With a wave of his hand, the Prince's Mansion's fortune exploded throughout the entire cap

Before Fang Yuhua could say anything while she was still in tears, Xiao Shulang knelt down and turned to look at Xiao Chengyan and Lu Wenshu beside him: "Brother, sister-in-law, I am at fault, causing you to have to manage everything inside and outside."

After saying that, he kowtowed three more times.

Although Xiao Shulang was kowtowing, his expression remained the same as when he was outside the gate: expressionless and indifferent.

Xiao Chengyan didn't say anything, but Lu Wenshu shook her head repeatedly: "It's not your fault, it's not your fault..."

Little Jingjing found it very strange.

Something feels really strange here...

[Only the grandmother and mother were excited; the father and this second uncle remained expressionless.]

Listening to Xiao Jingjing's heartfelt words, Xiao Yu silently clenched his fists, and his chubby little face, which he had rarely developed, also tensed up.

Fang Yuhua immediately stepped forward to help him up: "Alang, get up quickly, get up quickly."

Xiao Shulang stood up following Fang Yuhua's movement: "Okay."

Lu Wenshu also looked at Fudong beside her: "Quickly tell the kitchen to make some dishes that the Second Master likes, especially crispy pork, that's a must."

"Yes."

When Xiao Shulang heard that Lu Wenshu still remembered his favorite crispy pork, a faint smile appeared on his previously expressionless face: "Thank you, sister-in-law."

Xiao Chengyan sighed softly: "Qingshi, go and clean the Wenxin Residence inside and out again, and bring some Nanshan Red wine."

Upon hearing "Nanshan Red," Xiao Shulang added, "Qingshi, I also want a jar of 'After the Rain' Qingming."

Seeing that he still had the mood to ask for another can of tea, Fang Yuhua felt a little better: "Alright, alright, whatever kind of tea you want, I have it all here."

"Your elder brother also has some of the Gu Zhu Purple Bamboo Shoots."

Fang Yuhua composed herself and didn't say anything more. She just looked at him and held his hand tightly.

It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back.

"You've lost weight. I'll have the kitchen prepare some nourishing food for you. You look so pale."

Xiao Shulang's lips curled into a faint, somewhat stiff smile: "Alright, I'll do as Mother says."

Why did my second uncle seem a little awkward when he was talking to my grandmother?

Grandma seemed very agitated, but Second Uncle appeared quite calm.

Why is that? Doesn't Second Uncle miss Grandmother while he's away?

Hearing his daughter's heartfelt words, Xiao Chengyan felt an even deeper pang of sorrow.

That's not how it works...

Unaware of what was going on, Xiao Shulang quietly withdrew his hand, touching Zhou Rui with one hand and Gu Feng with the other.

"They've all grown up. I heard Rui'er got the top score in the imperial examination and is much better now. Your second uncle came across some rare books along the way and brought them all back for you."

Upon hearing that there was a rare copy, Zhou Rui's eyes lit up: "Okay, thank you, Second Uncle."

Although they are said to be uncle and nephew, they are only five years apart in age. When Zhou Rui was young, Xiao Minglang came back to see him almost every day, so Zhou Rui had a slight dependence on him.

"Feng'er, I heard you won first place in the martial arts tournament a few days ago and even knocked the eldest son of the Marquis of Guangping off the stage. You did a great job! I've brought you some interesting hidden weapons."

Upon hearing about the hidden weapon, Gu Feng's excitement was palpable: "Great! Thank you, Second Uncle!!"

After saying that, she put both hands on Xiao Yu's shoulders and said, "Yu'er, I heard that you have started practicing martial arts."

After saying that, he squeezed it slightly with his left hand: "Okay, it's sturdy now. Your second uncle also brought you gifts, a longsword and a dagger, both sharp enough to cut through iron like mud."

Xiao Yu nodded: "Okay, thank you, Second Uncle."

After removing her hands from Xiao Yu's shoulders, she faced Xiao Jingjing with a blank expression, her eyes indifferent and aloof, though a hint of helplessness flashed in them.

This little girl...

My second uncle is so good to my older brothers and younger brothers!

So it seems my second uncle misses home quite a bit?

But, doesn't my second uncle understand me?

It's okay~ Jingjing already knows how to introduce herself!

[It's good that Jingjing takes the initiative~]

Seeing him standing in front of her, before Lu Wenshu could even speak, Xiao Jingjing stepped forward and took Xiao Shulang's hand: "Second Uncle, I'm Xiao Qinghe, my nickname is Jingjing. Hello~"

Xiao Shulang squatted down and looked at the little girl in front of him with rosy cheeks, chubby little breasts, and big eyes. She gently squeezed his hand back.

"Jingjing, your second uncle has prepared a gift for you since it's the first time he's met you. There are many beautiful pieces of jewelry, as well as some fabrics and spices from Jiangnan and the Western Regions. I'll have Yuanji deliver them to your courtyard later."

Hearing this, all of Xiao Jingjing's worries disappeared.

[Phew—thank goodness~ Second Uncle doesn't dislike Jingjing! Hehe, I knew it, since Jingjing came here, it seems like no one dislikes her~]

A dark glint flashed in Xiao Shulang's eyes.

Is this strange thing the reason why the eldest brother adopted her?

While he was still marveling at hearing his innermost thoughts, what he heard dealt him another blow.

Why does my second uncle's aura have a bitter taste?

[Mingming, your luck chart looks pretty good!]

Luck?

Just as Xiao Shulang felt a bitter taste in his throat, the pale red magic power within Xiao Jingjing entered his body through the hand she was holding.

【Huh? Where is this river?!】

Wow, this river is huge! Even if Jingjing were to revert to her true form, she could swim in it comfortably!

[This place can now comfortably accommodate Jingjing's swimming back and forth!]

[What a wide river!]

[Wait! Why is it red? Whose blood is it?]

[Second Uncle, Second Uncle! Why is Second Uncle lying in the river?!]

Hearing these heartfelt words, Xiao Shulang was deeply hurt.

He had no intention of returning to the river, or even if he did, he planned to leave home after the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Head south, take the long river by water, until you reach the southeastern coast.

There used to be many river bandits along the Changhe waterway, but the current emperor has cracked down on them severely since ascending the throne, and it can be said that there have been no reports of river bandits for several years.

However, the river has passed its flood season after the Mid-Autumn Festival, and there will be no storms that could capsize the caravan's ships.

The only thing that could leave you lying in the river with blood on your hands is an attack by river bandits.

Xiao Shulang was greatly alarmed. Had these river bandits still existed all along, colluding with local officials?

Or perhaps they aren't water bandits, but rather assassins trained by someone in the water?

But if they could train assassins, why didn't they kill me for three years, instead of waiting until Changhe?

Wait, this child just said he was going to return to his true form?

Could this child not be human?

Luck?

Those swimming in the water, you can see their luck, are they koi?

Yes, only koi fish can bring good luck and bring about a new era for the Prince's Mansion.

Xiao Shulang tentatively asked, "Jingjing..."