The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)

Chapter 450 - Startled Horse

Once everyone else had left, the Fourth Prince crept up to Ye Yun with a mischievous grin.

"Mother, Bi Le Ge told me yesterday that my cousin is pretty. Do you think he likes her?"

"You little rascal! Your cousin is only twelve years old. What nonsense are you talking about?"

Ye Yun gave her son a light slap on the forehead.

"Ow!" The Fourth Prince staggered back, shooting his mother a resentful glance.

"It hurts! Am I still your real son? I was just saying! Besides, Yuanyuan often chases after Xu Qinglin, saying he's handsome."

Ye Yun rolled her eyes and took a sip from her tea cup.

"Yuanyuan is only five; what does she know? But I have to admit, that Xu kid is indeed quite good-looking."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't have chosen him as my study companion. It's a pity he had matters at home; otherwise, I would have brought him to Zhasake with me this time," the Fourth Prince said with a grin.

This left Ye Yun speechless.

Great, it seems her son is picking study companions based on looks.

"Alright, alright, go out and play. Stop bothering me," Ye Yun waved her hand dismissively.

The Fourth Prince raised an eyebrow playfully and cupped his hands in a mock salute. "Sure thing! I'll take my leave!"

"Get lost," Ye Yun laughed and scolded, then reminded him, "Be careful while riding!"

"Don't worry, Mother. I'll come back in one piece!"

The Fourth Prince had already dashed out, calling back loudly.

After he left, Huiyue smiled and came over to pour Ye Yun more tea.

"Your Highness, the prince has grown up but still remains close to you."

"It's a relief to see him grow up right under my nose. I wonder how Xun'er and Yuanyuan are doing in the palace," Ye Yun said, missing the two younger ones.

Nanzhi reassured her, "Don't worry, Your Highness. The letters sent back should be arriving soon. Hui De Fei is meticulous in her work, and Kong Qing and the others are also guarding them in the palace. Nothing will happen."

Ye Yun nodded, pulling her thoughts back.

"Let's not talk about that. You all go out and find out if the Grand Prince's heir really has feelings for Shuran, or if he's being instructed by the Grand Prince to do so. Remember to protect Shuran; she's a girl and must not lose her reputation."

"Rest assured, Your Highness. I'll go right away. With the Marquis and the Marchioness present, I don't think she will run into any trouble," Huiyue said, bowing before heading out to investigate.

It wasn't that Ye Yun was overly anxious.

It was just that her daughter was still young, and it was inevitable that others might set their sights on her niece; they had to be cautious.

In this day and age, girls came of age at fifteen, while many children were already getting married at sixteen or seventeen. A twelve-year-old girl should understand the matters of the world.

Moreover, the Grand Prince's heir, Bi Le Ge, was over a year older than Shuran and would certainly know more.

Let's hope it's just innocent feelings between children and doesn't involve any entanglements of interests.
Ye Yun was determined that the children should wait until at least eighteen before considering marriage.
Fortunately, after Huiyue inquired around, she initially concluded that it was likely not the Grand Prince instructing his son.
That brought some relief; the kids were still young, and with a little vigilance, they would be fine as long as they didn't act inappropriately.
Besides, it wasn't certain that Ye Shuran had feelings for Bi Le Ge either.