Chapter 48: I Was Adorable When I Was Young

Chapter 48: I Was Adorable When I Was Young

The sky was bright.

Radiant sunlight crept through the window lattice, filtering through the bed canopy to land on his face, causing a slight itch. All around was quiet; no one was moving about, no one was speaking, not even the lively singing of morning birds could be heard. It felt unusually empty...

Empty?

Wen Ruan subconsciously reached out to touch beside him. No one was there, no warmth remained. The entire room's atmosphere was clean, as if only he had slept in it.

What happened last night...? Did he dream of something?

He opened his eyes, somewhat bewildered.

He really had been drunk, with some memory loss. He remembered getting into the carriage, feeling slightly dizzy but trying hard to control himself, not wanting to get too drunk. He remembered being mindful of his behavior around Zhu Yan, only leaning against his shoulder when his head became unbearably heavy...

What happened after that? What did he do? Did he just fall asleep upon returning? How did Zhu Yan react? Did he get angry? Did he sleep alongside? Did... he do anything impolite?

Wen Ruan quickly got out of bed to wash up, dress, and asked Nanxing, "Last night... at Prince Jian's place, did I behave improperly?"

Nanxing shook her head.

Wen Ruan sighed in relief.

Nanxing said, "I don't know."

"Cough, cough—" Wen Ruan nearly choked on his tea, "You... weren't there?"

Nanxing: "Young Master told me to go inform Master Ang..."

Wen Ruan: "Yes, we should have informed him."

Otherwise, given Master Ang's temper, he might have personally torn down the Yang family's residence.

"Did you convey for me that I wanted to visit Old Lady at home?"

"Since the time wasn't confirmed," Nanxing thought about saying it then, but considering that the young master was a bit drunk and Prince Jian was present, she wasn't sure if they would be able to make the trip today, so she couldn't make a promise on behalf of the young master, "I didn't say anything."

Wen Ruan understood Nanxing's predicament: "We still need to go. We'll go later."

"It might not be possible," Nanxing said, "Master Ang sent someone to deliver a message, saying that there's something going on today and he's unsure when he can return..."

Wen Ruan: "Then we'll go tomorrow. Today, let's visit the Huo family first and see the old man."

They were all in the capital city, so it was convenient.

Nanxing reminded him, "As for His Highness... Should we ask for his opinion?"

Wen Ruan paused before saying, "Not asking... seems inappropriate?"

"What to ask?"

Zhu Yan arrived at that moment, dressed in his usual princely attire with golden trimmings, a jade belt, and a golden crown. As he slowly circled around the corridor pillar, he glanced over with eyes that seemed to hold a thousand mountains and rivers, yet also seemed to hold nothing.

"Is it related to this Prince?"

Wen Ruan felt his heart race under that gaze. Did he do anything improper last night!

"Since we're back in Sizhou, there are some old acquaintances I want to visit. Today, I'd like to visit Old Man Huo at the Huo family. Would Your Highness like to come along?"

Zhu Yan's gaze swept over the youth's soft lips. "Is it Huo Er's grandfather, the elderly man who took care of you?"

Wen Ruan: "Exactly."

Zhu Yan: "Very well, since you've asked me, I'll accompany you for a visit."

Wen Ruan: ...

He silently looked at Nanxing: Did I ask?

Nanxing's eyes held a deep meaning: Young Master, think about last night. Perhaps it was then?

Wen Ruan: ...

"Does His Highness need to change..."

"No need."

"I still haven't prepared the gifts..."

"Lan Tian will handle it."

Wen Ruan realized that his fiancé was more prepared than he was. There was no need to change clothes; what he was wearing was suitable. There was no need to prepare gifts; they had already been arranged in advance. This was guiding him on what to do, everything had been done ahead of time... or did he really ask for this last night!

In any case, Prince Jian was more proactive than he was, faster than he was, so fast that... he couldn't keep up.

It didn't seem like he was being very accommodating or close to him. Instead, it felt like he wanted to maintain a distance. Indeed, last night... it must have all been a dream.

It was all an illusion. He hadn't gotten cozy with Prince Jian, and Prince Jian hadn't... made any suspicious kissing gestures towards him. Why did he have such a dream!

Even in the carriage, he and Prince Jian sat on opposite sides, not touching at all, and neither of them wanted to speak. Prince Jian even closed his eyes, as if he wanted to avoid seeing anything!

What a sin, what did he do last night!

When they arrived at the Huo family, he discovered that there were many other oddities, such as... why was it so quiet? This was the Huo family. Huo Er's mouth was a product of family tradition; the Huo family did business, and there was no one who didn't love chatting and gathering. He had already asked Nanxing to come over in advance to greet them, so why was there no one here?

It was impossible for there to be no one. The Huo family had even opened their gates, respectfully welcoming Prince Jian and him into the mansion. But something was off. It was too quiet, there must be something strange going on.

Sure enough, as soon as he and Zhu Yan got out of the carriage and were led by the gatekeeper to the covered walkway, moths started flying over—

Young Master Huo was dressed in splendid attire today, adorned in a myriad of colors that were excessively lavish. It was the first time Wen Ruan saw him dressed so flamboyantly, like a peacock ready to take flight. The peacock charged straight towards them without any signs of stopping: "Ahhhh Ah Ruan, quickly dodge! Your Highness, forgive me, I can't stop ahhhh—"

It didn't seem like he was running out to greet them on his own accord; rather, it was as if he had been thrown out, directly at them, aiming to collide with Wen Ruan.

His sudden charge was unexpected and from an awkward angle. Zhu Yan could easily dodge it since he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Wen Ruan. However, Wen Ruan couldn't avoid it as he was right in the path of Young Master Huo's charge, about to be hit!

If Zhu Yan dodged now, given the relationship between Young Master Huo and Wen Ruan, Young Master Huo might manage to change direction at the last moment and pass by Wen Ruan. But this would only be possible if he still had control over his body at such high speed...

Zhu Yan clearly didn't believe this could happen, so he pulled Wen Ruan aside.

Even after moving Wen Ruan out of the way, he remained uneasy. He worried that Young Master Huo, this peacock, might crash into a pillar and rebound, causing secondary harm to Wen Ruan. So, he decided to intercept him himself—

Prince Jian wasn't knocked down, but instead, it was Young Master Huo who felt like he had hit a brick wall. He was sent flying and landed heavily on the ground, landing on his buttocks with a solid thud.

"Ow ow ow ow ow—"

Young Master Huo's eyes welled up with tears from the impact, feeling as if his tailbone no longer belonged to him: "Your Highness, you're so cruel…"

Zhu Yan: "You should be grateful that my dog isn't here."

Young Master Huo: …

He struggled to stand up while rubbing his tailbone: "Sorry, I just slipped…." Then he turned around and started yelling, "Which blind fool threw the melon rind? How dare they slack off when Prince Jian is visiting today? Do they want to be sold off by their ankles!"

Wen Ruan: …

Are you even listening to what you're saying?

Slipped on a melon rind? Where's the rind? Did you eat it?

The servants actually cooperated. A group of six or seven came over, holding cleaning tools, bowed respectfully, and then proceeded to do nothing before leaving in a commotion.

Zhu Yan: …

"At least no one got hurt. It's a testament to our family's good feng shui that we've managed to welcome Prince Jian!" Young Master Huo, with his thick skin, acted as if nothing had happened, as if nothing had been noticed. He grinned and led the way forward, "Come, come, Your Highness, please follow me inside. Our old man is waiting to pay his respects and inquire about your well-being—"

However, before they could see the old man, they encountered a small child first.

The child looked to be around two or three years old, with a round head and chubby cheeks, fair and tender. He wasn't very steady on his feet yet, crawling up from the courtyard's veranda. After taking a few steps, he fell to the ground with a thud. He didn't cry, but instead, clung to a nearby pillar, refusing to look up or get back up.

"What's wrong with our littlest one?" Young Master Huo squatted down, using a frighteningly high-pitched voice to communicate with the child.

But Little One ignored him. After being asked for too long, he grunted and stomped his little feet, clearly agitated but unable to say a word, making him all the more adorable.

Unable to soothe the child, Young Master Huo hurried back to explain: "Please don't blame him, Your Highness. This is my uncle's grandson. Today, with distinguished guests in the house, Grandfather invited everyone to join in the festivities. The child came along with the elders. Little One is still young, at that age where he doesn't know any better and isn't afraid of strangers, so he's a bit mischievous…"

Wen Ruan noticed the child secretly looking at him, so he approached: "Little One?"

Little One might have been a bit of a face connoisseur. Seeing Wen Ruan approach, he smiled, revealing tiny teeth, bashful yet adorable. Softly, he called out: "Pretty brother…"

Seeing the tears on the child's face, Wen Ruan reached out to wipe them away: "What's wrong, Little One? Who bullied you?"

The little one consented to being carried, murmuring and with a tinge of grievance, said, "Candy... dropped."

"So pitiful," the child was truly adorable, and Wen Ruan gently rubbed his cheek, "How about big brother gives you a few pieces, okay?"

He had come to visit today, knowing there would be children around, so he had prepared some candies beforehand.

But Little One refused, turning his hand away: "But then big brother won't have any left. Little One can't take it."

The child was too obedient. Wen Ruan directly placed the candy in his hand: "It's alright. Big brother is grown up and doesn't like candy anymore. You can have it all."

Little One thought about it and accepted the candy, but then he reached into his small pocket and took out a grass-made button: "This is for big brother," then he pulled out a small cloth-sewn rabbit, "And this is also for big brother," then he took out two fruits, hesitated for a moment, hardened his heart, and pushed them all forward, "All, all for big brother!"

Clearly, these were all his treasures.

Wen Ruan's heart melted. Who raised such an obedient child? He wanted to steal him away!

After receiving the candy and giving his gifts, the child quietly looked at the man beside the pretty brother—

Zhu Yan stared at him expressionlessly.

"Wah—" The child didn't last a breath before bursting into tears.

"It's okay, it's okay. That big brother just looks fierce, but he didn't mean to scare Little One. All the candy was prepared by him!" Wen Ruan quickly comforted.

But Little One was clearly beyond consolation, crying loudly in extreme grievance. He ran to the servant taking care of him, calling out for father, urging the servant to leave quickly, forgetting even to wave goodbye.

Wen Ruan: …

"How adorable the child is. Doesn't Your Highness like him?"

"Not as cute as you." Zhu Yan's expression was calm.

Wen Ruan: …

He must have offended His Highness last night!

He spoke gently: "He's just a child. Why not be gentler, Your Highness?"

"When I was two years old, I knew this trick," Zhu Yan said slowly, "He must have been craving something. His mother wouldn't let him eat candy, worried about his teeth, so he found a way to deceive others. After trying to trick those around him and failing, he naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity with the guests who came to the door."

He then earnestly instructed Wen Ruan: "Have you learned? Not all children are innocent. There are always ways they try to manipulate situations."

Wen Ruan: …

"But he's very cute."

Zhu Yan: "I was also very cute when I was young."

Young Master Huo: ...

My Prince, do you want to take a look? There are people around, starting to flirt already?

Wen Ruan: "Don't you like children?"

Zhu Yan: "No."

Wen Ruan: "Really?"

Zhu Yan: "Is it worth for this Prince to lie about such matters?"

There's no need.

Wen Ruan was just surprised. Adorable, soft, and irresistibly cute human infants, how could someone not like them!

As they walked further in, Old Master Huo, accompanied by his entire family, bowed and knelt to greet them—

"Pay respects to Prince Jian!"

Old Master Huo was courteous, even beckoning Young Master Huo over to kneel together, ensuring the formalities were observed, showing due respect, speaking with tact, and even preparing gifts, refusing to rise no matter how others tried to persuade him. After performing the full ceremony, he stood up only at the sound of Zhu Yan's command.

Afterward, it was Wen Ruan's turn to pay his respects.

Logically, Wen Ruan's current status was different; he was the young master of the Wen Duke's Mansion in the capital. If Old Master Huo was an old-fashioned stickler for etiquette, he shouldn't have omitted any steps, repeating the earlier set of courtesies. But when Wen Ruan said he would perform the family courtesy, Old Master Huo didn't refuse, not returning the bow as Wen Ruan saluted him with clasped hands. He accepted it without demur.

Clearly, he didn't treat Wen Ruan as an outsider, loving and caring for him like a member of the family.

In contrast to the solemn display when facing Zhu Yan... some things became quite clear.

Zhu Yan sat in the main seat, casually sipping tea with lowered eyes.

"I heard you're about to get married..." Old Master Huo passed something over with affectionate eyes.

Wen Ruan received it, thinking it was a book. He flipped it open casually, but the pages rolled down, revealing a folded list of gifts, incredibly long, taking a while to stop rolling out on the ground.

Wen Ruan immediately saw the items listed at the beginning, recognizing them as the old man's treasures, heirlooms passed down through generations, collected for many years. Their value was now incalculable, and he had previously mentioned intending to pass them down to future generations. Now, he was giving them to him?

And this long list, red paper with golden characters, looked so much like a dowry list!

Wen Ruan instantly understood the old man's intentions and hurriedly pushed it back. "The old master's heartfelt care for this junior, I understand. But this thing, this junior cannot accept."

Old Master Huo was anxious. "Why can't you? You just said you'd accept the family courtesy, not any other formality. Are you forcing this old man to perform a bow now?"

Wen Ruan: ...

He knew it. The old master had been like this since years ago, still the same now, genuinely fond and protective of him. But...

He glanced at Young Master Huo.

Your own grandfather, why don't you persuade him!

Young Master Huo averted his eyes, not daring to intervene, unable to persuade, and besides, there wasn't much. Just take it if given.

Wen Ruan: ...

Zhu Yan: "Accept it."

Wen Ruan turned in confusion, hmm?

"Why disappoint an elder's goodwill?" Zhu Yan's face was expressionless. "This Prince will naturally provide them with better returns."

A prince's promise, a royal son's assurance of better returns, the weight was evident.

Instantly transforming the gift-giving into a transaction of interests, as long as the Huo family accepted, they would receive tremendous benefits in the future.

Old Master Huo immediately declined. "Prince's kindness is too great, the Huo family dares not accept. These are merely wedding gifts for Ah Ruan, nothing about returns or exchanges."

Zhu Yan: "No returns?"

Implying, no exchange?

Old Master Huo was resolute. "No, these were what I saved for Ah Ruan."

Zhu Yan: "Then they can't be accepted."

Wen Ruan: "Yes, yes, we can't accept them."

Old Master Huo's face darkened.

Wen Ruan looked at Young Master Huo, who hadn't uttered a word, then at the always smiling Eldest Master Huo, and understood.

Just as he felt deeply for the Huo family, acknowledging their temperaments and family ways over the years, the Huo family felt the same towards him. They shared glory and disgrace, and the Huo family also wanted to protect him, to do something for him. In daily life, everyone had their own paths, whether or not they supported each other didn't matter, as they were all capable enough. But for a marriage, how could it not be taken seriously? The old master likely noticed that Wen Ruan's home in the capital, the Duke's Mansion, wasn't quite right, worrying greatly for him, fearing he might suffer financially, and also fearing his fiancé might have unsound character, unworthy of him.

Thus came these few tests.

Young Master Huo's slip at the door, directly aiming for him, the Huo family wanted to see Zhu Yan's reaction. Would he prioritize self-preservation in times of danger, or would he consider Wen Ruan's safety, lending a hand... He didn't know if Zhu Yan had 'feelings' for him, after all, this was a contractual marriage. But Zhu Yan was upright, his actions always measured, and when capable, he wouldn't watch an innocent person get hurt.

The child named Xiao Yao would raise the issue of offspring.

The child was chubby-cheeked and adorable, lovely yet sharp-witted. Anyone would like such a child. Few could remain aloof before such a child, yet Zhu Yan truly lacked any particular fondness. He didn't dislike children, but neither did he particularly like them, suggesting he didn't place significant importance on having offspring. In that case, would he want a woman after marriage?

The other party was a prince, the Huo family dared not probe further, hoping only to discern a little with their own methods. If the situation was unfavorable, they would figure out how to respond. If it was favorable, they would at least feel somewhat relieved.

Then there was the red paper with golden characters, the 'dowry list'.

Presenting it in front of Zhu Yan was to ensure this prince didn't look down upon them, to tell him that Ah Ruan had a family. With so many generations of inherited items, the Huo family dared to share, placing Ah Ruan in the same position as their own descendants. If Ah Ruan prospered in the future, they would be happy watching from afar, not necessarily seeking any benefit. But if Ah Ruan suffered, as long as the Huo family existed, Ah Ruan would always have a place to return.

A warm spring seemed to flow through Wen Ruan's heart, softening it, making his nose tingle.

"Grandfather... there's truly no need for this."

He somewhat regretted not consulting with the old man before agreeing to this marriage. He should have spoken up.

He should have realized long ago that he wasn't alone in this world. Many people had walked by his side, accompanying him through all experiences, be it warm sunshine or raging storms. They were all in this together.

Old Master Huo was still angry: "If you don't want this list, don't speak to me!"

After delivering his stern words, he couldn't bear to scold Wen Ruan and frantically signaled to his grandson on the side—Tea! Refill it! Are your eyes blind!

Young Master Huo hurriedly refilled the tea.

As for the eldest Huo son, he took out a chessboard and invited Zhu Yan: "With nothing pressing at hand, would His Highness the Prince like to play a game of chess?"

Zhu Yan's slender fingers rested on the rim of his teacup: "You have quite the nerve."

The eldest Huo son smiled: "His Highness is to marry Ah Ruan, so you must be an impressive figure."

Without further ado, they picked up black and white pieces and began their battle.

Wen Ruan: ...

If his guess was correct, this was also a test? Observing one's character through their chess moves, trying to gauge Zhu Yan's integrity, temperament, and depth of strategy?

Those who knew him well understood that the Huo family had been merchants for generations, with a vast business empire and accumulated wealth beyond measure. The next head of the family had already been decided—it was Young Master Huo, Huo Xuning. However, few knew why it was so. Huo Xuning was the second son, which meant there was an older brother above him. This eldest son, named Huo Xufang, was his full sibling. From a young age, he was smart and talented, with exceptional aptitude. Even as a child, he showed promise, known among friends and peers. To this day, many of the Huo family's trade routes, product marketing strategies, and interpersonal maneuverings were his work. As for why he wasn't the future head of the family...

It was because when he was young, he fell into a cold pond, leaving him with a chronic illness in his lungs. He often lay sick in bed, unable to travel far. Commerce required both talent and experience. If one couldn't go anywhere, how could they negotiate deals, open new trade routes, or uphold the position of family head?

This chess game was a silent battle, a layout of strategy within the grid, a silent approach, entrapment, and defense. Some displayed strength that could move mountains and rivers, others retreated to advance, some hid dangers in their moves, while others planned for miles ahead...

When the fog lifted, it was exhilarating!

"Wonderful!" Huo Xuning pulled Wen Ruan aside. "His Highness the Prince is incredibly skilled! My brother spends his free time studying chess strategies. It's been years since someone pushed him this hard!"

Wen Ruan had seen Huo Xufang play chess but never witnessed Zhu Yan's skills. Was he this good?

Chess revealed one's nature. With so many twists and turns in his thoughts, it was evident that he had endured much hardship over the years.

Everyone said that the Sixth Prince was raised under the name of the late Empress, personally tutored by the Crown Prince himself. He was intelligent and filial to the Empress, respectful to the Crown Prince, and had good relations with his brothers. Even when he was mischievous and did wrong, he knew his limits and never caused trouble for the Empress and the Crown Prince. Both inside and outside the court, he was praised for his understanding, hailed as a rare candidate for a virtuous prince in the future. But thirteen years ago, everything changed. The Empress and the Crown Prince passed away one after another. In front of the Emperor, the Sixth Prince killed several people responsible for these events, becoming increasingly gloomy and erratic, acting without restraint...

He himself didn't want this, did he?

What exactly happened back then?

Wen Ruan didn't know, only that he too got lost this year. On the Lantern Festival night, he and Wen Yu somehow got separated. Wen Yu was found and returned early, while he was only 'found' this year. Clearly, someone had been watching him in secret, so why...

He gently shook these thoughts from his mind, refusing to dwell on them, and instead focused on the chess game before him.

Old Master Huo set his sights on Nanxing, preparing to slip the gift list into his clothes or waistband when he wasn't paying attention.

Nanxing was Ah Ruan's chief attendant. If he took it, it would be as if Ah Ruan took it. When the deed was done, he dared Ah Ruan to return it!

Even if he did return it, Old Master Huo wouldn't acknowledge it!

At his age, a shock could make him faint. He didn't believe Ah Ruan had such a cruel heart!