Chapter 589: The Demon Lord Princess's Daily Slacking Chapter 682: Finding a Live-in Son-in-law
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Protagonist:
Yan Qianqian
Shangguan Xingyu fell silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Go back first. I'll think it over carefully and see if I can come up with any good ideas. I'll find you once I've thought of something. Don't rush for now; this kind of thing can't be rushed."
Hearing Shangguan Xingyu's words, Qianqian still felt somewhat uneasy in her heart, but she knew there really was no better way right now, so she could only nod and say, "All right, Sister-in-law, I'm not in a hurry. I'll be going first."
Shangguan Xingyu nodded, watching Qianqian's departing back, her heart growing heavier and heavier.
After Qianqian left, she sat there blankly, motionless. The conversation she'd just had with Qianqian kept echoing in her mind, especially when she learned that the man Qianqian had chosen was actually Ouyang Chengren, making her feel even more troubled.
Although Shangguan Xingyu hadn't had much contact with Ouyang Chengren, she had heard a little about him.
He had become famous young and had been campaigning abroad for years—someone even her father admired—and he had never married or taken a concubine all these years. Such a person would indeed be a fine match if Xishang Kingdom still existed, but now... Alas! Thinking of this, Shangguan Xingyu's heart grew heavier still.
Meanwhile, Qianqian, back in her own courtyard, let out a sigh of relief. After finishing her talk with Shangguan Xingyu, she felt a great weight finally lift from her heart.
Only after saying it out loud did she realize it wasn't actually that hard, and that Second Sister-in-law was quite easy to talk to. With Second Sister-in-law's help, she supposed things with her mother would be much easier too. Thinking this, Qianqian relaxed a little.
After returning to Qianji Yuan, she first checked the official business Hua Hua had handled. After a careful look, she found everything had been handled in good order, with no mistakes at all. She was very pleased about this.
All afternoon, Qianqian didn't step out of her room once, staying until the sky gradually darkened. Just as the sun was about to set, Yan Jie and Bai Yu returned to An Wangfu together.
Because of Yan Jie's return, dinner that day was especially lively. An Wangfei was delighted by Yan Jie's return and had specially instructed the kitchen in the afternoon to prepare two extra dishes.
At dinnertime, the family sat around the table, the atmosphere harmonious. An Wangfei warmly served Yan Jie food, constantly asking whether he planned to stay long this time.
Yan Jie smiled and replied, "Yes, Mother. Grandfather has already arranged things properly at Shenyi Gu; the position of Valley Master has been passed to Eldest Brother Bai, and after that, Grandfather will live here with me."
Hearing this news, An Wangfei beamed with joy, saying "good" several times to indicate she had no objections at all.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she said to Yan Jie, "By the way, Jie'er, Mother has arranged for Younger Brother to stay in your courtyard. Since you weren't home, your courtyard was sitting empty anyway, so it's perfect for him to move in."
Yan Jie naturally had no objection to this and readily agreed, "All right, Mother, rest assured, I will certainly take good care of Elder Brother Xingyan."
As for Shangguan Xingyan, Yan Jie naturally liked him very much and had no objections whatsoever.
Bai Yu raised his wine cup, stood up, and bowed with clasped hands to An Wang, then smiled and said, "Your Highness An Wang, I'm afraid I'll be troubling you often from now on; I hope Your Highness will be forgiving!"
Seeing this, An Wang quickly rose to return the salute, smiling, "Valley Master Shenyi Gu is too kind! Your being able to take up residence in An Wangfu is an honor for An Wangfu! How could it be considered a bother?" Having said this, the two smiled at each other, raised their cups together, and drained them in one gulp.
Just then, Shangguan Xingyu suddenly interjected, "Mother Consort is truly happy today! This way, An Wangfu will surely become more and more lively in the future!"
Hearing Shangguan Xingyu's words, An Wangfei suddenly understood, thinking that if the Shangguan family all moved nearby, they could gather often, and wouldn't An Wangfu be even livelier?
Thinking this, her mood grew even more pleasant, and she couldn't help but smile and echo, "Yes, yes, it's just a pity about Wang'er—who knows when he'll bring me a daughter-in-law! But Qianqian, once she marries out, there'll be one less person around!"
Hearing this, Shangguan Xingyu hurriedly interjected, "My younger sister's status is so noble that in Kyoto there are probably few who can compare to her. In my opinion, she doesn't need to marry out at all—just find a son-in-law who moves in, and that's settled!"
Hearing this, An Wangfei's eyes flashed with surprise, then she beamed and said, "Oh my, that would be wonderful! Then our whole family can be lively and bustling together—how cozy! Qianqian, it's fine if you find a husband of somewhat lower status; our An Wangfu is a great household, and supporting one more person is no problem at all. As long as he treats you well and truly loves you, that's more important than anything!"
Hearing her mother's words, Qianqian also suddenly understood, and hurriedly echoed, "Yes, Mother, I think that's good too. That way, I can always stay by your and Father's side, never apart for a lifetime!"
Seeing her daughter so obedient and sensible, An Wangfei was even happier, and she said cheerfully, "Good, since you think so too, Mother will go ask around tomorrow to see if there's any marriageable man in Kyoto willing to be a son-in-law living with our An Wangfu."
However, before An Wangfei's words had even finished, Qianqian hurriedly waved her hands and said, "Mother, no need, no need! Leave this matter for me to handle myself; don't trouble yourself!"
Hearing this, An Wangfei couldn't help but feel doubtful; she widened her eyes at Qianqian and pressed, "Qianqian, what's going on? Could it be you already have someone you fancy?"
This question was like a stone stirring up a thousand waves, instantly drawing everyone's attention at the table.
Everyone's gazes fell on Qianqian all at once, making her little face turn bright red in a "shua."
Qianqian knew this was a good time to admit it, so she took a deep breath, gathered her courage, nodded, and said softly, "Mm, Mother, I... I do have someone I like."
When Qianqian admitted it, everyone was like sitting on pins and needles, unable to contain their curiosity. An Wangfei couldn't hold back first and impatiently asked, "Which family's young master is it?" Her voice revealed a hint of urgency and curiosity.
Seeing this, An Wang frowned slightly, but said nothing, just quietly watching Qianqian. The others also stared intently at Qianqian, awaiting her answer.
Facing everyone's gazes, Qianqian couldn't help but feel shy; her cheeks flushed, and she said softly, "Oh my, Mother, so many people here; let me tell you privately later." Her voice was a little low, as if she was somewhat embarrassed.
An Wangfei naturally understood that young girls are thin-skinned, so she understandingly said, "Fine, no rush; we can talk tomorrow too." Her tone was kind and approachable, making Qianqian feel a wave of warmth.
End of Chapter
