AFDPIRAB Chapter55

The days in the twelve months are always festive and lively, and this year there are so many happy events in Prince An’s mansion, making it even more lively than in previous years.

 

Yesterday, Yan Muning went to the palace to talk to the emperor about the matter of marrying a princess consort, and the emperor joked that Prince An looks cute and naive while pregnant, and it would be more appropriate to re-confer the title of princess consort and directly recruit Yun Jiangli as the prince consort.

 

The little prince turned around angrily and ran back to his mansion and even said that he didn’t plan to attend the family dinner on New Year’s Eve.

 

Unexpectedly, the imperial decree for marriage arrived early this morning, and along with the eunuch who announced the decree came from the Ministry of Rites and Prince Cheng.

 

Because Old Hall Master Yun and Yun Jiangli were also living in Prince An’s mansion during this period, the two edicts were sent to Prince An’s mansion at the same time. As soon as the eunuch who announced the edict left, Yan Muning immediately raised his head and smiled at the young hall master as if to take credit, “Are you relieved now?”

 

Prince Cheng looked at his youngest brother’s silly look and shook his head. He gently patted the proud little prince on the head and said, “Calm down.”

 

“Also, matters related to your wedding will be mainly handled by Fourth Brother. The Ministry of Rites has sent someone to match your zodiac signs, and Fourth Brother is the most suitable person to handle it for you.”

 

After finishing the business, Prince Cheng leaned closer and whispered to Yan Muning, “Second Brother said he won’t tease you anymore and asked you to attend the family dinner on New Year’s Eve.”

 

The little prince was even more proud, he puffed out his belly and nodded proudly: “Fine, then I’ll go.”

 

.

 

While Prince Cheng was talking to Yan Muning in the front hall, Yuchi Zhao had already peeked in from outside the door several times. Since there was nothing important to talk about, Prince Cheng asked loudly, “Shizi, how many more times do you want to walk around outside before you come in?”

 

Prince Cheng knew about Yuchi Zhao’s pursuit of Chen Tan early on and was somewhat surprised when he first heard about it.

 

But Chen Tan grew up in his mansion, so his character is beyond reproach. Yuchi Zhao has been with Lao Qi since he was a child, and he is definitely a man who values friendship and loyalty. No one in the Yuchi family is difficult to get along with, and he is really happy that the two children can be together.

 

When Prince Cheng saw Yuchi Zhao wandering hesitantly outside the door just now, he guessed that this Shizi was finally going to ask him for the person.

 

“Hehehe.”

 

Yuchi Zhao walked into the front hall with his head down, embarrassed. Since there were no outsiders, he just bowed and called out with a smile, “Fifth Brother, you saw me!”

 

Prince Cheng pretended not to know what he was going to do, raised his eyebrows, and said, “How can I not see you when you are making so much noise?”

 

The little prince naturally knew what his good friend was here for, so he sat aside with a smile, pinched a piece of candied fruit, and ate it while waiting to listen to the excitement.

 

“Fifth Brother, I, I have something I want to ask you today. I hope Fifth Brother can agree to it.”

 

Although Yuchi Zhao has always been thick-skinned, this matter is different from other usual things after all, so he is naturally a little shy.

 

Prince Cheng took a sip from the teacup slowly, then spoke: “Oh? Ah Zhao actually has something to beg me? Then tell me first.”

 

Yuchi Zhao came to Prince Cheng to ask for the person today, and it was also a spur-of-the-moment decision. If Prince Cheng had not happened to come to Prince An’s mansion with the eunuch who announced the decree, he would have originally planned to mention this matter to Prince Cheng on the day of the family banquet.

 

At this moment, Yuchi was at a loss for words, so he gritted his teeth and said directly, “I, I want someone from Fifth Brother’s mansion.”

 

.

 

Chen Tan was on duty in the backyard at this time, but he heard that Yuchi was talking to Prince Cheng, so he hurriedly looked for Chen Mo to take his place for a while and rushed straight to the front hall.

 

As he walked outside the hall, he heard Prince Cheng’s solemn voice—

 

“Chen Tan grew up in my mansion since he was young. Although he is my close guard, but my Princess Consort and I have never treated him as an ordinary guard. This child is lovable, and Princess Consort treats him like her own brother.”

 

“Although I know that the Old Prince is not someone who values family background, but Princess Consort is reluctant to let him go and wants to accept Chen Tan as her brother. In this way, Chen Tan will enter your Prince’s mansion in the name of Princess Consort’s brother. You go back and tell the Old Prince the truth…”

 

Before Prince Cheng finished speaking, Chen Tan stumbled in and knelt before him, shocking the three people in the room.

 

“Your Highness… Ouch.”

 

Chen Tan is very honest, and kowtowing is a great gift.

 

“Aiyo, little bastard, when did I ever teach you to eavesdrop on people?”

 

Prince Cheng cursed with a smile, raised his hand, and helped him up. “It’s good that you heard it though. When you go to the Prince’s mansion in the future, remember to come back to the mansion to see Princess Consort more often when you have time, so that she won’t miss you.”

 

After that, he turned to Yuchi Zhao and said, “Proposing a marriage is not something you can do just by talking to me. You must follow etiquette and rules. Do you remember that?”

 

Yuchi was so happy that he could only nod.

 

.

 

In less than half a day, the news spread throughout the streets and alleys of the capital city that the most handsome little prince of Dasheng was getting married, and the most favored youngest son of the Yuchi family was also getting married!

 

From ancient times to the present, when people retell this kind of idle talk, they always like to add some details.

 

So, not sure when the two major headlines of gossip in the capital changed their taste, it gradually evolved into two gossip trends that were completely inconsistent with the fact—

 

A group of people said that the Old Prince Yuchi was very thoughtful and actually wanted to marry his youngest son to Prince An’s mansion, thus strengthening the relationship with the royal family and forming a powerful alliance by becoming in-laws!

 

Another person said that Prince An had admired Yuchi for many years, and now that he heard that Yuchi had a lover, he was so angry that he wanted to force Yuchi to marry him into the mansion, staging the dog blood drama of unrequited love and taking it by force.

 

In order to prove that what they said was right, both groups almost set up a table in Fengyang Fang to hold a debate competition.

 

In short, it’s outrageous.

 

.

 

From the 28th day of the twelve lunar month until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the curfew hours in the capital city were changed. Although the city gates were still closed early, but the streets in the capital city were bustling.

 

The doors of every household were replaced with red lanterns early in the morning.

 

Children were running around in the streets throwing firecrackers, while those who had not yet prepared their annual shopping were walking around among the various shops.

 

Yun Jiangli gave most of the employees at Renji Tang a holiday, leaving only a few on duty. Prince An’s mansion also sent exquisite lanterns and paper cuttings, which added some New Year atmosphere to Renji Tang.

 

The entire capital is in a bustling and prosperous scenery.

 

As soon as Yuchi Che dismounted from his horse at the gate of Prince An’s mansion, a sensible servant ran up to him and led the horse for him.

 

“General Yuchi?”

 

The servant was a clever man. He saw that the man looked seventy percent like Shizi ye, and then he looked at the ornament hanging around the man’s waist and immediately guessed who it was.

 

“Hey! You’re smart!”

 

Yuchi Che smiled and boasted, then lifted up his robe and strode onto the steps. “Go and inform your Highness that I am coming in right now.”

 

When the old Steward Zhou got the news, he quickened his pace and came over with a smile: “The General is here, His Highness and Shizi ye are in the backyard, please follow me.”

 

Yan Muning was trying to get someone to play cards with him, but he lost several games in a row. He was just groaning and begging when he heard the sound of doors opening outside, followed by a deep voice: “Little bastard, it’s fine if you don’t go home for the New Year, but are you planning to take my Shao Yun away with you?”

 

Yuchi Che’s tall figure stood by the door, making the door frame look short and narrow.

 

After scolding his brother, Yuchi Che smiled cheerfully and bowed to Yan Muning: “Your Highness, are you well?”

 

“Brother Ah Che!”

 

Yan Muning shouted sweetly, and the old vinegar jar next to him almost flipped over again.

 

“This is Yuchi Che, Ah Zhao’s second brother!” Yan Muning whispered in Yun Jiangli’s ear after greeting him.

 

As the Young Master of “Xuezhu”, Yun Jiangli had naturally heard a lot about the deeds of this general, but this was his first meeting with him.

 

However, he didn’t expect that this man didn’t look as cold and cruel as the rumors said. Although he was a bit burly, but he looked honest and friendly when he smiled.

 

“Shao Yun, come here.”

 

Yuchi Che waved his hand, and Shao Yun stepped forward obediently.

 

Yuchi Che hugged him and complained, “It’s all that little bastard’s fault. He led you wild!”

 

Yun Jiangli then figured out that the boy’s “stepfather” was also from the Yuchi family. He narrowed his eyes, glanced at the Shizi ye, and then looked at the little prince next to him.

 

These two little guys have done a lot of good things when they work together!

 

Yan Muning was quick to notice the old fox’s look and immediately approached him with a smile, ready to strike first: “Aiya! Just say you are jealous, Yuan Shaoyun, Brother Ah Che’s sweetheart, hehehe…”

 

Yun Jiangli sneered, Heh, that’s not what he said when he was fooling him.

 

The little prince smiled at the big beauty in a flattering way, his eyes curved into crescents, and the two shallow dimples on his cheeks were very pleasing.

 

“Xiao Wangye, I will take my people with me.”

 

Yuchi Che put his arm around Shao Yun’s shoulders and spoke without hesitation, then raised his hand and pointed at his own brother, “As for this thing, do as you please.”

 

“Oh, by the way, my old man brought some rare supplements from the Western Territory. I don’t know what they are, but they are good for you and the child. I’ll let Lao Zhou take them, you can use them. Take good care of the child!”

 

Yuchi Che pointed at the little prince’s round belly with his eyes and spoke casually, as if he was not surprised at all that the boy was pregnant.

 

Yan Muning smiled and thanked him. The group of people were chatting excitedly about the family dinner to be held in the palace the day after tomorrow when someone came from the front yard to report that Shopkeeper Jiang from Renji Tang had arrived.

 

Yun Jiangli frowned. Why did Jian Shuang suddenly come to the mansion at this time?

 

.

 

Before closing the city gate today, Jian Shuang received an urgent message from his brothers in “Xue Zhu”. He glanced at it hurriedly and did not dare to delay any longer. He closed the door of Renji Tang early and went to Prince An’s Mansion.

 

When passing by a candied fruit shop, he picked up some novel types of candied fruits to bring to his little prince, who loves sweets.

 

“Your Highness, Young Hall Master.”

 

Jian Shuang had been here several times and was familiar with the people in Prince An’s mansion. He looked up and saw that there were other people in the mansion. He hesitated and bowed first: “Shizi ye.”

 

“Your Highness, this is what I just bought. I tried it a few days ago, and it tastes good. Xiao Wangye can try it.”

 

In front of so many people, Jian Shuang didn’t dare to tell them the news, so he had to hand over the candied fruit in his hand first.

 

Yan Muning happily took it and secretly glanced at Yun Jiangli.

 

There are two meanings behind the little prince’s furtive glance. One is that he ate too many sweets in the past two days and had a toothache. His princess consort was very strict and did not allow him to eat candied fruit.

 

The other one is a man as sharp as him. He knew that Jian Shuang came suddenly at this time, so there must be something wrong. He wanted to see what Yun Jiangli meant.

 

“But is there something going on at Renji Tang? There’s no one in the next room right now. Ah Li, why don’t you go over there and talk? Don’t disturb me while I’m playing cards.” The little prince acted coquettishly and found an excuse for Yun Jiangli, allowing the two of them to talk alone.

 

Unexpectedly, within half an incense stick’s time, the two of them came back again.

 

Yan Muning narrowed his eyes and looked over. Although Yun Jiangli still had that indifferent look, the little prince could see some different emotions in him.

 

“General, may I have a moment to talk?” Yun Jiangli directly spoke to Yuchi Che in a deep voice.

 

Yuchi Che was stunned. He didn’t expect that Yun Jiangli was looking for him.

 

Yan Muning reacted faster. He just waved his hand and asked Shiyi, who was waiting on the side, to lead everyone else in the room to leave. Even Shao Yun took the initiative to follow him out of the room.

 

The room, which was noisy just now, suddenly became much quieter, with only five people left.

 

“Ah Li, I have already told Shiyi to guard the mansion, no one will come.”

 

The little prince put away his smile and said seriously.

 

Yun Jiangli nodded, but still spoke in a low voice: “Jian Shuang just brought news that Chao Shang’s whereabouts have been found. He did not go to the western border but appeared in the northern border area.”

 

After hearing this, the faces of the people in the room darkened.

 

The northern border, then the Wu family must be involved.

 

“After entering the northern border, Chao Shang had someone pick him up. My people fought him once but failed. However, this was found on the two injured and dead people who picked him up—”

 

Yun Jiangli handed a piece of paper to the general.

 

Yan Muning and Yuchi Zhao leaned over to take a look, and the little prince turned to Yun Jiangli in surprise and said, “This, didn’t this tattoo pattern…”

 

Yun Jiangli nodded slightly: “Yes, it’s the same assassin as in Jinzhou.”

 

After saying that, he turned around and asked Yuchi Che, “This is what I wanted to ask the General just now. Has the General ever seen this tattoo?”

 

Yuchi Che frowned and thought for a while before saying, “This tattoo… I have seen something similar before, but it is not exactly the same as this one. It seems to be an assassination organization in the area where the Hunan-Lianhe and Yunnan-QinhuangDao borders are.”

 

“One more thing. I got the news that the Wu family spent a lot of gold and silver to buy a batch of weapon blueprints from the east at a high price.”

 

Yun Jiangli said while soothing and pinching Yan Muning’s palm.

 

“That old thing from the Wu family has become more and more confused over the years.”

 

Yuchi Che sneered, “I heard from my father that two days ago at the morning court session, that old thing was still nitpicking and making unreasonable demands on the court. It seems that the Wu family will not stop until they get themselves killed!”

 

Yun Jiangli sighed, “I will let Jian Shuang report this to Prince Cheng later. I also want to trouble the General to talk to the Old Prince. Although I can get the news, but I am definitely not as clear as you and the Old Prince about the types and costs of military weapons. As for the Wu family, we must not take it lightly at this time.”

 

Yuchi Che responded generously, “Don’t worry, Young Hall Master. I will go back and discuss this with my father. However, it is the New Year, and the old man from the Wu family is also in the capital. There shouldn’t be any trouble in the north for the time being.”

 

“I hope so.”

 

Yun Jiangli has always been cautious by nature. Perhaps it was because he saw the tattoo of the assassin today and found that he was an accomplice of the people who had hurt the little prince before, but he always felt a little uneasy at the moment.

 

The few of them stopped talking and didn’t chat any more.

 

Yuchi Che brought Shao Yun back to the Prince’s Mansion. Jian Shuang had already taken the little prince’s token and went straight to Prince Cheng’s Mansion. With Prince An’s token, a lot of trouble would be saved.

 

The general originally wanted to take his brother back with him, but Yuchi Zhao kept procrastinating for a long time, saying that he would take Chen Tan back early tomorrow morning. In fact, he was just afraid that he would be picked up by his father to practice martial arts before dawn tomorrow.

 

After seeing the guests off, the little prince was no longer in the mood to play around. After returning to the bedroom with Yun Jiangli, he has been feeling listless.

 

.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

Yun Jiangli stood beside the couch, stretched out a finger, and poked the tip of the little prince’s nose, then leaned over to look at the man who was sitting on the couch with his head down and looking depressed. “Why are you suddenly in a bad mood?”

 

The little prince looked up at him, raised his hands to wrap around the big beauty’s waist, buried his face in his waist, and said in a muffled voice, “You have investigated so many things, is there any danger?”

 

Yun Jiangli felt so soft in his heart when he heard the youth’s deep worry. Even his brows, which had been stern since he got the news, softened a little.

 

He raised his hand and gently stroked the youth’s soft hair, soothing him, “No, I’m in front of you every day, where can there be danger? Don’t worry.”

 

The little prince has had a good appetite recently, but it seems that all the food he ate went to the child, and he himself is still a little thin. Looking at him from behind, one can’t tell that he is pregnant.

 

At the moment, the little prince is hugging Yun Jiangli in this position, with his bulging belly resting on his legs. The child moves occasionally, and his presence is very strong.

 

“Why is the child so active?”

 

Yun Jiangli wanted to divert the little prince’s attention and make him happy, so he stroked the youth’s thin shoulders and said with a smile.

 

“Well, maybe… it’s just like me.”

 

Yan Muning still didn’t raise his head, and the sound of his hair being muffled by the fabric came out.

 

Yun Jiangli laughed out loud: “So you also know that you are active?”

 

The little prince rarely lost his temper because of the big beauty’s joke. He raised his head, blinked, and said coquettishly, “Ah Li, my waist is sore and my stomach is heavy… I feel uncomfortable.”

 

Yun Jiangli leaned over and hugged him with some distress: “Thank you for your hard work, Ningning. Take a bath first, and then I’ll give you a massage, alright?”

 

There were also some herbs boiled in the water that Yan Muning took a bath in. He was originally thin, and as the child grew up, the skin and flesh around his waist and abdomen would feel more and more painful.

 

Yun Jiangli tried many methods to help him relieve the discomfort during pregnancy. The herbs in the bath water could help him relieve the pain in his skin and lower back.

 

At this moment, the little prince had been taken out of the bathtub by Yun Jiangli. He had changed into soft undergarments and was being held in his arms while his belly was being gently rubbed.

 

“There’s still a long time to go, how big will he grow?” Yan Muning looked at his belly, which seemed to be inflated recently, and asked Yun Jiangli with a frown.

 

Yun Jiangli raised his hand and gestured, “About this size.”

 

The little prince was stunned: “No, no way, right! I will be broken!”

 

Yun Jiangli smiled and kissed the tip of the youth’s ear: “You won’t be broken.”

 

Then he leaned against his cheek and whispered, “After all… my Ningning is so amazing… He complains that he’s going to break down every time, isn’t he… huh? Do you think it’s true?”

 

The little prince had indeed been distracted from the main point.

 

He was now filled with shock, as they were clearly discussing serious matters!

 

What the hell is wrong with this person!

 

He looks so serious on weekdays, how can he say such embarrassing words without blushing or feeling nervous?

 

Yan Muning didn’t say anything for a long time. When Yun Jiangli thought he had made him angry, the little prince suddenly muttered in a low voice, “I, of course, am great!”

 

The little prince, who had been silent just now, was actually just thinking about how to retaliate. Since the big beauty is shameless… he might as well go all out.

 

So after a long time of thinking, this rebuttal came out.

 

After the first sentence was spoken, the little prince seemed to think it was not that difficult and continued to accuse with a trembling voice:

 

“Then, then shouldn’t you reflect on this… maybe my com, complaining is because your skills are not that good?”

 

The author has something to say:

Yun Jiangli fell silent again. Is it true that my skills are not good enough?