MYUFPC CHAPTER 5
Seems like they had never been stained with blood
The An Guo Gong Mansion had a long and deep-rooted history with intertwined branches and connections. Presently, the head of the household was the Duke himself, Zhan Yue's father. The Old Madam that Liu Qi mentioned was Zhan Yue’s grandmother, Madam Wen, the matriarch of the An Guo Gong Mansion.
Zhan Yue was born of a concubine, but from birth, he was registered under the name of his legitimate mother and raised as one of the legitimate sons of the An Guo Gong Mansion. After his biological mother passed away, Old Madam Wen personally took him under her wing. Consequently, the people of the An Guo Gong Mansion held a certain degree of respect and awe towards Zhan Yue.
Moreover, Zhan Yue's elder brother, Zhan Tai, the heir apparent of the Duke, was only serving in the Ministry of Rites. Although both were third-ranked officials, the weight of Zhan Yue's position as the Commander of the Imperial Guard was incomparable.
In this world, power and influence always dictated authority.
Zhan Yue never intentionally flaunted his authority in the mansion, but how many family servants lacked discernment? Compared to the civil servant heir apparent, the fourth master from the Imperial Guard naturally instilled more fear, despite having a face that should not invoke fear.
Zhan Yue entered Old Madam Wen's inner chamber.
Old Madam Wen was truly a woman of great longevity. Her husband, the old Duke, had passed away before Zhan Yue was even born. Zhan Yue once had an elder brother who was born frail and didn’t survive infancy. Over the years, many had left the mansion, but Madam Wen remained like an evergreen vine. Though her health declined day by day, she showed no signs of giving up on life.
After greeting his grandmother, maids brought fruit and snacks to Zhan Yue. He sat on the leftmost wooden chair, idly stroking a freshly picked apple.
Old Madam Wen’s gaze shifted to Zhan Yue.
He set the apple down and inquired, "The weather has been unpredictable lately, switching between hot and cold. Grandmother, you must take care of your health."
"How has the morning incense been for you?" he asked with genuine concern.
Old Madam Wen’s demeanour softened slightly under Zhan Yue’s string of questions. She fingered a strand of sandalwood prayer beads, the scent mingling with the incense in her room, creating an atmosphere of solemn tranquillity.
Old Madam Wen spoke in a calm tone, "This old body of mine has survived many years like this. You are different, still young."
Zhan Yue’s expression remained serene as he propped his head on one hand, his other hand gently scraping the smooth surface of the apple with his elegant finger. He smiled, "Grandmother, why such somber words?"
Old Madam Wen was well past fifty, approaching seventy. Her hair was streaked with silver, and fine lines marked the corners of her eyes and lips. Despite her aged appearance, her eyes retained a bright sharpness, hinting at the astuteness she possessed in her youth.
"Yanqing," Old Madam Wen called Zhan Yue by his courtesy name.
Zhan Yue acknowledged with a soft "Mm," revealing his clear and handsome profile, indicating he was listening.
Old Madam Wen asked in a deep voice, "Do you remember your age this year?"
Zhan Yue genuinely counted on his fingers before replying with a friendly smile, "Twenty, I suppose."
"Twenty?" Old Madam Wen chuckled. Her sharp eyes fixed on him. "You were twenty four years ago. Have I gone senile, or have you?"
"Don't be angry, Grandmother," Zhan Yanqing said. "Few people remember my birthday these days. As the years go by, it’s hard for me to keep track."
Liu Qi, standing behind Zhan Yue, seemed to have something to say but held his tongue after glancing at Old Madam Wen’s expression.
Old Madam Wen remained silent for a while, lightly fingering her prayer beads. After a moment, she said, "I’m not trying to pressure you."
Zhan Yue remained unaffected, quietly observing his grandmother with a faint smile that never reached his eyes.
"You've never had a proper woman by your side to take care of you," Old Madam Wen turned the prayer beads in her hands, her lips pursed. "Moreover, this is your father’s wish."
Zhan Yue’s gaze flickered slightly as he picked up a small knife to peel the apple. "Why has he suddenly taken an interest in my marriage?"
Old Madam Wen replied, "Because of Ying Ge’er."
"Ying Ge’er is seventeen this year, not too young. He has found a suitable match for him," Old Madam Wen sighed lightly. "In this world, there’s no reason for an aunt to marry after her niece."
Zhan Yue's hand paused momentarily before he continued peeling the apple. His expression remained unreadable, but there was a subtle tension in the air, hinting at the complexity of his thoughts and the situation he faced.
"If Ying Ge’er marries before you, how will your wife carry herself in the future?" Old Madam Wen’s expression grew more serious as she spoke.
Zhan Yue, however, continued peeling the apple with an air of indifference, as if the topic of marriage had nothing to do with him. His hands were exceptionally attractive—white and clean, seems like they had never been stained with blood. His fingers were long and slender, with half-moon-shaped pinkish nails. With a casual flick of his small knife, the red apple peel fell in layers at his feet, looking like a delicate flower.
"I am curious to know which noble family the Duke has chosen for Ying Ge’er," Zhan Yue said, raising his eyebrows slightly. As he toyed with the knife, he dusted off his robe nonchalantly.
Old Madam Wen glanced at the maid, Mama Sheng, who immediately picked up the conversation. "It wasn't the Duke who chose. A few days ago, His Majesty summoned the Duke to the palace. It is said that His Majesty hinted at the possibility of the eldest son marrying a princess."
Zhan Yue was momentarily stunned, his pupils reflecting a brief lapse in focus.
"Marrying a princess?" Zhan Yue’s voice trembled slightly, his hand resting on the blade of the knife. The smooth surface of the blade instantly mirrored his own reflection. His pupils contracted, and he spoke softly, "Among the princesses of suitable age, only Jiashan fits the age."
"Most likely, it’s the eldest princess," Mama Sheng confirmed.
Zhan Yue said nothing, only squinting his eyes. In one swift motion, he stabbed the intact apple. The red apple remained unmoved on the table, instantly skewered through.
Old Madam Wen added, "I had your sister-in-law inquire at the residence of Princess De Ning. The princess mentioned that His Majesty has indeed been considering suitors for the eldest princess recently. However, imperial decisions are unpredictable. Until the official decree is issued, nothing is certain."
Zhan Yue’s expression subtly changed. He pondered for a moment before speaking softly, "And what about you, Grandmother? Who do you think I should marry?"
"The second daughter of Governor Feng from Huguang Province," Old Madam Wen replied with evident satisfaction. "Miss Feng is sixteen this year. I’ve had Mama Sheng inquire both in the capital and in Huguang. Miss Feng is renowned for her virtue and competence in managing household affairs."
"Governor Feng is protective of his daughter, wanting neither an inferior match nor a distant one," Old Madam Wen added, explaining why such a fine young woman had not yet been betrothed.
Zhan Yue smirked, "Since Grandmother has already made up her mind, I’ll marry Miss Feng once the decree for Ying Ge’er to marry the princess arrives."
"What nonsense is that?" Old Madam Wen’s brows furrowed in displeasure. "If His Majesty delays the marriage by a year or so, will you make Miss Feng wait?"
Zhan Yue did not lift his head. He drew the small knife from the apple and cut it into eight pieces before saying with a smile, "Yes."
"Zhan Yanqing," Old Madam Wen called sternly, slamming her prayer beads on the table. "Grandmother," Zhan Yue stood up from the armchair. His tall figure and dark eyes resembled the moon and stars. He lowered his head slightly and murmured, "I know you care for me. Please consider this as a request from your grandson."
Old Madam Wen was taken aback.
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Guo- country, nation, state.
Gong- Duke, highest of five orders of nobility.
Mama- Middle aged women who served the noble ladies, consort, concubine or empress.