"Pack your things too. It's about time for Princess Han and the others to arrive!" Gu Mingyan glanced back at Han Chiyan and said softly.
Han Chiyan's cheeks flushed slightly, her beautiful eyes darting around...
The recent incident had flustered her, a strange emotion welling up in her heart, making her feel both agitated and anxious.
"Can Jiaojiao talk to me alone?" Han Chiyan murmured.
Gu Mingyan walked to the door, his back to Han Chiyan. "Yes, but I advise you to give up any thoughts of escape. Behave yourself, and once the situation in the Northern Territory stabilizes, I will send you sisters home..."
Upon hearing this, Han Chiyan rolled her eyes at him and looked at the fruit knife at her feet. "Aren't you afraid I'll really kill myself?"
"I believe you won't joke with your own life!" Gu Mingyan turned back, his eyes once again veiled with frost. "Furthermore, your life and death from now on will be decided by me. If I don't let you die, no one can touch you!"
Han Chiyan: "..."
Why so domineering?
Just then, Steward Zhou scurried to the door. "My Lord, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
Gu Mingyan grunted and glanced at Han Chiyan. "Let's go to the main hall. I've asked the servants to prepare a banquet to welcome you sisters..."
Han Chiyan pursed her lips and followed him reluctantly.
At the same time, Xiao Xitian followed Xiao Jinheng and slowly entered the Marquis's mansion.
"Wow, I didn't expect the Marquis's home to be so beautiful!" Xiao Xitian blinked her big eyes, looking around. "I thought someone as serious as the Marquis would have a mansion that was strictly conventional, without too much decoration..."
Xiao Jinheng smiled slightly upon hearing this. "My uncle didn't do all this!"
As Xiao Xitian had said, the Pingyang Marquis's mansion was decorated like the courtyard of a noble lady's home, with flower beds and small pavilions everywhere. Even the path leading to the main courtyard had rock gardens and wooden bridges, creating a very artistic atmosphere...
Xiao Xitian hummed and asked curiously, "Then who did it?"
"My maternal grandfather!" Xiao Jinheng replied faintly.
After retiring, the Old Marquis, besides reading storybooks, also enjoyed landscaping, calling it a way to cultivate his character and prolong his life.
Gu Mingyan was often away and rarely managed household affairs, so he let the Old Marquis do as he pleased...
"Oh, so that's how it is!" Xiao Xitian nodded.
Han Jiaojiao glanced around, then dejectedly lowered her head, her mood very low.
Xiao Xinling, on the other hand, was very cheerful. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she "pitter-pattered" her way to the main hall...
As the Old Marquis's granddaughter, Xiao Xinling always received a large red envelope whenever she visited.
Chu Jiangtun, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, was thinking only of Shuang'er's pretty face.
A moment later, everyone was seated at the dining table, with various dishes being served like a flowing stream...
Expecting Han Jiaojiao and Han Chiyan to have much to say after not seeing each other for a long time, they were surprised to find the sisters quietly nodding to each other as a form of greeting.
"Um, um, Marquis, where is Miss Shuang'er?" Chu Jiangtun had no appetite for food. As soon as he sat down, he began inquiring about Huger Shuang'er.
Before anyone could answer, Han Chiyan looked at Chu Jiangtun vigilantly. "Young sir, do you know our Shuang'er?"
Why was he asking about her out of the blue?
Chu Jiangtun's plump face turned redder and redder, and he stammered, unable to speak...
Seeing this, Xiao Xitian replied for him, "Eldest Princess, my brother had the good fortune to meet Sister Shuang'er a few days ago. My brother also wishes to visit her alone today!"
The Old Marquis, who was wolfing down food, suddenly's eyes lit up, and he turned to look at Chu Jiangtun...
What was going on? Were they trying to set them up again?
Oh dear, he couldn't keep up with all the matchmaking these days.
Han Chiyan wasn't particularly fond of Chu Jiangtun. Even if Shuang'er were to marry, she shouldn't marry a fat man.
"Sister, just let them meet!" Han Jiaojiao crossed her legs and put her arms up. "Brother Jiangtun is so devoted to Shuang'er. Why are you interfering?"
Han Chiyan: "..."
She was definitely his sister, speaking so impulsively.
Why should women from their grassland marry men from the Central Plains?
Were they that worthless?
Little did they know, in the not-too-distant future, Han Chiyan would truly fall for him...
The meal was rather subdued. After dinner, Han Chiyan took Han Jiaojiao back to her room to share their thoughts.
Steward Zhou, meanwhile, led Chu Jiangtun and Xiao Xitian to find Huger Shuang'er. The three of them sat down in the warm shed in the back garden.
Because the Old Marquis was very fond of growing flowers, Gu Mingyan had specially built a warm shed for him. The flowers inside were vibrant and delicate, perfect for a young couple's date...
Xiao Xitian didn't want to come along, but Chu Jiangtun felt that his sister was full of blessings, and as long as she was there, this matter would surely be resolved.
"You actually came!" Huger Shuang'er looked at Chu Jiangtun with a half-smile, then glanced at Xiao Xitian. "Who is she?"
"This is my sister..." Chu Jiangtun introduced.
Xiao Xitian also greeted her enthusiastically, "Hello, Sister Shuang'er!"
Her tender, childlike voice melted Huger Shuang'er's heart.
She wanted to reach out and pat Xiao Xitian's head, but felt it would be too impolite, so she coughed lightly. "Your sister is very beautiful, like a large porcelain doll..."
"That's a given!" Chu Jiangtun chuckled foolishly and took his sister's small hand. "My sister is the best sister in the whole world!"
Xiao Xitian: "..."
Ahem, Brother Jiangtun, you're praising a bit too much.
"So, why are you here today?" Huger Shuang'er tilted her head and looked at Chu Jiangtun. "To chat with me?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Jiangtun's heart beat faster, and he blushed with nervousness...
Xiao Xitian shook her head helplessly and spoke for her brother again. "Sister Shuang'er, my elder brother likes you very much. He is honest and reliable, with no bad habits. He owns many shops in the capital and can provide Sister Shuang'er with a life of comfort and security. If Sister Shuang'er doesn't mind, you two can spend a few days together to get to know each other. If it doesn't work out, you can just be friends..."
Although she knew it was difficult for ex-lovers to become friends, Xiao Xitian felt that if she didn't say this, Huger Shuang'er might not know how to respond.
"You little girl, you speak quite directly!" Huger Shuang'er couldn't help but laugh.
She herself was a straightforward person and disliked beating around the bush...
After speaking, Huger Shuang'er looked at Chu Jiangtun. "If you lose twenty catties, I'll agree to go on a date with you!"
Chu Jiangtun: "..."