The legitimate daughter returns to the capital and embarks on a splendid life, tearing apart the fak

Hearing the whooshing sound, Xiao Jingyan didn't even look up. He raised his right hand, steadily catching a willow-leaf throwing knife between two fingers, twirling it once on his fingertip, and stepped into the main hall with a helpless expression: "Mother, is this how you greet your son?"

Princess Yi leaned back in the armchair in the main hall, twirling another throwing knife in her hand, and glared at him, scolding, "You brat, it's rare for your father and me to come back, and instead of welcoming us, you went out early this morning and haven't returned at all. Tell me, where have you been?"

Xiao Jingyan walked behind her, placed his hands on her shoulders, and chuckled as he massaged them, saying, "Mother, you can't blame your son. You and Father went to the palace early this morning. I wanted to keep you company, but you weren't at home, were you?"

Princess Yi felt comfortable from his pinching, narrowed her eyes, but still snorted coldly, "Don't give me that. Just because your father and I aren't at the residence, can't you go to the palace to find us?"

Xiao Jingyan continued working, grinning as he leaned closer to her ear: "Mother, what did you talk about with Uncle Emperor when you went to the palace with Father?"

Princess Yi, with her eyes closed, enjoyed her son's massage and casually said, "What can we talk about? Your royal uncle kept asking your father about the sights and sounds of the journey. I had nothing to do, so I wandered around the palaces, sat with your royal grandmother for a while, and had lunch together before returning. Your father is probably still in the palace playing chess with your royal uncle right now."

Xiao Jingyan nodded thoughtfully and said "Oh".

Princess Yi suddenly opened her eyes, yanked his hand off her shoulder, turned around and glared at him: "I asked you what you did today, don't interrupt me!"

Xiao Jingyan sat down opposite her, straightened his cuffs, and said casually, "Going to help my future wife with some errands."

Princess Yi was taken aback, leaned forward abruptly, and glared at him, asking, "Your future wife? Not that Zhou Qing, is she? I saw her bustling around serving tea and water as soon as your father and I returned, even more attentive than the maids in the manor."

Xiao Jingyan shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips: "It's not her. She's just a guest staying at the manor temporarily."

"Who is that?" Princess Yi immediately perked up, slapping the armrest and staring intently at him. "Which family's daughter is she? What does she look like? How old is she? What's her temperament like? When will you bring her back for me to see?"

Just as Xiao Jingyan was about to speak, Jin Hu's deliberately raised voice suddenly came from outside the door: "Miss Qing, you've arrived? It's so late, is there something you need from the Prince?"

The mother and son fell silent at the same time and exchanged a glance.

Princess Yi gestured towards the door, leaned closer to Xiao Jingyan, and said in a low voice with a half-smile, "See, she arrived just as I said she would. This girl is thoughtful and considerate in everything she does in the manor, and she's gentle and kind to everyone. But the more meticulous a person is, the more complicated they are. If you really have someone you like, you'd better find a way to get rid of this one as soon as possible. Keeping her around any longer will only cause trouble."

Xiao Jingyan straightened up, glanced at the door, and nodded thoughtfully: "I was negligent before and didn't pay attention to her. I will have someone keep an eye on her from now on. I will arrange for her to leave the manor as soon as possible."

Outside the door, Zhou Qing, carrying a black lacquered food box, wore a gentle and refined smile as she softly addressed Jin Hu, who was blocking the doorway:

"I heard that the prince has returned, so I specially stewed chicken soup and made some desserts to send to the prince to help him recover."

Jin Hu bowed expressionlessly and said, "Miss Qing, please wait a moment while I inform you."

He turned and entered the main hall, bowing to Xiao Jingyan and Princess Yi.

Xiao Jingyan had already sat back down in his chair and said calmly, "Let her in."

Zhou Qing carried the food box into the main hall. Seeing Princess Yi there, she paused slightly, then first gave Princess Yi a graceful bow, then turned to Xiao Jingyan and curtsied. Her posture was elegant, and her voice gentle.

"Qing'er greets the old princess and the prince. Qing'er personally prepared chicken soup and some newly learned desserts, which she specially brought to the prince and the old princess to nourish their bodies."

As she spoke, she placed the food box on the table, rolled up her sleeves, and made a gesture as if to serve soup.

Princess Yi stood up, covered her mouth and yawned, saying lazily, "I'm getting old, I can't keep up. I'm tired, I'll go back and rest. You two chat."

Before leaving, she gave Xiao Jingyan a wink.

Xiao Jingyan nodded slightly, stood up, and watched her leave the main hall.

Zhou Qing had already ladled out the soup and presented the celadon bowl to Xiao Jingyan with both hands, saying softly, "Your Highness, please try it while it's hot. If you like it, Qing'er will make it for you again in the future."

Xiao Jingyan leaned back in his chair, glanced at her with his eyelids raised, but did not reach out to take it. He said in a calm tone, "You should know that I never eat food made by others."

Zhou Qing's smile froze on her face instantly.

She held the bowl, unsure whether to lift it or put it down, her ten fingers gripping the rim, her knuckles turning white.

After a long while, she sheepishly put the bowl back on the table, lowered her eyes, and asked in a cautious, aggrieved voice, "Brother Yan, do you dislike Qing'er?"

Xiao Jingyan's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he corrected him, "Call me Your Highness."

Zhou Qing bit her lip and whispered, "Yes, Your Highness."

Xiao Jingyan raised his hand and pointed to the chair opposite him: "Sit. I have a few words to say to you."

Zhou Qing sat down as instructed, placing her hands folded on her knees, and looked at him expectantly.

Xiao Jingyan picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and then said, "Zhou Qing, you've been living in the manor for over two years now. Before, when I wasn't here, you could stay as you pleased, and no one cared. But now that I'm back, and so are your mother and father, it's not good for an unmarried young lady like you to live in the manor year after year."

Zhou Qing's face paled for a moment, and she hurriedly called out, "Your Highness..."

Xiao Jingyan waved his hand, stopping her from continuing, and said, "I have already arranged for a small residence for you in the south of the city. Pick a day to move there, and I will provide you with servants. Your diet and daily life will continue as before."

As for your marriage, my mother has just returned. Let her arrange it for you and find a suitable family of equal social standing. I will certainly provide you with a generous dowry.

The color drained from Zhou Qing's face instantly. Her lips trembled, and she said in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, Qing'er doesn't want to get married... Qing'er only wants to stay by your side. Can't you... can't you take Qing'er in? Even as a concubine, Qing'er would be willing..."

"No!" Xiao Jingyan interrupted her, his tone resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.

Zhou Qing looked up at him with tearful eyes, her voice almost pleading, "Your Highness, you have so many girls in your harem, one more won't make a difference..."

Xiao Jingyan placed the teacup on the table, making a crisp, light sound.

He looked up at Zhou Qing, a hint of displeasure in his voice: "My decision is final. The house is ready; you can move in anytime. There is no room for discussion."