Chapter 10: Meeting the Fifth Prince

"Miss Mo, I am Nanfeng Wuchen. A pleasure to meet you!" Nanfeng Wuchen felt a flicker of surprise as he watched Mo Xunyan listen to the two of them speak with a detached expression from beginning to end.

Others would inevitably be stirred with excitement upon hearing the names A-Rui and the Fifth Prince, yet this girl remained indifferent. To be so composed at such a young age—her temperament was perhaps too cold.

Mo Xunyan gave a nod with an expressionless face, acknowledging the greeting.

"My sister grew up on Yunshan and has had very little contact with others. I fear she is not accustomed to being around strangers," Mo Junming said, knowing Mo Xunyan’s aloof nature and fearing she would not want to dine with people she didn't know.

"Youran Pavilion is the most famous restaurant in the capital, and its dishes are the finest. If Junming were to leave with your sister now, wouldn't that be our fault?" Nanfeng Wuchen persisted, his gentle, warm smile making it difficult to refuse. "Business is booming at Youran Pavilion today; if I hadn't reserved a table in advance, we likely wouldn't have been able to dine here at all. If Miss Mo doesn't mind, please, join us!"

Mo Xunyan had originally intended to stay as far away from that evildoer as possible, but thinking of her father’s muttering last night and the status of the Fifth Prince, she changed her mind on the spot.

She had little interest in the selection of the Imperial Consort; if her master wanted to restore the nation, she would simply obey. But since the destruction of the Wei Prince’s estate was linked to the late Emperor, she would strive for this selection with all her might. She would not let even the slightest opportunity slip by. *Emperor Jun, you wiped out my entire family back then; now, I shall destroy the empire of your descendants and make them pay your debts.*

Mo Xunyan nodded at Nanfeng Wuchen and said indifferently, "Very well."

Nanfeng Wuchen then led the siblings into a private room, while Gu Nuo and Gu Yin remained outside the door with the other guards.

Once inside, there was the inevitable exchange of pleasantries. Mo Xunyan stood quietly by Mo Junming’s side. Ouyang Yingrui had changed into a new set of clothes, still wearing a moon-white long robe, radiating brilliance.

Ouyang Yuanlang was only twelve years old and also a lover of martial arts. Though his face still held a touch of childishness, he was handsome and possessed an extraordinary air, carrying the innate nobility of the royal family.

"So you are the daughter of the Nine Gates Commandant. I heard you went to Yunshan when you were very young. Is that 'Old Freak of Yunshan' as eccentric as the rumors say? You actually stayed by his side for eight years—is your martial arts skill very impressive?" Mentioning Yunshan immediately piqued Ouyang Yuanlang’s interest in Mo Xunyan.

Of course, his words also carried a hint of pity. "I heard you were only three when you went to Yunshan. Your parents were truly willing to part with you."

Mo Xunyan raised her eyes and gave Ouyang Yuanlang a faint smile, but she did not speak.

Ouyang Yuanlang paused. Although this girl looked ordinary, when she smiled, those eyes were simply mesmerizing.

"Your Highness may not know, but my sister was mischievous as a child and suffered a severe injury. Our father sent her to Yunshan to ask the Master to treat her. Because my sister’s constitution was too weak, the Master kept her there to personally nurse her back to health and teach her medicine, which is why she stayed for a full eight years. However, my sister does not know martial arts," Mo Junming said, fearing others would bring up his sister being sent away as a child. Worried that Mo Xunyan might be saddened, he quickly explained.

"So that’s how it is." Ouyang Yuanlang nodded in understanding and continued to chat with Mo Xunyan in a low voice.

Ouyang Yingrui sat at the head of the table, and at this moment, he couldn't help but take a few more looks at Mo Xunyan. He truly hadn't expected this girl to have grown up on Yunshan.

Thinking of the Old Freak of Yunshan, Ouyang Yingrui’s brows furrowed slightly, and a flicker of emotion passed through his eyes. Because he masked it so well, no one noticed.