Chapter 167: The Young General and the Handsome Emperor (20)

"Master, these were sent by the Fourth Imperial Prince for delivery."

Early in the morning, the gates of the Wei residence were knocked upon.

Following that, large chests were carried into the courtyard, one after another.

When Master Wei ordered them to be opened, to everyone's astonishment, they were filled to the brim with pearls, hairpins, and exquisite jewelry.

Wei Xiaorui stood nearby, her shimmering gaze sweeping over the contents, and her face instantly lit up with pleasant surprise.

"Father, what does His Highness mean by sending all these ornaments?"

Aunt Yue looked at the jewelry inside, covered her mouth, and laughed softly, "Oh my, these are all from the Washing Jade Pavilion! That is one of the premier jewelry shops in the entire capital. The Fourth Imperial Prince must have spent a small fortune on these."

Aunt Yue glanced at her own brightly adorned and beautiful daughter, then stepped closer to Master Wei, smiling, "Master, what do you suppose His Highness intends by sending these chests of treasures?"

As she spoke, Aunt Yue cast a sidelong glance at Wei Xiaorui.

Wei Xiaorui immediately lowered her head in a bashful display of modesty.

Aunt Yue's words dawned on Master Wei like a sudden revelation. He looked at Wei Xiaorui with an expression full of paternal affection and smiled, "The Fourth Imperial Prince returned to the capital three years ago, and His Majesty has always harbored a sense of guilt toward him. If Xiaorui were to marry the Fourth Imperial Prince, it would indeed be a fine destination for her."

Most importantly, although the Fourth Imperial Prince was known for his ruthless methods, if Master Wei were to become his father-in-law, his own official career would undoubtedly sail forward with smooth and unhindered momentum.

Xiaobao stood nearby, observing the three of them beaming with joy, and muttered to himself, "But... but what about Eldest Sister?"

Hearing this, a flash of mockery crossed Wei Xiaorui's eyes, which she swiftly replaced with a look of aggrieved vulnerability.

She stepped forward and took Xiaobao's hand, looking up at Master Wei with a pitiful expression. "Indeed, Father, Eldest Sister is the legitimate daughter born of the primary wife. Given my humble status, how could I possibly ever presume to marry the Fourth Imperial Prince..."

Wei Xiaorui kept her head lowered, portraying the very picture of someone who had been wronged.

Master Wei's heart immediately ached with sympathy, and he consoled her, "How could Wei Asi ever compare to Xiaorui? She has spent years enduring the hardships of the battlefield; the Fourth Imperial Prince would surely never fancy the likes of her. You may set your mind at ease, Xiaorui. Since His Highness has gone so far as to send these gifts, he undoubtedly holds deep affections for you."

Upon hearing this, Wei Xiaorui lowered her head once more, blushing deeply.

Xiaobao, however, pressed his lips tightly together, his tiny brows furrowing into a knot.

He gently pulled his small hand back, revealing the pale, tender skin crisscrossed with fresh red scratches left by fingernails.

-

Wei Xiaorui and Aunt Yue carefully selected numerous pieces of jewelry from the chests, including a jade hairpin. The color of the jade was remarkably lustrous, though it appeared to be designed for a man to secure his hair.

Even so, Wei Xiaorui insisted on thrusting it into her own elaborate hair bun.

The gleaming white jade contrasted sharply against her, making the young maiden look as vibrant and fresh as a delicate blossom.

-

When Madam Wei received the news, the furrow between her brows deepened with sorrow.

"Mother, what is the matter? Are you unhappy?"

Acu stepped forward, gently using her fingertips to smooth away the tight lines of worry on Madam Wei's forehead.

Madam Wei remained silent, offering only a soft, heavy sigh.

The Fourth Imperial Prince's current political momentum currently overshadowed even that of the Crown Prince. Furthermore, the Wei family was already distantly related to him by blood; if Xiaorui were to marry him...

Madam Wei cared little for her own safety, yet she lived in constant terror that her own beloved children might be dragged into the ensuing vortex of danger.

Seeing Madam Wei bow her head in silent melancholy, Asi obediently snuggled into her embrace.

Asi discovered that her mother's embrace was truly warm and comforting.

She silently thought that her tens of thousands of years spent idling away as an immortal had been utterly wasted, as she had never known the warmth of a mother.

Asi curled up tightly in Madam Wei's arms, blissfully content.

-

Asi found herself falling out of favor.

The reason occurred during a meal one afternoon, when Asi was devouring her food in large, unbridled bites while still clad in boyish garments.

Madam Wei and Wei Jingyu simultaneously frowned in profound disapproval.

(End of this chapter)