Di Fangyun left in tears, leaving Di Shuangcheng with a particularly displeased expression, and even Di Tao, standing beside him, was puzzled.
"What's wrong with my sister?" Di Tao wondered. "Although Big Brother has become an uncle, there's no need to cry, right?"
Xiao Yan felt guilty and said, "Brother, go check on your niece. It's because I'm not likable..."
"Don't talk nonsense!" Di Shuangcheng frowned. "You're the elder; why should you care about winning her favor? This girl is willful; I spoiled her in the past!"
In the past, his daughter was merely a bit pampered, but at least she observed proper etiquette. She had never been this rude. What happened earlier was truly embarrassing for him.
Xiao Yan, being particularly considerate, said, "Brother, don't be upset. Young ladies from their family are often shy. Suddenly gaining an elder might be hard for her to accept. Please don't be too hard on her."
He lowered his eyes, feeling apologetic. "I came so suddenly; the journey was filled with killings, which must have frightened her. I won't stay long in the northwest. Once my business is done, I'll leave. During this time, I'll try to avoid her."
"There's no need to avoid; if anyone should, it's her," Di Shuangcheng's face darkened. "Don't worry. When your sister-in-law returns, I'll make sure she teaches your niece some manners!"
Xiao Yan responded gently, "Sister-in-law is graceful and virtuous. A lady raised under her influence will naturally be exceptional."
"Brother, don't be too harsh. I'll stay outside for the next few days to avoid awkward encounters with my niece. As for the matters we discussed earlier, once you've made arrangements, have someone inform me."
Di Shuangcheng had initially wanted Xiao Yan to stay at the General's residence. However, recalling his daughter's earlier behavior and feeling apologetic towards Xiao Yan, he also feared potential conflicts due to Di Fangyun's attitude. Thus, he refrained from insisting.
"Then I'll arrange alternative accommodation for you." He glared at his son. "Why are you standing there? Call your uncle."
Di Tao, standing dumbfounded, finally managed to squeeze out a soft "Uncle."
The young man, embarrassed, blushed deeply after addressing the young and beautiful Xiao Yan as 'uncle.'
Xiao Yan, however, accepted it calmly and said gently, "I once read a few military books at home and have gathered some strategies over the years. I noticed my nephew has considerable talent. Surely, he can carry on your legacy. Once we return to the capital, I'll have someone send them to him as a gift from me."
Di Shuangcheng was delighted upon hearing this. Books from the He family collection are unparalleled. Moreover, considering Xiao Yan's current status, anything he deems 'good' is undoubtedly invaluable.
He promptly patted his son's back. "Still not thanking your uncle?"
Di Tao, his face flushed, muttered a thank you.
After leaving the room, Di Shuangcheng summoned Deputy General Tong Shan to personally arrange accommodation for Xiao Yan. He had them settle in a villa owned by the Di family within the city—quiet and undisturbed—and instructed Tong Shan to ensure it was thoroughly cleaned.
Standing aside, Di Tao couldn't help but mumble, "Dad, weren't you reluctant about He Yan before? Why are you suddenly so attentive to him?"
"Don't call him He Yan; address him as 'Uncle'!" Di Shuangcheng shot his son a glare. "He's the son of an old friend. If it weren't for his family's help back then, I would've died, and you wouldn't even have been born. His family background is outstanding, and despite his youth, his abilities are beyond your reach."
"Those military books he gave you, though I haven't seen them, are probably priceless, and he saved your life. Don't harbor any grievances. Without our old friendship, others wouldn't even have the chance to call him 'Uncle.'"
Di Tao's eyes widened. "He's that impressive?"
Seeing his father's earnestness and recalling Xiao Yan's prowess during their journey, Di Tao's earlier discomfort dissipated significantly.
He peeked inside and met Xiao Yan's gaze. Despite Xiao Yan's previous lazy demeanor, Di Tao felt a sudden chill, as if being stared at by a wild beast.
He shuddered and quickly turned away.
"Uncle it is, then."
After all, he has many uncles.
...
Xiao Yan didn't stay long at the General's residence. His injuries hadn't fully healed, so after a brief conversation with Di Shuangcheng, he led Qin San, who had been waiting outside, to leave.
Di Shuangcheng arranged for him a two-entry courtyard not far from the General's residence, located in the bustling part of the city. The courtyard wasn't large, but it was sufficient for Xiao Yan and his entourage. After settling them in, Di Shuangcheng didn't send anyone else to the courtyard.
After Qin San inspected the place, he reported, "Supervisor, this courtyard is very clean. It seems Di Shuangcheng has no ulterior motives."
Xiao Yan's expression remained indifferent, but his posture relaxed. "Send a letter to Tu Bai, instructing him to bring Madam Di back safely. As for the others who came to the northwest, except for those who met Di Tao, the rest can come over."
"Understood."
Qin San withdrew.
Zhang Bin, pale, sat nearby. "Supervisor, can we trust Di Shuangcheng?"
Xiao Yan replied calmly, "He should be trustworthy. He and the He family have a longstanding relationship. After I escaped from the palace, He Bo and the others mentioned that someone was secretly searching for survivors of the He family and had visited their old residence. That person was probably Di Shuangcheng."
Di Shuangcheng's closeness to him didn't seem fake, and he didn't hesitate when he gave him the Dragon Jade Order and the talisman. In addition, Di Shuangcheng's biological father died unjustly in an old case 20 years ago, so he shouldn't lie to him.
However, Xiao Yan has always been cautious in his actions and would not easily entrust his life to others. He would not fully trust Di Shuangcheng until he was sure that he could be used. Therefore, he was only half-truthful about Di Shuangcheng and had no intention of revealing his true identity.
Xiao Yan took out the "jade comb" he got from Di Shuangcheng, squeezed it, and said to Zhang Bing, "No matter whether Di Shuangcheng has other intentions or not, at least he can be used now."
"He will make the connection with the Dragon Court Guards. We will be able to meet Shang Qin in two or three days at the latest. Afterwards, the Shang family will definitely send people to the capital and Jiangnan to investigate. Have someone prepare to greet the Shang family. As for Tu Bai, have him hide the people who have seen Di Tao. I will find a way to bring Di Tao with me when we return to the capital."
You can read ahead to chapterr 470 (100+ extra chapters) here
Comments
Post a Comment