It was Little Shitou.
A year had passed since they parted ways in Mo County, and Little Shitou had grown considerably taller, but he still maintained his endearing tiger-like appearance.
He carried a tray, and through the rising steam, he immediately spotted Qi Huan.
However, due to his professional demeanor as a waiter, he discreetly averted his gaze and skillfully placed the white porcelain bowls on the table, making sure to put the non-spicy one in front of Song You'an.
Earlier, Brother Xiuyuan had mentioned that the original flavor of the spicy hot pot should be given to a girl who resembled a little rabbit.
After serving the dishes, he put on a practiced smile and said, "Please enjoy your meal, honored guests."
Qi Huan smiled warmly at him, "Thank you, you can go attend to your other duties now."
After all, now that they were in the Capital City, there would be plenty of time to catch up later.
The restaurant had just opened today, and it was a busy time, so she didn't keep Little Shitou to chat in front of the Song family.
As the door closed, the two latticed doors were shut, and the Song family began to feast heartily.
Being among family, Elder Master Song disregarded etiquette and lifted his bowl to take a sip of the soup.
Seeing this, Old Master Song, sitting at the head of the table, cleared his throat, his eyes filled with disapproval.
Then Old Master Song raised his spoon, scooped up some soup, and brought it to his mouth with proper manners, sipping it slowly and methodically.
Elegance never goes out of style.
Elder Master Song suddenly realized his mistake...
Witnessing this silent exchange between them, Qi Huan couldn't help but smile.
After the meal, she suggested visiting a clothing shop.
"Great-grandmother, I think I accidentally ate too much. Why don't we go for a walk and do some shopping to aid digestion?"
Old Lady Song glanced at her slender waist, then looked down at her own slightly protruding belly, and finally at Elder Madam Song's midriff that even her clothes couldn't conceal. She thought to herself: No wonder Huan is so thin, it's because she's so active and lively!
She and Elder Madam Song usually just lay down after eating, while the servants often reported: The young miss has gone out to the streets again!
It seemed that frequent shopping, apart from being costly, had its benefits?
The afternoon sun was warm, the weather gradually getting milder, and it was time to prepare spring outfits!
Old Lady Song readily agreed.
After everyone boarded the carriage, Qi Huan, who was the last to enter, secretly gave Yan Twelve a meaningful look.
Two quarters of an hour later, the carriage stopped precisely in front of the clothing shop she owned.
After alighting, Elder Madam Song looked up at the signboard.
Flower Visage Pavilion?
She had never heard of it!
She turned her gaze towards the Rainbow Garment Pavilion across the street, wanting to go there instead.
Now that You'an's hair had turned black and she was of marriageable age, it was time to dress her up and take her and Huan to some banquets to meet potential suitors.
People rely on clothes for beauty as horses rely on saddles for majesty. She wanted to dress up her younger daughter and niece beautifully, so naturally, she couldn't be stingy and come to this unknown new shop.
However, by the time Elder Madam Song came to her senses, Old Lady Song had already entered Flower Visage Pavilion, her left hand supporting Huan and her right hand supporting You'an, looking quite pleased.
"Mother!" Elder Madam Song exclaimed, hurriedly following them.
As for Old Master Song and Elder Master Song, they were sent to a nearby teahouse.
But, to their surprise, they encountered Prince An!
In public, Prince An passed by them without a glance.
Not long after, Prince An actually condescended to come to their private room.
Elder Master Song stared blankly at the man before him, who exuded an air of dignity and grace.
He thought to himself: Which family's daughter is so fortunate to marry Prince An?
She must be smiling even in her dreams!
The man was tall and slender, with clear and extraordinary features, as pure as snow on a mountaintop and as bright as the moon at the edge of the sky. At that moment, Elder Master Song did not think that their family would have any connection with Prince An.
"Prince An, have you perhaps come to the wrong room?"
"No, I haven't," Li Shuchen spoke calmly, turning his wheelchair to face Huan's grandfather and uncle. "Inspector Song, may I have a word with you in private?"
Old Master Song thought to himself: You've already come in, how could I send you away?
Moreover, Li Shuchen had previously intercepted him at the palace gate, willing to die to make his point, and then quickly sabotaged the peace talks. This made Old Master Song quite fond of him.
"Your Highness, please!" he said.
After speaking, he personally poured a cup of tea and respectfully pushed it in front of Li Shuchen.
Although Li Shuchen was seated in a wheelchair, and they had stood up as soon as he entered, they still felt that the man in the wheelchair had an imposing presence.
Even though he was sitting, he made people instinctively feel as if they were a head shorter than him.
Li Shuchen deliberately smiled in a mild manner.
Elder Master Song felt even more uneasy. Prince An actually smiled at me!
Could it be that he wants to persuade our Song family to join his faction? Our Song family has been neutral for generations, loyal only to the emperor, and we absolutely won't get involved in succession disputes!
Besides, he's a man, so his beauty won't work on me!
Meanwhile, Old Master Song, who appeared calm on the surface, was also having doubts internally.
Compared to Elder Master Song, he was quite self-aware.
He was merely a sixth-rank minor official, not highly valued. Why would Prince An personally come to see them?
He couldn't shake the feeling that Prince An had ulterior motives and was eyeing something precious in their family.
But their Song family didn't have any hereditary titles or such family heirlooms...
Li Shuchen observed both men's reactions closely, withdrew his smile, and returned to his usual cool demeanor, which actually made them feel more at ease.
After taking a sip of tea, he explained the purpose of his visit today: "Inspector Song, being upright and incorruptible is admirable, but one must also know when to act. Currently, all military power is in the hands of the Marquis of Xuanping's faction. They are at the height of their success, and even the Emperor has to avoid their sharp edge. Why do you choose this time to impeach the Marquis of Xuanping's heir?"
Turning to the matter at hand, Old Master Song's thin face regained its stern expression.
He replied unyieldingly:
"The heir of the Marquis of Xuanping is tyrannical and oppresses the common people. Every accusation is based on fact. Although I am of humble status and my words carry little weight, how can I not speak up for the people?"
Li Shuchen raised his hand, gesturing for them to sit down, and unhurriedly poured tea as he spoke:
"A mayfly shaking a tree cannot harm it in the slightest. Since the roots of the tree are already rotten, naturally someone will uproot them entirely. When that time comes, Inspector Song can step forward and list their crimes, and all will be well."
"Even if Inspector Song does not fear the powerful and is willing to die without regret, have you considered your family?"
"Petitioning at the palace gates may not bring harm to your family. However, the heir of the Marquis of Xuanping is vindictive and his retaliation won't be limited to you alone. His methods are notoriously underhanded. Are you certain your family can withstand it?"
Although his tone was calm and steady, Old Master Song could sense a chilling intent behind his words. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Prince An truly abhors evil, it seems he also harbors deep hatred for the heir of the Marquis of Xuanping.
Li Shuchen coldly watched the steam rising from the teacup on the table, his gaze dark and inscrutable through the mist.
He could certainly protect the Song family and keep them safe, but he knew Huan would want her family to live openly and honorably, not relying on his protection to avoid the Marquis of Xuanping's revenge.
Moreover, in the current situation, Old Master Song's impeachment wouldn't cause even a ripple. It would be a futile effort.
When heaven wants to destroy someone, it first makes them mad.
Li Shuchen had single-handedly elevated the Marquis of Xuanping to a position second only to one person, precisely to make him lower his guard, allowing his adopted son to quickly usurp his military power right under his nose.
The higher he was raised, the harder he would fall in the future.
But he had overlooked the fact that Inspector Song wanted to impeach the Marquis of Xuanping at this time. Without his intervention, it would be tantamount to seeking death.
The room fell into silence, not a sound to be heard.
Elder Master Song cautiously glanced at his father's grim face and immediately held his breath.
After all, when his father was unhappy, even breathing seemed to be a mistake.
No matter what Prince An said, his father couldn't overstep and reprimand him.
In the end, he would surely bear all the consequences alone...
As time passed, the mist above the teacup gradually dissipated until it completely disappeared from the surface of the tea, leaving no trace of steam.
Finally, Old Master Song spoke.
