Seeing Master Baohua’s expression, Huo immediately worried, asking, “Master, is there a problem with my granddaughter’s palm reading?”

“Destiny is profound; I dare not speak of it.”

Master Baohua smiled, his expression softening as he looked at Yu Xiaobao. “Child, do you have any aspirations?”

Yu Ning watched from the side, observing her daughter’s thoughtful expression and couldn’t help but smile.

Xiaobao was not yet five years old.  She didn’t yet understand the world, so what aspirations could she possibly have?

However, Yu Ning was curious about Xiaobao’s answer.

After a moment of thought, Xiaobao replied, “Xiaobao doesn’t want anything. If I must say something, I wish that all children in the world could be like Xiaobao, able to eat and wear warm clothes every day, and grow up happily and carefree!”

Master Baohua nodded, gently tapping Xiaobao’s forehead.

“Indeed, that is it.  This monk prays that one day, little benefactor, your wish will be fulfilled, and you will protect the peace and well-being of all children in the world.”

Master Baohua named Xiaobao Youming.

Huo, along with her daughter and granddaughter, thanked Master Baohua and left, strolling through the back mountain of Mingde Temple, admiring the breathtaking spring scenery of blooming peach trees.

“Youming is a good name.  With Master Baohua’s words, I know my Xiaobao will achieve great things,” Huo said, beaming with joy.

The imperial examination for female officials in Daye had been established for over twenty years, with many women holding official positions.

Although few held high-ranking positions, the trend of female officials was growing.

If Xiaobao could one day enter the court and pursue her ambitions, her daughter would have a stable support system.

Even if Huo were to pass away, Xiaobao could live a life of wealth and luxury.  Therefore, Huo was delighted and decided to cultivate her granddaughter diligently.

“I didn’t expect Xiaobao to say that,” Yu Ning patted her daughter’s head, her tone light. “My Xiaobao, did you hear? The Master said you have a bright future. Mother will rely on you from now on, okay?”

Xiaobao didn’t quite understand but nodded obediently, gazing at her mother with bright eyes. “Mm-hmm, Mother relies on me.

Xiaobao will earn lots and lots of money for Mother, and buy Mother lots of pastries.”

“My darling, Mother loves you so much.”

Yu Ning and Huo both laughed at Xiaobao, amused by her words.

As they passed a pavilion, Yu Ning wanted to go up and admire the view, but Huo quickly stopped her.

“Ning’er, don’t go. Those people under the pavilion are the Sui Long Guards.”

“Sui Long Guards?”

Huo pulled Yu Ning away, instructing her, “Stay away from those in those clothes in the future. Only the Emperor can command the Sui Long Guards.

Wherever the Emperor is, they are there. They are the Emperor’s guards. We cannot provoke them.”

This was especially important because the Yongning Marquis Manor was related to the Empress Dowager, and the Empress Dowager and the Emperor were not on good terms; therefore, the Emperor didn’t look kindly upon the Marquis of Yongning.

Huo briefly explained to Yu Ning, sighing, “The Yongning Marquis Manor must keep a low profile now. We absolutely cannot provoke His Majesty. 

If we accidentally offend him, the consequences are unpredictable.  The Empress Dowager’s influence is waning, so we must be even more respectful before the Emperor.”

“I understand.” Although Yu Ning didn’t grow up in the capital, she knew the importance of discretion. “I’ll stay far away from them in the future.”

“Just be cautious, but don’t worry too much. Our family still has some standing.

Your brother and sister, one guarding the border and the other serving in court, are supporting the Yongning Marquis Manor.” Huo spoke with pride of her eldest son and daughter.

Huo and the Yongning Marquis Manor’s old lady didn’t get along, their relationship strained for years.

However, Huo’s eldest twins were exceptionally capable, allowing her to have a smooth life in the Manor, with no one daring to provoke her.

Days passed, and Yu Ning still hadn’t met her siblings.  She was naturally curious, but her brother was at the border and her sister was on imperial business in another prefecture, both unable to return.

The mother and daughter were about to return home after a while in the back mountain of Mingde Temple when someone called out to them.

“Since you’re going home, wait for me.”

A smiling young woman approached gracefully.  She was elegant and beautiful, wearing a light purple official robe, her golden phoenix hair ornament swaying gently with her steps.

Xie Wanyu stopped before Huo, bowing. “Greetings, Mother. Your daughter is unfilial, returning home only after two months away.”

Before Huo could speak, she stood up, acting familiar as she reached for Yu Ning’s hand. “Oh, this is my younger sister.  It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Xie Wanyu’s gaze fell on Yu Ning’s face, and she exclaimed, “How were you born? From the same womb, yet you are so much prettier than me!  Strange!”

“What are you saying? You’re the strange one!” Huo lightly hit Xie Wanyu’s hand, pulling Yu Ning back. “Ning’er, your sister has a strange personality. If she upsets you, we’ll ignore her.”

Yu Ning smiled, observing her never-before-met sister with interest. “Sister is quite interesting. I felt an immediate connection upon meeting you.”

Xie Wanyu crossed her arms, nodding self-assuredly. “That’s right.  Sister is loved by all, and my younger sister likes me. It’s only natural.”

Yu Ning smiled without speaking.

Xie Wanyu’s self-absorbed nature made her even more likable.

Huo couldn’t bear to watch her eldest daughter’s arrogance and changed the subject. “Is your business finished? Why come to the temple instead of going home?  Is the house no longer big enough for you?”

“Misunderstanding, misunderstanding. I didn’t come to play.” Xie Wanyu gestured towards the back, whispering, “His Majesty is here. Didn’t Mother see?”

Huo and Yu Ning looked in the direction Xie Wanyu indicated.

Indeed, a tall and imposing figure was slowly descending from the pavilion, escorted by numerous Sui Long Guards, gradually walking away.

That was the current Emperor of Daye.