Chapter 56: Then Let Me Be Lanlan’s Family

“My lord, you are both distinguished and a prince of the realm—how could you possibly fear that the young lady would not favor you?” Xiaolian’s heart leapt with excitement as she heard these words from Li Rui. She eagerly encouraged him to confess his feelings.

For once, her instincts had not failed her; she had neither misjudged nor guessed wrongly. Her master truly had opened his heart again to accept a beloved. What’s more, that person was Zhang Xiaolan—how could she not be delighted?

“Xiaolian, do you think Lanlan feels the same?” Li Rui was uncertain about Zhang Xiaolan’s affections. Seeking Xiaolian’s opinion, he needed someone to give him courage, for this was unlike anything else, leaving him with little confidence.

“If even you won’t ask her, how could I possibly know? But I’ve long since noticed your feelings for the young lady. My lord, you’ve remained alone for so many years—it is time the royal residence had a mistress. You are so outstanding; the young lady has no reason to refuse you.” Xiaolian made his intentions clear to him and offered her own view. Seeing that Li Rui was still deep in thought, she began to persuade him further.

“Are you waiting for the young lady to speak her heart first? And besides, if she does like you, but you miss your chance because of hesitation, wouldn’t that be a great regret for you both?”

Xiaolian had every confidence in her lord—setting aside status and family, his looks and character alone were second to none. Lately, Li Rui had treated Zhang Xiaolan with such care that Xiaolian could not believe Zhang Xiaolan had not noticed or been moved.

With his hands clasped behind his back and his heart pounding, Li Rui walked toward Zhang Xiaolan’s courtyard. Midway, Xiaolian intercepted him and pressed a cloak into his hands. Smiling in understanding, Li Rui watched her leave, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh. At last, he was taking this step.

“The mountain breeze is cold at night—be careful not to catch a chill.” Li Rui hesitated for a moment, then draped the cloak over Zhang Xiaolan’s shoulders. Lost in memories of home, she hadn’t noticed his footsteps. Only upon hearing his voice did she turn, smiling gently at him.

“Thank you, Brother Li!”

Her smile made Li Rui feel as though he were basking in the warmth of spring. He stepped forward to stand beside her, gazing up at the moon as she did.

“I heard from Xiaolian that you’re homesick because of the ‘Mid-Autumn Festival.’ Is this a holiday from your homeland?” Li Rui repeated what Xiaolian had told him, hoping to strike up a conversation.

“Yes! The Mid-Autumn Festival is a day for family reunions—there are lanterns, moon gazing, mooncakes; it’s all so lively.” Zhang Xiaolan bowed her head, a smile on her lips as she pictured the bustling celebrations of the past. She’d never cherished them before, always making mischief with friends, and now realized how little time she’d truly spent with her parents.

“Then allow me to become your family, Lanlan. Would you be willing?” At last, Li Rui confessed his feelings, though the words seemed to spill out unexpectedly.

He could not help but voice his heart after hearing her speak. Now, as she gazed at him with confusion and asked softly, “Brother Li, what do you mean by this?”

Zhang Xiaolan was bewildered. Last time, when she had asked Li Rui if he liked her, he had denied it. She’d thought it was her own misunderstanding. But could it be a mistake again, hearing him say this tonight?

“I… I have admired you for a long time, Lanlan. Will you come back with me to the residence?” The man, usually so imposing and resolute, now stammered and shrank before his own emotions. Yet Li Rui gathered his courage and spoke, determined to accept her answer, whatever it might be.