The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space Chapter 2390: Used to It (2)

"If you don't like it, then just refuse it," Wei Yao pouted, her expression implying that if her companion didn't refuse, it meant she harbored some secret feelings.

Qi Jingyi turned her head, looking at Wei Yao, and with a sudden movement, reached out and tapped her forehead.

"What are you doing?" Wei Yao quickly retreated a couple of steps, instinctively touching her head as she exclaimed loudly.

"In ordinary families, parental decree and a matchmaker's word are paramount. The royal family adheres to this even more strictly. Do you truly believe you can simply refuse if you dislike the arrangement?" Qi Jingyi gazed at Wei Yao as if she were lacking common sense. "Especially when the Emperor himself has given his assent, such a decree is practically irrevocable. That is, unless..."

"Unless what?" Wei Yao pressed, leaning in with curiosity.

"Unless someone is no longer alive."

"Stop saying such frightening things! Don't you men typically enjoy having many wives and concubines?" Wei Yao scoffed, rolling her eyes with disdain. "The Wang Residence already has a surplus of women, and the Shen Family even saw sisters emulate Ehuang and Nuying."

"But those are merely political strategies, understand?" Qi Jingyi sighed, her voice tinged with weariness. "How many of those arrangements are based on genuine affection?"

"Speaking of which, Shen Wanxing has been apprehended. I saw the Minister's Office sealed. What fate do you think awaits Shen Yizhen?"

"What do you imagine will happen?" Qi Jingyi raised her eyebrows subtly, her expression unreadable.

A sudden weight settled in Wei Yao's heart, and she let out a slow sigh. "Come to think of it, you all seem quite pitiable." She said this while raising her hand to pat Qi Jingyi's shoulder sympathetically.

Qi Jingyi's lips twitched slightly at the gesture.

"I truly envy Xinxin, you know. Her relationship with Gu Qingheng is the kind that inspires genuine envy," Wei Yao remarked softly, lost in her own thoughts.

Qi Jingyi tapped Wei Yao's head once more, this time with a touch more firmness. "However, there's only one Xinxin in this world. Not every woman possesses her kind of courage to boldly face societal criticism and overcome immense difficulties."

"I want to become like her," Wei Yao declared, her fists clenching with determination. "I will definitely find a man I truly love to be my husband in the future."

"A young lady like you, proclaiming such things so openly, aren't you ashamed?" Qi Jingyi admonished, her brow furrowed.

"Xinxin once told me that love is the most beautiful sentiment in the entire world," Wei Yao retorted, rolling her eyes once more at Qi Jingyi. "Never mind, I doubt you'd ever understand."

"Yaoyao." Wei Bingcen exclaimed urgently, trying to intervene. "Show some respect." He had initially refrained from speaking, acknowledging that Yang Ruxin's assistance had been motivated by his daughter; while his daughter's personality might be a tad bold, it mirrored Yang Ruxin's own temperament. Still, witnessing her disrespect towards Qi Jingyi caused him concern.

Wei Yao stuck out her tongue playfully at Qi Jingyi before turning and heading back into the house.

"It's quite alright, Uncle Wei," Qi Jingyi assured him, raising a hand to halt Wei Bingcen's impending reprimand. "I've grown accustomed to it."

Wei Bingcen's mouth twitched, unsure of how to respond. After a brief silence, he let out an awkward chuckle. "We've certainly spoiled her."

"I'm feeling rather hungry," Qi Jingyi suddenly announced, shifting the topic.

"Ah?" Wei Bingcen appeared momentarily stunned before quickly recovering. "If Your Highness doesn't mind, please come inside. We haven't had dinner yet ourselves."

Qi Jingyi entered without the slightest pretense of formality.

Wei Bingcen and his wife exchanged a surprised glance. Though taken aback, they dared not show neglect. Wei Zhangshi hurried to the kitchen, personally preparing a few dishes and bringing out a jar of wine that Xinxin had gifted them.

Traditionally, women were not permitted to join men at the dining table. However, Qi Jingyi waved away such concerns. "Xinxin doesn't adhere to such rigid rules. It's far more lively when everyone sits together."

Thus, the meal commenced with everyone seated together.

Wei Yao found it somewhat unusual that Qi Jingyi was staying for dinner but didn't dwell on it, continuing her playful bickering with her guest.

Though Wei Bingcen and his wife felt the situation was slightly unconventional, they simply went along with it, as the Prince showed no sign of displeasure.