As the last rays of the setting sun gradually disappeared on the horizon, the Chu family's dinner time arrived as scheduled.

Inside the Chu family's main hall, the lights were on, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

Chu's father and mother, Chu Xingchi, as well as the esteemed Marquis of Wu'an, Prince Zhou, and Jun Jiuxiao, had all gathered together, awaiting the start of dinner.

Prince Zhou, young and elegant, swept his gaze across the crowd, as if searching for something.

Finally, he turned to Chu's father and asked, "Uncle Chu, why isn't Yao'er here to eat?" His words carried a hint of concern, clearly surprised by Chu Xingyao's absence.

Before the words were finished, a soft, sweet voice came from the doorway, like a spring breeze caressing the heart: "You're here."

Everyone's gaze turned to the doorway, where Chu Xingyao gracefully approached.

Chu Xingyao wore her hair in a "startled swan" bun, adorned with a jade rabbit holding a fragrant hairpin, and dressed in a pale yellow gown, making her appear both elegant and lively.

Her voice was soft and sweet, as if it could intoxicate the heart: "I'm sorry, Brother Zhou, Yao'er is late..." she said as she lightly stepped into the hall.

As soon as Chu Xingyao entered the room, she sensed Jun Jiuxiao's undeniable presence.

He sat there like an insurmountable mountain, his aura so powerful that no one dared to look him in the eye.

Chu Xingyao's heart raced involuntarily, and she felt an unprecedented sense of oppression.

But she quickly composed herself and bowed to Jun Jiuxiao, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness, the War King."

Jun Jiuxiao's heart tightened: "Her tone was respectful and polite, and she didn't call him 'Brother Chen.' Was it because the occasion was inappropriate or something else?"

Jun Jiuxiao coughed lightly, his voice deep and powerful: "No need for formalities."

Chu Xingyao nodded slightly in thanks. Her manners were impeccable and polite.

Every movement she made revealed the noble temperament of the Chu family and their excellent upbringing.

Marquis Wu'an, Zhou Yi, looked at Chu Xingyao and laughed, saying to Chu Huaizhong, "This little girl, Yao'er, is getting prettier and prettier. She's already a young lady. I'm just jealous that you have a daughter."

His words carried a hint of humor, but also revealed his affection for Chu Xingyao.

Chu Huaizhong replied proudly, "Of course! My darling is good-looking, well-behaved, sensible, and filial. Every time she returns home in triumph, I wish I could fly back."

His eyes were filled with pride and love for his daughter.

Hearing her father praise her like that, Chu Xingyao's cheeks flushed even more. She said softly, "Father, I'm embarrassed to hear you say that in front of the guests."

Her voice was soft and sweet with a hint of shyness, making people feel tenderness towards her.

Prince Zhou also joined in the praise: "Sister Yao'er is the most beautiful woman in Dongjing Kingdom, so naturally she is like a fairy."

His words carried a hint of teasing, but were also full of praise for Chu Xingyao.

At this moment, Chu Xingchi couldn't help but interject, "Uncle Zhou, are you praising my sister or your own judgment? You were immediately captivated by Yao'er's beauty and insisted on arranging a marriage between our children!"

Zhou Yi blushed upon hearing this and burst into laughter: "You little rascal, you've always been good at talking since you were a child. I was just joking back then, who knew your sister would really be so beautiful."

Zhou Yi's bold move made the atmosphere of the banquet even more lively. His momentum of drinking it all in one gulp seemed to challenge everyone present: "Now this is what drinking is all about!"

He patted Chu's father on the shoulder, his voice so loud it almost lifted the roof: "Yao'er is a good girl. You can slowly find her a husband. If you really can't find one, I'll have Nan'er marry Yao'er. I can't speak for others, but as long as I live, I will definitely treat Yao'er like my own daughter. Zhou Xiannan will never dare to mistreat Yao'er."

Chu Huaizhong couldn't help but laugh when Zhou Yi said that. He teased, "Marquis Wu'an, are you looking for a husband for my Yao'er or a daughter-in-law for yourself? After you finish this bowl of wine, I'm really afraid you'll get drunk and talk nonsense."

His words made everyone present burst into laughter, making the atmosphere even more relaxed and pleasant.

Jun Jiuxiao sat there, his face as black as ink, both angry and helpless.

The roar in his heart almost burst from his chest: "Yao'er is mine!"

But he was the King of War, someone who couldn't afford to lose his composure at this banquet, so he could only sit there, trying his best to remain calm, even though his heart was in turmoil.

At this moment, Chu's mother's gaze was as clear as autumn water. She gently glared at Chu's father, her eyes filled with both reproach and deep protection for her daughter.

She gently scolded, "What nonsense are you spouting in front of the child? Our daughter isn't even married yet."

Chu Huaizhong touched his slightly protruding belly and laughed heartily, his laughter carrying a hint of self-deprecation and humor.

Knowing he had misspoke, he joked, "My wife is right, it was my fault."

His relaxed attitude clearly indicated that he was using humor to defuse the awkward atmosphere.

His expression seemed to say, "Look at my memory, I almost forgot that my Yao'er is still a precious baby."

Chu Xingyao stood to the side, her gaze shifting between her parents, a faint smile in her eyes, her emotions a complex mix, before meeting Jun Jiuxiao's gaze.

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