The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity-Chapter 526 - 493: Little Yuanbao (First Update)

The mischievous youth used his naturally sociable enthusiasm to successfully create an awkward atmosphere at the scene.

Yun Huai pushed the wine cup over, and Ye Rong respectfully filled it up for him, calling him ’uncle’ here and ’uncle’ there, even more affectionate than his own nephews.

Xue Yinhuan asked Xue Yan to entertain the guests while she took Ye Ling back to the boudoir.

Ye Ling didn’t say much, and once seated, she focused on the glass fish tank on the high table, seemingly enamored with the little red fish happily swimming with their tails wagging inside.

Xue Yinhuan rummaged in the wardrobe for a while, then brought out a newly made outfit and handed it to Ye Ling, "Ah Yao, this is for you."

Ye Ling looked at her, puzzled, "Why are you giving me clothes?"

Sister Huan had often given her things in the past, but they were always accessories, never clothes.

"It’s specially made polo gear," Xue Yinhuan said. "Originally it was made for myself, but it’s likely I’ll never use it again. We’re about the same size, so I’m giving it to you as if you’re playing on my behalf."

Ye Ling didn’t take it, "Sister Huan, are you hiding something from me?"

Xue Yinhuan helped her wrap the clothes, speaking casually, "I’ve already dissolved the marriage arrangement with the Prince. In a few days, I’ll be going down to Jiangnan with my uncle. In the future, not to mention playing polo, even meeting you might be difficult."

"Huh?" Ye Ling was somewhat bewildered, "Is it even possible to dissolve an arrangement that’s already been set?"

Clearly, the idea of dissolving a marriage arrangement with the Imperial Family was beyond the simple understanding of the young girl.

"As long as both parties agree, there’s nothing impossible," Xue Yinhuan stuffed the packed polo gear into her arms. "Besides, I think it’s quite good."

Being far away, her feelings for Zhao Xi wouldn’t continue to ferment.

Otherwise, watching him have three thousand concubines in his harem in the future would make it hard for her to ensure she wouldn’t do something out of jealousy.

Just thinking about it felt terrifying.

After Xue Yinhuan sat down, Ye Ling poked her, "Sister Huan, are you upset?"

Otherwise, why would a girl feel it’s quite good to be dismissed from a marriage proposal?

Previously, when she was going to enter the palace as a concubine, she also said it was quite good, and even after being dismissed, she still said it’s quite good.

So, does she want to get married or not?

Ye Ling was dizzy.

Xue Yinhuan saw at a glance this girl was confused again, "Anyway, adult matters, even if I told you, you wouldn’t understand."

"I’m already fourteen," Ye Ling protested quietly.

Xue Yinhuan chuckled helplessly.

...

Over at the Observation Pavilion, the conversation was lively. When peers gather, it’s easy to leave behind social status and immerse themselves in the atmosphere.

Ye Rong’s speed at fitting in was comparable to Song Yuanbao, quickly mingling with several people, his voice the loudest during drinking games, and he was punished the most.

While heavily intoxicated, upon hearing Zhao Xi saying he plans to go hunting outside the city in a few days, he immediately perked up, "Really huh, when?"

Zhao Xi calculated the days and said, "Three days later."

It happened right after the twenty-seven-day national mourning and wouldn’t take too much time from Yun Huai.

After speaking, he looked at Yun Huai, as if seeking his opinion.

Yun Huai said, "I don’t mind, Your Highness just make the arrangements."

Ye Rong glanced at Zhao Xi and then Yun Huai, "But...I mean if both of you are going, then what’s left for us?"

Zhao Xi stated straightforwardly, "This hunting trip is specifically prepared for Yun Liu."

The implication being, if not for Yun Liu, why would anyone bother with you?

Ye Rong felt like crying, "Uncle, please go easy, uncle."

Xue Yan said softly, "Third brother, I’m backing you, so why cry?"

Ye Rong was instantly comforted, patting his shoulder, "Brother, with those words, I’ll crawl over there if I have to."

Zhao Xi listened to the two comforting each other and suddenly said, "What are you afraid of, there’s someone in the palace to back you up."

"Who?" Ye Rong just asked and instantly realized it was Song Yuanbao, slapping the table and laughing, "Hahaha, is it Little Yuanbao, Your Highness you’re really kind-hearted, just be sure to bring him out for me to bully, hahaha cracks me up."

Xue Yan’s face turned red, wanting to laugh but not daring to.

Looking at Ye Rong’s carefree demeanor, Zhao Xi changed his tone, "However, all of us are trained in martial arts, and bullying scholars is somewhat unreasonable, Ye San, you are responsible for gathering more people, treat this hunt as Yun Liu’s send-off."

"Got it!" Ye Rong promised, patting his chest, "Gathering those idle noble sons together is my specialty, just wait and see, I’ll definitely make it grand."

The hunting schedule was set, and Zhao Xi didn’t stay long before taking leave from the Minister’s Mansion.

...

Zhao Xi wasn’t around. Song Yuanbao lay sprawled asleep on the writing desk. His ears were sharp; he immediately sat up straight and opened his eyes upon hearing footsteps. Seeing it was indeed Zhao Xi, he raised an eyebrow, greeted him casually, and asked, "How’s the engagement dissolution going?"

Zhao Xi corrected him, "That’s not called engagement dissolution; it’s a mutual decision to annul the marriage contract under agreed conditions."

"Isn’t it all the same?" Song Yuanbao shrugged. "After all, it was you who brought her into the palace, and it’s you who don’t want her now. In the end, you still need the young lady to willingly cooperate with you. Tsk, Your Highness, you’ve mastered this routine well!"

Zhao Xi glanced at him without speaking.

Song Yuanbao yawned with little energy, "I’ve finished all the assignments the teacher gave this morning. Now it’s summer, and according to the rules, the afternoon is rest time. I’m going back to my room."

Just as Song Yuanbao was about to step out the door, Zhao Xi said languidly, "There will be a hunting event in three days for Yun Liulang’s going-away. Get ready."

Song Yuanbao asked, "Who is Yun Liulang?"

"Miss Xue’s little uncle."

"Is he impressive?"

Zhao Xi nodded, "It’s said that among the entire Yun family and all the disciples in the residence, no one can match his skills."

"Then I’m not going." Song Yuanbao refused outright, "Clearly, you want to drag me along to look foolish. Your Highness, the accomplished and talented Eldest Prince, don’t you find it shameless to bully a scholar who can’t even truss a chicken?"

Zhao Xi spoke unhurriedly, "The third son of the Ye Family is invited. There’s a ninety percent chance Miss Ye will go as well."

Song Yuanbao staggered and nearly tripped over the threshold, "...Please, be as shameless as you wish, Your Highness; I’m all set."

Zhao Xi: "..."

——

In just three days, everyone heard about the Eldest Prince Zhao Xi annulling his marriage contract with the Xue Family’s young lady.

Reason: An incompatibility in their birth charts.

Incompatibility of birth charts, as the name implies, means that once united, they would mutually antagonize each other.

This couldn’t be considered one-sided antagonism.

Even if some wanted to criticize Xue Yinhuan based on this, they would have to weigh the man’s status first.

As such, this storm didn’t cause too much of an impact, and few in town dared to discuss it openly.

Zhao Xi was worried about tarnishing Xue Yinhuan’s reputation and had people keep a close watch on the outside disturbances. Fortunately, the feedback they got wasn’t too bad.

As for the Xue Family, Xue Yinhuan automatically blocked out all outside comments. Upon hearing about the hunting event in three days, she hurried to make a pair of wrist guards for her uncle and brother.

Xue Yan, seeing her unbothered demeanor, grew more worried, "Sis, are you okay?"

Xue Yinhuan smiled at him, "Why do you ask that, Ah Yin?"

Xue Yan pursed his lips, "I think Sis must care about the Eldest Prince."

Her younger brother saw right through her, and Xue Yinhuan didn’t deny it. "Some people are best kept quietly in your heart. Distance makes the memories all good; too close, and it becomes disillusioning; you never know when it might hurt you."

Being young, Xue Yan didn’t quite understand the meaning of her words.

Xue Yinhuan saw his confusion and beckoned, "Come over and try on these wrist guards. See if there’s any place that needs improvement; I’ll finish it quickly."

"Okay." Xue Yan obediently walked over.

——

On the day of the hunt, Zhao Xi personally selected two superb horses.

A gentle-natured one, reserved for Song Yuanbao, while he chose the fiery and unyielding Fire Cloud Steed for himself.

Song Yuanbao lacked arm strength and couldn’t wield a heavy bow, so Zhao Xi picked a light one for him, while he shouldered his usual Black Gold Bow.

The two set out at the right time to meet with the others at the West City Gate.

Yun Huai, Xue Yan, Ye Rong, and a host of young gentlemen from aristocratic families had already arrived. All of them were teenagers, full of vigor, attracting quite a bit of attention as they sat astride their horses.

Xue Yinhuan and Ye Ling, being young ladies, followed in a carriage.

Seeing that Zhao Xi and Song Yuanbao’s horses were of a higher grade than theirs, Ye Rong immediately protested, "Not fair, not fair! Riding thoroughbreds to compete with us is just too shameless!"

Zhao Xi said calmly, "Equestrian skill is about proficiency, not about horseracing."

"Really?" Ye Rong shifted his gaze from Zhao Xi to Song Yuanbao, "Yuanbao, how about we swap horses?"

Yuanbao?!

Song Yuanbao’s face darkened, nearly toppling from his horse, glaring at Ye Rong, "You!"

Beside him, Zhao Xi quietly reminded, "That’s Ye Ling’s full-blooded brother, Ye Rong."

Song Yuanbao’s tense, dark face had to twist into a smile, forcing through gritted teeth, "What’s your esteemed age?"

Ye Rong was taken aback; upon first meeting, being asked one’s age by a young brat who wasn’t some celestial being made his mouth twitch hard. He cupped his fists and raised an eyebrow, "Not surprising for someone by the Prince’s side; even the greeting is unique. Must have been driven mad by the Eldest Prince. I’m sixteen this year, precisely one year older than both of you. So, Yuanbao, how about calling me brother for a change?"