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After Liu Qingshan was expelled from the Xiao Family, the other officials began to feel uneasy. Although they all wore smiles on their faces, it seemed as if they had lost their backbone. He Yu, sipping his drink while observing these anxious officials, couldn't help but sneer inwardly. He then turned his attention away from the group.
Sure enough, less than half an hour into the banquet, these timid officials started to make excuses to leave one by one.
Xiao Mo watched as one official after another departed, then glanced at the languid Xuanping Wang sitting at the head of the table. They exchanged a knowing smile before diverting their gazes and pouring themselves more wine. Xiao Guangzheng had put in considerable effort for today’s welcoming banquet, specifically inviting the best theater troupe from Nanping City. Although the officials were leaving one after another, it did not dampen the spirits of the main attendees of the banquet.
After all, those accompanying officials were dispensable to both the Xiao Family and He Yu.
He Yu leaned lazily in his seat, took a sip of wine, and felt a bit bored. Zhao Hezhong, who was attending to him closely, hurried over and whispered a few words in He Yu's ear. Xiao Mo Yi noticed He Yu's eyes brighten for a moment before returning to their previous demeanor as he continued to let Zhao Hezhong pour him wine. By the time this song and dance performance reached its conclusion, He Yu's wine jug was nearly empty.
He stood up, seemingly brushing his sleeves, and said, "I think this banquet should end here; I will take my leave first."
The others quickly stood up in agreement, and He Yu smiled as he nodded. He then ignored their voices and walked out of the Bamboo Green Pavilion without looking back.
This left everyone behind exchanging glances.
Xiao Mo Yi frowned slightly.
In preparation for Prince He Yu's arrival, the residence had gone all out; the intricately carved hanging lanterns that usually served as mere decoration were all lit today, making the entire Xiao Residence shine brightly.
Xiao Yao walked along the stone path with Yun Yue and Yun Bi. Although the scenery around them was familiar, it appeared different under the glow of candlelight and lanterns, making it feel less dull. Moreover, just thinking about how Liu Mian had been driven out by He Yu made Xiao Yao feel even more relieved.
As they walked, they suddenly heard the music from Bamboo Green Pavilion stop not far away. The three paused for a moment, and Xiao Yao speculated, "Could it be that the banquet has ended?"
"Is that really possible?" Yun Yue asked, somewhat incredulous. "It's only been about an hour; the welcoming banquet for the prince shouldn't be over this quickly, right?"
"Perhaps the prince is busy with something, which is why the performances have stopped," Yun Bi also felt that it was indeed too early for the banquet to have ended.
Xiao Yao stood in place, thinking for a moment, then said, "I think we should head back to avoid any unexpected situations."
After all, she had claimed to be unwell and should be resting in her room at this time. What was she doing wandering around outside? If someone were to see her, they might think she was deliberately avoiding Xuanping Wang. If rumors spread about the Xiao Family because of this, it would not be beneficial for either the Xiao Family or Elder Brother's future career.
Yun Yue and Yun Bi, being Xiao Yao's maids, naturally had no objections. The three turned around and planned to head back.
However, things often do not go as one wishes; sometimes what one fears comes even closer. The three walked quickly back but had not gone far when they noticed some figures not far away. Xiao Yao's heart skipped a beat, and she stopped in her tracks.
"Who is over there?" Yun Yue mustered her courage to ask.
The three of them stood under the light, unable to see clearly into the unlit area. It was hard to even determine how many people were there. The figures across from them seemed unwilling to answer; they only let out a soft laugh.
This laughter made Xiao Yao feel uneasy, but then she thought about how this was her home. There were very few people who would act so recklessly without considering her position as Sister Xiao. After running through a few thoughts in her mind, Xiao Yao calmed down somewhat. She steadied herself and said, "Even if the prince wants to play ghost games, he shouldn't pick on us weak women. If something truly frightening were to happen, what would we do?"
The mention of the prince made Yun Yue and Yun Bi's faces turn pale instantly. Yun Bi gently tugged at Xiao Yao's sleeve, but Xiao Yao remained oblivious as she looked at the figures across from them.
Sure enough, another soft laugh came from the darkness, followed by a voice saying, "As expected of the young lady of the Xiao Residence; so perceptive."
Xiao Yao smiled faintly and replied, "Your Highness flatters me. Aside from my father and brothers, the only one who can stand here so casually without greeting me is you. For such a simple matter, Your Highness praising me for being perceptive is quite an embarrassment for a humble girl."
"Unexpectedly, Sister Xiao is not only beautiful, but also so eloquent," He Yu said as he stepped out of the darkness.
It was only at this moment that Xiao Yao finally saw what this prince looked like. His skin was quite fair, and even in the candlelight, it highlighted his red lips and white teeth. He had his hair tied up high, and his eyebrows were slightly arched, giving him an unintentional air of charm.
At this moment, a phrase suddenly appeared in Xiao Yao's mind, one she didn't know where she had seen it: "Which young man, dressed in fine clothes and riding a spirited horse, with a charming demeanor." Such a handsome face should not waste its beauty on frivolity and indulgence.
Seeing Xiao Yao staring at him, He Yu felt a stir in his heart. Although he knew she was merely surprised by his looks upon their first meeting, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. When someone is pleased with themselves, they often become cheeky. "What? Are you so taken aback by my beauty? I wonder if you would consider dedicating yourself to me?"
As soon as these words left his mouth, the prince, who had seemed like an immortal before, instantly transformed into a peacock with its feathers spread out.
Xiao Yao looked him up and down, starting from He Yu's head down to his feet. She then clicked her tongue twice and surprisingly offered a deep bow to He Yu, smiling brightly as she said, "The Xiao Family is merely a merchant family; how could we possibly aspire to such a noble position as that of the prince? A woman would never dare to hope for such things. I hope the prince will refrain from such jokes in the future."
Upon hearing this, He Yu's eyes flashed with an obscure light, but it was too quick for Xiao Yao to catch.
He Yu then laughed aloud, putting on an interested expression. "I didn't expect Sister Xiao to be so sharp-tongued. It seems my days in Nanping won't be boring after all."
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