Chapter 572

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Shangguan Xingyan heard the knocking at the door and felt somewhat puzzled; he glanced at the little eunuch, who immediately spoke up. As soon as the little eunuch opened the door, he saw Yan Si.

But this little eunuch had just been promoted and naturally did not know Yan Si; instead, Shangguan Xingyan inside recognized Yan Si at a glance. He could not help but feel a little surprised, but soon a delighted smile appeared on his face as he said, "Yo, a rare guest, a rare guest! Please come in quickly, please come in quickly!"

While letting Yan Si in, he said to the little eunuch, "Xiao Shunzi, this is the Eighth Prince Consort; why haven't you hurried to pay your respects?" The little eunuch came to his senses at once, hurriedly bowed in salute, and said, "This servant Xiao Shunzi greets the Eighth Prince Consort!"

Seeing this, Yan Si waved his hand and said, "No need for so many formalities; there are no outsiders here, why be so reserved?" The little eunuch then straightened up and said, "Thank you, Prince Consort." After speaking, he casually closed the room door.

Yan Si walked to the table and sat down. Xiao Shunzi was quick-eyed and quick-handed, hurrying forward to pour him a cup of tea. Yan Si lifted the teacup, took a light sip, and could not help but sigh, "Mm, this tea tastes quite good."

At this moment, Shangguan Xingyan was busy tidying up the remaining things. Actually, these should have been done by Xiao Shunzi, but Shangguan Xingyan was particular about his own undergarments and liked to tidy them himself. While tidying, he casually asked, "Why did you come over at this time?"

Yan Si put down the teacup and replied, "Yu'er heard you had arrived and was anxious to come find you. My mother said the weather is so cold, just let Yu'er wait at home, and she'll send someone to pick you up. After all, the food at this post station definitely isn't as good as at home. So, she sent me to pick you up and go to An Wangfu to eat together."

Hearing these words, Shangguan Xingyan could not help but feel a warm current rise in his heart. An Wangfei's action not only showed her love for her younger sister, but also made Shangguan Xingyan feel An Wangfei's regard for him.

After all, An Wangfei could have simply sent a servant to convey a verbal message, but she specially had Yan Si come in person; this was undoubtedly a special treatment.

Shangguan Xingyan looked gratefully at Yan Si and said with a smile, "Alright, then let me tidy up a bit. After I organize these things, I'll set out immediately."

His voice was gentle and firm, revealing his respect for An Wangfei and his regard for this invitation. Yan Si leisurely savored the fragrant tea, saying unhurriedly, "No rush, no rush." Time passed second by second; about a quarter of an hour later, Shangguan Xingyan finally finished tidying up.

He held a small and exquisite box in his hand, walked up to Yan Si, and said with a smile, "Alright, we can set out now."

Seeing this, Yan Si was somewhat curious about what was inside the small box, but he did not ask. The two boarded the carriage of An Wangfu together, and Xiao Shunzi, together with several other servants, nimbly lifted two large trunks onto the carriage.

After everything was arranged, Yan Si and Shangguan Xingyan entered the carriage compartment one after another. The atmosphere inside the carriage was not awkward; rather, there was a faint warmth.

Yan Si spoke first, asking about the health of the Dongying Emperor and Empress; Shangguan Xingyan also asked concernedly whether Yan Si's business had been going smoothly lately. They exchanged words, like old friends who had not seen each other for many years, chatting very happily.

The wheels rolled, the carriage moved forward quickly, and soon they arrived at the gate of An Wangfu. Shangguan Xingyan and Yan Si got down from the carriage together, only to see a group of servants already standing at the gate; they had clearly been waiting there for some time.

As soon as they saw the two return, the leading servant hurried forward a step, bowed and saluted, saying, "Second Young Master, Madam has ordered us to wait here. Madam said that once the two of you return, go directly to the Shantang; the food is already prepared."

Hearing this, Yan Si smiled and replied, "Alright, I know." After speaking, he turned to Shangguan Xingyan and said loudly, "Eldest Brother-in-law, let's go; let's eat first."

Shangguan Xingyan had been rushing along the road during this period; the journey was arduous, and his meals were irregular. Sometimes he could only eat dry rations to stave off hunger, sometimes he would find a small roadside inn and hastily eat a couple of bites. After such days continued for a period, he increasingly missed the food at home.

Upon learning that An Wangfu had already prepared dinner, Shangguan Xingyan naturally replied with delight, "Good, good, good, I've been missing the food at An Wangfu for a long time!" So, the two walked toward the Shantang together.

Inside the Shantang, Shangguan Xingyu was anxiously waiting. Seeing her like this, An Wangfei hurriedly comforted her, "Yu'er, don't be anxious; judging by the time, Si'er will be back soon."

Just then, Xiao Jing'er standing beside suddenly asked, "Mother, is Uncle coming?"

Hearing Xiao Jing'er's voice, Shangguan Xingyu immediately showed a gentle smile and replied, "Yes, your Uncle is here. Since you were born, he hasn't seen you even once; nor have your maternal grandfather and maternal grandmother."

Hearing this, Xiao Jing'er curiously continued to ask, "Then why don't they come see Xiao Jing'er?"

Shangguan Xingyu patiently explained, "Because the place where they live is too far away, and they can't just go on long trips whenever they want." Xiao Jing'er nodded half-understanding and said, "Is that so."

Shangguan Xingyu, afraid he would let his imagination run wild, hurriedly comforted him, "If your Uncle sees you, he will definitely like you very much. After all, your mother is their most beloved youngest daughter, so they will definitely dote on you very much too!"

Hearing Shangguan Xingyu say this, Xiao Jing'er became excited and could hardly wait. She blinked her big eyes and said with a face full of anticipation, "Really? Really? Xiao Jing'er really wants to see Uncle soon! Why hasn't Uncle come yet?"

Just then, Shangguan Xingyan and Yan Si happened to arrive at the door. Hearing Xiao Jing'er's voice, Shangguan Xingyan hurriedly quickened his steps and went in, saying with a smile, "Uncle misses Xiao Jing'er very much too!"

Hearing the sound from the door, Shangguan Xingyu's eye sockets turned red at once. She hurriedly stood up, walked quickly to the door, and saw Shangguan Xingyan entering at a glance. Compared to the last meeting, Shangguan Xingyan seemed more mature and steady.

However, Shangguan Xingyu was now a married woman and naturally could not, like when she was a child, throw herself into Shangguan Xingyan's arms without a care. She could only hold back her tears, with reddened eye sockets, and softly called out in a slightly choked voice, "Elder Brother...",

Shangguan Xingyan opened his mouth, about to speak, when suddenly he felt a strong impact, as if a small cannonball was flying straight at him. He had no time to think; his body instinctively reacted, quickly extending both hands and steadily catching this "small cannonball."

When he looked closely, he discovered that the one in his arms was actually a delicate and exquisite little doll. The little doll blinked her pair of big, watery eyes, glistening, like two crystal-clear gemstones, making people unable to help but feel pity.