"What's there to pay for?" Nian Li clapped her hands and walked into the house nonchalantly, her face brimming with triumph, her smile as bright as a spring flower. "Si Yan, dinner's extra! I want sweet and sour pork ribs!" Her voice was clear, loud, and full of energy, as if the fight just now was just an interesting game, leaving no ripples in her heart.
Jiang Yan stood by the second-floor window, quietly overlooking the prince's embarrassed departure, his eyes intertwined with a hint of helplessness and doting. He turned to look at Su Jinli, who was holding plum soup beside him and smiling, shook his head slightly, and said, "Our daughter's temper is up to you." His tone was filled with both regret for his daughter's mischievousness and deep love for Su Jinli. It was as if in this moment, he saw the shadow of Su Jinli in her youth.
Su Jinli took a gentle sip of plum soup, the sweet and sour flavor spreading across her tongue. A gentle smile played on her lips, like a flower swaying in a spring breeze. She looked down at her lively daughter, her eyes gleaming with confidence and pride. "Wouldn't it be nice to just be with me? At least you won't be bullied." She believed her daughter's straightforward and bold personality would serve as a solid shield in this complex world, protecting her from the hurdles of the world.
The Prince of Zhenguo returned to his mansion in disgrace, the rage within him raging like a raging fire, only growing stronger. He had been pampered since childhood, surrounded by the crowds and adulation of others. He had never before endured such humiliation. "How dare Jiang Nianli treat me like this!" He paced back and forth in the room, his steps hurried and heavy, muttering non-stop, his eyes revealing a hint of resentment and anger, like a trapped beast desperate to find an outlet.
The servant beside him cautiously observed the prince's expression. After hesitating for a moment, he said softly, "Prince, how about we just call it a day? The Jiang family's status in the capital is not ordinary now, and Jiang Yan is also quite powerful in the court..."
"Give up?" The prince stopped abruptly, his eyes wide, and glared at the servant fiercely, as if venting all his anger on him. "When has this ever happened to me? This matter cannot be let go!" He clenched his fists, his knuckles white from the pressure, as if he had made a desperate decision.
However, as his anger gradually subsided, the Crown Prince gradually calmed down. He knew he couldn't act rashly. The Jiang family's current position in the capital could not be underestimated, and Jiang Yan had extensive connections and high prestige in the court. If he created a grudge against the Jiang family over this matter, it would have many negative consequences for both him and the Zhenguo Mansion.
After careful consideration, the prince decided to change his strategy and try a different approach to win Nianli's approval. He no longer appeared in front of Nianli with a tough attitude, but began to secretly inquire about Nianli's preferences, trying to start with her interests and hobbies, and slowly change her opinion of him, just like water dripping through stone, and using softness to overcome hardness.
Back at the Jiang household, Nianli remained oblivious to the changes in the Duke's heart. She continued to diligently study accounting with Siyan each day, the abacus beads dancing between her fingers like the melody of her life. She also diligently practiced martial arts with the general, each move a powerful one, each sword swing brimming with conviction. Her days were filled with contentment, simple yet fulfilling, happiness filling her life like sunshine.
Siyan, on the other hand, was completely absorbed in his bookstore business, as if it were his entire world. He spent his days brooding over how to expand the store and increase its profits. He researched market demand, selected books, and developed marketing strategies, paying attention to every detail, like a craftsman meticulously crafting a work of art.
Jiang Yan and Su Jinli are filled with happiness and joy as they watch their children grow up happily in their own worlds. They know that their children's journey may not be smooth sailing, and they may encounter various difficulties and challenges in the future. However, as long as the family supports and cares for each other, like a close bond, they can overcome any storm together and protect this hard-earned warmth and peace.
As time passed quietly, the Prince of Zhenguo began to frequently send Nianli small gifts. These gifts were all things that Nianli liked in her daily life. Sometimes it was a precious martial arts secret book, the pages exuding a faint scent of ink, as if telling the ancient martial arts stories; sometimes it was an exquisite bow and arrow, the bow body engraved with exquisite patterns, the arrowhead gleaming with a cold light, showing the ingenuity of the craftsmanship. At first, Nianli didn't care about these gifts, and even felt a little disgusted, thinking that the prince was just deliberately trying to please her and had ulterior motives. But gradually, she found that every gift from the prince was full of care, from the selection of the gifts to the packaging, all reflected his sincerity. Nianli's attitude towards the prince also began to ease unconsciously, just like the ice in winter, which gradually showed signs of melting under the warm sun.
One day, the prince sent another gift. This time, it was a sword engraved with Nianli's name. The scabbard was made of high-quality black iron, and the surface was inlaid with several dazzling gems, sparkling with charming light under the sunlight. The hilt was wrapped with red silk thread, which was delicate and soft, and fit perfectly in the hand. Nianli gently drew out the sword, and the sword flashed with a cold light, like a flash of lightning across the sky. Looking at the sword, Nianli couldn't help but feel a ripple in her heart, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, rippling layers of gentle waves. "This prince is really persistent." She murmured to herself, with less disdain in her tone and a hint of imperceptible emotion.
Si Yan saw Nian Li's expression and couldn't help but jokingly said, "Sister, maybe the prince really likes you. Look at the gift he gave you, it's so thoughtful."
Nianli rolled her eyes at Siyan and said in feigned anger, "Hmph, who knows what he's up to. However, this sword is quite good." Although she said this, Nianli's eyes unconsciously fell on the sword again, and a hint of fondness flashed in her eyes.
Life in the Jiang family remains filled with laughter and joy, every corner overflowing with warmth and happiness. Meanwhile, the story between Nianli and the Duke of Zhenguo is quietly and subtly changing. How the future will unfold remains like an unfinished scroll, full of unknowns and surprises. But one thing is certain: every member of the Jiang family is diligently managing their lives, writing their own brilliant chapters with love and hard work, leaving a lasting mark on the river of time.
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