Since the long talk between father and son, King Jing often took his son with him when he went out. If the opportunity arose, he would teach him some principles and skills of dealing with people based on the facts.
One afternoon a few days later, when the palace's carriage passed by a teahouse, Prince Jing saw Mr. Xiao Si, one of the most talked-about figures in Kyoto today, through the gap in the opened curtains.
This handsome and elegant young man was now holding something in one hand. He was probably tired from walking and was walking into the teahouse.
King Jing ordered the coachman to stop the carriage. He then entered the teahouse with his son and asked which private room Xiao Jingyan was in. The father and son then ordered someone to knock on the door.
Upon learning that it was King Jing, Xiao Jingyan had no choice but to open the door. Whether he was willing or not, no one in Tianyu dared to refuse entry to King Jing and his son.
Xiao Jingyan, who thought he could have a cup of tea quietly, had no choice but to welcome the two distinguished guests who were so popular that no one else could ask for them.
"Master Xiao Si is so elegant!"
"Xiao Jingyan has met Prince Jing and the Crown Prince."
"Why should we be so polite? As long as you don't mind being disturbed by us father and son, that's all."
"How could that be!" Even if you feel disgusted, you can't say it. Who would do such a stupid thing just because they think the head on their neck is too strong?
"Brother Xiao, have you gone shopping?" King Jing glanced meaningfully at the things on the table in front of Xiao Jingyan: one set of brushes, ink, and rice paper; the other set seemed to be food.
It's just shopping, what's so strange about that? Can't men buy things? Forget it, how can people like them who have probably never even spent money understand the fun of this! Xiao Jingyan complained in his heart.
"I bought it for my two little nieces."
"Thank you beauties for saving the heroes?" King Jing teased.
Xiao Jingyan glared at King Jing. He was really talking about something that was not relevant. He was also innocent.
"How does it feel to be saved by your own niece!"
"I'm very happy, very touched, and proud to have such a niece." What do you think? Jealous, right? We in the Xiao family have always been united in heart and mind, unlike you who only know how to intrigue and deceive each other, and it's difficult for you to appreciate true love.
"I remember you have a niece who is...six years old this year, right?" King Jing tried hard to recall the situation when Xiao Jingkang first went to the palace to ask for an audience. He could not remember other things clearly, but he vaguely remembered that the girl was the same age as his daughter.
"How do you know?"
"Would you believe me if I said I was a genius?" King Jing said jokingly.
I don’t believe you. Xiao Jingyan ignored him and drank tea elegantly.
"I didn't expect to see you on the street. I thought you would be staying at home, or even confined to your room to reflect on your mistakes."
"Why? I didn't do anything wrong. Her madness has nothing to do with me."
"You haven't heard the rumors outside." King Jing, who has been traveling almost every day recently, is already familiar with the rumors about Xiao Jingyan and Yu Xianrong.
There were rumors that Miss Yu was about to marry off to a remote place; there were rumors that Miss Yu had committed suicide; there were rumors that the Yu family had given up on their daughter, and some even said that Xiao Jingyan had eloped with Miss Yu...
There are all kinds of versions, everything you can think of. There is nothing that others can't spread, except what you can't think of.
"Why should I listen to those nonsense? Ping An said, go your own way and let others talk, and see who is more tired." After saying this, Xiao Jingyan couldn't help laughing. His words were rough but the truth was there, and it made a lot of sense.
“Who is Ping An?”
"That's the six-year-old girl you mentioned."
"What she said is very interesting, and I like it too. How about taking your niece to visit the palace when we have the chance?" A child who can say such insightful words must be extraordinary. His wife seemed to have mentioned that she had met the eldest granddaughter of the Xiao family on the day of the Yuan family's banquet, and her words were full of praise.
Yun Yichen frowned obscurely. First, his mother was poisoned by that little girl, blinded by her, and blinded by her, praising her without distinguishing right from wrong. Now his father has shown a strong interest in her. Why is no one standing on his side? Who are you closer to?
"I will definitely visit when there is a suitable opportunity." Xiao Jingyan curled the corners of his lips and said lightly. As for when is the right time, that is another matter.
After hearing the meaning behind Xiao Jingyan's words, King Jing did not force him any further. He had long known that the Xiao family was different from others and had no intention of clinging to the royal family, so he felt that such an answer was reasonable.
Because of this answer, Yun Yichen had a higher opinion of Xiao Jingyan. He was a good man, very tactful. Unlike others, he didn't seize the opportunity given by his father, but instead declined it tactfully. It seemed that the Xiao family still had a few people who were worth considering.
"I heard that King Jing is about to go on a long journey. I, Xiao, would like to offer tea instead of wine to wish King Jing a successful start and immediate success." Xiao Jingyan raised his glass and said.
"Brother Xiao, this is too perfunctory! If this tea was replaced with wine, you could still see a bit of sincerity."
"Okay! Then I will treat King Jing to a drink some other day."
"Brother Xiao, instead of being the subject of daily gossip, have you ever thought about changing your environment?"
"How to change?" I promised my mother that I would never leave Kyoto again. Without a reasonable reason, it is not easy to leave.
"Hey, I wonder if King Jing needs someone to write and draw when he goes to the northwest." I was really sleepy and someone brought me a pillow. King Jing showed up at the right time today.
"Want to go to the northwest with me?" King Jing asked in surprise.
"Xiao really hopes to get a chance to serve King Jing."
"What if, I mean what if we encounter any danger or something unexpected..."
"Xiao will never have any complaints." It would be dangerous to go out with the emperor's brother. Who would believe it if I told others?
"Just to avoid Miss Yu, isn't this a bit too much to pay?"
"You don't understand my difficulties! What gives me the most headache is not Miss Yu, but my mother's nagging. It's strange to say, when I was young, I really didn't want to get married. When I got older and didn't care anymore, I couldn't find a suitable marriage partner."
It was a rare opportunity for Xiao Jingyan to confide his true feelings to King Jing. Although he had a little confidant at home, some things were not suitable to be said to a child. Today he had a rare opportunity to speak his mind.
"If you say others can't find a wife, I believe it, but if you say you, Fourth Master Xiao, can't find a wife, I refuse to believe it. If it's really like you said, there are only two reasons why you can find one. First, your standards are too high and no one can catch your eye. Second, it's not your destiny yet, and you still need to wait patiently."
"Thank you for your good wishes. I'll just continue waiting!" Xiao Jingyan replied with a bright smile.
"You!" King Jing shook his head and chuckled. There was no trace of sadness on this guy's face. The real reason why he hadn't gotten married was probably because he hadn't had enough fun!
"Son, you must forget the conversation between your father and Fourth Master Xiao today. We can learn from the good things, but never learn from the bad things. Remember?" Your father and mother are still waiting to have a grandchild! You must not delay getting married until you are in your twenties. If that happens, your mother and I will be worried to death.
"Oh," Yun Yichen nodded, not quite understanding. His father meant that he shouldn't learn from this Fourth Master Xiao, right? But as for what he shouldn't learn, he had no idea.
"It's getting late, so I'll take my leave first, so as not to lead the prince astray. I'll go back and wait for good news from Prince Jing." Xiao Jingyan had been out for some time. If he didn't go back, he was afraid that his mother would turn the house upside down again.
"Don't forget, you still owe me a drink." King Jing reminded him.
"I will be accompanying King Jing on a long journey. We will have several months to spend together. You can drink as much as you want."
Along with the sound of receding footsteps, Xiao Jingyan's slightly complacent voice was heard.
"Stingy." King Jing suddenly felt a little regretful about his previous proposal. This guy should have asked his elder brother to issue an imperial decree to grant marriage and let him marry Miss Yu. Then, let's see why he can still be so proud.
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