Chapter 414 - 413: Jealousy
"Exactly, exactly, Mother is right," Ye Hongyang nodded repeatedly. Having dealt with those two wild boys, he eased his mind substantially, only then remembering bits and pieces of conversation he overheard yesterday while accompanying that down-and-out boxer.
At the time, he felt impatient and not only engaged little in the conversation, but also did little to listen to what they were saying. Now, with his burden somewhat lifted, he recalled they had mentioned a few times the person traveling with Ye Xinyan, whom they addressed as Sixth Master. From what he heard, that person must hold some sort of status.
Ye Hongyang asked the Duchess, "Father was speaking with Righteous Guan yesterday, and he mentioned the Sixth Master, saying that Xinyan came back with the Sixth Master. Who is this person? Xinyan’s travel companions were all female relatives. Isn’t it a bit improper for this man to travel with them, somewhat lacking in decorum?"
Hearing this, the Duchess of Duke An couldn’t help sighing, "You’re not that young anymore, how come you never pay attention to serious matters? When you’re together, you chatter idly, dine, and drink, for nearly two shichen, yet you can’t even understand this? They were talking about His Highness Prince Yu. Do you think you are qualified to judge him?"
Ye Hongyang was greatly shocked and his eyes widened. He hadn’t expected that a casual inquiry would reveal such a fact.
"Isn’t His Highness Prince Yu supposed to be in Yuyuan Prefecture? Besides, His Highness is known for traveling fast with a light entourage. How could he have the patience to travel with a bunch of women and children? You must have heard wrong, Mother," he retorted.
The Duchess didn’t know the details of Ye Xinyan’s journey to the capital very clearly, but she was certain that the person traveling with Xinyan was indeed Prince Yu. Duke An had returned home late yesterday, and after exchanging only a few words, they had both retired for the night. Early this morning, Duke An said he had matters to attend to and went directly to the front courtyard. She was unaware of the specifics.
"Isn’t Xinyan working as Chief Steward for His Highness Prince Yu? Since she had to come to the capital before the end of the year, it’s feasible that they traveled together," the Duchess speculated.