Chapter 348: When Will He Ever Grow Up?

Prince Qi was momentarily speechless. “Fine, fine. If you want to do it, then do it.”

“Just don’t get completely fixated on silver.”

“By the way, a few days ago, your mother mentioned she was preparing to arrange a marriage between you and the Guardian Lady’s daughter. You already know about that, don’t you?”

Xiao Yu said coolly, “I do not like that woman. My mother said she would ask my maternal grandmother to select another suitable lady in the Capital City.”

The hand with which Prince Qi was wiping his sword paused. He looked at Xiao Yu and said meaningfully, “Duke Hu Guo died on the battlefield. Many of his old subordinates are now men of great power and influence. To this day, they still visit the Guardian Lady every year to pay their respects. This marriage, in my opinion, is an excellent match.”

“As for Miss Shen, whether you like her or not is hardly important. You can always take a few concubines you actually like later on.”

Xiao Yu scoffed. “Just like how you married Mother back then?”

Prince Qi slammed his sword down. “Insolent! How dare you speak to me like that!”

Xiao Yu lowered his head. “I misspoke.”

Prince Qi let out a long sigh. “Yu’er, have I not treated your mother and you well?”

“You are my legitimate son. Not long after you were born, I petitioned the court to have you named Princely Heir. All these years, I have only taken a single concubine, and I have always loved and respected your mother.”

Xiao Yu lowered his gaze and remained silent.

Prince Qi continued, “I know you’re unhappy that I gave control of the family’s shipping fleet to your older brother.”

“But you must also consider my position. Your older brother is my son as well, and he cannot inherit my title. Giving him the fleet to manage is simply to ensure he can live as a wealthy man in the future.”

“My expectations for you and for him are different.”

Xiao Yu bowed his head slightly. “I am ashamed. I failed to appreciate your difficult position, Father. I should not have said those words just now.”

“It’s just that the Shen Family’s daughter is arrogant and rude. I truly cannot bring myself to like her.”

Prince Qi nodded, pleased. “It is good that you understand.”

“Since you dislike Miss Shen, then we shall forget it. A melon plucked by force is never sweet. I will write to your maternal grandfather as well and have him find you a good match in the Capital City.”

With his head still lowered, Xiao Yu said, “Thank you, Father. I will take my leave.”

Prince Qi waved his hand. “Go on.”

Xiao Yu retreated to the doorway, turned, and left. Just as he stepped out of the main entrance, he ran into a tall, elegant young man. The man was fair-skinned with refined features, and he gave Xiao Yu a gentle, cultured smile. “Second Brother, were you here to see Father?”

Xiao Yu shot him a glance and gave a perfunctory salute. “Eldest Brother.”

Having offered his greeting, Xiao Yu rolled his eyes and walked off.

Xiao Xuan shook his head helplessly, a smile still on his face as he headed into the study.

When Prince Qi saw him enter, a gentle smile appeared on his face. “Did you run into your second brother?”

Xiao Xuan smiled and nodded. “Second Brother is the same as always. *Sigh.* I wonder when he’ll finally grow up.”

Prince Qi shook his head. “He’s been saying he has no silver to spend, so he bought a few ships and plans to go to sea. *Sigh.* Just let him be.”

A flicker of coldness flashed through Xiao Xuan’s eyes, but it was gone in an instant, replaced again by his gentle smile.

Prince Qi added, “If he were half as sensible as you, I wouldn’t have to worry so much.”

“I told him to marry the Guardian Lady’s daughter, but he’s throwing some kind of tantrum and refuses.”

Xiao Xuan sighed. “Ah, how can Second Brother fail to understand your painstaking efforts, Father? He is being far too immature.”

Prince Qi waved his hand dismissively. “I can’t control him. Let him be. Having his maternal family find another lady from a respected family in the Capital City will work just as well.”

Xiao Xuan lowered his head. “Recently, Mother has also been looking for a match for me. But after considering many candidates, none have seemed suitable.”