He opened his arms and lunged, but Bai Xilie kept a cold face, hugged Bai Zhi'er, turned to the side, and dodged his bear hug.
Bai Xilie guarded against his movements and said to Bai Zhi'er, "Zhi'er, this is Prince Kang, your father's third younger brother, your Uncle Wang."
"Third Uncle!" the little one sweetly called out.
Prince Kang was taken aback and then burst into laughter, "Zhi'er is so good. Do you remember? When you were just born, Uncle Wang held you!"
Bai Xilie protectively held his daughter, "How could she remember? At that time, Zhi'er was not even a month or two old."
Bai Zhi'er fluttered her long eyelashes, curiously looking at Prince Kang, "Mother told me about Third Uncle."
"Oh?" Prince Kang's interest was piqued, "What did Second Sister-in-law say about me?"
The little one said, "Mother said Third Uncle always likes to look at beautiful women. When Third Aunt finds out, he gets beaten and hides under Father and Mother's bed, struggling to survive in the crevice!"
Prince Kang's smile froze on his face, followed by a couple of awkward laughs, "Ah... that's not wrong."
Bai Xilie held back laughter and asked, "Speak up, what do you want with me? Hurry up and finish. I still need to take Zhi'er for a garden stroll."
Prince Kang lightly coughed, remembering his business.
"Imperial Brother, um... did you have someone confiscate Lord Huang, the Imperial Censor's, property?"
"Yes," Bai Xilie replied indifferently.
Prince Kang scratched the back of his head, "His family has a daughter, said to be as beautiful as a flower, but she's frail and sickly. Imperial Brother, you know I've always had a soft spot for beauties. Could you send her to my mansion?"
"I mean no harm; I just can't bear to see a beauty suffer from illness in this cold winter!"
Bai Xilie sneered coldly, as if he had seen through his intentions long ago.
"You want her? Go find Marquis Wan yourself, see if he's willing to let her go."
Prince Kang stomped his foot, his face scrunched up, "Imperial Brother, aren't you making it difficult for your younger brother? Feng Fuce, Marquis Wan, is known for his lack of leniency."
"Don't be fooled by his age of eight. Last time, I pleaded for someone else's beautiful maid, and he cut off her fingers right in front of me! I'm scared. Besides pleading with you, where else dare I ask him for someone?"
Bai Xilie covered Bai Zhi'er's ears, unwilling for her to hear the bloody and cruel tale.
His tone was indifferent, "I advise you to give up on this idea. The Huang Family spoke for the former dynasty. I spared their lives, merely confiscated their property and exiled them; it's already an extraordinary mercy."
"Beauty abounds in this world, but a virtuous wife is rare. Third Brother, I'm not lecturing you, but Third Sister-in-law has followed you to this day and endured hardships, so cherish your wife and children."
Prince Kang still wanted to plead, but Bai Xilie's attitude was unyielding.
"No more pleading for this issue, there's no room for discussion. Otherwise, I'll have you flogged and leave you lying at home submissively!"
Prince Kang had no choice but to reluctantly give up.
When he looked up, he happened to meet Bai Zhi'er's sparkling big eyes.
Such an adorable little being!
Prince Kang couldn't help but love her and reached out his hand, "Imperial Brother, let your younger brother hug her. I haven't known what it's like to have a daughter in my arms!"
Bai Xilie turned around with Bai Zhi'er in his arms and left.
"Want a hug? Go have your own. She's my daughter."
Bai Zhi'er lay on her father's shoulder, waving her tiny hand at Prince Kang, "Third Uncle, goodbye!"
Prince Kang's face lit up with a smile, quickly waving back, "Zhi'er, come visit the mansion when you have time. Uncle Wang will let your brothers take you horse riding!"
It wasn't until Bai Xilie and Bai Zhi'er's figures were out of sight that Prince Kang reluctantly turned to leave.
However, when he turned his head, he saw, not far away, a young boy standing in a hidden spot under the concealment of shadows and tree branches, watching coldly.
Prince Kang immediately froze.
Feng Fuce, this Evil Star in the human world, how did he bump into him again?