Chapter 217 Did you do something wrong?

Xiao Yanran was genuinely worried.

She could sense that Xie Qingran's good intentions towards them stemmed from her feelings for Xiao Jue, but Xiao Jue seemed completely unaware of it. If this continued, Xie Qingran would surely grow tired, and their marriage would inevitably fall apart.

Seeing Xiao Yanran's worried expression, Xiao Jue gently patted her head and said with a smile, "Okay, don't worry, I will do my best to keep your sister-in-law by my side!"

"Ayu, Yanran, come and have some snacks!"

Xie Qingran entered carrying a food box, her eyes crinkling as she called over the two little ones.

When they faced Xiao Jue, they were worried and disappointed, but when they faced Xie Qingran, they smiled brightly, like flowers.

"Sister-in-law, you're finally back!"

"Sister-in-law, where have you been?"

Xiao Yanran leaned closer, looking at Xie Qingran with a face full of curiosity. When she saw the fragrant pastries, she laughed out loud, clearly delighted.

Although Xiao Yu didn't show much expression, it was obvious that he also really liked these pastries.

He walked over with a smile, stood in front of Xie Qingran, took a piece of pastry, and stuffed it into his mouth: "Sister-in-law is amazing, even the pastries you buy are so delicious."

Um?

Xie Qingran immediately sensed something was wrong upon hearing this. Her eyebrows furrowed tightly as she looked at the two of them with her hands behind her back: "Why are you two being so sweet-talking today? Tell me, have you gotten into some trouble behind my back?"

"No, no, how could I dare?" Xiao Yu quickly shook his head.

Since being punished by Xie Qingran, they have never dared to misbehave again. After all, not everyone can withstand Xie Qingran's punishment.

Xie Qingran's sharp gaze swept back and forth between the two of them before she spoke again: "If I find out that you've gotten into trouble outside and haven't told the truth, I will punish you even more severely!"

"Really, no."

“Sister-in-law, we’ve been very well-behaved lately and haven’t caused any trouble.”

Xiao Yanran hurriedly grabbed Xie Qingran's hand and looked at her expectantly.

Meeting Xiao Yanran's sincere gaze, Xie Qingran's lips curled up slightly. She then patted Xiao Yanran's head and said with a smile, "I've hired two masters for you to teach you flower arranging and incense burning. Aren't you happy?"

Originally, Xiao Yanran was genuinely happy to see Xie Qingran, but after hearing these words, she clearly couldn't smile anymore. With a bitter face, she said softly, "Sister-in-law, I don't like these things. Can I not learn them?"

"No, these are basic skills for girls. You must learn them. You don't have to use them later, but you can't not learn them."

Xie Qingran gently pinched her cheek, then took her hand and they went out together to pay their respects to their master.

Well, now Xiao Yanran's happiness has been greatly diminished.

Xie Qingran felt that Xiao Yanran was getting older and not only needed to learn these things, but also needed to go out and meet more people, and also needed to plan for finding a husband in the future.

Xiao Jue found Xie Qingran's worried expression amusing and followed her out. Looking at the tearful Xiao Yanran, he said, "She's still young..."

"You're so big already, why are you still considered a child?"

"If you don't learn it now, when will you? After you get married, or after you have children?"

"Whether you treat your child well or not isn't about whether you indulge or tolerate them, do you understand?"

Xie Qingran remained resolute, looking at Xiao Jue with displeasure.

Originally, Xiao Yanran had hoped that Xiao Jue would plead for her, but seeing Xiao Jue's spineless behavior, Xiao Yanran was completely speechless. She knew that she couldn't rely on her brother at all.

Xiao Yu chuckled to himself; as a man, he naturally didn't need to learn these things.

Seeing Xiao Yu smirking, Xie Qingran spoke again, "Xiao Yu, stop laughing. I've hired a teacher for you. You'll be learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, understand?"

What would I do with all that knowledge?

"A gentleman must master the six arts; none of them can be lacking!"

Xie Qingran's attitude was firm, and it was clear that there was no room for negotiation on this matter.

Xiao Yu, who had been laughing, could no longer laugh. He hurriedly stepped forward and tugged at Xie Qingran's sleeve: "Sister-in-law, please, can you learn less? I really don't want to learn to play the zither. I'll just learn to play chess, okay?"

"No good." Xie Qingran snorted. "There's no room for discussion on this. If you're unwilling, then I'll send your martial arts master back, and he'll never come back."

"I studied!"

"Good sister-in-law, okay, I'll learn it."

Xiao Yu immediately gave in and obediently went to become a disciple.

Sitting in a wheelchair, Xiao Jue could hardly believe what he was seeing.

He really didn't expect that these two difficult little children would be so well-behaved in Xie Qingran's hands.

They were all incredibly obedient.

Seeing Xiao Jue's admiring gaze, Xie Qingran smiled and then said calmly, "What, does the young master have some complaints?"

"How could I dare?" Xiao Jue looked at Xie Qingran with a smile: "Those two have never been so obedient before, Madam, how are you so amazing?"

Xie Qingran walked over and massaged Xiao Jue's shoulders from behind, saying, "The young master listens to me, so naturally they must listen to me too."

Xiao Jue is usually very concerned about his image, but after hearing these words, he not only didn't feel ashamed, but even felt somewhat pleased.

He smiled and nodded, "Yes, yes, you're right."

“Your Highness, I think you should take this opportunity to request permission to inherit the title. Becoming a Duke of Zhenguo from Your Highness will make everything much easier for you in the future.”

"Shouldn't the news about your leg's recovery be made public now?"

Xie Qingran looked at Xiao Jue with some worry, her expression filled with concern.

Xiao Jue patted Xie Qingran's hand and said gently, "Qingran, thank you for thinking of everything for me."

"You're acting strangely today too."

"Could it be that you did something wrong with the two children?"

Xie Qingran walked around to Xiao Jue's front, squatted down, and gently rested her head on Xiao Jue's knee.

"What are you saying? How could I possibly take two children out and cause you trouble?"

Xiao Jue's face was full of sincerity, but for some reason, he felt a little guilty.

Upon hearing this, Xie Qingran snorted and stared intently at Xiao Jue: "Really not, not at all?"

"Really, no, not at all. It's just that the two little ones are afraid you'll be snatched away." Xiao Jue spoke the truth, and couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Qingran, I'm afraid too."

Xie Qingran was stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted, tilted her head back, climbed onto Xiao Jue's shoulder, and kissed his lips.