Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 120: Chapter 118: Entering the Residence

The sun had just passed its zenith, and the Duke An Mansion located in the west of Yujing City was in a flurry.

The servants were busy cleaning and tidying up, leaving everything spotless and neat, as if it were New Year’s.

The cherished guest was visiting the mansion for the first time, and the Duke Mansion needed to present its best side.

Moreover, this guest was none other than the Princely Heir, of royal descent.

Everyone was ready, eagerly awaiting.

Duke An and Xiao Ruoyu sat in the front hall, sipping tea while waiting.

Xiao Ruoyu fidgeted, as if sitting on needles, unable to sit still.

Duke An was reading a book, appearing serene and composed.

"Father, is it really necessary to make such a fuss?"

"We must honor the dignity of the royal family; though he is your brother-in-law, he also represents the Emperor’s face."

"... Yes." Xiao Ruoyu had nothing to say.

Duke An always taught him to never forget to be respectful to the royal family and never to become arrogant simply because of hereditary titles and the Iron Certificate.

Instead, he should remain humble and be grateful, never taking it for granted.

Otherwise, it would be the downfall of the Xiao Family, a disgrace to future generations, and a sin to his ancestors, unworthy of entry into the ancestral temple after death.

Duke An continued reading and slowly asked, "Is everything prepared on your elder sister’s side as well?"

"Elder sister hasn’t prepared much, saying that since she’s already betrothed, there’s no need for such formalities, which would seem distant."

"Well, that’s fine too." Duke An nodded.

Xiao Ruoyu was helpless.

Whatever he said was wrong and warranted criticism, but whatever his elder sister said was right.

Just then, the steward of the Prince Mansion lifted the curtain and entered, speaking softly, "Master, the young master-in-law has arrived at the street."

"Open the main gate."

"Yes." The plump steward responded, turned, and ran out, shouting from afar, "Open the main gate, open the main gate!"

His voice was filled with excitement and vigor.

The daughter of the Duke Mansion was marrying into Prince Qing Mansion as the Heir’s Wife, marking a change for the once-declining Duke An Mansion, now filled with confidence.

With the royal family’s authority, they could walk with their heads held high.

"Let’s go." Duke An looked at Xiao Ruoyu and walked out with long strides.

Xiao Ruoyu stood up and followed, walking briskly outside.

As the father and son exited the front hall, the guards and personal attendants gathered, forming a large entourage escorting them around the shadow wall and out the main gate.

Shortly after, at the end of the long street, a group of guards escorted a purple chariot drawn by eight fragrant horses, each horse robust and spirited, all treasured steeds, slowly approaching.

They trotted with steady steps, casually coming to a stop before the Duke Mansion, right between two weathered stone lions.

Behind the chariot was a group of attendants carrying eight large crates, their red lacquer gleaming, the burden heavy on the bearers.

They contained silks, jewelry, pastries, tea sets, and other items, selected from the Prince Mansion’s storeroom.

Although Prince Qing Mansion was poor in cultivation resources, it lacked nothing of these worldly goods, receiving ample tributes each year from its fief.

Zou Fang opened the chariot door holding a White Jade Dust Brush.

Chu Zhiyuan, clothed in mink clothes and hats, stepped down from the carriage, standing straight, his handsome face glowing like Crown Jade in the sunlight.

His guards, all dressed in fine silk robes, accentuated his regal elegance.

Chu Zhiyuan took a few steps forward to greet Duke An, smiling and bowing, "Greetings, Father-in-law."

Though not yet wed, they were betrothed, and for both Prince Qing Mansion and Duke An Mansion, an engagement was as good as marriage, irrevocable.

He could call Duke An Master or Father-in-law.

Now, with the Court in a stalemate with Da Zhen over the imperial princess’s marriage, the Duke An Mansion was undoubtedly anxious.

He addressed him as Father-in-law for reassurance.

Upon hearing this, Duke An, Xiao Youping, was immediately pleased, smiling, "No need for formality, Crown Prince, please come in."

"Thank you." Chu Zhiyuan turned to Xiao Ruoyu, "Ruoyu, your cultivation has progressed impressively."

"Greetings, Crown Prince."

Xiao Ruoyu was a bit shy and couldn’t bring himself to directly call him brother-in-law.

Chu Zhiyuan exchanged pleasantries with Duke An, and together they walked inside, while others carried in the eight large crates of gifts.

Zou Fang followed Chu Zhiyuan closely, like his shadow.

Duke An understood the royal protocol, knowing that such a close inner attendant would always accompany them.

——

In the front hall, maids served tea.

Chu Zhiyuan sipped lightly and set the cup down, first apologizing for not visiting earlier, considering it quite impolite.

Duke An waved it off, aware of his busy schedule and cultivation focus, stating there was no need for so much formality among family.

He quickly brought up the Ministry of Rites’ affairs.

"The ninth princess will arrive in the coming days, and the Ministry of Rites will send people to greet her."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

"Would the Crown Prince like to accompany the delegation?"

"I’ll pass. Matters concerning the Da Meng delegation are still above my involvement."

"The ninth princess, Li Hongzhao, has exceptional talent and intelligence, not someone to be considered lightly; best to avoid meeting her if possible."

"This visit is likely unfriendly, isn’t it?"

"I suspect it’s related to our alliance with Da Zhen. Initially, they wanted to send Da Zhen off, but never managed to finalize the marriage alliance."

"Do you think the Court would relent to ensure Da Zhen leaves before the Da Meng delegation arrives?"

"... It’s possible."

"I firmly oppose marrying the Da Zhen princess."

"Sigh..., by that time, it may not be up to you, Crown Prince."

Chu Zhiyuan frowned, "Father-in-law, do you have any suggestions?"

"It depends on the Emperor."

"My Imperial Grandfather once promised I wouldn’t have to marry the Da Zhen princess, but now, that may not hold."

"The Emperor sometimes cannot help but compromise."

"... If the Court really compromises, I refuse to comply."

"What if the Emperor decrees?"

"I’d defy the decree, the most Imperial Grandfather could do is strip my title for thirty more years at most."

"You must not. ... If it truly can’t be helped, perhaps consider having two wives."

Chu Zhiyuan solemnly shook his head.

Xiao Ruoyu snorted softly, thinking Chu Zhiyuan was feigning integrity.

What man doesn’t dream of a harem, especially when the Da Zhen princess is reputedly a rare beauty?

However, Chu Zhiyuan truly did not want to marry the Da Zhen princess.

Marrying her would bring endless troubles, strife in the household, hindering his cultivation focus.

Duke An, Xiao Youping, stroked his beard thoughtfully, watching Chu Zhiyuan closely and discerning his genuine resolve, not mere flattery.

He pondered for a moment, "If it comes to that, then wed as soon as possible, before they finalize any plans, and Da Zhen will give up."

Chu Zhiyuan was taken aback, then awkwardly said, "Wouldn’t that be unfair to Ruoling?"

"Being slightly rushed is alright," Xiao Youping said, "Ultimately, what matters is whether the two of you can live harmoniously together, not the other details."

"Father!" Xiao Ruoyu couldn’t help himself.

While indifferent to the matters of the ninth princess, deeming Court affairs too distant to concern him, he was suddenly attentive upon hearing about marrying the Da Zhen princess.

He couldn’t sit still after hearing his father, Xiao Youping’s suggestion.

Elder sister is the Duke Mansion’s legitimate daughter, a lady among nobility; the engagement was already abrupt and plain like that of commoners, rather frugal.

If they rush the marriage now, what would outsiders think?

They’d surely believe the Duke An Mansion was hastily marrying their daughter into Prince Qing Mansion, overly perfunctory, without any reserve.

This would invisibly demean elder sister and the Duke Mansion.

They’d say all sorts of unpleasant things, implying noble daughters aren’t so noble, likening them to unwanted goods.

Chu Zhiyuan contemplated, and slowly said, "I have no objections here."

Xiao Youping stroked his beard and laughed, "Very well! ... I will keep an eye on the Court’s decision, there could be changes as Li Hongzhao arrives."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

Xiao Youping had gleaned Chu Zhiyuan’s intentions, reassured, he shifted the topic, "Your issue with Duke Kang’s young son has caused quite a stir."

"Duke Kang..." Chu Zhiyuan smiled, lifting his cup for a sip.

"Duke Kang originally had three legitimate sons; the eldest and second are no more, leaving only this sole heir."

"No wonder he’s so indulgent."

Xiao Youping continued, "Duke Kang was extremely harsh on the eldest and second, even to the point of severity, pushing them hard, which led to risky actions. The eldest died at the hands of Da Meng’s Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry, and the second fell to Da Zhen’s Lingshuang Iron Cavalry."

Chu Zhiyuan immediately frowned.

That was truly tragic.

"Most of his effort was invested in the eldest; after losing him, he focused on the second, but after losing him too, by the time he reached the third, Song Tianhai, he abandoned his harsher methods... In truth, it somewhat quenched his ambitions; he merely hoped the third would live peacefully without worry about upholding the Duke Mansion’s name, just as long as the family line continued."

"Such a pitiable, lamentable, unfortunate situation."

"Thus, he pampers and shields Song Tianhai greatly."

"I understand," Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly, "I’ll exercise restraint."

He understood Xiao Youping’s message: to avoid harsh revenge on Song Tianhai, as it could escalate uncontrollably.

It depended on whether Duke Kang would appreciate the nuances.

Losing two sons in battle was certainly honorable, but he would not tolerate disdain from Prince Qing Mansion.

"Actually, Ling’er possesses martial skills as well."

"Oh——?"

"The first generation ancestor once obtained a Miracle Technique, stored in the mansion but never mastered, yet Ling’er succeeded."

"Ruoling is a martial arts prodigy?"

"Haha..." Xiao Youping laughed, "Indeed a prodigy, though for a daughter, especially in a family of our stature, there’s no need for fighting. It’s better to support the husband and educate the children."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Perhaps Ruoling and Father-in-law have different views?"

A martial artist likely wouldn’t be content to stay home and tend the family.

"She may have to compromise; without her support, the vast Duke Mansion would be in chaos."

Chu Zhiyuan admired, "Able in both literature and martial arts."

Xiao Youping stroked his beard and smiled, "She’s in the rear garden... Ruoyu, take your brother-in-law to see her."

"Yes."

Xiao Ruoyu breathed a sigh of relief, hastily agreed, stood up, and hurried out of the front hall.

Listening to their conversation was unbearably dull for someone of his age.

Chu Zhiyuan saluted Xiao Youping and followed Xiao Ruoyu to the back.

The two traversed through several courtyards, arriving at the completely refurbished rear garden and spotting Xiao Ruoling in colorful attire at a small pavilion atop a rockery.

Sunlight slanted into the pavilion, bathing Xiao Ruoling in a golden glow.

Like a white jade statue touched by the setting sun, stunningly beautiful like a dream.

Chu Zhiyuan sighed inwardly.

Yujing’s number one beauty truly lived up to her name.

Having such a beauty as a companion was a blessing.

No wonder Song Tianhai felt so bitter and obsessed.