The Prince of Qin's carriage leisurely made its way to the Marquis Weiyuan's estate, coming to a stop at the main gate.
On the road, a few passersby hurried home for their reunion dinner. But when they saw the Prince of Qin's carriage, they unconsciously slowed their steps, stealing a few extra glances.
Everyone remembered that ever since Prince Alexander moved out to his own manor, no one from the Prince of Qin's household had visited the Marquis Weiyuan's estate.
That’s why rumors had been flying outside, claiming the Marquis and his wife were at odds with their son, Prince Alexander Hayes. But look now—it’s New Year’s Eve, and the Prince of Qin’s carriage is parked right here at the Marquis’ gate. If the family’s having reunion dinner together, then clearly, there’s no feud at all!
"Careful, darling, take it slow," Alexander Hayes got off the carriage first and helped Lily Evans down.
Lily was bundled up warmly, and after eating the New Year's Eve dinner prepared by Mrs. Wang in the carriage, she felt a bit stuffed. Moving slowly, she took Alexander’s arm as she got off, and together they walked into the estate.
Outside the manor gate, several attendants had been waiting. When they saw the couple arrive, their faces lit up and they called out loudly, "The Prince and Princess have returned!"
The arrival of Alexander and Lily seemed to stir up a wave of excitement in the manor, instantly turning the once quiet estate lively and bustling.
The attendant led the young couple straight to Madam Lou's courtyard.
As soon as they entered Madam Lou’s courtyard, the scent of medicinal herbs filled the air. The attendant explained, "Prince, Madam Lou has been unwell for some time now."
Alexander Hayes didn’t even lift his eyelids when he heard this, acting as if he hadn’t heard a thing.
In the past, if he heard Madam Lou was ill, he would have been worried sick, anxiously concerned.
But now, he saw clearly that his parents only cared about their own interests and schemes. This so-called illness was likely just a performance to win his sympathy, hoping to manipulate him once more.
Seeing Alexander remain silent, the attendant looked awkward and stopped at the doorway. He said, "The Marquis and Madam are waiting inside for the Prince and Princess."
Alexander paused, glanced down at Lily Evans beside him, and squeezed her hand tightly.
Lily looked up and gave him a gentle, reassuring smile.
That smile eased the tension in Alexander’s brows.
Wherever his wife was, it felt like home. Even in the Marquis Valor estate, a place he didn’t want to be, having Lily by his side made everything more bearable.
At the door, a maid lifted the curtain, and the young couple walked inside together.
Inside, the table was already set for New Year’s Eve dinner, filled with all sorts of delicacies. Marquis Valor, Marchioness Valor, and Lucy Lou were seated at the table, looking as if they had been waiting for a long time.
The moment Marquis Valor saw Alexander and Lily enter, a flash of angry hatred crossed his face, but he quickly masked it with a smile.
"Alexander, Lily, you’re back! Come, sit, sit. The New Year’s Eve dinner is ready. Your mother and I have been waiting for you to come home," Marquis Valor forced down his anger and put on a cheerful face.
Alexander let Lily sit first, then took his own seat, his expression calm. "Father, Mother, you went so far as to involve the Emperor just to summon me home. Why not just say what you want directly?"
Marquis Valor and Marchioness Valor hadn’t expected Alexander to be so blunt, leaving no room for pleasantries.
Marquis Valor flew into a rage and was about to slam the table and curse Alexander, but Marchioness Valor stopped him.
Marchioness Valor shot Marquis Valor a look and said, "It’s New Year’s. Our son and daughter-in-law have finally come home to eat with us. Why are you so impatient?"
With that, Marchioness Valor turned to Alexander and Lily with a smile. "Your father is just hot-tempered. He talks about missing you at home, but when he sees you, he gets so emotional he can’t speak. Alexander, Lily, don’t take it to heart. Come, eat!"