TFWYH – Chapter 694 Unable to Win Him Over

He might be a bit foolish,

but this younger brother was not a bad person. Deep down, he still valued the bonds between siblings.

If he were to ascend to that position in the future, he would certainly make proper arrangements for him, allowing him to live as a carefree and virtuous prince, enjoying wealth and honor for the rest of his life.

That was what Huangfu Yi was thinking.

Seeing the sincerity on Huangfu Yi’s face, the small trace of dissatisfaction in Huangfu Que’s heart also dissipated.

A flash of disdain crossed Huangfu Xiao’s eyes before vanishing. Pretending to be concerned, he asked,

“Do we know when the parasite removal will begin?”

“Well…” Huangfu Yi was brought back to reality, remembering that Mu Qingfeng and Tang Wan had not yet arrived.

Just then, someone came to report that Mu Qingfeng and Tang Wan had arrived.

Not only that, Ling Yu had accompanied them as well.

“Quickly, invite them in!” Huangfu Yi hurriedly instructed the servants to usher Tang Wan and the others inside.

“Your Highness the Second Prince, forgive this humble official for intruding,” Ling Yu greeted warmly upon arrival, not even sparing Huangfu Xiao or Huangfu Que a glance as he addressed Huangfu Yi.

Huangfu Yi found it somewhat strange, though his face remained full of smiles.

“The situation is different now, Lord Ling. There’s no need to be so formal.”

“This humble official was fortunate to receive Your Highness’s favor. Back in Xiangxi Town, Your Highness took great care of me. I had intended to pay my respects earlier, but having only recently assumed office, official affairs kept me occupied. I hope Your Highness will not take offense.”

Ling Yu smiled faintly, carrying himself with elegance and extraordinary good looks.

Huangfu Yi was delighted and cast a smug glance toward Huangfu Xiao.

“You’re too modest. Lord Ling is a scholar of exceptional talent. I haven’t helped you much at all. You’ve come this far through your own abilities.”

“Your Highness flatters me,” Ling Yu replied politely, adopting a somewhat humble posture.

Yet in the eyes of the three princes, the significance of his behavior differed greatly.

Ling Yu’s attitude could only mean that he had always stood on Huangfu Yi’s side.

Naturally, Huangfu Yi was overjoyed.

Huangfu Xiao’s and Huangfu Que’s expressions, however, were not quite so pleasant.

Especially Huangfu Xiao’s.

He had once intended to win Ling Yu over to his side.

Now, it seemed Ling Yu could no longer be recruited.

When no one was watching, Ling Yu shot Tang Wan a meaningful glance.

Tang Wan understood instantly and stepped forward.

“Your Highness the Second Prince, where is the Eldest Young Lady?”

“Come with me. We’ve been waiting for you all,” Huangfu Yi said, quickly leading the way himself.

Ling Yu and the others followed closely behind.

After they had gone some distance, Huangfu Que glanced at the grim-faced Huangfu Xiao and sneered.

“Eldest Brother, it seems you’re not quite capable enough. Otherwise, why would Ling Yu be so close to Second Brother?”

With that, Huangfu Que smiled ambiguously and flicked his sleeve before following after the others.

Huangfu Xiao’s expression darkened even further, but he soon regained his composure.

It didn’t matter.

Those who followed him would prosper; those who opposed him would perish.

He was merely a Minister of Revenue.

Whether he had Ling Yu or not made little difference.

Since Ling Yu refused to appreciate the honor offered to him, then destroying him would suffice.

Thinking this way, Huangfu Xiao’s mood improved somewhat as he stepped forward to follow the group.

The party arrived at the Lin Garden Waterside Pavilion.

The place was heavily guarded, enough to show just how dearly Huangfu Yi cherished Huangfu Ronglan.

Huangfu Xiao inwardly sneered at this.

No matter how much affection he lavished upon her, she was merely a daughter, not a son.

What use was that?

Huangfu Yi was a man without heirs. With no sons of his own, he could only devote his heart to his daughter.

As they entered the Lin Garden Waterside Pavilion, Yuanyuan, who had been playing with Huangfu Ronglan, spotted the approaching group from afar.

After soothing Huangfu Ronglan with a few words, she hurried forward and gracefully curtsied.

“This humble servant greets all the honored guests. May the honored guests enjoy peace and good fortune.”

A gentle breeze swept through her hair, causing the hem of her dress to flutter softly.

Her breathtaking beauty made her seem like a celestial maiden from the Ninth Heaven, as though she might ride the wind away at any moment.

Huangfu Que, at least, remained composed.

Having a virtuous wife at home, he merely sighed in admiration.

“I never expected that such extraordinary beauty existed in this world. Second Brother, where did this beauty come from?”