Chapter Sixteen: Here Comes the Sweet Puppy Love

The system showed him a scene he wished he could hide deep within his heart to love and protect—the woman he cherished being pierced through the heart by his cousin and left abandoned in the wilderness.

Xiao Yuan clenched his fists tightly, struggling to suppress the rage that tore at his reason.

His cold, piercing eyes remained fixed unblinking toward the capital of the Great Dynasty.

Aying, wait for me.

I will protect you completely.

……

At the Chu Residence.

When Chu Hengyang and Xiao Yixi were nearing the dining hall, Liu Shuang’er had just learned that Xiao Yixi was visiting their household.

“Madam, shall I instruct the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes?” Li Xiu asked.

“Yes,” Liu Shuang’er nodded, her gentle and refined face still showing surprise.

The princess herself was visiting their residence?

This had never happened before.

Liu Shuang’er hurriedly rose, unsure of the reason but eager to welcome them.

After a few steps, from a distance, Liu Shuang’er saw the two walking side by side.

A talented gentleman and a beautiful lady—one serene as a bright moon and gentle breeze, the other as pure and cold as a luminous cold moon.

They looked perfectly matched yet utterly distant.

……

Familiar with the personalities of her nine children, Liu Shuang’er caught a hint of inner struggle and conflict in Chu Hengyang’s polite and courteous smile.

She smiled softly but remained still.

It seemed... her eldest son harbored feelings for the princess.

“Madam Chu,” Xiao Yixi bowed lightly before Liu Shuang’er, her gesture meticulous and respectful.

Liu Shuang’er was startled. “Princess, there is no need for such formality.”

Was the princess’s bow too grand for her?

When Xiao Yixi rose, her gaze inadvertently flickered over to Chu Hengyang’s face, sparking a thought in Liu Shuang’er’s mind.

Could it be...

Not only did Hengyang have feelings for the princess, but the princess also felt something for him?

“Mother,” Chu Hengyang, unsettled, hadn’t noticed how respectfully Xiao Yixi treated Liu Shuang’er. “During today’s poetry contest, my younger sister received help from Princess. To express our gratitude, we invited Her Highness to dine at our residence.”

Liu Shuang’er smiled faintly. “That is only proper.”

So this was also because of her silly daughter, always a little wild and obsessed with eating meat?

“Please, Princess, take a seat,” Liu Shuang’er said warmly, her attitude very friendly toward Xiao Yixi.

Xiao Yixi nodded and gently took her seat.

Liu Shuang’er whispered to Li Xiu, “Quickly bring Miss Nine here.”

Since the princess was invited because of her daughter, how could her daughter not be present?

……

“Yes.” Li Xiu had just taken half a step when Chu Ying suddenly appeared.

“Mother, I’m here!” Chu Ying said excitedly, grinning.

Hehe.

The sweet affection between big brother and sister-in-law was about to be witnessed by her!

Seeing Chu Ying, Liu Shuang’er’s smile naturally grew wider. “You.”

“Please, sit down quickly,” Liu Shuang’er said indulgently but helplessly.

“All right~” Chu Ying smiled brightly and sat down, then said, “Big brother, sit here!”

Without hesitation, Chu Hengyang sat beside Chu Ying.

Chu Ying:?!

This wouldn’t do!

She was determined to work hard to help her big brother and sister-in-law grow closer!

No, no!

Chu Ying glanced left and right. Noticing Liu Shuang’er slowly taking her seat, she thought of a good idea while observing her.

“Big brother, Princess helped me today, so I want to serve her the dishes,” Chu Ying said plaintively. “But I can’t reach. Big brother, please help me!”