23
The Second Prince’s heir had finally left, retreating to his carriage and returning to his residence.
However, he left behind a complicated mess for Li Yue Haili to handle on her own.
The little girl felt utterly drained.
At the moment, she sat in her personal chamber within the west wing, surrounded by her father, mother, and elder brother, all either sitting or standing close by.
The entire family had gathered in her room, as if they were casually spending time together on one of their peaceful retreats to a mountain cottage.
One person was embroidering the image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, on a greyish-white silk cloth, yet hadn’t even noticed that the eyes of the goddess were askew.
Another person was rereading the same page of the Analects, a book he could already recite backward.
Meanwhile, a third was polishing the blade of his sword with a cloth that was now worn so thin it was on the verge of tearing.
Li Yue Haili was fully aware that these actions were part of her family’s daily routine.
But on normal days, there was no need for them to do these things while clustered around her like this.
No one asked her any questions, yet the heavy atmosphere and their awkward demeanor replaced all the unspoken questions they had.
“I…”
“Your father is listening, Ying Ying.
Just speak,” Li Taixuan quickly interjected.
His tone was urgent, though he tried to cover it with a doting smile.
However, the white cotton cloth in his hand was being pulled so tightly across the blade that it tore in two.
“…” The young girl closed her mouth abruptly, squinting at her father with a smile.
“Father, stop polishing your sword.
You’ll hurt your hand soon.”
General Li sheathed the sword awkwardly and exchanged a quick glance with his wife.
He then subtly signaled for her to put away her embroidery, which had already gone awry in more places than one.
Shen Xuefei frowned and, after glancing at her handiwork, was stunned.
Her hands skillfully folded the fabric and tucked it into a box of multicolored threads.
She took pride in her embroidery, and such a mistake was unprecedented.
How embarrassing.
“Big Brother, you can stop reading too.
If you’re so eager to read, I still have plenty of books.
I’ll have the maids bring a whole set to your chamber in the east wing.”
Li Yue Haili said, turning to her brother instead of addressing her mother.
Li Zhengqing chuckled awkwardly, clearing his throat as if something was caught in it.
When he patted his chest, Li Yue Haili walked over to pour him tea from the small kettle on the central table.
Her face was adorned with a sweet smile, but her brother felt a sudden chill.
“You should keep your books for yourself, Little Sister.
Giving them to me would just be a waste.”
Li Yue Haili smiled, her eyes curving.
“I was just saying that, Big Brother.
If you don’t want them, then never mind.”
He exhaled in relief.
His little sister was more dangerous than their mother.
If she gave him a book, he wouldn’t just have to read it—he’d have to memorize it entirely, even recite it backward.
If he didn’t comply, she would smile quietly at him but refuse to speak a word.
That was far worse than being scolded by their parents.
Yet, because of her shrewdness, he had often received praise.
The books their teacher at the frontier academy assigned had all been thoroughly explained by Ying Ying in advance, so he always remembered the content well.
Whenever he got bored, she would come and chat, helping him understand the material in a fun way.
When it came to exams, his essays were always ranked first or second.
His little sister was smart, beautiful, and utterly remarkable—of this, Li Zhengqing was certain.
“You all want to ask about the Second Prince’s heir, don’t you?”
The sweet, clear voice of the little girl rang out, “Go ahead and ask, Mother and Father.
We’re family—there’s no need for formalities.”
Shen Xuefei looked at her daughter, noting her calm demeanor.
Her expression was composed, her breathing steady, her cheeks not flushed, and her eyes betrayed no emotion.
“Answer me truthfully, Ying Ying.
Do you have feelings for the prince?”
The young girl lowered her eyes momentarily before looking back up at her mother with a face devoid of any visible emotion.
She had long mastered the art of hiding her true feelings.
“He is not suited to be my betrothed, and I have no desire to marry him.”
Furen Li, her mother, was taken aback by the response.
Though her daughter was still young, she was far from a naive child.
She often seemed more mature than her years, outwardly sweet and gentle, but inwardly cold and indifferent.
It was only when she was with the Second Prince’s heir that she seemed like a real, spirited little girl.
As both a woman and a mother, Shen Xuefei couldn’t help but notice that during the two months they traveled together, her daughter appeared more lively than ever before.
“If you don’t like him, why did you accept the prince’s jade?”
Li Taixuan asked, a small, smug smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
Hmph, that annoying brat thought he could take my peach blossom.
If Ying Ying liked him, I could tolerate it, but since she doesn’t, he better not get his hopes up.
You will never be able to take away the young lady.
The thought filled him with glee.
“He offered it sincerely, and since it was such a beautiful piece of jade, I decided to accept it.
Nothing more than that.”
Shen Xuefei studied her daughter’s face, trying to discern if she truly meant what she said.
Finding no trace of deception, she sighed softly.
“If that’s how it is, then so be it.
But you know, Ying Ying, that one day you will need a betrothal.
I don’t want a daughter of the Li family to be used as a mere pawn for forging alliances.
Since you don’t have anyone in mind yet, your father and I will find a suitable and outstanding match for you.
If you’re agreeable, we can arrange the engagement early.”
Li Yue Haili’s expression remained unchanged.
She knew well that her mother was testing her.
However, the matter was not just idle talk.
If she didn’t make it clear that she already had someone in mind, her parents would undoubtedly begin seeking a match for her.“I’m still young; there’s no rush for an engagement.
If Father and Mother find a suitable match, Ying Ying will follow your wishes without objection,” she replied, smiling serenely as always.