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No matter how reluctant, they still had to part ways now.
Xiao Yao bid farewell to He Yu and entered the residence with Xiao Mo Yi.
This residence was a four-courtyard house. For a government official in the capital, it was not considered a large courtyard, but for Xiao Mo Yi, it was more than sufficient, even if it was for the purpose of marriage. Although the courtyard was not big, it was quite exquisite, with trees and flowers arranged in an orderly manner. Each room was tidy, and a man who looked like a servant came out and said, "Welcome, Second Young Master."
Second Young Master? Xiao Yao was puzzled; shouldn't he be called Master? Just as she was still trying to comprehend this, she heard He Yu exclaim in surprise, "Uncle Fang, you are Uncle Fang, right?"
"Yes." The man smiled and bowed, "I heard that the Master and Madam's Second Young Master were coming to the capital to serve as an official. Since I live nearby, I took the liberty of writing to the Master to offer my services in taking care of the Second Young Master. I hope the Second Young Master won't mind that I didn't consult him first."
"How could I mind!" Xiao Mo Yi laughed heartily. "With Uncle Fang here, I can rest assured about everything in this residence! Come on, Yao Yao, this is Uncle Fang."
Xiao Yao stepped forward and said, "Uncle Fang."
"Oh, this must be the elder sister? You've grown so tall! Back when I was at the Xiao Family, you were only this high! Now you've truly blossomed into a graceful young lady!" Uncle Fang gestured with his hands, and everyone laughed. The atmosphere in the entire courtyard instantly relaxed.
Uncle Fang appeared to be in his forties; he looked sturdy but not overweight and seemed quite capable. Xiao Mo Yi added from the side, "Back then you were still too young to remember. Uncle Fang used to travel around with my father; he was a very capable subordinate of my father. Later on, he voluntarily resigned due to health issues. I never expected you would come to the capital, Uncle Fang. If it weren't for my trip to the capital this time, I might never have seen you again!"
Uncle Fang laughed heartily, "You child have always been smarter than others. You are indeed cut out for being an official; I didn't expect that I'd be right! Now let's hurry inside; after traveling for dozens of miles, you must be tired. I'll prepare things for you!"
With that, he hurriedly led several servants to unload their luggage at the door. Xiao Yao watched Uncle Fang's bustling figure; it was amusing yet warmed her heart. After all, in such an unfamiliar place, having someone close by to take care of everything brought a warmth that nothing else could replace.
The rooms had already been arranged. As the master of the residence, Xiao Mo Yi naturally stayed in the main house. Xiao Yao arranged a separate mini courtyard for her; besides two personal maids, Yun Yue and Yun Bi, she also assigned two maidservants for miscellaneous tasks. Since the courtyard was small and not far from Xiao Mo Yi's main house, there was only one kitchen for meals throughout the residence. If Yun Yue and Yun Bi wanted to prepare some snacks for Xiao Yao alone, they could just go to the main kitchen.
Xiao Yao entered the courtyard and, under Yun Yue's care, took a refreshing bath to relieve her fatigue. After changing into a clean outfit, she went to find Xiao Mo Yi. Dinner was served in the main house, and no food was provided in the courtyard.
While they were eating, Uncle Fang came in and said, "Second Young Master, the Xuanping Prince's Mansion has sent some items over."
"Then let's go take a look," Xiao Mo Yi quickly put down his chopsticks and left with Xiao Yao. Just as they stepped out of the main house's door, they saw Zhao Hezhong standing at the entrance with a smile. Xiao Mo Yi approached him with a smile and said, "Zhao Gonggong."
"Young Master Xiao, the prince has sent some items for Sister Xiao," Zhao Hezhong replied politely to Xiao Mo Yi, as he would soon be the prince's second brother-in-law, so he had to be respectful.
"The prince has truly gone to great lengths. I am already grateful for his care along the way; now he still remembers us so well. I really don't know how to express my gratitude," Xiao Mo Yi said.
"Young Master Xiao is being too polite. Miss Xiao will soon marry into the Xuanping Prince's Mansion; it is only natural for the prince to show concern. After all, we are family! There’s no need for formalities among family members, right?" Zhao Hezhong spoke beautifully, making everyone present feel pleased.
After some pleasantries, Zhao Hezhong continued, "The prince is worried that Miss Xiao might not be accustomed to life in the capital, so he specially sent over a chef skilled in Huaiyang cuisine for Miss Xiao's use. Additionally, there are cosmetics, clothing, silk, and jewelry for Miss Xiao to keep. If you need anything else, just let Yun Zhu know, and she can relay it to the prince's mansion!"
As soon as Zhao Hezhong finished speaking, a girl around twenty years old stepped out from behind him and bowed deeply to Xiao Yao. "I am Yun Zhu, here to serve Miss Xiao. Please feel free to give any instructions you may have."
Dressed in a light gray robe, she appeared gentle and courteous with a calm demeanor—truly someone from the Xuanping Prince's Mansion. However, no matter what, she couldn't show any hesitation and nodded slightly. "Thank you for being so thoughtful, Your Highness."
Then, Xiao Yao took out a sachet she had brought with her and handed it to Zhao Hezhong. "Please help me pass this on to the prince."
"Of course! I will ensure that Miss Xiao's item is properly received and delivered intact to the prince," Zhao Hezhong assured her as he carefully tucked the sachet into his wide sleeve. Only then did Xiao Yao feel relieved and smile.
With Zhao Hezhong's task completed, he didn't linger for more pleasantries since his own master had just returned home and there were still many tasks awaiting him at the prince's mansion.
Zhao Hezhong hurriedly said goodbye, and as soon as Zhao Hezhong left, Uncle Fang couldn't help but ask, "I heard that the young lady from the Nanping Xiao Family is going to marry Xuanping Wang to become a princess. I was wondering if it’s the Sister Xiao I know, and hey, it turns out it really is!"
"Yes," Xiao Mo Yi nodded. "Look, even before she enters the door, the prince has already sent gifts over. It shows how much he cares!"
Xiao Yao ignored his teasing and looked at Yun Zhu, smiling as she asked, "You didn't have this name before, did you?"
Yun Zhu nodded. "Yes, I wasn't called this before. The prince told me to follow Miss Xiao and serve her, so everyone around Miss Xiao started calling me Yun Zhu."
"Oh, what were you called before?" Xiao Yao casually asked.
"As a servant, what I was called depends on my master's preference. It doesn't matter what I was called before; I only know that I am now called Yun Zhu," Yun Zhu replied with her head down, being humble.
Well, still a tough one. Xiao Yao studied Yun Zhu for a moment before nodding. "Alright then, since you belong to the prince now, you will be called Yun Zhu from now on."
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