Chapter 201 - 200: The Auntie in the Duke’s Mansion
After paying his respects to the Duke, Yan Zhixing, claimed his low status forbade him to sit in the Duke’s presence, he thus remained standing, and with clasped hands said, "Duke, His Highness Prince Yu is temporarily residing in Qingyuan County and happened to see a woman whose demeanor and appearance bear a striking resemblance to your granddaughter. Therefore, His Highness thought of you, Duke, and while sending some trifles to his nephews, he also brought some local specialties for you, Duke. These items from a small place aren’t worth much, but they represent a token of our Prince’s goodwill. I hope the Duke will kindly accept them."
Upon hearing about a woman resembling his granddaughter, Duke An felt a wave of discomfort. It was the Seventh Prince who informed Duke’s Mansion of the granddaughter’s whereabouts, so it wasn’t surprising that Prince Yu was aware of this matter. But, these princes, content with their own strife, now meddle in the affairs of his household—what are their intentions?
Are they disregarding Duke An’s Mansion already, even though they are far from their desired position?
Duke An, with downcast eyelids, slowly sipped his tea, said nothing in reply, and didn’t even glance at Yan Zhixing, as if the latter didn’t exist in the room.
Yan Zhixing still maintained a respectful demeanor and continued, "The woman from Qingyuan County surnamed Qi, when seen by His Highness Prince Yu, reminded him of your recent loss of your granddaughter, Duke. He inevitably felt your gloom and sent me to greet you. If not for Prince Yu’s presence in Qingyuan County, Lady Qi would have been just an ordinary civilian, living her life unnoticed, without causing any ripples."
The sharp gaze of the Duke, weathered from many a battlefield, suddenly lifted, his eyes like blades, fixed on Yan Zhixing. Was Prince Yu insinuating that he wanted to directly interfere with the Duke An’s family affairs?
Yan Zhixing remained unfazed, casually replying, "His Highness simply asked me to convey to you, Duke, that she is but a country girl who resembles your young lady—and being the noble Duke An’s Mansion, you need not concern yourself with her due to some ulterior motives by others."
Yan Zhixing smiled sincerely and added, "It’s not worth it for Duke’s Mansion to be troubled by unnecessary disputes and gossip for someone else’s secret agenda."