Chapter 189: The Proud Parrot

 Chapter 189: The Proud Parrot 

As Xiao Yeyang visited the Yan family more frequently and became closer with the three brothers, Yan Zhigao no longer rushed over from the yamen to greet him every time. The interactions between them had become less formal, resembling friendly visits between close acquaintances.

At the local Prefecture office, everyone observed Yan Zhigao calmly handling his affairs. Even when the young prince arrived, he didn’t immediately head home to receive guests, which made the others both envious and full of admiration.

"To think that the Young Prince is so close with the Yan family?" 

Zhu Jiaoyu, who had just joined recently, had heard many rumors before but was now witnessing everything firsthand. He realized that the Yan family was truly on the rise.

"If their relationship weren’t that close, would Master Yan be so at ease?"

"You don’t know? The two sons of the Yan family are the Young Prince’s study companions. They’ve been together every day, so it’s only natural that their relationship is this good."

"Because of the Young Prince, the Yan family’s three sons have also become close with the sons of the Bu Zhengsi, Su Canzheng, and the Zhou family. All these families are noble and influential."

"You may not see the benefits now, but think about it—when these young masters rise to official positions in the future, they will surely be of great help to the Yan family."

"Exactly. Young Master Dong comes from the prestigious Hou family in the capital, a deeply favored noble family. The Su and Zhou families are also powerful clans in the central province. As long as the Yan family maintains a good relationship with them, their future is secure." 

Hearing the conversation, Zhu Jiaoyu inwardly regretted not controlling his wife and daughter better in the past. Had he done so, they wouldn’t have offended Madam Li and the Yan family’s eldest daughter so thoroughly. Now, they didn’t even have a proper reason to visit.

---

In the Yan family’s backyard...

"Don’t pinch your sister’s face again in the future. Her skin is delicate and can’t handle it."

After visiting Songhe Courtyard, Old Madam Yan saw the marks on Daohua's face and immediately scolded Yan Wenkai.

Yan Wenkai obediently stood to the side, listening to the reprimand.

Nearby, Xiao Yeyang and the others couldn't help but laugh at his embarrassed expression.

That evening, Xiao Yeyang and the others stayed in Yan Wenxiu and Yan Wenkai's courtyard.

The next day, when Daohua entered Old Madam Yan's room, she found bowls of longevity noodles already placed on the table.  

Seeing the noodles, Daohua immediately recognized that Old Madam Yan must have gotten up early to make them. She rushed inside and threw herself into Old Madam Yan's arms, rubbing her head against her, and softly called out, "Grandmother!"

Old Madam Yan patted Daohua’s back, laughing. "You’re eleven years old now, how are you still so clingy?"

Daohua looked up, her face serious. "Grandmother, I’m still eleven! I’m not grown up yet, I’m still little!"

Seeing her granddaughter’s wide eyes, earnestly proving she was still a child, Old Madam Yan burst into laughter. "Alright, alright, you’re still little. You’re just a little child who needs to be held in grandmother’s hands."

Daohua smiled happily and nodded.

Old Madam Yan took her hand. "Let’s go eat. The noodles will get cold and not taste as good."

In the dining hall, Xiao Yeyang and the others had already gathered and were quietly chatting on the guest chairs.

Across from them, Yan Yihuan and the others sat in silence, accompanying them.

After the incident when Xiao Yeyang got angry with Yan Yile last time, Yan Yile had behaved better this time. However, she still attempted to interject several times. Unfortunately, aside from Dong Yuanxuan, who thought the atmosphere should remain cordial and replied to her a few times, Xiao Yeyang didn’t even glance at her once.

"The Young Prince must still be angry with me," Yan Yile occasionally glanced toward Xiao Yeyang, her expression showing that she wanted to speak to him but was too afraid to.

Yan Yihuan tugged at her sleeve and shook her head, signaling her to stop talking.

Nearby, Yan Yishuang watched their interaction, a sneer playing at the corner of her mouth.

It was obvious that Xiao Yeyang didn’t want to pay attention to the Fourth Sister, yet Fourth Sister insisted on trying to get close. She had no shame at all.

Yan Yishuang thought about teasing her, but just then, she saw Old Madam Yan and Daohua approaching. 

"Sister Yan, happy birthday." 

As soon as Daohua appeared, Dong Yuanxuan and the others quickly stood up from their seats, each one smiling and offering their blessings to Daohua.

"Thank you." "Ahem~"

Once everyone had finished speaking, Xiao Yeyang leisurely stood up. "I only heard from Wen Kai that today is your birthday. I didn’t have time to prepare a gift, so I’ve brought you a parrot from under the eaves. This parrot is quite amusing and can keep you company when you're bored." He glanced at Defu after speaking.

Defu immediately smiled and went out, returning shortly with a birdcage in hand. Inside, a brightly colored parrot was curiously looking around.

Upon seeing the parrot, Dong Yuanxuan and Su Hongxin exchanged a quick glance.

This parrot had been presented to the emperor by a local official. It was very good at imitating human speech, and the emperor had given it to the young prince. When the young prince decided to stay at Wangyue Academy to study, he had someone bring it to him from the capital. The parrot was often used to amuse him.

Now, it was being given to Sister Yan!

"Ahem~"

Xiao Yeyang cleared his throat, and the parrot immediately squawked in response.

"Daohua, happy birthday!"

"Daohua, happy birthday!" 

Daohua had already been captivated by the parrot's pretty and delicate appearance. When she heard it speak, she became even more delighted and quickly walked over to play with it, extending her hand to tease the parrot.

"Say it again, let me hear."

Unfortunately, like Xiao Yeyang, the parrot was quite proud and refused to speak no matter how much Daohua tried to get it to. In the end, it just turned its back on her.

Seeing Daohua get frustrated, Xiao Yeyang smiled. "It must have gotten used to the new environment. Just spend a few days with it, and it will warm up."

After he spoke, the parrot, without hesitation, loudly declared, "Impossible, impossible!"

At this, Daohua was genuinely surprised. "This parrot can not only mimic human speech but can also respond?"

Seeing Daohua looking so amazed, Xiao Yeyang considered teasing her further, but then thought better of it, knowing it might annoy her. He quickly changed his tone. "This parrot is quite clever. After spending enough time with its owner, it starts picking up some of their habits."

Daohua immediately asked with a smile, "So, it’s so proud because it learned from you?" Without waiting for him to answer, she laughed to herself.

"Actually, being a little proud isn't bad; it's quite cute."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yeyang's stiff expression softened, and seeing how much Daohua liked the parrot, he couldn't help but smile.

Daohua gently tapped the parrot's head and smiled, "Little proud parrot, you’re mine now, you’ll have to eat meat with me."

"I don't eat meat, I don't eat meat!" The parrot squawked and immediately turned its back on her.

Seeing this, Daohua was even more amused. She leaned over and whispered something to Wang Man'er, who then turned and left.

After receiving the birdcage from Defu, Daohua turned to the parrot with a sly grin and said, "You little thing, wait and see how I train you!" 

"You little thing, Daohua is a little thing!" the parrot mimicked, repeating her words.

Daohua froze for a moment and then looked up at Xiao Yeyang, astonished. "This parrot has become a spirit; it even changes my words!"

"Haha~"

Yan Wenkai laughed loudly, leaning in closer to Daohua. "Big sister, be careful. This parrot is very smooth with its words and even curses. It’s cursed me before!"

"You fool, Yan Wenkai is a fool!"

The parrot responded in kind, offering its "compliments" to Yan Wenkai.

Yan Wenkai glared at the parrot, angry. "You're the fool! Your whole family is full of fools!"

(The end of this chapter.)