inspire-indiana Chapter 226 Relatives Visit
Chapter 226 Relatives Visit
On this day, the sky was as blue as a jewel, so clear and transparent that it seemed one could see right to the horizon. The pure white clouds seemed to have been secretly hidden away, disappearing without a trace. A gentle breeze caressed the sky, like a mother's warm hand gently stroking one's face, bringing a touch of coolness and comfort, making one feel refreshed and relaxed.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps approached. It was Li Quan, limping, who rushed in, excitedly announcing, "Your Majesty, the carriage from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion is coming this way!"
Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan, who was sitting idly reading a book inside, was moved and immediately stood up without hesitation. She quickly placed the book she was holding on the table beside her, then moved gracefully and hurried towards the door.
As they walked, he didn't forget to ask Li Quan, who was following closely behind, "Li Quan, did you look carefully? Are you really sure that's the carriage of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion?"
Li Quan quickly took a few steps to keep up with Su Nuannuan, bowing and scraping as he replied, "Your Majesty, this servant saw it clearly, it was definitely the carriage of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion! Moreover, not only the carriage, but even the third young master of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion came!"
Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan's face instantly lit up with a delighted smile, and she couldn't help but cheer, "Even Third Brother came along! That's wonderful!" As she spoke, she quickened her pace, wishing she could fly to the gate of the manor immediately to greet her family.
Before long, Su Nuannuan arrived at the gate of the manor in a flurry of activity. She eagerly craned her neck to look at the road leading to the manor, and sure enough, she saw a carriage bearing the insignia of the Duke of Zhenguo's manor slowly approaching from afar. Beside the carriage was a tall and mighty steed, and sitting on its back was her third brother, Su Yuan.
At this moment, Su Nuannuan no longer cared about the dignified demeanor and reserved image that a concubine in the palace should have. Overjoyed, she waved her arms like a happy little bird and shouted loudly at Su Yuan in the distance, "Third Brother... Third Brother..."
Su Yuan spotted Su Nuannuan waving her arms from afar. He smiled slightly, whispered a few words to the person in the carriage, then raised his whip and urged his horse to gallop over.
In the blink of an eye, Su Yuan was already in front of Su Nuannuan. He lightly pulled the reins, and his horse neighed, its front hooves rising high before landing steadily. Su Yuan nimbly dismounted and strode towards Su Nuannuan, calling out, "Little sister!"
In Su Yuan's eyes, no matter how Su Nuannuan's identity changes, she will always be the little sister who needs his care and protection, not the high and mighty empress in the deep palace.
"Third Brother, what brings you here?" Su Nuannuan looked at Su Yuan with a face full of joy, her beautiful eyes curving into crescents.
"It's not just me, your third brother, who came; Mother came along too." Su Yuan smiled and pointed to the carriage that was slowly approaching in the distance.
"Huh? Mother's here too? Why didn't you tell me sooner!" Su Nuannuan glared at Su Yuan playfully upon hearing this.
Su Yuan touched his nose sheepishly, chuckled, but did not reply.
Soon, the carriage arrived and came to a smooth stop. The door was gently pushed open, and the Duchess of Zhenguo gracefully alighted. She was not accompanied by any maids or servants on this trip; only her third son was with her.
"Mother~" Su Nuannuan called out with tears in her eyes and her voice trembling slightly.
"Your Majesty, this humble woman greets you." After alighting from the carriage, the Duchess of Zhenguo quickly straightened her skirt and sleeves and respectfully bowed to Su Nuannuan.
Seeing this, Su Nuannuan quickly stepped forward to help her mother, who was halfway through bowing, and said with a smile, "Mother, what are you doing? There's no need to be so polite when we're out."
However, the Duchess of Zhenguo replied with a serious expression, "Your Majesty, you can't say that. Etiquette cannot be disregarded. Even though we are not in the palace at the moment, the proper etiquette still applies."
Su Nuannuan knew perfectly well that her mother was always a well-educated and courteous person who strictly adhered to the rules of conduct between ruler and subject, regardless of the occasion. In contrast, her third brother was much more casual. Unless it was a very important and formal occasion, he would never bow to her and address her as "Your Majesty" like others.
Thinking of this, Su Nuannuan couldn't help but shake her head gently, then hugged the arm of the Duke of Zhenguo's wife again, and said coquettishly, "Mother~ This is not the palace, let's not be so reserved."
Seeing her daughter acting so coquettishly, the Duchess of Zhenguo finally softened. A helpless yet doting smile appeared on her face as she softly replied, "Alright, alright, then I'll listen to you this time and won't bow anymore."
Hearing this, Su Nuannuan immediately beamed with joy, muttering, "That's more like it! You have to be so proper outside, I don't know who you're trying to impress!" After saying that, she affectionately took her mother's arm, and they walked towards the estate together, chatting and laughing.
The Duchess of Zhenguo smiled and gently tapped Su Nuannuan's forehead with her left index finger, scolding her playfully, "You're already a mother, how can you still be so childish!"
Su Nuannuan leaned her head against her mother's arm in a coquettish manner, and muttered, "As long as Mommy is here, I'll always be a child!" After saying that, she winked mischievously at her mother.
Seeing this, the Duchess of Zhenguo couldn't help but chuckle again. Then she turned to her third son standing to the side and teased him with a helpless expression, "Look at this girl, she doesn't even know how to be ashamed to say such things!"
Su Yuan, who had been left standing aside, finally caught Su Nuannuan's attention. As soon as she saw her third brother, she couldn't wait to ask, "Third brother, what brings you here to see me today? You're usually so busy."
Upon hearing this, Su Yuan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a doting smile. He teased his sister, "What? Can't your third brother come to visit his little sister?"
"Hmph, tch, who doesn't know you! Whenever you have a spare moment, it's all about your wife, kids, and warm bed. You don't even care about me, your sister."
"It's really not easy for you to remember to see me today!" Su Nuannuan rolled her eyes and retorted mercilessly with a reproachful look.
After a while, Su Nuannuan seemed to suddenly realize something, blinked her big eyes, and asked in confusion, "By the way! Why didn't Third Sister-in-law come with us?" She tilted her head and stared at Su Yuan with a face full of curiosity.
Upon hearing this, the Duchess of Zhenguo's face immediately lit up with joy, and she replied with a beaming smile, "Haha, you silly girl. Your third sister-in-law went to see the doctor the other day, and it turns out she's already a month pregnant! So it wasn't convenient for her to come along this time." As she spoke, her eyes narrowed into slits with laughter.
Upon hearing the good news, Su Nuannuan jumped up excitedly and exclaimed, "Wow! Really? That's great! You're amazing, Third Brother!" As she spoke, she gave Su Yuan a big thumbs up.