CHAPTER 55: 55. BAI HE VISIT

AROUND THE SAME TIME

MEI SHEN’S POINT OF VIEW:

After tea, the group drifted toward the far end of the gardens where the koi pond glimmered in the late afternoon light. The Bai brothers walked in a protective half circle around their sister, but the atmosphere was... lighter now. Bai Rong glanced at me as we strolled.

"We were... prepared to disapprove." He admitted quietly, "But seeing her like this..." His gaze shifted to Bai He, laughing with Huan as they leaned over the pond, tossing crumbs to the fish. "It’s been a long time since she smiled like that."

Bai Jun grunted in agreement. It seems all princess brothers begun liking Huan and it were trully good news.

"If the boy keeps her happy, I’ve no problems."He said. "Happiness is rare enough. We should not stand in its way."

I caught Lianwei’s glance, just a flicker, but I could see in it the tiniest flash of pride. Our son was winning over people who arrived ready for battle. Bella skipped along behind Bai He, one small hand in the princess’s and the other holding onto Huan’s sleeve. She seemed to be happy for her older brother and I enjoyed the scene,

"Huan, tell Lotus story!" She demanded.

Huan smiled faintly and started recounting some half true adventure about catching a runaway chicken in the market. Bai He listened as though he were retelling an epic, and Bella gasped at all the right moments. Then, because peace never lasts too long in this palace, two familiar figures stepped out from the covered walkway ahead. Luen and Suen. The way they froze when they saw Huan and Bai He together was... satisfying.

"Oh, wonderful." I muttered under my breath.

Luen’s mouth twisted. It was clear that she and Suen never expected that Huan would find someone else. They already have lost the battle without even trying to win it, and it was a bit hilarious.

"Our son did good."Lianwei whispered.

"He did."I said proudly.

"So this is where you’ve been hiding." She said, eyes flicking from Huan to Bai He.

Before I could intervene, Huan stepped forward. No hesitation. No glance at me or his father.

"She’s my guest." He said firmly. "You don’t get to bother her."

It was quiet too quiet for half a breath. Even Bella looked up at him in surprise. Luen’s smirk faltered and Suen shifted uncomfortably. Huan took another step toward them, shoulders squared like he’d seen Lianwei do a hundred times. It was kinda cute and funny at the same time.

"If you can’t be polite, leave."Huan said.

The brothers from the Mountain kingdom didn’t move but I caught the subtle way Bai Jun’s eyebrow rose, and Bai Yu’s faint hum of approval. Luén muttered something under his breath. Suen glanced at Bai He, then at Huan, and finally tugged her friend’s sleeve.

"Let’s go."She said.

And just like that, they turned and left. The silence that followed was broken by Bai He’s delighted.

"That was so brave!" She beamed at him as if he’d fought off a pack of wolves. Bai Rong clapped a hand to Huan’s shoulder, this time with genuine warmth.

"You’ll do just fine."He said.

Even Lianwei didn’t bother hiding his smirk. Zeyrith’s voice, predictably smug, drifted from behind us.

"Well... the little emperor has teeth."He said.

Bella, clearly deciding this needed her stamp of approval, patted Huan’s arm.

"Huan protect Lotus." She announced proudly.

And I knew then the Bai brothers weren’t just tolerating him now. They were impressed. The courtyard erupted into laughter as Huan and Bai He chased Bella around the koi pond. Bella shrieked gleefully, stumbling over her own feet, while Huan scooped her up mid-tumble before she could hit the ground.

"Catch me, Lotus!" Bella squealed.

"Only if you don’t pinch my ears this time." Huan replied, laughing.

Bai He crouched low, darting in like a fox, and soon the three of them were weaving around the gardens in a tangle of arms, legs, and giggles. The Bai brothers had relaxed completely, leaning against the railing, arms crossed, their previously stern expressions soft and amused. Bai Rong chuckled.

"I didn’t expect her to drag him into... whatever that is."He said.

Bai Jun grinned, shaking his head.

"It’s... chaotic. But she’s happy. That’s enough."He added.

Bai Yu’s quiet smile betrayed his approval.

"And he’s holding his own."He added.

I glanced at Lianwei, who was standing beside me with that half smile he gets when he’s both proud and trying not to admit he’s impressed. Zeyrith, naturally, was perched on the balcony railing, arms folded like a cat judging the antics. Suddenly, the sound of polished carriage wheels on stone announced another arrival. I glanced toward the gate just as two tall figures stepped out, their presence instantly commanding attention. Bai He’s parents clearly royalty approached with measured grace, yet there was warmth in their gaze.

"I am Marchioness Bai Lianhua, and this is my husband, Marquis Bai Shenlong, rulers of the Mountain kingdom." Bai Lianhua said with a graceful bow. "It is a pleasure to meet Your Majesty Lianwei, and Lady Mei Shen."

Marquis Bai Shenlong inclined his head slightly, his expression calm but discerning.

"We have heard of your household’s... accomplishments. And of our daughter’s eagerness to visit her friend."He said.

Lianwei’s half smile widened, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Accomplishments, you say? I’m afraid our little ones may exaggerate." He replied, his voice smooth, carrying that teasing undertone that made Zeyrith grin knowingly from above.

I could barely hide my smile. Lianwei’s playful teasing always had a way of making formal occasions feel... chaotic in the best way possible. Huan, who had been tugging at Bai He’s sleeve, suddenly straightened. His little chest puffed out as he stepped forward, gaze unwavering.

"I’m Huan." He announced clearly, bowing once with perfect politeness. "I am six years old, the son of Emperor Lianwei and Lady Mei Shen. I promise to keep my friends and sister safe at all times."He said.

The parents blinked, clearly impressed by the boy’s confidence. Even Lianwei’s smirk softened for a moment, pride evident behind the teasing glint in his eyes.

"Ah." Bai Jun murmured under his breath, a rare chuckle escaping him. "He’s fearless. I like that."

Bai Rong nodded, arms crossed, still observing but with a subtle approval in his stance. Bai Yu’s quiet smile suggested his analytical mind was quietly noting Huan’s poise and courage. Bella, oblivious to any formality, clambered onto Huan’s back again.

"Fly, Huan! Fly!" She squealed, grabbing onto his shoulders.

God, Lianwei leaned close to me, whispering with that mischievous gleam.

"See? Our little emperor is already stealing the show. Soon they’ll be calling him ’the fearless guardian of princesses.’"He said.

I laughed softly, shaking my head.

"Don’t encourage him, he’ll actually believe you."I said.

Zeyrith, ever the commentator, called down from the balcony,

"Oh no... he’s already setting the bar for the rest of the family. This will be a tale for generations!"He laughed.

The courtyard buzzed with warmth, laughter, and the beginnings of mutual respect. Between Huan’s confidence, Bella’s cheer, Bai He’s happiness, and the parents’ impressed smiles, it felt like the perfect harmony of chaos and order just the kind of memory that would linger forever. Lianwei stepped slightly forward as Bai Lianhua and Bai Shenlong made their bows, and with a subtle grin, he added.

"Your titles are impressive... but do not let them make you stiff. We prefer our guests a little less formal here. Or Zeyrith will roast you mercilessly."He said.

Zeyrith, perched on the railing, flicked his tail and smirked.

"Oh, I’ve already taken notes. Don’t worry, the roasts will be gentle...ish."He grinned.

Bai Rong’s stern face twitched with what I could only call the faintest amusement, while Bai Jun stifled a laugh behind his hand. Bai Yu, ever composed, merely raised an eyebrow, betraying the tiniest hint of a smile.

"Your humor is... unusual." Bai Lianhua replied delicately. "But our daughter is clearly... very happy."

"She is." I said, smiling as Bella clung to Huan’s side, laughing and jumping in little circles. "And Huan has been quite the excellent companion."

Huan, flushed with pride, puffed out his little chest, earning a nod of approval from Bai Jun.

"I... I try my best." He said simply.

Before long, the Mountain kingdom delegation prepared to leave. Bai He waved at Huan and Bella, her smile radiant. "

"’ll write soon! And next time, you’ll come to visit me!"She said.

Huan waved enthusiastically, though a touch wistfully.

"I will! I promise!"He shouted.

Lianwei leaned close to me, whispering with a teasing glint.

"See that? Already missing her. I’ll have to make sure he survives the withdrawal."He grinned.

I chuckled, squeezing his arm.

"Don’t worry, he’s tougher than he looks... mostly."I said.

The carriages rolled away, leaving laughter echoing in the gardens. Bella pouted briefly, then toddled over to me, still clutching Huan’s hand. Huan lingered a moment longer, staring at the disappearing banners, before following Bella inside with a soft sigh.