Chapter Four: Grandfather and Grandson

Within the Prince Chun’s residence, Zhongli Yu stood quietly by the lotus pond, gazing at the flower buds poised to bloom, as if they were the most beautiful scenery in the world. Yet, on closer inspection, it was clear his eyes were not focused on the lotuses at all, and his face betrayed no emotion. He wore a pale blue brocade robe, its cuffs and hem embroidered with pure white pear blossoms. Standing against the wind, his garments billowed elegantly, his face as fair as jade, his posture proud and aloof, like an immortal descended to the mortal world, untouched by worldly concerns. He was strikingly beautiful, but with not a hint of softness; instead, he radiated nobility, making him difficult to meet one's gaze. The natural air of a born ruler emanated from him effortlessly.

“Your Highness, the old prince requests your presence in the study,” a young attendant approached, speaking respectfully.

“Very well,” Zhongli Yu replied in a deep voice.

The old prince was Zhongli Yu’s grandfather, Zhongli Ying, a man in his sixties whose lineage had served the emperor for generations. Loyal to his wife, he had never taken a concubine. He had one son, Zhongli Jing—Zhongli Yu’s father—who died unexpectedly twelve years ago. Grief overcame his mother, leading to her passing shortly thereafter. His wife, Mo Xueyuan, unable to bear the blow, followed soon after. Thus, the vast Prince Chun’s residence was left with only grandfather and grandson.

Zhongli Yu walked forward at a steady pace, neither slow nor hurried, reaching the study door in no time and pushing it open directly.

“Grandfather, what is it you wish to discuss?” Zhongli Yu asked indifferently.

“Yu’er, you’re already over twenty, and have been conferred your title. When do you intend to take a consort? The residence is too quiet; once you establish a family, the prince’s household will flourish,” old Prince Zhongli Ying asked helplessly. Others his age enjoyed families four generations strong, but not him—his son departed early, leaving a solitary heir who stubbornly refused to marry and bear children, leaving him anxious and graying.

“I have no such plans,” Zhongli Yu answered coolly, as though it were of no concern to him.

“No plans? When will you have plans? Do you intend never to marry?” the old prince exclaimed, stomping his foot in frustration.

“Why not? Don’t you know I dislike women?” he replied, as if proud of it, raising his brows.

“You dislike women?” The old prince’s beard quivered with anger.

“Yes, that’s what everyone says. Surely you’ve heard?”

“Rascal, don’t think I don’t know—the rumors were spread by your own men to mislead me. You’re still too green to fool your old grandfather.”

“Oh? Since you’re so capable, why not see to the family’s future yourself, and leave me be?” With that, he made to leave.

“Get back here, you brat! I’m not here to negotiate, I’m ordering you to take a consort!” The old prince was beside himself with rage, his mood for a calm discussion gone.

“Yesterday, I spoke with the Duke of Guo and arranged for you to marry his second granddaughter, Chu Wanrou. I hear Miss Wanrou is both talented and beautiful, at the perfect age. You shall marry her,” the old prince declared his purpose outright.

“I knew you had ulterior motives,” Zhongli Yu crossed his arms, looking as if he’d anticipated it all along.

The old prince nearly choked. Arranging a consort was called ulterior motives?

“You scoundrel! I’m choosing your bride for your own good. I don’t want to die without seeing you married, and you accuse me of scheming!”

“That’s enough, grandfather. I’m busy. Why not have Uncle Wang play chess with you?”

“Chess? Did you even hear what I said?”

“I’m listening, grandfather. So let me remind you, it’s best not to arrange matches for me. If I wish to marry, I’ll do so on my own. If you keep pressuring me, I’ll make sure you never have a grandson and become truly alone. The entire residence is managed by me; I’m busy. I’ll be going now.” With a flick of his sleeve, he vanished without a trace.

“You…” The old prince began to reprimand, but Zhongli Yu was no longer in the study.

It seemed he truly was getting old, unable to control anything anymore. So be it, so be it.

“Lihun, how goes the investigation?” Zhongli Yu returned to his quarters and, upon entering his study, called out.

“Master, the retainers of Prince Jin lost track of Miss Zhan Yan,” Lihun replied respectfully.

“Understood. You may go,” Zhongli Yu dismissed him with a wave.

“Yes, Master.”

A subtle, almost imperceptible smile curled at Zhongli Yu’s lips. Lost track, did they? Was it that Prince Jin’s men were incompetent, or that person was simply extraordinary? He knew in his heart it was the latter. He remembered the little girl from years ago—she was nearly of age now.

Ten years, was it? Ten years was not a short span. Perhaps he truly was obsessed. His thoughts drifted back to ten years prior, when he escorted that little girl to Yangshu Alley. She stopped in front of an ordinary residence and said, “You can drop me off here. Thank you.” Zhongli Yu was stunned—the house was nondescript, and from her attire and bearing, she shouldn't have belonged there. Zhongli Yu, calm and composed, let her go and departed—not leaving, but finding a place to hide.

What happened next was astonishing. The girl made several turns, arrived at the rear gate of Prince Zhennan’s residence, and with a light leap, vaulted over the wall and disappeared. He smiled to himself. Clearly, this young girl was no ordinary person. Ten years, then? She was certainly intriguing.

Afterwards, he continued to have her watched, learning she was the legitimate eldest daughter of Prince Zhennan. For ten years, his attention never wavered.

The most bewildering part was that shortly after he delivered her home, rumors spread that the eldest miss of Prince Zhennan’s household was frail since childhood. According to Master Meng, she was unlikely to live past her coming-of-age ceremony. Zhongli Yu couldn't help but laugh at the news. That little girl not live past fifteen? Impossible. She was so clever at deceiving others even at that age—she was truly fascinating. Perhaps the future would be worth anticipating.

For ten years, he never ceased paying attention to her, and everything about her continued to surprise him. Sometimes, he felt ten years was an eternity; he longed to find her ahead of time, to have her fulfill her promise. So many times, in the quiet hours of the night, he dreamt of her familiar eyes and earnest expression, which convinced him she was the one he wanted to spend his life with…