The water shimmered under the bright blue sky, gently stirred by the passing breeze. A young boy sat quietly by the lakeside, his deep, mature eyes bore an odd contrast with his tender age.

Near the boy, a lovable little creature lay sprawled out. It bore a striking resemblance to a puppy, its fur as smooth as silk.

This scene didn't unfold on a remote mountain or in a lonely valley, but within the compound of a grand manor. It was the renowned Qi Manor of Izumo Kingdom, a royal household.

The boy had an extraordinary background. He was the young prince of Jiang Manor, named Jiang Yan, nearly seven years old.

Almost every day, Jiang Yan would come here and sit for a long time, basking in the solitude without allowing anyone to disturb him.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, Jiang Yan sighed deeply, emanating an air of melancholy.

It was hard to believe that a child could have such worries, yet Jiang Yan was an extraordinary child. There was something peculiar about him from the beginning that his parents couldn't discern.

There was a secret hidden in Jiang Yan's heart since birth, a secret he never disclosed to anyone.

This secret was that he wasn't originally from this world but somehow ended up here and had even been turned into a child. This fact was the reason for his eccentricity.

Jiang Yan only remembered that he had been climbing a perilously high mountain peak that day. Finally, after he managed to reach the summit, a sudden incident occurred. Out of nowhere, a rainbow-hued orb of light dropped from mid-air and it fell directly onto his head, knocking him out.

When he regained consciousness, he was shocked to find that he had turned into an infant being cradled by the man who he would later identify as his father. Back then, he was absolutely dumbfounded, having no idea what had happened.

Initially, Jiang Yan thought he was dreaming. But here he was, nearly seven years later, still in the same world. The dream, if it was one, was unusually long.

Gradually, Jiang Yan came to suspect that he might have crossed over to another world, leaving his original world behind, likely because of that rainbow-hued orb. Whether it was good fortune or bad luck, he didn't know. But he was definitely its unfortunate target.

With the passing of years, Jiang Yan came to understand that he was now in a world called Tianwen Continent, a fascinating world indeed.

The reason for calling it magical is that this world possesses many inexplicable entities, exactly like those described in the fantasy novels he read in his previous life.

It's been seven years, yet Jiang Yan hasn't fully adapted to life in this world. Despite being well-clothed and well-fed now, he could never forget his past and yearned to return to his original world.

"Ugh! I can't go anywhere, it's so boring!" Jiang Yan sighed once more, his tone full of helplessness.

Just then, the small beast lying beside Jiang Yan suddenly raised its head, as if it had heard a noise, directing its gaze in one direction.

Without thinking, Jiang Yan also turned his head, just in time to see a petite figure running swiftly towards him.

It was a little maid, around six or seven years old, with pretty features. She was sporting a ponytail, which made her look rather adorable.

Because she had been running, the little maid was panting heavily, and her tiny face turned rosy red, making her even more adorable.

Jiang Yan knew this adorable little maid well. She was his personal maid given to him by his parents when she was just four years old. The girl, though young, was very clever and sensible, which made Jiang Yan like her a lot.

"Bing'er, what are you running for?" Jiang Yan asked with concern.

Bing'er caught her breath and replied in a delicate voice, "Young master, the king wants you to come to the hall now."

"What does my grandfather want with me?" Jiang Yan asked, looking puzzled.

"I think an important guest has arrived. I saw a very pretty lady! Young master, you'd better go quickly, or the king won't be pleased."

Bing'er, blinking her bright big eyes, urged Jiang Yan to get going.

Hearing this, although Jiang Yan was puzzled, he knew he couldn't refuse a summons from his grandfather.

Jiang Yan picked up the little beast and said, "Let's go see what's going on. I'm bored anyhow."

The little beast grunted as if it could understand Jiang Yan's words.

Regarding this little beast, Jiang Yan had no idea about its origins. It suddenly appeared not long ago, and he liked it at first sight. Plus, the little one was quite affectionate toward him, so he decided to keep it.

Jiang Yan also named it Xiao Zi

Little Purple

because its fur was all purple, a simple but fitting name.

Before long, Jiang Yan arrived at the main hall with the little beast in his arms.

Looking at the situation in the hall, Jiang Yan felt something unusual.

All the offspring of the Jiang Clan had gathered, a rare occurrence, usually only happening during the New Year celebrations.

And right away, Jiang Yan noticed a few unfamiliar faces seated in the living room, presumably the "important guests" Bing’er had mentioned earlier.

"Grandfather!"

Upon entering the hall, Jiang Yan shouted.

In the central seat of the hall sat a dignified man who seemed to be about forty or fifty years old. He had vigorous energy, appearing as lively as a man in his twenties or thirties, showing no signs of aging.

He was the head of the Qi King's mansion, the emperor of the present Chu Yun kingdom's younger brother, the King Qi, named Jiang Lin. He held great prestige in Chu Yun kingdom.

Despite his youthful look, he was already seventy. His current appearance was only possible because of his impressive strength.

Jiang Lin had three sons and one daughter. Jiang Yan's father was Jiang Lin's youngest son, named Jiang Yun, a brilliant genius, and deep love of Jiang Lin.

Seeing Jiang Yan stroll in, Jiang Lin couldn't help but revealed a smile, gently saying, "Yan’er, come and greet your Grandfather Lin Xing."

Hearing this, Jiang Yan immediately bowed to the elder sitting on an equal footing with Jiang Lin and paid his respects.

"Jiang Yan pays his respects to Grandfather Lin."

"So this is Jiang Yan. Indeed, he is very mature and stable, different from ordinary people. My old friend, you are truly fortunate to have such a good grandson!" The elder nodded slightly, praising Jiang Yan.

"Hahaha, my old friend, you're being too kind. Yan'er is rather introverted and enjoys peace and quiet. He is indeed different from ordinary children." Jiang Lin laughed heartily, clearly pleased with what Luo Xing had said.

At this moment, Jiang Yan lifted his head with a calm expression, not in the least bit like a six or seven-year-old child.

As soon as he lifted his head, Jiang Yan saw a petite figure.

It was a little girl dressed in a purple dress, about six or seven years old, with an extremely pretty and pleasant appearance, a quintessential beauty in the making. She was sure to grow into a stunning beauty capable of upsetting both kingdoms and cities.

The little girl seemed somewhat shy, especially when Jiang Yan looked at her. She immediately hid behind Lin Xing, but her curiosity got the better of her, and she peeked at Jiang Yan, looking utterly adorable.

"Yan'er, this is Grandfather Lin's granddaughter, Wei Wei. Why don't you show her around the mansion?"

Just as Jiang Yan was examining the little girl, Jiang Lin spoke up.

"Oh!" Jiang Yan responded calmly.

"Wei Wei, go on!" Lin Xing also smiled and directed the little girl.

"Mmm!" Wei Wei nodded shyly, then somewhat nervously walked towards Jiang Yan.

As Jiang Yan was about to walk away, he saw Wei Wei extend her little hand.

Inevitably, Jiang Yan got the hint, and somewhat reluctantly reached out to take Wei Wei's little hand.

Instantly, Wei Wei's face lit up with a sweet smile, and she seemed to relax all at once.

Seeing Weiwei’s smile, Jiang Yan couldn’t help but smile himself, taking Weiwei’s hand and rushing out of the hall.

Initially, Jiang Yan had thought that his grandfather had some important matters to discuss with him. It turned out that he just wanted Jiang Yan to accompany Weiwei.

That wasn't so surprising. In the entire Qi Prince Manor, it seemed that only he and Weiwei were of the same age. His cousins were mostly teenagers, with the oldest one already twenty years old.

"My dear friend, I really like your grandson," Lin Xing said seriously to Jiang Lin after the two youngsters had hopped away merrily. "I have a request; I hope you can agree to it."

"There’s no need for formalities, my friend. Whatever your request is, I will agree to it," Jiang Lin was very generous, indicating a close relationship with Lin Xing.

“Then I'll get straight to the point," Lin Xing’s expression changed as he voiced his desire. "I wish to settle a marriage between our two families. Initially, I had planned for our children to marry, but alas, we missed that chance. It has always been a regret of mine. Now, I hope to settle a marriage between Weiwei and Yan. Once they reach adulthood, they can marry. What do you think of this proposition?"

"My dear friend, we truly think alike. I also like the child Weiwei. I agree to this proposal. Ten years from now, I will personally ensure Yan marries Weiwei," With a slap on the table, Jiang Lin agreed without any hesitation.

"Great, let's settle it. I hope to see the day Weiwei gets married!" Lin Xing sighed in relief. His long-held wish was about to be realized.

In the hall, everyone reacted differently to the agreement made by the two old men; some were calm while others were jealous, all deep in thought.

The Lin family was a well-known merchant family, rich and covering businesses in various neighboring countries. To establish a connection with them was undoubtedly beneficial.

Even for the residence of Prince Qi, financial support from the Lin family would greatly enhance their status in Chuyun Country and solidify the foundation. Even if the patriarch is gone one day, Prince Qi’s residence would not decline.

Such a good deal naturally lead all of Jiang Lin's sons and daughters to hope their sons could secure a marriage alliance.

Regretfully, Lin Xing had his eyes on Jiang Yan, and their own grandfather completely agreed to it. There was no chance left for them.

Meanwhile, in the garden, Jiang Yan was playing with Weiwei, oblivious to the fact that their grandfathers had just arranged their marriage.

Weiwei was lively, chasing butterflies in the garden, purely enjoying herself without any worries, just like a child should.