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The entire Xiao Family was taken aback by the prince's actions and questions. Fortunately, Xiao Guangzheng reacted quickly and smiled, saying, "Yes, Your Highness has a keen eye." After that, he began to introduce his children one by one. "This is my eldest son, Xiao Moxian, and this is my second son, Xiao Mo Yi."
Xiao Moxian and Xiao Mo Yi both bowed to Xuanping Wang. When it came to Xiao Yao, before Xiao Guangzheng could speak, Xuanping Wang's voice came out first, seemingly with a hint of impatience. "I presume this is the daughter of Xiao Laoye?"
The members of the Xiao Family began to feel that something was off, but they couldn't quite put their finger on it. Xiao Yao also felt quite awkward. However, Xiao Guangzheng remained calm and gestured for Xiao Yao to step forward, smiling as he said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. This is my daughter, Xiao Yao."
Xiao Yao pursed her lips and stepped forward without raising her head throughout the encounter. She bowed deeply and said, "This humble girl, Xiao Yao, pays her respects to Your Highness."
After waiting for a while, but not hearing the prince tell her to rise, Xiao Yao felt puzzled but dared not act out of turn; she could only squat there obediently. Meanwhile, standing beside her, Xiao Mo Yi secretly glanced at Xuanping Wang and noticed that the prince was staring intently at Xiao Yao as if trying to see right through her. His gaze was rather peculiar.
After a moment, Xiao Moxian also sensed something was amiss and subtly nudged his father. Xiao Guangzheng felt it too and smiled as he said, "Uh, Your Highness..."
"Hmm? What is it?" Xuanping Wang finally snapped back to reality. Xiao Guangzheng immediately continued, "Your Highness, my daughter has just recovered from a serious illness... may I ask if..."
"Ah, I apologize! Please rise quickly." While speaking, he naturally reached out to help Xiao Yao up. At that moment, Xiao Mo Yi felt even more confused; the prince's gesture seemed too familiar for comfort. Moreover, he noticed that the prince had initially intended to support Xiao Yao at her waist but abruptly changed direction mid-air before actually helping her up.
Could it be that they knew each other before? That seemed impossible.
Xiao Mo Yi was baffled; his sister was frail and rarely left their courtyard, let alone interacted with someone like Xuanping Wang. He must be overthinking it.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yao was equally perplexed. Wasn't the prince being a bit too forward? This was their first meeting; why would he want to support her waist? This reputation of his wasn't just for show. Although the prince held a prestigious position, he was also known by another title—The First Non-Surname King of the Capital.
It would be best to avoid provoking someone like him. With this thought in mind, Xiao Yao subtly dodged the prince's hand and quietly thanked him as she stood up before pretending to feel unwell and retreating behind Xiao Mo Yi.
Xiao Mo Yi thought for a while and, considering the possibility that his sister knew this prince, naturally assumed that the prince was coveting his sister's beauty. As an older brother, his protective instincts kicked in, and he instinctively stood in front of Xiao Yao.
He Yu was momentarily taken aback by the sudden actions of the Xiao siblings, but after a moment, he seemed to come back to his senses and shook his head with amusement, no longer making any other moves.
To Nanping Prefect, Xiao Yao's actions were clearly ungrateful. The Prefect felt neglected for a long time and decided to assert his presence. He stepped forward and said, "Xuanping Wang is here on behalf of the Emperor for the Southern Tour. It is an honor for the Xiao Family."
"Of course," Xiao Guangzheng replied humbly with a smile. "The prince's visit brings great glory to our humble abode; this is the utmost honor for the Xiao Family."
"Indeed," the Prefect added with a hint of jealousy in his tone. "This year’s Spring Examination saw the second young master of the Xiao Family achieve the title of Top Scholar. I suppose your family can now rise to great heights."
Not long ago, Xiao Family's second young master, Xiao Mo Yi, participated in the Spring Examination and was personally appointed as Top Scholar by the Emperor during the palace examination. Although he had not yet taken up his official position, it was certain that his future role would be higher than that of this Nanping Prefect. Now that this prince had specifically mentioned him and insisted on staying at the Xiao Family, it was clear he intended to support them.
Thinking of this made the Prefect feel both envious and resentful.
Xiao Guangzheng smiled and was about to say something when unexpectedly, the prince spoke first in a lazy tone, "Why does this Prefect's words carry a hint of jealousy? It seems that Nanping City does not produce vinegar? How about this: I could speak to the Emperor and have you transferred next door as a county magistrate? I hear they produce vinegar there; how does that sound?"
Everyone present, except for the Prefect, buried their heads in an effort to stifle their laughter. Even Xiao Yao couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh out loud, while He Yu's lips curled into a warm smile.
Xiao Guangzheng cleared his throat twice to calm himself and said, "We have already prepared everything for the prince at home; I hope you won't find it lacking given your vast experience."
"Not at all," He Yu waved his hand dismissively. "Xiao Laoye is too modest. The Xiao Family is the wealthiest in Nanping City; what you provide will surely be top-notch. As for me, I am not picky about material things; I just need a place to turn over and some roof overhead to avoid the rain. As long as I have three meals a day without going hungry, that's enough."
Hearing Xuanping Wang say this made Xiao Guangzheng's impression of him improve slightly. "Since the prince does not mind, then my restless heart can finally settle down."
"Xiao Laoye, there's no need to think too much," He Yu said, contrasting sharply with his earlier nonchalant attitude while speaking to Prefect. He smiled warmly to comfort Xiao Guangzheng. Then he turned his head and discreetly glanced at Xiao Yao, who had not looked up the entire time. "It's not ideal for you to stand at the city gate like this. Why don't we head into the city first? It's almost noon, and your beloved daughter just recovered from a serious illness not long ago. It wouldn't be good for her to be exposed to the heat. Let's not stand under this blazing sun."
"That's right, Your Highness. You've had a tiring journey, and the family has prepared a meal, just waiting for you to return and start the feast!" Xiao Guangzheng stroked his beard and smiled.
"That sounds great, let's go!" After saying that, Xuanping Wang began walking towards the city on his own.
Xiao Guangzheng followed closely behind, with Xiao Yao and her siblings trailing after him.
Meanwhile, the unfortunate Nanping Prefect, who had been mocked earlier, was now completely ignored by both Xuanping Wang and the Xiao Family. Other officials passing by either laughed at him or looked at him with pity, making Nanping Prefect tremble with anger yet feeling helpless. In the end, he could only stomp his feet in frustration before striding after them.
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