Chapter 231

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Not long after, An Wang and Yan Si were seen striding over, one behind the other. Their figures were agile and their bearing imposing; they soon boarded the carriage.

At this moment, An Wang, Wangfei, Yan Si, and Qianqian — four people — were already seated inside the spacious, luxurious carriage. The remaining servants, meanwhile, all boarded another, slightly smaller carriage.

Once everyone was seated, Yan Shuang'er stood in place, smiling as she waved vigorously at An Wangfei and called out loudly: "Father, Mother, take care on the journey! The road is distant; you must mind your own safety!"

Hearing her daughter's caring words, An Wangfei gently lifted the small carriage curtain, leaned half her body out, and replied: "Household matters are entrusted to you, Shuang'er. Your father and I will return as soon as possible." Finished speaking, she gave Yan Shuang'er a gentle look, then slowly lowered the curtain.

Yan Shuang'er nodded sensibly, signaling for her parents to set their minds at ease. Immediately after, the coachman raised the whip in his hand, tracing a fine arc through the air, and gave a soft cry; the two fine horses at once set their hooves moving, pulling the carriage slowly forward. The wheels turned with a "creak-creak" sound, as if narrating the sorrow of parting.

When the procession reached the city gate, the commoners on both sides of the road cast curious gazes. They whispered and murmured, discussing the luxurious carriage animatedly.

Among them, before a bustling tea stall, two middle-aged men were drinking tea while discussing the scene before them with great interest.

"Hey, old brother, look where this carriage is headed? And those several large chests following behind — could they be filled with priceless treasures?" One man lowered his voice and asked mysteriously.

The other man's eyes brightened; he hurriedly leaned over and replied: "Need you ask? They must be rare treasures! Haven't you heard? This is An Wangfu's carriage!"

"Oh? It's actually An Wangfu's? What are they out for this time? Could they be going to visit some high official?" The first questioner looked puzzled and pressed on.

"Some time ago the Emperor issued a decree for Dachang and Dongying to form a marriage alliance — precisely An Wang's second son, and Dongying's little princess. Judging by this pomp, they should be going to deliver the betrothal gifts, right? And I also heard that An Wang and Wangfei are going together as well."

The other man nodded upon hearing this and agreed: "By your account, An Wangfu's people truly take this marriage alliance very seriously!" The first speaker laughed: "Naturally. After all, this is a major affair concerning relations between two nations; how could it be treated lightly?" The two drank tea and continued chatting, occasionally bursting into laughter.

However, they did not notice that, not far from the tea stall, a figure stood quietly, silently listening to their conversation, seemingly pondering something. This person's features were handsome, his bearing extraordinary, but his eyes revealed a trace of worry.

Simultaneously, inside a luxuriously decorated carriage, four people sat. At the head, An Wang sat upright with proper posture, his face grave. The other three beside him, by contrast, appeared exceptionally excited, chattering nonstop.

An Wangfei wore a smile and said with emotion: "Come to think of it, we haven't traveled far in quite a few years." Yan Si at her side immediately chimed in: "Mother Consort, is it because ever since giving birth to us, you've spent all day revolving around us, with no time to go out for a stroll?"

An Wangfei smiled and nodded: "Yes, but seeing you all grow up healthy, this mother's heart is also incomparably comforted." At this, Qianqian also spoke: "Mother, we're all grown now and can take care of ourselves. Just set your mind at ease and go out to play with Father."

Hearing this, An Wang, who had been silent, finally spoke: "When there is leisure in the future, this King will certainly take you out for a proper journey." Finished speaking, he gently clasped An Wangfei's hand, his eyes full of tenderness. After An Wang finished his words, Wangfei turned her gaze to Yan Si and asked softly: "Si'er, about our going to propose marriage this time — have you informed Yu'er?"

Yan Si shook his head slightly and replied: "Not yet, Mother. This son thought that we have already set off; in a few more days we will reach the destination. Even if we sent word now, it would differ little from when we arrive.

Moreover, given Yu'er's cleverness, she surely can guess that this journey is for the purpose of proposing marriage. When we are about to draw near, giving them advance notice will be enough."

An Wangfei listened and nodded lightly in agreement, saying: "Mm, in any case the auspicious day has long been set. Yu'er is so intelligent; she certainly knows in her heart and understands our purpose. When we are about to arrive, informing them then will do." Yan Si nodded in response.

At this, Qianqian at the side interjected, saying coquettishly: "Mother, this time we go to Dongying Guo — can we stay there a few more days? Qianqian still wants to have a good time touring Dongying!"

Wangfei smiled and gently shook her head, explaining patiently: "Good daughter, absolutely not. After this proposal, we must hurry back to the country to prepare the wedding affairs. Time is extremely tight; there is truly no leisure to linger in Dongying."

Hearing this, Qianqian's face showed a touch of displeasure, but she quickly had a brainwave, her eyes flashing with excitement, and continued: "Then how about this, Mother? The wedding arrangements can be handled by you and Third Elder Sister; I'll stay here in Dongying and keep Xingyu Elder Sister company. When Xingyu Elder Sister marries, I'll return with her — would that be proper?"

Wangfei said with a face full of worry: "That absolutely won't do! You staying alone in Dongying Guo is far too dangerous."

However, Qianqian replied confidently: "Mother, don't worry! I can even spar with Yue Yi; even if I truly can't beat the opponent, with my lightness skill, escaping is a piece of cake! Even Father once praised me, saying under heaven there A Ren't many who can catch up to me."

Hearing Qianqian argue like this, An Wangfei's heart still worried incessantly, but her attitude had clearly wavered. At this, Qianqian cleverly glanced at Yan Si and gave him a meaningful look.

Yan Si, understanding tacitly, immediately spoke: "Mother, set your mind at ease! If you don't quite trust Qianqian, you surely trust Yu'er, right? With Yu'er there, she will certainly take care of Qianqian perfectly. Besides, letting Qianqian go to Dongying Guo is also good — she can spend more time with Yu'er and deepen their bond in advance."