Chapter 168 The Son-in-Law Visits the House

Chapter 168: The Prospective Son-in-Law Visits

Outside the side gate of the Liu Manor, an unremarkable carriage with a green curtain sat silently.

Xiao Yan lifted the curtain and stepped down, wearing a dark brocade robe with subtle patterns, a jade belt of the same hue at his waist, and his black hair tied up with a simple jade hairpin. He had no other adornments, yet he exuded an air of noble restraint and composure.

It was an outfit carefully polished, yet striving to appear effortless.

"Fu'an."

"Your servant is here." Fu'an quickly stepped forward with a bow.

"Check the gifts again." Xiao Yan's voice was low, his tone serious.

Fu'an muttered inwardly—they'd already checked three times on the way—but he dared not slack off, so he counted them once more.

"Your Highness, everything is in order."

"Mm."

Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, his fingertips tracing the intricate embroidery on his sleeve.

He asked again, "How do I look today... proper? Not too casual? Or... too deliberate?"

Fu'an stole a glance. His master, in that dark brocade robe, appeared even more handsome and stern, with a graceful bearing—how could it be improper?

He chose his words carefully: "Your Highness, this servant thinks it's excellent. It shows your status without overstepping—very steady."

"Steady..." Xiao Yan repeated, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. "Does it seem too mature? Would Uncle and Aunt think it lacks vitality?"

Fu'an: "..."

"Your Highness is in your prime, with extraordinary presence. Lord Liu and Madam Liu will surely appreciate it." Fu'an could only offer flattery.

Xiao Yan seemed unsatisfied with the answer but didn't know what else to ask.

Liu Qingci, accompanied by his younger sister and a retinue of servants, was already waiting at the inner gate.

Their eyes met, and a hint of a smile spread in Xiao Yan's gaze.

Before he could speak, the little girl Liu Qinghe stepped forward to curtsy: "Qinghe greets His Highness Prince Yu!"

Xiao Yan nodded gently: "Miss Liu need not be so formal."

Liu Qinghe straightened up, her almond eyes curious and bold as she sized up Xiao Yan, and then she rattled off: "Your Highness is indeed as excellent as my brother said! Majestic and heroic, with the bearing of a dragon and phoenix—standing with my brother, you truly make a perfect match, a union of jade and gem..."

"Qinghe!" Liu Qingci's face turned bright red as he hurriedly interrupted his sister's unrestrained praise, pulling her behind him and scolding in a low voice, "Nonsense! Where are your manners!"

Pulled back, Liu Qinghe still peeked out from behind her brother, winking at Xiao Yan and giggling: "I'm not talking nonsense! My brother often praises Your Highness in front of our parents!"

Liu Qingci: "..."

He dared not look at Xiao Yan's expression at that moment, wanting only to pack up his spoiled little sister and toss her back to the inner courtyard.

"Let's go. Father and Mother are waiting in the front hall." Liu Qingci steadied his voice, trying to appear calm.

Xiao Yan responded and walked forward.

The two walked shoulder to shoulder through the inner gate, separated by half a step—neither too close nor too far, proper in etiquette.

Behind them, Fu'an and the Liu servants trailed far behind, tactfully keeping their distance.

The corridor was long, with peach blossoms in full bloom on both sides, their sweet scent drifting in the wind like a thin veil enveloping them.

Liu Qingci walked on the outside, his gaze fixed on the bluestone slabs ahead, his steps steady, his back straight—no different from how he walked at home.

Xiao Yan's voice came from beside him, lowered so only the two could hear.

"Qingqing, do you often praise me in front of your parents?"

Liu Qingci's step faltered for a moment before he continued.

"Not often," he said, his voice equally low, as if talking to himself. "Just... mentioned it a few times."

The corner of Xiao Yan's mouth curled: "How did you mention me?"

Liu Qingci was silent for a while before whispering, "His Highness Prince Yu had a bad reputation before. I didn't want my parents to misunderstand you. I was afraid they'd overthink things, so I said some good things about you in advance."

He paused, his voice even softer, "I said you're not that kind of person."

The wind blew through the corridor, carrying the fragrance from the garden between them, thick and cloying.

But Xiao Yan felt the person beside him was even sweeter, sweet enough to soften his heart and make it itch.

The fingers hanging by his side moved unconsciously.

His gaze remained straight ahead, his footsteps never faltering.

Yet that hand quietly dropped down, and with the cover of his wide sleeve, his fingertips, seemingly by accident, lightly brushed against the slightly curled hand of Liu Qingci hanging by his side.

The cool fingertips touched the warm skin.

Liu Qingci's fingers curled abruptly, as if scalded, but he didn't pull away. He didn't clasp back, just let him touch.

Xiao Yan looked straight ahead, his expression calm, walking with perfect propriety.

But beneath the sleeve, his fingertips slid down the back of Liu Qingci's hand, slipped between his fingers, and gently hooked his little finger.

And so, the two walked through the corridor, pinkies linked.

No one following far behind could see anything—they only saw two people walking side by side, neither too close nor too far, proper in all etiquette.

The front hall was already in sight, with Liu Wenyuan and Madam Liu waiting at the foot of the steps.

Only then did Xiao Yan casually withdraw his hand, as if that little gesture had been an illusion.

But the smile at the corner of his mouth that he couldn't suppress betrayed his good mood.

Xiao Yan quickened his pace, stopping before Liu Wenyuan, and surprisingly bowed first, his posture respectful, his tone gentle: "Your junior, Xiao Yan, greets Uncle and Aunt. I apologize for the intrusion today."

The address of "Uncle and Aunt" clearly indicated the closeness of the relationship—anyone with discerning eyes would understand.

Liu Wenyuan's expression flickered. He quickly stepped aside to avoid receiving the full bow, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Highness's visit brings glory to our humble home. There's no intrusion. Please, come in."

Madam Liu also smiled and curtsied: "Your Highness, please come inside and sit. Tea is ready."

As soon as Xiao Yan entered, he had his servants bring in the gifts he had prepared earlier—box after box, nearly filling the front hall.

At this sight, the Liu couple were nearly overwhelmed.

This was nothing like an ordinary visiting gift; it was as if half the prince's treasury had been brought here.

Liu Wenyuan was also overwhelmed with emotion.

They had long been secretly gathering betrothal gifts for their son's future marriage, hoping that one day they could make a grand betrothal ceremony and welcome the bride into the family with dignity.

But fate plays tricks, and life is unpredictable.

Unexpectedly, instead of sending out betrothal gifts, they ended up receiving such a huge pile of valuable visiting gifts.