Chapter 5: The Prince's Misfortunes

Xiao Huixiang walked to the back of the embroidered couch and retrieved the handbag, which also contained the jeans.

Madam Qin furrowed her brows; after all, her nephew from her maternal family held significant weight in her heart. Moreover, when she was planning the proxy marriage, she had already devised a strategy. As soon as the selection of candidates left Jiangzhou, she would send the proxy groom away. When her nephew came to propose, it would be done quietly, without alarming the neighbors. Then, she would let Qin Que follow her cousin to Shouzhou. Once there, who would know that Qin Que had once been married to a Jay Chou!

Xiao Huixiang said: "Isn't that a bag with a picture of a wicked woman on it? It turns out to belong to the son-in-law."

Before sleepiness overtook him, Zhou Xuan thought this

Zhou Xuan asked: "Madam Mother-in-law, at which labor reform farm is your nephew serving his sentence?"

Zhou Xuan said: "These are the jeans I bought for her, but unfortunately she has never worn them even once. I believe I will definitely find a woman who is suitable to wear these jeans, and she will be my future wife"

So it turns out she is the bride, her voice is quite pleasant, clear and melodious. Although her tone is very resolute, Zhou Xuan likes it; she is a steadfast and good girl

While the elderly couple was discussing on one side, Zhou Xuan had already become familiar with her brother-in-law, Qin Xiaodi. Zhou Xuan folded a paper airplane and had Xiaodi call her "brother-in-law." Children are easy to please, and before long, he was calling her "brother-in-law" with every breath.

Zhou Xuan waved his hand generously and said: "There is no need for the old lady to say anything. Zhou Xuan understands that your daughter has someone she cares for. A forcibly picked fruit is not sweet. Rest assured, old lady, Zhou Xuan will not abandon you. I am willing to marry on behalf of Miss Que to help her through this difficult time. When your nephew comes to propose, I will leave the Qin residence."

Zhou Xuan glanced at the several maidservants and female attendants at the door

Zhou Xuan's willingness to cooperate was something the Qin couple could not have wished for more. They immediately arranged for Zhou Xuan to rest in Que'er’s boudoir, as a gesture of their gratitude

This maid, named Xiao Huixiang, is Miss Qin Que's personal servant. At thirteen years old, she has an average appearance and a cunning demeanor. She is not shy in front of Zhou Xuan, cheerfully teaching Zhou Xuan how to brush her teeth. She uses a willow branch, biting one end into a brush shape, applying a kind of salty medicinal powder, and then using it to clean her teeth. The effect is quite good, leaving a fragrant taste in the mouth

The entire family of three, including the doctor with a PhD, opened their eyes wide.

After the elderly couple left, a maid brought a basin of water to assist Zhou Xuan with his washing and grooming, along with a tooth-brushing tool, which was a short piece of willow branch. Zhou Xuan was taken aback, wondering how to use this.

"What is your identity?" Lady Qin scrutinized Zhou Xuan. Due to the heat, Zhou Xuan's long robe was open, revealing a T-shirt underneath. The T-shirt had a vibrant wolf's head printed on the chest, which looked quite peculiar.

The image ambassador for Lan Yan jeans is the renowned Taiwanese model Lin Chi-ling. Her stunning photo is printed on the tote bag, showcasing her in light blue mid-rise jeans, a metallic belt, and high heels. With her hips pushed outward and her long legs positioned in a slight lunge, she gazes back with an enchanting look.

Xiao Huixiang looked at the jeans in the bag and asked, "Are these her belongings?"

Doctor Qin said: "This is my son Qin Xiaodi. Xiaodi, quickly go outside; children should not listen to adult matters."

Zhou Xuan said: "In order to keep up appearances, during this period I will still address you as father-in-law and mother-in-law."

Lady Qin found an excuse to decline and came over to say: "Your Highness, very well, let us call him Young Master Zhou. Young Master Zhou, you see, my daughter..."

Man can conquer nature; I am unwilling to be manipulated by others

Zhou Xuan waved his hand with a sense of deep sorrow and said: "Alas, my homeland is too painful to recall under the bright moon. You two elders need not address me as 'Your Highness' anymore. A person who has lost their country is worse than a dog that has lost its home. I hope you will not treat me as a stranger."

Zhou Xuan observed that the effect was quite good, so he continued to deceive: "You all know about the Kingdom of Java, right? It is located in the South Seas, and my kingdom is even further south, thousands of miles away, called the Kingdom of Ao. The Kingdom of Ao has vast territory, stretching thousands of miles in all directions, comparable to the Central Plains. However, the population is sparse, and although its territory is larger than that of the Tang Kingdom, its population is not as numerous as that of the Tang Kingdom"

Zhou Xuan pointed at Lin Zhiling and asked, "How can you say she is a bad woman?"

Zhou Xuan said: "My esteemed mother-in-law just mentioned that my background is unclear, but do you know the true identity of your son-in-law?"

Zhou Xuanxin thought that Miss Qin had good insight, and her words were indeed correct. However, the handbag, the jeans, and the harmonica in his back pocket were the three treasures that had accompanied him to this time and space, and he needed to make full use of their functions.

Xiao He, holding her toiletries, was about to leave when Zhou Xuan suddenly asked: "Xiao Huixiang, did you and Miss Qin see my handbag in the car?"

Xiao Huixiang blurted out, "Then let our young lady try it on." Only after saying this did she feel it was inappropriate, stuck out her tongue, and hurriedly left

Zhou Xuan asked: "Who is this lovely little brother?"

Qin Xiaodi shyly smiled, her dark eyes sparkling.

God knows when Zhou Xuan's family immigrated to Australia, and Zhou Xuan's father even became the President of Australia, along with an additional bad uncle. Thus, an Australian version of "Hamlet" and "The Banquet" was born, and Zhou Xuan became the exiled prince

Doctor Qin gazed at the dragon card with reverence. This small card, neither gold nor wood, neither jade nor paper, was something that could never be found in Tang country. It bore strange characters and a series of mysterious symbols. Both Mr. and Mrs. Qin were honest people, completely believing in its significance. Mr. Qin sighed repeatedly in amazement, while Mrs. Qin was stirred by a strong maternal instinct, exclaiming, "The prince is truly pitiful, so pitiful." She looked as if she wanted to hold Zhou Xuan in her arms and cherish him.

Zhou Xuan fell onto the embroidered couch, laughing triumphantly. As he laughed, the laughter gradually faded away. He reflected on being abandoned in this world, inexplicably becoming someone else's son-in-law, yet a false son-in-law at that. Fate truly plays tricks on people

Madam Qin has quite a strong understanding, saying: "Oh, you are asking what the old woman's nephew does, right? Let me tell you, my nephew mhetushu.com is also a medical officer. At a young age, he has already become an assistant professor of medicine in Shouzhou, which is quite a match for my family’s Qiao'er, as they are well-matched in terms of social standing."

Zhou Xuan's attitude towards the sham marriage underwent a complete turnaround, leaving the Qin couple, who hold doctoral degrees, both surprised and grateful, at a loss for words. This truly reflects the demeanor of a prince

Zhou Xuan gazed into the void, seemingly immersed in memories, then lowered his voice and said mysteriously: "In fact, I am a fallen prince—"

The elderly couple walked hand in hand to one side and began to discuss. Zhou Xuan heard that Doctor Qin strongly advocated marrying their daughter to this prince, stating that they should not look down on someone just because they have fallen on hard times. The Qin family would never engage in such opportunistic behavior, and besides, the neighbors all know that Zhou Jielun, Young Master Zhou, is already the son-in-law of the Qin family. To go back on their word would tarnish the reputation of the Qin family.

The current issue is that the proxy groom has taken the Qin couple by surprise; he is actually a prince. Although he has fallen on hard times, a thin dead camel is still larger than a horse. In ancient times, people placed great importance on status. A prince, even in misfortune, remains a prince. In contrast, a medical teaching assistant in Shouzhou can only aspire to the position of a regular eighth-rank official in the Imperial Medical Office.

Doctor Qin understood the situation and waved them away, but the young child in the green attire, who had been peeking at the door earlier, clung to Madam Qin's leg and refused to leave.

Zhou Xuan said with deep sorrow: "She died to save me during the shipwreck; tomorrow I will tell you her story, which is very poignant and touching"

A woman's vanity is particularly strong, especially among middle-aged and elderly women. Just think of herself as the mother-in-law of a prince, and Mrs. Qin feels a surge of emotions. However, Mrs. Qin is not a dreamy young girl; after a moment of excitement, she calms down. Although she sympathizes with this prince, she is not yet at the point of offering her daughter to him. But how should she deal with this prince? If she does not marry her daughter to him, what will happen if he causes a scene?

Zhou Xuan boldly declared: "This is my painting; the woman depicted is the one I cherish. She is not a bad woman; her expression is meant solely for me. A woman adorns herself for the one she loves. Unfortunately, she has passed away"

"Xiaodi, come out quickly." A clear voice of a young girl came from outside the door. Xiaodi hurriedly went out, and the girl scolded him softly, blaming him for calling Zhou Xuan "brother-in-law." Then she loudly declared, "Father, Mother, Que'er will not marry anyone but Cousin." After that, the sound of her footsteps faded away.

Xiao Huixiang said: "It was said by my young lady that this woman's demeanor is indeed alluring, resembling that of a courtesan, but this painting is truly well done"

Zhou's speech was incredibly moving; this is a skill honed from his usual efforts to charm girls. He emphasized the importance of being expressive and passionate. He even took out the Dragon Card from his wallet, claiming it to be a national treasure.

Xiao Huixiang just accompanied the young lady to hide outside the door and listened to a full account, knowing that this son-in-law is a prince who suffered a shipwreck. Curiously, she asked: "How did he die?"

So it turns out to be my brother-in-law, someone who must be courted and flattered. Zhou Xuan said with a smile, "It's fine, let Xiao Di stay here. Xiao Di is very well-behaved."