They grew up together but had different destinies. Wei Hanzhang's surname was Wei and she was the daughter of a noble family in the capital. Jiang felt guilty and loved this little girl who had left her at a young age. She was concerned about her in her heart and took decisive actions. Every year, there were a steady stream of good things sent to Xuzhou from the capital.

Wei Hanzhang said that she was raised in the Jiang family, but her food, clothing and other expenses were taken care of by the Marquis's Mansion. She had never lacked for good things since she was a child, and had never worried about gold and silver. A hundred taels was nothing to her, but for Jiang Zhixue, who was a concubine and received a monthly allowance for pocket money, it was indeed a huge sum.

During the fifteen years in the Jiang family, Wei Hanzhang could be regarded as the most distinguished girl in Xuzhou. With her generous temperament, which was pampered by the elders of the Jiang family, and her face as bright as the moon, every lady would secretly envy her good fortune.

but……

Thinking that such a lucky lady from the Marquis's family also encountered twists and turns in her marriage, Jiang Zhixue felt pity and sighed in her heart. It is true that there is nothing perfect in the world, and no one has a good life all the time.

She knew how close her cousin was to the young master of the Gu family. Ranran must have been very sad to have her engagement broken off by the Gu family...

Wei Hanzhang had no idea that her cousin thought of her as a poor little thing. Seeing that she remained silent, he thought she was still uneasy, so he said, "Sister, please accept it. Your marriage has been decided and you will be married soon. I will not be in Xuzhou at that time, so consider this as my gift to you."

When the topic of marriage was brought up, Jiang Zhixue's face flushed and she lowered her eyes shyly. Just as she was about to say something, the carriage stopped.

The old nanny from the Jiang residence who came out with them whispered outside, "Young ladies, the mansion ahead is the Duke Ding's mansion. The Duke is holding a birthday banquet today, and it's time to adjourn. There are too many distinguished guests, so this road has been blocked. Do you think we should take a detour?"

Duke Dingguo’s Mansion?

Wei Hanzhang was stunned. He almost forgot that today was Duke Dingguo's 70th birthday. The direct descendants of both branches of the Wei family should have attended the banquet, as well as...that Prince Xiao.

After not seeing each other for two days, Wei Hanzhang suddenly thought of him. He felt inexplicably excited, and he didn't know what he was expecting, so he lifted the curtain of the car.

The wide road ahead was indeed blocked by a team of guards. Wei Hanzhang glanced at it casually, hummed, and said, "Let's take a detour."

It's unknown how long I'll have to wait here.

Just as he was about to lower the curtain, he saw out of the corner of his eye a group of people suddenly walk out of the gate of Duke Dingguo's Mansion in the distance, and in the middle was a familiar yet unfamiliar figure.

She said familiar because he was Xiao Boqian, whom she met every day during these days.

She said he was a stranger... because Wei Hanzhang was a little hesitant to recognize him. This man, who was respectfully held in the center by a group of dukes and princes and who was obviously of the most noble status, could be the gentle and upright Prince Xiao that she knew.

"Wait!" It was too far away and Wei Hanzhang began to doubt her eyesight. After stopping the carriage from turning around, she leaned her head out a little.

After looking carefully for a few moments, she was finally able to confirm that the young man in the green robe and black belt at the door of Duke Dingguo, with an indifferent look and a distant look between his brows, was indeed the 'Prince Xiao' she knew.

Not only that, she also saw that among those paying respect to this 'Prince Xiao' were her grandfather Wei Ping, her uncle Wei Huan, her biological father Wei Heng, and even several male members of the Yongle Marquis Mansion, Wei Hanshuang's future husband's family.

She even saw Qi Yuxiao, who had been stripped of her title of princess, bowing and saluting.

This is Princess Changle's eldest daughter. She needs a man to kneel down and salute her...who could it be?

Wei Hanzhang stood there in a daze, somewhat dazed.

Seeing her cousin like this, Jiang Zhixue leaned over. She recognized her uncle Wei Heng who came to pick up the Jiang family yesterday. Seeing so many people paying respects, she couldn't help but ask curiously, "Whose young master is this?"

The old nanny from the Jiang residence who was standing outside the carriage suddenly knelt on the ground, exclaiming in a low voice, "It's the current prince's procession. The two girls, please come down and salute."

Prince?

Wei Hanzhang's expression changed immediately, but Jiang Zhixue's eyes lit up. He lifted the curtain of the car and pulled his cousin out.

Wei Hanzhang, who was so shocked that he was a little dazed, staggered when she pulled him. When he got off the car, he did not forget to pick up the veil hat, put it on himself, and then bowed his head and knelt on the ground.

As the prince's maternal grandfather's family, the Dingguo Mansion has a transcendent status, and the old Duke is highly respected. Today is his birthday, and countless nobles have come to pay their respects. Even the emperor who is bedridden has personally sent a gift. This honor is indeed unique in the capital, delivered by the prince himself.

At the main gate of Duke Dingguo's mansion, the old man personally escorted the prince's grandson who came to celebrate his birthday to the front of the carriage. When he wanted to bow again, he was supported by the eunuch Ninghai.

Xiao Junzhan did not look at his grandfather, but glanced at the people kneeling on the street. He always felt that a familiar gaze was looking at him.

His eyes swept across the rows of carriages parked quietly on the street, and when he didn't see any familiar carriages, he frowned and looked away.

Is it an illusion? I haven't seen you for two days, but I miss you so much?

Xiao Junzhan sighed inwardly, but his expression remained unchanged. He turned around and said to the old Duke in a gentle voice, "You are the elder, there is no need to be so polite."

He has always been aloof, and he seldom shows any sign of cheerfulness even when visiting his maternal grandparents.

So, this was actually the first time that the old Duke was addressed as an elder by the Crown Prince in front of everyone. The old man’s face was flushed with alcohol, and he was very excited and wanted to thank him again.

Xiao Junzhan personally helped him up, glanced at the ministers who were bowing to one side, and said calmly: "I still have some government affairs to deal with in the palace, so it is inconvenient for me to stay for long. The banquet is not over yet, so please go back."

Everyone agreed.

Before Xiao Junzhan got on the carriage, he glanced at Wei Heng again.

At the age of thirty-six, Wei Heng is well-maintained, with clear eyes and a graceful demeanor. It can be seen that he must have been a handsome man when he was young.

Ranran was born beautiful and elegant, with a playful and proud personality. There seemed to be ripples flowing between her eyebrows and eyes, making her very lively. Xiao Junzhan looked at her carefully several times today and guessed that his Ranran might be more like his mother.

But even so, when looking at Wei Heng, Xiao Junzhan's gaze unconsciously softened, not as indifferent as usual.

Wei Heng's heart was pounding, and he didn't understand how he had caught the prince's eye today. In the entire afternoon, he found that the prince had looked at him at least three times.

Or the kind of careful look where the gaze stays on it for several full breaths.

Xiao Junzhan looked at the thin sweat on his future father-in-law's forehead and said with a smile: "Don't be nervous, Zishu. I have no other intentions."

"……yes."

Upon hearing this, Wei Heng bowed and nodded with mixed feelings. He slowly stood up straight after the prince's carriage left.

(End of this chapter)