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CHAPTER 43 - THE HANDSOME AND KIND FATHER (PART 1)
Upon reaching the entrance of the Prime Minister's study, Yun Yongyuan excused himself, leaving Yun Qingqiao to enter alone. However, she was stopped by the same young servant who had delivered the message earlier.
"What's going on here?" Chunan bristled, seeing her mistress being obstructed.
"You were the one who called for our miss to see the master, and now you're the one stopping us? What is this about? Speak up!"
As Chunan looked ready to confront the servant, Yun Qingqiao calmly intervened, "Chunan, please calm down."
She was intrigued by what game the Prime Minister was playing and was keen to meet him.
"Please forgive me, Fifth Miss, and you too, young lady. The master prefers not to be disturbed in his study. Though I was the one to deliver the message, I still need to announce your arrival formally," the servant explained.
Soon, the servant returned and invited Yun Qingqiao into the study, though Chunan was still kept outside, much to her frustration.
The study was tranquil. As Yun Qingqiao entered, she saw her father, Yun Xiuwen, seated behind the desk. Upon seeing her, he immediately stood up. For a moment, they simply observed each other in silence.
Yun Xiuwen saw a veiled face, unable to discern her features, but her bright, lively eyes reminded him strongly of Ye Heying. However, there was an added firmness and determination in this young lady's gaze.
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Yun Qingqiao, in turn, was sizing up her father. Despite being middle-aged, he retained a dignified posture and handsome features. To her surprise, he was handsome.
Her father was more handsome than she expected, and she wondered if his kind appearance reflected his character. Observing his eyes, she sensed guilt and a father's joy, as if he was on the verge of tears at seeing his daughter.
Remembering her mother's teachings, Yun Qingqiao respectfully knelt and bowed.
"Father, I greet you. I hope you are well." Her voice carried a blend of respect and warmth.
Since arriving in this world, Yun Qingqiao had knelt before her maternal grandfather and master; this was the third time she found herself in such a position. She wondered if this act of submission was worth it but decided to play the card of affection.
‘Conforming to the customs of this place, I guess,’ she thought.
‘I hope this gesture proves to be worthwhile.’
Yun Xiuwen, trembling, helped his daughter to her feet.
"There's no need for such formality! It's good that you've come back. That's all that matters."
"Father, it's been so many years since we last met. I've missed you terribly and felt guilty for not being able to serve you in person," Yun Qingqiao said, almost convincing herself with her words.
Yun Xiuwen looked at his daughter with deep affection. She was the child he cherished most, his and Ye Heying's daughter. He had been upset for a long time when she was sent away to Chuzhou at five years old.
She had been an intelligent and endearing child. His other daughters were either too timid or scheming, approaching him only for their gain. But Yun Qingqiao was different; she brought him the joy of fatherhood. Now that she was back, bowing to him nearly melted his heart. His favorite daughter had returned!
"How have you been all these years, Qiao'er?" Yun Xiuwen asked, somewhat at a loss for words after so many years apart.
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☆☆☆
THE HANDSOME AND KIND FATHER (PART 2)
"Father, everything has been well. I enjoyed a happy life with my maternal grandparents. The only regret is not having my parents by my side," Yun Qingqiao replied, her eyes flickering with a hint of uncertainty about how her father would react.
"It's my fault, Qiao'er. I failed to take care of you and your mother," Yun Xiuwen said, his voice tinged with regret and emotion.
Memories of her childhood with her father surfaced in Yun Qingqiao's mind. She recalled how he had taught her to write, though she, the body's original owner, had little interest in learning. Her father had been baffled about how to educate his daughter, the child of a distinguished scholar, who showed no inclination for studies. Out of love and a reluctance to be too harsh, he had consoled himself that she was still young.
Yun Qingqiao realized then that her father did care for her. With warmth in her eyes and a gentle smile, she said, "Father, do you remember teaching me to write the character 'Yun'? I struggled with it, and you always said the simplest characters are the hardest to write. I never understood why you insisted I practice it." As she spoke, she picked up a brush from the desk and confidently wrote the character 'Yun' on a rice paper beside her.
The character was strong and imposing, a testament to nine years of diligent practice. Yun Xiuwen applauded, beaming with pride. "Excellent! Truly the daughter of Yun Xiuwen!"
Their discussion about calligraphy lasted a while until Yun Xiuwen finally posed the same question Ye Heying had: "Qiao'er, why are you wearing a veil?”
Considering her father's status as a loyal official unlikely to engage in deception, Yun Qingqiao decided it was best to keep the truth about her allergic reaction to herself. "On the journey back to the capital, I had an allergic reaction, resulting in a rash on my face. I cannot show my face until it heals, hence the veil."
"Understandable," Yun Xiuwen nodded. "The climate difference between the north and south is significant. The air here is dryer. I remember when your mother first came to the capital, she also had skin issues, though not as severe as a rash. With time, you'll adjust to the climate. Just take care of yourself and avoid any lasting scars." He was concerned, knowing how much his daughter resembled her mother.
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"Father, I've already seen a physician and should recover in a month or so. Don't worry!" Yun Qingqiao reassured him.
"That's good to hear," her father replied, then broached another topic. "What about the imperial marriage decree? As my daughter, I'd hate to see you entangled in the palace's intrigues."
He paused, looking at his daughter thoughtfully. "Unfortunately, my position as an official ties you to these matters. The childhood betrothal you had is no longer valid, but now there's a new issue. The emperor intends to betroth you to the Fifth Prince. You might not know his reputation in Chuzhou, but he is not a suitable match.”
Yun Qingqiao looked at her handsome father, feeling a wave of emotions. She wanted to say so much, yet she wasn't sure where to start. Just as she was about to speak, her father continued.
"Tomorrow, we are to enter the palace together. I believe the emperor will officially announce your betrothal then. If you're unwilling, just let me know. Even if it means losing my official cap, I am prepared to fight for your happiness."
Seeing the determination and sincerity in his eyes, Yun Qingqiao, with her keen ability to judge character, realized that her father was a good man. His readiness to sacrifice his position for her sake spoke volumes about his love and care for her.
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