What kind of king are you, if you can't even recognize your own wife's brother?

Night had fallen over Zhuxin Village. A veil of mist blanketed the earth, and the dense bamboo leaves overhead blocked out the moonlight, making the descent down the mountain unusually difficult. It was only thanks to many years of experience outdoors that Huì Yuè’er managed to find the right path. At last, they reached Zhuxin Village, surrounded on all sides by a sea of bamboo. The flicker of candlelight in the dozens of bamboo houses brought an immense sense of relief to both Huì Yuè’er and Zhao Chengxian, as though two wanderers had finally found their way home after a long journey. This feeling was not unfamiliar to Huì Yuè’er—every time she traveled with a caravan and glimpsed such faint candlelight, she felt the same way: the power of home. Glancing at Zhao Chengxian, she smiled and gently reminded him, “Don’t forget our agreement—you’re not allowed to mention you’re a prince!” She knew Huì Qinghui would never tell their relatives they had eloped; otherwise, the family escort agency would have been notified long ago and there’d be no need for all this trouble.

Zhao Chengxian nodded, sounding impatient. “I know. If I hadn’t agreed, would I even have come here? All right, let’s get going. Aren’t you hungry after walking all afternoon?” Though he blamed Huì Qinghui for his lack of responsibility—if Huì Qinghui had had the courage to ask for permission back then, perhaps Zhao Chengxian might have agreed. But now that Huì Qinghui and Sirou had already crossed the line, and for Huì Yuè’er’s sake, he no longer had any reason to object.

Huì Yuè’er walked to a bamboo house and knocked on the door. A deep male voice asked from inside, “Who is it?” It was her maternal uncle. He and his wife had no children and relied on each other for company, so every visit from Yuè’er brought them great joy.

In a soft voice, Huì Yuè’er answered, “Uncle, it’s me, Yuè’er!” The door opened to reveal a woman in her forties. Overjoyed, Yuè’er embraced her and laughed, “Auntie, I missed you so much…” Yuè’er always got along well with elders—why did her luck fail her only in front of the old princess, her future mother-in-law? Sigh, when it truly mattered, her rapport with the elderly seemed to desert her.

Her aunt looked at her lovingly, saying, “You’re still the same, a little wild!” as she helped tidy Yuè’er’s hair.

Her uncle approached, laughing, “I bet this girl won’t change even in ten years—she’ll never get married at this rate!” He was the type whose sharp tongue hid a soft heart, so Yuè’er never minded his teasing. Zhao Chengxian couldn’t help but smile at his words.

Feigning annoyance, Yuè’er said, “Uncle, what are you saying?” Everyone knew she wouldn’t truly get upset, so no one paid it any heed. Yuè’er glanced around the room and asked, “Uncle, Auntie, has my brother come here? He’s still like a child—every time we quarrel, he runs away from home. This time, he even brought my new sister-in-law along, making her brother extremely anxious. I thought he’d cool off and come back, but it’s been months and still no word, so her brother and I had no choice but to come looking for them!” At her words, the two elders exchanged a glance, then looked to Zhao Chengxian, who nodded and smiled politely.

Her uncle replied angrily, “Your brother told us your sister-in-law liked bamboo, so he asked to stay here for a year. So it was all a lie!” If he’d known they were runaways, he would have sent them straight home.

Zhao Chengxian asked with concern, “Uncle, Auntie, where are they now?” He was worried about their whereabouts.

Her aunt sighed. “They said they were going for a walk. Your sister-in-law is expecting!” They had all been delighted for Huì Qinghui’s sake.

Zhao Chengxian was struck speechless with shock. Puzzled, Huì Yuè’er asked, “Expecting what?” Her aunt pointed to her own belly, and Yuè’er cried out, “Oh heavens, really? How many months?” Her brother was truly irresponsible.

Her uncle thought for a moment and answered, “Two months now. You can’t tell yet!” He didn’t understand why Yuè’er seemed so astonished.

Feeling uneasy, Yuè’er glanced at Zhao Chengxian beside her, seeing his face darken and fists clench, as if on the verge of eruption. It was only natural—any brother would be furious to learn his sister was pregnant before marriage. Quickly, Yuè’er turned to her uncle and aunt, saying, “Auntie, let’s talk about this later. Is there anything to eat?” Realizing they hadn’t eaten, the couple hurried to prepare a meal. Yuè’er tugged Zhao Chengxian’s hand to calm him down.

As they were eating, Huì Qinghui returned, supporting Sirou. He spoke to her with great care, “Be careful, take it slow!” Ever since he learned of her pregnancy, he had been extremely cautious.

Sirou gazed sweetly at Huì Qinghui, but when she looked up and saw Zhao Chengxian at the table, she let out a startled cry. “Brother? What are you doing here?” Sirou had always been intimidated by him; since childhood, Zhao Chengxian had played the role of strict elder. Sirou, with her delicate appearance and big, watery eyes that seemed always on the verge of tears, inspired a desire to protect her. No one could have imagined that a girl like her would run away for love—it was beyond anyone’s expectations.

Without looking at them, Zhao Chengxian continued eating, perhaps trying to conceal his anger. Hearing Sirou’s exclamation, Huì Qinghui looked up, only to meet Huì Yuè’er’s reproachful gaze. Stammering, he began, “Yuè… Yuè’er, wh-what are you… here? Pr-pr-prin…” Before he could finish saying “prince,” Huì Yuè’er cut him off.

Setting down her bowl and chopsticks, she walked over and said, “Prince? What prince? Don’t you recognize your wife’s brother anymore?” Though annoyed with Huì Qinghui, he was, after all, her only brother; how could she not help him?

Huì Qinghui glanced from Sirou to Yuè’er, hesitated, then awkwardly addressed Zhao Chengxian, “B-brother…” He was clearly feeling guilty.

Zhao Chengxian stood and walked over, giving Huì Qinghui a fierce look. “Come outside, now!” Huì Qinghui had no choice but to follow, while Huì Yuè’er and Sirou trailed anxiously after, afraid the two men might come to blows.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and all those in between, quickly bestow your medals, red envelopes, and gifts upon me—hold nothing back, let the storm rage even fiercer!