"Uh, it's good that you're coming to the capital," Xiao Mo Yi carefully considered his words and said slowly, "It's just that the capital, right under the imperial city, is quite complicated. It's fine to visit, but if you plan to stay long-term, I'm afraid you won't be able to handle those things."
Indeed, did Xiao Mo Yi really go all out for her? Xiao Yao was also left speechless. Prince Ren had come from the capital and was sitting right across from them! Was it really a good idea to speak ill of the capital? Xiao Yao felt a bit awkward.
"It's fine, I..."
"It's fine. If you want to go to the capital, I will naturally protect you. You won't get involved in any of that." Before Xiao Yao could finish her comforting words to Xiao Mo Yi, He Yu took over the conversation.
Xiao Yao silently closed her mouth and thought for a moment before saying, "As long as I have Elder Brother protecting me, it's enough. The prince should focus on Daily Affairs of State."
As soon as these words were spoken, Xiao Mo Yi, who had been looking at He Yu with some discontent, immediately burst into laughter. Who knew if this "Daily Affairs of State" was really what it sounded like? He added, "That's right. The prince is known for being extremely busy in the capital. Matters concerning common folks like us shouldn't trouble him."
This remark carried a heavy tone of sarcasm, and Xiao Yao anxiously tugged at Xiao Mo Yi's sleeve. Such words shouldn't be said lightly! After all, the person sitting across from them was a prince! In fact, when Xiao Mo Yi made that comment, his heart was racing. He only said it because he couldn't help himself as a scholar.
To be honest, he regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth, but once spoken, they were like spilled water—impossible to take back. At that moment, Xiao Mo Yi's palms were already sweaty.
However, He Yu seemed completely unbothered and simply smiled as he said, "You're not wrong. Moreover, I can tell you that the capital is much more complicated than you think. Don't say such thoughtless things in the future; otherwise, even if I want to protect you later on, I won't be able to do so, let alone protect your sister." By the end of his statement, He Yu's tone had turned serious, and he had already reined in his playful demeanor.
"Thank you for your warning, Your Highness. From now on, I will definitely not make such mistakes again," Xiao Mo Yi lowered his head and spoke in a much softer voice.
Xiao Yao was not someone who couldn't see the situation clearly; she understood that although He Yu's warning was somewhat stern, it was for their own good. So she followed suit and thanked He Yu alongside Xiao Mo Yi. Seeing the frightened girl before him, He Yu immediately dropped his serious expression and spoke gently, "However, you don't need to be too nervous. After all, I'm here in the capital; I will protect the Xiao Family."
This statement carried immense weight; those in power never easily made such promises. The clear implication was that as long as you, Xiao Mo Yi, are capable enough and not too foolish, I Xuanping Wang can ensure your promotion and a smooth career path.
Xiao Yao and Xiao Mo Yi both fell silent, unsure of what to say. Xiao Yao did not understand why Xuanping Wang would make such a heavy promise to the Xiao Family. Was it merely because he had feelings for her? She shook her head vigorously; she was self-aware enough to know that her appearance was merely that of a pretty girl from a humble family, far from the descriptions of beauty that could captivate nations.
Moreover, the Xiao Family held no power or influence. In Nanping City, they were considered one of the wealthiest families, perhaps notable in the Jiangnan region, but if they went north, they would be nothing more than an unknown entity. In every aspect, she felt she could not compare to He Yu, who could make such a significant promise.
While Xiao Yao desperately denied herself, Xiao Mo Yi understood the true reason behind He Yu's promise. It was likely mostly due to Xiao Yao's face. However, he did not quite understand the significance of the prince's actions. What was it about Xiao Yao that caught his attention?
As the group remained silent, the dishes were quickly served.
Almost all of them were signature dishes from this restaurant, with the centerpiece being the famous Crab Meat with Bamboo Shoots. The milky-white soup contained two whole cooked red crab shells, and the bamboo shoots were cut into fine shreds sprinkled around. Upon lifting the crab shell, one would find that the crab meat had already been picked clean and wrapped in noodles, mixed with some ham, releasing a savory aroma that made one's mouth water.
As a thorough foodie in her past life, seeing this dish made Xiao Yao unable to resist. He Yu noticed and smiled as he placed a chopstick full of food into her bowl, speaking with affection, "Eat while it's hot; crab meat isn't good when it cools down."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Xiao Yao felt her face flush with embarrassment; after all, it was somewhat shameful to let others see her greedy expression...
However, He Yu thought nothing of it and found it rather endearing.
Shan Mei Ge certainly could not rely solely on one dish; in fact, there were many signature dishes at the restaurant. As more dishes were served one after another, the three of them were quite satisfied with their meal. Of course, satisfaction was an understatement for Xiao Yao; she was thoroughly content.
After eating her fill, Xiao Yao held a cup of digestive tea and began to feel drowsy.
The afternoon sunlight streamed into the room. Watching Xiao Yao's satisfied expression—like a cat after a feast—her head bobbing slightly while she tried to stay awake made He Yu feel as if his heart was gently warmed.
Seeing He Yu's tender expression, Xiao Mo Yi couldn't help but feel a bit pained and softly suggested, "We've been out for quite a while; I imagine His Highness is tired as well. Why don't we head home to rest? What do you think?"
"Alright." He Yu also nodded in agreement, but his gaze never left Xiao Yao. "Xiao Yao's health isn't good either, so Madam shouldn't tire herself out. This prince will be in Nanping for a while longer, so there's no need to rush."
"Yes." Receiving He Yu's affirmation, Xiao Mo Yi gently nudged Xiao Yao. "Hey, Yao Yao, don't doze off. Let's go home now; you can sleep when we get back."
"Um, Elder Brother, carry me home." Xiao Yao buried her head in Xiao Mo Yi's arms, stubbornly acting cute. "I'm so sleepy."
"...Do you think your Elder Brother can carry you?" Xiao Mo Yi said with a wry smile. "Elder Brother isn't the eldest brother; he doesn't have that much strength. Come on, be good and get up to walk by yourself."
Xiao Mo Yi patiently coaxed her, and Xiao Yao let out a soft sound before climbing out of his embrace, reluctantly saying, "Alright."
Just as she was about to stand up unwillingly, she unexpectedly spun around and found herself being held in someone's arms. The person above her chuckled lightly, "It's alright; I'll carry you."
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