Let's talk about something trivial—
Today, I chatted with a friend I hadn't contacted in a long time and found out she got divorced.
Her husband transferred assets and declared bankruptcy, causing a scene at both the company and home. He even withdrew all the money from her bank card, leaving her with only 500 yuan. That's how their marriage ended.
As if that wasn't enough, she discovered during the divorce that her ex-husband was 16 years older than her, and his entire family had deceived her. This wasn't marriage; it was a tragedy! They even had two children together!
Isn't family planning supposed to encourage having two children? Having two is good; even if they divorced, there would be enough to share...
Ahem, enough gossip—let's get serious—
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The appearance of Madam Ouyang caused a small stir among the ladies, perfectly illustrating that "being low-key is also a form of high-profile."
As the sun rose higher, the annual Mystical Energy Test at Solitary Mountain was announced to begin.
The young masters and misses from various families had already received their number tags, waiting to emerge from their carriages when it was their turn, avoiding standing in the sun at the mountain gate.
The children were not concerned about others' tests, but the prominent figures from each family were different. They gathered in twos and threes at the mountain gate, not only caring about their own children's test results but also observing the offspring of other families. If any exceptional talents appeared, they could arrange future alliances or marriages.
Ouyang Zixin's number tag was not early in the sequence. She accompanied Madam Ouyang back to the carriage to wait. Ouyang Hao also took a stroll around, greeting people before returning to the carriage to be with his wife and daughter.
Since the conversation in the carriage was interrupted, Madam Ouyang had remained silent, seemingly unable to muster the courage to continue the topic.
Ouyang Hao was unaware of the discussion between his wife and daughter. He casually introduced Ouyang Zixin to those participating in the test. It didn't matter if he didn't understand before, but now that they were together, it was good to know who was who to avoid losing etiquette later on.
“Dad, aren't you going to check out what's happening up front?” Ouyang Zixin showed no interest in knowing which old men were clan leaders or heads of families.
“Check? What's there to see? The National Protector's Mystic Master Manor neither needs to recruit talents nor arrange marriages; I won't stand out in that sun.” As a loyal minister and solitary figure, Ouyang Hao preferred solitude and maintained a certain distance from any family or individual unless necessary for socializing.
Dad's plan A failed!
“Dad, isn't it about time for your daughter? Aren't you going to help her take a look?”
"It's not your turn yet; it's still early. Right now, the people from Lin Manor are undergoing tests, and at least ten children have come from their estate." Jokingly, as a Guardian Mystic, if one cannot sense events happening less than half a mile away, how can they claim to have good cultivation?
Father's plan to drive away B has failed!
While Ouyang Zixin was still pondering how to execute Father's plan to drive away C, a loud shout suddenly came from afar—"His Highness the Third Prince has arrived!"
A prince? Why is the prince coming to Solitary Mountain for the test?
"Why has the Third Prince come? The princes and princesses from the royal family don't need to come to Solitary Mountain for the test..." Ouyang Hao muttered before striding forward. As a Guardian Mystic, he didn't need to kneel before the prince, but he still had to observe the etiquette of welcoming him.
It seems that just when one wants to sleep, someone brings a pillow; the arrival of the Third Prince is quite timely.
The underage prince has not yet been granted a title or kingdom; in informal settings, female relatives do not need to welcome him. Ouyang Zixin lowered the curtain of the carriage, shielding herself and her mother.
"Mother." Ouyang Zixin reached out and embraced Madam Ouyang, calling her softly.
"Mother, I actually don't have much curiosity." You don't need to force yourself; some things can remain unspoken. "No matter what your past with Father was like, I only care about the present and future. It's enough for our family to live happily together."
Madam Ouyang was taken aback by these words, her fingers trembling slightly hidden in her sleeves. Looking at her daughter nestled in her arms, she felt grateful for having such a thoughtful child.
"Whether you are Bai Su or Madam Ouyang, you are my dearest mother. I don't care about other people or matters; I don't want to care."
"Xin'er..." Madam Ouyang's eyes turned red; she never expected that after living so many years, she would need her daughter to comfort her.
"I understand, Mother. I understand everything... In the future, when there's an opportunity, I will tell you everything..." For now, Xin'er is still too young; let's wait until she grows a bit more.
"Okay, I'll wait. Mother, please stop crying; otherwise, Father will say I've bullied you, and I'll be in trouble!"
"I'm not crying; I'm just... just happy." Madam Ouyang realized she had lost composure but couldn't control herself. At this moment, upon being reminded by Ouyang Zixin, she quickly wiped away the tears that hadn't yet fallen with her handkerchief.
Just as Ouyang Zixin had comforted her mother, Father returned from speaking with the Third Prince.
It turns out that the Third Prince was bored in the palace and found an excuse to ask Sovereign for a decree under the pretense of showing concern for his subjects but was actually just here to join in on the fun.
"How boring! Instead of staying in the palace properly during midday heat, he comes here for excitement without caring about the heat." Although it wasn't summer yet, the midday sun was still quite scorching; one wondered if this delicate prince would end up sunburned.
"Xin'er, this isn't our estate; you mustn't speak carelessly." Although Ouyang Hao thought similarly to his daughter, thinking it was fine was one thing; saying it out loud was another matter entirely.
Ouyang Zixin pouted and said nothing more.
It was obvious that Ouyang Zixin was overthinking; how could a prince, surrounded by attendants during his outing, possibly get sunburned?
"I heard Madam Ouyang is here today as well?" The Third Prince of Li Nation, Nangong Tuo, lazily leaned back in the prince's carriage and casually asked.
"This year, Master Xuan's daughter is also participating in the test. Madam Ouyang is known for her affection towards her daughter, so it's not surprising she's here." A man dressed as a guard glanced at the carriage where Ouyang Zixin was, without pausing for a moment.
"Master Xuan is also quite famous for his love for his wife and daughter. This Prince has yet to see the young lady of Xuan Shi Mansion. Do you think she can hide away forever?"
"Master Xuan's affection for his wife and daughter has nothing to do with you. What if you do see her?" The guard spoke casually, showing no fear just because he was addressing a prince.
"It has nothing to do with me; I'm just curious..." Nangong Tuo rubbed his nose. "Aren't you curious? I don't believe you're really here just to enjoy Solitary Mountain."
"Master Xuan is indeed a talented individual." The implication was clear: the trip to Solitary Mountain wasn't about Madam Ouyang or Miss Ouyang; it was about seeking talent.
"Master Xuan is naturally talented, but what does that have to do with you? Don't forget, he is the Guardian Mystic of my Exiled Nation!" Nangong Tuo suddenly became agitated, feeling as if he had been used. Was he really here to help someone undermine his own interests?
"Just personal admiration." Although he had irritated the Third Prince, he couldn't be bothered to appease him. Undermining someone else's interests was beneath him.
As for whether the Third Prince believed it or not? Who cared!
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