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

“If you truly dislike the arrangement, simply refuse it,” Wei Yao pouted, her words laced with a hint of playful accusation. “If you don’t, it implies you harbor some hidden intentions.”

Qi Jingyi turned his head, a playful glint in his eyes, and raised his hand to tap Wei Yao’s forehead.

“What was that for?” Wei Yao flinched back, her hand instinctively going to her head as she exclaimed in protest.

“In ordinary families, obedience to parents and the words of a matchmaker are paramount. The royal family holds even stricter traditions. Do you honestly believe you have the freedom to refuse merely because you dislike it?” Qi Jingyi’s gaze, sharp as a needle, fixed on Wei Yao, as if she were a child who understood nothing. “Especially when the Emperor himself has given his consent, such a decision becomes utterly irrevocable, unless…”

“Unless what?” Wei Yao prompted, her curiosity piqued.

“Unless someone meets their demise.”

“Don’t speak of such grim things! Don’t all of you men enjoy having multiple wives and concubines?” Wei Yao scoffed, rolling her eyes with disdain. “The Wang Residence is hardly lacking in women, and within the Shen Family, even sisters have followed the footsteps of Ehuang and Nuying.”

“Those are merely political maneuvers, my dear,” Qi Jingyi sighed, a note of weariness in his voice. “How many among them are united by genuine affection?”

“Speaking of which, Shen Wanxing was apprehended, and I saw the Minister’s Office was sealed. What will become of Shen Yizhen?”

“What do you surmise?” Qi Jingyi arched an eyebrow, leaving Wei Yao to ponder the implications.

A sudden heaviness settled in Wei Yao’s heart, and she slowly exhaled. “Come to think of it, you all lead rather pitiable lives.” She reached out, patting Qi Jingyi’s shoulder sympathetically.

Qi Jingyi’s lips twitched at the gesture.

“That’s why I still envy Xinxin. Her relationship with Gu Qingheng is truly something to be admired,” Wei Yao mused aloud.

Qi Jingyi tapped her forehead once more. “However, there is only one Xinxin in this world. Not every woman possesses her kind of fortitude to face public scrutiny and overcome hardships.”

“I want to learn from her!” Wei Yao declared, clenching her fist with newfound determination. “I will certainly find a man to be my husband who I truly like.”

“A young lady like yourself speaking such things so openly, aren’t you embarrassed?” Qi Jingyi chided, her brow furrowed.

“Xinxin said that love is the most beautiful sentiment in existence,” Wei Yao retorted, rolling her eyes at Qi Jingyi. “Never mind, you wouldn’t understand it anyway.”

“Yaoyao.” Wei Bingcen’s voice, laced with urgency, interrupted. “Show some respect.” He had intended to remain silent, for Yang Ruxin had aided their family precisely because of his daughter; while his daughter’s demeanor could be considered bold, it mirrored Yang Ruxin’s own spirited nature. Yet, witnessing her disrespect towards Qi Jingyi caused him a flicker of concern.

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

“It’s of no consequence, Uncle Wei,” Qi Jingyi reassured him, raising a hand to halt Wei Bingcen’s impending reprimand. “I’ve grown accustomed to it.”

Wei Bingcen’s lips twitched, uncertain of how to respond. After a brief silence, he emitted an awkward chuckle. “We have indeed spoiled her.”

“I’m feeling quite hungry,” Qi Jingyi announced, changing the subject abruptly.

“Ah?” Wei Bingcen blinked in surprise before quickly recovering. “If Your Highness doesn’t mind, please do come inside. We haven’t yet taken our dinner.”

Qi Jingyi entered without a hint of hesitation.

Wei Bingcen and his wife exchanged a knowing glance. Though surprised by the unannounced guest, they dared not show neglect. Wei Zhangshi promptly hurried to the kitchen, personally preparing a few dishes and retrieving a jar of wine that Xinxin had gifted them.

Traditionally, women were not permitted to dine at the table. However, Qi Jingyi showed no such reservations. “Xinxin doesn’t adhere to such formalities. It is far more convivial when we all dine together.”

Thus, the meal commenced with everyone seated together.

Wei Yao had not anticipated Qi Jingyi accepting their dinner invitation, finding his presence somewhat unexpected. Yet, she dismissed the thought and continued their playful banter.

Although Wei Bingcen and his wife felt the situation to be slightly unconventional, the Prince’s apparent comfort made them acquiesce to the arrangement.