"Since it was my horse that startled Young Master Feng, how about this: I'll treat you both to a simple meal to calm your nerves?" Qian Duobao said with a smile.

Yu Yan nodded naturally and said, "Okay, okay, it's been so long since we last met. What brings you to the capital? Tell me about it!"

Feng Shi quickly declined, saying, "It was my recklessness."

Yu Yan disagreed, saying, "You were indeed too reckless, but this matter is mainly my fault. If I hadn't been chasing you, you wouldn't have panicked like that and risked your life."

Feng Shi was furious when Yu Yan mocked him. He hadn't wanted to disturb their long-awaited reunion, but since Yu Yan was being so disrespectful, he wouldn't hold back.

Feng Shi said, "Yes, yes, it's naturally your fault, so this meal shouldn't be paid for by Young Master Qian, but by you!"

Yu Yan pointed to her nose and said, "Me? But I don't have any money."

Feng Shi said angrily, "Who doesn't know you're a princess now? You say you have no money? Who would believe that!"

Yu Yan nodded seriously: "But I really don't have any money. I'm the poorest person in my family."

“Even if Yu Yan is at fault, I will apologize to Young Master Feng on her behalf, and this meal will be on my behalf!”

Feng Shi felt even worse. Why should you take my place? But before he could retort, Yu Yan smiled and nodded, saying, "Duo Bao is the best to me!"

Seeing the two of them being so affectionate, Feng Shi couldn't help but get goosebumps. She said, "You're a grown woman now, aren't you afraid of what people will say if you're so intimate with someone?"

Yu Yan rolled her eyes and said, "None of your business!"

Feng Shi was choked with sarcasm!

At this moment, Yu Rong hurried over from afar. Liu Yu Rong had been arranging flowers at home when she heard her maid rushing in to tell her that the Second Princess had taken a stick and gone out, saying she was going to seek revenge on Feng Bao for the Eldest Miss. Yu Rong was frantic upon hearing this, but dared not tell anyone. She quickly tidied herself up before running out to search for her, and finally found her after much difficulty.

Seeing Yu Yan and Feng Shi chatting, she hurried over and saw Qian Duobao. She smiled and said, "Hey? Duobao? You're here too?"

Hearing Yu Rong and Qian Duobao greet each other so familiarly, Feng Shi felt even more uneasy. How did Yu Rong know this Young Master Qian? Just who was this Young Master Qian? He would definitely have someone investigate when he got back.

Qian Duobao greeted Yu Rong with a smile, and then said, "Since we're all here, let's have a meal together to celebrate our reunion."

Yu Rong nodded, and Yu Yan said, "Then let's just send someone to call Yu Jin over too, it'll be more lively with more people."

So the three sisters, along with Qian Duobao and Feng Shi, went to the largest restaurant in the capital. In a private room, Qian Duobao ordered a huge spread of delicious food, and they ate and chatted.

Feng Shi was astonished by Qian Duobao's generosity. Who was this young master? How could he be so extravagant?

"Duobao, why are you in the capital? Shouldn't you be studying at the academy at this time?" Yu Yan asked.

Before Qian Duobao could answer, someone outside the door said, "He's naturally planning to study here!"

Everyone looked up and saw that it was the brothers Liu Qingfeng and Liu Qingyun, who had also come after receiving Qian Duobao's message. So everyone gathered together.

Yu Yan then learned from Qian Duobao that Qian's father had encountered some business troubles. Qian Duobao rushed over, and after finishing up, he planned to come to the capital to study. He already owned a house and land in the capital, so it would be good for him to manage his business while also studying at the academy.

Yu Yan was delighted to hear Qian Duobao say he planned to stay in the capital for a long time. This would give her another place to stay in the capital.

Of course, she had quite a few places to stay: the Zhang family's wife, the Liu family, Jigutang, and now the Qian family. Naturally, she wouldn't consider herself an outsider.

She and Qian Duobao were old acquaintances, and their friendship was naturally extraordinary.

Liu Yuyan chattered excitedly to Qian Duobao about their trip to the capital, with Yujin and Yurong adding details. Qian Duobao then learned of the twists and turns they had endured, and was astonished to learn that Liu Rouniang had been granted the title of princess, making the three of them county princesses. Along with his astonishment came a sense of helplessness.

He had initially thought that if Yu Yan were just a nobody from the Liu family, he could shamelessly ask for her hand in marriage. But if she was connected to the royal family, then winning her over would be even more difficult.

Yes, Qian Duobao had finally understood his own feelings. After their parting in Fucheng, he had been deeply attached to Liu Yuyan. This feeling was different from the separation he felt in childhood; back then, his reluctance was tinged with the sadness of parting from a close friend. But this time, his vague feelings confirmed that he had romantic feelings for Liu Yuyan. Therefore, he came to the capital to stay by her side and wait for her to grow up.

He will wait until Yu Yan discovers his own feelings. If Yu Yan already has someone else in her heart, he will give his blessing. If Yu Yan reciprocates his feelings, he will do everything in his power to secure a future for the two of them.

Old friends reunited, and everyone was very happy to eat and drink. A pleasant afternoon passed by. When they returned home in the evening, the three daughters surrounded Rou Niang and happily told her about their meeting with Qian Duobao that day. Before parting, Qian Duobao invited them to visit the Qian residence in three days.

Rou Niang naturally agreed and asked about Qian Duobao's recent situation, since she had watched the child grow up since he was a child.

The mother and her three daughters were chatting happily when suddenly Mingyue rushed over in a hurry. This was the first time Rou Niang had seen Mingyue like this, and she couldn't help but wonder what had made the usually composed Mingyue look like this.

Mingyue said, "Princess, something bad has happened. A message has come from the palace, requesting that you come to the palace."

Rou Niang was taken aback, then somewhat puzzled. She had never been involved in any palace affairs before, so why did the emperor want to summon her? Feeling curious, she asked, "Did the people in the palace say what it was about? Is it appropriate for me to come to the palace so late?"

Mingyue said, "The messenger said that the Crown Prince is ill."

Upon hearing this, Liu Rou Niang's heart tightened. Mo Xiao Jin was actually sick. She didn't know how serious it was, so she hurriedly walked out. Yu Jin followed quickly and said, "Mother, I'll go with you."

Her attitude was resolute; this was the first time Yu Jin had been so determined. Rou Niang glanced at the other two; neither of them were as insistent as Yu Jin. In truth, they were equally worried, but they knew Yu Jin was even more worried than they were. Yu Jin and Mo Xiaojin had grown up together, and this sudden separation had made her extremely uncomfortable. Now that the other was ill, how could they not be anxious?

Knowing that it was against the rules for her mother to bring her younger sister to the palace, and that it would be even more inappropriate to bring the two of them along, Yu Yan didn't insist on going together. This was a rare instance of Yu Yan being clever and quick-witted.

Rou Niang nodded, and together with Yu Jin, the mother and daughter hurriedly headed towards the palace.