Princess Changning looked enviously at the group of children under the shade of the tree. Although she had a group of older brothers, none of the children her age played with her, and the younger ones seemed too afraid to play with her, which made her very few friends.
It's not that the children of the same age in the family don't want to play with her. After all, Li Shentong has a large family. But she's too strong, and the adults are worried about hurting the children, so they naturally prevent the children from going to her house to play.
Qin Mu beckoned over the group of children, then smiled and said, "Let me introduce you to the princess. These are my sisters, Yu Xin and Yu Ling; and my brother, Qin Huaiyu..."
“I know them, Yuchi Huan and Cheng Huaibi,” Princess Changning continued before Qin Mu could finish speaking.
"Greetings, Princess!" The children bowed respectfully, then looked at Princess Changning with some fear, not daring to step forward.
Although Qin Mu found it a bit strange, he didn't think much of it and led her upstairs.
With a loud "bang!", Princess Changning, who was walking behind, fell down the stairs, startling Qin Mu, who quickly turned around to help her up.
"It's alright! It's alright! I'm used to it." Princess Changning helped Qin Mu to his feet, smiling as she patted herself off.
"I'm so sorry!" Qin Mu said apologetically, looking at the tremors.
"I'm really fine," Princess Changning said with a bright smile on her chubby face.
Looking at her sincere smile, Qin Mu knew she wasn't angry at all. However, he was also very curious. He had seen her fall twice since yesterday, which was unbelievable for someone with strong martial arts skills. Moreover, she seemed quite used to it, which was obviously a common occurrence for her.
"What's wrong with you?" Qin Mu wanted to ask, but for a moment he didn't know how to ask.
“It’s always been like this since I was little. I’m used to falling down by accident. Anyway, it doesn’t hurt,” Princess Changning said, waving her hand.
"With your abilities, you shouldn't be unable to react in time, right?" Qin Mu asked in surprise. Even if he suddenly fell, he would have enough time to react, unlike her who fell straight down. He didn't know why, after falling so many times, she not only didn't fall flat on her face, but actually became even more prominent.
"I don't know either." Princess Changning shook her head in distress.
Qin Mu did not press the matter further. After all, it was inappropriate to ask too many questions to someone you had just met, given the limited acquaintance.
"Qiuju, go and bring up a bowl of fruit salad. Also, bring one for the Third Young Master and the others," Qin Mu instructed after they sat down. He hadn't prepared tea yet, so chilled fruit salad was the best way to entertain the guests.
"I never expected that you would be the son of the Duke of Yi." Sitting in the chair that Qin Mu had just arranged for her, Princess Changning shifted uncomfortably before asking.
"I didn't expect that either," Qin Mu replied with a smile.
From yesterday until now, she has learned most of Qin Mu's information. Sitting down, she couldn't help but look at Qin Mu again.
"I was worried that the Wang family would retaliate against you, but it seems I don't need to now."
"Thank you for your concern, Princess." Qin Mu cupped his hands in thanks, and at the same time, he felt a certain fondness for this princess, who wasn't just using her status to bully people. She had investigated him; it turned out she wanted to protect him.
"I never thought you could eat it like this!" Princess Changning said with a beaming smile as she ate her fruit salad.
"If the princess likes it, we can take some more back later. However, the ice will remain intact. If you need it next time, just send someone to pick it up."
"No need, I still have some ice at home."
Qin Mu didn't insist, and just smiled and kept him company.
"Could you give me two of these stools?" Princess Changning asked somewhat shyly, sticking out her red, tender tongue and licking her lips as she put down her bowl.
"It's alright, I'll have someone send a set to your residence," Qin Mu said generously. Anyway, the carpenter at home was still working on it; with the ten people borrowed from the Cheng family, it would be done quickly. Now that they were busy with the restaurant, it was hard to say when those ten people would be returned.
"Thank you for your hospitality. I should be going now. You are welcome to visit my home." Princess Changning stood up and said with a smile.
"I'll definitely pay you a visit another day when I have time," Qin Mu said, getting up to see her downstairs.
"Huh! A rhinoceros!" Princess Changning exclaimed in surprise as she came downstairs.
The rhinoceros that had been sleeping in the pond has now woken up. Upon seeing its owner, it waddles over.
"You rascal! Look what you've done to my fishpond!" Qin Mu couldn't help but laugh and scold as he looked at the murky water.
"Moo!" The rhinoceros let out a triumphant bellow and continued trotting forward. Just as it reached a short distance from Qin Mu, it suddenly stopped, looked at Princess Changning, and hesitated to approach.
Upon seeing what Qin Mu saw, Princess Changning's face darkened, and she said to Qin Mu, "I'm leaving, you don't need to see me off."
"Yes, Your Highness, please take care." Qin Mu bowed respectfully.
"Go play!" After Princess Changning walked out of the courtyard, Qin Mu took out two handfuls of beans, stuffed them into the mouth of the rhinoceros, and patted its head.
The rhinoceros rubbed its large head against his palm before walking away. After each bath, it would go to its enclosure and roll around in the haystack—its favorite thing to do.
"Big brother, are you alright?" Qin Huaiyu ran over and asked cautiously.
"What could possibly be wrong with me?" Qin Mu asked, puzzled.
"I heard that Princess Changning is very fierce and eerie," Qin Huaiyu said, glancing back before widening her eyes.
"Where is she fierce? Look at other people today, where do you see her fierce?" Qin Mu said with a smile. He thought Qin Huaiyu was afraid because she had heard too many stories of Princess Changning beating people.
"No! I heard that, apart from her family, anyone who gets close to her always encounters some bad luck," Qin Huaiyu hurriedly explained.
"Don't believe the rumors, I'm perfectly fine, aren't I? Go and call Li Dejiang over for dinner," Qin Mu said, gently patting his younger brother.
"Okay!" Upon hearing that he was inviting his good friend to dinner, Qin Huaiyu ran off happily, probably having already forgotten what he had just said to Qin Mu.
Kids always like to compare themselves to their friends. A new toy, a new piece of clothing—these are all things they compare. Even a piece of candy, they'll slowly lick it in front of others, making them envious. Inviting friends over for dinner is also something that makes them feel proud.
"Is Brother Huaidao here?" A voice rang out at the courtyard gate, causing Qin Mu to pull his foot back from the stairs.
"Haha! Brother Li! Long time no see!" Standing at the courtyard gate was Li Chunfeng, whom Qin Mu hadn't seen for some time. Qin Mu happily went to greet him.
"When I heard the news that the eldest son of the Duke of Yi had returned to the manor, I guessed that it was you, Brother Huaidao, who had come back. After inquiring, I found out that I was right," Li Chunfeng explained with a smile.
"Hehe, I just got back a few days ago too."
"No wonder, I was wondering why you didn't send someone to tell me. I thought you had forgotten about me as a friend."
"No, no, it's just that Master Yuan said you were in seclusion, Brother Li, so he didn't want to disturb you."
"What a coincidence, I just came out of the pass and was just thinking of taking a walk in the city to clear my head when I heard about you."
"Brother Li, please have a seat inside."
"Okay! Let's sit down and talk slowly." The two smiled and went upstairs again.
"I just ran into Princess Changning. I wonder what brings her here?" Li Chunfeng asked after sitting down.
"Oh, Princess Changning is just here for a casual look."
"That's good! That's good!" Li Chunfeng nodded.
Seeing that he looked relieved, Qin Mu couldn't help but ask curiously, "Brother Li, is there something wrong with this?"
“This…” Li Chunfeng hesitated for a moment, then instructed, “I’ve told you about this, Brother Huaidao, just keep it to yourself and don’t tell anyone else.”
"Brother Li, don't worry. Since you've said it, it's definitely something you said and that I can hear. No one else knows," Qin Mu quickly assured him.
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