Lu Yuner also stopped, looking where he pointed. It turned out he was referring to their wedding chamber. She withdrew her gaze and slowly leaned close to his ear, saying, “That will be our wedding chamber after we’re married.”

As she spoke, she held Su Qingwan’s hand and continued walking forward, “I’ll take you in to have a look now.”

“Wait,” Su Qingwan naturally knew it was the wedding chamber. With a shy face and joyful mood, he said, “Sister Yuner, let’s wait a bit. We’re about to get married, let’s leave this for the wedding day!”

Lu Yuner understood his meaning and smiled without speaking, then took him to the study.

It was Su Qingwan’s first time in the study.

As soon as he entered the room, he smelled a faint scent of books. Slowly looking around, the study was clean and tidy, brightly lit, with paper, ink, brush, and inkstone fully prepared on the desk. On the side bookshelf, many books were neatly arranged.

Inside, there was also a bed, and several wooden cabinets for storing shoes and clothes. It seemed that sister Yuner usually rested here after handling government affairs.

Lu Yuner gently took out an old, yellowed book from the bookshelf, which she had also brought back from Jinling Prefecture.

This was a unique copy of a chess manual that she, no, the original owner had obtained while learning chess from an elder in Jinling Prefecture.

This book’s chess tactics and layouts were profoundly deep, a favorite of good chess players. It would be perfect as a gift for Prince Yun.

As for who should give it?

Lu Yuner’s eyes moved slightly as she placed the book in Su Qingwan’s hands. Su Qingwan was a bit slow to react, but then his confused gaze gradually cleared.

His eyelashes fluttered lightly as he looked at the chess manual in his hands, remaining silent for a moment before lowering his gaze and saying, “Does sister Yuner want me to give it to her?”

Indeed, he still referred to her as “her”, and she could see the hesitation in his heart. Although the ice between mother and son had been broken, there hadn’t been any progress in their emotional relationship.

Knowing that he hadn’t had much direct communication with Prince Yun over the years, perhaps he also didn’t know how to interact with Prince Yun. From the last time he read Prince Yun’s letter, she could see his concern.

Before, she felt she shouldn’t interfere too much between mother and son, but now it seemed she needed to give him a push.

Lu Yuner reached out to hug him, letting him lean against her, “Awan, you just need to take the first brave step, and after that, you won’t be afraid of anything anymore. And… I will be with Awan.”

Su Qingwan’s heart trembled. He rarely mentioned this in front of her, but she knew all his thoughts.

No, she had always known.

At the same time, wrapped in the sense of security of being in her embrace, he clung tightly to her and said, “I’ll listen to sister Yuner.”

Later, Lu Yuner took valuable gifts to Prince Yun’s mansion. However, when the carriage was not far from Prince Yun’s mansion, the sound of hoofbeats gradually approached. As a gust of wind blew the curtains, they saw the valiant Wan Ling pass by them.

In the instant their eyes met, her gaze towards her didn’t seem as sharp as before. The depths of those passionate eyes still carried an indelible gloom and unwillingness.

If… she hadn’t appeared, perhaps Awan and General Wan might have had a chance.

Sister Lan had told her that although this General Wan was successful and famous, there was not a single man in her back courtyard. She had even politely declined the Emperor’s bestowal of marriage, only having deep feelings for Awan.

Her feelings for Awan were definitely no less than hers, nor were they more intense.

And Su Qingwan naturally also looked at Wan Ling, but he had always seen her as a sister. He would always remember her kindness, so apart from a slight guilt towards her, there were no other emotions.

After entering Prince Yun’s mansion and handing over the gifts they had brought to the servants, the two went to the North Courtyard study.

At the same time, Chen Si, who had just come out of the study, looked up and happened to meet Lu Yuner and Su Qingwan coming towards her. Her eyes widened slightly, with surprise and joy flashing in them.

The young master had finally been willing to step into the North Courtyard to see Prince Yun.

Chen Si smiled brightly, intentionally raising her voice, “Young Master, Doctor Lu, you’ve come. Are you here to see Prince Yun today?”

Hearing the sudden conversation outside the room, Su Bai’s heart skipped a beat inside the study. Her expression changed instantly, her deep eyes flashing with unprecedented surprise and nervousness.

The hand that had just been holding a chess piece trembled, the white piece falling from her hand, but as it was about to land on the chessboard, she quickly grasped it tightly.

Lu Yuner politely bowed and said, “Mm.”

Although Su Qingwan didn’t speak, he still nodded silently.

Upon seeing the young master’s reaction, Chen Si smiled and quickly greeted them, leading them into the study, “Come, let’s chat in the study. Prince Yun just happens to need a companion for chess.”

Looking at the room before him, Su Qingwan felt completely uncomfortable at this moment, at a loss for what to do, not daring to take another step forward.

Knowing he had suddenly become flustered, Lu Yuner placed her hand on his back, gently comforting him. She leaned down to his ear and softly reassured, “Awan, it’s alright, I’m here!”

Su Qingwan met her clear eyes and heard her gentle words. He took a deep breath and nodded.

Chen Si lowered her eyes slightly without turning around, but she could guess what was happening behind her.

Although Doctor Lu had mediated between them, and there had been some changes between mother and son, after so many years, some things were unclear and inexplicable. There was no absolute right or wrong, and things wouldn’t change easily.

Regarding Lord Su’s death, Prince Yun had always felt guilty. Although the truth about the incident years ago had been investigated and cleared up these past few days, avenging Lord Su.

But for the young master, she tried her best to give him everything he wanted, yet she could never make up for those years of missing companionship and love.

Only if the young master forgave her could she truly let go.

As the footsteps outside the room drew closer, Su Bai steadily placed the chess piece on the board, though her hand that held the piece trembled like a sieve.

The moment people entered the room, Su Bai’s expression returned to normal. As Chen Si entered, she saw Prince Yun sitting calmly by the chessboard and said, “Prince Yun, the young master and Doctor Lu are here.”

Seeing the two, Su Bai spoke first, “You’re back. Come, sit with me for a while.”

“Yes.” Lu Yuner glanced slightly at Su Qingwan, indicating him to follow.

Lu Yuner and Su Qingwan sat together opposite the chessboard. Su Bai’s gaze was constantly on the downcast Su Qingwan, but Su Qingwan never spoke from beginning to end.

Seeing this, Lu Yuner secretly reached out under the chessboard to hold his hand, indicating him to be at ease.

At this moment, Su Bai shifted her gaze to Lu Yuner, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, and she spoke, “Was your trip to Jinling Prefecture smooth?”

With Hua Ying going back and forth with messages, Prince Yun naturally knew everything that happened in Jinling Prefecture.

Lu Yuner’s eyelashes fluttered, but she still politely replied, “Yes, everything went smoothly. How have you been these past few days?” Hearing this, Su Bai looked at her deeply, paused slightly, and said thoughtfully, “Everything is fine.” Then she glanced at Su Qingwan, who was still looking down beside Lu Yuner. Even if he didn’t speak, it was good to have him quietly accompanying her. She continued, “Come, play a game of chess with me first.”

“Please wait a moment.” Lu Yuner looked towards Su Qingwan, her thumb secretly caressing his fair hand that she was holding, and called softly, “Awan.”

Only then did Su Qingwan raise his eyes to look at Lu Yuner, feeling her encouragement and warmth.

He then let go of her hand and took out the chess manual from his sleeve, slowly handing it to Su Bai with both hands. His gaze was somewhat timid and unnatural as he looked at her, “I know you like playing chess. Qingwan wants to give you a chess manual. Hope… hope… mother will like it?” After quickly saying this, his cheeks began to burn, and he lowered his head again, no longer looking at her, but his heart felt relieved.

Hearing this, Lu Yuner’s eyes briefly flashed with joy. The latter half of those words wasn’t what she had taught him.

Chen Si beside them was also greatly shocked, silently watching the three people before her, but her gaze finally fell on Lu Yuner.

Su Bai was clearly startled by his sudden gesture, and even more moved by his use of the word “mother”.

After such a long time, she could actually hear him call her “mother” again. Tears gradually welled up in her eyes.

She reached out to take the chess manual, holding it in her hands like a treasure. “Mother likes it. Qingwan is thoughtful.”

Su Qingwan’s long eyelashes fluttered a few times. As he just withdrew his hand, it was again enveloped by a warm touch. His heart instantly felt warm.

Lu Yuner spoke, “Prince Yun, shall we begin? You still take the white pieces…”

“What did you call me?” Su Bai said in a displeased tone.

Lu Yuner was a bit confused. Hadn’t she always addressed her respectfully like this?

Su Bai knew why Qingwan was acting this way. Her eyes revealed a relaxed smile, “From now on, call me the same as Qingwan does.”

Lu Yuner’s eyes widened slightly. This sudden change, especially proposed by Prince Yun herself, was somewhat unexpected.

Su Qingwan wasn’t surprised, because changing the form of address was bound to happen sooner or later. He also felt uncomfortable hearing her call “Prince Yun” repeatedly.

Lu Yuner came to her senses, “Yes.”

The two began playing chess according to the old rules. Originally, they wanted Su Qingwan to go back to his room to rest, but he still wanted to stay and accompany them.

However, this time Su Bai didn’t play chess for too long before letting the two leave, leaving herself alone in the room.

Su Bai took out the chess manual again and opened it. Her eyes were already filled with tears she could no longer suppress.

More than the chess manual, what she cared about was that form of address.

Since her father’s death, it had been a long, long time since she had heard it.

After so many years, because of her guilt towards Qingwan, she had been living in unbearable pain. She wanted to be as good to him as possible.

While ensuring his safety, she gave him everything he wanted, only hoping he could live happily.

It was clear that he had indeed forgiven her, but she never thought he would become close to her and call her mother.

Qingwan had changed, beginning to accept her.

All these subtle changes were inseparable from Lu Yuner.

After dinner at Prince Yun’s mansion, Chen Si sent Lu Yuner back. Originally, she didn’t want to trouble anyone to send her, but it seemed Chen Si had something to say to her.

In the carriage, Chen Si spoke, “Thank you for today’s matter.”

Lu Yuner said, “You misunderstand. I did indeed let Awan do this, but those words were not taught by me. What he said today was… truly from his heart.” “Moreover, I also hope that there can be further changes between Awan and Prince Yun.”

Chen Si was slightly stunned, and the next second, the corners of her mouth turned up. “Regardless, thank you. I’ve watched the young master grow up, and I know all the changes that have happened to him since you came into his life.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she stared at her, changing the subject, “Doctor Lu is a different existence for Qingwan. Sometimes I’m quite curious.”

Although her tone was gentle, it concealed a hint of confusion and probing.

Not knowing the meaning behind her words, Lu Yuner met her scrutinizing gaze and listened as she continued, “The young master is so obedient and infatuated with Doctor Lu. Sometimes I even think our young master has been bewitched by Doctor Lu!”

Hearing this, Lu Yuner smiled instead, “Is that so?”

In others’ eyes, Awan’s treatment of her was indeed special, and Housekeeper Chen’s summary of “obedient and infatuated” wasn’t incorrect.

Awan truly cared about her very much.

Then, her expression turned serious, “Actually, when I first interacted with Awan, I was also very surprised. But after spending time together, I realized Awan is both sensitive and sentimental. He gives his all to what he loves and is easily anxious about losing it.” “If Awan likes me, he will surely invest his whole heart. I know Awan has always had deep feelings for me, and in the future, I will certainly treat him well.” “Because for me, Awan is also a different existence.”

After hearing her sincere answer, Chen Si finally felt completely at ease, and a sense of reassurance welled up in her heart.

She had always been by the young master’s side, watching him grow up. In the past, the young master always liked to chat with her, and she treated him like her own child.

Now that he was about to get married, she felt many emotions. Naturally, she hoped the young master would marry someone worthy of entrusting his life to.

Chen Si’s eyes were moist, and she didn’t say much more, only entrusting, “Although the young master can be a bit willful at times, he is pure by nature, kind and lovable, with no malice. Please treat our young master well in the future, Doctor Lu.”

The housekeeper’s concern for Awan was something she had known since she first entered Prince Yun’s mansion. She was also considered one of Awan’s close elders.

Lu Yuner replied sincerely and earnestly, “Rest assured, I will treat Awan well.”