People from the second branch hurried back to their quarters to get things in order, while the main and third branches remained seated in the old ladyâs room without moving.
After sitting for a while, Yan Zhigao led Yan Zhiqiang to wait in the outer courtyard.
Inside the room, Daohua saw that Madam Li kept glancing at her from time to time, and couldnât help feeling helpless, âMother, why do you keep looking at me? Arenât you busy with other things?â
Madam Li hesitated for a moment before saying, âAt Old Master Zhouâs birthday banquet, the Little Prince lost his temper in front of you, causing people to misunderstand you and subject you to criticism. That was his fault. However⦠now that he has visited our home twice, it shows that he still feels guilty about what happened. You must not act temperamental like last time.â
Old Lady Yan also looked over, âYour mother is right, the status of Young Master Xiao is obvious. Just accommodate him a little, and donât hold it against him.â
Seeing that both of them were staring at her with a look that wouldnât be satisfied until she nodded, Daohua said helplessly, âGrandmother, Mother, donât worry. Guests are to be respected, and I wonât dishonor the Yan Family.â
Upon hearing this, Madam Li breathed a sigh of relief, while Old Lady Yan looked at her granddaughter strangely. When had this girl become so agreeable?
Daohua noticed the old lady sizing her up and returned her gaze with a smile, projecting the image of being very obedient.
It wasnât long before Yan Wenxiu led Xiao Yeyang and others over.
Daohua stood behind Madam Li, properly and smilingly welcoming Xiao Yeyang and his group into the old ladyâs courtyard.
Within the crowd, Xiao Yeyang glanced at Daohua several times, his eyes full of frustration.
This time he hadnât avoided her, but she had turned into a proper lady!
The proper ladies in other families were graceful and polite; Daohuaâs version of a proper lady was distant and overly polite.
He didnât want to see her like this at all.
After entering the room and exchanging pleasantries, everyone took their seats in turn.
Yan Zhigao chatted with Xiao Yeyang politely for a while, and during the conversation, Yan Zhiyuan would occasionally chip in, keeping the atmosphere neither warm nor awkward.
âBig sister, the Little Prince brought some freshly hunted deer meat today. Letâs have roasted deer meat this afternoon!â Yan Wenkai looked at Daohua with a smile.
Daohuaâs eyes lit up, âDeer meat?â She hadnât had the chance to eat that in her previous or current life.
âYes, yes! This weather is perfect for eating roasted deer meat!â
Before Daohua could say anything more, she was interrupted by Yan Yileâs excited clapping.
âLittle Prince, where did your deer meat come from?â
Xiao Yeyang glanced at Daohua, seeing she was also looking at him, and said with a smile, âHunted in the mountainsâ¦â
Yan Yile exclaimed, âThe mountains? That must be very dangerous. Iâve heard there are many ferocious wild animals there.â
Xiao Yeyang frowned slightly, mindful of his status, and still patiently nodded, âIt is quite dangerous.â
Daohua, on the other hand, watched as Xiao Yeyang looked impatient yet forcibly restrained himself, and struggled to suppress her laughter.
Humph, serves him right!
He deserved to be handled by the naive and outspoken Yan Yile.
âMother, where are you going?â
Suddenly, seeing Madam Li stepping out, Daohua quickly called out to her.
Madam Li smiled, âItâs almost noon. Iâm going to see if the meal preparations are ready.â
âThen Iâll come with you!â Daohua stood up swiftly.
Madam Li glanced at the people in the room and firmly refused, âNo need. You stay here to talk with the guests. I will oversee the kitchen.â
Daohua said with a smile, âMother, the Little Prince is visiting our home, and the few dishes the cooks have made wonât be enough. I will personally make a couple of dishes.â
Before Madam Li could say it wasnât necessary, Yan Zhiyuan spoke up first.
âDaohua is right, let her make a few dishes to entertain the Little Prince.â Yan Zhiyuan smiled at Xiao Yeyang, âLittle Prince, this girl Daohua has quite good cooking skills. You should look forward to tasting them later.â
Daohua rolled her eyes speechlessly at her cheap uncle issuing commands and directly said, âUncle, the Little Prince hasnât lacked for good things to eat, so thereâs really no need for your sales pitch here.â
âMy niece is cooking, which is a way to express her own intentions; what does cooking skill have to do with it? Since youâre so eager to welcome the Little Prince, why not let my second and fourth sisters also make a few dishes?â
Faced with this, Yan Zhigaoâs expression stiffened, âYour second and fourth sisters arenât as good at cooking as you.â
âOh~â
With an understanding âoh,â Daohua drew out the sound long, âSecond sister and fourth sister might be lacking in cooking skills, but they are articulate. Then they should stay here and talk with the Little Prince.â