Xiao Chaihu’s eyes dimmed slightly, and he couldn’t help feeling disheartened.
Yes, what kind of man besides him would be worthy of her? No matter who it was, they could never be someone like him who came from such a humble and lowly background.
Xiao Chaihu lowered his head slightly to hide the sadness in his eyes.
Since Xiao Chaihu was always good at keeping his emotions hidden, even now, as Xiao Bei was immersed in joy, he didn’t notice it, and slapped Xiao Chaihu on the shoulder, laughing: "Hey, since you’re going with me this time, you have to help me keep a close eye on everything. Perhaps I’ll let you see my future wife!"
Xiao Chaihu brushed off his hand with an expressionless face: "Not interested."
Xiao Chaihu was indeed going, but not to accompany Xiao Bei, but to follow Xin He on some errands.
Xin He’s visit to the Song family this time had other purposes, and Xiao Chaihu knew about them.
Although he didn’t know what had happened, he knew it must be no trivial matter. He couldn’t let his guard down and had to follow Ji Xinhe wherever she went, otherwise, he would always feel uneasy.
"Ai, you!" Xiao Bei said in annoyance.
Xiao Chaihu helplessly said: "Alright, we should get going. You’d better talk less."
Xiao Bei quickly said: "That’s true. But I think I should change into different clothes. Don’t you think these clothes are too flashy? They make me look fickle, I should wear something more subdued!"
Having said that, he turned around and ran off in a flash, disappearing from sight.
Facing Xiao Bei’s antics, Xiao Chaihu seemed to have already become accustomed to it, and calmly walked outside to join Xin He at the entrance.
Just as Xin He arrived at the entrance, she saw that Xiao Chaihu was already waiting for her outside.
Xin He smiled and said: "Where’s Xiao Bei? He’s been eagerly waiting for this marriage arrangement, yet now that the day has finally come, he doesn’t seem to be in a hurry?"
Xiao Chaihu said calmly: "Changing clothes."
"Hmm?" Xin He didn’t quite understand.
Shulan covered her mouth and laughed: "It seems that Princess did not know. Young Master Xiaobei got up before dawn today and tried on many outfits. He’s so nervous that he hasn’t yet chosen the right outfit to wear."
Xin He laughed: "This child is usually not particular about his appearance, and can wear the same coarse clothes for half a year, but now he’s suddenly become particular."
Xiao Bei, who had been brought up in hardship, even though his life had since improved, he still didn’t have any habits of extravagance. He was quite frugal.
Shulan laughed: "Of course, he has to be particular this time. After all, he’s going to visit his future father-in-law’s home for the first time and has to make a good impression."
Xin He shook her head, smiling, understanding that Xiao Bei needn’t be so particular this time. After all, Sixth Miss Song was just a concubine’s daughter in the Song family, and no matter how influential Madam Song might be, she couldn’t possibly pay too much attention to her concubine-born daughter. Even if Xiao Bei was ignorant and ugly, the Song family probably wouldn’t care too much.
Only that silly child would actually worry about not satisfying others.
However, Xin He was still quite gratified that he could be so determined about something.
Just as the discussion was under way, Xiao Bei came running out, having changed into a dark robe that made him look quite dignified.
Xin He teased: "This outfit is not bad."
Xiao Bei was delighted: "Sister says it’s not bad! Then it must be good!"
"Yes, Sixth Miss Song will definitely like it. Let’s hurry up and go." Xin He said with a smile, then turned and entered the horse carriage.
Xiao Bei blushed this time, but his heart was filled with joy as he directly mounted his horse, accompanied by Xiao Chaihu, and rode in front.
Shulan and Xiaoyu followed closely behind Xin He into the carriage, and the group set off together for the prefecture city’s Song family residence.
About half an hour’s carriage ride later, they finally arrived at the Song family’s residence.
There were already servants waiting reverently at the entrance of the Song family, craning their necks in anticipation. As soon as they saw the carriage from the Royal Mansion, they hurriedly went to report, and an old steward personally greeted them.
As Xin He slowly stepped down from the carriage, the old steward bowed respectfully with a group of servants: "The old servant greets the princess and bids her peace."
Xin He smiled slightly: "No need for formalities, please all rise."
"Thank you, princess!"
As soon as the words fell, Madam Song hurriedly came out from the residence, her face full of happiness: "Princess, you finally came; I’ve been waiting for a long time."
Xin He smiled and said: "Why should Madam Song personally come out to welcome me?"
"Since the princess has graced us with her presence, how could I be negligent? Please come in quickly." Madam Song hastily replied with a smile.
Usually, for marriage arrangements, the girl’s family would be a bit more reserved as they were marrying off their daughter, but the Song family had no such pretensions in front of Xin He. This was naturally due to Ji Xinhe’s position as Princess Pingyang, an unshakable position in the eyes of the Yu State. No one would dare to offend her.
If it had been in the past, Xin He might have thought this was only natural. But today, she couldn’t help wondering if Madam Song was intentionally doing this, considering the situation between the Song family and the Pingyang Prince Mansion...
Dealing with a long-time acquaintance with such caution now made Xin He feel the fickleness of the world.
Xin He smiled, then looked at Xiao Bei and Xiao Chaihu: "You two, follow me."
Then she went into the house with Madam Song.
Along the way, Madam Song was very enthusiastically entertaining the rare visit of Ji Xinhe to the Song family, while occasionally casting a subtle glance at Xiao Bei.
As Xin He talked with Madam Song, she secretly observed her; Xin He found it strange that Madam Song showed no sign of anything unusual.
Having known each other for more than five years, Ji Xinhe felt she had a fairly good understanding of Madam Song. She was not someone who could hide things well. If Madam Song had known about the emperor’s marriage edict, she shouldn’t have been able to act so natural and warm in front of Xin He.
Unless Madam Song was no longer the person she had known back then.
There was another possibility: Madam Song – or even the entire Song family – might not be aware of it at all.
As this thought surfaced in Xin He’s mind, her eyes deepened again. Looking down, she pondered it quietly.
She was in no hurry; now that she had come today, there would be plenty of time to uncover the situation.
Xin He’s eyes flashed with a subtle chill, and her smiling lips turned a few degrees colder. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺
Upon being led by Madam Song into the main hall designated for entertaining important guests, Xin He saw that Master Song had already been waiting there. As soon as he saw Xin He, he quickly bowed in greeting: "It is an honor for the Princess to visit our humble residence."
Xin He smiled: "Today, I am here for Xiao Bei’s marriage arrangement. As this concerns the engagement, I did not feel comfortable sending just anyone on my behalf. It is better for me to come in person, as a show of my sincerity towards the Song family."
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