She was slow by half a beat in her manners at times, and her mother had no idea how many times she had scolded her for it.

Li Qian stood up, exempting the two from formalities, and said, "There’s no need for such formality between us, Brother Xiao Chen, oh, Brother Shen, no, Xiao Chen, it’s been a long time; you’ve grown even more handsome."

The Eldest Prince finally finished his sentence.

After thinking it over, he decided to follow Ah Zhi’s way of addressing.

Shen Chen said warmly, "The Eldest Prince is unparalleled in talent and appearance, fresh and charming, I’m not even a tenth as impressive as the Eldest Prince."

The counterpart replied, "In my eyes, Xiao Chen is someone who rises to the caliber of City North Xu Gong."

Qinglian held her forehead, her brother had lost his previously serious demeanor. She slyly winked and said to Ah Zhi, "Ah Zhi, a while ago Brother asked me whose idea it was to play by the lakes outside the city today, you tell him." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Once the two came in, the atmosphere was harmonious.

Ye Zhi, not knowing why, admitted seriously, "It was my idea, why? Does Xiao Qian want to come too? You’re a boy, it might be a bit inconvenient." Realizing afterwards, she teased him, "Xiao Qian is about fifteen this year, right? Still likes to follow us girls around to play in the water? The Eldest Prince hasn’t lost his childish heart."

The young girl’s voice was melodious and soft, each word striking deeply.

Beside her, Ming Yan broke into a cold sweat, making exaggerated gestures to remind her lady not to misunderstand, asking her to stop her fanciful imagination.

The certain Zhi who was laughing couldn’t see it.

In the end, Ming Yan chose to turn her head to the side, choosing not to see it.

Li Qian frankly said, "The lake is deep and dangerous, you few weak girls should refrain from going, in case you encounter bandits..."

Hearing the word "bandits," Ye Zhi became even more interested and interrupted him immediately, "If we encounter bandits, I would rid the world of evil. Huanhuan and I are going to roam the martial world, it would be just right to have a few people to practice our skills on. After I dropped out of the Imperial College, I’ve focused on martial arts for years. Someday, when I have the chance, I’ll show you my skills."

Except for Shen Chen, everyone felt as if three crows flew over, remaining silent.

"Huanhuan, don’t you agree?"

All eyes suddenly turned to Huanhuan.

She slowly nodded, expressing that Ah Zhi was right.

This nodding was done with great difficulty.

Inside, Huanhuan was begging Ah Zhi to stop talking, to change the topic, or else even the Eldest Prince wouldn’t know how to respond.

Finally.

Shen Chen spoke up.

"The famed scholar Master Song Bai of our dynasty, I heard the Eldest Prince is studying with him now?"

Li Qian smiled slightly, "Master Song Bai doesn’t despise my dullness and has kindly taken me as his disciple. Once a teacher, always a father; I am definitely determined to strive for improvement and progress."

His tone carried a hint of modesty.

Shen Chen walked over to the Pear Flower Chair and slowly sat down, "Master Song Bai is superb at chess, I wonder how good the Eldest Prince is at it?"

The Eldest Prince responded, "Not too bad, perhaps we could have a match someday when there’s time."

"Hmm."

As they chatted, Ye Zhi walked back to where she had just left, sat down, picked up the unfinished pastry, took an elegant bite, and only after swallowing did she remember the Little Traitor hadn’t eaten.

She called out, "Xiao Chen, have some pastries."

The young gentleman called shook his head, indicating he wouldn’t eat.

Thereafter, Shen Chen took the lead in the conversation, and the conversation carried on indoors.

As dusk fell, the person who came to the side hall to invite everyone for dinner was not from the Ye Family, but Lord Minister Ye Yuan.

Lord Minister exchanged some polite official pleasantries with the Eldest Prince before inviting everyone to the main hall for dinner.

To host the Prince and Princess, the Ye Mansion prepared a sumptuous dinner table, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere around the dining table~