In the pavilion, Xiao Yeyang carefully applied the medicine, while Daohua occasionally made a remark, and the atmosphere between them grew increasingly warm.
Outside the pavilion, everyone watched as Xiao Yeyangâs expression gradually brightened, and eventually, he even began to laugh and chat with Daohua. This caused a collective sigh of relief.
âItâs quite cold; letâs hurry back to the room to warm up!â
Dong Yuanxuan spoke with a smile, aware that it didnât look good for so many of them to be standing around like this.
Yan Wenxiu came to his senses, promptly ushering everyone back inside, but he himself lingered a step behind and surreptitiously pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
Thankfully, the eldest sister had stopped the Little Prince; if they had let him storm off in a rage, the Yan Family would likely have faced considerable criticism afterward.
The Zhou Familyâs old patriarchâs birthday celebration was marred by the Little Princeâs angry departure, resulting in gossip all across Xingzhou City; even the Zhou Family themselves couldnât avoid it, much less theirs.
Thinking of the fourth sister from the second branch, Yan Wenxiuâs face flushed with heat.
He truly had no idea where the fourth sister had gotten the courage to openly ask the Little Prince for favors in front of so many people.
The eldest sister had a life-saving grace with the Little Prince, so when she helped him, his third brother, and his fourth brother to seek an opportunity to study at Wangyue Academy, it was done discreetly.
Yan Wenxiu glanced at Dong Yuanxuan, Zhou Chengye, and Su Hongxin and, with a sigh, realized this was a terrible embarrassment!
At the forefront, Yan Zhigaoâs face was also tightly clenched.
He had not expected that the fourth girl from the second branch would be so tactless, almost involving the entire Yan Family in the fallout.
If the eldest daughter hadnât stepped forward, not only would their relationship with the Little Prince be jeopardized, but they might also have ended up courting disaster.
Yan Wenxiu was only concerned about facing criticism, but Yan Zhigao considered the matter more deeply.
Political affairs were always fraught with danger, and as the Prefectural Governor of Xingzhou, he knew all too well how many were eyeing his position, waiting for him to stumble so they could pull him down and climb up in his place.
His career had not been smooth sailing, and it was only in the last couple of years that he began to see some hopeânow was not the time for a setback.
As for the second branchâ¦
It seems he would have to strictly discipline this segment of the family in the future!
Inside the elderly matriarchâs room.
Yan Zhiyuanâs family was anxiously awaiting news, after the Little Prince had stormed away in anger, and no one had dared to follow and apologize.
The Yan Familyâs old matriarch sat stiffly, casting a cold eye on the second sonâs family.
âThis family should have been divided after the third sonâs wedding.â
Upon hearing this, both Yan Zhiyuan and the Sun Familyâs faces shifted immediately.
Yan Zhiyuan dropped to his knees in an instant: âMother, what are you saying? âWhile parents live, brothers should not separate.â Are you saying you no longer want your son?â
The Yan Family matriarch huffed coldly: âItâs only in consideration of me that the eldest has never mentioned separating the family for all these years. Second son, look into your heart and tell me how your eldest brother and sister-in-law have treated your family over the years.â
âBut look at you now, how are you repaying them?â She said, glancing disdainfully at the still sobbing Yan Yile, âSuch a nice young lady, and this is how youâve raised her? Not learning the good traits, but trying to outdo and outshine others!â
One could easily guess the girlâs thoughts: she felt that just because Xiao Yeyang had been kind to her a few times, she was the same as Daohua, who could request spots for her three brothers, and so she thought she could do the same.
âYou two better get rid of all those twisted thoughts in your mind, and stop that envious streak!â
Yan Zhiyuan hung his head in shame.
If he had been hopeful before, the moment the Little Prince cast a cold glance at him and strode away, he felt utterly disheartened.
How could he dare to expect that the Little Prince would help him gain an official position?
Just then, the people in the room heard a commotion coming from the courtyard.
Yan Zhiyuan immediately stood up and rushed outside, seeing Dong Yuanxuan and several young masters returning. He excitedly asked Yan Zhigao, âElder brother, the Little Prince hasnât left, has he?â
Yan Zhigao snorted coldly but seeing his anxious look, he nodded.
One by one, the arrivals entered the room.
Upon seeing Yan Wenxiu, Yan Yile immediately rushed forward, crying, âBig brother, did I say something wrong and anger the Little Prince? Where is he now? Iâll go apologize to him.â
Hearing this, Dong Yuanxuanâs eyes twitched.
Please donât!
This girl, just stay quiet for once; he wanted to have a peaceful New Year at home.
Watching Yan Yileâs tearful eyes fixed on him, Yan Wenxiuâs recently relaxed brows furrowed once more: âItâs alright, fourth sister, thereâs no need for you to apologize to the Little Prince.â