Chapter 730: We Should Thank Xingxing

Chapter 730 We Ought to Thank Xingxing Instead

Yu Mingzhu alighted from the carriage, leaning on Qi Huang’s arm.

Moving out of the Duke of Xinguo's residence was Yu Mingzhu's own suggestion—a tactical withdrawal.

On one hand, her parents and brothers all now felt indebted to Yu Xingxing. If she remained in their sight every day, wouldn’t her daily presence just keep rubbing it in?

On the other hand, voluntarily proposing to move out allowed her to temporarily avoid Xingxing's rising prominence while also highlighting her maturity and generosity, making the Yu family feel even guiltier toward her.

Publicly, she claimed Yu Mingzhu had retreated to a separate residence to pray for Jiao Shi's well-being, bolstering her image as a devoted daughter.

All things considered, moving to the villa was Yu Mingzhu’s smartest play right now.

However, the maid Qi Huang, who was supporting Yu Mingzhu, seemed lost in thought.

Yu Mingzhu said calmly, "Don’t worry. I’m still set to marry the Fourth Prince. When the time comes, I’ll naturally return to the Duke of Xinguo's residence for the wedding... I won’t stay in this small villa forever."

Qi Huang, still preoccupied, bowed her head and replied, "Of course I trust you, miss. But if my master were to learn of your current situation, they would surely be heartbroken."

Her voice was gentle.

Yu Mingzhu thought of Qi Huang’s master—the one who had sent Qi Huang to her side—and suddenly felt a wave of relief.

Yes, at the very least, she still had Qi Huang’s master quietly backing her up!

Yu Mingzhu stared toward the Duke of Xinguo’s estate, silently vowing to herself: One day, she would return—and in triumph!

...

Xingxing had stayed home for two days, though not because of matters related to the Duke of Xinguo's residence.

She was busy helping her family prepare for her third brother Yu Yongliu’s wedding to Princess Qing’an.

Princess Qing’an was the only legitimate daughter of the Prince of Ying, doted on by both the prince and his consort. The moment she was born, the prince had petitioned for her to be granted the title of princess.

Her princess residence had begun construction when she was ten, constructed lavishly.

This wasn’t to insist that Princess Qing’an and her future husband must live there after marriage, but it at least provided her with extra security—proof of how dearly the Prince of Ying and his consort loved their daughter.

Now that Princess Qing’an and Yu Yongliu were about to marry, bets had long been placed that the noble princess would surely hold the wedding at her own residence to flaunt her rank.

Yet, what outsiders didn’t know was that the Prince of Ying's household had already sent envoys to convey, in a diplomatic way, that they had long heard of the harmonious atmosphere in the Yu family and how well everyone got along. Once the princess married into the family, she would have plenty of sisters-in-law to bond with and kind elders to care for her, easing their worries.

This demonstrated immense respect for the Yu family.

Wei Pozi, Yu Laotou, and Bai Xiaofeng—who had been worried about how to handle a princess as a daughter-in-law—all let out relieved sighs.

Since the other party respected the Yu family, the Yus naturally returned the kindness. They assured that if the princess ever felt uncomfortable living with them, Yu Yongliu could accompany her to reside in the princess residence. Additionally, if Princess Qing’an ever missed home, she need only inform the elders before taking Yu Yongliu back to the Prince of Ying's residence for a visit, so the prince and his wife wouldn’t miss her too much.

The Prince of Ying's household was highly satisfied with this arrangement.

After all, marriage was meant to unite two families in harmony.

Everyone shows mutual respect, working things out together harmoniously to ensure the young couple lives well—that's how it should be.

...

Wei Pozi had been worried at first that Xingxing might be in low spirits, but seeing her happily running around helping with preparations for her third brother’s wedding, she finally felt somewhat relieved.

After two busy days, Xingxing had a moment free and remembered the old couple at the Duke of Xinguo's manor. She discussed with Wei Pozi about visiting them.

Wei Pozi said "Ai" and rose from her chair, "Xingxing, I’ll go with you."

Xingxing smiled and nodded, "Wonderful, we'll go together."

Wei Pozi still felt somewhat apprehensive.

Back when the Yu family was very poor, Xingxing couldn't even have eggs regularly. Wei Pozi feared the Duke of Xinguo and his wife might think Xingxing had suffered hardships with them.

—This worry dissipated somewhat as soon as Wei Pozi arrived at the Duke of Xinguo’s residence.

The moment the Yu family’s carriage stopped at the gate, the gatekeeper of Xinguo Manor excitedly opened the main doors, bowing deeply while dispatching someone to announce their arrival inside.

"Ah, the honored Yu family guests! I recognize your carriage’s emblem," the gatekeeper said, bowing respectfully. "Our lord and lady have long since ordered that if we see the Yu family’s emblem, we are to open the main gates immediately."

The main gates of the Duke’s residence were rarely opened, demonstrating their high regard.

The Yu family’s carriage drove straight through the grand gates.

At the inner gate, palanquins stood ready.

Nanny Qingluan, the most favored attendant of the Dowager Duchess of Xin, stood by the palanquins with a beaming smile.

"Wei Pozi, Young Mistress," Nanny Qingluan greeted them. "Our Dowager Duchess was beside herself with joy at your coming and sent me to welcome you immediately."

Wei Pozi was nearly bowled over by the honor, "The Dowager Duchess is too kind."

Once Wei Pozi and Xingxing were seated in the palanquins, Nanny Qingluan, her face alight with joy, reminded the bearers, "Mind your steps and keep steady!"

When the palanquins reached the main courtyard where the Dowager Duchess resided, before the serving maid could announce their arrival, the Dowager Duchess herself lifted the curtain and stepped out.

Her eyes glistening, the Dowager Duchess scrutinized Xingxing from head to toe, "My dear child, you, you’ve come. I thought..."

She had feared Xingxing wouldn’t come.

Xingxing curtsied respectfully, "Didn't I promise to visit in a few days?"

The Dowager Duchess nodded tearfully, "Good, good."

Inside, the Dowager Duchess invited Wei Pozi to take the place of honor.

Unable to refuse, Wei Pozi sat down.

But as soon as her backside touched the cushion, the Dowager Duchess advanced and made to perform a formal bow to Wei Pozi.

Wei Pozi was so startled she nearly jumped up.

"Oh my, what are you doing?" Wei Pozi flushed, supporting the Dowager Duchess’s arms. "This is too much—you'll be the death of me with such honors!"

The Dowager Duchess, tears in her eyes, said, "Wei jiejie, you are the great benefactor of our Duke of Xinguo’s household. If you hadn’t saved Xingxing back then... not only would we never have reunited, but this old woman might not even be alive today."

Wei Pozi felt somewhat embarrassed, "Now, now... Xingxing was such an adorable little girl back then—no one could’ve resisted helping her. Besides, our family was very poor in those days. It’s only thanks to Xingxing’s blessings that our lives improved year by year... If anything, we should be thanking her."