The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

The Little Demon King was searching through the large study, his eyes nearly crossing from exhaustion, muttering to himself, "Strange Tales and Miscellaneous Records... Strange Tales and Miscellaneous Records, why can't I find it? Did Xu Wan remember wrong? Maybe it's on the second floor?"

Shunzi was helping nearby, his eyes also blurring from the search. His stomach growled loudly, and he finally couldn't hold back anymore, shouting, "Young Master, the books in this study are just too many. How about we eat first and come back to look later?"

The ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‍Little Demon King was the type who could slack off when he wasn't serious, but once he got focused, nothing else mattered—not even hunger. He waved his hand dismissively, "Stop bothering me. I won't eat until I find it."

Shunzi's eyes welled up with tears. He wanted to say, "You might not be hungry, but I am! You might not want to eat, but I do!"

But he wisely swallowed his words, fearing that the Little Demon King might lose his temper, and he'd be the one to suffer.

The sound of hurried footsteps came from outside, and Zong Wenxiu rushed in, shouting, "Jincheng, Auntie told me to call you for lunch."

"Can't you see I'm busy? I said I won't eat!" the Little Demon King snapped angrily, but when he turned and saw it was his older brother, he immediately softened, quickly apologizing, "Sorry, Brother, I didn't mean you."

Shunzi: "..."

Got it, got it. It's all about me, isn't it?

I guess I'm no longer your favorite Shunzi.

Zong Wenxiu was taken aback for a moment, then smiled, "It's fine, I'm not mad. Come on, let's go eat. Everyone's waiting for you."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He didn't dare relay Xu Wan's exact words. If his younger brother found out he'd been tricked into searching for the book for so long, he'd be furious, and his relationship with Xu Wan would only worsen.

Zong Wenxiu thought that both Auntie and his younger brother were good people.

He should do more to help mend their relationship.

"Everyone?" The Little Demon King suddenly remembered, "Grandfather and Grandmother are back too? Oh right, they're back. What am I doing here looking for a book?"

Realizing he'd been tricked by Xu Wan, the Little Demon King promptly left the rows of books and followed his brother to lunch.

On the way, Zong Wenxiu told him, "Grandfather and Grandmother just went to Master Baili's house. They won't be back for lunch."

"Huh? Then why are we eating in the main hall?" The Little Demon King frowned. He didn't want to see Xu Wan right now.

What if she started talking about some strange tales he hadn't read or heard of? Wouldn't that just be another chance for her to show off?

No way! If anyone's going to show off, it should be him showing off to her!

Zong Wenxiu said, "My mother is here too. It's her first time joining us for a meal in the main hall."

Little Wenxiu was overjoyed. He felt that both he and his mother had been acknowledged, and that his mother might have a better life from now on. With that thought, all his previous worries vanished like smoke.

His mother had always said that one should look forward. As long as the road ahead was bright and smooth, there was no need to dwell on the muddy past.

"Oh? Then we should go. Let's sit with your mother later, not with Xu Wan," the Little Demon King began forming alliances.

Zong Wenxiu chuckled helplessly, "Sure."

After all, the table wasn't that big. No matter where they sat, they'd still see everyone.

The food in the main hall was already laid out.

Xu Wan had been chatting with Auntie Hong and was surprised to see the Little Demon King not throwing a tantrum. Normally, the boy would be furious if he found out he'd been tricked.

But she never really cared about her relationship with the Little Demon King. In fact, being too close would make it harder to discipline him, so she didn't mind how much resentment he held toward her.

Zong Jincheng deliberately snorted at her and then plopped down next to Auntie Hong, refusing to sit near Xu Wan.

Xu Wan: "..."

How tactless, sitting in Wenxiu's spot.

What does Auntie Hong have to talk about with you?

But fortunately, Auntie Hong was seated next to her, so she wouldn't have to sit awkwardly with the little brat.

"Let's eat," Xu Wan announced.

The maids uncovered the dishes, and hot soups were served one after another. The two children, having been busy all morning, were too hungry to care about manners. Wenxiu was still somewhat composed, having studied etiquette diligently, but the Little Demon King had not only failed to learn proper manners but also completely forgotten them in practice.

Xu Wan was once again reminded that the boy desperately needed an etiquette teacher. She glanced over and saw Auntie Hong eating gracefully, her every movement with the chopsticks and her posture while eating serving as a perfect example.

Suddenly, an idea struck her.

But now wasn't the time to bring it up. She silently noted it, planning to address it later.

The meal proceeded relatively peacefully. With Zong Wenxiu and Auntie Hong present, the Little Demon King limited his antics to making faces at Xu Wan and a few snorts, avoiding any major arguments.

Just as they finished eating and were about to leave the main hall, the Old Marquis and Old Marchioness returned.

The couple was beaming, clearly bearing good news.

Xu Wan asked, "Father, Mother, did it work?"

The Old Marchioness smiled happily, "It did, it did! Master Baili agreed. He said he'll bring Madam Baili over tomorrow to formally recognize the relationship. He told us to come back and prepare."

Xu Wan let out a long sigh of relief, finally at ease.

Zong Wenxiu was both shocked and thrilled, looking up at Auntie Hong with excitement.

But Auntie Hong's joy was fleeting, quickly replaced by concern as she asked, "Master Baili... he doesn't mind my background, does he?"

She wasn't referring to her humble origins but rather her identity as the daughter of Chancellor Yan. If this were ever revealed, even Master Baili's family might be implicated.

It had been ten years since the incident, and many of Chancellor Yan's enemies had retired or left the capital, but the kind-hearted Auntie Hong still didn't want to bring trouble to others, even if the risk was small.

The Old Marchioness stepped forward, taking her arm and reassuring her, "Don't worry. We were completely honest with Master Baili, and he sincerely wishes to take you in as his adopted daughter."

The Old Marquis added, "In this world, right and wrong aren't always black and white. Some remember his achievements, while others remember his mistakes. Master Baili is a man of great understanding. He believes your father's accomplishments far outweighed his faults and that he was a truly admirable figure. He said that even if this were to become public in the future, he wouldn't mind."

Xu Wan listened, silently giving Master Baili a thumbs-up in her heart.

Master Baili truly lived up to his reputation.

His magnanimity was truly admirable.

The Old Marchioness continued, "I'll have someone take your measurements for new clothes right away. You've suffered enough over the years, and from now on, we'll treat you well."

"I haven't suffered. Father and Mother have always been very kind to me," Auntie Hong shook her head, tears streaming down her face. She knelt down and said earnestly, "I am deeply grateful for Father and Mother's great kindness."