Chapter 114

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Seeing her elder brother so slow on the uptake, Yan Shuang'er had to repeat herself: "I'm talking about the 'Bailu' persona!"

Only then did Yan Si come to a sudden realization as if waking from a dream, vague fragments of memory surfacing in his mind. He stared wide-eyed, speaking with a hint of panic: "Oh no, terrible! It seems I really do have a bit of an impression of that..."

Yan Shuang'er glared at him angrily, continuing to complain: "Second Brother, you got drunk and actually told Shangguan Xingyan that 'Bailu is me'! Now it's all blown wide open!"

Realizing he had made a grave mistake, Yan Si hurriedly stood up, waving his hands repeatedly: "Sorry, Third Sister, it's all Second Brother's fault. I'll go find Shangguan Xingyan right now, make sure he keeps his mouth shut, absolutely won't let him breathe a word!"

After speaking, he rushed off, striding swiftly toward the door. Yan Shuang'er hurriedly said: "No need! Xingyu Elder Sister already knows about this, and she promised me she absolutely won't say a word, and won't let her brother say anything either." Hearing this, the boulder hanging in Yan Si's heart finally dropped, and he relaxed considerably.

However, Yan Shuang'er still seemed somewhat uneasy, so she earnestly admonished him once more: "Second Brother, if you go drinking with others in the future, you must be careful, don't get dead drunk like this time. Those people are cunning; they might take advantage of your drunkenness to wheedle out all the business experience you've accumulated over the years."

Facing his sister's well-meaning advice, Yan Si nodded repeatedly, expressing that he had deeply recognized his error, and vowed solemnly that next time he absolutely would not repeat the same mistake, would firmly control his drinking, and absolutely would not overindulge.

Seeing Second Brother apologize so sincerely and make promises, Yan Shuang'er finally set her mind at ease somewhat, and turned to ask caringly: "Get up and drink some water, does your head still hurt?" Yan Si frowned, gently rubbing his temples, and replied: "Mm, still hurts a bit."

As he spoke, he reached out to take the water cup Yan Shuang'er handed over, tilted his head back and gulped down a big mouthful. The cool, sweet water flowed down his throat, as if a clear spring instantly moistened land parched for ages, making his originally burning throat instantly incomparably comfortable.

The next morning, sunlight fell through the window onto Shangguan Xingyan's desk; he was frowning slightly, sunk in deep thought about the bookstore's business situation. Just then, a light knock sounded, and the door slowly opened as Shangguan Xingyu walked in lightly.

Shangguan Xingyan looked up, saw his sister arrive, a faint smile appeared on his face, and he said: "Sister, you've come at just the right time; the hidden guards just sent some news." Hearing this, Shangguan Xingyu immediately leaned in, curiosity sparkling in her eyes, asking impatiently: "What news? Tell me quick!"

Shangguan Xingyan took a deep breath, then answered unhurriedly: "Yesterday daytime, Ouyang Qianqiu and Ouyang Qianyu invited the Sixth Princess to visit a temple together. During this, Ouyang Qianqiu took the opportunity to confess his feelings to the Sixth Princess, but unfortunately, the Sixth Princess refused him on the spot. And the reason you saw them rush out yesterday was precisely because they were anxious to enter the palace."

Shangguan Xingyu blinked, asking further: "Then what did Brother and them go into the palace for?" Shangguan Xingyan stroked his chin, pondered a moment, then replied: "According to the hidden guards' report, when the two of them returned from the palace yesterday, their moods seemed pretty good. And judging from their conversation, it's probably because the Sixth Princess didn't accept Ouyang Qianqiu's confession, so they decided to go ask the Emperor to decide."

Hearing this, Shangguan Xingyu couldn't help but ask: "Then did the Emperor agree to this marriage?" Shangguan Xingyan shook his head helplessly, indicating: "Not too clear yet, but I've already instructed the hidden guards to continue investigating."

Finished speaking, he waved his hand, signaling a hidden guard concealed in the shadows to continue the mission. And Shangguan Xingyu whispered with Shangguan Xingyan: "Brother, in my view, since the Ouyang siblings came with such a clear purpose, the marriage alliance will most likely be with the Sixth Princess! As for us two, you don't seem to have set your heart on any young lady either, so I reckon in another two or three days this matter will be completely settled, and then we can pack up and go home!"

Shangguan Xingyan nodded slightly: "Mm, indeed. Then these few days I'll make more trips to Yan Xiong's Three Visits Bookstore, consult him properly on scholarship; as for this marriage alliance, forget it." After the two reached consensus, the next two days they each busied themselves with their own affairs, and never went out to play again.

Meanwhile, in that solemn and dignified Imperial Study, the current Holy Emperor was currently with, that Crown Prince from Xishang stated he wants to form a marriage alliance with you; regarding this matter, I wonder what your thoughts are?"

The Sixth Princess trembled at these words, hurriedly knelt in a graceful bow, and said crisply: "Father Emperor, your daughter has no intention of marrying in this life, only wishes to constantly accompany Father Emperor at your side, fulfilling filial duty before your knees." The Emperor nodded slightly, and said slowly: "Actually, this time I came to ask your thoughts as well.

That Xishang Crown Prince stated, if you marry over you can only be a side consort, only because he will eventually inherit the throne, and naturally won't let a foreign woman sit on the Empress's seat. Therefore initially, I was also unwilling about this matter. Now knowing you also have no intention toward this marriage, then I shall decline it."

Yan An Yu heard this, hurriedly bowed in salute, and said in a delicate voice: "Many thanks to Father Emperor for granting this!"

The Emperor smiled faintly at this, then asked further: "Then during this period, has there been any man who moved your heart? Best if he's from our own country; if you can find a satisfactory husband to become a prince consort, that would be best of all."

Yan An Yu lifted her lovely face, her beautiful eyes shifting as she shook her head, replying softly: "Replying Father Emperor, your daughter has not yet met anyone to her liking. If she never encounters a beloved, your daughter would rather guard an empty boudoir and never marry."

The Emperor frowned slightly, a worried expression on his face as he persuaded: "However, your years grow yet you remain unmarried; although as a princess no one dares openly criticize, behind your back people will inevitably point fingers and poke at your spine."