As soon as the members of the Ye Family left, the room quieted down, and everyone took their seats without uttering a word.

For a moment, no one knew how to break the ice.

Normally, the three young ladies played well together. Qinglian never acted like a princess, and Ah Zhi and Huanhuan were not intimidated by her. However, Li Qian, as the Eldest Prince, naturally exuded a royal aura. Having had less interaction over the years, it was inevitable that their meeting felt unfamiliar.

Since Shen Chen left the Imperial College for Dragon Tiger Mountain, Li Qian followed the Songbai Scholar to study diligently. Changzhou, perhaps because he had grown older, was shy and spent less time with the three girls. However, he occasionally went out with Huanhuan, after all, they both lived in Yingbi Courtyard.

Speaking of Changzhou, his parents had visited the Capital City. They were kind-hearted and open-minded merchants who would stay in the Capital for three or four months every year before returning to Yangzhou.

Ye Zhi was rather curious; how could they feel at ease leaving him in the Capital year after year?

To this, Changzhou’s parents replied, "The child needs to pursue a career path, and we support him. Since he’s with Huanhuan, we have no worries at all."

Later, it was revealed that the two families intended for Huanhuan and Changzhou to be together, essentially setting up an arranged marriage.

In the end, it was Ming Yan who brought out a plate of osmanthus cakes to fill everyone’s stomachs, which somewhat eased the atmosphere.

Ye Zhi hosted, saying, "Come, Xiao Qian, try this osmanthus cake. It’s sweet but not greasy; it’s what I like to eat most." To prove her point, she picked up a piece of cake, gently biting into it with her red lips, nodded to indicate it was delicious.

Her apricot eyes sparkled, her peach-colored cheeks flushed charmingly.

Li Qian didn’t like sweets, yet, infected by her enthusiasm, he absentmindedly picked up a piece, bit into it, and before he realized it, he had eaten half of it. The cake caught in his throat, only after drinking some tea did he return to his senses.

"Ah Zhi."

"Ah huh?" Ye Zhi responded to the Eldest Prince, her bright eyes filled with curiosity.

In the hall, apart from Huanhuan and Qinglian, there was also Ming Yan, another maid, and Xiao Bai...

Li Qian’s call immediately drew everyone’s attention, causing him to swallow his words (Do you feel happy?), choosing not to say it...

He wanted to know what Ah Zhi thought about the impending marriage between Shen Chen and Xiao Chen.

With the thirteenth sister present, along with the many people and prying eyes in the side hall, he chose silence, finally saying: "Nothing."

He had nothing, but Ye Zhi had matters to discuss with him. She earnestly said, "Xiao Qian, do you know my sister has given birth to a child named Xiao Ah Che? Have you met him?"

He shook his head gently. "Congratulations, I’ve heard about it."

"Haha." Ye Zhi’s snow-white, radiant, and pretty face blossomed with a smile, lifting her head with a grin, "Only now do you say congratulations, he’s already almost three years old. Someday when you’re free, I’ll take you to Prince Jin Mansion to play with him. He’s soft, round, and loves to stick to me. I feel like you and him might have a connection. If I’m not in the Capital someday, spend more time with Xiao Ah Che."

For some reason, she had this persistence.

She definitely wanted Li Qian, the future Emperor Xiao Wen, to become closely acquainted with her little nephew.

Li Qian agreed, "Alright, I’m free tomorrow, and I can go with you." Realizing he was being too hasty, he paused and added, "I’ll have more leisure time, you can set the time."

Ye Zhi smiled and agreed cheerfully.

She sat there, picking at the cake and drinking tea, enjoying herself immensely.

"Miss, the lady specifically reminded me to watch over you; if you eat too much, I should prompt you not to overeat, otherwise by dinnertime, you might not be able to eat again and feel full after eating only half."

The one who spoke was Ming Yan.