Chapter 422 The Feast Begins

Sister-in-law Wang hurriedly picked Lin Xi up from the ground, affectionately patted the dust off the child, and smiled, thinking how smoothly the adoption had gone.

Lin Xi, unusually clever, nestled in Sister-in-law Wang's arms and called out "Mother!"

Sister-in-law Wang smiled with her eyes narrowed, hugged Lin Xi and called her "my darling" a few times before kissing her on the cheek, which made Lin Changning laugh heartily.

Lin Xi had little sense of security after losing his parents. The time he spent in the Lin family was the most comfortable period he had experienced since birth. He also understood that they were from an official family, and now that Lin Changning was going to marry the daughter of a prince, his wealth would be even greater.

Lin Xi wasn't stupid; on the contrary, he was very smart. He was grateful to the Lin family and hoped to become a true member of the Lin family. Raised in the Lin family without a name or status, he was just an orphan staying there temporarily. He dreamed of becoming a true member of the Lin family.

Everyone in the Lin family is very kind. Even when he was sick, the two little girls would often bring him food and drinks. Lin Changning just asked him if he would like to be a child of the Lin family, which really touched his heart.

As for his mother, he remembered that when he first arrived, it was she who stayed by his side all night because of her high fever, without closing her eyes all night, just like his own mother.

In his limited memory, only his mother would so gently lull him to sleep and stay up all night to take care of him when he was sick, so he didn't reject her at all.

Seeing that the child was willing, and even now calling Wang Dasao "Sister-in-law Mother" with a smile, Lin Changning smiled gently and said, "Mother? Since the child is willing, then after I get married, I will take the child back home, open the ancestral hall, ask the clan elders to witness, and record Xi'er in the family genealogy. In the future, she will be officially renamed Lin Xi and adopted by my elder brother and sister-in-law."

Lin Xi looked up at Lin Changning and suddenly said, "Sixth Uncle, I will study hard and be good to my sisters in the future. I will beat up anyone who bullies my sisters."

Sister-in-law Wang looked at the little boy in her arms with tender eyes, feeling both gratified and heartbroken.

He gently touched the child's face, which had gradually become rounder at the Lin family home, and said tenderly, "Xi'er is such a good child."

Looking at the sensible Lin Xi, Lin's mother praised, "Our Xi'er truly deserves to be a big brother, he's so amazing!"

Lin Changning chatted with them for a while longer before being ushered out by her mother and sister-in-law Wang. Tomorrow morning, Lin Changning would need to get up early, change into a more formal dress, and stand at the door to greet guests.

For the housewarming party, they all had to get up early. Lin Changning had been extremely busy lately and had been going to bed late every night. Lin's mother and sister-in-law felt sorry for Lin Changning, so they sent him back to rest.

The next morning, Lin Changning was woken up by her maids, changed into a bright red dress, and stood at the door to greet guests.

Dappled sunlight filtered through the two large trees in front of the Lin residence, dappling Lin Changning. Dressed in a bright red gown, Lin Changning stood at the entrance, the silk fabric covering her straight shoulders and back. The auspicious clouds embroidered with silver thread on the collar undulated gently with her raised hand, highlighting the clear and straight lines of her neck.

He didn't fasten the elaborate buttons, only loosely fastened the top two pearls around his neck, and half of his fair wrist was exposed from his cuffs, his well-defined knuckles holding the list of guests.

After the person arrived, they smiled and exchanged polite greetings.

When Lin Changning smiles, her eyes curve into shallow crescents, her eyelashes casting a small shadow under her eyes. The red color makes her skin look even more radiant, and even the faint red on the tips of her ears looks exceptionally vivid.

Li Mingxiu and his group arrived early, while the princess and the others were behind them. Seeing Lin Changning dressed up and standing at the door to greet the guests, they couldn't help but go up to her and tease her after they met her: "Oh, Xiao Liu, you do look quite presentable when you dress up. Wear this outfit a few more times, and it will suit you quite well."

Qi Rong chuckled, "Indeed, it's quite good."

Li Mingde stroked his chin and hesitated for a moment before saying, "My prince's robes don't look much different from his, so why can't I wear them with the same flair as this kid?"

Lin Changning gave Li Mingde a standard smile: "Is it possible that it's not a problem with the clothes?"

Li Mingde realized that Lin Changning was teasing him about his looks, so he ground his back teeth and punched Lin Changning on the shoulder.

"I advise you not to be too arrogant, kid. When you get married next month, I'll block the door and not let you in."

Lin Changning quickly retracted his bared teeth and respectfully bowed to the three young masters: "Please come inside, gentlemen. A feast of music and dance has been prepared in the manor. We hope you will do us the honor of joining us."

Li Mingxiu chuckled as he watched Lin Changning's expression change, and said with a laugh, "You're about to get married, and you're still acting like this! Alright, you stay here and greet the guests, we'll go inside first."

After bowing to the three people to see them off, Lin Changning tapped his back, which was a little sore from standing there all morning.

Almost as soon as I stood up straight, I saw a carriage with a sign that read "Prince's Mansion" parked in front of the Lin Mansion's gate.

Li Mingshu, dressed in a light blue dress, slowly stepped down from the carriage with the help of her maid. She reached out and hugged Yue'er, who was wearing a green dress, as she got down. She then looked up at Lin Changning and gave him a bright smile.

Lin Changning greeted his second brother from the Lin family beside him, then hurriedly went down the steps and headed towards Li Mingshu and the others.

He gave Li Mingshu a bright smile and said, "Princess?"

Li Mingshu smiled gently at Lin Changning: "Congratulations on moving!"

As she spoke, she took something from the maid's hand and handed it to Lin Changning.

Congratulations to you!

As Lin Changning spoke, he raised his eyebrows and tried to lead Li Mingshu inside.

"Second Brother, please make arrangements at the gate. I'll escort the Princess to the inner courtyard."

While exchanging pleasantries with others, the second brother of the Lin family took a moment to reply to Lin Changning: "Alright, go ahead and take good care of the princess and the others."

Lin Changning was about to lead Li Mingshu into the courtyard when Li Mingshu gently tugged at his clothes.

"There are still people here."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Changning heard a clear cough coming from the carriage where Li Mingshu was sitting.

"Oh, oh, Lord Lin's eyes are practically glued to my sister, doesn't he even notice if there's anyone left in the carriage?"

Upon hearing the sarcastic tone, Lin Changning knew it must be the young princess of the Prince's mansion, and scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly at Li Mingshu.

Upon seeing Li Minghua emerge from the carriage, she bowed respectfully and hurriedly apologized, saying, "It was my fault, please forgive me, young princess."

Then he raised his head and gave Li Minghua a bright smile. Li Minghua, who was taken aback by Lin Changning's handsome face, hummed and whimpered.

She turned her head away and said softly, "I'll let you off the hook for my sister's sake."

Then, she affectionately took Li Mingshu's arm, gave Lin Changning a cold snort, and said with her head held high, "The banquet is probably about to start. Sister, let's go. Lord Lin, there's no need to see us off. My father has some things to take care of, and he will come over with my mother later. You can wait here for a while."