Chapter 777 Princess, I have a favor to ask

Song Yanxi smiled lightly and said, "In that case, Yanxi would like to thank the Duke first."

"No hurry." Zhuang Yuanzhong made a gesture of invitation, "Princess, please finish this game of chess with me first."

Hearing this, Zhuang Wenze quickly stood up and said respectfully, "Princess, please."

Noticing his reservedness, Zhuang Yuanzhong said, "Ze'er, go back to your room and study first. The princess is here to keep you company."

Zhuang Wen Ze pursed his lips, clearly having something to say.

But when he opened his mouth, he only said "OK".

The figure turning and leaving was small and indescribably lonely.

Zhuang Yuanzhong couldn't help but feel distressed when he saw this. After thinking for a moment, he called out, "Ze'er, the princess will stay for lunch today. Remember to come to the main hall to eat then."

The little figure paused and said quickly, "Dad, I understand."

When he left again, Zhuang Wenzhe's steps were obviously much lighter, and he even skipped two steps at the end.

After all, he is still a child, his happiness and unhappiness are written on his face, he is sensitive but also very easy to coax.

After the people had gone far away, Zhuang Yuanzhong said, "The child is still young. I am sorry to have made you laugh."

Song Yanxi smiled and said sincerely, "Young Master is innocent and straightforward, which I think is very good."

Zhuang Yuanzhong laughed, "I thought the princess would be angry that I acted on my own."

"Your Excellency, you are too kind. I am so happy that you are willing to invite me to dinner. How could I be so ungrateful?"

Amused by Song Yanxi's self-deprecating words, Zhuang Yuanzhong said, "The princess is broad-minded, but it is I who am narrow-minded."

He looked at the stalemate in front of him and said helplessly, "Even after all these years, my attainments in chess are still not as good as your grandfather's."

Song Yanxi smiled faintly and said, "Every man has his strengths and weaknesses, and the Duke also has qualities that Grandfather admires."

"Oh?" Zhuang Yuanzhong raised his eyebrows. "Tell me about it."

Song Yanxi raised the corners of her lips and asked instead of answering, "Duke, do you really not know?"

Thinking of something, Zhuang Yuanzhong snorted coldly and said, "This old guy is greedy for my craftsmanship and just comes to my door.

"After being unemployed for a few years, my wine-making skills have improved far more than before. If he comes, I will make sure he enjoys his wine to his heart's content."

As he was speaking, his smile faded slightly, and he sighed heavily, saying, "It was because I didn't teach my daughter well that she did such a shameless thing.

I feel so ashamed to see you, and I am too embarrassed to see my elder brother."

Thinking back to when they followed Emperor Xuande to build the empire, they ate and lived together, and were like brothers even though they were not blood brothers.

Over the years, some have died, some have left, and the number of old friends left in Beijing can be counted on the hands of one hand.

Even so, they seldom met.

Half of it was to avoid suspicion, and the other half was that I really didn't know what to say when we met.

Thinking of Yan Yichuan's decision to retreat at the height of his career, Zhuang Yuanzhong laughed and said, "That old fox, he's the most cunning among all of us.

Fortunately, he was smart and ran away early. I was only two years later than him and couldn't escape. "

Song Yanxi smiled and said, "Grandfather would definitely be very happy if he heard you say that."

As she spoke, she slowly placed a white chess piece in her hand.

Zhuang Yuanzhong looked at where she placed the piece and suddenly stopped laughing.

He frowned and asked after a long while, "Girl, did you learn chess from your grandfather?"

Song Yanxi said, "To be honest, Duke, my grandfather did give me a chess manual. I would take it out and flip through a few pages in my free time."

"No, no, no." Zhuang Yuanzhong waved his hand, his expression serious, "You can't make this move without ten years of practice."

Seeing his expression that said, "You're not being honest," Song Yanxi said cautiously, "Maybe he gained some experience playing chess with Prince Jin while on the expedition a while ago."

Zhuang Yuanzhong smiled knowingly upon hearing this and said, "Prince Jin has been very intelligent since he was young. Even Grand Tutor Xie praised his chess skills highly.

With his guidance and Brother Yan's chessboard, it's no wonder you can learn so quickly."

Thinking about their upcoming wedding, the smile in his eyes widened, "I'm not feeling well, so I won't be able to attend your wedding banquet.

Later, Ah Fu will deliver the gift to the Princess's Mansion, which is also a token of my appreciation."

As if anticipating Song Yanxi's refusal, Zhuang Yuanzhong spoke first, "I am lucky enough to have my life saved, thanks to the princess.

If you refuse to accept it, then I will have to choose another auspicious day to come and thank you for saving my life."

For the grace of a life, let alone expressing gratitude, even kowtow three times and nine times from the Duke's Mansion to the Princess's Mansion would not be excessive.

But how could Song Yanxi dare to let him worship?

This is the Duke of Jingguo, who accompanied His Majesty in conquering the country and is a hero like his grandfather, with outstanding military achievements.

If he really worships her, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he is the opposite of Tian Gang.

Not to mention that the world could not tolerate her humiliating him like this, even if her grandfather heard about it, he would definitely break her legs.

Song Yanxi said thank you with a smile without hesitation.

Zhuang Yuanzhong looked at her gravely and said meaningfully, "Girl, it is I who should thank you."

Song Yanxi knew that what he was talking about was not just the grace of saving his life.

But there are some things that are enough for you and me to know.

It's bound to be hurtful when you say it out loud.

Unable to refuse the hospitality of Zhuang Yuanzhong and his son, Song Yanxi finally stayed at the Duke's Mansion for lunch.

Zhuang Bo cooked the meal himself and fried two side dishes unique to their hometown. He also dug out a jar of wine from the backyard.

Before Song Yanxi could stop him, Zhuang Yuanzhong said, "Only Ah Fu can drink by himself. I will accompany the princess to drink tea."

Zhuang Wen Ze smiled sweetly at her and said, "Uncle Zhuang is very happy today."

"You kid, you really know how to read people's expressions." Zhuang Yuanzhong smiled with relief.

He patted the little guy's head and said, "It's no wonder Ah Fu loves you so much."

Zhuang Wen Ze thought for a moment and said seriously, "Wen Ze also loves Uncle Zhuang."

Amused by his childish words, Zhuang Bo praised him three times and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Good boy, your uncle Zhuang will be counting on you to support him in his old age."

Zhuang Wen Ze nodded without hesitation and said, "Zer will remember what Daddy said."

He answered quickly, but his expression was serious, not like he was just agreeing casually.

No matter what he will be like when he grows up, at least at this moment, he really intends to do so, and not just to please adults.

After the meal, Song Yanxi also knew the origin of this child and why Duke Jingguo chose him.

He was a bastard son from a branch of the Zhuang family. His biological mother was just a lowly maid who died after giving birth to him.

But his father is also unreliable.

When I found out it was a son, I was really excited for two or three months.

But he had more than ten children and was surrounded by beautiful wives and concubines, but he forgot about them all in the blink of an eye.

If his great-grandmother had not made an exception and kept him by her side because he was a boy, he might have died before he was half a year old.

His great-grandmother had passed away two months earlier, and no one cared about this child whose mother had died and whose father didn't love him.

Everyone in the mansion was busy with the old lady's funeral, and no one cared whether he had eaten or not. He fainted from hunger in the old lady's mourning hall.

Zhuang Yuanzhong happened to be there to pay his respects, and inevitably felt pity, so he simply brought the person back.

As for the adoption, it was just out of pity for his life.

It was not until he had raised the child for a while that Zhuang Yuanzhong realized that the child was not only smart, but also honest and kind.

If the Duke's Mansion were handed over to him, he would be able to rest in peace even if he died.

After dinner, Zhuang Yuanzhong insisted on seeing Song Yanxi off.

He dismissed everyone and said solemnly, "Princess, I have a favor to ask of you."