Chapter 128

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

As the sunset's afterglow gradually faded into the horizon and night began to fall, Yan Wang finally rode his extraordinarily divine Chasing Shadow Horse back to the residence, weary from travel. The moment he stepped through the family gate, he keenly sensed the entire residence permeated with a joyous and harmonious atmosphere; every person's face bloomed with a radiant smile, as if some tremendous happy event had occurred.

Yan Wang hurried back to the courtyard where he resided, swiftly tidying up the luggage and belongings he carried. Once everything was put in order, he did not pause for a moment, heading straight for Wufangyuan. Because he knew Qianqian was surely playing in Yan Shuang'er's courtyard again.

Sure enough, just as Yan Wang stepped through Wufangyuan's main gate, a burst of clear, melodious laughter, like an oriole emerging from the valley, drifted into his ears. It turned out Qianqian was currently chatting enthusiastically with Yan Shuang'er about something interesting.

Yan Wang wore a smile as he approached them lightly. At this moment, Yan Shuang'er was the first to spot Yan Wang's figure; she cheered excitedly: "Ah, Yan Wang, you've finally returned!" Just then, Qianqian hurriedly turned to look at Yan Wang stepping through the door; her eyes flashed with delighted surprise, and she threw herself at him without hesitation.

"Si Ge, you've finally returned!" Qianqian called out with a beaming smile.

Yan Wang smiled and opened his arms, steadily catching the pouncing Qianqian into his embrace, then walked toward where Yan Shuang'er stood. As he walked, he asked caringly: "What exactly is going on? The moment I entered I felt the atmosphere here was especially festive."

However, before Yan Shuang'er could answer, the impatient Qianqian could no longer contain her joy and blurted out first: "Si Ge, let me tell you some good news — Qianqian has become a little auntie now!" After speaking, she even tilted her chin up proudly; that adorable look made one unable to hold back laughter.

Hearing this, Yan Wang instantly showed a surprised expression and asked curiously: "Oh? Could it be Eldest Sister gave birth?"

Qianqian nodded vigorously and replied excitedly: "Si Ge, you're so smart! You guessed it right away!" Then, as if thinking of something amusing, she giggled incessantly.

Seeing this, Yan Wang hurriedly asked further: "Is it a boy or a girl?"

Qianqian blinked her lively large eyes and said with a grin: "It's a boy, named Zhouzhou!"

Upon hearing this, a trace of regret first flashed across Yan Wang's face, because he had not been able to personally witness the birth of this new life, but he soon set his mind at ease. After all, as a man, if he rashly went to visit Eldest Sister just after childbirth, it might give rise to unfavorable gossip, damaging Eldest Sister's reputation.

So he could only say with a tone of envy and novelty: "Ah, what a pity — I actually haven't seen my little nephew yet!"

Several people sat around together, chatting and laughing. Time passed quickly; not long after, a servant hurried over and called softly: "Master, Madam, Young Masters, the dishes are all prepared; please proceed to the dining hall for the meal." Thereupon, everyone rose and walked toward the dining hall.

When they entered the dining hall, they discovered Yan Si was already seated at the dining table. He wore a deep blue long robe, had sword-like brows and starry eyes, and bore an extraordinary temperament.

Seeing everyone arrive, Yan Si smiled and asked: "I just heard Eldest Sister gave birth; wonder if it's true?" Before his words fell, Qianqian standing nearby hurriedly answered: "Yes yes, Eldest Sister smoothly delivered a baby boy!"

At this moment, Yan Si noticed Yan Wang walking behind; his eyes brightened and he teased: "Yo, Wang'er's back! Look at this kid — gone for a while and he's grown even more spirited!" Yan Wang stepped forward quickly and called out respectfully: "Second Brother!"

Yan Si nodded slightly, then asked: "This time you've returned, have you also not yet seen that newly born little nephew?" Yan Wang nodded honestly, indicating it was indeed so. Seeing this, Yan Si smiled reassuringly: "Don't rush, don't rush — wait until the little nephew's hundredth day, then we'll all go together to attend his hundred-day banquet and celebrate properly!" Yan Wang nodded repeatedly in agreement and replied: "Alright, Second Brother!"

Just as everyone was conversing, An Wang and Wangfei also slowly entered the dining hall. Wangfei spotted Yan Wang at a glance and said with a face full of kindness: "Wang'er has finally returned; Mother was truly worried. Look at this child — he's grown quite a bit taller!"

As it happened, Yan Wang was recently at the peak of physical development; his appetite in the military camp had also increased greatly, eating three whole mantou every meal. Fortunately the camp's food was quite good — all kinds of meats and vegetables were available, nutrition ample. Coupled with daily persistent rigorous training, Yan Wang looked much sturdier and more robust than when he left home.

Time flew; in a blink three months passed like a white colt through a crevice. Tomorrow would be Ai Yuzhou this little guy's hundred-day celebration; the entire residence was filled with a festive and joyous atmosphere.

Yan Wang finally concluded his busy affairs in the military camp and rushed home, weary from travel. However, he did not go straight home like an ordinary person; instead, with his heart set on the upcoming grand banquet, he turned toward the streets to carefully select various gifts. When he happily carried large and small packages through the family gate, he happened to catch the whole family gathered around the dining table enjoying dinner.

At the evening banquet, everyone discussed enthusiastically the matter of going together tomorrow to attend Zhouzhou's hundred-day banquet. Guo Lanxin had begun preparations days earlier; she sent invitations to many relatives and friends, but those invited were all people with close, intimate ties. As for An Wangfu, they received special treatment — not only was an exquisite invitation sent early, but this card was even personally delivered by Ai Chun!

It was just a pity that Yan Xiner caused Zhouzhou to fuss severely the moment she left, so she was not allowed to come along. Fortunately An Wangfei was understanding and reasonable, and had no complaints about this.

Next morning, sunlight filtered through the window lattice onto the interior, waking the sleeping people. After breakfast, everyone began to dress up carefully, each securely packing the congratulatory gifts prepared in advance.

Once everything was ready, people gathered one after another in the courtyard where Wangfei resided. Before long, all personnel had assembled; then, according to arrangement, they boarded the carriages that had been waiting for a long time. Yan Si and Yan Wang shared one carriage; Yan Shuang'er sat together with Yan Jie and Qianqian in another; while An Wang and Wangfei hand in hand boarded the most magnificent carriage.

Accompanied by the coachman waving his whip with a crisp sound, three exquisitely decorated, grand carriages slowly drove out of the residence, heading toward Shangshu Fu. Along the way, the horse hooves sounded clear and pleasant, wheels rolling forward, as if playing a cheerful movement, opening the prelude to this long-awaited full-moon journey.

They soon arrived at Shangshu Fu; Guo Lanxin was at the gate responsible for receiving everyone. Seeing An Wangfu's carriage approach, she hurried forward to meet them; after the carriage arrived, An Wang and Wangfei disembarked first.