TFSRITA Chapter 165

Prime Minister Yan cast a glance and felt a sharp pang in his heart.

He silently averted his gaze and looked at his daughter instead.

Upon seeing her, he felt a small measure of relief—at least she didn’t appear as haggard and downcast as he had feared.

Soon, several half-sisters entered the room. Each of them was quite beautiful. Prime Minister Yan himself was a striking man, and the concubines he had chosen were also lovely, resulting in a collection of daughters, each with her own unique charm.

Yan Qing sat just below Madam Song’s left hand, calmly observing the girls as they entered. Her gaze first met that of a particularly graceful young woman whose beauty was delicate and ethereal, a stark contrast to Yan Qing’s own dazzling and striking appearance.

Unlike Yan Qing, whose beauty could overwhelm a room, this woman exuded a quiet allure that drew others in. Every subtle movement she made felt natural and soothing to behold.

When their eyes met briefly, Yan Qing glanced at her and then looked away, her expression indifferent, as though she were facing a stranger.

Yan Yue, however, was momentarily stunned. Why wasn’t her sister as miserable as she had imagined?

Married to a notorious playboy, her proud elder sister should be consumed with despair, shouldn’t she?

Her gaze shifted to the young man beside Yan Qing. He appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen, with fair skin and handsome features. His bright, lively eyes shone with youthful energy, though his posture was casual and unconcerned. Seated with his legs crossed, he displayed no awareness of being a guest in someone else’s home.

Was this her sister’s infamous husband?

Despite his roguish demeanor, the young man was undeniably good-looking. Yan Yue couldn’t help but regret her earlier actions. She should have paired her sister with someone even worse!

But back then, only Ji Jiaxun had been conveniently available for her scheme.

Regrets aside, there was no turning back now.

Yan Yue pressed her lips together, then smiled softly as she performed a respectful bow. “Elder Sister, your husband has quite a fine appearance. You make a perfect pair.”

Her words carried a hidden barb that only the two of them could understand.

Yan Yue knew well that Yan Qing had once adored the Third Prince, Xu Chengxiao, whose appearance was considered unparalleled. To Yan Yue, Ji Jiaxun, despite his youthful charm, couldn’t hold a candle to a real man like Xu Chengxiao—one with power, competence, and true stature.

In the past, Yan Qing had sneered at Yan Yue, declaring, “His Highness’s unmatched beauty is meant only for someone of my standing. You, a mere concubine’s daughter, dare to dream beyond your station?”

That moment occurred when Yan Qing first noticed Xu Chengxiao’s special treatment toward Yan Yue.

But this was no longer the old Yan Qing.

Feigning ignorance, she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and offered a bashful smile. “Oh, you’re too kind.”

Her response, which seemed modest yet subtly self-assured, caught Yan Yue off guard.

Startled, Yan Yue scrutinized her sister but could find no clues to explain her behavior. Deciding it was unwise to push further in front of the prime minister, she remained silent.

The return visit (as custom demanded) was simple and uneventful. As a guest now, Yan Qing was there to be doted on.

Madam Song clung to her daughter, unwilling to let her go, even after lunch. She held on tightly, tearfully lamenting her departure until the sky began to darken.

Eventually, though, Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun had to leave.

On the way home, their carriage was intercepted.

Three young men, about Ji Jiaxun’s age, appeared at the side of the vehicle. When the curtain was drawn back, Zhang Zhong greeted her with a cheerful bow. “Good day, Sister-in-law.”

The other two followed suit, their expressions polite and somewhat timid.

Yan Qing nodded. “Hello to you all.”

The three of them had previously witnessed Yan Qing’s fierce side and were well aware of her reputation. Despite her stunning beauty, none dared to entertain any inappropriate thoughts. Zhang Zhong offered an apologetic smile. “Sister-in-law, we’d like to borrow Brother Ji for a bit to grab some tea.”

The other two exchanged meaningful glances with Ji Jiaxun, a shared understanding sparkling in their eyes.

Yan Qing turned to look at Ji Jiaxun, raising a brow.

The boy, who had been itching for an excuse to leave, quickly protested, “We’re just going out to have some fun. I promise we won’t go near the Cuihong House.”

“Exactly! We won’t go there,” the others chimed in nervously. After all, they knew better than to push their luck in her presence.

After a moment’s thought, Yan Qing relented. “Alright, but be back by dusk.”

“Got it!” Ji Jiaxun’s eyes lit up with excitement. He nodded eagerly, leaping out of the carriage with the energy of a freed bird. He threw an arm around each of his companions and strode off confidently. “So, what’s up?”

Finally getting some freedom, Ji Jiaxun couldn’t hide his joy. He had been itching to stretch his wings after being cooped up for days. His exuberance was so palpable that even his walk seemed comically unbalanced.

Yan Qing watched him leave, unable to suppress a chuckle.

She suddenly felt like a parent giving a child permission to play with friends.

With a shake of her head, she dismissed the thought, unwilling to dwell on it further—it would make it hard to take him seriously otherwise.

The carriage resumed its journey and eventually arrived at the Princess’s estate.

As Yan Qing stepped down, she noticed a man in a yellow robe exiting the estate with a cheerful smile. Spotting her, he offered a courteous nod and climbed into a luxurious carriage adorned with extravagant details.

The sight jogged Yan Qing’s memory. That was the First Prince, Xu Cheng’an. What business did he have at the Princess’s estate, and why did he appear so pleased?

Unable to decipher his intentions, Yan Qing decided to set the matter aside for the moment.

Meanwhile, Ji Jiaxun was being led blindfolded by his friends.

Zhang Zhong guided him carefully while the other two walked ahead, grinning mischievously.

Shi Yibin teased, “Brother Ji, don’t say we don’t look out for you. You’ve been looking a bit thin lately—probably from being bossed around. Let us make it up to you with a little surprise!”