Chapter 193: The Crown Prince's Future Consort

Nan Xueyin did not know what to say for a long moment.

In truth, her memory of this Lu Yan was very faint; she only remembered he was in the military, his father seemed to be in the military too, and, Lu Yan seemed to like her.

But as for just how much he liked her, Nan Xueyin had no memory or perception of it.

Yet at this moment, she suddenly realized that the liking this Lu Yan had for her did not seem like something that could be exhausted in a few simple words...

Facing Lu Yan's burning gaze right now, she felt awkward.

Xiao Youlan stepped forward without a trace, standing right in front of Nan Xueyin and blocking Lu Yan's line of sight.

"Long time no see," Xiao Youlan said slowly.

Lu Yan looked at him, his face turning faintly pale, "Crow..."

Shu Yu immediately cleared his throat, interrupting the words that were to follow, his smile teasing, "Yo, matchmaking again? What, still don't like her? Still not satisfied? With such high standards, wouldn't that mean we have to find you a princess or a noblewoman?"

Lu Yan did not have the slightest intention of arguing with him at this moment.

Seeing this reaction from him, Shu Yu felt a bit listless.

Lu Yan still wanted to take one more look at Nan Xueyin.

Xiao Youlan said in a deep voice, "It is best to mind your boundaries."

When he said this, there was no smile on his face, his gaze slightly cold, carrying a stern warning.

Lu Yan did not dare to truly provoke the Crown Prince, so he could only lower his eyes sheepishly, "Then I shall return first."

Xiao Youlan gave a flat, indifferent grunt.

Lu Yan left, looking soul-lost.

Shu Yu waited until his back disappeared from view before telling Nan Xueyin, "He's reached the age, hasn't he? It's time for him to marry, but he says he has someone he likes and refuses to marry anyone else. When his father asks who the woman is, he refuses to say."

Nan Xueyin:...

Well, he certainly couldn't say it, how could he?

Lu Yan would say: Father, the one I like is the Crown Prince's woman.

"His father just thinks he's lying, using both threats and inducements, trying every possible method to find him all sorts of women to meet, but he hasn't nodded at a single one. It feels like every eligible woman of equal social standing in Fengdu has almost been seen, yet he remains alone."

While Shu Yu was saying this, the other men and women waiting in line nearby were all listening intently.

After all, who could resist gossip that was right within reach?

Xiao Youlan remained indifferent; after listening, he said coolly, "They should just have a blind marriage and force him to wed."

Nan Xueyin glanced at him.

She wanted to say, when the Emperor wanted you to marry some Dou Zhirong or Zhong Yun, didn't you also refuse for my sake, and even had a row with the Emperor and the Empress Dowager over it?

How come when it's someone else's turn, it's not allowed?

What do you call this? This is called being strict with others and lenient with oneself.

Shu Yu also said, "That wouldn't be good, would it? The social customs of our Ye Dynasty are considered quite enlightened; we haven't had blind marriages for a long time. Children must meet each other first, and only discuss marriage if they are suitable and like each other..."

"Three guests, what would you like to eat? There are empty seats inside."

The shop assistant asked with a smile.

It was already their turn.

Shu Yu stopped worrying about Lu Yan or whoever, and replied, "Three bowls of three-delicacy noodles first!"

"Coming right up!"

While waiting for the noodles, Nan Xueyin stopped thinking about Lu Yan, full of anticipation for the bowl of noodles to come.

Xiao Youlan sat beside her, thinking thoughtfully that it seemed he would have to find an opportunity to transfer Lu Yan to some other border region...

Most of the time, the Crown Prince was fair, selfless, and magnanimous, but when it came to matters concerning Nan Xueyin, he was still very petty.

Nan Xueyin did not know about Xiao Youlan's little schemes, and the three-delicacy noodles were soon served.

What captivated her first was the rich fragrance, followed by the bowl of noodles with its deep, vibrant color.

She picked up her chopsticks, tasted a mouthful, and her eyes brightened slightly.

"Good, right?" Shu Yu had been observing her reaction, and seeing this expression, he knew these noodles had captivated her too.

"Delicious."

Nan Xueyin replied, then focused entirely on eating her noodles.

She wasn't afraid of the heat and ate quickly.

Xiao Youlan was slow and methodical; he had just finished half a bowl when Nan Xueyin had already polished off an entire bowl, and she couldn't help but drink quite a bit of the remaining broth.

She peeked at Xiao Youlan, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Xiao Youlan received her look and smiled, "Shu Yu, order another bowl."

Shu Yu was puzzled, "Didn't you not finish yours?"

Nan Xueyin whispered, "I'm eating it."

Shu Yu: "Ah..."

Nan Xueyin really did eat two large bowls.

Shu Yu was surprised that Nan Xueyin, a young lady, could actually eat so many noodles; even he could only manage two bowls in one go.

Xiao Youlan then asked Nan Xueyin, "Rare to see you feeling shy?"

In the past, Nan Xueyin's appetite was not small, but she would always add more food without changing her expression, not caring about the views of the outside world.

Nan Xueyin said sincerely, "In front of you, I will now pay a little attention to my personal image."

The corners of Xiao Youlan's lips curled up.

Only when one truly likes someone will they care so much about how the other person views them, hoping to be perfect in the other's eyes.

"Alright, finished eating, let's go."

Shu Yu returned after settling the bill.

Nan Xueyin asked, "Where are we going next?"

Shu Yu replied, "To play polo."

"Play polo?"

"It's being hosted by the Duke of Anguo's family at the polo field in the north of the city. It's autumn now, so playing polo is quite interesting."

Nan Xueyin hesitated, "But I don't know how to play polo."

Xiao Youlan asked, "Do you know how to ride a horse?"

"I do."

"Then do you know how to use many weapons?"

"That, I do," Nan Xueyin said, having plenty to say on this topic, "swords, sabers, long spears—I know them all."

"Then that is enough. If you know those, you will know how to play polo. Besides, you are so clever; you will learn it after watching for a moment."

Nan Xueyin felt a little embarrassed all of a sudden; so in Xiao Youlan's eyes, was she really that impressive...

The two returned to the carriage and drove toward the polo field in the north of the city.

This time they did not need to hide their identities anymore and entered directly with the Eastern Palace carriage.

Upon hearing the news, the Duke of Anguo and his wife immediately came to welcome them, showing a polite smile toward Xiao Youlan, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, what made you think of coming to play polo today?"

Xiao Youlan had just stepped off the carriage and glanced at him, "Are you not welcoming?"

"Welcome! We welcome you!"

"It is our honor, and the honor of this polo field, that Your Highness the Crown Prince could come here!"

Xiao Youlan said no more, turned around, and reached out his hand toward Nan Xueyin in the carriage, "Come down."

Nan Xueyin leaned her body out and grasped his hand.

The Duke of Anguo and his wife looked at Xiao Youlan, then looked at Nan Xueyin.

The couple exchanged a glance, both reading shock, confusion, and bewilderment in each other's eyes.

Nan Xueyin stood firmly on the ground, but Xiao Youlan did not let go of her hand.

The Duke of Anguo tentatively asked, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, may I ask who this young lady is..."

Xiao Youlan's voice was magnetic and carried firmness, "Her surname is Nan; she is the niece of the Qingzhou Chief Clerk, and also, the future Crown Princess."