Chapter 1322: Chapter 1158: Invitation from Duke Zhen’s Mansion

Gu Chengyu glanced at him, noticing that the Eldest Prince’s complexion had shifted from the earlier blue to white, indicating he had warmed up. He remained silent, choosing instead to sit by and gaze at the distant scenery.

Pang Chu looked at the two and found Mr. Gu seated at the windy spot, blocking the Eldest Prince securely. Quietly, he retreated.

After quite a while, the Eldest Prince finally asked, "Are you tired?"

Not hearing any footsteps, he assumed the person beside him hadn’t left yet. For some reason, having this person by his side gave him a strange sense of calm, so much so that even sitting quietly like this made him feel more relaxed than usual.

Gu Chengyu was taken aback but soon understood Zhao Guangye’s meaning, "I am indeed a bit tired!"

"I’m tired too," the Eldest Prince’s voice echoed, accompanied by a somber expression, prompting Gu Chengyu to instinctively place his hand on the latter’s head.

Though separated by a cloak, the Eldest Prince could feel the warmth emanating from the other’s palm. Suddenly, curiosity about the person before him bloomed. This person was different; the voice didn’t resemble those of his usual serving eunuchs; it sounded like a young man’s, very clear. Could such a person exist in the palace?

"Thinking about too many things can tire the mind. If one finds something of interest to focus on, they won’t feel tired. It’s getting late, I must leave, and Your Highness should return too. Don’t catch a cold."

Gu Chengyu stood up, preparing to leave.

The Eldest Prince hesitated, wanting to call out to the person but unsure what to say. As the footsteps gradually faded, he too rose, and his entourage of eunuchs and palace maids immediately surrounded him, leading him back to the hall.

"Who was that person just now?" He was downright peculiar; why not reveal his identity? Was he truly just a eunuch?

"I don’t know either!" The Chief Palace Maid beside him teased the Eldest Prince with her laughter, covering her mouth stealthily.

The Eldest Prince’s face darkened; how could these people possibly not know who he was? They just wouldn’t tell him! Ever since he had gone blind, they treated him with less respect than before.

Not telling him! He didn’t care!

Gu Chengyu glanced at the sky, hmm! It was just lunchtime. Today, he decided to return to the Duke Mansion for lunch, as he still had duties at Dali Temple afterwards.

"Do not tell the Eldest Prince who I am!" Gu Chengyu bid farewell to Pang Chu, offering a peculiar request before leaving.

Pang Chu agreed, albeit finding it odd, yet with the Emperor’s orders to follow Mr. Gu’s wishes, he had no choice but to comply.

Upon exiting the palace, Gu Chengyu found Ming Mo standing beside someone, who by their attire seemed to be a household servant.

"I am Zheng Zufan, the steward of the external courtyard of Duke Zhen’s Mansion. Greetings, Mr. Gu!"

Gu Chengyu raised an eyebrow, casting an inquisitive glance at this person. What business did the steward of Duke Zhen’s Mansion have with him? He recalled having sent his New Year’s gifts already, and it wasn’t yet time to discuss wedding dates!

Even though both families had a marriage agreement, Duke Zhen’s Mansion previously looked down on his background, treating him coldly. Could it be they wish to foster closer ties now that he’s been promoted? Gu Chengyu found this entirely plausible!

"Mr. Gu, our elder master sent me with a message inviting you to dine at our mansion!" Zheng Zufan hunched over, remembering Duke Zhen’s words: in extending invitations, show utmost respect. Nowadays, their mansion dare not put on airs before such a person.

Elder master? Gu Chengyu recollected that this elder master should be his prospective father-in-law, Yao Qinglan, the Princely Heir of Duke Zhen’s Mansion.

Having encountered him earlier at court, the latter hadn’t mentioned it, yet now had someone waiting outside the palace for him?

"Zheng Steward, I appreciate the trouble!" An invitation from his prospective father-in-law couldn’t be refused.

Ordinarily, returning without first paying respects to his mentor, but visiting the house of his future father-in-law first seemed improper. However, since they had sincerely invited him, declining would cause gossip.

"Master, we haven’t prepared a gift!" Ming Mo whispered to Gu Chengyu from the carriage.

"No matter, it’s just an ordinary banquet; find something on the way," In fact, the carriage carried typical gifts, a habit of Gu Chengyu’s.

For an official of the court like him, encountering sudden situations was commonplace, yet these typical gifts seemed inadequate for Duke Zhen’s Mansion.

"Notify Zheng Steward ahead to pick up some pastries at our shop, buy some fabric, and handle the rest as you see fit," Gu Chengyu instructed, then closed his eyes for a rest.

He had returned unrested, summoned by the Emperor overnight, attended court early, and only left at noon. Constantly strained, even an iron body would feel fatigued.

Ming Mo inwardly grumbled; how impolite the Duke Zhen’s Mansion was! Their master had just left the palace, still needing to change from his formal attire in the carriage, they couldn’t have chosen a later date to invite?

Situated in the bustling Capital, the esteemed Duke Zhen’s Mansion stood in a secluded alley of North City, the sole household there.

Covering a vast area with five courtyards, white walls, and gray tiles, hidden deep within the alley, it exuded deep cultural heritage.

This residence, originally belonging to a Commandery Prince of the previous dynasty, was bestowed by the founding Emperor to Duke Zhen’s Mansion as a reward for meritorious service, bearing historical significance.

Gu Chengyu surveyed the expansive dwelling, smiling faintly as he watched the bare tree branches extend from inside the walls.

It wasn’t his intention to recall that poetic line, a red apricot branch extends beyond the wall?

The carriage turned past the main gate, arriving at the eastern corner gate.

"Inside the carriage is Mr. Gu!" Zheng Steward informed the gatekeeper, allowing the carriage entry into the mansion.

Having lowered the curtain, Gu Chengyu refrained from peering around within a host’s estate, aware that doing so would breach etiquette. He felt the carriage twisting and turning, traveling for nearly a tea’s time before coming to a halt.

"Mr. Gu, we’ve arrived!" Zheng Steward’s voice came from outside the carriage. Gu Chengyu lifted the curtain, glancing outside to find two steward-like figures standing there.

"Greetings, Mr. Gu, we serve as attendants to Duke Zhen, and our old master invites you for a banquet!"

Old master? Gu Chengyu was slightly puzzled; wasn’t the old master Duke Zhen? He was told it was the Princely Heir inviting him; turns out Duke Zhen wished to see him?

"Please lead the way!" Gu Chengyu nodded, maintaining a composed demeanor, his gaze fixed forward without darting about.

Instead of proceeding to the outer courtyard, they led him toward a stately and elegantly constructed yard near the eastern side.

"This is Songhe Courtyard, where the old master resides!" Mentioning this, the steward led Gu Chengyu into the courtyard just as a neatly attired man in a dark colored brocade robe emerged.

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