Chapter 64: then translation of title line (which is line [1]? Actually line [1] is

64. Chapter 64 Exchanging Gifts

Feng Xuanrui heard Sui Sui say she would always like her older brother, and he happily puffed out his little belly, walking forward like a victorious general.

The reason County Magistrate Lian came to visit so early today is

One reason is that yesterday it was too late, making it inconvenient.

Another reason is that he came with a tentative attitude.

Yesterday, Prince Qing's entourage did not voluntarily reveal their identity; it was entirely based on Nan Gu Gu's speculation.

So, County Magistrate Lian needed to wait and see.

His side had already laid his cards bare; if the other party's status was lower than his, they would at the latest visit his residence today.

If they didn't come, it would mean the other party's status is higher, or they simply don't wish to disturb.

However, yesterday's interaction was fairly pleasant; County Magistrate Lian felt that if they didn't come today, it was likely because their status was even higher.

To act prudently, County Magistrate Lian had eaten breakfast early and then brought his entourage over.

He wore ordinary clothes, brought a few attendants, and conducted himself discreetly.

Lian Ruoyi changed into a dress today, a pale lotus-root color.

As soon as he saw her clothing, Feng Xuanrui began to disdain Sui Sui's ready-made garments.

Because the stop along the way was brief, he could only buy some ready-made clothes for Sui Sui to make do.

However, ready-made clothes for young ladies are truly scarce, and their colors are mostly shades of blue or green and the like.

Bright colors are rare, and the styles tend to be somewhat loose.

Sui Sui did not think her clothing's color was ordinary, nor that the style was outdated.

She only felt that the fabric was soft, the garment fit well, and Grandpa Liu had said this was her clothing, no longer someone else's discarded rags she had picked up.

Clean, intact, truly her own clothing.

Sui Sui was already quite satisfied with this.

When she saw Lian Ruoyi, Sui Sui politely greeted, "Older sister, hello."

As soon as she saw Sui Sui's bald head, Lian Ruoyi's eyes lit up!

She had returned home yesterday and told her mother about wanting to shave her little sister's head, which made her mother so angry she skipped dinner.

Lian Ruoyi didn't understand; clearly shaving a little bald head is adorable!

And that round little head is so fun to touch!

Why was Mother angry?

Lian Ruoyi didn't understand, but it didn't matter; seeing Sui Sui made her genuinely happy!

Seeing that medicine had been applied to Sui Sui's head, making it untouchable, Lian Ruoyi felt a bit regretful.

Seeing Feng Xuanrui holding Sui Sui's hand, Lian Ruoyi also wanted to hold it.

But before doing so, she deliberately asked Sui Sui, "Little sister, may I hold your hand?"

Sui Sui's other hand happened to be free.

When her older sister asked, she readily stretched out her hand: "Older sister, let me hold yours!"

Feng Xuanrui:?

Not jealous, not jealous, I'm not jealous!

The little sister likes him the most!

Feng Xuanrui silently comforted himself on the side.

Lian Ruoyi happily took hold of Sui Sui's hand.

The adults were chatting and socializing over there, while the children sat together talking.

County Magistrate Lian only realized after arriving...

Oh my!

How come the visitor is still a prince!

County Magistrate Lian naturally recognized Prince Qing; back when he was at the Hanlin Academy, he had seen him more than once!

Now seeing the person, he was startled, but he didn't panic.

County Magistrate Lian showed enthusiasm, yet without excessive flattery.

Knowing that Prince Qing's party still had to rush on, he didn't disturb them further.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while and giving some modest gifts, he prepared to take his leave.

Lian Ruoyi actually didn't want to part with Sui Sui.

But she also knew that Sui Sui and company still had to return to Jing Cheng.

Even if she was reluctant, they still needed to separate.

After returning home yesterday and telling her parents the situation, Lian Ruoyi, with Nan Gu Gu's assistance, picked gifts for the two new little companions she had met.

When choosing a gift for Sui Sui, Lian Ruoyi wished she could empty the entire jewelry box!

But when it came time to pick a gift for Feng Xuanrui, it seemed rather perfunctory.

Only after Nan Gu Gu advised her did Lian Ruoyi slightly balance things out.

The gift she chose for Sui Sui was a beautiful gold bracelet engraved with a small 'fu' character.

The bracelet is adjustable, and at its edge hangs a tiny longevity lock.

This was a new style that appeared in the county town last year.

Back then, Lian Ruoyi spotted it at first glance and bought it at a high price.

If she didn't truly like Sui Sui, Lian Ruoyi would not bear to give it away!

The gift for Feng Xuanrui was originally just an inconspicuous sword tassel, and she had forgotten when she bought it.

Later, Nan Gu Gu still helped pick them out, and she also added a ruby dagger that they had similarly forgotten when they bought it back.

Liu Dafu had been guessing since early on whether County Magistrate Lian would bring people to the door.

Would he bring some gifts?

Especially for the two children?

Because of this, after he returned yesterday, he deliberately went out to look around and picked out a return gift.

Liu Dafu thought, if they came visiting and also brought gifts, then they could treat it as a return gift.

If not, he would just consider it a toy bought for the two children.

Among the return gifts, one box contained a comb suitable for a young lady, finely crafted and dotted with many small gemstones.

The other box held a simple gold peace lock, not overly large, very suitable for a child to wear.

Seeing Lian Ruoyi give gifts to the two children, Liu Dafu quickly gestured for Sui Sui and Feng Xuanrui to return the gift.

This wasn't Sui Sui's first time receiving a gift; the little girl was unusually calm.

Obediently following what Liu Ye Ye had taught her, Sui Sui handed over the prepared return gift to Lian Ruoyi: 'Thank you, sister, I also give this to you, wishing you everything goes as you wish!'

Feng Xuanrui felt jealous that the other party was trying to take his sister away.

But upon reflection, it's because his sister is adorable that others keep wanting to take her.

It's not their fault!

A mature older brother can understand those people's little thoughts.

Moreover, with the parting imminent, it will be him who stays with his sister for the long haul; everyone else is just a passerby.

So he might as well generously offer his blessings and a gift.

The children happily exchanged gifts, and the adults' small talk was about done.

County Magistrate Lian, being perceptive, rose to take his leave.

After the person had walked far away, Prince Qing lowered his voice and said, 'He looks like a smooth operator.'

Hearing this, Liu Dafu couldn't help but want to retort: 'Compared to you, everyone in the world is smooth, my lord!'

But upon reflection, what could he achieve by retorting?

Prince Qing won't change!

So, let it be.

Better hurry up and pack up.

The two children had already opened their gift boxes by then.

Sui Sui stared at the pair of beautiful gold bracelets and was utterly stunned.

She had thought the gift might be more valuable than her previous toys.

But this valuable?

Gold!

Sui Sui even lightened her breath, and the hand holding the box grew unsteady.

When Liu Dafu turned his head, he saw Sui Sui looking anxiously at the gift box.

It looked like she wanted to put it on the table, but she didn't dare to move.

Seeing this, Liu Dafu's heart ached again.

After cursing Chen Dalang's family in his heart as usual, Liu Dafu quickly walked over, gently helped Sui Sui hold the gift box, and said softly, 'Sister's kind intention, Sui Sui, you must keep it well.'

The second watch is at 19:00.