Yun Jiao took the royal decree and rode the carriage to the military camp outside the city.

The Duke looked at the royal decree and paced irritably in the room.

Being a companion reader is a joyous occasion for most official families.

After all, living in the palace, mingling with the princes and princesses every day, the future benefits are self-evident.

But in the Duke Mansion, both the duke and his son now hold high positions and power. If not for the recovery of Dingjing, the Duke would have resigned from the position of Commander of the Imperial Army long ago.

He knows that sooner or later, the Emperor will grow suspicious of them.

Even though he had long sworn before the Emperor and his ancestors to return the military authority after recovering Dingjing and flattening Huining, he wasn’t sure if the Emperor would tolerate him until that moment.

Ruru grew up without a mother, which is why he insists on having Ruru, a girl, stay by his side.

He rarely returns home, so this ensures he can see Ruru every day.

Now that the Empress has issued the royal decree, what can he do?

He’s not yet rebellious enough to dare disobey the royal decree.

The Duke turned a few circles, "It seems that Ruru can only go."

"However, tomorrow, you’ll seek an audience with the Empress, saying that Ruru frequently has nightmares, making it inconvenient for her to sleep in the palace. It’s best to go in the morning and return in the afternoon."

Yun Jiao nodded, "Alright, I’ll go see the Empress tomorrow."

The Duke sighed deeply, "In this lifetime, there are too many things beyond one’s control."

After discussing, they called Ruru over.

Ruru happily jumped into Yun Jiao’s arms upon seeing her, "Sister-in-law, why have you just come to see me?"

Yun Jiao hugged her, "I only found some time today."

"Would you like to come home with me today?"

Ruru perked up, then asked, "Will Brother Qi and You Er come too?"

Yun Jiao shook her head.

Ruru hesitated, "Then, I’ll wait for them to go back together."

Yun Jiao deliberately said in a cheerful tone, "What’s fun about being with those two little rascals?"

"The Empress asked you to be a companion reader for the Third Princess."

"From now on, you can go to the palace to play with the little girls."

Ruru’s eyes lit up, "Really?"

"Are there many little girls in the palace? What do they play?"

Yun Jiao shook her head, "I don’t know. You will find out for yourself once you enter the palace in a few days."

Ruru felt conflicted; she wanted to play with the girls but didn’t want to be separated from Brother Qi and You Er.

Cai Ping, who came with Yun Jiao, had already instructed Ruru’s maid to pack her things.

The Duke stood next to them, looking at Ruru with reluctance. Once she leaves, it will be at least another month or so before they can meet again.

He beckoned Ruru over, "When you go to the palace, be cautious."

"Don’t bully anyone, and don’t let yourself be bullied."

Ruru tilted her head to look at her father, "I understand. Do I have to go?"

The Duke nodded silently.

Ruru embraced the Duke’s neck, "Don’t worry, I won’t be bullied."

Her maid soon packed her belongings, and Yun Jiao hurriedly met with Qi Er and You Er before taking Ruru on the carriage back home.

Ruru leaned on Yun Jiao, "Sister-in-law, is going to the palace bad? I noticed neither you nor father seem happy."

Yun Jiao smiled bitterly, "It’s not that it’s bad."

"In the palace reside the Emperor, the Empress, the Imperial Concubine, and the princes and princesses. They’re all people we cannot offend."

"When you’re in the palace, you can’t behave as you do at home. Be cautious with your words and don’t casually hit anyone."