CHAPTER 844: CHAPTER 842: CRAFTY AND CUNNING

Duke An sat in his study, quietly listening to Qiao Laiyun’s report. He had already arranged for his little grandson to visit the Jiang Family, and his heart was overjoyed.

Look at his keen eyesight. Ever since he knew that Jiang Yifan was fond of his promising granddaughter, while others might have had their doubts, at Jiang Yifan’s first visit after being transferred back to the capital, the elderly Duke graciously accepted him in advance.

And then, look at his granddaughter. Though she’s a girl, her talents are extraordinary, so much so that even the emperor views her differently. Great Xia is vast and filled with talents, and for her to stand out among so many gifted individuals—not to mention regretting her as a girl—is a matter of family honor, no matter which family she belongs to.

The old man was lucky to have such a capable granddaughter at home, one who could see the bigger picture and understand the feelings of a dying old man, willing to look after her young grandson and pave the way for Duke An’s future.

With a remarkable granddaughter and grandson-in-law, he was already blessed. But the grandson who would inherit the title was also exceptionally smart and clever.

Over the past few days, he had only said a few words to his seemingly understanding grandson, and the little fellow became nervous, clinging to his granddaughter every day. When she got on the sedan chair, he cried so miserably... yes, ’miserable’ and ’wailing’ were the only words to describe it.

Sure enough, his granddaughter had just married yesterday, and today the grandson-in-law had already sent someone to bring the grandson to visit. This sibling bond was unbreakable.

Duke An calmly dismissed Qiao Laiyun, then twirled his beard and chuckled with satisfaction.

Those two ungrateful kids behaved well this time and finally showed understanding, so he wouldn’t hold grudges against them for plotting against his daughter-in-law and forcing her to leave.

Upon reflection, it was not a bad idea for Madam Yin to seek another path. When the separation issue calms down, marrying a dependable husband would be much better for her than being dragged down by that scoundrel son of his all her life.

Madam Yin was someone he watched grow up and had been in Duke An’s Mansion for so many years. If she could live a better life, he, as her half-father figure, would be more at ease.

Without Madam Yin, Duke An’s Mansion would enjoy more peace in the future. Maternal Aunt Zhao was wise, and once Brother Yuan inherited the title, without Madam Yin, his non-blood-related legal wife, blocking the way, there would be fewer variables.

Coupled with the support of Young Master Qi and Jiang Yifan, Duke An’s Mansion had a promising future.

Alas, it seemed that he, a loyal subject who only served the emperor, might have to lean towards his descendants’ future and the future of Duke An’s Mansion when critical times came.

After Qiao Laiyun left Duke An’s study, he saw Lian Gui at the courtyard gate.

Lian Gui turned and walked out with Qiao Laiyun, whispering, "Is the Duke satisfied with our reception of Shi Yu?"

Qiao Laiyun, pretending to be profound, said, "I don’t know. The Duke didn’t say."

Lian Gui paused, glanced at Qiao Laiyun’s expression, and spat, "Why are you acting all mysterious? I was the one who arranged for the guards to accompany the young master out. If anything happens, I’m responsible. I’ll see for myself; why would I need to ask you?"

Only then did Qiao Laiyun smile, lowering his voice, "The old man keeps a straight face all the time. But you can tell the Duke is very pleased. It’s the kind of restrained delight one feels when a sly plan succeeds."

Lian Gui and Qiao Laiyun exchanged a knowing look, both showing sly smiles.

......

When Shi Yu brought Ye Yuan back, the Jiang family had just finished talking for a while, and Lady Qin planned to let the young couple spend time alone in their room. After all, more interaction could stabilize their relationship.

The family had not yet risen to leave when a maid came in to report that Shi Yu had brought the little young master from Duke An’s Mansion.

Jiang Chen and Lady Qin were taken aback, looking at their son and daughter-in-law.

What was going on with Duke An’s Mansion? Just married off their daughter, and the grandson followed right after. Even if visiting relatives, wasn’t it too soon? According to their son’s request for complete marriage rites, his daughter-in-law hadn’t even returned to her parents’ home yet.

Ye Xinyan looked embarrassed and glanced at Jiang Yifan.

Jiang Yifan quickly stood up, saluted his parents apologetically, and said, "Yesterday, when Ah Yan got on the sedan chair, little Ye Yuan cried so terribly that no one could calm him down. Ah Yan and I had no choice but to promise to invite him to play at his sister’s place today, which finally stopped his wailing, and the wedding sedan could proceed. We should have informed you earlier, but we got caught up in conversation and I found no opportunity to speak."

It wasn’t that he had no chance, but he felt awkward bringing it up and thought it would be easier to explain when the time came.

Lady Qin didn’t mind much. She arranged the marriage ceremony with great care for her son’s sincerity to his wife.

In her mind, this daughter-in-law was just a girl who ran back to her mother’s house after a little lovers’ quarrel with her son. It was just a bit more serious this time.

Hearing Jiang Yifan’s explanation made her laugh, "Isn’t the young master from the Duke’s Mansion not even two years old? You’re exaggerating. How could such a little child understand anything? Wouldn’t he be happier watching the excitement? Why would he cry?"

Jiang Yifan never anticipated the cunning of the old Duke and was rather vexed thinking of Qi Jiaer.

This kid, despite all his heartfelt kindness towards him, was upset to the point of tears when he finally married. Wasn’t he happy for him, just shy of actually crying?

Ye Yuan must have sensed something from his appearance and cried for that reason. It seemed he would have to give Qi Jiaer more guidance in the future.

With the bride already married, it was time to put effort into teaching the wife’s younger brother.

When the wet nurse carried Ye Yuan to the hall and the little guy excitedly reached for Jiang Yifan and Ye Xinyan, Lady Qin instantly took a liking to the child.

Previously focused solely on her son’s marriage, she hadn’t thought about grandchildren. Seeing Ye Yuan, she suddenly realized her son’s age. Without those past changes, her grandson would likely be older than this little one.

Watching her daughter-in-law receive her young brother warmly and patiently, Lady Qin’s anticipation for a grandson deepened, and any worries about her daughter-in-law dissipated.

If she could be so patient and loving with a step-sibling, then her daughter-in-law would surely be a good child.

When Ah Yan eventually had her own children, she would surely be a virtuous wife and loving mother. Just look at how she held her young brother, walking over while gazing lovingly at the boy’s face.

Ye Xinyan led Ye Yuan to the center of the main house, teaching him to greet the elders.

The little boy, just a tiny thing, formally greeted Jiang Chen and his wife, then, at Ye Xinyan’s guidance, called Jiang Yiyuan ’brother.’

Although his young age made his words a bit unclear, he followed the adults’ etiquette, which greatly delighted Lady Qin. She affectionately called him her heart’s treasure and went to hold him herself.

She immediately asked Nanny Hong to bring a greeting gift for the child.