Imperial Daughter

The servants at the gate saw Li Hao and quickly bowed, knowing that this young master was deeply favored by the First Madam.

The moon had just risen, and the Starlight was dappled.

As the lanterns were lit in the courtyard, warm light shone through the window screens in the main hall of the house, and laughter could be heard from inside, suggesting a joyful gathering.

Uncle Zhao and Qingzhi followed Li Hao to the outside of the main hall, stopped at the steps, and stood there quietly with their hands at their sides, waiting for the banquet to end. They would only be called in if given any instructions.

The Li Family had strict rules, and the servants dared not overstep them.

In the main hall.

As soon as Li Hao walked in, he saw a rather eye-catching unfamiliar young girl.

She looked to be around sixteen years old, the perfect age for a budding flower.

The girl was already about 1.7 meters tall, with a graceful and slender figure, and her eyes were as clear as a frosty lake, possessing a calmness that was not found in her peers.

Faintly, Li Hao could still see a trace of the pebble-like curve of her childhood cheeks, but now that the girl had grown up, her cheek contours were more delicate and beautiful, like a flower about to bloom.

She wore an oyster-white dress, pure and elegant, with shimmering glitter in the pleats of the skirt, as if inlaid with crystals. Although the overall style was casual, it looked extremely expensive. Combined with her girlish and refreshing temperament, she was like Fairy emerging from the mist.

Clearly, this is Li Wushuang.

In addition, Li Hao also saw that sitting next to his cousin, whom he hadn't seen for many years, were Li Yun and Li Zhining, a brother and sister.

But at this moment, they were both meek and obedient, with their hands placed properly on their laps. The brother and sister both had silly smiles on their faces, and their eyes would occasionally glance at their older sister beside them as the adults praised and chatted.

Their eyes shone with hope and light, filled with envy and joy at the sight of that radiant figure, like a bright pearl.

This sight reminded Li Hao of five years ago when they first came to Mountains and Rivers Courtyard, and how well-behaved they were, listening to stories with their little hands on their cheeks. It was exactly the same.

"As expected of Shuang'er, she has reached the Spirit Wandering Realm at such a young age. Reaching the Divine Spirit Roaming at fifteen years old, such talent already places her among the top Heavenly Prodigy. It is highly likely that she will reach the Three Immortalities in her lifetime."

At the end of the seating arrangement for the ladies, the Ninth Madam Jiang Xian'er, with her hair lightly tied up in a bun, spoke softly.

She was the Li Family Ninth Son, Li Junye's betrothed, and also Princess of the Imperial Clan.

When Li Hao saw Ninth Madam, a look of solemn respect appeared in his eyes.

Ninth Madam is the youngest of all the ladies, only thirty-two this year. According to Second Master, Ninth Madam stayed at the Li Family for a period of time when she was a child because of something, and that's when she met Ninth Uncle.

The two were practically childhood sweethearts. They separated after growing up, but later, when Ninth Uncle was traveling and experiencing the world, he met Ninth Madam again. They developed feelings for each other and secretly pledged their lives to one another.

Ninth Uncle Heavenly Talent exceptionally talented and was the Li Family True Dragon, so Yu Emperor did not obstruct the marriage and granted the two a betrothal.

Unfortunately, the marriage was already arranged, but Ninth Uncle wanted to make a name for himself before the wedding and then marry Ninth Madam in a grand ceremony. However, he died in battle after only two years in the army, which caused the marriage to come to an abrupt end just before the wedding date, leaving people with a sense of regret and sorrow.

Since Ninth Uncle was already dead, the marriage was naturally called off.

We can't expect Imperial Clan Princess to live a life of widowhood, can we?

But this Ninth Madam was deeply devoted, saying that she would only marry the Li Family Ninth Son for the rest of her life.

So, after she had a big fight with the emperor who held the reins of All Under Heaven in the Imperial Palace, she finally came to Qing Prefecture, holding her Ninth Uncle's clothes and armor, and completed the marriage that the man had failed to fulfill, becoming the Ninth Madam of the Li Family.

This heartwarming story is known to everyone in Qing Prefecture.

Within the manor, all the ladies held Ninth Madam Jiang Xian'er in high esteem. Even the Second Master and Fifth Master spoke of this Imperial Family Princess with great affection, not because of her status, but simply because of their deep affection.

When Li Hao first heard the Second Master recount this story, he was also deeply moved.

In this era, travel was slow; a lifetime was only enough to love one person.

You can only remember one person in your lifetime.

Unlike his generation, where a child could easily change their mind eighty times in one night with a simple swipe of their hand.

"You're too kind Ninth Madam," Li Wushuang said to Jiang Xian'er with a slight smile.

She was indifferent to everyone else, but she held her husband, Ninth Uncle, in high regard.

"Hao'er is here."

At this moment, He Jianlan, who was sitting in the center of the hall, saw Li Hao. Her smile widened, and she waved and said:

"Come on, come sit down."

At this moment, the others also noticed Li Hao. Jiang Xian'er glanced back at him, gave Li Hao a slight smile, and was quite kind.

Li Hao returned the smile. Over the years, he had met all the ladies of the various courtyards, but only the First Madam and this Ninth Madam were the ones he felt most at ease with and comfortable with.

Walking to the table, Li Hao saw two plates of the Delicacies he had asked Yuanzhao to buy earlier already laid out. He smiled and handed the gift box to his cousin.

"I heard that Sister Unparalleled is back, so I specially prepared a small gift. I hope my cousin likes it."

Li Wushuang's gaze swept over the gift box, and she reached out to take it, her expression unchanged. "Thank you."

As he spoke, he was about to hand the gift box to the gift table behind him.

Sitting next to He Jianlan, Liu Yuerong, with her sharp eyes, said with a smile, "Shuang'er, why don't you see what Hao'er gave you? Hao'er hasn't given anyone anything except food all these years."

He Jianlan said calmly, "We don't lack anything. The food Hao'er sent was all made by his own hands, and that's the most precious thing."

"That's true." Liu Yuerong nodded with a smile.

Jiang Xian'er turned to look at Li Hao and said with a smile, "Hao'er, come and sit down. It's been a long time since I've had any of your pastries."

"If Ninth Madam likes it, I'll make it for you tomorrow," Li Hao said with a smile as he took a seat.

While the two were talking, Li Wushuang frowned slightly. He wasn't really interested at first, but since his Second Madam had asked him to, it would seem like he was being indifferent if he didn't open it and take a look.

She casually opened the gift box and saw a porcelain vase and a dragon horn comb inside.

As expected, these were just ordinary things. Li Wushuang shook his head inwardly, losing even more interest, and prepared to close them up.

Liu Yuerong chuckled and said, "Hao'er is so thoughtful. This dragon horn comb is exquisitely crafted; it must have taken a lot of effort. I wonder what's in that porcelain vase?"

"The Divine Forging Pill."

Li Hao smiled and said to her.

Li Wushuang raised an eyebrow slightly, closed the gift box, placed it on the gift stand beside her, and said calmly, "Do you think I need to use this kind of pill?"

Although the voice was soft, it suddenly made the atmosphere much colder.

That's a difficult question to answer.

Need? That would be a clear indication that she has poor aptitude and needs to rely on elixirs.

You don't need it? Then why did you send it?

Li Hao was stunned for a moment, then looked somewhat helpless.

Indeed, gift-giving is a very troublesome matter.

"Shuang'er."

Fifth Madam Gao Qingqing noticed that her child's tone was off. Since it was a family banquet to celebrate, she naturally didn't want anything unpleasant to happen, so she smiled and smoothed things over:

"Hao'er meant well. You haven't seen each other for many years, and he doesn't know what you like. I think this dragon horn comb is very nice. As for the pills, keep them if you don't need them."

Li Yun, who was originally very well-behaved, suddenly became a little arrogant after seeing Li Hao appear, as if he felt ashamed to be so obedient in front of Li Hao.

Seeing that Li Hao seemed embarrassed, he immediately leaned back tactically, mimicking Li Hao's usual calm expression, and hummed softly:

"Li Hao, do you know that my sister has Ninth Grade Battle Body, a top- Heavenly Prodigy! She doesn't need any pills to help her at all. Taking pills would only harm her. Are you looking down on my sister?"

After saying that, he looked at Li Hao smugly. Now that his elder sister was backing him up, he was no longer afraid of Li Hao.

"Where did this rich kid's stupid son come from..." Li Hao glanced at him speechlessly. "This banquet is for your sister. If I were to show my displeasure now, it would be your sister who would look bad, not me, you silly boy."

Sure enough, upon hearing Li Yun's words, Gao Qingqing's expression changed slightly. She quickly tugged at Li Yun's back. They were all family, and her Eldest Sister-in-Law was there too. They couldn't let others be embarrassed in public.

Li Yun felt a sharp pain from being pulled. Looking up, he saw his mother's Anger eyes. Mother and Son knew each other well, and he immediately realized that he had probably done something wrong.

But what did I do wrong?

Am I not telling the truth?

While Li Yun was stunned, Li Hao smiled slightly. Naturally, he wouldn't get angry and get up, nor would he nervously try to explain anything.

"Your older cousin doesn't need this kind of pill, but your younger cousin might need it. You could save it for him."

Li Hao said with a half-smile, "As for that comb, does my cousin not like it either? Then I'll give it to my younger sister Zhi Ning."

Li Wushuang's expression darkened slightly. How could she not hear the veiled sarcasm in Li Hao's words? Did he think her brother was inadequate?

"What do you mean?"

She stated directly that she didn't like beating around the bush, and she didn't care about saving face.

"Cousin, didn't you hear me?"

Li Hao feigned surprise, thinking to himself, "Why do these two siblings seem a bit dim -Mind's Eye?"

Li Wushuang's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was about to lash out, but Gao Qingqing coughed in time to interrupt him, saying:

"Shuang'er, Hao'er still young and doesn't know your situation. Giving you the Divine Forging Pill was a good intention, why are you taking it personally with your cousin?"

Sitting next to Li Hao, Jiang Xian'er smiled gently and said, "Shuang'er, if you don't like it, I'll make it up for Hao'er later."

"Yes, Shuang'er, Hao'er's intentions are good after all," Liu Yuerong quickly comforted her.

Li Wushuang glanced at Li Hao, said nothing more, and casually put the gift box away on the gift shelf behind her.

Just then, footsteps approached from outside, followed by Li Yuanzhao's voice calling out, "Hao Ge."

Li Hao turned his head and saw that Fourth Mother and Yuanzhao had also arrived.

Hearing Li Yuanzhao's shout, Xiao Yujing's temper, which had just calmed down, flared up again. This brat, who did you call first when you came in? Anyone who didn't know better would think you came to congratulate Li Hao!

Despite her anger, there were many people in the main hall, and she couldn't possibly scold her son in front of everyone. So she quickly walked up and said with a smile:

"Dear sisters and brothers, I'm late. Is this Shuang'er? Oh my, it's been so many years! She's grown so tall and beautiful. Qingqing, you've truly raised a wonderful daughter."

With just a few words, he enlivened the atmosphere and diverted everyone's attention, thus covering up Li Yuanzhao's rudeness.

Li Hao sat upright at the table with a smile on his face. These women were all quite formidable.

Li Yuanzhao greeted Li Hao, and the two brothers exchanged glances, knowing that the previous incident had not caused any misunderstanding. Li Yuanzhao was relieved and smiled as he handed the gift to Li Wushuang.

"What is this?" Liu Yuerong asked with great interest.

"You'll know once you open it, cousin," Li Yuanzhao said with a smile. He didn't know what his mother had put inside, but he wasn't stupid.

Li Wushuang frowned, feeling slightly helpless, but still opened it and took a look. It turned out to be a sharp short dagger.

"It's actually the famous dagger 'Fragrance Containing'!"

Gao Qingqing immediately recognized it, but her surprised gaze turned to Xiao Yujing: "Fourth Sister-in-law, this is a famous Divine Weapon! I heard it can pierce the body of Demon King Three Immortalities."

Xiao Yujing smiled and said, "This is Yuanzhao's thoughtfulness; as long as Shuang'er is happy, that's all that matters."

Gao Qingqing snapped out of her daze and said to her daughter, "Aren't you going to thank your cousin?"

A glint of light appeared in Li Wushuang's eyes; she quite liked the Dagger. Although she used a sword, she still had her other hand.

Carry it with you at all times. In close combat, when a sword cannot be used, Dagger is just like a short sword, which is extremely convenient.

Thank you, cousin.

She smiled gently and thanked him softly.

Li Yuanzhao waved his hand and smiled, then sat down next to Li Hao.

Before long, the remaining Third Madam and Eighth Madam also arrived one after another, and soon everyone was present.

He Jianlan knew that Li Wushuang was new to the manor and did not like large crowds, so she did not invite the concubines from the various courtyards. Therefore, those present were all direct descendants. Although the number was not large, it suited Li Wushuang's taste better.

Besides the ladies, Li Wushuang's father, Li Xuanli, also returned from the Meditation Mountain deep within the mansion.

He looked to be in his forties and had a refined and scholarly air about him. He had been seriously wounded on the battlefield many years ago, but fortunately, compared to his brothers, he had escaped unscathed.

It was extremely difficult to escape with severe injuries from the demons' jaws, because the Li Family's sons were usually hunted down by Great Demon on the battlefield, and once injured, they would be subjected to a frenzied attack from the Demon.

After all, the Li Family has guarded the frontier for many years, slaying countless demons and accumulating countless grudges.

For the Demon Race, apart from the Wang Family, the four major Divine General Residence are all Demon Race mortal enemies, wishing they could devour their flesh, drink their blood, and sleep on their skin!