Chapter 227

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Watching An Wang's retreating figure, Yan Si turned to look at his mother consort beside him and said softly, "Mother Consort, since Father King has spoken thus, let this matter be handled according to Father King's wishes. When Fourth Brother marries in the future, I, as his elder brother, will certainly add more to the betrothal gifts, absolutely not letting my younger brother suffer any grievance."

Upon hearing this, An Wangfei revealed a gratified smile on her face, gently stroking Yan Si's head as she spoke in a measured tone, "Good child, don't overthink anymore. Your Father King always acts with deep consideration; he naturally has his reasons. Since these things are given to the two of you, they are what you deserve. Go pack your luggage properly and prepare for tomorrow's journey."

Yan Si nodded respectfully and replied, "Yes, this son understands." Having spoken, he slowly turned around and walked out with firm steps. At this moment, his heart was filled with myriad emotions, and he secretly mused: Father King and Mother Consort truly treat me extremely well; this deep affection cannot be repaid, only by redoubling my efforts and striving forward, achieving something soon, can I share some of their pressure and burden.

Simultaneously, seeing Yan Si leave, An Wangfei also began to instruct her personal maid Chunxi in an orderly manner to start organizing the various items needed for tomorrow's departure. For a time, the entire Wangfu bustled with activity, everyone performing their duties, solely to ensure this trip proceeded smoothly.

And at this moment, the extraordinarily lively atmosphere in the courtyard, like an invisible whirlwind, attracted everyone's gazes; even those originally immersed in their own affairs could not help but be drawn in, curiosity arising. Indeed, Qianqian, who had just finished handling busy official business, was one of them.

Qianqian hurried out of Qianji Yuan, her bright eyes looking around; she felt the entire Wangfu seemed to have fallen into an unusual busyness. This abnormal scene made the doubt in Qianqian's heart grow ever stronger, like a fog shrouding her mind.

When she arrived at Wufangyuan, she could no longer suppress her inner questions and asked Yan Shuang'er, "Third Elder Sister, for some reason I always feel the atmosphere in this residence is very off, as if something big is about to happen. What exactly is going on?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Shuang'er gently shook her head, indicating she also knew nothing. She then said, "I'm not too clear either, but it seems I heard Second Brother went to Mother's courtyard; probably Elder Sister Xingyu sent a reply letter."

Before her words fell, the impatient Qianqian couldn't wait to call out, "In that case, let's hurry over and take a look! We can join in the excitement too." Without waiting for Yan Shuang'er to respond, the frantic Qianqian had already grabbed Yan Shuang'er's sleeve and pulled her walking quickly toward Wangfei's courtyard.

Not long after, the two arrived at their destination. Looking from afar, Wangfei's courtyard was crowded with people, numerous maids going in and out, busy beyond measure — a truly lively scene.

Qianqian fixed her gaze and saw Wangfei standing dignified in the center of the courtyard, orderly directing Chunxi — now to fetch this thing, now to retrieve that item. The scene before her left Qianqian dumbfounded, the doubt in her heart growing like a snowball.

Seeing this, Qianqian hurried forward anxiously, asking with a face full of concern, "Mother Consort? What exactly has happened?" As she spoke, her gaze urgently scanned back and forth over Wangfei.

Wangfei suddenly slapped her own forehead, speaking as if suddenly enlightened, "Ah! Look at my memory; I said I felt like I forgot something — turns out I completely forgot such an important matter. I haven't had time to tell you two little ones yet!"

Upon hearing this, Qianqian instantly widened her eyes, listening intently to every word An Wangfei would say next. When she heard the wedding date was set for the eighth day of the sixth month, she couldn't help but beam with joy and shout excitedly, "Wonderful! That means in another month, Elder Sister Xingyu can come to our home!"

However, Wangfei immediately added, "Not only that, your Father King and I must also go together with Yan Si to deliver the betrothal gifts." Yan Shuang'er at the side was not surprised by this, because in Dachang Kingdom, usually both sets of parents and the matchmaker personally visit to propose marriage.

But who knew, upon hearing this, Qianqian immediately cried out, "What? You're all going? No no, I'm going too, I'm going too! Second Elder Brother previously promised Qianqian that when he had time he'd take me to Dongying Guo to play; this is perfect opportunity!"

Facing Qianqian's coquettish pestering, Wangfei explained helplessly, "Qianqian, this trip isn't for sightseeing and pleasure; it's a proper formal marriage proposal — where would there be extra time for you to play?"

Qianqian pouted displeasedly, "But I've long been yearning to go see Dongying! Not knowing before was one thing, but now that I know, I must go no matter what! Must go, absolutely must go!"

Seeing Qianqian acting so willfully, Wangfei couldn't help but show difficulty, persuading gently, "This journey is truly too far; we not only have to bring heavy betrothal gifts, not to mention the hardship of travel, we might even encounter all sorts of unexpected dangers."

However, Qianqian dismissed this, patting her chest and vowing, "Afraid of what? This young lady's martial arts are high; with me here, I'll surely protect everyone completely! Besides, I painstakingly practice martial arts every day, which is also very hard. It's just traveling far — this bit of suffering doesn't count as anything to me!"

Seeing Wangfei still wanting to persuade further, Yan Shuang'er at the side hurriedly spoke first, "Mother Consort, if you insist on not letting Qianqian go along, given her stubborn temperament, she might just sneak off behind our backs. Wouldn't that be even more dangerous? Better to let her travel with us; at least Father King will be there, and we can bring more guards — likely no major problems will arise."

Upon hearing this, Qianqian immediately chimed in agreement, "Right right right, Third Elder Sister understands me best! If you won't take me, hmph, then I'll just secretly follow behind!"

Wangfei, seeing matters had come to this, knew Qianqian's mind could not be changed, and could only sigh helplessly and compromise, "Alright alright, then you go pack your luggage quickly; tomorrow early morning I'll send someone to fetch you, and we'll set out together."