid your wounds will worsen?” Despite his mind racing with concerns, Yun Lianqing’s words revealed nothing.

Mu Yunjin smiled. “That’s because I’ve been obediently resting in bed, so my wounds have already healed.”

“You…” Yun Lianqing felt like he was about to spit blood from frustration.

At this moment, several men ran up from downstairs. They were the guards Yun Lianqing had brought with him.

“Crown Prince.” Upon seeing Yun Lianqing, they bowed slightly.

Seeing these men, Yun Lianqing immediately instructed, “Go buy this Crown Prince a residence here. This Crown Prince wishes to recuperate here. Also, find two renowned physicians for this Crown Prince, to be on standby at all times.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” After Yun Lianqing’s instructions, the guards hurriedly ran back downstairs.

“You want to recuperate here?” Mu Yunjin was surprised. This Yun Lianqing truly acted on every whim.

Yun Lianqing nodded. “Yes, didn’t you say I shouldn’t travel around? So I’ll just recuperate here. If Father inquires later, this Crown Prince will say it was at your couple’s instigation.”

As he spoke, Yun Lianqing’s almond-shaped eyes were full of cunning mirth.

Mu Yunjin and Chu Li stood up in unison, making to leave.

“Hey, don’t go! It’s raining outside. Stay and chat with This Crown Prince…” Yun Lianqing grabbed his cane, preparing to rise and chase after Chu Li and Mu Yunjin.

The couple ahead paused their steps and looked outside. Indeed, the sky had darkened, and a downpour was imminent.

Looking back at Yun Lianqing, he truly appeared ‘pitiful.’

“Alright, we’ll chat with you for a while.” Mu Yunjin pulled Chu Li’s arm, and the two sat down again.

Just as they sat, torrential rain fell outside, accompanied by thunderclaps.

“Have you seen Father these days? Didn’t he go to attend the Ninth Princess’s wedding banquet?” Yun Lianqing looked at the couple.

Mu Yunjin nodded. “Yes, we have.”

“How was it? Did he acknowledge you? If not, don’t take it to heart. After all, the old man has such a rigid character, always wearing that serious face. This Crown Prince has endured it for twenty years.” Yun Lianqing consoled Chu Li and Mu Yunjin, fearing they had received cold treatment from Yun Guangyao again.

Mu Yunjin and Chu Li both remained expressionless, unable to respond to Yun Lianqing’s words. In their minds were images of Yun Guangyao holding little Mu’er, happily calling him “little darling grandson.”

If Yun Lianqing saw that scene, it would probably overturn his twenty-year perception of his father.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Surely the old man didn’t really…” Yun Lianqing frowned, his voice getting lower and lower.

“Focus on recovering. Once you’re healed, we’ll bring little Mu’er to South Court Country to see your father,” Mu Yunjin said with a smile in her eyes, her tone light.

After all, she and Chu Li were planning to visit Immortal Mountain Villa. They might as well take this opportunity.

“Oh ho, you two have changed. You’re willing to visit South Court Country…”

“They say people who are married with children become more mature. Looking at you both, that saying seems true. It appears this Crown Prince should also quickly find a Crown Princess!”