Chapter 87: Attending the Banquet (3)

Yin Qianhua couldn’t help but think of her daughter, Yun Ruonan, when she saw Xiao Yao. The two children were of the same age, yet one was graceful and polite, while the other was timid and reclusive. The contrast was stark.

“Which family are you from?” Yin Qianhua asked casually.

Xiao Yao rolled her eyes, thinking that if she could avoid answering this question, that would be best.

If her mother found out that she was out alone, she would surely scold her.

“Heh,” Xiao Yao pretended not to understand, blinking her eyes, which had already deceived countless people.

Yin Qianhua exchanged a look with her maid, Qiuying. What a strange little girl. What could be the reason she refused to reveal her name? Yin Qianhua subconsciously touched her face—did she look like a bad person?

“If I ask you how old you are this year, would you answer me?”

“In one month and fourteen days, I will be six years old.” That was something she could answer.

“Are you here just to enjoy the view?”

How should she respond? Xiao Yao hesitated again. Should she tell the truth? She had just met the woman in front of her, and they weren’t even familiar. Lying felt inappropriate.

Xiao Yao’s conflicted expression amused Yin Qianhua. This little girl seemed to have a lot on her mind. What kind of worries could a girl so young have?

“I want to see which young lady is pretty.” Because Fourth Uncle and Second Brother are about to marry, I want to help them by judging.

“I’m also here to look at beautiful women.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yao thought of the lustful parrot again.

“Does your family also have… men who are of marriageable age? Is this a sign of competition?”

“My son is already twelve.” Yin Qianhua’s tone held pride and nostalgia—her son was growing up.

Well, that’s a relief. It looks like there’s no conflict with the person I’m looking for. Since he’s not a competitor, maybe we can become friends.

The shared goal quickly narrowed the distance between the two. At least Xiao Yao relaxed a little.

“Do you have any older brothers?”

“Yes, and I have five. Plus one troublesome uncle.”

Just as the conversation between the older and younger pair grew more engaging, a boy appeared by the rockery behind the pavilion without anyone noticing.

What did these words from my mother mean? Yun Yichen held back the urge to rush out. He wanted to hear what these two would discuss next. It was a waste that Father was so concerned that Mother might not adjust to this scene and ordered me to sneak over and watch. Hmph, seems there was no need! They were both having a great time! But Mother, isn’t your confidant a bit too young?

“What kind of sister-in-law would you like?”

“That depends on how my brother treats me.”

“Why would you say that?” Yin Qianhua asked curiously.

“If my brother treats me well, I’ll let my mother choose a gentle and virtuous one for him. But if he treats me badly, I’ll let my mother pick a hot-tempered one, preferably one who’s good at martial arts.”

“Why?”

“When my brother and sister-in-law argue, I’ll stand behind my sister-in-law, cheer her on, and enjoy seeing my brother’s frustrated face.” This idea was great! Who should it be applied to? After some thought, Xiao Rui seemed the most suitable for the role. She believed that Ruyi would agree with her viewpoint.

Since there were no other people in the pavilion and she had a good impression of Yin Qianhua, Xiao Yao decided to make a little joke to lighten the mood. It was safe since no one else would overhear it.

Yun Yichen sneered inwardly. What a poorly behaved little girl. So cunning and full of nonsense.

The young attendant, Xiao Anzi, had been silently chuckling to himself for a while. What kind of family is this girl from? She spoke her bad ideas so confidently—this was truly… amusing.

Yin Qianhua was also entertained. Which family does this child come from? She should let her daughter meet her. With a companion like her, it would be hard to feel unhappy.

“Does your brother treat you badly?” After laughing, Yin Qianhua asked.

“Of course! My brother treats me very well. Isn’t it normal for an older brother to treat his younger sister well? He buys me snacks, stationery, and new little toys, then reads and plays with me. Sometimes, he even helps me fall asleep!”

“Your brother sounds wonderful.”

“Your children must be wonderful as well.”

“How can you tell?” The little girl is truly interesting.

“Just looking at you, it’s obvious you’re living a happy life! You’re well-dressed and in good spirits. That’s a sign of a good life.”

“Since you have such an eye for things, then tell me, should I find a gentle and virtuous daughter-in-law, or a hot-tempered one with great martial arts skills?”

Xiao Yao covered her mouth with her hand. This was something she definitely couldn’t answer. It would be easy to offend people. Though her son wasn’t around, it still wasn’t something she could casually discuss.

“From your eyes, I can tell you think I should choose a hot-tempered one, with martial arts skills, right?” Yin Qianhua teased Xiao Yao.

Where did you get that idea from? Xiao Yao silently shook her head in protest. She felt as wronged as the legendary Dou E!

Yun Yichen thought, this girl certainly isn’t a good one.

This little girl stirs up trouble and spouts nonsense. Yun Yichen sneered inwardly and added another charge to Xiao Yao’s character—she had ill intentions.

The way the little girl described her brother’s actions, Yun Yichen had hardly done any of them. He didn’t believe there was such a brother who took care of his sister like that. Xiao Yao must be lying, boasting. His dissatisfaction with her grew even more.

When someone is unhappy with someone, nothing they do seems right. Xiao Yao must have been out of luck today—she had met an “enemy” by fate.

“Madam, I must go. My younger sister has been gone for a while, and I need to find her.”

“Should I send someone to help you?” Yin Qianhua really wanted to help this interesting little girl. It was rare to meet someone so entertaining, and now they had to part. She felt a little reluctant.

“No need to trouble you. She should be around here.”

“Alright, take care.” Yin Qianhua instructed.

Yun Yichen thought, My mother has never been this warm towards me. Why does this little girl get to enjoy such treatment?

“Goodbye, Madam!” After Xiao Yao got off the bench, she saluted and exited the pavilion.

Xiao Anzi, curious about what this interesting young lady looked like, leaned out to take a peek. Unfortunately, all he saw was her back.

Yun Yichen was about to scold Xiao Anzi for sneaking a glance when he saw Xiao Yao turn back to wave goodbye to the people in the pavilion.

A girl in a blue dress, smiling brightly, cute and charming.

Yet in Yun Yichen’s eyes, she was just a mischievous little girl with a sly smile. She didn’t look like a lady at all. Only her eyes seemed worth noticing. He couldn’t understand why his mother found her likable!

“I wonder which family this girl is from. If Ruonan could make friends with her, that would be great.” Yin Qianhua said, gazing at Xiao Yao’s back.

“Should I ask around? It should be easy to find out.” Qiuying bowed.

“No need. If it’s meant to be, we will meet again.”

I hope we don’t meet again, or else my mother and even my sister might be led astray. Yun Yichen gestured for Xiao Anzi to retreat.

“Master, won’t you go talk to the princess?” After they had walked a bit, Xiao Anzi spoke up.

Yun Yichen gave Xiao Anzi a look as if he were an idiot. His mother was perfectly fine. Just now, she had been so happy and carefree with that girl. Didn’t you notice there was nothing to worry about?

“Got it, Master,” Xiao Anzi replied, noticing Yun Yichen’s displeased look. He hunched his shoulders, wondering why the master seemed unhappy.

“Go find out which family that little girl comes from.” Yun Yichen wanted to know more about her. If her family couldn’t manage her, perhaps he could help by hiring a strict nanny.

“Yes.” Poor Xiao Yao had just crossed paths with the master’s gaze, and now it seemed like a rough time was ahead for her. He didn’t know whose luck was so bad.