I am the champion of palace intrigue, and even the proud prince bows his head in submission.

Chapter 444 Adopted Sister

Qin Jiu chuckled and nodded slightly.

Xie Jue cautiously approached the edge of the bed and looked at Gao Yunzhi again.

Seeing that she nodded, he mustered up his courage and moved a little closer.

Gao Wanzhi slept peacefully in her swaddling clothes, a tiny little bundle.

Her breathing was long and warm, and her rosy little face looked so soft in the sunlight that it seemed like you could squeeze water out of it.

Xie Jue squatted down and gently touched Gao Wanzhi's clenched fist with her tiny fingers.

He moved carefully and gently, afraid of waking her.

"Wow, it's a little sister..." he called out softly, his voice gentle and full of affection.

Gao Wanzhi seemed to sense something, and her small eyebrows twitched slightly.

It made a very soft, babyish sound.

Xie Jue's eyes lit up immediately, and her whole little face was filled with surprise and joy.

He leaned over the edge of the bed, blinked his eyes, and whispered to Qin Jiuwei, "Mother, I love my little sister so much! She's so soft and so well-behaved!"

Qin Jiuwei couldn't help but laugh out loud and gently patted his head.

"Play with your sister, but be careful not to hurt her."

Xie Jingchun, who was watching from the side, also curiously peeked out.

Gao Wanzhi seemed to sense the lively atmosphere around her, and her small body moved slightly.

After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes.

A pair of bright black eyes gazed around, their watery eyes blinking dazedly, their gaze innocent and naive.

When Gao Yunzhi saw that she was awake, she immediately adjusted her position and carefully supported her soft neck.

Xie Jue's eyes lit up, and he quickly leaned closer, exclaiming softly, "Little sister's awake!"

Gao Yunzhi held Wanzhi in her arms and gently rocked her, teasing her, "Wanzhi, look, your brothers are here."

Xiao Wanzhi blinked as she heard the sound.

Her little mouth stretched into a grin, and she actually started to giggle.

Her smile was soft and sweet, her voice was childlike, and her little hands waved in the air.

Xie Jue was extremely excited and moved even closer.

He blinked, as if he had discovered something.

She immediately exclaimed in alarm, "Mother, my sister has no teeth! She has no teeth!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the room couldn't help but laugh.

Qin Jiuwei gently pinched Xie Jue's little nose and said with a gentle smile, "Little sister is still small. She'll have teeth when she grows up a bit more."

Xie Jue nodded, still looking at Gao Wanzhi with some disbelief in her eyes.

Wow, what an amazing little sister!

Laughter filled the room, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Little Wanzhi giggled and waved her little hands incessantly.

Although the full moon celebration was held discreetly at the Princess's residence, many powerful and influential families from the capital were invited.

The hall was filled with the fragrance of incense, and brocade mats were laid out. The dignitaries sat in twos and threes, chatting and exchanging pleasantries.

Just as they were talking and laughing, a loud shout came from outside the door—

"The Princess has arrived!"

Upon hearing the sound, everyone in the hall stood up, straightened their clothes, and stood solemnly.

The beaded curtain was lifted, and Gao Yunzhi slowly stepped into the hall.

She wore a deep purple silk palace dress, the hem of which trailed on the ground, embroidered with delicate gold begonias. Her hair was adorned with swaying jewels, her eyes were bright and her demeanor was naturally elegant.

Even though she had only recently given birth and her complexion had not fully recovered, she was still radiant and dazzling.

She walked with a measured pace, her back straight, and every gesture exuded the elegance of royalty.

Xu Liuer followed closely beside her.

Today she wore a light green satin dress, and her hair was adorned with only a simple white jade hairpin, making her look fresh and refined.

With gentle eyes and a warm smile, she was like the softest willow branch in spring.

One was radiant, the other gentle and elegant.

Everyone in the hall bowed their heads in greeting and said in unison, "Greetings, Princess! May the Princess live a long and peaceful life!"

Gao Yunzhi nodded slightly and raised her hand to indicate that everyone did not need to be so polite.

After everyone in the hall was seated, Gao Yunzhi slowly walked to the head seat and glanced at everyone present.

Her expression was gentle, and her voice was soft, yet clear enough for everyone in the room to hear clearly.

"Thank you all for coming. Today's full moon celebration is not just for my daughter, Gao Wanzhi."

As Gao Yunzhi spoke, she turned and gently pulled Xu Liuer to her side.

"There is one more thing I want to tell everyone very seriously."

"This woman is named Xu Liuer. I have taken a liking to her and have already recognized her as my sworn sister. From this day forward, she is a member of the Princess's household."

After these words were spoken, the hall fell silent for a moment.

Qin Jiuwei stood to the side, a gentle smile in her eyes.

They had already discussed this matter before Gao Yunzhi went into labor.

Now that Xie Siyuan and Xie Zhongzhi are both dead, the Xie family's old debts are wiped clean.

Xu Liuer no longer needs to live in fear of being captured by the Xie family.

For the rest of her life, she no longer needs to hide.

No longer do I have to live like a shadow.

She can stand tall and proud in front of everyone, holding her head high, and live her own life.

Moreover, with Gao Yunzhi backing her up, no one else dared to bully her easily.

After Gao Yunzhi finished speaking, a brief silence fell over the hall, which was soon followed by a chorus of congratulations.

On the surface, everyone was all smiles, offering their blessings respectfully, creating a warm and respectable atmosphere.

But privately, many people's thoughts were already in turmoil.

No one expected that the eldest princess would recognize such a woman of unknown origin as her sworn sister.

Moreover, Xu Liuer didn't seem to come from a wealthy and powerful family at all; on the contrary, she seemed to come from an ordinary family.

During the meal, several sharp-eyed ladies noticed a slight change in their expressions.

Someone recognized Xu Liuer.