At this mont, Prince Kang and Prince Rui, almost flanking Prince Qing, approached Bai Xilie’s table.
"Imperial Brother, we’ve co to toast you!" Prince Kang chuckled, nudging Prince Qing with his elbow.
Prince Rui smiled warmly, "Yes, Fourth Brother is usually absent, and it’s rare for the four of us to gather together. Today, no matter what, we must all drink this toast."
They gestured for Prince Qing to say sothing as well.
Prince Qing held his cup, but his gaze rested on Bai Zhi’er.
He had been keeping an eye on his precious little niece.
The little one was even more well-behaved than he imagined.
She didn’t make any fuss, eating on her own, and even rembered to peel fava beans to share with Bai Xilie.
Prince Qing looked at Bai Xilie, "Imperial Brother, I haven’t congratulated you yet on your reunion with your daughter. This cup is what I owe you; today, I’ll finish it, and you may drink as you like."
With that, he tilted his head back and drank it all in one go.
Prince Kang burst into laughter, saying, "Second Brother, Fourth Brother knows he was wrong. Besides, we all know that you weren’t truly angry with him back then."
Prince Rui chid in to support, "Yes, Father often said when he was alive that the brothers of the Bai Family must be united; even if our bones are broken, our tendons remain connected. Any conflicts should be moved past."
Bai Xilie had long ceased to be angry with Prince Qing.
But he couldn’t resist holding a grudge.
Now, Bai Xilie held his wine glass, only looking at Prince Qing and asking, "All these years of wandering, have you fared well outside?"
Prince Qing lowered his head slightly, "Everything is fine. No matter where I go, I always think of the Capital; perhaps because my ho is here."
These words pleased Bai Xilie greatly.
He nodded, his voice steady, "Since you’re back, stay well. Next year during the Qingming Festival, we can pay respects to Father and Mother together."
These words signified that Bai Xilie had also let go of the past grievances.
Prince Kang imdiately grinned, "Great, very good! The four of us brothers should drink to this!"
The ministers had already quieted down.
Hearing this, they all raised their glasses in unison.
"Congratulations to Your Majesty on the family reunion!"
Bai Xilie imdiately raised his glass and drank together with everyone.
At this mont, after drinking, Prince Qing turned to find Bai Zhi’er’s bright, curious eyes still looking at him.
He walked over with a smile, "Zhi’er, don’t you recognize ? I’m your younger uncle. When we parted, you were still very young."
Bai Zhi’er blinked her long lashes, "I think I recognize you!"
Prince Qing raised an eyebrow, "Oh? When?"
Surely, this clever little niece could guess who this Uncle Li Zi, who had been playing with her these days, really was?
Prince Qing couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation and pride.
He was just waiting for Bai Zhi’er to discover the truth and throw herself into his arms with emotion.
But who knew, in the next second, he would hear Bai Zhi’er’s soft and adorable voice say—
"You’re the godfather An Suzhu ntioned!"
Prince Qing was in the middle of pouring himself more wine, and upon hearing this, his hand shook, spilling wine all over his sleeve.
Prince Kang was surprised, "Fourth Brother, is there such a thing? How co you never ntioned it?"
A prince adopting a goddaughter needs to be registered with the Ministry of Rites.
The goddaughter could also be recorded under the prince’s branch of the Imperial Family genealogy.
Upon hearing this, Bai Xilie calmly inquired, "Who is An Suzhu?"
At this ti, soone quickly stood up from the won’s seating area.
"Your Majesty, it is this servant."
Everyone turned their heads to see An Suzhu standing there, head lowered, respectfully.
Across the n’s seating area, Duke Ping had been frowning all along.
At such a mont, his daughter should be clarifying any rumors. How could she voluntarily stand up to admit to them?
Wouldn’t this just cause trouble?
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