Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile, "Big Brother, this may not necessarily be because of that."
"Then let's wait and see," Li Cunren said with a smile.
Chu Zhiyuan raised his voice. "Please invite Miss Fan over. First Prince is here as well."
"Yes," Fu Zheng answered.
A short while later, Fu Zheng led Fan Yuxuan into the small courtyard.
Fan Yuxuan wore a robe of green gauze, looking plain yet elegant, graceful and dignified.
Chu Zhiyuan rose and cupped his fists in greeting, smiling as he invited her to sit.
After greeting Li Cunren, Fan Yuxuan sat opposite Chu Zhiyuan and asked softly, "Imperial Son-in-Law, when will Her Highness the Princess emerge from seclusion?"
"For now, I don't know," Chu Zhiyuan said. "Does Madam have business with her?"
"It is not I who have business with Her Highness the Princess, but my elder brother."
Chu Zhiyuan raised his sword-like brows with a smile. "What does Young Marquis need?"
"My elder brother is leaving the imperial city for the battlefield. There are some matters he needs to seek Her Highness the Princess's instructions on."
"Then I'm afraid he won't be able to see her," Chu Zhiyuan said. "Madam will not emerge from seclusion for the time being."
"Yes." Fan Yuxuan shook her head helplessly.
She accepted the tea Fu Zheng offered, took a light sip, and remained calm and composed.
Chu Zhiyuan could tell at a glance that she had more to say.
Li Cunren said, "Miss Fan, is there something you need me to avoid hearing?"
Fan Yuxuan set down her teacup and smiled. "First Prince, you are being too polite. There is no need for that."
Li Cunren said, "Then say whatever you have to say. My brother-in-law is a straightforward man and does not play schemes."
"Yes."