The Pretty Wife of General Jinxiu Huanian

Chapter 171 Gratitude

That day, when the prince returned from the palace, his steps seemed heavy and his face was covered with layers of fatigue.

Yunxi had sharp eyes. When she saw the prince, she rushed towards him like a gust of wind.

She was nimble and quick, and she reached out to help the prince untie his belt.

"Your Highness, is there anything troubling in the palace today?" Yunxi's voice was soft and gentle, as if she was afraid of alarming the prince.

The prince immediately grasped Yunxi's hand, frowned tightly, and sighed softly: "Alas, it's just some disputes in the court, it's better not to mention it.

Madam, with you by my side, I feel much more at ease."

Yunxi curled her lips and smiled: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will always be with you."

After saying this, he gently patted the back of the prince's hand.

When it was time for dinner, the prince put down his chopsticks after taking only a few bites.

Yunxi saw it all, but didn't say much. She just served the prince a bowl of soup.

After dinner, the prince took Yunxi with him and walked out into the courtyard. The moon was hanging brightly in the sky, its water-like light casting a shadow over them.

The prince turned his head and looked at Yunxi, his eyes sparkling: "Yunxi, if it weren't for you these years, I don't know what I would have done."

When Yunxi heard this, she stopped and leaned towards the prince, her face full of concern: "Prince, it is my honor to be by your side.

No matter what happens, I will bear it with you."

The prince reached out his hand and touched Yunxi's hair: "Madam, you are my lucky star."

Yunxi shook her head slightly, staring at the prince: "Prince, please don't say that.

I have done what is right and proper."

The prince hugged Yunxi in his arms, resting his chin on the top of Yunxi's head: "This prince knows everything in his heart. I remember all the kindness my wife has shown me."

Yunxi raised her head slightly and looked at the prince: "Your Highness, you are too kind. It is my blessing to be able to work hand in hand with you until now."

As they walked, they suddenly heard a melodious flute sound. The prince and Yunxi looked in the direction of the sound and saw a servant standing by the rockery playing the flute.

The young man was wearing a gray coarse cloth robe, his hair was casually tied on top of his head, and there were a few beads of sweat on his forehead.

The man playing the flute looked a little intoxicated, with his eyes slightly closed and his cheeks bulging.

The prince walked forward, looked him up and down, and said in a loud voice, "Well played, reward."

When the servant heard this, he immediately opened his eyes, his face full of surprise, and he knelt down hurriedly to express his gratitude: "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Madam."

The kowtow was so quick and violent that it almost hit the stone next to it.

Continuing forward, passing by the garden, I saw several maids sitting together, holding needles and threads in their hands, talking and laughing.

Yunxi loves lively places, and when she saw this scene, she unconsciously quickened her pace.

"What are you doing?" Yunxi asked.

A clever maid quickly stood up and replied respectfully, "Madam, we are embroidering the sachet."

The maid had two small braids, a rosy face and twinkling eyes.

Yunxi walked over and picked up a sachet to examine it. It was embroidered with a delicate peony flower, the stitching meticulous and neat.

Yunxi raised the corners of her mouth and said with a smile, "This embroidery is really exquisite."

The other maids all laughed when they heard the lady's praise. Some covered their mouths, their eyes narrowed with laughter; some pushed each other, their laughter as clear as silver bells.

At this time, the housekeeper Li Fu hurried over. He was out of breath, the wrinkles on his forehead were squeezed together, and he kept wiping his sweat with a handkerchief in his hand.

"Your Majesty, Madam, there's news from the palace that a banquet will be held tomorrow and you two are invited to the palace."

The prince frowned, his expression instantly becoming serious. He stared at Li Fu and asked, "Do you know the reason?"

Li Fu quickly shook his head and said with a gasp, "I don't know."

Yunxi frowned slightly, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes, and said, "Since it's the palace's order, then we should just prepare."

Back in the room, Yunxi and the prince discussed entering the palace tomorrow.

Yunxi paced back and forth in the room, twisting her handkerchief in her hands, her brows knitted into a knot. She said worriedly, "Your Highness, I think we should be more cautious. I don't know whether holding a banquet in the palace is a blessing or a curse."

The prince sat on a chair, one hand resting on the table, tapping it gently. He said in a deep voice, "Madam, don't worry too much. When the enemy comes, we will fight him with our troops, and when the water comes, we will block it with earth."

Yunxi stopped, walked to the prince, took his arm, and said anxiously: "Prince, my heart is always in turmoil.

Things in this palace are always complicated, so we must handle them with caution."

The prince stood up, held Yunxi's shoulders with both hands, looked into her eyes, and comforted her, "Don't worry, Madam. I have some foundation in the court and will not be easily plotted against."

Yunxi sighed and said, "I hope so. But I feel there's something fishy about this sudden banquet."

The prince patted Yunxi's hand and said, "Don't be afraid, Madam. I am here."

The next day, Yunxi and the prince dressed up carefully. Yunxi wore a gorgeous lavender dress with lifelike golden peonies embroidered on the sleeves. The pearls and jade on her head swayed gently, making her face even more beautiful.

The prince was dressed in a black brocade robe with a white jade belt around his waist. He stood tall and straight, with an imposing manner.

The two of them got in the carriage and entered the palace. Along the way, Yunxi frowned slightly, twisting the handkerchief in her hands, her heart in turmoil.

The prince saw this, patted her hand gently, and said, "Don't be afraid, madam. I am here."

Yunxi looked up at the prince, her eyes full of dependence, and nodded slightly.

When we arrived at the palace, we saw that it was brightly lit and bustling with activity.

The palace lanterns were hung high, illuminating the surrounding area. The palace maids and eunuchs walked hurriedly and respectfully.

"Your Highness, Madam Marquis, please come this way." A eunuch led the way.

The eunuch bent down, his steps quick and steady. Yunxi and the prince followed the eunuch to the banquet area, where they saw the emperor and empress sitting at the top.

The emperor was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and a crown on his head, and he looked majestic without even being angry.

The queen was dressed in a phoenix robe, looking dignified and elegant, with a faint smile on her face.

"Greetings to the Emperor and the Empress." Yunxi and the prince saluted.

The emperor smiled and said, "Please stand up quickly. I am hosting a banquet today just to share my happiness with all of you, my dear ministers."

During the banquet, there was singing and dancing. The dancers were graceful and graceful, their long sleeves dancing skillfully, like fairies descending to earth.

The musicians played melodious music, and everyone was toasting each other, creating a lively atmosphere.

Yunxi looked around quietly, always remaining alert.

Her eyes swept from one minister to another, fearing that something was wrong.

Suddenly, a minister stood up and said, "Your Highness has fought on the battlefield and made great contributions to our dynasty. It is truly a blessing for our dynasty."

The minister had a smile on his face and a fawning look in his eyes.

The prince stood up and bowed: "Thank you for your praise, my lord. This is my duty."

The prince's face was humble, but his eyes showed determination and confidence.

Another minister said: "The Marquis' wife is virtuous and good at managing the household. She is also a blessing to the prince."

The minister stroked his beard and smiled.

Yunxi smiled and said, "Thank you for your praise, sir." Yunxi's smile was just right, neither flattering nor cold.

At this moment, a palace maid accidentally spilled wine on a minister. The minister's face suddenly darkened and he shouted, "You lowly maid, you are so clumsy!"

The maid was so frightened that she immediately knelt down and begged for mercy: "Sir, please spare my life, sir, please spare my life!"

The emperor saw this and said, "Don't be angry, it's just a small accident."

The minister then gave up.

After the banquet, Yunxi and the prince left the palace.

In the carriage, the prince said, "Today's banquet is quite peaceful."

Yunxi nodded: "I hope it will always be like this."

It was already late at night when we returned to the Marquis' Mansion.

Yunxi and the prince washed up, and Yunxi yawned softly, looking cute and adorable.

The prince saw her and smiled as he took her into his arms: "Are you exhausted?"

Yunxi nuzzled into the prince's arms, shook her head and said, "As long as the prince is here, I'm not tired."

As the two were talking, they heard hurried footsteps outside the door.

"Your Majesty, Madam Hou, there's a girl outside who wants to see you. She says she has something important to tell you."

The doorman's voice came through the door.

The prince and Yunxi exchanged a glance, both with doubt in their eyes. The prince frowned and said, "Let her in."

After a while, a girl in a pink dress walked in.

The girl was thin, and the skirt seemed a little empty on her.

She had a pretty face, but her complexion was pale, her eyes were a little panicked, and her hands were tightly clutching the corners of her clothes.

"I greet the prince and the marquis." The girl knelt down and saluted with a trembling voice.

The prince raised his hand and said, "Stand up and talk. What do you want?"

The girl slowly stood up, raised her head, and timidly looked at the prince and Yunxi. Her lips trembled as she said, "Prince, Madam, my father has been wrongfully imprisoned. I beg you to save him."

Yunxi walked forward, took the girl's hand, and said softly, "Don't panic, tell me slowly."

The girl's eyes were filled with tears and she sobbed as she said, "My father is a small trader. He gets up early and goes to bed late every day just to earn a few hard-earned dollars to support the family.

A few days ago, just because my father accidentally knocked over the things of a powerful person in the market, the powerful person refused to let it go and insisted that my father had stolen his things. He also ordered people to put my father in jail.

I have sought help everywhere but to no avail. Having heard that the prince and his wife are kindhearted, I have ventured forth to come."

The prince frowned and paced back and forth in the room. Yunxi looked at the girl with concern and asked, "Do you know who this noble is?"

The girl bit her lip, hesitated for a moment and said, "It's the son of Minister Zhang."

"Humph, so it's him." The prince snorted coldly, "This son of Minister Zhang is usually arrogant and domineering, and he often stirs up trouble."

Yunxi looked at the prince and said anxiously, "Prince, what should we do?

We can’t just stand by and watch innocent people suffer wrongful death.”

The prince stopped and said with a firm look, "Of course I will not sit idly by.

Young lady, please stay in the mansion first. Once I find out the truth, I will definitely give your father justice."

The girl burst into tears of gratitude and was about to kneel down again, but Yunxi quickly supported her.

Yunxi ordered the servants to arrange accommodation for the girl and comforted her.

Back in the room, Yunxi said to the prince with a worried look on her face, "Prince, this matter may be difficult to handle. Minister Zhang has considerable influence in the court."

The prince patted Yunxi's hand and said, "Don't be afraid, I know what to do.

I just don't believe that in this bright and clear world, that evildoer can still get away with it."

Two days later, the person sent by the prince came back to report that things were exactly as the girl said.

The prince was so angry that he slammed the table and said, "This Zhang guy is totally lawless!"

Yunxi advised from the side: "Your Majesty, please calm down. We need to make a long-term plan."

The prince pondered for a moment and said, "I will go to the palace to see the emperor and report this matter to him."

Yunxi nodded: "Alright, I hope the emperor can make the decision for us."

After the prince entered the palace, Yunxi was restless in the mansion, hoping that the prince would return safely.

Finally, the prince returned. Yunxi hurried to greet him: "Prince, how is it?"

The prince's face looked unhappy. He shook his head and said, "The emperor said that this matter needs further investigation."

Yunxi sighed: "What should I do?"

The prince comforted Yunxi: "Don't worry, I won't give up."

After a few days, the prince finally found the key evidence to prove that the girl's father was wrongly accused.

The prince entered the palace again, and this time the emperor finally issued an edict, severely punishing the son of Shangshu Zhang and releasing the girl's father.

When the girl learned that her father had been rescued, she knelt at the door of the marquis's mansion for a long time and could not get up.

Yunxi helped her up and said, "Hurry up, this is what the prince should do."

The girl burst into tears: "The prince and the marquis' wife are so kind and generous, I will never forget them."

The prince frowned and said, "If this were to happen, I will definitely send someone to investigate."

The girl thanked them repeatedly: "Thank you, Your Highness, and thank you, Madam Marquis." The girl's face was covered with traces of tears, her forehead was red from knocking its head on the ground, her hands were tightly grasping the corners of her clothes, and her body was still shaking.

After sending the girl away, the prince and Yunxi began to investigate the matter.

The prince's thick eyebrows were knitted tightly together, and his eyes were full of determination. He said to Yunxi, "This matter must be thoroughly investigated and justice must be done to that girl."

Yunxi nodded slightly and replied seriously, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will do my best to assist you."

They inquired everywhere, not missing any clues. The prince had been running around all day, his face was exhausted, and his eyes were bloodshot.

Yunxi was also busy, sorting out messages from various parties at home. Her slender fingers were rubbed red by the paper.

After some twists and turns, the truth was finally revealed and the girl's father was cleared of all charges.

The girl came to the Marquis's residence again. As soon as she entered, she knelt on the ground with a plop, and burst into tears of gratitude: "Your Highness, the Marquis's wife has been so kind and virtuous that I have no way to repay her."

Yunxi hurried forward, used both hands to help the girl up, and said gently, "Hurry up and be careful next time."

The girl stood up, looked at the prince and Yunxi with tearful eyes, and said with a sob: "I will remember this in my heart."

As the days passed, the prince's gratitude to Yunxi grew deeper and deeper.

One day, the prince took Yunxi to a temple outside the city to pray for blessings.

"Yunxi, I hope we can stay together like this until we grow old." The prince said devoutly in front of the Buddha statue.

The prince clasped his hands together, his face full of solemnity.

Yunxi's eyes were filled with happiness. She nodded gently and said softly, "Yes, Your Highness."

On the way back from the temple, I met an old man selling calligraphy and paintings at a roadside stall.

The prince walked forward, looked at the calligraphy and painting, and nodded repeatedly: "Old man, this calligraphy and painting is very good."

The old man raised his head and smiled, the wrinkles on his face deepening: "Thank you for the compliment, sir."

Yunxi also came forward and took a closer look: "Your Highness, why don't you buy one and take it back?"

The prince nodded: "Okay."

After buying the calligraphy and painting, Prince Wang and Yunxi continued their journey back. Along the way, Yunxi would occasionally glance at the calligraphy and painting, with a faint smile on her face.

It was already evening when I returned to the Marquis's residence. "Your Majesty, I will go prepare dinner."

Yunxi said.

The prince held Yunxi in his arms and said, "No hurry, sit with me in this courtyard for a while."

The two sat in the courtyard, watching the sunset, their hearts filled with warmth.