Chapter 54

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

After everyone took their seats according to rank, a light, quick set of footsteps was heard. Before long, the maids swiftly presented a cup of steaming hot tea to each person present.

The tea in the cups gave off waves of enticing fragrance, as if it could pierce through the nasal passages and reach straight to the depths of the heart. Everyone took their teacups, sipped lightly, and instantly felt a warm current flow down their throats, making their whole bodies indescribably comfortable.

At this moment, An Wang, who had been silent all along, finally spoke slowly: "This King just saw that the wedding date written on the betrothal letter is the sixth day of the ninth month; I wonder if that is indeed the case?"

Hearing An Wang's question, Ai Chun hurriedly rose and replied respectfully: "Replying to His Highness An Wang, it is exactly so. This auspicious day was obtained by this old minister personally taking the two's birth dates and hours to the Bureau of Astronomy and requesting the masters to calculate carefully; I wonder if Your Highness has any objection?"

Upon hearing this, An Wang turned to look at the Wangfei beside him, only to see the Wangfei give a slight nod of agreement toward the date. An Wang then responded: "Mm, acceptable." After receiving An Wang's affirmative answer, both sides immediately began discussing the specific details of the wedding.

Originally Ai Chun had worried that this high-ranking, powerful An Wang would be difficult to communicate with, and might be picky and dissatisfied with the wedding arrangements. However, to his surprise, basically all the proposals and suggestions they put forward, An Wang mostly did not express opposition, only occasionally offering one or two minor opinions for reference and improvement.

Just like that, the entire process of discussing the wedding details went unexpectedly smoothly, and the atmosphere appeared very harmonious and amicable.

Seeing that it was nearly noon, sunlight streamed through the windows onto the courtyard, adding a touch of warm color to the whole Wangfu. At this moment, the beautiful and dignified Wangfei spoke with a smile: "Since everyone has gathered here today, why not stay and share a midday meal together?"

Hearing these words, the few people present exchanged a glance, then all nodded in agreement, expressing willingness to stay and enjoy this fine meal with the Wangfei.

Ai Chun secretly thought to himself, feeling that everyone gathering to eat a meal was only proper. Moreover, it was a good opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and affection. Although the personnel at noon were not all present, several little children were not there..

Meanwhile, Guo Xinlan was calculating something else entirely in her heart. She thought to take advantage of the meal gap to carefully observe what dishes Yan Xiner usually liked to eat, so that when Yan Xiner married over in the future, she could accurately instruct the kitchen to make meals suiting her taste. Thinking of this, Guo Xinlan couldn't help revealing a faint, barely perceptible smile.

On the other side, Ai Chun appeared exceptionally happy about being able to share a midday meal with Yan Xiner. His face overflowed with joy, and he cheerfully anticipated this novel gathering.

Thus, amid everyone's expectant gazes, one delicious dish after another was brought to the dining table.

The sumptuous midday meal filled the entire table, the aroma assaulting the nose, making mouths water. Everyone sat around together, tasting the delicacies while chatting happily. Bursts of laughter rang out from time to time, making the whole atmosphere relaxed and harmonious, completely without the restraint and awkwardness that had been anticipated.

Unknowingly, a joyous midday meal came to a close amid everyone's laughter and cheer. After eating, everyone rested briefly, then no longer disturbed the Wangfei further, rose, and took their leave of the Wangfu.

Time flew by, and in a blink it was the hour when Shangshufang dismissed. Ai Jiao was nimbly packing the books and stationery on his desk, while his mouth kept muttering to Qianqian beside him: "Who knows when Elder Brother will finally be able to marry? Will today's betrothal visit go smoothly or not? Aiya, I simply can't wait to go home and see the situation!" As he spoke, his hands moved even faster.

Qianqian beside him, seeing this, smiled reassuringly: "Don't worry, this betrothal visit will definitely go smoothly! Mother is quite satisfied with Ai Gege. Besides, I'm actually just as curious as you, so let's hurry up and pack, and rush home early to find out!"

Finished speaking, the two looked at each other and smiled, sped up their movements, full of joy hoping to return home as soon as possible and unravel the various mysteries in their hearts about the betrothal visit.

Qi Xi at the side said with a face full of envy: "Aiya, now you two have become real relatives! I also want to be able to claim kinship with you!" Ai Jiao standing nearby heard this and grinned, proposing: "That's simple, let your elder brother marry Qianqian Elder Sister home, after all Qianqian doesn't have just one Elder Sister, or else you yourself marry Yan Wang!"

Before the words fell, a crisp "pa" sound rang out, and Qianqian unceremoniously slapped Ai Jiao on the head, angrily scolding: "What nonsense are you spouting! Xi Xi is only four years old, do you still have any humanity??" The struck Ai Jiao instantly fell silent, shrinking his neck and not daring to utter another peep.

All three silently packed their things, then hurriedly set foot on the road home together. Along the way, everyone was silent, the atmosphere seeming somewhat heavy.

Finally arriving home, Qianqian didn't even bother to catch her breath before anxiously grabbing Yan Xiner and heading straight for the courtyard where the Wangfei was. Before she even stepped through the courtyard gate, she shouted at the top of her lungs: "Mother, has the betrothal visit happened? How did it go?"

The Wangfei was sitting on a stone bench in the courtyard, leisurely sipping fragrant tea. Hearing Qianqian's clamorous voice, she couldn't help smiling. Upon seeing who had come, she slowly set down her teacup, looked gently at Qianqian, and replied softly: "It's already settled, the wedding date is the sixth day of the ninth month."

"Wow, that's fantastic! Oh oh oh~" Getting a satisfactory answer, Qianqian excited like a happy little bird, cheered joyfully, and the whole courtyard instantly filled with her clear, crisp, bell-like laughter. The Wangfei remarked with emotion: "The betrothal gifts the Ai family gave are truly generous! Both quantity and quality are superior choices." Yan Shuang'er at the side smiled in response: "Indeed, this is enough to show the Ai family's regard for Elder Sister is extraordinary."

The Wangfei nodded in agreement, then said: "Right, since the Ai family values our Xin'er so highly, the dowry we prepare for Xin'er naturally cannot be inferior. We must make the Ai family understand that Xin'er is a cherished pearl in the palm of our family, so that they won't dare to easily bully Xin'er in the future." Finished speaking, the three women looked at each other and smiled, the atmosphere relaxed and happy.

At this time, the still-young Qianqian could not contain her inner excitement, jumped up excitedly, and asked loudly: "What exactly needs to be prepared for the wedding? Can I help with anything?" Looking at her innocent and cute Younger Sister, Yan Shuang'er gently stroked her head and smiled: "If there's a need to use you, Mother will definitely call you. For now just wait obediently." Hearing Elder Sister say this, Qianqian, though a bit disappointed, still obediently nodded.

The courtyard was filled with laughter and cheer, a scene of warmth and harmony. Time passed quickly, and in a blink it was evening mealtime. The family sat around the dining table; Yan Si and Yan Wang had also already learned the good news that Elder Sister was about to marry. At this moment, everyone's heart seemed to be silently calculating their own plans, thinking of how to add more celebration and blessings to this wedding…