Chapter 264

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

An Wangfei said with a smile on her face: "The residence has specially prepared a feast of delicious dishes today; why don't you all move to An Wang Fu to enjoy them together?"

After a moment's thought, the Crown Prince replied: "Imperial Aunt, the food at your residence has always been first-rate, but Princess Shangguan is about to wed, and meeting Cousin Yan Si before then is probably not appropriate." An Wangfei quickly waved her hands to explain: "No matter, no matter! I'll send someone to tell Si'er right away to not return to the residence tonight, and come back tomorrow morning instead."

Shangguan Xingyu looked troubled and said softly: "I'm afraid that's not proper..." However, An Wangfei comforted her without concern: "Don't worry, he has plenty of places to stay outside; any shop can do for a night's lodging, and there won't be any problem."

At this time, the Crown Prince also spoke up in agreement: "Speaking of which, this palace hasn't visited An Wang Fu to taste the food for quite some time; since it's arranged this way, this palace will obey rather than merely show respect, and shamelessly impose for a while."

Seeing that the Crown Prince had agreed, Shangguan Xingyu, who had originally had some misgivings, no longer insisted and smiled: "Then since that's the case, my elder brother and I will also impose together."

Hearing these words, An Wangfei smiled even more happily and teased: "How is that imposing! In two days we'll be family after all; from now on, you'll be living here for a long time!"

Hearing these words, Shangguan Xingyu couldn't help but blush and shyly lowered her head. After the several people boarded their respective carriages, the coachmen cracked their whips, the wheels rolled, horse hooves echoed through the street, and carriages proceeded one after another toward An Wang Fu.

However, after everyone else had boarded, An Wangfei did not immediately step onto the carriage.

She stood gracefully in place, lightly raised her hand to signal the attendant beside her to approach. Then she whispered something to the attendant. It turned out she had already arranged for people to notify Yan Si of tonight's special circumstances in advance.

At this moment, Yan Si had just finished a whole day of busy work. He stretched lazily, moved his somewhat stiff shoulders and neck, then tidied up the documents on the table, happily preparing to return home for a delicious dinner. As he walked out of the study, he happened to see his own young servant hurrying toward him.

Yan Si thought to himself: "He must be coming to call me home for dinner." So a smile appeared on his face, and before the servant even reached him, he spoke first: "I'm already done, I can go back to eat!"

But the servant had run all the way, panting and unable to speak completely. Just as he caught his breath and was about to convey An Wangfei's orders, Yan Si mistakenly thought he was also urging him to hurry home, and interrupted again: "Enough, enough, I know, let's go quickly!"

At this time, the servant finally caught his breath, composed himself, and hurriedly shook his head and waved his hands to explain: "No, no, no, Young Master, it's not like that. An Wangfei instructed this servant to inform you that you should not return to the residence tonight. You need to take care of your own dinner and come back tomorrow."

Hearing this, Yan Si's eyes widened, his face full of confusion and bewilderment. He stood frozen in place, muttering to himself: "What? What does my mother mean by this?"

After a while, he came to his senses and asked the servant before him: "Why exactly? Didn't my younger sister return today? I was thinking of giving her a proper welcome feast!"

The servant hurriedly ran to Yan Si, slightly bowed in salute, and said: "Young Master, the situation is this: today the Crown Prince personally went to the Yizhan to welcome Princess Shangguan and Prince Shangguan. Afterwards, the Crown Prince proposed dining out, but Wangfei felt the Jiu Lou atmosphere wasn't warm enough, so she thought to invite everyone to the Wangfu to enjoy the food. Just that..."

The servant paused slightly, then continued: "According to custom, the bride and groom must not meet for three days before the wedding. So Wangfei specifically instructed this servant to tell you that you must not return to the residence tonight."

Yan Si quietly listened to the servant's words and understood everything in his heart. However, for some reason, an indescribable feeling of discomfort surged in his heart.

He slightly furrowed his brows, tried to calm his emotions, and slowly said: "Alright, I understand. I won't go back tonight; you tell my mother for me." The servant quickly agreed and turned to leave.

At this time, only Yan Si remained standing alone in place, watching the servant's departing figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions. After a moment, he took a deep breath and walked toward the street side. The night street was somewhat desolate, with only a few roadside stalls still lit.

Yan Si casually found a stall to sit at, ordered a bowl of noodles, and ate silently. After finishing the noodles, he paid, dragged his somewhat heavy steps back to his lodging, and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

On the other hand, An Wang Fu presented a completely different scene. Here it was brightly lit and bustling with voices, filled with laughter and merriment. Princess Shangguan, Prince Shangguan, and other guests had just arrived at the Wangfu and took their seats in turn in the Front Hall. An Wangfei warmly entertained everyone, and did not forget to instruct the Chufang to add dishes, making sure the guests were satisfied.

Just as everyone was chatting and laughing, An Wang happened to return, making the atmosphere even more lively. An Wang strode into the Front Hall; as soon as his foot crossed the threshold, his gaze was involuntarily drawn to the scene before him, and he couldn't help but be slightly startled. He had originally thought only Qianqian had returned, but never expected so many figures to be gathered in the Front Hall.

Just as An Wang stepped into the Front Hall, everyone in the hall stood up to welcome him.

The Crown Prince stepped forward first, respectfully bowed, and shouted loudly: "Imperial Uncle!"

An Wang looked in the direction of the sound; after his gaze rested on the Crown Prince for a moment, he smiled and said: "Crown Prince, it's been some time since you last visited my An Wang Fu. Today you've come just in time for the liveliness; why not drink a few cups together tonight?"

Hearing these words, the Crown Prince quickly replied: "Thanks to Imperial Uncle's favor, today is rare with many people and a joyful atmosphere; this nephew naturally is willing to drink with Imperial Uncle." After speaking, the two smiled at each other.

At this time, An Wang turned his gaze to Shangguan Xingyu beside him and asked: "Prince Shangguan, I don't know how much you can drink; can you join us for a few cups?" Shangguan Xingyu modestly replied: "I can only drink a little." An Wang nodded slightly to show understanding, then said: "No matter; in the evening everyone will raise a cup together, and just enjoy themselves."