Rainwillow County, the prince's secondary residence.
Green mountains encircled the residence, with blue bricks and dark tiles. Its courtyards were artfully arranged, with pavilions and towers, artificial hills and strange rocks, scattered flowers and trees, all linked by winding paths.
Strolling through it, every step brought a new view, leaving the eye dazzled.
The hexagonal pavilion.
Xiang Yuan and Xiao Yan stared each other down.
When Cheng Yuling was around, the two got along splendidly, all loving father and filial son. When Cheng Yuling was absent, though, the atmosphere was entirely different.
Cheng Yuling was injured and sitting quietly indoors to recuperate. Without her there to keep the peace, Xiang Yuan and Xiao Yan dropped the act. They had nothing to say to each other, and whoever spoke first lost.
Xiang Yuan's skill at cultivating composure was mediocre—not fit even to carry the shoes of Xiao Yan, who had spent years navigating the imperial court. But as the saying went, the barefoot feared not those in shoes. He had no need to curry favor with Xiao Yan; currying favor with Cheng Yuling was enough. Xiao Yan, on the other hand, had quite a few things to say.
Xiao Yan placed a letter on the table and pushed it toward Xiang Yuan. Going against his conscience, he said, "I've more or less looked into your circumstances. Your background is unblemished, your heart kind. You and Lingyue... could be considered a suitable match."
The moment he heard that, Xiang Yuan instantly became the picture of filial devotion. He picked up the teacup, stepped forward with a bow, and smoothly dropped to one knee.
"Father-in-law, please accept your son's bow."
"Don't rush to drink the tea."
Xiao Yan took the teacup, feeling utterly miserable. He opened his mouth several times, yet could not