Chapter 233: Thriving Toward the Sun

 Chapter 233: Thriving Toward the Sun

After the Dragon Boat Festival, the sky continued to rain sporadically. The water level of the Grand Canal rose significantly, prompting Yan Zhigao to worry about potential flooding in his jurisdiction. Almost daily, he sent people to inspect the riverbanks.

Fortunately, Yan Zhigao had never taken public safety lightly or gambled with luck. During the construction of the embankments, he either supervised personally or assigned trusted aides to oversee the process. As a result, his region showed no signs of impending floods.

---

Time flew by, and it was the end of May.

“Daohua, why aren’t you going to the prince’s birthday banquet at the palace tomorrow?” Zhou Jingwan asked, puzzled.

Daohua glanced at Zhou Jingwan. “Didn’t you ask earlier what I’m giving Xiao Yeyang as a birthday gift?”

Zhou Jingwan nodded quickly, her curiosity piqued. “What is it?”

Daohua beckoned her closer with her finger, and Zhou Jingwan leaned in immediately. Daohua whispered a few words into her ear.

“What?!”

Zhou Jingwan’s eyes widened in astonishment upon hearing Daohua’s words.

Daohua shrugged nonchalantly. “My gift isn’t something I can bring over. How could I show up empty-handed?”

Zhou Jingwan was momentarily stunned, then clicked her tongue and shook her head. “You’re really something!” She shot a sour glance at Daohua. “And to think I’m your good friend. You certainly didn’t put this much thought into my birthday gift.”

Daohua immediately objected. “How could you say that? Aren’t the rouge, powders, and perfumes you use all things I worked hard to make? And last time, for your birthday, I even made you a big cake! Do you know how long I fussed over that? Over a month!”

Zhou Jingwan burst into laughter and quickly scooted closer. “Alright, alright, I was wrong. But for my next birthday, I want something just like what Xiao Yeyang’s getting.”

Daohua rolled her eyes. “This kind of gift is meant to be a surprise. If you know about it beforehand, what’s the point? Better to give you something practical instead.”

Zhou Jingwan nodded in agreement. “You’re right. No wonder you wouldn’t say anything before.”

Daohua added, “When you go to the palace tomorrow, you mustn’t let slip a word. No matter what, you have to wait until Xiao Yeyang sees it himself. Otherwise, it’ll ruin the surprise, and my gift won’t be worth anticipating anymore.”

Zhou Jingwan blinked. “Don’t worry. I promise I won’t say a word.”

Daohua wasn’t entirely convinced. “If you let it slip, all my effort will go to waste. And if Xiao Yeyang demands another gift from me, you’ll have to make up for it.”

Zhou Jingwan quickly covered her mouth and shook her head.

She couldn’t afford to give a gift worthy of a prince. She vowed to keep her mouth shut.

---

At the Imperial Retreat on Mount Wuhua.

On the first day of June, guests began arriving at the retreat early in the morning.

Prefect Magistrate Guo had specifically returned from Fenxi a few days ago to celebrate Xiao Yeyang’s birthday, acting as his public elder for the occasion.

---

In the Meilin Courtyard.

Guo Rumei was busy inspecting various arrangements, fearing something might go wrong and cause her son embarrassment.

When she left the Prince of Ping’s residence, her son was only five years old.

Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, she had never celebrated his birthday. Now, finally given the chance, she was determined to throw him a grand banquet.

Under the plum tree in the courtyard stood a man in his thirties, dressed in simple attire. He quietly watched Guo Rumei bustling around. As he noticed the joy on her face, his gaze darkened slightly.

---

At the entrance of the palace.

As the birthday celebrant, Xiao Yeyang had no choice but to come out to greet the guests. Although he kept smiling, his spirits were low, and his mind kept wandering to what Daohua had prepared for him.

Knowing his temperament, Daohua had written him a letter in advance, explaining her reasons and informing him that she wouldn’t be attending.

Though disappointed, Xiao Yeyang found solace in the fact that it was because of her unique gift for him.

While Xiao Yeyang was speculating about the gift, so were Dong Yuanxuan and the others.

"Hey, what exactly is Yan Meimei's gift?" Zhou Chengye nudged Yan Wenxiu with his elbow.

Yan Wenxiu shook his head. "Don't ask me. I haven't heard a single hint."

Zhou Chengye then turned his gaze to Yan Wenkai and Yan Wentao, who both shook their heads in unison.

"We don't know either."

Dong Yuanxuan raised an eyebrow at Zhou Chengye. "How about you ask your sister?"

Zhou Chengye scoffed. "I already did, but that girl just clamped her mouth shut and wouldn't say a word."

Dong Yuanxuan sighed. "Well, then, we’ll all just have to wait and see."

Although Xiao Yeyang was preoccupied with thoughts of Daohua's gift, he knew the birthday banquet organized by his uncle and Guo Rumei was a gesture of goodwill. He couldn’t disregard their effort and continued to mingle with the guests with a cheerful demeanor.

Guo Rumei, aware of both Daohua's absence and the reason for it, noticed Xiao Yeyang's restless behavior. She shook her head with understanding but called over her maid, Meishuang.

"Go and tell Yang'er that after lunch, he can take his friends and explore the grounds. His uncle will handle the palace guests."

When Meishuang relayed the message, Xiao Yeyang’s eyes lit up. He wanted to express his gratitude but found himself at a loss for words.

Seeing this, Meishuang smiled. "If you enjoy yourself, don’t forget to bring back a gift for the mistress."

Xiao Yeyang nodded immediately.

---

During lunch, Xiao Yeyang adhered to etiquette, following Prefect Magistrate Guo to toast the guests, making sure everyone felt honored. The guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

But as soon as lunch was over, he slipped away like a gust of wind.

"Let’s head to Xingzhou City!"

He called Yan Wenkai and Yan Wentao, then set off with Defu and his guards aboard a boat. As for the other companions, he left them to Dong Yuanxuan and Su Hongxin.

If not for concerns about Daohua's reputation, he wouldn’t have brought anyone else along. The gift she had prepared for him was something meant for his eyes alone.

---

At the Yan residence.

When the maid reported that Xiao Yeyang had arrived, Daohua was stunned for a few seconds. She had thought he would wait until tomorrow or a few days later to visit.

Yan Zhigao and Madam Li were at the palace, so after informing Grandma Yan, Daohua left the residence with Wang Man’er and Qin Xiao Liu.

"Why are you here so soon?"

Seeing Xiao Yeyang and his companions, Daohua greeted them with a smile.

Xiao Yeyang raised his chin. "I’m here to claim my gift."

Daohua chuckled. "You’re quite eager. Well, a birthday gift is most meaningful on the actual day. Besides, today’s weather is perfect. Follow me."

As they walked, Xiao Yeyang and the others noticed they were heading toward a village. Curious, they wondered if the gift was stored there.

When they were nearly there, Wang Man’er approached with a handkerchief and smiled at Xiao Yeyang. "Young Master, the young lady asks that you cover your eyes."

Xiao Yeyang blinked. "Do I really have to? I’m on horseback."

Wang Man’er grinned. "You can ride in the carriage for a bit."

Xiao Yeyang glanced at Daohua, who was sitting on the carriage swinging her legs. After some thought, he dismounted, bypassed Wang Man’er’s handkerchief, and leaped onto the carriage.

Daohua turned to him. "We’re almost there. Cover your eyes, or there won’t be any surprise left."

Xiao Yeyang glanced at Wang Man’er’s handkerchief with disdain. "I don’t use just anyone’s belongings."

Wang Man’er’s smile froze, and she looked at Daohua with a hint of grievance.

Daohua sighed, pulled out her own handkerchief, and tossed it to him.

Seeing the embroidered sprig of rice on it, Xiao Yeyang finally accepted it but didn’t move.

"Cover your eyes already!"

Xiao Yeyang held up the handkerchief. "How am I supposed to do it myself?"

Daohua rolled her eyes and grabbed the handkerchief. "You’re so spoiled." She tied it over his eyes herself.

Shortly after, Xiao Yeyang heard Yan Wenkai’s loud voice from behind. "Are we there yet?"

At the same time, someone tugged at his wrist.

"We’re here. Follow me!"

Recognizing Daohua’s touch, Xiao Yeyang followed her lead without resistance.

As they walked, the faint scent of flowers reached his nose. A thought struck him—was her gift a bouquet of flowers?

What would he do if it was?

Flowers were fine for occasional viewing, but he couldn’t say he particularly liked them.

What kind of reaction should he show?

Well, no matter what, Daohua must have put thought into it. Even if he didn’t like it, he should feign surprise to avoid discouraging her. Otherwise, she might not bother next year.

Just as these thoughts swirled in his mind, Daohua came to a stop.

"Alright, you can take off the handkerchief now!"

Despite his guesses, Xiao Yeyang was still curious. He quickly untied the handkerchief.

In an instant, a sea of golden sunflowers filled his vision. In the center of the field, the words “Happy Birthday, Xiao Yeyang” stood out prominently.

"These are sunflowers, also known as sun blooms. Xiao Yeyang, I wish for you to thrive like these flowers, always facing the sun."