Chapter 75: Uncle Xu Discovers the Clue, Luo Jin An Stays at the Xu Residence

This small inn only provided simple tea and food for passing travelers, so there weren’t many elaborate dishes. The menu was quite limited.

Fortunately, no one was expecting anything extravagant—they just needed to fill their stomachs.

Luo Jin An sat beside Xu Nian and even invited Uncle Xu to sit on her other side. The last to enter, Shang Jin Zhi, simply lowered his head and smiled, saying nothing.

Xu Nian found it difficult to enjoy her meal, all because Luo Jin An was too fussy. He kept serving her food, refilling her tea, and even deboning the fish before placing it in her bowl. This naturally drew the attention of those around them, who frequently glanced their way.

“Luo—Jin—An—”

Hearing Xu Nian grind out his name through clenched teeth, Luo Jin An finally restrained himself a little.

However, his behavior had already aroused Xu Fugui’s suspicion. Why does this prince seem to have taken a liking to Nian’er? Feeling a sudden surge of energy, Xu Fugui quickly stepped forward to block Luo Jin An, who was about to enter Xu Nian’s carriage.

“Your Highness, why don’t you ride with me? There’s something I’d like to ask for your advice on.”

Xu Nian, seeing Luo Jin An being stopped, shot her uncle a look of approval before climbing into her carriage without hesitation.

Shang Jin Zhi, seeing Luo Jin An’s now darkened expression, added fuel to the fire with a smirk. “Or perhaps Your Highness could ride with me instead? I also have some questions I’d like to ask.”

Luo Jin An glanced at his seemingly amused peach blossom eyes, feeling stifled. Without another word, he turned and went to Xu Fugui’s carriage.

Hearing that things outside had quieted down, Xu Nian relaxed, leaning back against the cushions and closing her eyes. This left only Xiu’er, Liu Yun, and Liu Qin inside the carriage, exchanging glances.

Before reaching the county town, Shang Jin Zhi took his leave.

As they entered the town, drawing closer to the county office, Xu Fugui glanced at Luo Jin An, who had his eyes closed in meditation, and didn’t dare to ask if he wanted to disembark.

When they finally arrived at the county office, Luo Jin An opened his eyes and said, “Since I’m already here in Wansheng County, I should pay a visit to Grandmother Xu.”

Xu Fugui looked at the darkening sky and twitched the corners of his mouth. Who chooses this hour for a visit?

“You all find an inn to stay at. No need to wait here,” Luo Jin An instructed before following Xu Nian into the courtyard.

Upon hearing of their arrival, Xu Yaozu and Madam Tian also hurried over.

“Your humble official greets Your Highness,” Xu Yaozu said respectfully.

Before Madam Tian could bow, Luo Jin An raised his hand to stop her.

“I’ve come to visit Grandmother Xu. Please, lead the way.”

Xu Yaozu responded with a nod and led them forward, completely missing the meaningful looks Xu Fugui was throwing at him.

Seeing her uncle’s troubled expression, Xu Nian reassured him, “Uncle, there’s no need to worry. The relationship between His Highness and me is one of respect and propriety—we have not overstepped any boundaries.”

Xu Fugui looked at his niece, who said this without the slightest hesitation, and grew even more anxious. “But he’s a prince! Even if he does have such feelings, it wouldn’t be right. We are daughters of a respectable family—we absolutely cannot become someone’s concubine.”

Xu Nian said seriously, “Rest assured, Uncle. I would never become someone’s concubine.”

“But—”

“Uncle, none of this is even real. Just trust that I won’t do anything inappropriate.”

Xu Fugui opened and closed his mouth a few times but, in the end, said nothing more.

The Xu family was delighted to see Luo Jin An, but no one was happier than Madam Wang and little Liu Zi.

“Your Highness, has your health improved recently?” Madam Wang asked kindly, her smile warm.

“Thanks to Grandmother Xu’s blessings, everything is well. Please, just call me Changsheng.”

“Oh, alright, alright.”

“In just a few months, how have you lost so much weight?”

Xu Nian also carefully observed Luo Jin An and indeed noticed that he had lost quite a bit of weight.

“It’s probably because my appetite hasn’t been great lately. Grandmother Xu, there’s no need to worry.”

Madam Wang nodded, already planning to have the kitchen prepare some more appetizing dishes the next day.

“Brother Changsheng, I’ve missed you! My mother says that since you’re now a prince, I can’t call you Brother Changsheng anymore. Is that true?”

Madam Wang truly wanted to cover her foolish son’s mouth—he had no filter when speaking.

“Even though I am a prince, you can still call me Brother Changsheng. I came in a hurry today and didn’t bring anything with me, but tomorrow, how about I go out with your eldest sister to pick out a gift for you?”

Little Liu Zi, unaware of Luo Jin An’s hidden intentions, clapped his hands excitedly and said,

“Yes! Yes! I’ll come back right after school tomorrow. Brother Changsheng, you won’t be leaving, will you?”

Luo Jin An glanced at Xu Nian before turning to Madam Wang and saying, “I actually plan to stay in Wansheng County for a few days. I just wonder if it would be convenient for me to stay here?”

“Of course it’s convenient! Why wouldn’t it be? Eldest daughter-in-law, go and prepare a courtyard for Changsheng.”

Madam Wang was more than happy—how could she possibly refuse?

Madam Tian quickly responded and took Zhao Lan with her to prepare the living quarters. Xu Nian also took Xiu’er and followed closely behind.

Catching up to Madam Tian with a few quick steps, Xu Nian smiled and said, “Mother, let me help you tidy up the courtyard.”

Madam Tian was more than willing. After all, this was a prince—they had to make sure everything was up to standard.

“There’s only one unoccupied courtyard next to Ji’er and his two brothers. We originally planned to let Little Liu Zi move in there in a couple of years, so it hasn’t been tidied up yet. I wonder if His Highness will mind?”

“Mother, no matter how well we clean it up, it won’t compare to the prince’s mansion. We just need to do our best.”

Madam Tian smiled helplessly. “You’re always so carefree.”

The courtyard wasn’t very big—just three rooms. Fortunately, because of its small size, they were able to clean and arrange everything in a short time.

Madam Tian wanted to move the best furnishings from the estate into the courtyard, but Xu Nian stopped her.

Instead, Xu Nian kept the decor simple. The bedding and curtains were all in elegant, muted tones, and she added a few potted plants and flowers to brighten up the room.

Madam Tian originally wanted Zhao Lan to stay and serve Luo Jin An, but Xu Nian suggested having two of his own attendants come over instead, as they would be more familiar with his habits.

After a full day of travel, Madam Wang knew that everyone was likely exhausted. So when she heard that the courtyard was ready, she didn’t keep Luo Jin An any longer.

“The room is prepared, Changsheng. Go and rest.”

Luo Jin An didn’t refuse and left Shou Zhu Courtyard. Xu Yaozu and Xu Fugui escorted him to the courtyard before returning to their own residences.

Xu Fugui originally wanted to discuss the prince’s intentions with his older brother, but remembering what his niece had said earlier, he decided to stay silent.

After finishing up in the courtyard, Xu Nian didn’t return to Shou Zhu Courtyard. Instead, she went to the small kitchen to prepare a medicinal dish to replenish blood for Luo Jin An.

“Xiu’er, take this dish to his attendants. If there’s no issue, have Luo Jin An eat it.”

Xiu’er took the order and headed to the small courtyard. At that moment, the two attendants were about to inspect the room’s setup to ensure everything was in order. However, Luo Jin An had already learned from Madam Wang that Xu Nian was the one who arranged the room, so he wouldn’t allow anyone to alter it.

“You two may leave. I don’t need any attendants here.”

The two attendants obeyed and exited the room but did not dare to go far. Instead, they stood by the door, waiting for further instructions.