10. Uncle is handsome.

Afternoon at the Wenxuan Library

Zhao Chengxian did not take Siyuan directly back to the prince’s residence. Instead, he went with him to the Wenxuan Library. When everyone saw the Handsome Prince bring a small child to a place where outsiders rarely came, they looked on in confusion, their eyes fixed on Zhao Chengxian and Siyuan for a long time without turning away. Zhao Chengxian paid no mind to them and simply took Siyuan to his seat, holding him on his lap. He picked up a brush and began teaching Siyuan how to write.

“Siyuan, uncle will teach you how to write your name, alright?”

Teaching a child who was not even two years old to write was certainly a bit early.

Siyuan nodded his little head and repeated, “Write, write, write…” Once a child likes something, he would say it over and over, heedless of whether others had grown tired of hearing it. Siyuan’s voice grew louder and louder, drawing everyone’s attention.

Of course, Yue’er was no exception. When she saw the child, she was somewhat puzzled. Why did Zhao Chengxian like this child so much? Later, she realized that the child must be the son of his elder brother and sister-in-law — Zhao Chengxian’s little nephew. Naturally, he would be fond of him. Watching Zhao Chengxian interact with the child, Yue’er couldn’t help but smile to herself, thinking, “I didn’t expect him to be quite adorable when he’s with a child!”

Li Hao was somewhat displeased that Zhao Chengxian had brought a small child to the Wenxuan Library that day. He muttered quietly, “Does he think the Wenxuan Library is his own place? Bringing a child here is really disrespectful!” He dared not say this directly to Zhao Chengxian and could only grumble quietly. Everyone knew Zhao Chengxian had probably been sent by Xuanyuan Ren to inspect them. Unless someone wanted to lose their position in officialdom, no one dared to offend Zhao Chengxian.

Wen Sibao, overhearing Li Hao’s careless words, reminded him, “Don’t speak nonsense. Maybe the Handsome Prince wants to test our composure. If we let a small child distract us, how can we shoulder great responsibilities in the future?” Li Hao nodded in agreement.

Yue’er sat to Li Hao’s right. She looked up at the uncle and nephew playing happily not far away and smiled, “That child is quite adorable. No wonder the Handsome Prince likes him so much!” This was her first time seeing her little nephew. She wanted to say a few words to him, so she picked up a book and walked over, pretending to swap books. The spot where she changed books was close to Zhao Chengxian’s seat. Just as she arrived, Siyuan looked up and saw her. Yue’er smiled warmly at him.

Unexpectedly, Siyuan jumped down from Zhao Chengxian’s lap, ran over, and tugged on Yue’er’s long robe. His eyes were pure as he looked up at her and said, “Uncle, handsome man…” He kept going on and on, making Yue’er feel quite embarrassed.

But Yue’er was neither annoyed nor displeased. She crouched down, patted Siyuan’s little head, and smiled, “Do you know what a handsome man is?” My little nephew is quite clever! Yue’er was genuinely pleased.

Zhao Chengxian approached quietly and didn’t interrupt them, merely watching from the side. Siyuan thought for a moment and said, “Pretty. Uncle, you’re pretty!”

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this. A little child calling a man “pretty” was rather unusual.

Yue’er laughed too and asked, “Who taught you to say that, little rascal?” She wasn’t bothered by the word “pretty” herself, because the girl she once knew disliked being called pretty. But now, standing in front of everyone as a man, being called pretty was a bit awkward. Seeing Siyuan had no intention of answering, Yue’er picked him up and said, “Little rascal, from now on, you can’t say ‘pretty’ to uncle. You have to say ‘handsome.’ Say it once, handsome!” She just happened to meet Zhao Chengxian’s gaze, and feeling embarrassed, she quickly turned her head away to look at Siyuan because Zhao Chengxian’s eyes held a deep tenderness.

Yue’er’s evasiveness only confirmed Zhao Chengxian’s suspicions. He smiled slightly with quiet confidence. Of course, no one noticed the subtle exchange between them. Everyone else leaned in, eager to hear what Siyuan would say next. Siyuan nodded and repeated, “Hand~some~.”

When there’s a child around, attention is naturally drawn without realizing it.

Yue’er looked at Siyuan deeply, gently touching his small face. “Yes, little rascal, you’re really clever. I’ll come find you to play again in the future. For now, you should study writing properly with uncle!” Then she stood up, took her book, and returned to her original seat.

A strange smile appeared on Zhao Chengxian’s face. He glanced toward Yue’er, fifty meters away, thinking, “I don’t believe I’ve told her that he’s my little nephew yet!” Yue’er had just revealed a crack in her composure. Zhao Chengxian was in a great mood as he continued teaching Siyuan to write, his gaze occasionally drifting into the distance.