As soon as these words were spoken, the room fell into a sudden silence.
Xie Chongshan clearly hadn't considered this angle, and his expression turned somewhat peculiar.
Prince Qin having designs on his daughter?
No matter how he thought about it, it felt like a total mismatch.
As the Prime Minister, he knew better than anyone what kind of reputation Prince Qin had in the capital. He was ruthless and cold-natured, someone who had always kept away from women. Beside him, let alone a consort or side consort, even ordinary women in the Prince’s residence were few and far between.
There were even long-standing rumors outside that there wasn't even a single bed-warming maid in the Prince Qin Residence.
How could such a man suddenly take an interest in his daughter?
Xie Chongshan remained silent for a moment before he couldn't help but ask, “Is it Zhaofan, or Jinyi?”
Madam Shen’s expression became quite complicated upon hearing this question.
“It should be Jinyi.”
She thought about it and then sighed softly. “In fact, thinking back on certain things now, I realize it couldn't be more obvious.”
Xie Chongshan’s face gradually grew grave.
“Then that truly is a bit of a problem.”
If Prince Qin had only taken a fancy to Xie Zhaofan, things wouldn't be so complicated.
After all, although Zhaofan was his daughter, she was ultimately just a foster daughter. Not many in the imperial court would view her as the true Legitimate Daughter of the Prime Minister’s residence.
But Xie Jinyi was different.
She was the Eldest Legitimate Daughter of the Xie family, the true bloodline of the Xie household, and had spent her childhood lost among the common folk, only recently having been found.
If Prince Qin had truly set his sights on her, this matter would never be as simple as a private affair between a man and a woman.
“In the future, don't let either of the children go out often, especially Jinyi.”
Xie Chongshan pondered for a long time before finally saying in a deep voice, “As for Prince Qin, we will act as if we know nothing and won't give him any response.”
Madam Shen nodded. “That’s what I was thinking as well.”
“There is one more thing you need to focus on.”
Xie Chongshan looked up at his wife, his tone becoming even more serious.
“Find a way to settle the marriages of the two children.”
Madam Shen was slightly startled. “They are only fifteen; isn't that a bit too early?”
“It is normal for noble daughters in the capital to discuss marriage at fourteen or fifteen.”
Xie Chongshan sighed softly. “Moreover, now that Jinyi has returned, the Xie family’s situation is unique. There’s no telling how many people are watching us. The longer the children’s marriages are delayed, the more variables there will be.”
Madam Shen didn't answer immediately, her heart feeling a bit reluctant.
How long had Jinyi been back?
She felt she owed this daughter far too much from all these years, wishing she could make up for fifteen years of motherly love all at once. How could she bear to marry her off so early?
As for Zhaofan, though she often scolded her, she was equally reluctant to see her go.
“I understand. I’ll start looking for good families recently,” Madam Shen finally said in a soft voice. “Sigh! Jinyi just returned; I really wanted to keep her at home for another year or two.”
Xie Chongshan looked at his wife and understood her feelings; he wouldn't push too hard. However, he suddenly thought of something else, and his face darkened further.
“As for that one from the Pei family, don't even consider him.”
He snorted coldly, clearly quite dissatisfied with the Ningyuan Marquis Residence.
“If they want to break the engagement, then break it! They actually dared to try breaking the engagement with Zhaozhao only to turn around and swap it for Jinyi. Does the Ningyuan Marquis Residence truly think I, Xie, am someone easily bullied?”
Seeing her husband’s anger, Madam Shen reached out and gently patted the back of his hand.
“Alright, no one could have anticipated this. Who could have thought their family would be so muddled? It’s not too late now that we’ve seen them for who they are.”
As she spoke, she added softly, “Fortunately, Zhaozhao didn't actually marry into their family; otherwise, that would be the real trouble.”
Xie Chongshan’s expression only relaxed slightly after hearing this.
The couple sat and talked for a while longer until the night completely shrouded the Prime Minister’s residence, only then did they blow out the lamps and retire for the night.
While others in the Prime Minister’s residence slept soundly, Xie Zhaofan had no drowsiness whatsoever.
She tossed and turned in bed, still wondering if there would be a good show tonight.
Based on the patterns recently, since that Prince Qin had given his mother-in-law and future wife quite a fright today, he should at least come by tonight to make a profound apology, right?
How could she miss such a wonderful plot point?
Sure enough, in the dead of night, a very light sound of wind suddenly came from outside the window.
Xie Zhaofan’s eyes snapped open.
She rolled out of bed, sat up, and quietly pushed the window open. Indeed, she saw a xuan-colored figure sweep past the courtyard wall, his movements as light as a nocturnal bird. After a few leaps and bounds, he landed in Xie Jinyi’s courtyard.
“Tsk tsk, that Lightwork is truly beautiful.”
Xie Zhaofan watched from the corner with envious eyes, her desire for a martial arts manual once again surging wildly.
When would she be able to have such skills?
While her thoughts were wandering, Prince Qin’s low voice already drifted from the neighboring courtyard.
“Jinyi, I’m sorry!”
The grand Prince Qin, who had been like a god of death during the day—suppressing several martial world experts single-handedly—voluntarily lowered his posture to the extreme when facing his beloved.
“Today was indeed my impulsiveness. I didn't expect those people to choose that moment to strike, let alone that it would involve you and Madam Xie.”
Xie Zhaofan couldn't help but marvel in her heart as she listened.
Isn't this contrast way too huge?
Murderous during the day, gentle and bowing his head at night. Such an enchanting man was indeed a bit hard to resist.
Xie Jinyi clearly wasn't truly angry with him, either; she only sighed softly.
“I don't blame you, it’s just that now is truly an inopportune time.”
Her voice was very soft, yet carried a hint of helplessness.
“Father is already wary of you. If he finds out about us, I’m afraid…”
“Rest assured.”
Prince Qin immediately cut in, his voice steady and firm.
“Before I clear away all obstacles, I will try my best to exercise restraint and won't bring further trouble to you or the Prime Minister’s residence. You only need to trust me.”
He paused for a moment, his tone becoming more serious.
“I will surely grant you a smooth and glorious future.”
Xie Zhaofan listened with great interest from her hiding spot, even wanting to applaud him in her heart.
These sweet words were spoken so naturally. Coupled with his status as Prince Qin, he was essentially a standard overbearing male lead. Forget the fifteen-year-old Xie Jinyi—even as an adult with a modern soul, Xie Zhaofan found it a bit much to handle.
The moonlight filtered through the treetops, casting light upon the two figures standing opposite each other. Prince Qin reached out and took Xie Jinyi’s hand. They looked at each other silently, and the atmosphere became inexplicably beautiful.
Xie Zhaofan watched from the side, burning with impatience.
“No, you two are dating and you’re just holding hands?”
She was so anxious she wanted to stomp her feet in her heart.
“Pick her up already! Give her a kiss! What are you doing wasting such good moonlight? Are you two having a Platonic love affair?”
Unfortunately, Xie Jinyi was clearly a very well-mannered girl. Even if her heart was moved, she would never easily cross the line between men and women.
Even if Prince Qin had other ideas, he didn't dare to truly force her.
Rate on N.U.
