CHAPTER 496: CHAPTER 496: THIS IDIOT!

Old Master Mu, as the wealthiest man in the Federation Empire, had a vast network of connections and possessed some understanding of the affairs within the Royal Palace.

However, he had not expected the Princess of the Luoke Empire to have such a good relationship with his eldest granddaughter-in-law.

Mu Ziqing inhaled sharply in surprise and reevaluated Yan Chuhua, his attitude became extremely respectful, "I didn’t expect you to be a Princess, I am truly sorry, I did not know your status just now."

Yan Chuhua smiled awkwardly, "Big sister, don’t be so formal, at this moment, I am not any Princess, I am just here as Qianyi’s good friend to visit the Mu Family. If you start treating me with such politeness all of a sudden, I will feel embarrassed."

Old Master Mu chuckled, "The Princess’s personality is really amiable. If you could become the Queen of our Federation Empire in the future, it would be a blessing for the citizens of the Empire."

Yan Chuhua’s smile became more awkward.

She really did not want to be with Xia Ziyu.

Staying in the Federation Empire’s Royal Palace and "cultivating feelings" with Xia Ziyu was just a temporary arrangement.

"Since you are Qianyi’s grandfather, I should also call you Grandfather, so please don’t call me Princess."

Yan Qianyi explained, "Grandfather, many people do not know about Chu Hua’s identity, and she is currently studying in the Federation Empire. If her identity is exposed, it would bring many inconveniences, so I would ask you and big sister not to reveal her identity to others."

Yan Chuhua nodded firmly, "Yes!"

Being a Princess had not made her feel particularly proud.

"Understood, this matter will be our little secret," Old Master Mu whispered. "We absolutely cannot let anyone else know."

"Thank you, Grandfather, you are indeed as Qianyi described, a very amiable and interesting old man."

"Oh?" Old Master Mu raised an eyebrow, "Is that what Qianyi told you about me?"

"Yes."

"Haha, then do you fight crickets? It is really fun!"

"Sure! I have never tried it before!"

"Come on, let me show you my crickets."

Old Master Mu took Yan Chuhua to go play with crickets.

Mu Ziqing looked at the two and said to Yan Qianyi, "You must be the first person to describe Grandfather as amiable and interesting."

Yan Qianyi was surprised, "Don’t you all feel that way?"

"Normally Grandfather is very strict with us, and the younger generation does not dare to act spoiled around him. So it is because Grandfather really likes you that you find him to be so easygoing."

Yan Qianyi reflected carefully.

Now that Mu Ziqing mentioned it, she seemed to remember that Old Master Mu did not smile much when talking with the other grandchildren.

"Ziqing, are you saying bad things about me to Qianyi?" Old Master Mu asked.

"Not at all," Mu Ziqing quickly replied, "I was telling Qianyi how much you like her."

"Isn’t that obvious, Qianyi is our Mu Family’s eldest granddaughter-in-law, who will soon bear me a great-grandson. Right now, the person I like the most in our family is Qianyi."

Old Master Mu did not hide his favoritism towards Yan Qianyi at all.

Yan Qianyi had also cured his long-standing ailment.

Such a precious granddaughter-in-law, of course he liked her.

Old Master Mu called out, "You two stop whispering over there and come on over to watch me and Chu Hua fight crickets."

The four of them had a lot of fun in the study.

Old Master Mu was having as much fun as a child and even refused to leave for dinner, prompting the servants to call him several times.

Ultimately, it was Mu Huaner who came to call him personally before Old Master Mu finally put his playful mood aside.

En route to the dining room, Mu Huaner and Old Master Mu walked ahead, while Yan Qianyi and the others followed behind.

Suddenly, Old Master Mu turned to Yan Qianyi and said, "Qianyi, next time you come back, bring Chu Hua with you, and we’ll continue to play."

Yan Qianyi nodded, "Of course, Grandfather."

"It looks like you all had a great time," Mu Huaner let out a sigh of relief.

Seeing Old Master Mu in such a good mood meant that Yan Qianyi hadn’t shown Shu Meng’s diary to him.

Mu Ziqing whispered to Yan Qianyi, "You must come back more often in the future. When you’re here, Grandpa is really happy. I’ve never seen him this happy since I was little."

Yan Qianyi didn’t speak but nodded gently.

She looked at the back of Old Master Mu and suddenly felt a pang of heartache.

Today, Old Master Mu indeed had a lot of fun.

But soon, at the dinner table when she exposed Mu Chen’s crimes, Old Master Mu would face the most heartbreaking moment of his life.

His own son, having murdered another son.

This kind of news would be unbearable for anyone.

Those of a more fragile nature might collapse into madness on the spot.

She couldn’t bear to make Old Master Mu face such a cruel reality.

Yet she had no choice but to do so.

Old Master Mu had dominated the business world for decades, having weathered countless storms. Surely he wouldn’t be so fragile, right?

"Qianyi, what’s wrong with you?" Mu Ziqing asked, "You seem suddenly preoccupied."

"Nothing, I was just thinking about something," Yan Qianyi quickly answered with a smile.

Mu Ziqing noticed her smile was somewhat forced and her expression grew solemn.

She knew Yan Qianyi and Mu Yunlie were investigating whether Mu Feng’s death was connected to Mu Chen.

She wondered if Yan Qianyi’s sudden change in demeanor meant they had discovered something.

In the dining room, all members of the Mu family had arrived, just waiting for them.

Seeing Chu Hua, a stranger, they all exchanged puzzled glances and sized her up.

Only Mu Zicheng was calm.

Because Mu Zixuan had already told him about being hit by Mu Ziqing and mentioned Yan Qianyi bringing a friend.

Although Mu Zicheng was a scoundrel, he was very good to his sister Mu Zixuan.

Once everyone was seated, he started to cause trouble for Yan Qianyi.

"Grandfather, how can we allow outsiders at our family banquet? This doesn’t follow our family’s traditions," Mu Zicheng said dismissively, looking at Chu Hua.

A beauty.

If he had met her elsewhere, he would have been all politeness and grace.

But because she was Yan Qianyi’s friend, that was a different story.

Even though he didn’t dare offend Yan Qianyi and Mu Yunlie any further, he couldn’t just sit back and ignore his sister’s grievances!

The smiles on everyone’s faces suddenly became strained.

Mu Kang quickly reprimanded, "Eat your food, and stop running your mouth!"

Mu Huaner was also sending Mu Zicheng meaningful glances.

But Mu Zicheng, as if oblivious, continued, "Dad, I’m not saying anything wrong, am I? Our family’s banquets are not supposed to have outsiders present."

Old Master Mu’s knife and fork clattered heavily on the table, "Chu Hua is not an outsider!"

Mu Huaner rubbed his forehead in resignation.

Mu Zicheng, this fool! If Yan Qianyi’s friend was brought to the restaurant by Old Master Mu, it meant that he had already approved and accepted her. Mu Zicheng was too dense to even see that, and yet he still had aspirations for the family fortune!

"Chu Hua is Qianyi’s good friend and the granddaughter I’ve just acknowledged!"