The welcome banquet prepared for Big Brother and An Yishi had to be called off.
My mother dug out the finest tonics from the storehouse, planning to help them recover. My father said that food was better than medicine and asked the kitchen to slaughter several fat chickens, then simmer them with ginseng in a soup.
As they were talking about ginseng, Situ Yao arrived with a hundred-year-old ginseng.
The three of us in our family quickly paid our respects. Situ Yao hurriedly said, "Uncle Wang, Aunt Qing, we are all family, please don't be so formal. I've only come to see Zihuan. The imperial examinations test not only knowledge but also physical strength. How is Zihuan?"
My father politely replied, "He went to sleep right after he got home and took a bath. Your Highness, please wait a moment, I will go wake him up now."
Situ Yao naturally said it was not necessary, and then presented the ginseng, saying it was to replenish his body.
The etiquette between ruler and subject must be observed, but who knew if this would be their future son-in-law? My mother happily accepted it, "We originally prepared a banquet to celebrate Zihuan and Yishi finishing their exams, but they only wanted to sleep soundly. I thought the banquet would be useless. I didn't expect Your Highness to grace us with your presence. If you don't mind, would you like to have dinner at our home?"
Situ Yao readily agreed.
He then quietly smiled at me.
The wine is not the primary attraction, but must it be so obvious?
I rolled my eyes at him, ignoring him. But my mother adored him. While instructing my father to tell the kitchen to proceed with the banquet, she happily chatted with him, frequently steering the conversation towards me, trying to make me more enthusiastic.
In short, she had the demeanor of someone trying to marry off their daughter for prestige.
A while later, the Second Prince, Situ You, also arrived. He usually entered our home casually, but upon seeing his elder brother in the main hall, he quickly brought the gift box in his hands to him, "Big Brother, this time my brother came for Zihuan. Look, a superior Reishi mushroom, specially to nourish him. You can't punish me for this, I already have enough troubles recently."
Situ Yao glared at him, "What nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever punish you?"
"Heh, heh~" Situ You gave a dry laugh, not daring to retort.
However, since he was already here, it would be improper to leave without a meal, so another person was added to the dining table.
Although Situ Yao was in charge, he was, after all, his elder brother, so he couldn't really do anything to him. Thus, not long after, Situ You regained his usual ease. My parents were somewhat reserved in front of Situ Yao, but it was different with Situ You. He had frequented our home since he was young, just as I had spent time in the imperial palace. My parents often treated him like a junior.
With him livening up the atmosphere, the meal was very harmonious.
Finally, he patted his belly and bid farewell. He then said to Situ Yao, "Big Brother, the stars tonight are very beautiful. Why don't you take Sister-in-law to the rooftop to look at them? Enjoy the cool breeze, it's perfect for sobering up."
I pouted. What "sobering up" was there to do from such a small amount of fruit wine?
But Situ Yao and my mother thought it was an excellent suggestion. So after Situ Yao left, the two of us directly flew to the rooftop.
The sky was a deep azure.
The stars in the night sky twinkled like gemstones with varying brightness. As Situ You said, the starry sky tonight was indeed quite beautiful.
"This is the first time we've watched the stars together," a hand suddenly embraced my shoulder, pulling me into his arms. Situ Yao's voice was low and hoarse, his breath gently brushing against my neck, and I couldn't help but flinch.
"The scenery is actually ordinary, far inferior to the sea."
"Indeed, it's not as beautiful as the desert sky. But A Chun, I feel that the starry sky tonight is the most beautiful. Do you know why?"
The night breeze was cool, but it couldn't dissipate the heat on my face. Before he could say another word, I quickly said, "Your Highness, please don't say it."
Situ Yao chuckled lightly, "It seems A Chun already understands what I mean."
I softly hummed in agreement and looked up at the starry sky.
The night was silent. I could hear Situ Yao's heart beating much faster than usual behind me, along with my own, both losing their usual rhythm. But neither of us brought up what would happen next. After a long while, Situ Yao finally spoke, "A Chun, shall I ask Father Emperor to bestow a marriage upon us?"
"So soon?"
"I originally wanted you to consider it carefully, but now, with the envoys from the Northern Frontier about to arrive in the capital, I fear further complications."
"It won't happen. Even for the purity of our bloodline, Father Emperor would never let you marry a princess from the Northern Frontier." Great Yin possessed a pride that was ingrained in its bones. The blood of a barbarian, small nation would tarnish the noble lineage of the imperial family.
Princes and lords were one thing, but the Crown Prince would eventually ascend the throne. If he were to marry a princess from the Northern Frontier, would a prince with Northern Frontier blood be allowed to inherit the throne in the future?
Situ Yao said softly, "What are you talking about? I'm afraid the prince from the Northern Frontier might choose you for a marriage alliance."