"Others go so early, it’s not good for us to go late. We wouldn’t want others to think that we’re taking advantage of the royal power." Xiao Bei said with a grin.
Song Xi chuckled, "Don’t worry, even if you do rely on the royal power, no one dares to say anything to you."
Looking at him, Xiao Chai Huo asked, "When are you planning to earn your official rank?"
Song Xi shrugged, "I’m not in a hurry. I’m not you."
His tone carried a hint of schadenfreude.
Xiao Chai Huo gave him a chilly glance, ignoring him.
Ah Guai, somewhat puzzled, tugged Xiao Chai Huo’s sleeve, "Uncle Xiao Nan is leaving. Mother asked me to tell Uncle Xiao Nan to study hard and aim for the scholar’s exam three years from now."
Xiao Chai Huo patted her head, "I know."
Only then did Ah Guai break into a smile, "When you visit next time, remember to bring me some candy figurines."
Then she lowered her voice, "But keep it a secret."
Ah Guai ate so much candy a while ago that she developed a tooth cavity. During the periods of pain, she swore off candy, but once the pain subsided, she forgot her discomfort and craved for candy again. With Ji Xinhe not allowing it, she could only beg Xiao Bei and Xiao Chai Huo to buy it for her.
Helpless, Xiao Chai Huo shook his head, "Alright."
Ah Guai nodded her head joyfully, "Uncle Xiao Nan is the best!"
——
And so, Xiao Chai Huo and Xiao Bei quietly left. The Royal Mansion seemed a lot quieter with their absence. However, Ah Guai remained blissfully oblivious, indulging in her own joy.
"Princess, they have left." Xiaoyu said.
"Hmm, it’s good that they’ve gone. The virtue school is a completely new environment and should be better than staying in the Mansion," Xin He nodded.
"It’s just that this time they’ve gone, it’s likely that they won’t be back for at least half a month," Xiaoyu said.
Xin He chuckled, "They are boys after all, it’s about time they gain some worldly experience. Being pampered here in the Mansion every day isn’t good for them. Xiao Chai Huo is fine, he has been helping me handle things since he was young. But Xiao Bei has hardly ever left the mansion since childhood. A sheltered child wouldn’t know much of the world. Sending them out now, I actually feel quite relieved. Although it’s hard, kids have to grow up and leave eventually. It’s just the natural course of things."
As Xin He spoke, a sense of melancholy filled her eyes.
Only now did she truly understand the sadness of being a parent.
Sensing Xin He’s sombre mood, Ah Guai tugged at her sleeve, "Don’t worry, Mother. Ah Guai will always stay with you. I won’t let you be sad."
Xin He couldn’t help but chuckle lightly, "If Ah Guai stays with her mother forever, wouldn’t you end up unmarried?"
After considering it seriously, Ah Guai pouted, "Then, I won’t get married!"
Xin He pinched her little face, "Silly child."
Ah Guai, upon hearing Xin He call her a silly child, realized that her idea was probably impractical. After all, all the girls around her would have to get married when they grow up.
So, what should she do?
Putting her mind to it, an idea suddenly came to Ah Guai, "I can marry a man who is willing to move in with us! This way, I won’t have to leave you," she exclaimed in delight.
Xin He burst out laughing, ruffling Ah Guai’s hair, "You little troublemaker, always full of nonsensical ideas. If your father were to know you’ve chosen such an incompetent man, he’d be the first to object."
Ah Guai frowned in distress, "If this won’t work and that won’t work, what should I do?"
As she spoke, she sighed heavily, seemingly distressed.
Shulan and Xiaoyu couldn’t help but laugh, "Our little Princess is truly considerate, worrying about so many things at such a young age! She’s just turned six after the New Year, yet she’s already worried about her marriage at sixteen! It’s clear that she has inherited the anticipation of her mother."
Xin He lightly scolded them, "Both of you, keep it down."
She stroked Ah Guai’s hair, "Ah Guai darling, it’s still early, don’t think about this for now. When you find someone you like in the future, that’s when you should start pondering."
Ah Guai, who only vaguely understood, nodded her head. She then climbed onto Xin He’s neck, giggling, "Ah Guai doesn’t care. Ah Guai stays by Mother’s side, she doesn’t care about anything else. With you around, Ah Guai isn’t worried."
In Ah Guai’s world, Mother and Father held up the carefree sky for her. With them around, she wasn’t afraid of anything!
A little maid entered, "Princess, Manager Liu and his nephew are here. They are waiting in the courtyard."
Xin He glanced at Shulan, seeing the latter blushing and lowering her head bashfully.
Xin He exclaimed with amusement, "Look at you, finally someone can keep you in check."
Blushing, Shulan said, "Please don’t tease this servant, Princess. This servant... this servant will step outside."
Xin He laughed, "Alright, you can leave first. Otherwise, when he comes in, you two will spend the whole time exchanging flirtatious glances right before my eyes. It will be annoying."
Shulan shyly glared at Xin He, "Princess, you love teasing this servant."
Having said that she respectfully bowed and exited.
Xin He waved, "Bring them in."
The little maid bowed, "Yes."
After a short while, Manager Liu and his nephew Liu Man entered. It seemed like it was their first time meeting a royal figure, especially in Yuwang Residence, which held the status of a royal family in Yu State. They were very respectful. Upon entering they kneeled and saluted to Xin He, "Greetings, Princess."
Xin He raised her hand, "Stand up and speak."
Xin He’s tone was quite gentle. After all, he was the one Shulan had chosen. Her mood was good now, so she didn’t want to put too much pressure on Liu Man.
"Thank you, Princess!"
Both of them stood up.
Xin He looked Liu Man over, he was decent looking and she had heard that he earned the title of a scholar last year. No wonder he had the air of a scholarly gentleman about him.
"So, you’re Liu Man?"
"Yes, that’s me," Liu Man replied, not flustered at all, rather calm.
Xin He was satisfied with just this aspect, he had composure and she believed that even if he had no special talents, he would not do badly.
"I heard that a while ago you asked Manager Liu to help you ask for Shulan’s hand in marriage. Initially, I was not too happy with the idea. After all, Shulan has served at my side for a long time, she’s like an old friend. My trusted aides are also few."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
