Chapter 8:Striving to Be the Sister-in-Law

Wei Minyan listened in silence, but inwardly, he couldn't help but wonder.

The royal children each had a more formidable temper than the last. While Wei Minde's personality was a bit awkward, it certainly would never be as restrained as it was today.

When something feels off, there is often something amiss. He couldn't shake the feeling that Wei Minde might have other plans.

Yao Sishan watched him throughout, noting his serious expression that made him appear especially cold. The furrow in his brow deepened little by little as if he was lost in thought.

"Minyan..."

At the sound of her voice, Wei Minyan snapped back to reality. This was the first time she had directly called him by name, her tone timid. Had his earlier serious attitude frightened her?

He thought for a moment, then responded in a soothing tone, "Hmm, what's wrong?"

"You're looking at me so differently, unlike your usual sharp-tongued, rebellious, and disorganized self!"

Sharp-tongued, rebellious, disorganized... Wei Minyan thought to himself, who gave her the nerve to say such things?

But then he realized it was none other than himself.

"Actually, when you calm down, you're quite a handsome man."

After saying this, she quickly shifted the topic. "Your Highness, could I move closer to take a better look at Princess Huacheng? From this distance, I can't see her delicate and beautiful features clearly."

"Heh, you can't see clearly, but you already know she's delicate," Wei Minyan retorted. "A woman's mouth, always deceiving."

However, what Wei Minyan didn't expect was that this time, she actually made a move!

Yao Sishan grabbed the jade belt tied around his waist, and with a slight pull, it loosened, threatening to slip off, exposing his slender waist.

Fortunately, Yao Sishan propped herself up with both arms, preventing his trousers from falling. Yet her delicate arms, as tender as lotus roots, hung by Wei Minyan's side, swaying gently, causing all sorts of thoughts to arise.

Wei Minyan paused for a moment before gently pushing her mischievous hand away, turning his back to tidy up his attire. "You must never do this again."

Yao Sishan's face turned red when she felt his firm muscles through the thin fabric. She was so embarrassed she could hardly show her face. However, adhering to her usual behavior, she couldn't resist speaking up.

"Anyway, sooner or later, we'll have to... you know..."

Before she could finish, she saw Wei Minyan about to undo his collar, and quickly changed the subject. "Oh! I just remembered! Before I left, my brother told me not to be alone with you for more than a quarter of an hour. Look, it's already been almost half an hour! If we don't go back soon, we'll surely be grounded!"

Wei Minyan, amused, asked, "Oh? You listen to Yao Shian's words that much?"

"Of course, I have a strict brother," she replied.

Wei Minyan took a step forward and walked briskly ahead without turning back. "If your brother knew you were doing this to a man..."

She thought of a way to silence him, and with a hint of pity in her voice, said, "Your Highness, do you know that all the noble ladies in the capital are waiting to see my joke?"

Hearing this, Wei Minyan's expression softened, and he gave a small grunt, signaling her to continue.

She had him hooked.

Yao Sishan inwardly rejoiced and seized the moment. "Everyone says that as a daughter of the Yao family, I should atone for this scandal with my life. Yet here I am, shamelessly marrying you, like a stubborn plaster that sticks and can't be removed."

She paused, then added, "If you accompany me to the banquet, won't that dispel this rumor?"

Although Yao Sishan intended to gain his sympathy, she didn't fabricate anything or exaggerate. She just spoke the most common version of the rumor.

In contrast, those self-righteous women, when envious, would say the most cutting things.

Yao Sishan herself didn't care much about the gossip. Her life was comfortable and carefree, and she had no time to bicker with others. It wasn't worth it.

Wei Minyan's eyelid twitched, and he could feel the vein throbbing at his temple. He thought to himself: The person who spread the rumors should be lucky they didn't let him hear it firsthand, or he'd tear their mouth off and make sure they could never speak again.

"Don't worry," he said in a low voice, so low that even Yao Sishan had difficulty hearing him. "As long as the Wei Dynasty doesn't change, no one will be able to bully you."

Meanwhile, Princess Huacheng, Wei Handou, sat alone at the main seat, half-closing her eyes to rest.

She truly disliked these kinds of occasions, with so many unfamiliar faces in one room, toasting and exchanging pleasantries, all so insincere.

Wei Handou occasionally glanced at Yao Shian. After some time, she finally saw him look up and direct his gaze towards the palace entrance.

Following his line of sight, she saw a dozen or so servants surrounding a man and a woman, and at the front were her elder brother, the Crown Prince, and his wife.

The crowd rose in unison, greeting, "Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess."

The ladies nearby couldn't help but glance up, and upon doing so, they found it hard to look away.

In their eyes, Miss Yao Er had no talent or virtue. Not to mention entering the Eastern Palace, even being betrothed to a side branch's prince would be considered a favor.

Yet, this seemingly insignificant girl was now being carefully protected by the Crown Prince, as if he feared she might fall with every step.

Yao Sishan moved gracefully, exuding elegance, and in contrast to Yao Sifang's pretentious demeanor, she appeared more composed and dignified.

Seeing this, those who had previously looked down on her now involuntarily showed some respect.

A bold young lady whispered, "Hmm? If I remember correctly, doesn't the Yao family have a son who passed the imperial examination? Is he attending today? Given the Yao sisters' appearance, the son must be outstanding."

The crowd, often forgetful, shifted their attention to Yao Shian.

Princess Huacheng overheard the comments and felt irritated, but she couldn't show her displeasure in front of her brother and sister-in-law, so her frustration only grew.

"You're finally here," she said, "I was just about to send everyone home."

"Really?" Wei Minyan replied indifferently, showing no interest in her petty mood.

Yao Sishan casually observed Princess Huacheng's appearance. The princess had a small, delicate face, almond-shaped eyes, a rounded nose, and cherry lips. She certainly didn't resemble a mischievous little devil, but more like a flower fairy.

After failing to make progress with her brother, Princess Huacheng pouted, "Hmph, forgetting the younger sister now that you have a wife." She turned to Yao Sishan and said in a childish voice, "Sister-in-law, you must help me."

"Me? How can I help you..."

Princess Huacheng pouted, still upset. "Sister-in-law, all you need to do is think of a way for my brother to suffer a little."

Wei Minyan, about to scold her, was immediately disarmed by her constant use of "sister-in-law" and let the two of them continue their playful banter.

Yao Sishan thought for a moment and jokingly said, "Isn't it simple? Just find him a husband for the princess, and he'll be worried sick."

Princess Huacheng didn't hesitate, merely sighing, "I just hope my future husband isn't like my brother, so sharp-tongued. I want someone who speaks gently and elegantly."

It was clear from the way she spoke that Princess Huacheng was already thinking of a suitable match, as she used "husband" instead of "prince consort."

Yao Sishan teased, "It sounds like you already have someone in mind?"

To this, Princess Huacheng only avoided the question and said lightly, "Marriage is a lifelong matter. I still need to consider carefully."

Yao Sishan, being of similar age to Princess Huacheng, saw how familiar they were with each other, and the conversation flowed smoothly without any awkwardness.

As time passed and the banquet neared its end, Princess Huacheng suddenly raised her cup and finished the wine in one gulp. Then, with a bit of alcohol, she leaned toward Yao Sishan and whispered, "Sister-in-law, actually, I want to be your sister-in-law."