CHAPTER 411: CHAPTER 403: MRS. XIAO LI’S MOUTH

Firstly, she had been adopted out, yet this birth mother always lacks clarity.

Every time she opens her mouth, it’s "Mom," when Yuan Bao always calls her "Fourth Aunt."

Secondly, whenever Mrs. Xiao Li meets Yuan Bao, she starts babbling about her twin brother.

Yuan Bao is naturally quite concerned about this twin brother of hers.

After all, they truly are siblings born from the same mother.

Back then, it was Mrs. Xiao Li who made the mistakes, and although her brother Yuan Shouhu was also a mess, he was only a two-year-old kid at that time, what could he understand?

So, Yuan Bao has resentment towards Mrs. Xiao Li but isn’t particularly targeting Yuan Shouhu who was also a mess.

"County Princess, you can’t keep hiding like this, can you?"

Having entered the Yuan Family Mansion via the back door and circled back to the temporary courtyard, Nanny Xue started advising Yuan Bao after knowing the situation.

"Nanny Xue, I’m not intending to hide forever!"

"I just don’t want to meet her alone. Later, when there are others around, it’ll be fine!"

Yuan Bao actually understands Mrs. Xiao Li quite well.

Mrs. Xiao Li wants to get benefits from Yuan Bao, but in front of others, she pretends to be dignified and seems very principled.

And it’s precisely this behavior of Mrs. Xiao Li that makes Yuan Bao dislike her even more.

"Isn’t this still hiding?"

Nanny Xue took a deep breath and said, "County Princess, you have already been adopted out; my suggestion is you should act with the dignity of a County Princess!"

"No way!"

Yuan Bao rolled her eyes.

Act with the dignity of a County Princess?

If she really does that, she fears people would gossip about her behind her back.

Although Yuan Bao doesn’t care how others evaluate her, she fears she wouldn’t be able to hold back and might beat those who gossip.

So, it’s better to reduce interactions with Mrs. Xiao Li to make herself more comfortable.

Seeing she couldn’t win the argument with Yuan Bao, Nanny Xue didn’t say more but clearly had some thoughts.

"Nanny Xue, I know you mean well."

"But could you let me handle this matter myself?"

Even though she’s not fond of Mrs. Xiao Li, Mrs. Xiao Li did give birth to her.

Mrs. Xiao Li favors boys over girls and treated her harshly, leading her to leave home, and now being adopted by Yuan Yindi, their relationship is just that, no need to escalate to a hostile confrontation.

"Yes!"

Yuan Bao stated her position formally, leaving Nanny Xue with no choice but to comply with Yuan Bao’s wishes.

...

After a simple breakfast, Yuan Bao went to the courtyard of Old Yuan and Mrs. Zeng.

Here, Yuan Bao indeed encountered Mrs. Xiao Li.

Mrs. Xiao Li came so early precisely because she knew Yuan Bao was coming.

Seeing Yuan Bao approach, Mrs. Xiao Li excitedly stood up.

"Jiaojiao, are you... doing well?"

Mrs. Xiao Li was indeed excited, though only she knows why.

"Thank you for your concern, Fourth Aunt, I’m doing well!"

Yuan Bao replied with a smile.

The way she addressed Mrs. Xiao Li directly hit her hard, leaving her stunned on the spot.

"Grandfather, Grandmother, I’m here to say goodbye!"

After replying to Mrs. Xiao Li, Yuan Bao turned to Old Yuan and Mrs. Zeng, stating her intention.

If there weren’t matters concerning the Fourteenth Prince, Yuan Bao certainly would have stayed in Yunyang City for a while, but now, she only wants to return to the Capital quickly, discuss this with her uncle and Ruan, and then seek her master’s opinion on it.

Of course, regardless of her master’s view, Yuan Bao has no intention of marrying the Fourteenth Prince.

Given what the Imperial Concubine Yi did to her adoptive mother, there’s no chance whatsoever for Yuan Bao and the Fourteenth Prince.

As for Emperor Xia’s marriage decree?

With her current status, Emperor Xia might not dare to issue such a decree.

If Emperor Xia truly decrees it, then she might have to defy the edict.

Previously, Yuan Bao didn’t have the qualification to defy the edict, but now, with her kung fu skills improving, she truly doesn’t care about ignoring the Emperor’s decree.

If her fists are hard enough, royal authority has to yield!

"Jiaojiao, what’s wrong? Just returned yesterday and leaving today?"

Mrs. Zeng thought Yuan Bao was displeased and was expressing her dissatisfaction through this action.

"Grandmother, it’s like this: my adoptive mother has some health issues, so I need to visit my master to see if there’s a solution!"

Regarding her engagement and matters with the Fourteenth Prince, Yuan Bao hadn’t planned to inform Old Yuan and Mrs. Zeng, knowing they would only worry and couldn’t offer assistance.

"Jiaojiao, don’t rush to leave!"

Mrs. Xiao Li suddenly spoke, "Not to criticize you, but your adoptive mother deserved this, it’s self-inflicted!"

"The Imperial Concubine Yi fancies you and wants you to be the Fourteenth Prince’s Princess Consort; what an honor, yet she refused!"

"Claiming you’re still young, but I think she clearly wants to marry her own daughter to the Fourteenth Prince!"

"Jiaojiao, you mustn’t be deceived by them!"

Mrs. Xiao Li’s words left Old Yuan and Mrs. Zeng stunned.

Imperial Concubine Yi!

Fourteenth Prince!

Princess Consort!

Old Yuan and Mrs. Zeng’s eyes went blank, their bodies starting to tremble.

"Old Fourth’s, is what you’re saying true?"

After a while, Old Yuan turned to Mrs. Xiao Li, excitedly asking.

"Father, how could this daughter-in-law dare to lie about such matters?"

"I heard this from the City Governor’s wife, and no matter how unreliable I might be, I wouldn’t dare spread falsehoods about nobles and princes from the palace!"

Mrs. Xiao Li spoke joyfully and continued, "If Jiaojiao marries the Fourteenth Prince, our Yuan Family truly would rise to the top!"

"From now on, our family would be royalty and dignitaries!"

Mrs. Xiao Li was genuinely excited when saying this.

Previously, the Yuan Family thrived due to the efforts of Yuan Wangdi, Yuan Laidi, and Yuan Yindi, successfully bringing glory to the family name, especially with Yuan Wangdi and Yuan Laidi being awarded noble titles for their military achievements.

However, due to the division of families, although Yuan Pandi and Yuan Zhaodi made quite some money, they still lacked status and background.

If Yuan Bao marries the Fourteenth Prince and becomes Princess Consort Chun, the entire Yuan Family would benefit.

"Father, Mother, let me tell you, if this marriage succeeds, our Yuan Family would genuinely be a cut above others in Daxia!"

"Currently, everyone in court knows the Fourteenth Prince might be appointed as Crown Prince!"

Mrs. Xiao Li certainly knows how to talk.

Old Yuan and Mrs. Zeng’s eyes shone brightly.

If Yuan Bao and the Fourteenth Prince’s marriage succeeds, their family would truly transform.

"Jiaojiao!"

After the excitement and joy, both Old Yuan and Mrs. Zeng turned their gaze towards Yuan Bao.