“Knock knock!” Dongfang Yu gently knocked on the door and called softly, “Yue’er, open the door, your brother is here to see you!” He had been busy with official duties and hadn’t visited her for a while, concerned for how she had been.
Dongfang Yu furrowed his brow and called out again, “Brother! Brother!” The door opened softly, and a woman with an extremely pale face emerged, her lips white and fragile like she could be blown away by a gentle breeze.
“Yue’er, what’s wrong? Are you sick again? Why don’t you take care of your health?” Dongfang Yu gently embraced her, stroking her long black hair.
“Brother, tell me, did he become a bandit? Why did he become like that? Please, tell me it’s not true!” Mingyue buried herself in his arms, tears streaming from her deep eyes.
“Yue’er, he is a bandit! Why are you heartbroken for someone unworthy of your love? You still have your brother, Che-ge, and Hong-ge who love you!” He held her tightly, tears welling up in his eyes.
Lan Ling’er stood nearby, watching the siblings with a bittersweet feeling.
“Ahem, this must be Princess Mingyue! Didn’t expect her to be even more beautiful than imagined!” Lan Ling’er interjected, attempting to lighten the mood.
“Brother, who is this…” Mingyue asked softly, looking at the handsome little eunuch.
“She’s called Ruo’er! A girl!” Dongfang Yu replied, sensing Mingyue’s suspicion.
Ruo’er? Didn’t I tell him her name was Yipinhong! How outrageous of that brat to change my name!
Well, never mind. They’re all fake names anyway, and Ruo’er sounds quite nice. She came to be a matchmaker today!
Lan Ling’er bowed slightly, “Ruo’er greets the Princess!”
“He’s a woman?” Mingyue covered her mouth in shock. “No wonder! I always felt something was strange about him.”
Yes! It’s you! You are the one he loves the most. If he surrendered to the imperial court for you, wouldn’t the two of you have a beautiful life together?” Lan Ling’er gulped down a cup of tea. “Ouch, it’s so hot! Why is this tea so scalding?” she exclaimed.
“What an idiot! It’s autumn, and you want me to pour cold water in it!” He admired her beauty but doubted her intelligence.
