Betrothal gifts?

This young man moves so quickly.

Upon hearing the guard’s announcement outside, Bai Cha immediately stood up, making a move to walk outside.

On the sickbed, National Preceptor An couldn’t help but lift his blanket, supporting his body as he got off the bed and followed Bai Cha outside.

After opening the door, they were greeted by Yun Lianqing’s face—a smile that could captivate everyone.

Yun Lianqing had only taken about an hour to come and go, but when he returned to the National Preceptor’s mansion this time, he had specially changed his attire. He had replaced his previous light-colored brocade with an ice-blue cloud-patterned brocade robe. His dark hair was tied up with a jade crown, displaying his dignified and elegant demeanor.

Upon seeing Bai Cha, Yun Lianqing was stunned for a moment before quickly recovering. He bent at the waist and gave a respectful bow to Bai Cha, “This junior pays respect to Uncle Bai.”

Originally, Yun Lianqing had wanted to address him as Senior Bai, but that title seemed too formal, so he changed it to Uncle.

Bai Cha examined Yun Lianqing’s appearance and, seeing that he truly had the handsome features as rumored, felt reassured. After all, his daughter was as beautiful as a celestial being, and he wouldn’t be at ease if she were matched with someone of poor appearance.

…

…

National Preceptor An ignored this family recognition scene, his gaze falling on the vast spread of red items behind Yun Lianqing. He couldn’t help but exclaim softly as he walked forward a few steps.

The betrothal gifts that Yun Lianqing had brought were, without exaggeration, filling the entire front hall and the pathways of the rear garden of the National Preceptor’s mansion. There was barely any space to set foot, as betrothal gifts occupied every spot.

Those who knew would understand these betrothal gifts were for Bai Qinghuan.

Those who didn’t know might think he and this Crown Prince had some relationship.

Meanwhile, Mu Yunjin and the others, who had been playing chess and chatting in the pavilion, came over after seeing Yun Lianqing’s grand display. Now, looking at the numerous large boxes, they were all as shocked as National Preceptor An and his group.

“What’s going on here? Is someone getting married?” Mu Yunjin casually picked up a jade ruyi scepter and, after examining its quality, knew it was of superior grade.

“It’s me,” Yun Lianqing responded. Due to the presence of Bai Cha, his future father-in-law, he didn’t dare to refer to himself as “This Crown Prince.”

Mu Yunjin raised an eyebrow, glancing at Chu Li beside her. The two understood each other without words and stood to the side, watching the show.

“When I returned to the palace earlier, I heard Father Emperor mention that seventeen years ago, he had arranged a marriage between Uncle Bai’s daughter and me. Upon hearing this, I immediately prepared these betrothal gifts and brought them here. I hope Uncle Bai can entrust his precious daughter to me with peace of mind. I will certainly take good care of Qinghuan.”

“If Uncle Bai feels these betrothal gifts are insufficient, I can prepare more. As long as Uncle Bai gives Qinghuan to me in marriage, I am willing to do anything.”

Yun Lianqing spoke with utmost sincerity, bowing at a ninety-degree angle to show his earnestness.

Bai Qinghuan happened to arrive at the National Preceptor’s mansion at this moment, intending to find her father. As she approached, she just happened to hear Yun Lianqing’s words, causing her footsteps to halt in place as she slightly furrowed her brows.

Among those present, apart from the three who understood—Yun Lianqing, Bai Cha, and National Preceptor An—the rest of the onlookers were somewhat confused.

Wasn’t Bai Qinghuan already betrothed?

What was Yun Lianqing doing now? Had he been stimulated after returning to the palace?

“Qinghuan, what do you say?” Bai Cha turned his gaze to Bai Qinghuan.

Upon hearing the name “Qinghuan,” Yun Lianqing suddenly stiffened in fear.

Although he had some feelings for Bai Qinghuan, he had never expressed his heart to her. Now that she had heard all this, would she have a negative impression of him?

If she didn’t like him, wouldn’t his actions be forcing her against her will?

In an instant, Yun Lianqing felt that his actions might have been a bit impulsive. He should have first explored Bai Qinghuan’s feelings.

“Parental command and matchmaker’s words—Father, please decide,” Bai Qinghuan looked at Bai Cha, her expression calm, showing neither joy nor anger.

Hearing this, Bai Cha nodded.

Yun Lianqing, however, was displeased. What “parental command and matchmaker’s words”? If someone else had brought betrothal gifts today, would she marry them just the same?

“On this matter, I need to first meet with the Emperor and discuss it with him,” Bai Cha said, looking at Yun Lianqing.

Yun Lianqing glumly nodded, not saying anything else.

…

At the gate of the National Preceptor’s mansion, many civilians had gathered to watch the excitement.

Earlier, when Yun Lianqing had brought a large number of betrothal gifts to the National Preceptor’s mansion, many civilians were puzzled and stood outside watching for a long time. Only after Yun Lianqing, Bai Cha, and Bai Qinghuan came out did they vaguely understand the situation and gradually dispersed.

Yun Lianqing ordered his people to prepare a carriage, and he entered the palace together with Bai Cha and Bai Qinghuan.

After the three left, those still in the rear garden let out sighs of amazement.

“The Crown Prince is truly generous,” Huang Yan carefully examined these betrothal gifts. Even if he sold himself, he wouldn’t be able to afford all these.

“This boy, when he goes crazy, is quite frightening,” National Preceptor An said, and then headed back to rest.

Before leaving, as if remembering something, he turned back and said, “By the way, stop giving me those messy folk remedies. Don’t casually bring unrelated people to the mansion.”

“…” After these words, no one responded.

The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward. National Preceptor An, seeing no reply, was about to add something when his peripheral vision caught a figure hidden behind a pillar.

This…

She hadn’t left?

National Preceptor An felt a bit embarrassed but didn’t say anything. He directly went into the room.

Earlier, his view had been blocked by the pillar, and he didn’t know she had been standing behind it all along. He had thought she had already left.

Never mind, there was nothing to pay attention to.

After National Preceptor An returned to his room, Yu Chun raised her eyes and smiled at Mu Yunjin and the others. “It’s getting late. This commoner has stayed too long and should return.”

With these words, she bowed slightly and quickly left.

“Sigh, this old An is really…” Mu Yunjin glanced at the door and walked back, going to comfort Yu Chun.

In the room, National Preceptor An walked to the table, poured a cup of water, and, after drinking it, was surprised to find that his throat felt much better.

Previously, it had felt as if something was stuck there, both painful and itchy. Now, it had eased considerably, and he no longer had the urge to cough.

Could it be that the folk remedy had worked?

Thinking of this, National Preceptor An began to feel guilty. He had said such hurtful words earlier; would he have hurt her feelings?

After some thought, National Preceptor An reopened the door, and seeing no one at the doorway, sighed and returned to his room.

On this day, everyone felt that events had been quite chaotic.

…

The next day, Mu Yunjin was in the courtyard, playing with little Mu’er.

“Yi yi ya…” Little Mu’er was delighted by Mu Yunjin’s playfulness, constantly grinning.

“Oh, a little tooth has grown!” Mu Yunjin glanced and discovered that a small tooth had emerged in little Mu’er’s mouth. Calculating, little Mu’er was also half a year old now.

Hearing Mu Yunjin’s voice, Chu Li looked up in their direction.

“Chu Li, look quickly!” Mu Yunjin brought little Mu’er closer for Chu Li to see, excitedly pointing at little Mu’er’s new tooth.

Seeing this, Chu Li’s eyes were full of smiles. “Hmm, very good.”

“Hold him for a while.” Mu Yunjin handed little Mu’er to Chu Li, then went around behind Chu Li, lazily leaning down and embracing his neck.

Chu Li held little Mu’er with one hand and used the other to hold Mu Yunjin’s hand. “The day after tomorrow, this Prince will take you somewhere.”

“Hmm? Where?” Mu Yunjin was curious.

“You’ll know when the time comes,” Chu Li smiled faintly, gripping Mu Yunjin’s hand a little tighter.

Mu Yunjin smiled. “Being so mysterious. If it’s not fun, see how I’ll deal with you.”

“Be good.” Chu Li turned his head, his lips revealing a smile as he leaned to kiss Mu Yunjin on the corner of her mouth.

Seeing this, little Mu’er immediately kicked his little legs and made some “yi yi ya” sounds, his small hands patting Chu Li.

Chu Li lowered his head, gently holding little Mu’er’s small leg. “Hmm, you be good too.”

Little Mu’er pouted. It was so biased; why didn’t he get a kiss when it was his turn…

Not happy…

The next moment, the infant’s crying sound resounded throughout the room.

…

In the Imperial Palace.

“Lianqing, when you came to see me yesterday, didn’t you say you would marry Bai Qinghuan in three days? Why have you changed it to three months later?” Yun Guangyao specially summoned Yun Lianqing to the palace to inquire about this matter.

Yun Lianqing sat to the side, lowering his eyes. Hearing Yun Guangyao ask about this, he tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Your son feels that, having not been with Miss Bai for long, it would be better to get to know each other better first.”

Originally, he had been eager to marry Bai Qinghuan, but after calming down, he realized this matter couldn’t be rushed.

Because he discovered that Bai Qinghuan had not the slightest feeling for him. She saved him initially because of a doctor’s benevolence, and this time she agreed to marry him merely because of the marriage contract.

This point made him very melancholic.

“Hmm, since the Crown Prince Consort has been decided, there’s no rush. Three months will pass in the blink of an eye,” Yun Guangyao said.

After speaking, he added, “Bai Cha left the Southern Court Country this morning. I met with him, and we finally decided that during these three months, Bai Qinghuan would stay in your Crown Prince’s mansion. By the time the wedding date approaches, the Bai family will come to the Southern Court Country to attend the wedding feast.”

“Stay at my mansion?” Yun Lianqing was stunned.

“Yes, I have already announced to the world that you will soon welcome a Crown Princess. It is proper and rightful for Bai Qinghuan to stay at your mansion. What, do you have objections?” Yun Guangyao’s expression darkened.

Yun Lianqing hurriedly shook his head. “No, no, how could your son have any objections?”

“Good, that’s settled then.” After speaking, Yun Guangyao stood up from his desk and walked to Yun Lianqing’s side, looking down at him. “Remember to give me a royal grandson soon. You don’t know how adorable your royal brother’s little Mu’er is, hard to let go once held.”

Yun Lianqing, who had been immersed in a bit of sadness, heard these words and couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth, looking at his father with an incredulous expression.

Yun Guangyao seemed to feel he had revealed something, quickly coughed, composed himself, and said in a deep voice, “If there’s nothing else, you may withdraw.”

“…” Yun Lianqing woodenly nodded, stood up, and silently left.

After he left, Yun Guangyao called a guard and instructed, “Prepare a carriage. I want to leave the palace to discuss some matters with Chu Li.”