Too high to reach

Chapter 407, Side Story 406: Unrestrained Delusion
The Crown Prince is coming to visit his family in Liu's hometown...

This is no small matter for the Liu family!
Previously, the salt tax reform spearheaded by Grand Secretary Liu was very successful. It ran for over a year and yielded significant results. Therefore, his position in the court was very important and significant.

In particular, the Crown Prince grew up in the Liu family... and even called the Grand Secretary his grandfather!

All these factors combined mean that while it might be an exaggeration to say that the Liu family is the most powerful family in the capital, they are still quite formidable.

The women were waiting in the back living room.

The entire mansion was spotless, and everyone was in high spirits.

Grandma Liu was in good health, with a rosy complexion and dressed in fine clothes. She kept rambling on about Liu Nian's childhood.

After her identity was exposed, Ms. Hu was frightened and regretful, and fell ill. Later... she came to terms with it.

Over the past three years, she has also reaped considerable benefits from her status as the "Crown Prince's foster mother." Gradually, her arrogance has grown...

She loved dressing up, and with her daughter, she could be considered a leading figure in the social circles of wealthy women in Beijing.

The gatherings I attended were all quite prestigious. The guests who came to my home were all people of high status.

Everything is fine... but of course, there are also some troubles...

That is: the marriage arrangement for our daughter was set too early!

Bored, she listened to her mother-in-law's laughter and chatter, and couldn't help but glance at her daughter, Liu Siwan. Her eyes were bright and beautiful, and she was in her prime. Her clothes were novel and gorgeous, and her talents were among the best of the noble ladies in the capital.

Looking at the young master Zheng standing behind her... she became increasingly dissatisfied!

He was a scholar when he got engaged, and he's still a scholar now...

The Zheng family was already well-off, but not exactly a wealthy family. Compared to the Liu family now, the gap was clearly much wider.

Moreover, he is not the eldest son! Without a solid academic record, his future prospects will be limited!
How much of the family fortune can a youngest son inherit? Even if his mother is biased, the rules are still there!
What kind of life could he possibly provide for such a wonderful daughter? A title of nobility was probably out of the question, and he couldn't even offer her a life of luxury!

Hmph! All he knows is poetry, songs, and romance. He has no plans for the future... What can he possibly give his daughter?
Her jeweled armor, her touch on the blue Shu brocade she wore... as far as the eye could see, it must have been difficult for him to handle.

Are you counting on my Wanwan's dowry?!
Watching the old lady speak so eloquently, I recalled how this same old lady had once advised me not to arrange a marriage for Siwan so early… I hadn’t listened to her…

I regret it now...

Young Master Zheng was talking to Liu Siwan.

He was of medium height, with fair skin, white teeth, and red lips, and wore a moon-white silk robe. His voice and demeanor were both very gentle.

Liu Siwan and he got along very well. The two often went out together, admiring flowers and fish, boating on the lake... They didn't worry about family matters or their future, and spent these past few years in blissful intimacy.

"I had a few more low and wide steps made, so it'll be safer to go out when it snows or rains," Young Master Zheng was telling her about the steps in front of their house. "I hope you can go and see them!"

"What would that be like..." Liu Siwan was a little embarrassed.

"Madam, our Grand Secretary and Master will accompany His Highness the Crown Prince to the rear!"

"Oh dear, quickly help me to the door!" the old lady hurriedly instructed.

So, a group of ladies and young women stood up.

"Come on! Let's go to the courtyard and see how Niandi is doing now!" Liu Siwan was very happy.

She and Liu Nian had a very good relationship. Back then, her mother wasn't good to Liu Nian… she always took care of her, so Li Nian always liked to be with her…
"Now that he is His Highness the Crown Prince, we should be careful what we say!" Xiao Zheng reminded her from behind.

Elder Liu, Liu Yue, Liu Jian, and other men of the Liu family surrounded a young man as if he were a star.

His Highness the Crown Prince, adorned in a golden crown and magnificent robes, walked calmly and with an air of nobility in the center, showing no fear even before his former "grandfather," now the hot-tempered Grand Secretary.

The ladies, including Old Madam Liu, were stunned and couldn't recognize him at all... "This is... His Highness the Crown Prince?!" Liu Yue smiled, "Mother, yes! He's grown so tall, I didn't even dare to recognize him!"

"Oh, how kind of you are, this old lady!"

The Crown Prince stepped forward and helped the old lady, who was about to kneel before him, to her feet. "Madam, there's no need for that. I've lived in the Liu family for over ten years and have always regarded you as my own grandmother. You greet me with state etiquette, and I greet you with family etiquette... So let's skip the formalities and just sit down and talk!"

"Good! Good..." Old Madam Liu pulled her along, looking her up and down. "Only three years! How did you grow up so fast?! How is that possible?"

Liu Yue flattered from the side, "Mother, you haven't praised His Highness's demeanor yet!"

"Of course I have to praise you. You look a lot like our former Crown Prince and Princess Ming'an... Oh, and you also resemble the Prince in some ways!"

Everyone laughed.

Li Nian then bowed respectfully to Madam Hu, saying, "Madam..." before turning to Liu Siwan with a friendly and playful smile, "Sister Siwan!"

Liu Siwan hadn't recovered yet...

Is this the little brother who follows her around calling her "sister"?
What happened to him?! His face flushed red: "Your Highness!"

"Let's all come inside and talk!" the Grand Secretary said.

Once everyone entered the living room, Li Nian sat in the main seat, while even Grand Secretary Liu had to sit with his hands at his sides.

After he sat down, everyone else took their seats.

"I can see that you've worked hard these past three years!" Old Madam Liu said with exceptional grace, "You couldn't even come back for the New Year... You left without saying goodbye... I've always kept you in my heart."

"Seeing that you and the Grand Secretary are both in good health, Ah Nian is very happy!"

Li Nian sat there, poised and confident, with a particularly pleasant voice...

Hu Jingmei watched, unable to understand how Liu Nian had become like this. Even more distinguished than Liu Jian, the eldest son whom the Liu family had heavily cultivated… her demeanor and bearing were far more refined…

Is this the awakening of royal blood?
Turning to look at Xiao Zheng behind his daughter, he saw him gazing at the grandson with adoration...

My heart is a tangled mess, and I can't find a way out.

Old Madam Liu continued, appealing to family ties, "Your Highness is so farsighted, putting so much effort into nurturing you. The Grand Secretary told me that accompanying you are two great Confucian scholars! There's also General Liu, top archers and horsemen from the army, and talents from all walks of life. Just hearing about it fills my heart with excitement... This is a blessing for the court and the people."

"Madam is too kind! However, this trip has truly broadened my horizons and given me a deeper understanding of the path the Grand Secretary has taken. This is completely different from the way one thinks and acts when confined to a study and rote learning!"

Grand Secretary Liu nodded, particularly pleased. "When His Highness Prince Qi first conceived of this idea, I firmly supported him. I have also read the article you sent back; it is substantial and insightful. Therefore, what you said, Madam, is truly not an exaggeration..."

Listening to my grandfather, my grandfather and... His Highness the Crown Prince talking.

Liu Siwan felt as if a large door had opened before her eyes...

This month's tasks are complete.

I feel much more relaxed now...

If I'm in good shape, I'll maintain the previous update schedule.

But I'm not feeling well...

My cat's food bowl has two layers. When she eats, her nose touches the food, making a rustling sound.

From yesterday to today, I keep hearing that sound... but when I turn around, there's nothing there.

I really can't take it anymore...

(End of this chapter)