Chapter 417: Chapter 393, Disdain_1
Ningmen Prefecture dock.
Xiao Yeyang and Daohua had just disembarked when they saw several solemn-looking middle-aged men dressed as commoners approaching them.
Seeing this, Xiao Yeyang subconsciously furrowed his brows.
“Master!”
The men greeted Xiao Yeyang respectfully.
Xiao Yeyang glanced at Daohua, who looked somewhat worried, smiled to signal that there was nothing to worry about, and then walked aside with the men before asking in a low voice, “What’s the matter?”
One of them replied in a hushed tone, “Master, Prince Rui has just sent a message. The Emperor left the palace a few days ago and might have come to Zhongzhou. Master must be careful. If you see the Emperor, you must ensure his safe return to the capital.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yeyang’s expression changed dramatically, “What is the royal uncle doing leaving the palace without any apparent reason?”
The hidden guard shook his head.
Xiao Yeyang steadied his fluctuating emotions and pondered for a moment, “Deploy everyone we have to search. If you discover any traces, don’t act recklessly; inform me first.”
“Yes!”
Xiao Yeyang continued, “Also, there are many eyes on me now. In the future, no matter how urgent the matter is, do not openly appear to meet me. Send a message through the Glass Factory, have them stir up some trouble to divert the attention of those watching me.”
The fact that the royal uncle has left the capital must not be known to anyone.
“I’ll see to it immediately.”
Watching the hidden guard hurry away, Xiao Yeyang composed himself, put on a smile, and turned to Daohua, “I had intended to have lunch with you, but I’m afraid that won’t be possible now. There’s something I need to deal with.”
Daohua glanced at Xiao Yeyang. She knew him all too well and could see that he was forcing a smile, “Go take care of your things. Eating at home is the same for me.”
Xiao Yeyang nodded with a smile, “Then you should get on the carriage quickly. I’ll leave after you do.”
Daohua gave him another look, then headed toward the carriage. After a few steps, she turned around, “Xiao Yeyang, if you run into any trouble, you can talk to me about it. I might not be able to do much, but I can help you think it through.”
Xiao Yeyang’s lips curved into a small smile, “Alright.”
Daohua, “…Then I’m leaving.”
Watching the Yan Family carriage depart, Xiao Yeyang gazed after it for a while before mounting his horse and galloping toward the Glass Factory.
…
Inside the carriage, Daohua frowned, her mind preoccupied with what could have happened to Xiao Yeyang. She suddenly realized that if he were in real trouble, she wouldn’t be able to help at all.
“Is this the disparity?”
Daohua felt somewhat disheartened, somewhat discouraged.
Xiao Yeyang was the son of a prince, while she, she was just the daughter of a magistrate.
Over the years, Xiao Yeyang had often visited the Yan Residence, which made her believe they were from the same world. But in reality, they were from different strata, different circles.
Now, as Xiao Yeyang was at an age of burgeoning youth and had affection for her, he was willing to stoop to indulge her.
But anyone who stoops for too long will grow tired.
“Ah…”
Daohua sighed, then closed her eyes and emptied her mind, refusing to think about these vexing issues.
Wang Manman, sitting beside her, peeked at her young lady, puzzled why she was unhappy again. Hadn’t she already reconciled with the Little Prince?
Meanwhile, at the Yan Residence.
After eating lunch, Yan Wenqi and his four siblings left the courtyard of Old Lady Yan and came to the Water Pavilion near the Chuihua Gate to sit and rest for a bit.
Yan Yunxi sat on a chair and massaged her waist, “It’s really exhausting sitting with Yihuan and the others. One must sit up straight, and even speaking requires utmost caution.”
Yan Wenqi glared at his sister, “That’s because they understand propriety and ceremony, unlike how we can be so informal at home.”
Yan Wenyi slumped in his chair, sighing, “Etiquette is all well and good, and it looks pleasing to the eye, but it really is somewhat torturous.”
Yan Wenge looked over, “Second brother, don’t forget what you promised Grandfather when we left. If you can learn some manners and etiquette from the Wenxiu family on this trip, it will all be worthwhile.”
Yan Wenyi nodded listlessly, “I know.”
Yan Wenge, “Then why aren’t you sitting up properly?”
Yan Wenyi quickly straightened up.
Seeing that Yan Yunyan seemed somewhat downcast, Yan Wenge immediately asked, “Little sister, what’s wrong?”
Yan Yunyan shook her head, smiling as she said, “I’m fine.”
“Hmph!”
Yan Yunxi let out a snort, “What else could it be other than being looked down on by others?”
Hearing this, Yan Wenqi and the others looked over.
Yan Yunyan tugged at Yan Yunxi, signaling her to stop talking.
But Yan Yunxi wouldn’t, and said to the three brothers, “This morning when we went to pay our respects to Great-Granny, Yunyan and I gave the purses we embroidered as gifts to Yihuan and the others. Who knew that as soon as Yan Yishuang and Yan Yile left Great-Granny’s courtyard, they threw our purses straight into the pond.”
“Yan Yile said our needlework was terrible, that taking it outside would only bring us shame; Yan Yishuang was even worse, saying outright that our purses were unfit for public display, and even giving them to maidservants would be beneath their dignity.”
“Though Yihuan didn’t say anything, she passed the purses to the maid behind her, saying they should take them to play with.”
“Moreover, whenever we speak to them, they’re often dismissive.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Wenqi and the others exchanged silent glances.
Things were better on their side, as Wenxiu took good care of them, but Wenjie was somewhat aloof. In his words and deeds, they too could sense a lack of respect.
Ultimately, the oldest brother, Yan Wenge, spoke up, “I think sister Yihuan and the others didn’t mean it. After all, they usually interact with officials’ families, and there is quite a gap between our families. It’s inevitable that there are differences in behavior and dealings. You shouldn’t harbor any displeasure because of this, as that would disappoint Great-Granny and your uncle and aunt.”
Yan Yunxi pouted but said no more.
Yan Yunyan nodded, “Big brother, don’t worry. We won’t. Back home, we even had small conflicts with sisters we were familiar with, let alone Yihuan and the others, whom we’ve never met before.”
Yan Wenqi smiled, “Yunyan is really sensible. During our time at the Wenxiu’s house, you’ll have to help Wenqi brother keep an eye on Yunxi, so she doesn’t cause trouble.”
Yan Yunxi was indignant, “Brother, when have I caused trouble? Didn’t I also hold back when I saw Yishuang and the others throw away our purses, and didn’t argue with them?”
Yan Wenqi immediately smiled, “Yes, yes, yes, Yunxi is the most sensible of all. But we shouldn’t show any anger outwardly; this is not our home, and no one will indulge you here.”
Yan Yunxi hummed, just as she was about to say something, a maid’s voice came from a distance.
“The eldest young miss has returned.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Wenqi and the others promptly stood up and looked towards the Chuihua Gate.
Yan Yunxi also craned her neck, “It’s been years since I’ve seen her, I wonder what Daohua looks like now?”
Soon enough, the group saw a figure clad in azure, surrounded by maids and old women, walking in.