Chapter 503 The Money Tree Sent by the Lü Family

Chapter 503: The Lucky Tree Sent by the Lü Family

After completing the imperial exams, Yu Yongliu slept for a full day at home before finally regaining some energy.

Worried sick about her son, Bai Xiaofeng sent an endless supply of tonics to Yu Yongliu’s room. Knowing it was his mother’s deep affection for him, Yu Yongliu consumed most of them, only to end up with so many nosebleeds from overdoing the tonics.

Bai Xiaofeng panicked, but Xingxing came to check on Yu Yongliu and reassured her that it was just too much heat energy (from the tonics). Only then did Bai Xiaofeng calm down.

Meanwhile, another happy occasion came up in the Yu household—Ah Wu was expecting again.

The baby in Ah Wu’s womb was remarkably calm, causing her no discomfort at all.

Ah Wu had no idea she was carrying a child until she noticed her missed periods. Luckily, Xingxing was nearby and took her pulse, revealing the happy news.

By their calculations, the baby must have been conceived around New Year’s.

Ah Wu was overjoyed and pointed at her belly, exclaiming, "Siyang, we’re having another baby!"

Yu Siyang beamed like a fool. Xu Ge'er was already four years old, and since Ah Wu hadn’t expressed a desire for another child, he had assumed one was enough, especially considering how painful childbirth could be.

But Xu Ge'er had grown up so well, and Ah Wu adored children. During the New Year, when she saw her sister-in-law pregnant again, she begged Yu Siyang for another child.

And now, it had actually happened!

Grandfather Liu had been walking on air these past few days.

While the Yang family was mired in misery, the Yu household was overflowing with happiness.

It was during this time that Xingxing received an invitation from Princess Qing'an, who wanted to come to the General of the Western Garrison’s residence to play with her.

Xingxing found it a bit odd since the Yingwang Mansion was hosting a spring banquet in a few days, but she had a favorable impression of Princess Qing'an and wanted to thank her anyway. So, she happily agreed and prepared plenty of treats in her courtyard for the princess’s visit.

When Princess Qing'an arrived, Xingxing was stunned.

The princess, stunningly beautiful, had dressed to impress for the occasion. A ruby teardrop pendant adorned her forehead, enhancing her dazzling features even further.

Seeing Xingxing’s awed expression, Princess Qing'an seemed slightly embarrassed. "Do I look good?"

Xingxing nodded eagerly. "Yes! So beautiful!"

The princess beamed with pride and grabbed Xingxing’s hand to stroll around the General of the Western Garrison’s estate.

Though confused, Xingxing naturally obliged her guest’s wish to explore the gardens.

Of course, Xingxing didn’t forget to thank her.

"By the way, Your Highness, I haven’t thanked you yet—"

Princess Qing'an waved her hands hastily. "No, no, no! If it’s about the Yang family matter, it wasn’t me who reported it to His Majesty and the others."

She looked equally perplexed. "Didn’t your family call in some favors to bring it to the palace’s attention?"

Xingxing shook her head.

Princess Qing'an’s eyes widened in surprise. "I hadn’t even made it to the palace before the royal punishment against the Yangs began. I thought your family had taken action."

An uncharacteristically puzzled look crossed the princess’s usually confident face, making for quite the sight.

Xingxing couldn’t help but let out a giggle, then composed herself and said earnestly, "Either way, I really appreciate your kindness, Your Highness!"

Princess Qing’an waved her hand dismissively. "Nah, don’t mention it! If anything, it was me who invited Yang Ruyuan to the estate. As the host, I feel rather embarrassed that you ended up in such unfair trouble because of it."

Princess Qing’an was different from some of the haughty noble ladies Xingxing had met. Though she had royal pride, she never put on noble airs with her friends.

Xingxing quite enjoyed spending time with her.

As the two strolled through the garden, Princess Qing’an didn’t put on any noble airs, instead gazing curiously around General of the Western Garrison's estate.

They happened upon several servants carrying in a thriving money tree adorned with red silk—a lucky, celebratory gift, likely sent by someone as a congratulatory gesture.

Princess Qing’an, intrigued, asked who had sent it.

Turns out, it was from the Lü family of Swallow Lane.

Princess Qing’an’s expression turned a little off. "...The Lü family of Swallow Lane?"

Xingxing asked curiously, "What about the Lü family?"

Princess Qing’an chose her words carefully, leaning closer to Xingxing and whispering, "Well, this estate was originally what the Lü family wanted... but then His Majesty bestowed it upon your Big Brother. The Lü family has been kinda sore about it ever since. After all, they do have Consort Rou in the palace."

Xingxing recalled the subtle attitude Consort Rou had shown her during her audience with the empress. Her expression turned similarly odd. "I see..."

Princess Qing’an walked around the money tree, curious again. "Still, this money tree they sent is of excellent quality. What do they mean by sending it? Like, ‘Get rich’?"

Xingxing perked up. "My Second brother is in business!"

Princess Qing’an lit up with understanding. "So the Lü family is... being sincere?"

After a moment of thought, she gasped softly and whispered to Xingxing, "Ah! Consort Rou just received a prince due to the Yang family incident. This must be their way of throwing a bone—hinting they remember your family’s goodwill."

Xingxing also understood now.

The two girls whispered and giggled around the money tree when Yu Yongbai and Yu Yongliu headed over from the corridor. Spotting Xingxing’s back, the brothers came over.

Yu Yongbai smiled and asked, "Xingxing, what are you doing here?"

Recognizing his voice, Xingxing turned around and greeted them cheerfully. "Second Brother! Third Brother! The princess and I were just admiring the money tree the Lü family sent!"

Yu Yongbai and Yu Yongliu paused, only then realizing the girl beside Xingxing was Princess Qing’an.

They stopped at a respectful distance and bowed. "Your Highness."

Princess Qing’an’s voice sounded weirdly tense, as if forced. She replied formally, "...No need for formalities."

Out of propriety, Yu Yongbai and Yu Yongliu exchanged only brief pleasantries before taking their leave.

Xingxing could clearly sense Princess Qing’an relax the moment her brothers were gone.

Huh?

Were her brothers really that intimidating?

Xingxing was totally confused.

Princess Qing’an looked flustered and remained silent for a long while. When Xingxing glanced over, she noticed the princess’s face had turned red.

"Actually... during the Lantern Festival, when your brother won that *Phoenix Holding Pearl* for you, I was there too," Princess Qing’an murmured, embarrassed. "Your brother’s... something else."