Xiao Jinheng frowned and quickly grabbed Little Xi Tian's hand. "Little village girl, you're not allowed to go out!"
Little Xi Tian: "..."
Can't she even say a few words?
"Brother Xiao Lou must have something important. I'll be back soon!" Little Xi Tian pulled her hand away, patted the dust off her skirt, and pushed the door open to go out.
Seeing this, a sour feeling welled up in Xiao Jinheng's heart. His backside felt like it was being pricked by needles, and he couldn't sit still any longer. He waddled out after her...
"Brother Xiao Lou, what's wrong?" Little Xi Tian asked.
Ever since returning to the village, Jin Xiao Lou had seemed preoccupied, unhappy, and lacked energy even when working.
Jin Xiao Lou glanced at Xiao Jinheng standing beside Little Xi Tian, his face full of helplessness. "Xiao... Young Master Xiao, I'd like to speak with Sister Xi Tian alone!"
"Yes, you brat, why are you following?" Little Xi Tian pushed Xiao Jinheng.
Xiao Jinheng: "..."
So, should I leave?
"Alright, you two talk!" Xiao Jinheng flicked his sleeves, glanced at Jin Xiao Lou, and then silently walked towards the back garden.
Kong Xingzhuo and Han Chi Jiao, who were having a romantic conversation in the small pavilion, were suddenly dragged out by Xiao Jinheng.
"Your Highness, do you have any instructions?" Kong Xingzhuo asked with a smile, holding Han Chi Jiao's hand.
Xiao Jinheng gestured with his chin towards the courtyard. "Go, find out what those two are talking about!"
Kong Xingzhuo: "..."
Your Highness, you have such a hobby?
Han Chi Jiao blinked her beautiful eyes and looked at Xiao Jinheng. "Hey, little Crown Prince, if you like Sweet Baby, why don't you get engaged to her soon? Why are you dragging it out like this?"
She really didn't understand the children of this era; not only were they precocious and started dating early, but they also lacked the courage to confess...
Alas, it was tiring just watching them.
Xiao Jinheng's handsome face turned slightly red, and he glared at Han Chi Jiao. "It's... it's not time yet, Princess Han, don't talk nonsense!"
"Oh, oh, little Crown Prince, you still know how to feel embarrassed? Hahaha!" Han Chi Jiao burst into laughter.
Xiao Jinheng: "..."
This annoying pest, I'll send you back to the grasslands tomorrow.
You've been staying at the Old Yun family's place every day, and I can't get rid of you. Your skin is really thick.
"Master, your subordinate will go eavesdrop now!" Kong Xingzhuo chuckled and then flew away.
In a small corner of the courtyard, Jin Xiao Lou stood in front of Little Xi Tian, looking somewhat nervous...
Little Xi Tian stomped her feet anxiously. "Oh, Brother Xiao Lou, just say what you need to say. Did something happen?"
Alas, she was so anxious.
Jin Xiao Lou hesitated for a long time before slowly speaking, "Sister Xi Tian, the weather is warm now, and the ice and snow have melted. I want to go back to find my family!"
Little Xi Tian: "..."
That's it?
She thought the sky was falling.
"Do you want me to ask Brother Kong to help you? Also, can you find your country?" Little Xi Tian looked worried.
Jin Xiao Lou had lived with them for so long, but he rarely mentioned his country...
Now that he suddenly wanted to go back, Little Xi Tian felt a bit reluctant.
Jin Xiao Lou lowered his head and twisted his fingers. "If I can't find it, I can inquire around. I... I am not from this country after all!"
Little Xi Tian tilted her head and looked at Jin Xiao Lou. "Doesn't Brother Xiao Lou like staying at my house?"
Actually, she could understand Jin Xiao Lou's difficulties. He was still so young, and if he lived abroad for a long time, he would gradually forget his homeland...
"No, no!" Jin Xiao Lou waved his hands repeatedly, explaining in a hurry. "Uncle and Aunt have been very good to me, but there are some things I must go back for."
There were some things he really couldn't bring himself to say, especially the infighting among royalty. Just thinking about it made him feel troubled...
Little Xi Tian said "Oh" and smiled slightly. "Okay, since you want to go back, I'll go find that brat and have Brother Kong send you off!"
"No, no need!" Jin Xiao Lou stared at Little Xi Tian, gathering his courage. "Sister Xi Tian, I want to take you with me. Will you... will you be willing?"
Kong Xingzhuo, who was squatting on the roof: "..."
Good heavens, you little scoundrel, you're trying to trick Sweet Baby away. If the Crown Prince knew about this, he'd go crazy!
Little Xi Tian was a little surprised. "Why do you want to take me?"
It was just confusing.
She still had many things to do in Da Shui Village.
Jin Xiao Lou smiled and said, "If we can really go back, I want Sister Xi Tian to see my country. It's very beautiful, surrounded by the sea, with a blue sky. Every day when I open my eyes, I can see golden beaches..."
Kong Xingzhuo on the roof curled his lips. "Tch, what are you showing off about? Aren't they just a few puddles of water?"
Little Xi Tian looked troubled. "Brother Xiao Lou, I can't leave yet. If there's a chance in the future, I will definitely visit your country..."
Jin Xiao Lou's expression was slightly disappointed upon hearing this, but it wasn't obvious.
He forced a smile. "Okay, I'll bring out the best things to entertain Sister Xi Tian then!"
"Mm-hmm!"
Their conversation ended here, and Kong Xingzhuo flew down to report back...
In the study, Xiao Jinheng's brows were tightly furrowed, and his little face was dark. "Did that brat really say that?"
Well, he had seen that the boy had ulterior motives towards the little village girl early on, and today he had finally revealed his true colors.
Kong Xingzhuo shrunk his neck and replied, "Yes, but Sweet Baby didn't agree to him!"
Hearing this, Xiao Jinheng finally felt a bit more at ease...
"How is the investigation you were asked to conduct before?" Xiao Jinheng suddenly asked.
If Jin Xiao Lou had been sent back earlier, there wouldn't have been so much trouble later.
The little village girl was destined to be his Crown Princess, and no one could snatch her away...
Kong Xingzhuo scratched his face. "Your Highness, that country is too far away. Our Great Liang Kingdom's maritime transport is not well-developed. Although the people sent out have gathered some information, it is all very general. Therefore, some things still need Jin Xiao Lou to explain himself!"
Alas, that kid Jin Xiao Lou was also very tight-lipped. He had lived at the Old Yun family's place for so long, yet he never mentioned his own affairs...
"Continue!" Xiao Jinheng lowered his eyes and casually unfolded a painting, which clearly depicted Little Xi Tian.
While admiring it, Xiao Jinheng's gaze was filled with tenderness and affection...
A drop of cold sweat trickled down Kong Xingzhuo's forehead. "It is said that the island nation is called Fusang. It is very prosperous economically, with thriving maritime trade and rich culture. Many insightful people are flocking to Fusang. The King of Fusang is named Jin Sang, a peace-loving, humble, and amiable person. He has a total of seventy-two princes, all of whom..."
"Stop!" Xiao Jinheng's mouth twitched violently. "How many princes?"
Seventy-two?