CWTGD Chapter 132 - The Deceased Grandson Xie Chen'an

Cao Dejiang laughed when talking about Fu Laiqing: "That boy used to be so full of himself. He looked down on all the young ladies in the capital. Poor Peilan worried herself sick about his marriage, even going gray over it, but that rascal never cared at all. Now, though, it seems he's finally come around."

The old servant who was listening replied, "But the County Princess of Yiyang just broke off her engagement with the Lu family. Would the Fu family be pleased with that?"

"What's not to like? How many young women in the capital have earned a title by their own merit? How many have won such a good reputation? Besides, if Peilan didn't like her, why would she speak on her behalf so often, even begging me to help?"

Cao Dejiang knew his sister well. Lady Fu had always been a stern and reserved person, with few friends and high standards. If the Fu family's old master hadn't been particularly outstanding, she wouldn't have chosen him over all the other well-connected young men in the capital, especially back when the Fu family hadn't even made a name for itself.

She had a sharp eye for people. After her husband entered the court, his career soared smoothly. If he hadn't fallen ill and died unexpectedly, the Fu family might have risen even higher. Even as things stood, the old master's tablet had been personally enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple by the late emperor, a recognition that guaranteed the Fu family would remain prosperous for three generations. Even without any particularly talented descendants, Lady Fu didn’t need to bow to anyone. Anyone she didn’t approve of would never even get half a word from her.

But the young lady from the Song family was different. From the moment she had her falling out with the Duke of Song's household, Lady Fu had privately spoken up for her several times. She even broke her usual silence to criticize both the Song family and the Lu family. If that's not a sign of her liking the girl, what is?

Cao Dejiang was sure that if Fu Laiqing had his sights set on Song Tangning, his sister would be delighted. As for the rest of the Fu family...

"As long as Peilan likes Song Tangning, getting her into the Fu family won't be difficult. The rest of the family doesn’t need to be considered."

The members of the Fu family weren’t particularly capable. Fu Laiqing’s parents had been riding the coattails of his uncle's legacy. That pair was often snobbish and liked to stir up trouble, obsessed with face and status. They had set their sights on the prospect of Fu Laiqing marrying a noblewoman or a princess to help him rise even further in the court.

But Cao Dejiang thought that if Fu Laiqing wanted to succeed, it was best not to rely on such connections. Song Tangning, even with a broken engagement, had a virtuous reputation and was clever and well-mannered. Marrying her would be a good match for him.

That couple might object, but his sister could handle them. And by the time Lady Fu passed away, Fu Laiqing would have grown capable enough to manage the household himself. The Fu family wouldn't be ruled by anyone else’s whims.

In the moment when Cao Dejiang realized Fu Laiqing's thoughts, countless scenarios flashed through his mind. But then, he came back to reality, realizing that the boy hadn’t even made any moves yet.

He chuckled, "Right now, it seems like he's just wishful thinking. As for Song Tangning, she may not even take a fancy to that rascal..."

The old servant laughed, "I think the young master is quite good."

"You’re just like Wang Po, praising your own melons!" Cao Dejiang teased, letting the curtain drop. "Leave it to him. If he really wants this marriage, he’ll have to fight for it himself. Getting past Xiao Yan won’t be easy."

The servant asked, "Should we tell the lady about this?"

"Not yet."

Lady Fu was so anxious for Fu Laiqing to marry that her hair was practically turning white. If she knew that he had taken a liking to someone, she wouldn’t sit still. But Song Tangning had only just broken off her engagement with the Lu family, and discussing a new match so soon would surely raise eyebrows. Better not to mention it to Lady Fu yet, lest good intentions backfire.

Cao Dejiang smiled, "Let’s wait until that rascal actually manages to win her heart. It wouldn’t do to have him embarrassed if she doesn’t like him."

The old servant burst out laughing, "You don’t seem to be rooting for the young master at all! Be careful, or he might stop bringing you wine."

"He wouldn’t dare!" Cao Dejiang raised his brows, snorting, "I’ll make him copy scriptures three thousand times. He won’t be allowed to stop until his hands give out."

The servant outside burst into laughter.

"Alright, let’s head back." Cao Dejiang sat back in the carriage with a smile.

The servant raised the reins, and the carriage began moving smoothly again, skillfully avoiding pedestrians as they traveled along the stone-paved road. When they arrived back at the entrance of the Cao household, the servant helped Cao Dejiang down from the carriage.

The servant suddenly said, "My lord, in a few days, I’d like to leave the city for a while."

Cao Dejiang was taken aback for a moment before realizing that it was already April. Soon, it would be the anniversary of the Crown Prince’s death. His smile faded slightly. "How long will you be gone this time?"

"One month. I want to keep vigil for the master."

Cao Dejiang pursed his lips. "Go ahead. Light an incense stick for me as well. But be careful. The investigation into the old case involving the Duke of Song’s household has stirred up some attention. Many are watching. Don’t get caught."

The servant, with a burn scar on his face, looked up. "I understand, my lord. I won’t bring you any trouble."

After a pause, he continued, "I’ve also heard that the Empress Dowager’s health has been declining lately, and the palace is difficult to access. If possible, could you ask someone in the Imperial Medical Office about her condition?"

Thinking of past events, Cao Dejiang agreed without hesitation. "I’ll find a chance to ask, but I can’t promise to get a clear answer about palace matters."

"I understand. I won’t press you."

The events of the past were unspeakable. It was already a great risk for the Cao family to shelter him. He wouldn’t ask for more.

"It's getting dark. You should head back. I’ll go put the carriage away." The servant saluted Cao Dejiang and led the horse toward the side gate, while Cao Dejiang stood in thought, watching his retreating figure.

He recalled the great fire in the palace all those years ago, the Empress Dowager who hadn’t been seen in public for a long time, and all the memories of the past that were slowly being forgotten. He let out a quiet sigh.

It had been twelve years. So much had changed.

Word was, the Empress Dowager’s hysteria was worsening. She often murmured about the late Crown Prince Xie Chen’an, but that brilliant young man had long since perished, dying in the palace before he could grow up, with not even his bones left behind.

Had he lived, he’d be of age now, older than the Fourth Prince...

"My lord?" A Cao family servant, seeing Cao Dejiang standing at the gate, came forward. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing." Cao Dejiang shook off his thoughts and headed inside, instructing, "Uncle Xu will be returning to his hometown in a few days. Prepare some food and clothing for him, and arrange a carriage."

After a moment, he added, "Send Zhu Lin to accompany him. If there’s no trouble, they can follow discreetly. But if anything happens, make sure they keep him safe."

The servant bowed. "Understood."

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T/N: Tell me your theories about Xiao Yan’s past
You can read ahead to chapterr 234 here

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