Chapter 169 - Unable to Help

The three children liked these three identical crystal-like pendants very much. Although they had seen many treasures before, they were still young so they liked these shiny little things.

Ao Jie’s smile widened and he said gently, “These pendants are identical, but I have another different gift for each of you!”

The three children were pleasantly surprised. No one disliked gifts.

Ao Jie gave Xu Yuanguang a dagger. The dagger was small and exquisite. The scabbard was even inlaid with sapphires, and the blade was gleaming slightly. It was obvious that it was a good weapon.

Ao Jie gave Xu Tingdeng a small jade flute. The flute was milky white and had light green patterns. It was obvious that it was a jade flute of good quality. The sound it made was melodious.

A fiery red fox the size of a palm was given to Xu Hanxue. The young fox stayed in Xu Hanxue’s arms and grabbed Xu Hanxue’s sleeve tightly with its small claws. Its body was trembling a little. It was unknown if it was because it was afraid of the change in owner or because it was timid by nature.

Xu Hanxue poked the little fox’s little head excitedly. “You’re fiery red, so I’ll call you Little Fire in the future.”

“Squeak…” Little Fire kept rubbing its head against Xu Hanxue, as if it was already familiar with her.

Xu Hanxue chuckled. She was extremely fond of it. She wished she could run around with the little fox in her arms.

The corners of Xu Qing’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch slightly. She was a little curious. When did Ao Jie prepare these things, especially since he brought a little fox with him? Could it be that he had always kept them in his sleeve? However, Ao Jie was really considerate because his gifts were simply perfectly tailored to the three children! The three children were extremely fond of these gifts.

“Thank you, Uncle,” the three children shouted in unison. Even Xu Yuanguang, who had always been cold and serious, had a smile. He really liked this dagger. Although he already had daggers given to him by others, he still liked it. Moreover, this dagger was of very good quality, comparable to the ones given by his father and Zhuo Wuyou.

Ao Jie’s smile widened when he saw that the three children really liked the gifts. Although he wasn’t as stunning as Qiao Yanhui, he was still a handsome man.

Speaking of which, this man was very good-looking. However, his appearance was more like Ao Heng’s, and his facial features were more chiseled.

Suddenly, a cold male voice sounded. “Why are you here?”

Qiao Yanhui appeared in the courtyard and looked at Ao Jie expressionlessly.

Ao Jie forced a smile, but he still shouted, “Little Hui, you’re back.”

“Yes,” Qiao Yanhui replied calmly. Then, he picked up Xu Hanxue and kissed her gently. However, when he saw the three children hugging the gifts tightly, his eyes flickered. “Didn’t that person find you a Crown Princess?”

Qiao Yanhui’s meaning was obvious. Shouldn’t he be preparing for the wedding instead of chatting here? It was time to leave!

Ao Jie thought of something and smiled bitterly. “She’s just a stranger. There’s no need for me to worry about it.” In any case, his mother would arrange it. He never needed to worry about such things!

Ao Jie found it funny. So what if his identity was noble? He would never be able to do what he wanted and his matters would forever be arranged by others! He thought that since Qiao Yanhui and the others had messed up the blind date banquet, he could escape the fate of marrying a stranger and at least have some time to relax. However, his mother still helped him find a suitable Crown Princess…

Xu Qing actually felt a little sorry for Ao Jie. It wasn’t easy to be the crown prince. Moreover, this crown prince had a mother who only cared about power, a father who was wary of his sons, and brothers who were waiting for him to die. His fate was to walk a tightrope without having any chance to let his guard down at all. He would always be on edge. He was like a puppet, at the mercy of others, and there was no hope in life.

Qiao Yanhui didn’t seem to welcome him at all. Ao Jie didn’t stay any longer and left dejectedly.

Xu Qing couldn’t bear it anymore. “Is this… the only way?” He couldn’t even choose his own wife?

“This is his fate.” Qiao Yanhui’s tone was heavy. How could the royal family have a choice? He was the same, but he was luckier than Ao Jie because he had met Xu Qing and had three cute and sensible children!

The next day, Qiao Yanhui rushed to the military base again.

In the afternoon, an imperial edict befell the Qiao family. Xu Qing’s expression was solemn.