Yes, I Do(n't)

Chapter 31: The arrival of Xiao Ke Ai (The Dumpling) [3]

General Shen Jilie is happy to meet all three of them. For years, their father and him have never been on the same wavelength but, when it comes to his sons, he is quite impressed with each of them.

The oldest son is following his father's footsteps but, truth be told, he is much more capable than his father. Why? His father is one with an upright character and will do everything by the book. On the other hand, Xiao Zhuangyan is not highly clever but, he is quite cunning as well. Such a character will definitely be very beneficial for the Kingdom.

His favourite is of course Xiao Yingyong, his prized disciple and the third born of the Prime Minister Xiao Zhengzhi. Yingyong is like a son for him, and he especially trains him so that one day, he will take over his post in controlling the Kingdom's borders. His own son is focusing on the safety of the imperial city because he wanted to stay close to his beloved wife and daughter. He accepted his son’s decision with an open heart because his family needed someone to be there while he back at the base camp when the time comes. He intends to let his youngest daughter to marry him but, that girl went on a full throttle to be with a scholar noble. Should he matchmake his oldest daughter with Yingyong then?

The fourth born is a gentle spoken and calm mannered Xiao Fuyuan whom is only interested in medical field. He is said to be quite a talent and will one day be one of the imperial doctor of their Kingdom. Thou his birth mother is the cousin sister of the Emperor, he is never the one to brag and always gives free medical checkups towards the unprivileged citizens. His charitable act is quite well known in their Kingdom. So young yet so kind and broad minded to.

Yes, that man is quite unbearable, but he has raised exceptional sons for sure. When it comes to Xiao Ke Ai, he heard that the entire family members spoil her rotten. Noble Consort Baili Xin Ai and the Second Prince Nangong Heshan are known to be quite accepting towards her too. Seems like her charms are inevitable for others but, that has brought jealousy from those whom are not as blessed as she is.

Baiyu too has been the talk of the Kingdom ever since her engagement has been officially announced since 10 years ago. But she is not as lucky as Second Miss Xiao. Fourth Prince Nangong Yingjun never tries to get to know to her or even try to understand her. He knows the reason that she refused to go out in the public is mainly contributed by the judgments by others. Her weak body was just an excuse then. More like she preferred to pass her idle time in her own courtyard. Her tutoring has been done there too. Because of her laziness, she rarely socializes with her own family members. At times, she has acted somewhat distant too. Now, she has changed rather drastically ever since she woke up. A part of him is happy with her changes but, a part of him is quite worried as well. One of his shadow guard reported that Crown Prince Beitang Moran has sent a shadow guard to protect her these few days and, he even personally came to her courtyard in secret. What does this mean? He only wanted someone that will treats her with full of sincerely and love. Is he sincere towards her? Or, is she just a device for him? That he has to wait.

Cheerful laughters can be heard coming getting closer and closer to the waiting hall. Shen Baiyu is walking hand in hand with both Shen Lianhua and Xiao Ke Ai. Their personally maidservants; Moli, Taohua and Xingxing, are following their mistresses closely behind. As they are just about to enter the waiting hall, Shen Baiyu suddenly stumbles and, just for a brief moment, a lower part of her face is visible for all the eyes can see. Her family members suddenly feel tense as the three young masters are still here and not one of them wish her true appearance to be seen by others for now. Shen Lianhua realizes this, and she immediately adjusted her older sister veil.

Xiao Ke Ai is smiling from ear to ear, she always known that older sister Baiyu is a beauty, a fragrant beauty. For her brothers, they are somewhat shaken even when they only managed to see just the lower part of her face accidentally. That luscious yet seductive lips... That fair and smooth skin... Xiao Zhuangyan is still staring at her just like Xiao Yingyong but he immediately looks away when her older brother cough a few times. When it comes to Xiao Fuyuan, he does admit that Eldest Miss Shen is definitely a beauty but, his attention is more drawn to the one standing behind her, Moli.

Concubine Li Xiyin immediately stands up and ran towards her to check on her, "Baiyu, are you alright? Do not push yourself too much, you are still in the process of healing."

Shen Baiyu then hold onto her stepmother's hand with both of her hands and says, "Mother, I am feeling much better now. Do forgive me if my careless blunder causes worry on everyone. I am still in one piece really."

"Baiyu! Do not make a joke out of your wellbeing. It is unbecoming for a young miss to act in such a way." Concubine Li Xiyin said as she gently pinches her stepdaughter's smooth hand.

Shen Baiyu laughs and answers, "If so, Lianhua here is definitely acting quite the opposite of how a young miss should properly acts."

Both of them walk towards the bench and, sit on it with General Shen Jilie has to scoot over to make space for both of them. Xiao Ke Ai and Shen Lianhua sit next to each other with smiles on their faces too.

"That daughter is hopeless beyond redemption. I would not even bothered about her. I blame both your older brother and your father for her unruly behaviour." Concubine Li Xiyin said as she continues to hold onto Shen Baiyu's hand.

General Shen Jilie has always been thankful that his concubine is willing to take care of his daughter with all her heart since his main wife has died. He has his doubts too in the beginning but, as years gone by, he sees that his concubine is sincere. He still remembers her loving smile when she first takes the then infant Baiyu into her arms.

(Picture available on w*****d)

Seeing how she treated her as if she is a precious gem over the years comforts his heart and he knew that his Shui’er would be happy to know that her daughter has been living a good life except for that soon-to-be ex-fiancé of hers. Maybe... Just maybe... Crown Prince Beitang Moran should be considered after all. With just his name, both the crown prince and the third prince will no longer pose a threat for Baiyu.

"Father... Father... Are you alright? What have you been thinking about?" Shen Baiyu asked him.

Captain Shen Yili watches his father too, seems like he is thinking about a certain intruder. They have let him, and his shadow guard come and go for now and, both of them noticed that both of the intruders noticed the leniency as well but pretended the opposite. Crown Prince Beitang Moran is definitely impressive.

Crown Prince Beitang Moran is silently watching them as he stays hidden above the nearby tree. Even his sister has been nagging him lately for always going out and about in secret. As if he would care... Seeing his Baiyu from afar is more than enough. That damnable Xiao brothers! How dare they!?!?! No men are ever allowed to see her face. Forever.

Sensing that he is watching her, Shen Baiyu look towards his direction as she continues to talk. His presence somehow comforts her. This is not good. She is liking him more and more. Should she go for it?