Lang Xuan tried to break free, but seeing the relieved looks in her parents' eyes, she lowered her head and let him go.
She would never admit the deep-seated, burgeoning desire within her.
Everyone was happy, except for Lang Wu.
The young boy, his face long and drawn, glared at Linlin, "Even if you are a prince, you can't bully my sister. Otherwise, I... I..."
"Alright," Lang Xuan said with a smile, patting his head. "If you don't make me angry, nobody will."
Lang Wu was so angry that his face turned red.
How can this older sister be so clueless!
You're just protecting her, all you do is protect her. When she suffers in the future, she'll come back to you crying!
Lang Xuan then said to Linlin, somewhat embarrassed, "A-Wu is still a child at heart, Your Highness, please don't take it to heart."
"Aren't you just as childish?" Linlin asked with a smile. "I have three younger brothers who are even harder to deal with than him."
What did he say?
Lang Wu is nothing compared to this.
The happiest person was Madam Lang.
She pulled her defiant son aside, glared at him fiercely, and Lang Wu immediately calmed down.
A burst of laughter erupted from the crowd.
Yes, because Lang Xuan was returning to her parents' home, Prince Ming even came, and many people came to see the spectacle.
Who would have thought that Prince Ming would marry the daughter of an exiled military household as his principal wife, and even accompany her on her homecoming visit, strictly following custom?
Linlin was prepared. With a single glance, Zhao Qing immediately led his guards to distribute candy and copper coins to the people around them.
A burst of cheers erupted from the surroundings, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of Chinese New Year.
Lang Xuan looked at Linlin with a mixture of surprise and emotion.
There were no rules involved; it was clearly Yuwen Duo's meticulousness and thoughtful consideration that led to this thoroughness.
She was deeply moved, thinking to herself that since he had done this to save face for her in front of her parents, she must treat him even better in the future.
Yuwen Duo possessed a unique charm that moved people in subtle ways, making them willing to go through fire and water for him.
Lang He couldn't stop smiling.
What could make an old father happier than his son-in-law loving his daughter and caring for her?
"Come on, come on, let's go inside."
Because the house was really cramped, Linlin said, "There aren't many people in the house, so let's all sit together. There's no need to separate the tables."
"Okay, okay," Lang He readily agreed, and had Lang Wu bring out the sorghum wine that had been prepared beforehand.
Lang Xuan wanted to help Madam Lang cook, but the latter refused.
"Now that you're back, you're a precious guest. A-Wu, keep your sister and brother-in-law company," Madam Lang said with a beaming smile.
Lang Xuan, however, was somewhat restless.
How could she let her mother do all the work alone?
She's not my biological mother, but she's better than one.
Seeing this, Linlin said, "Why don't I go to the kitchen with you, and I'll show you what I can do?"
He couldn't get along with his not-so-bright father-in-law and his immature brother-in-law.
He just wanted to stay with the little crybaby.
Lang Xuan shook her head repeatedly upon hearing this. "No, no, how can you cook?"
Not to mention him, even my own father adheres to the principle of "a gentleman should cook" and never goes into the kitchen.
Linlin rolled up her sleeves as she said, "My mother loves to cook, and I've been exposed to it since I was little, so I've always picked up a few tricks. My father also often accompanies her, no matter where she is."
Lang He: This son-in-law, the more I look at him, the more pleasing he becomes.
Lang Xuan was led to the kitchen by Linlin with a sense of unease and fear.
Lang He glanced at his own son, who was still wearing a long face and saying "hypocritical," and kicked him. "Go and start the fire!"
"I'm a man! I don't go into the kitchen!"
"Bullshit, you brat! Didn't you hear the Emperor go into the kitchen? Go and start the fire!"
Lang Wu left dejectedly.
Fortunately, Madam Lang had been asked to leave, leaving only the young couple in the kitchen. He quickly slipped away.
Madam Lang was very uneasy.
Lang He, however, was quite carefree, and said with a smile, "Perhaps the Prince is a good cook!"
Even emperors of previous dynasties enjoyed being carpenters; who can understand that?
Madam Lang glared at him. Wasn't that a tyrannical emperor?
Comparing a tyrannical emperor to a prince is truly...
She stood at the door, still feeling uneasy.
In the kitchen, Lang Xuan asked hesitantly, "Your Highness, what are you doing?"
She can be an assistant.
I just don't know if she'll have indigestion after eating Yuwen Duo's cooking.
But Linlin didn't give her that chance.
He feigned distress and said, "Oh dear, I've been exaggerating a bit. What do I do now?"
Lang Xuan stared in disbelief. "Bragging, bragging?"
Does this sound like something Yuwen Duo would say?
Where is his composure?
Did I catch it from myself? Did she lower my IQ?
"I can help you start the fire," Linlin said. "Can you cook two dishes for me and pretend I made them?"
Lang Xuan's eyes widened.
Why does Yuwen Duo seem so out of place today?
It's like he's become a completely different person.
"I can do the fire-starting," Linlin continued, "It's a family tradition of being a cook. My father used to be a cook, but he could cook, the kind who jumps into the pot himself. I can only start the fire."
After he finished speaking, he met Lang Xuan's even bigger eyes.
Linlin was helpless.
Isn't what he said funny?
Lang Xuan: No, I dare not laugh.
"Hurry up and get started, or we'll all go hungry."
Lang Xuan nodded quickly.
Why is she spacing out again!
Lang Xuan was very efficient, and since Madam Lang had already prepared all the ingredients, she quickly cooked the meal.
"Is it ready?" Linlin asked with a smile, smelling the delicious aroma of the dishes.
Lang Xuan said softly, "Wait a moment, the porridge I made for you will have to wait a little longer."
Linlin:"..."
The porridge I had last night still feels like it's lingering in my stomach; I have to drink porridge again today.
He likes to eat dry food...
The family sat around the table for a meal, Linlin kept putting food on Lang Xuan's plate, taking good care of her.
--I'm putting on a show for your parents, so you can't refuse me.
He enjoyed it.
Lang Xuan was so embarrassed that she almost buried her face in the bowl.
Lang He, and repeatedly urged Lang Wu to toast his brother-in-law.
"No." Lang Xuan suddenly looked up. "Father, the Prince has a bad stomach and can't drink. You always try to persuade people to drink, and I'm telling you, it's definitely not going to happen today."
Like a mother hen protecting her chicks, she wanted to "protect" Linlin behind her.
Linlin was secretly pleased and smiled, "Actually, it's okay..."
"No," Lang Xuan said firmly. "Father, the Prince is very busy. He has matters to attend to when he gets back. He cannot drink."
"A married daughter is like water spilled from a bowl," Lang He said, feigning exaggeration. "Now she won't listen to this old man anymore."
As he spoke, he couldn't help but laugh himself.
Linlin, looking every bit the "henpecked husband," chuckled and said, "I'll have a drink with my father-in-law, just one."
Lang Xuan bit her lip, but held onto his hand that was holding the cup, not letting go immediately, her mind racing.
My father is a heavy drinker; if I don't drink this glass of wine, it would indeed seem disrespectful to him...
However, Yuwen Duo had a bad stomach.
I'll drink it for you.
Lang Xuan snatched the wine glass, downed it in one gulp, and her boldness stunned everyone.
Madam Lang murmured, "Young lady, you've never drunk alcohol before!"
(My computer can't access background processes for no reason, which is making me really anxious. My phone updates will be a bit slower, please wait for me~)