Chapter 296: What Gift to Give?

Chapter 296: What Gift to Give?

As Princess Jianing left Duke Duan's residence, she saw her brother Li Jinghao waiting at the entrance. Seeing her come out, Li Jinghao quickly approached and asked anxiously, "How did it go?"

Princess Jianing smiled, "He has agreed."

Li Jinghao breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good as long as he has agreed."

Princess Jianing had not allowed him to join the discussion with Duke Duan, which had left him quite worried, so he had no choice but to wait anxiously at the door.

"Let's go," said Princess Jianing as she walked forward. Li Jinghao followed with a smile, whispering, "I think the Crown Prince Xiao is quite admirable, and the Duke of Dingguo's household is very respectable."

Although he was reluctant to part with his sister, he was well aware that with such a father, it was better for his sister to marry into a good family sooner rather than later.

"How so?" asked Princess Jianing.

Li Jinghao replied without hesitation, "He's handsome."

Princess Jianing laughed heartily upon hearing this. Indeed, Xiao Yuchen's most prominent feature was his looks. But then again, who doesn't like someone attractive? And he wasn't lacking in other aspects either.

Seeing her happy, Li Jinghao also laughed along.

The next day, Princess Jianing visited the residence of the old Duke of Liguo again, informing the old Duchess that Duke Duan had consented to the marriage. The old Duchess asked, "Why did he suddenly change his mind? What did you do?"

She was worried that Princess Jianing had agreed to some indecent requests from Duke Duan.

This time, Princess Jianing did not hide the truth, "I told him that if he did not agree to this marriage, I would reveal the affair about him being cuckolded."

The old Duchess was taken aback for a moment, then slapped the table and exclaimed, "Good, that's exactly what you should do."

"You don't need to worry. I know what I'm doing," Princess Jianing said, leaning her head on the Duchess's shoulder.

Tears welled up in the eyes of the old Duchess, "My dear child, you are so clever; you will surely lead a good life in the future."

Princess Jianing smiled; she also believed she could lead a good life.

"It's just that I heard," the old Duchess said hesitantly, "that previously Xiao Yuchen had a childhood sweetheart. When her family fell into disgrace, he hid her away. There was quite a commotion over it last year."

After hearing this, Princess Jianing was silent for a while before saying, "I've heard about it too. But that's all in the past. Besides, how many men in this world can remain faithful to one woman? Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

She did have a good impression of Xiao Yuchen, but it hadn't reached the point where her whole heart was devoted to him. If their relationship were to succeed, she would be wholly committed. However, if Xiao Yuchen dared to disrespect her and favor a concubine over his wife, she would not suffer in silence.

"Your words reassure me," the old Duchess of Liguo patted her hand, "As the mistress of a household, the last thing you should be preoccupied with is romantic love. I've inquired about Xiao Yuchen; his quarters are pristine, without a single concubine. The Duke of Dingguo respects his wife greatly and has no mistresses or concubines, so you're set for a good life ahead."

Princess Jianing's cheeks flushed slightly, "I understand."

"Then let us visit the Duke of Dingguo's residence tomorrow to give our response. I'll rest easy once your betrothal is settled," the old Duchess suggested.

"Alright," Princess Jianing murmured softly.

…………

That afternoon, Tang Shuyi received a note from the old Duchess, mentioning that Princess Jianing would also visit. She summoned Xiao Yuchen and said, "Tomorrow, Princess Jianing and the old Duchess will visit, presumably to consent to the marriage."

A spontaneous smile tugged at Xiao Yuchen's lips as he replied, "Mother, you have worked hard."

Tang Shuyi gave him a sideways glance, "Princess Jianing will also be here tomorrow. Would you like to meet her?"

Xiao Yuchen felt a bit shy but responded, "That... would be acceptable."

Unable to suppress her amusement, Tang Shuyi teased, "Shouldn't you prepare something, then?"

Xiao Yuchen was puzzled, "Prepare what?"

Tang Shuyi felt like facepalming. Despite his experience with love, he seemed clueless. She hinted, "Naturally, a gift for Princess Jianing."

Xiao Yuchen paused, realization dawning. He had never considered it. His previous gifts to Liu Biqin were necessities because she depended on him. Even with his engagement to Wu Jingyun, he hadn't given her any personal gifts.

"I'll prepare as soon as I return," Xiao Yuchen promptly declared.

Tang Shuyi hummed in approval, then added thoughtfully, "You and Princess Jianing have shared hardships. You know her well. Such a fine lady deserves your utmost care."

"Understood, mother. I will treat her well," Xiao Yuchen affirmed earnestly.

His fondness for Princess Jianing stemmed from their shared ordeal. He vividly remembered her composure and calm during their captivity in the bandit stronghold.

"If you intend to treat someone well, you should forget the past," Tang Shuyi advised.

Xiao Yuchen nodded seriously, though slightly embarrassed, "I can't say I've forgotten everything, but the affection has certainly faded."

After all he had been through, he knew Liu Biqin's feelings for him were insubstantial; her involvement with him was more utilitarian than emotional.

Tang Shuyi felt more at ease hearing this and suggested, "In that case, it's best not to keep relics of the past. Dispose of them."

Xiao Yuchen understood her meaning, "The son has already taken care of it."

"Yes, only sincerity can beget sincerity," Tang Shuyi said softly, "If you want someone to treat you well, you must give first. If you want them to be sincere with you, you must be sincere with them first."

Xiao Yuchen nodded seriously once again, "The son understands."

Tang Shuyi smiled and waved her hand, "Then go prepare. Whatever you need, just pick it from the storeroom."

"Alright."

Xiao Yuchen rose to take his leave, pondering what gift to present to Princess Jia Ning as he walked. Upon reaching the front courtyard, he ran into Xiao Huai, who had just returned from outside. Xiao Huai was so distracted that he couldn't even walk straight, prompting Xiao Yuchen to ask, "What's the matter with you?"

Xiao Yuchen didn't hide anything from him and shared the whole matter, then added, "The son is thinking about what gift to give."

As he spoke, a tinge of shyness crept into his voice. Then it struck him that his father, who had yet to receive forgiveness from his mother for his mistake, should perhaps be the one giving a gift.

"Has father given mother a gift yet?" he inquired.

Xiao Huai was taken aback. He really hadn't. He thought for a moment and then asked, "What do you plan to gift?"

Xiao Yuchen shook his head, "The son hasn't decided yet. Mother suggested I pick something from the storeroom."

Xiao Huai's brows furrowed slightly. While Xiao Yuchen could pick a gift from the storeroom, he couldn't. To some extent, half of the items there belonged to his wife. He certainly couldn't gift her something that was already hers.

Moreover, he didn't have anything presentable at hand. The jewels obtained from conquering the Rouli Kingdom had been directly stored away by his wife upon his return, and the subsequent rewards from the emperor were also placed in storage. He might not be penniless, but he certainly didn't have much wealth on him.

After some thought, he decided the only option was to take something from the Wangfu of Xiaoyao.