Xiao Ji: "Uncle and Aunt, there's no need for such formalities."

Xiao Ji came over and put his arm around Shang Changge's shoulder, while his other free hand quietly reached out to help his uncle, whose legs were weak, to his feet.

Their eyes swept first to Xiao Yanzhen and Xiao Xizhi behind Xiao Ting. The siblings, who had been frequently dealing with Xiao Ji lately, immediately understood.

They rushed forward, one helping their father and the other their mother, and each secretly squeezed their parents' hands to bring them back to their senses.

With her children's prompting, Madam Xiao Ting finally recovered from her extreme shock.

The couple simultaneously put on business-like smiles, as if they had been in business for many years, in an attempt to salvage their earlier embarrassment.

Smiling at Shang Changge and Xiao Ji, she forced herself to remain calm: "It's windy and cold outside, but hot tea has been prepared in the manor. Princess and General, please come in!"

It was awkward at first, and even more awkward later.

The aroma of the tea is intoxicating, proving it to be of excellent quality. The fruits and snacks are plentiful and exquisite, demonstrating the host's thoughtfulness.

It was cold, but not completely cold; it was only early winter. Yet, several charcoal stoves with burning silver charcoal were placed in the hall.

Everything was perfect.

Only...

It was a bit of an awkward conversation...

Xiao Ji: "Changge and I have been engaged for some time now, but I haven't thought to bring her to visit my uncle and aunt. It was Changge who brought it up with me today..."

Shang Changge wasn't ungrateful or stupid; she knew that General Xiao was only trying to embellish her image in front of her elders and relatives.

After Xiao Ji finished speaking, a kind and appropriate smile appeared on her bright and elegant face.

“I should have come to visit the day my father issued the imperial decree of marriage. It is really impolite of me to come only today and to do so so presumptuously. I hope my uncle and aunt will not blame me.”

Xiao Ting: "No, no, no, absolutely not."

Madam Xiao: "Yes, yes, Your Highness, you are overthinking it! How could I be so presumptuous? Your presence is an honor to my humble abode..."

Xiao Yanzhen's family of four: ...

Xiao Xizhi: ...I really want to find a bronze mirror for my parents so they can see how panicked they are right now.

He had just said that he had calmed down and would be able to deal with the princess calmly, but when they met... well, he was probably scared by the princess's shocking words from her uncle and aunt.

Seeing that her parents were unable to respond to the princess's words and the atmosphere was about to become awkward and silent, Xiao Xizhi quickly came up with a clever idea.

He bent down and nudged his nephew and niece, gesturing for the two clueless children to go over and greet Shang Changge.

Xiao Yanzhen's wife was a little worried, afraid that her two children, being ignorant, might offend the princess, as she had heard that the princess had a bad temper.

Xiao Yanzhen patted his wife's hand reassuringly, silently signaling her to relax.

With Xiao Ji by her side to guide and defuse the situation, Shang Changge's conversation with the Xiao couple was no longer awkward, but they certainly wouldn't become warm and close anytime soon.

Suddenly, she noticed two little children approaching her. To avoid startling them, she made her smile even more kind and friendly.

Shang Changge's smile was very successful.

The two little ones were not afraid at all; instead, they surrounded Shang Changge from both sides.

She tilted her two adorable chubby faces up and called out in a sweet, soft voice:

"Uncle, Auntie~" "Auntie~"

Shang Changge was a little stunned by the two calls of "Auntie," just like Madam Xiao Ting was stunned by the calls of "Uncle" and "Auntie."

It took her a while to react, then she reached out with both hands and carefully patted the two little ones' heads: "So good~"

"Could you tell me your names, Auntie?"

The two children don't yet understand the rules of adulthood, but their parents have taught them well, so they are polite.

The two little ones answered whatever Shang Changge asked, their soft, baby voices incredibly cute.

With the child joining them, everyone in the hall instantly found common ground to talk about.

The conversation was no longer constrained by hierarchy or the awkwardness of a first meeting; gradually, they began to chat happily.

When guests come to your home, you should definitely invite them to stay for a casual meal before letting them leave.

The Xiao family prepared a large table of dishes for lunch. Before cooking, Xiao Xizhi specifically asked Xiao Ji about Shang Changge's preferences.

It wasn't possible to just leave after finishing the meal, so Shang Changge and Xiao Ji didn't leave the Xiao family until after noon.

By the time they returned to the princess's residence, it was already past 1:00 PM.

Inside the study.

Shang Changge lay alone on a rattan rocking chair, expressionless and utterly dejected.

I felt completely blank, and my whole body felt numb.

Everyone in the Xiao family was very kind, and General Xiao was very protective of her, helping her out of difficult situations and easing tensions to get closer to his family.

but,

Forgive her for feeling incredibly tired during her first relationship and first time meeting her boyfriend's family at his home.

She needs to be alone right now, let her be alone.

Half an hour later.

Shang Changge finished her meditation and woke up. Yes, she was so relaxed while meditating that she accidentally fell asleep.

He woke up feeling refreshed and opened the study door to find Qingyao about to knock.

The maid's eyes lit up, and she withdrew her hand from the door and reported, "Princess, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived and is waiting for you in the front hall."

Shang Changge nodded to indicate that he understood, and then instructed Qingyao to prepare water for a quick wash before going to the front hall to see her beautiful younger brother.

lobby,

The incense, faint yet pervasive, filled the entire hall, gradually restoring clarity to a weary mind.

Shang Changze: "I heard that my elder sister visited the General's uncle's family today."

The smile on Shang Changze's lips was deep and undisguised.

Shang Changge sipped his tea, drinking it with the same bold and unrestrained air he would use to challenge someone to a drinking contest.

With her beautiful eyes fixed on Shang Changze, she found it incredibly irritating for the first time that her younger brother's handsome, refined face, which was exactly like his older brother's, was so offensive.

Shang Changge: "Brother, I advise you to be kind."

Shang Changze's gloating smile faded slightly, and he adopted the caring attitude a younger brother should show when protecting his older sister, asking her about it with concern:

"How is it? Have the Xiao family members made things difficult for you, sister?"

Shang Changge raised an eyebrow, amused: "Who in the world, besides those few, dares to make things difficult for me? My reputation is notorious."

Shang Changze: "That's true."

Shang Changge: ...Very good, my little brother is becoming less and less cute.

After a few playful exchanges, the siblings got down to business.

Shang Changze: "I heard from the Empress Dowager about the General's request. In the past few months, the Emperor has repeatedly promoted my fourth brother. My fourth brother is also living up to expectations. He is not only capable, but he has also won over many officials in private."

"Under these circumstances, it is reasonable for us to ask General Xiao to return to the capital to discuss the matter of bringing forward the marriage between you and the General. This will not arouse suspicion."

Shang Changze didn't explicitly say that he wouldn't be suspected, but Shang Changge understood perfectly.

Nothing else,

She was the main planner of the 'Old Emperor Ga's Plan'.

Shang Changze: "With General Xiao stepping in this time, Father will definitely agree." Shang Changze's noble face showed a resolute expression, confident and composed.

Shang Changge: "Tell me more."

Shang Changze: "Firstly, elder sister, you and the General have a very good relationship, so there's no possibility of your marriage being ruined. Secondly, as long as you agree to this, you can repay the old General for saving your life back then."

Thirdly, the Emperor's willingness to agree to the marriage allows us to lower our guard and believe that he has no intention of appointing another crown prince.

Shang Changze chuckled, his laughter laced with sarcasm: "With Father's shrewdness, he must have figured out such a lucrative deal."

Shang Changge sensed the sarcasm in Shang Changze's words and comforted him, "Don't be too sad."

The beautiful woman's younger brother, in both body and soul, was, after all, the old emperor's own son, and unlike her, it was only natural for him to feel sadness.

Shang Changze paused for a moment, then smiled calmly and mimicked Shang Changge's speech:

"Sister, there's no need for that."

Shang Changge: ...She's superfluous, but it's fine.