Chapter 483: Chapter 483: At a Loss Whether to Laugh or Cry

Revealing his identity to Xia Wanqing was because Huangfu Yuxuan suspected that people from Haotian Village had already discovered his true identity.

After all, in the Capital City, his identity can be concealed—not impossible to conceal—but that would only fool outsiders temporarily, so he might trick the people sent by Haotian Village to investigate for a while, but not indefinitely.

He wants to take the initiative and gain a reputation for sincerity.

As for why he deceived and concealed before, there’s no need for explanation; hiding his identity was normal.

As for why Prince Liang would lower himself to meet Xia Wanqing, it’s even simpler.

For Huangfu Yuxuan, Prince Liang as a father is more of a pawn than a father.

Prince Liang fears him like a tiger.

And now, in his foolish mind, Prince Liang is still thinking of becoming the Crown Prince again, placing all his hopes on him, so he obeys his every word.

Upon knowing that he wants to marry a woman from the Jianghu, Prince Liang is indeed shocked and somewhat doubtful. Are not the Capital City’s noble ladies charming? Moreover, Grand Tutor Zhao’s daughter, Zhao Keyan, is the first beauty of the Capital City, with both family background and appearance. Zhao Keyan had once subtly expressed her admiration for him.

To marry Zhao Keyan, Grand Tutor Zhao would then become one of his own.

She is indeed the best choice for a legitimate wife.

Marrying a woman from the Jianghu would be a loss of face.

Furthermore, isn’t his Fifth Imperial Uncle a cautionary example? He was disliked by the Emperor for marrying a woman from the Jianghu and was sent far away to Yunzhou.

If the Emperor is once again furious, thinking he is imitating his Fifth Imperial Uncle, and then takes it out on him, what should be done? Is this not seeking trouble for himself?

Especially upon hearing that he would have to propose marriage.

Prince Liang’s first reaction was: Impossible!

What is his status?

A dignified Crown Prince, oh no, he was once the Crown Prince, and is now a Prince. A mere Jianghu ruffian qualifies to have him appear in person?

He was about to refuse and give some advice, but a glance from Huangfu Yuxuan made him so intimidated he couldn’t utter a word.

Especially when Huangfu Yuxuan warned him, his attitude must be sincere, his smile must be amiable. If this matter doesn’t succeed, he will sell all his concubines!

The concubine is recorded in the Royal Family Registry, naturally cannot be sold. But those concubines in his inner courtyard, who are dear to him, have low status. With Huangfu Yuxuan’s current means in the Prince Liang Mansion, if he truly sold them all, he wouldn’t even have a place to cry.

Prince Liang knew he wasn’t joking.

He truly intends to marry that Jianghu woman.

For the sake of his concubines, to avoid offending Huangfu Yuxuan and the possible dark fate afterward, Prince Liang resigned himself to meet Xia Wanqing, and just like Huangfu Yuxuan demanded, his attitude was sincere and posture very humble.

He also sent many gifts over.

What Xia Wanqing cared about wasn’t the gifts, but his attitude.

With the right attitude, everything could be negotiated!

Huangfu Yuxuan understands these Jianghu people’s mentality well.

This removed the last bit of uncertainty in Xia Wanqing’s heart.

Seeing Xia Wanqing’s appearance seemed genuine, Xia Wenjin still felt it very unreal, unbelievingly saying: "Is he a fair and plump man with a small mole under the ear, eyes looking dull and lifeless?"

Xia Wanqing reproved: "Wenjin, how could you be so rude? Isn’t it normal for wealthy families to produce pampered people? Isn’t fair and plump expected?"

Seeing this, was it true?

Xia Wenjin was suspicious, more so feeling shocked in her heart.

Has Huangfu Yuxuan done this much?

Seeing Xia Wanqing’s expression, Xia Wenjin felt helpless. She said: "Whether to marry or not can be discussed later, but you all can’t stay in the Capital City!"

"Why?"

Xia Wenjin said: "Since you know his father was once the Crown Prince and is now reduced to Prince Liang, do you think he would be content? If he’s discontent, what will he do? Naturally, he will want to return to his former glory. This involves scheming and plotting, and once you are used by him, should he fail, the entire Haotian Village will be implicated by him!"

Xia Wanqing laughed: "Wenjin, are you overthinking it? Xuan’er is a sensible and good boy. Look at how he handles things, with order and reason and justification. How could he do such a thing? Besides, even if he really has such thoughts, he’s surrounded by plenty of capable people; if he truly wanted help, he wouldn’t use us! He’s merely helping us secure an official position or two, we’re not under his command!"

Xia Wenjin sighed: "Father, isn’t Haotian Village good enough? Aren’t the brothers in the village living in peace and contentment? Everyone eats meat, drinks wine, enjoys the Jianghu freedom—doesn’t this life smell good? Why suddenly want to become officials?"

Xia Wanqing sighed too, saying: "Jin’er, father thought it over, Xuan’er’s background is exceptional, his status extraordinary. If you marry him, without support from family and brothers, that won’t do. I only have you as my daughter, and I definitely don’t want you to suffer any slightest grievance! If we have an official position or two, you’d be able to stand straight in their house, not left with no support from your maternal family!"

Xia Wenjin: "..."

So after all this, father was thinking about her future.

But isn’t all this premised on her marrying Huangfu Yuxuan?

She’s unwilling to marry, yet father has already thought this far, truly making her laugh cry!

Has father never thought about it? Compared to the Royal Family, isn’t his so-called official position not even worth having?

Xia Wenjin seriously said: "Father, I remember I told you clearly that night. Why are you still doing such futile things? No matter what thoughts you have, my attitude from that night remains unchanged. The Capital City isn’t a place for long stays; you’d better go back soon!"

Xia Wanqing hesitantly said: "Look at your Second and Third Uncles, they’ve already prepared to develop in the Capital City. If I call them back now, wouldn’t that be too selfish? Besides, when we sought help then, Young Master Xuan was noble and generous, offering marriage. Now that you want to call off the engagement, after mentioning it to Yuxuan, he’s not even slightly displeased; he’s considerate of you throughout. He even tried seeking prospects for your uncles and fathers, showing genuine sincerity. How could we leave like this?"

Xia Wenjin: "..."

Actually, Xia Wanqing has thought about it; initially, Huangfu Yuxuan’s appearance was indeed strange. Given his identity, his active willingness to marry Xia Wenjin, whom he hadn’t met before, this was also odd.

He even considered Huangfu Yuxuan wanting the power of Haotian Village.

But he also thought, Huangfu Yuxuan is the Imperial Grandson; the Court and Jianghu are intrinsically separate entities. Even if he wanted Haotian Village’s power, there was no use.

Plus, during this time, Huangfu Yuxuan deliberately operated and showed it was all for the benefit of the uncles and fathers of Haotian Village, with absolutely no selfish motives. This dispelled their worries.

Xia Wenjin tried hard to persuade her father, but Xia Wanqing wouldn’t relent.