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Indeed, Xiao Jinyu was naive, kind-hearted, and took very good care of his sister-in-law.

Unlike Xiao Jinyan, who was quite duplicitous!

Shen Chuwei thought of herself, and supposed she could be considered to have an unclear background as well?

If the Crown Prince and Empress knew, they probably would have reacted similarly.

However, since Xiao Jinyu had been pampered from childhood as the darling of the Emperor and Empress, it was only natural for the Empress to be so cautious.

At that moment, in the Qiancheng Hall

Xiao Jinyu had the Sewing Bureau make a pretty and simple dress early in the morning.

The lake green dress complimented Lady Han’s fair skin. Her hair was always styled simply and elegantly, adorned with a peach blossom hairpin of dark hue.

Xiao Jinyu thought the peach blossom hairpin was too plain, so he took out an emerald-studded hairpin from his jewelry box and approached Lady Han.

"The peach blossom hairpin in your hair is too simple. This hairpin was custom-made by the Imperial Workshop and is very beautiful. It matches your dress as well. Let me replace it for you," he said.

Lady Han looked down at the emerald-studded hairpin in his hand. The craftsmanship of the Imperial Family’s Master was undeniably exquisite, with both the workmanship and details handled perfectly, something incomparable to what a street vendor could offer.

"There’s no need, the peach blossom hairpin will suffice."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyu thought she didn’t like it and decided not to insist.

"Then let’s go. We shouldn’t keep my imperial father waiting."

Although Xiao Jinyu was spoiled by the Emperor, leading to his headstrong behavior, most of the time he still held great respect for his father.

Lady Han nodded, "Mhm."

Xiao Jinyu led her to the Fengyi Palace.

On the way, he didn’t forget to reassure her.

"My imperial mother is very kind, and she gets along very well with my sister-in-law, so you need not be nervous. As for my imperial father, although he can be a bit fierce sometimes, he is a good person, and you need not be afraid," he said.

Lady Han listened quietly, then responded, "With Prince Yu by my side, I naturally won’t be afraid."

These words entered Xiao Jinyu’s ears as trust and dependence on him from Lady Han.

"That’s the right attitude. As the saying goes, ’Love me, love my dog.’ My imperial father and mother have always adored me the most, so naturally, they won’t treat you poorly," he said.

Lady Han nodded upon hearing this.

As they entered Fengyi Palace, eunuch Ren went ahead to report their arrival.

The Empress and Shen Chuwei paused their conversation.

Xiao Jinyu, accompanied by Lady Han, stepped forward to greet them.

"Son pays respect to imperial mother, may imperial mother enjoy peace and prosperity," he said.

Then he looked at Shen Chuwei and smiled, "Sister-in-law, I hope all is well with you."

Lady Han stepped forward to perform a kneeling salute.

"This commoner pays respect to the Empress and the Crown Princess," she said.

With a wave of her sleeve, the Empress said, "Rise."

"Thank you, Empress," Lady Han got up from the ground and stood beside Xiao Jinyu.

This was the second time the Empress had met Lady Han. The first time she had seen her at Qiancheng Hall, she initially thought she was a maid, only later to learn she was brought back from outside the palace by Yuyu.

Standing beside her son, even though she was a bit shorter than him, the lady’s stature was still too tall.

The Emperor headed to Fengyi Palace immediately after morning court.

"The Emperor arrives," announced eunuch Li with his piercing voice as he stepped into Fengyi Palace.

The Empress, along with the others, greeted the Emperor with a salute.

"May the Emperor live in peace and prosperity."

"You may all rise," the Emperor moved forward a few steps, helped the Empress up, and they both sat down on the throne together.

The Emperor immediately noticed the lady beside Xiao Jinyu, who was eye-catching due to her tall figure and easy to spot.

It was not difficult for him to guess that this must be the lady Yuyu wished to marry.

"You may also sit and talk," he said.

"Thank you, imperial father." Xiao Jinyu and Lady Han sat down on the chairs at one side.

Having seen many people, the Emperor had never encountered such a tall woman and asked in a cold voice, "Why is Lady Han so exceptionally tall? Is there another reason?"

Xiao Jinyu explained, "Imperial father, she is from the northern barbarian lands, where most women are robust and tall."

The Emperor glared at his son, "Did I ask you?"

Xiao Jinyu responded, "Son’s answer would be the same."

Lady Han discreetly tugged on Xiao Jinyu’s sleeve, then raised her head to look at the Emperor and slowly spoke, "Answering the Emperor, this commoner was born in the northern barbarian lands where coarse food is eaten.

It is the women who are tall that find it easier to marry; being too delicate, on the contrary, makes marriage difficult. "

Xiao Jinyu turned to look at Lady Han. It was his first time hearing that tall women found it easier to marry, finding it somewhat novel.

The Emperor had heard of the northern barbarian lands and indeed there were rumors about the women being rough and tall.

"Then how did you come to be in Daxia?"