The eldest daughter's scheming, the crown prince's exclusive favor to the venomous concubi

This little girl is really fickle. Thinking of her feigned weakness and pitiful appearance with her ambitious father, she seems so endearing. But why is she not this charming and adorable when she's with me?

She's covered in thorns, like a hedgehog. Even if he likes girls like that, he doesn't want to be pricked all the time, does he?

If she could treat him the same way, he would definitely cherish her and hold her in the palm of his hand. What would those other trivial matters even matter? It wouldn't have turned into a transaction between the two of them, which has made him regretful for a long time.

Unable to argue with Bai Jianan, and seeing his lustful expression, Murong Yan realized that her daughter was more troublesome than her son. She could only try to calm her anger, taking a deep breath and saying:

"If that's the case, then so be it. You usually act with reason and evidence, so I'm naturally at ease. However, marriage is a lifelong matter and cannot be taken lightly. You will eventually have to take over that position, so the choice of the principal wife must be made with utmost care. If this woman is not up to the task, then I will not let things develop as they are, and I will definitely find you another principal wife."

Bai Jianan pouted and looked at Murong Yan with a wronged expression: "Mother, why don't you believe me? You raised me with your own hands and feet."

Murong Yan immediately rubbed her goosebumps, her face full of disgust, and said, "No, you call me mother, but the one who takes care of you by changing your diapers and feeding you is your wet nurse, it has nothing to do with me."

Bai Jianan was stunned for a moment, then felt even more aggrieved: "Dear mother, my dearest mother, you are the best. You always do what I want. Look, I've never let you worry about me in my life. This time, I will definitely handle it properly. Please grant my request!"

Murong Yan felt a chill: "Get out of here. I didn't say I didn't agree. Why are you looking at me like that? If the merfolk see this, they might say that the son I raised is comparable to those prostitutes in the brothels."

Bai Jianan's face immediately darkened: "Mother actually compared her son to a prostitute selling her flesh?"

Murong Yan said disdainfully, "Doesn't it look like it? Your pulling and tugging makes me think you're no different from those other women."

Bai Jianan rolled his eyes, and all the resentment on his body condensed into particles that floated up.

"Mother, my goodness, how can you describe your son like that? You've really gone too far."

Murong Yan raised an eyebrow: "Too much? I didn't say anything about you marrying a concubine's daughter of unknown origin, so why do you think I'm being too much?"

Bai Jianan immediately stopped feigning grievance and said seriously, "Mother, do you really think I just picked a woman randomly? Or that I only valued her appearance?"

Murong Yan did not refute, but continued, "I do not doubt your ability, nor do I doubt your judgment. However, this is a lifelong matter, and I am afraid that you will find a subordinate from somewhere to deceive me."

Bai Jianan retorted, "How could that be?"

"Why is it impossible? Back then, when you wet the bed, it was Xingzhi who took the blame for you."

Murong Yan's "Don't think I don't know" attitude immediately made Bai Jianan stand awkwardly in place. After a long while, he came back to his senses, but his face became more colorful, and his eyes were filled with sorrow, like a withered leaf butterfly in the rustling wind.

"Mother is so fierce, she actually brought up someone's embarrassing story from when they were three years old."

"These are all facts, and I naturally remember them. Otherwise, how could I have you under my control, you little devil?"

Murong Yan looked completely at ease, with a smug look in her eyes.

After expressing her disdain for a while, Murong Yan didn't forget the important matter. She thought for a moment and then said seriously, "You said you wouldn't just bring someone back to marry, so I'll believe you for now. But are you sure this is the right person for your wife?"

Bai Jianan nodded solemnly: "It's confirmed. Mother, just keep an eye on it and see if that woman is a dragon among men or just a fish in water. But you need to make things clear to Father. After all, you and your husband should not have a lifelong regret over something that is not true."

Upon hearing this, Murong Yan's expression changed slightly. She glared at Bai Jianan and said seriously, "Why are you talking about him for no reason? You're just making yourself angry for no reason. You don't need to interfere in our affairs. He made that choice back then, but now he doesn't believe me. Even if I explain, what good will it do? If that's the case, then so be it. You do your thing, and when things come to a head, see if he doesn't bow down and beg me."

As she spoke, Murong Yan raised her head arrogantly, feigning disdain, but the grievance in her eyes was obvious.

Seeing this, Bai Jianan was both amused and exasperated, but there was nothing he could do. The whole affair between the two of them was caused by him, and the truth would only be revealed in the end. If the rift between them did not lessen now, they would ultimately not be able to be together.

However, Bai Jianan wanted to salvage the situation; otherwise, he would feel unbearably guilty.

Just as he was about to continue, he saw Murong Yan get up and walk in front of him, pulling him up from the chaise longue and saying, "Since we're going to do it this way, why don't you get up and act like a spoiled brat? I don't know what was wrong with me in the first place to agree to you doing such a thing. Now look what's happened, you're in such a state that you won't be able to find a good wife."

Bai Jianan was pushed out of the house, still grinning as he said, "How can there not be a good wife? Mother, you can't just look at appearances. Just wait and see, we'll bring back a wife who is even more beautiful and capable than the eldest daughter of the Qiu family tomorrow."

Hearing this, Murong Yan was both amused and exasperated: "Don't be ridiculous. This is the capital city. You have to leave some room for that person when you do things. Besides, you brought back an unmarried woman before the wedding. Isn't that an insult to her? No matter what her status is, she still has her pride."

Unable to bear it any longer, Bai Jianan quickly said, "Alright, alright, I'll go take a look today. After that, we'll proceed according to procedure. At least we won't leave any reason for people to criticize us. You should get some rest and write a letter to your father. Don't be fooled by his stern and authoritative demeanor when he's around. He can't sleep well when he doesn't see you."

Murong Yan was so angry she laughed. She waved her sleeves and said, "Get out, get out of here, or you'll make me angry."

"Mother, don't push me away. Let your son put on the mask first. Otherwise, if I go out like this, who knows how many daughters-in-law he'll bring back for you."

"Get out, and never come back. I don't have a son like you."

This day was filled with events. The turmoil at the ancestral hall had just subsided in the morning when Qiu Zhenzhou was summoned by his father-in-law. By the time he returned, it was almost dark. Before Qiu Zhenzhou could even step into his own home, the steward hurriedly invited him to the reception room. On the way, he learned that the heir of the Marquis of Qingyan had visited the mansion, and his purpose was obvious. Unfortunately, Madam Sun had gone out to visit a friend at that moment, leaving the steward at a loss, fearing that he might have failed to entertain the young master properly.

Fortunately, just a short while after the young master had sat for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qiu Zhenzhou returned to the mansion. Uncle Qiu was immediately relieved and rushed over to find him.

Qiu Zhenzhou was overjoyed. Bai Jianan's visit to the mansion today must mean that this matter will take a turn for the better. As long as this young master is unable to resist the beauty, then the matter will be settled.

Upon entering the reception room, Qiu Zhenzhou saw Bai Jianan sitting in an incongruous posture, wearing an oddly shaped painted mask, with his legs crossed, eyes closed, humming a tune of unknown name, and tapping his hands on the table to the beat. He looked like someone who frequented brothels.

"I was unaware of Your Highness's presence at my humble abode. I apologize for any shortcomings in my hospitality and ask for your forgiveness."

Meanwhile, Bai Jianan was still engrossed in his music when he heard Qiu Zhenzhou's voice. He opened his eyes and said with a grin, "It's alright, it's alright. The tea in this mansion is very delicious. It's fine to drink more. It's just that without the beauty by my side, it's not quite as good!"

Qiu Zhenzhou raised his eyes at this moment, then lowered them again, no longer glancing sideways, and said, "Young Master is truly thoughtful. It is all my fault. Someone, go and call the Sixth Miss over here. Tell her that the Young Master has come to visit."

This was the first time he had seen this young master. He couldn't see his face because of the mask, but he was probably not much different from the rumors. Moreover, he had seen the young master's face when he was a child, without the mask.

It must be said that this person, who was not showing his true face at the moment and was dressed in fine clothes, if one ignored the two incongruous eyes revealed on the mask, would have thought that he was a handsome young man who did not want to show his face.

Upon hearing Qiu Zhenzhou's words, Bai Jianan's face lit up with joy. Of course, Qiu Zhenzhou noticed this and gave Bai Jianan a thumbs up, saying, "Lord Qiu understands me best. I thank you for your help."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Zhenzhou chuckled lewdly and said, "How dare I? His Majesty's bestowal of this marriage is the fate between me and the young master, and also the blessing of my six daughters. We're bound to meet eventually, so why not meet before the marriage? It would be a sign of mutual affection, wouldn't it?"

"Of course, of course, sir, we really wish we had met sooner."

Bai Jianan chuckled, his lewd manner no less than Qiu Zhenzhou's. The two began a tug-of-war, while inside Jian Yue's room, a completely different scene unfolded.

When Jian Yue received the news, Hua Xiangrong was in her room, discussing matters, when she heard the announcement outside. Her face immediately darkened, and she roared at Jian Yue with a face full of anger, "That damned prince has come to the manor? Could it be that you really intend to agree to this marriage?"

Jian Yue smiled, stood up and said, "Sister, don't worry. I'm just going to take a look. Isn't he supposed to be a lecherous man? Lord Qiu described me in such a fantastical way that he naturally wants to see me for himself. Otherwise, how could he have agreed to give up the eldest daughter of the Qiu family? Besides, if I don't go, do you think Qiu Zhenzhou can get away with it? I'm going anyway, so I might as well take the initiative."

Hua Xiangrong frowned and said, "Your current appearance is not as good as Qiu Lingfeng's. Do you want him to see your true face?"