The servants who had followed Teng Zijing to Danzhou were in the streets purchasing the local specialty flower tea. The Count in the capital missed the tea of his hometown. In previous years, it had been the Countess of the estate who had sent people to the capital to buy it. But since the Count had sent people this time, they bought it as well.
There were three carriages and seven people from the Count's estate, led by Teng Zijing.
He did not wander the streets with the servants, instead wiping away his sweat. The weather in Danzhou was indeed hotter than in the capital. Originally, he should have gone to the Count's estate to greet the Countess as soon as he arrived in Danzhou, but when he thought of his mission, he felt a little guilty. So he sent his servants to buy the flower tea while he sat in the tavern to calm down.
The second housekeeper who had been sent to Danzhou a few years ago had disappeared, and it was unknown whether he was dead or alive. Everyone in the Count's estate knew that there was an irreconcilable conflict between the capital's branch and the Danzhou branch. Although Fan Xian was the only one in Danzhou, the truth made everyone wonder if something had happened to the second housekeeper.
If that was the case, then the people of Fan Manor would have to re-examine the illegitimate son. After all, when the second housekeeper was killed, Fan Xian was only 12 years old. If he wanted to make the second housekeeper disappear without a trace, it could only have been on the orders of the Countess. This proved that the Countess was on Fan Xian's side, and the second wife's life was probably not going to be easy.
Teng Zijing noticed that the newspaper on the wall was dated a month ago. He had read it in Count Sinan's study. There was nothing new in the newspaper. The important people in the capital were living peacefully. There was no update on the battle between the Great Prince and the Western Hu Kingdom, and the matter of the Prime Minister's illegitimate daughter seemed to have died down. At least under the protection of the great Emperor, the young people of the Imperial Censorate had not achieved any further results.
The newspaper was currently serializing the story of the first love of the Director of the Overwatch Council. Although the newspaper was backed by the Emperor, the editors would not have dared to do so if the extremely frightening and treacherous Director was in the capital.
It could be seen that Director Chen, who was highly regarded by the Emperor, had not yet finished his first vacation in 20 years. Furthermore, His Majesty the Emperor would never make any big moves when the Dean was not around.
Thinking of the count's orders, Teng Zijing could not understand why they had to bring this young master of no status back to the capital before the director returned, and why the matter had been so urgent. He didn't dare to delay any longer. Even if he had to risk the wrath of the old lady, he had to take the young master away. Wiping his sweat, he stood up and ordered his men to drive the carriage to the Count's manor in the corner of Danzhou Harbor.
— —
It was rare for the Count's mansion to be so lively. All the servants and maids were standing at the bottom of the hall, curiously sizing up the people standing in the middle of the hall. Everyone knew that these people were from the capital. No wonder they looked so spirited even though they were wearing light green clothes. But the capital and Danzhou were far apart, and the two mansions did not have much interaction. It was rare to see so many servants from the capital, so the maids were all guessing that something was about to happen.
Teng Zijing obediently led his subordinates to kneel on the ground and respectfully kowtowed to the old lady a few times to pay his respects. He then repeated Count Sinan's instructions before he left and quietly stood to one side, awaiting the old lady's verdict.
Teng Zijing knew the old lady's true status in the Fan family, so he deliberately lowered his breathing to appear extremely respectful. But his eyes would occasionally sneak a glance at the young man who was standing behind the old lady, massaging her shoulders.
The young man was very beautiful, with long eyelashes, thin red lips, and soft, bright eyes. He looked like a girl, but his face was full of smiles, which made him seem very amiable.
This was, of course, Fan Xian.
Teng Zijing sighed to himself. For such a beautiful man to be an illegitimate child with no status, God was indeed not fair. As if infected by the young man's sunny smile, Teng Zijing guessed that this young master was probably much easier to serve than the one back home in the capital.
Hearing the servant's words, the old lady slightly lowered her eyes. She thought for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I understand. Zijing, go and rest. It's been a long and tiring journey … Sisi, have Lao Huang prepare some hot water and food."
The servants responded in unison, and the servants from the capital hurriedly thanked her and obediently left the hall. Although Teng Zijing was a little anxious, he did not dare to say anything in front of the old lady. He stole a glance at the young master, who still looked somewhat unfamiliar, and left.
The hall suddenly became quiet.
"You heard just now. Your father wants you to go to the capital." The old lady gently placed her hand on Fan Xian's shoulder and gently patted it twice. "What do you think?"
Although Fan Xian's face was full of smiles, he had already made up his mind. He was also very confused as to why his father wanted him to go to the capital at this time, and without any warning. If it was to plan a way for him, an illegitimate child, to advance his status, the imperial examinations had already begun. If he went to the capital now, it would take at least a month. No matter what, he would not be able to make it in time.
Hearing the old lady's question, he thought for a moment and smiled bitterly. "I've never been to the capital. Although I'm curious, I'm also a little afraid."
This answer was half truth and half lie — the truth was that he was indeed very curious about the people of the capital, especially the place where his mother had once lived and fought. But he was not afraid at all, just a trace of confusion about the unknown.
"Do you want to go?" The old lady smiled, as if she could see what the young man was thinking.
"Yes," Fan Xian answered honestly. "I've lived in Danzhou since I was a child, and I've long wanted to go out."
"Oh, you don't want to accompany an old thing like me anymore?" The old lady teased.
Fan Xian laughed and joined in the fun. "Yes, yes. Why don't you hit me, ancestor?" He continued. "In any case, the manager just said that father is preparing to move the entire manor back to the capital. I have nothing to worry about if I always go with you."
The old woman shook her head calmly. Holding his hand, she had him stand in front of her. In a quiet voice, she said, "My body will not be able to withstand the waves of the wind. If you want to go, then go. It is better for me to stay in Danzhou and look after the house."
Fan Xian was surprised. He had not expected his grandmother to be unwilling to return to the capital. For a moment, he did not know what to say.
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