Chapter 33: Preparing the Birthday Gift & Changsheng’s Visit

When Xu Nian returned home, she gave the four rabbits she had set aside to the two little ones, who were absolutely delighted.

“Big Sister, can I take care of the rabbits?”

Xu Ling looked at the fluffy white rabbits, completely enamored by them.

“Of course! And there’s even a mother rabbit here, so you must take good care of them.”

“Big Sister, I’ll help Fifth Sister take care of them.”

Madam Wang came over and, upon seeing the rabbits, was also quite happy.

“These two rabbits look quite plump. Tomorrow, I’ll cook one for you.”

Unexpectedly, Xu Cai firmly objected, and even Xu Ling pouted in protest.

“It’s not like we’re desperate for rabbit meat right now. Where are you even going to keep so many rabbits?”

“In my room!”

Xu Nian immediately rejected the idea. She had no choice but to grow vegetables in her room, but adding rabbits into the mix? Just imagining it made her head spin.

“Ling’er, our room is too stuffy. I’ll ask Uncle to make you a rabbit cage and put it in the storage room instead, okay?”

Xu Ling reluctantly nodded in agreement.

The real victim, however, was Xu Weian. After making tables and chairs, then plant pots, and then shelves, he had just finished all the things Xu Nian had requested. Now, he had to make a rabbit cage—truly a case of “using someone to their fullest potential.”

That evening, Xu Nian informed the family that she would be accompanying Tian Shi to a banquet in a few days. She also shared some information about Old Madam Mei.

Even though the family didn’t live in the county town, there was no guarantee they wouldn’t interact with these prominent ladies in the future. So, Xu Nian subtly helped broaden their horizons in her own way.

“Big girl, you must present yourself well and try to impress Old Madam Mei.

Sigh~ It’s a pity our family doesn’t have anything valuable to gift her. Here, take this silver.”

Madam Wang took out a small box filled with money they had earned from selling vegetables over time.

However, Xu Nian did not accept it—she had other important plans for that money.

“Grandmother, don’t worry. I’ve already thought of a gift. Haven’t you praised my potted plants before? I’ll gift one of those.”

Madam Wang hesitated, wondering if gifting a seedling might seem too shabby.

In truth, it was only because the Xu family was so used to seeing these plants daily that they took them for granted. In Beijiang, only the Prince of Zhenbei’s residence had the means to cultivate flowers in a greenhouse.

Though Xu Nian’s plant wasn’t exactly a flower, it could bloom and bear fruit, making it a rare sight nonetheless.

The next day, Xu Nian started preparing the gift for the birthday banquet.

Aside from the potted plant, she decided to prepare a box of lip balm as well.

She knew how to make lip balm herself, but to save money, she planned to use her own stash of lipsticks.

Back when she worked in a company, she had to wear makeup regularly, so she had accumulated a vast collection of cosmetics—especially lipsticks, some of which were still brand new.

She selected three different shades of lipstick, planning to make extra for her family.

For Old Madam Mei and Madam Wang, she prepared a deep maple-red lip balm.

For Tian Shi and her two sisters-in-law, she made a gemstone-red lip balm.

For herself, she kept two boxes of rose-colored lip balm.

After packing everything and storing the lipstick casings back in her space, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, Xu Ling came running into the room, panting.

“Big Sister! Brother Changsheng is here, and he brought a lot of things!”

Xu Nian smacked her forehead—she had completely forgotten to tell her family that she had met Changsheng.

Following Xu Ling outside, she indeed saw Mu Changsheng standing in the courtyard, surrounded by their family.

Madam Wang and her two daughters-in-law were fussing over him, asking if he was cold.

Father Xu stood to the side, engaging in polite but somewhat reserved conversation with Guan Qingrui.

Xu Fugui and his brothers were busy helping the servants and guards move the gifts.

Seeing boxes upon boxes of presents being carried into the yard, Xu Nian couldn’t help but be taken aback. She began calculating whether the items in her space would be enough to return the favor.

Luo Jin’an, noticing her gaze, turned around and flashed a bright smile.

“Nian’er Meimei (Little Sister Nian’er)~”

Xu Nian’s eyes widened instantly. This rascal did that on purpose! Still, she had to admit—this kid had quite a charming smile.

Feigning composure, Xu Nian cleared her throat.

“Changsheng, you’re here.”

Guan Qingrui found the mature act she was putting on rather amusing. Now that he could see her clearly, he hadn’t expected her to be so striking.

Hearing Xu Nian’s words, Madam Wang walked over and gave her a light pat on the shoulder.

“You insolent girl, Changsheng is two years older than you. You should call him Brother Changsheng.”

Xu Nian let out an exaggerated groan, “Oh no, Grandma, do you not love me anymore?”

Madam Wang quickly covered Xu Nian’s mouth, thinking to herself, This girl really needs to learn some manners. Throwing around ‘love’ and ‘not love’ so casually—who can take that seriously?

Luo Jin’an watched Xu Nian act coquettishly with Madam Wang, finding it amusing. So, this girl has this side to her too?

In the end, it was Madam Wang who, worried that Mu Changsheng would catch a cold while standing outside, finally let Xu Nian go.

Among the Xu family members, only Madam Wang and Xu Nian were completely at ease. The others were somewhat restrained, especially upon seeing the guards standing outside and the courtyard filled with gifts. It was obvious that this “Mu Gongzi” was no ordinary person.

Luo Jin’an had come specifically to see Xu Nian, so after exchanging a few pleasantries with the Xu family, he prepared to take his leave.

“Master Xu, Madam Xu, my visit was rather rushed today, so I won’t stay long. Would it be possible for Nian’er to see me off?”

The Xu family naturally had no objections—seeing off a guest was basic etiquette.

“Nian’er, go ahead and see off Changsheng and Young Master Guan.”

Xu Nian knew that Mu Changsheng likely had something to discuss with her, so she got up without hesitation.

Once outside, she loaded the return gifts onto the carriage. To avoid drawing attention from the villagers, she quickly slipped into the frontmost carriage at lightning speed.

Luo Jin’an wouldn’t have minded some time alone with her, but they were no longer six- or seven-year-old children. Proper etiquette dictated that they should avoid being seen together in such a way.

Although Beijiang had a more open social culture, young men and women were only allowed to go out together in groups. Being alone in a carriage like this was still considered improper.

Inside the carriage, Xu Nian took a look around and couldn’t help but marvel at the luxury. Being rich is truly great. It’s so warm in here, not a trace of the cold outside.

Shifting her seat slightly, she found the cushions soft and plush. With a deep sigh, she relaxed. This is so comfortable.

Even after she had taken everything in, no one else had entered the carriage. Curious, she lifted the curtain and looked at the young man standing outside.

“Get in already! It’s freezing out there, and I’m not about to walk with you.”

Luo Jin’an shook his head helplessly and, with no other choice, got into the carriage with Mo Yu.

Mo Yu, seeing Miss Xu sitting leisurely in the carriage, chose to keep his eyes down, pretending to be invisible.

The Revelation

“Changsheng, did you need to talk to me about something?”

Luo Jin’an teased, “Have you already forgotten what Madam Xu just taught you? You should call me Brother Changsheng.”

Xu Nian rolled her eyes internally. Pfft, little brat. If anything, you should be calling me big sister instead.

She refused to call him that, but Luo Jin’an didn’t push the matter. He had come today to reveal his true identity.

Fidgeting slightly with his fingers, he felt an inexplicable sense of nervousness.

“Do you remember when I told you that ‘Changsheng’ is my courtesy name?”

Xu Nian nodded.

“I’m not actually surnamed Mu. My real name is Luo Jin’an, courtesy name Changsheng. I am the second son of the Prince of Zhenbei. Due to certain special circumstances, I was granted the title of Prince of Chang by the late emperor at birth…”