vrcanaries Chapter 451 As natural as a family
Chapter 451 As natural as a family
Xie Yanli walked into the main room, his gaze sweeping over everyone present without making a sound.
His gaze paused when it fell on Meng Ze.
This person was dressed plainly and had an extremely ordinary face; he wouldn't even stand out in a crowd.
Yet, his temperament is exceptionally unique, calm and reserved yet with a sharp edge hidden beneath.
What's even stranger is that he should have been wary of a complete stranger.
But for some reason, he felt an almost instinctive sense of relaxation towards the aloof middle-aged man in front of him.
It was as if he knew this person wouldn't hurt him.
Xie Yanli had met so many people, but this was the first time someone had given him this feeling.
His eyes darkened slightly, and a vague sense of unease and doubt arose in his heart.
That's really strange.
For a moment, the two of them were stunned and lost in thought, and the air seemed to freeze.
Fortunately, Meng Ze has been in the world for many years and his temperament has become calm and composed.
Two breaths later, he quickly composed himself, bowed his head, and clasped his hands in greeting.
"This humble subject greets Your Highness."
Xie Yanli withdrew his gaze and nodded slightly in response.
Just then, a series of light footsteps sounded.
Xie Jue toddled over with her short legs, tilted her little face up, and walked curiously to Meng Ze.
He blinked and asked, "Are you the person Master Li mentioned yesterday who's really good at math?"
Meng Ze looked down at the little guy in front of him with his childish voice.
His eyes were dark and bright, and when he smiled, his eyebrows curved, making him lively and spirited.
Meng Ze's heart stirred slightly.
This is...his grandson?
Meng Ze lowered his eyes, looking at Xie Jue's soft little hand tugging at his clothes. His lips twitched almost imperceptibly as he replied in a low voice, "It's me."
Xie Jue was overjoyed to hear this.
She grabbed Meng Ze's hand and tried to run towards the table, talking as she ran.
"Come on, come on, I'll teach you the new math problems we learned today. They're super hard! You probably can't even do them!"
Meng Ze let him pull him along, his expression softening slightly.
Qin Jiuwei sat to the side, her gaze quietly fixed on the two people, one big and one small.
Xie Yanli also frowned slightly and exchanged a glance with her.
A strange feeling arose in both of their hearts at the same time.
The atmosphere... is so natural.
They seemed like a family.
Neither of them spoke, allowing Xie Jue to continue happily playing with Meng Ze for a while.
A quarter of an hour later, Qin Jiuwei looked at the sky and spoke with a smile.
"Mr. Liu, may I ask your name? And where are you from?"
Upon hearing this, Meng Ze immediately cupped his hands and delivered the speech he had prepared beforehand.
"My surname is Liu, and my given name is Chuan. I was originally from Qingzhou. I came to the capital with a merchant caravan and have been wandering for several years without settling down."
His voice was steady, his words were appropriate, and there was not a single flaw in his speech.
Qin Jiu smiled and said, "I see. I see that you and Jue-ge'er get along well. From now on, you can stay in the mansion and live in the front yard to keep Master Li company."
Meng Ze nodded and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness's wife."
After Meng Ze and Xie Jue had finished playing, Qin Jiuwei instructed a maid to lead him away.
Xie Jue was also taken away by Granny Song to go back to her room to do her homework.
The room returned to quiet.
Qin Jiu pursed her lips and said softly, "The people who come from Daliang are all so strange."
Upon hearing this, Xie Yanli's lips curled into a faint smile.
Strange indeed.
He turned his gaze and coldly ordered, "Have the guards keep a close eye on their every move."
The guards outside the door responded in a low voice and quietly withdrew.
Qin Jiuwei turned her gaze to Xiao He beside her, "How are the preparations for the Marquis's birthday banquet going?"
Xiaohe quickly bowed and reported, "Young Madam, the front hall has been completely renovated, and the guest list has been initially drafted."
"In addition, the kitchen has also prepared the dishes for the birthday banquet, and I will go there tomorrow to taste them. The Princess's residence has also sent congratulatory gifts, which have been registered."
Qin Jiuwei nodded. "I understand. Keep a close eye on things too, and make sure nothing goes wrong."
Xiao He nodded.
The front yard was dark with the sound of insects chirping.
Meng Ze and Meng Chen returned to the courtyard one after the other.
As soon as Meng Ze turned around, he was met with Meng Chen's face, which was filled with barely suppressed excitement.
"Sir, you see it too! It looks exactly like you!"
As he spoke, his eyes gleamed, "He must be your child! Blood ties can't be faked by anyone else!"
Meng Ze pursed his lips, his voice low and restrained: "I know."
When Meng Chen saw that he admitted it, he was even more excited.
"When should we tell our little master about this?"
"You and your son have been separated for so many years, you'll have to recognize each other sooner or later. The sooner you recognize each other, the sooner you'll be reunited."
Meng Chen's eyes burned with fervor, his face full of anticipation.
His family has been living alone for so many years, and now they finally have a relative in this world. This is truly a wonderful thing!
Meng Ze stood with his hands behind his back, his mind churning with emotions that he himself could not quite make sense of.
He was unsure whether Xie Yanli would want to acknowledge him as a father he had never met.
Moreover, he hadn't even figured out his own background yet.
Meng Ze lowered his eyes, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly looked up at Meng Chen.
"You said before that I might be the eldest son of the emperor?"