Chapter 148: Venison

 Chapter 148: Venison

"Miss's handwriting is getting better and better!"

In Daohua's study, she was carefully tracing the red characters while Wang Man’er stood nearby, grinding ink and watching her mistress write with a smile.

Wang Man’er was no longer the naive young maid she once was. Since following Daohua, she had learned a lot. Madam Li had even specially asked Sister Ping Tong to teach her for a while, fearing that she might not serve Daohua well. 

Plus, since Daohua often brought her along to class, she had picked up a lot of knowledge, though she couldn't remember most of it, at least she wasn’t illiterate anymore.

Daohua smiled, "Did you notice again?" 

Wang Man’er replied, "I can’t write, but I can certainly recognize good handwriting. By the way, Miss, the stationery Master sent is really good. The ink smells so fragrant."

Daohua dipped her brush into the ink and continued tracing, "It's all fine ink and inkstones, so of course, it's good."

Wang Man’er smiled, "I heard from the maids that Fifth Master wanted this set of stationery too, but unfortunately, Master gave it to you. This shows that Master is growing fonder of you."

Daohua paused in her writing, then gave a faint smile, "Maybe."

Her father truly cared for Yan Wenbin and Yan Yishuang, but as for her, well, it could be called 'regarded with importance,' perhaps.

Seeing that Daohua didn’t seem keen to discuss this further, Wang Man’er changed the topic, "Madam has bought a batch of new maids and servants, does that mean our courtyard will get new people too?"

Daohua nodded, "Yes, there are a lot of things to do at the end of the year, and Mother thinks the household needs more hands. By the way, if new people come to our courtyard, you need to watch over them. Don’t let them mess with my things."

Wang Man’er confidently promised, "Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on the house. Miss, it’s already close to the end of the year, how come the Eldest Master and the others haven’t had their holidays yet?"

Daohua replied, "They should have their break soon, probably in the next couple of days."

Wangyue Academy

"Finally, vacation!"

Walking out of the classroom, Yan Wenkai let out a huge sigh of relief. These past few days had been suffocating for him.

Since his return from his family’s home, the Young Prince had been giving him the cold shoulder, making him feel too nervous to speak casually.

Yan Wenkai quickly dragged Yan Wentao back to their quarters to pack. Halfway through, Su Hongxin came looking for them.

"Are you two leaving already?"

"Of course! Why would we stay here?" Yan Wenkai responded as he continued packing.

Su Hongxin said, "Alright, set that aside for now. The Young Prince wants to see you."

Yan Wenkai’s face immediately changed, and he nervously asked, "The Young Prince is in a good mood today, right?"

Su Hongxin couldn’t help but feel speechless, "Look at you, I didn’t know the Young Prince had treated you so harshly. You’re making it sound like he’s done something to you."

Yan Wenkai gave a sheepish laugh, "I’m just nervous. Who knows, the Young Prince looks so intimidating when he’s serious."

Su Hongxin rolled his eyes, "That’s because the Young Prince has been too nice to you. When I first served as his companion, I was terrified every day and didn’t dare joke around like you."

"Come on, let’s go. Don’t keep the Young Prince waiting."

Soon, the three of them arrived at Xiao Yeyang’s residence.

Upon arrival, they found Dong Yuanxuan, Yan Wenxiu, and Zhou Chengye already there. 

In the courtyard were several freshly killed wild deer.

When they saw that everyone had arrived, Defu stepped forward with a smile, "The Prefect Magistrate sent over several deer. The Young Prince thought that the New Year is coming soon, so he had everyone come and divide them up, as a treat for everyone."

Dong Yuanxuan’s expression shifted as he looked at Xiao Yeyang, who was sitting quietly and not saying anything. He smiled and said, "These deer should be roasted, that’s when they taste the best. Speaking of roasted meat, I can’t help but think of the meat that Miss Yan made during the Chongyang Festival." He exaggeratedly rubbed his stomach, "I’d love to have that again!"

Saying this, he started signaling to Yan Wenkai.

Unexpectedly, Yan Wenkai just stared at the wild deer, drooling. "Yes, I’d love to eat some too."

Dong Yuanxuan was speechless. Who cares if you want to eat it? This fool doesn’t even know how to respond.

He thought for a moment and then turned his gaze to Yan Wenxiu, hoping that he would understand what he meant.

As for Yan Wentao, forget it. He was an honest man, and Dong Yuanxuan didn’t expect much from him.

Yan Wenxiu had been under the guidance of Yan Zhigao for many years, so he immediately understood the implication of Dong Yuanxuan’s words. He smiled and said, "Yes, nothing beats enjoying the snow while eating roasted venison in winter, it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures."

"Young Prince, now that the academy is on break and everyone has some free time, why not come to my house for a visit? If we gather together for roasted meat, it will be a lively affair."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yeyang’s expression shifted slightly, but thinking back to the last time he visited the Yan household and Daohua hadn’t even shown her face, he pursed his lips and said nothing.

At that moment, Yan Wenkai, who had been completely absorbed in the deliciousness of the roasted meat, was suddenly pinched hard by Zhou Chengye on the waist, finally snapping him back to reality.

"Yes, Young Prince, come to my house. My sister hasn’t even tried venison yet."

Xiao Yeyang raised his eyes to look at him, "How come your house hasn’t even offered venison to others?"

Yan Wenkai replied, "It’s because venison is rare, and we don’t have anyone who hunts. Besides, my sister grew up in the countryside and never had the chance to eat it."

"Young Prince, let’s go, let’s go. My eldest sister loves to eat, I’m sure she’ll start drooling when she sees the venison."

Thinking of Daohua drooling over venison, Xiao Yeyang’s face finally broke into a smile. He then quickly wiped it off and, with an expression that seemed reluctant, said, "Alright, since you’ve invited me so sincerely, I’ll come to your house."

Seeing this, Dong Yuanxuan exchanged knowing glances with the others.

To avoid what happened last time, Yan Wenxiu had a servant return to the house ahead of time to inform Yan Zhigao and Madam Li that the Young Prince would be coming.

Upon receiving the news, Yan Zhigao was very pleased and instructed everyone in the family, "The Young Prince is coming, we should all go and welcome him."

After saying that, he looked at Daohua, preparing to remind his eldest daughter a few things, but he was interrupted by Yan Zhiyuan.

"Elder Brother, don’t worry. The Young Prince is coming, so we must treat him well. Last time, Yihuan and Yile had a good conversation with him. This time, let them accompany him, and Yihuan, as you know, is quiet and gentle—she will never do anything to upset the Young Prince."

Interrupted, Yan Zhigao felt a bit uncomfortable, his brow furrowing slightly. "That’s fine. It’s an honor for the Young Prince to come to our house. Everyone, go prepare."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Zhiyuan and Sun Shi hurriedly led Yan Yihuan and her sisters away, muttering about needing to freshen up and get ready, not even bothering to say goodbye.

Seeing their behavior, Yan Zhigao’s displeasure deepened.

Back in the second house, Yan Zhiyuan urged Sun Shi to help Yan Yihuan and her sisters get dressed, while he sat by, constantly giving instructions.

"When the Young Prince arrives, you must do your best to please him. Don’t upset him in any way."

At this moment, Yan Zhiyuan’s heart was filled with excitement. Previously, Sun Shi had told him that he could use the Young Prince’s connections to secure a government position. He had been thinking about it ever since and was increasingly convinced it was a feasible idea.

(End of Chapter)