"Where is your prince?" At this time in the Chu Xiang Mansion, the Xiahou clan leader was looking for Chu Nanshan everywhere, but he found that he could not find Chu Nanshan after searching most of the buildings in the Chu Xiang Mansion. He could only ask Jiao Da who was guarding outside the room!
Jiao Da looked at the anxious Xiahou clan leader and felt a little guilty. He could only reply in a clear and expressionless voice, "The prince is in the kitchen!"
Upon hearing this, Chief Xiahou frowned immediately, looked at Jiao Da with a serious expression again, and then left with a little confusion!
No wonder Chu Nanshan was not found. It turned out that he was hiding in the kitchen of Mengxin Cottage. Now that such a big thing happened in Youzhou, he still had the mind to stay in the kitchen. It seems that Chu Nanshan is old and has no time to think about national affairs!
He hurried all the way to Mengxin Cottage, but smelled the fragrance of vegetables and rice at the gate. Clan leader Xiahou couldn't help but look up at the sky. It was still early for dinner. He didn't expect that Chu Nanshan was hiding here to cook for himself and put the most important thing behind his mind. He was suddenly annoyed and rushed into the yard with a cold face, and walked towards the small kitchen with heavy steps!
"Well, this tastes good, a bit like what Meng'er made!" Before he approached the small kitchen, Patriarch Xiahou heard Chu Nanshan's loud voice praising the cook's skills, and he could even clearly hear the sound of him chewing food, which made Patriarch Xiahou's gray brows frown suddenly, and his face became colder. He came to the door of the small kitchen with a burst of anger, and saw Chu Nanshan holding a porcelain bowl in one hand and a soup spoon in the other, tasting the soup that had just been served from the hot pot!
"The old prince is getting more energetic as he gets older. In broad daylight, he is hiding in his grandson's yard to steal food. He has such a good appetite. I believe he is not worried about his grandson who is far away at this moment!" As soon as the cold words were spoken, all the servants bowed to the two distinguished elders and quietly withdrew, so as not to be involved in their verbal dispute!
Chu Nanshan looked at the disastrous Xiahou clan leader, but did not reply immediately. Instead, after finishing the hot soup in the bowl, he took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped the corner of his mouth. Then he replied with lingering feelings, "Feiyang has Meng'er by his side, so why should I worry? But that brat, after being away for such a long time, didn't even remember to write a letter of honor to his grandfather who raised him with great difficulty. He still expects me to show my kindness to him. Humph, dream on!"
Clan leader Xiahou's already furrowed brows tightened again at Chu Nanshan's words. After spending a long time with Chu Nanshan, he naturally understood that there was nothing in the world that Chu Nanshan dared not say. If Chu Nanshan was second to none in the world in his ability to confuse right and wrong, no one would dare to claim to be the best. He clearly knew that Feiyang and Meng'er were worried about the affairs of Nanxun Youzhou, but he could still talk nonsense like that. It was really eye-opening!
"Are you reluctant to leave Feiyang, or are you reluctant to leave your precious son? I heard that Chu Pei has woken up? I'm afraid he will interfere in the affairs of the Xie family!" This is why the head of the Xiahou clan is anxious to find Chu Nanshan today!
Now that Chu Pei has woken up, he will definitely interfere in the affairs of the Xie family. Once he intervenes in the affairs of the Xie family, I am afraid it will not be so easy to resolve!
Besides, the Xie family has committed a capital crime. If Fei Yang is implicated, how will he face his daughter in the afterlife?
Patriarch Xiahou lost his appetite after receiving the letter from his grandson, but he could only worry because he was far away from Youzhou. He wanted to discuss countermeasures with Chu Nanshan to assist Chu Feiyang, but he didn't expect that this man was eating and drinking to his heart's content and didn't care about what was happening in the outside world. It was really infuriating!
"So what? If Feiyang can't even solve such a problem, he doesn't deserve to sit on the throne of King Chu! Do you think that the throne of King Chu is so easy to sit on? Do you think that as long as you have the surname Chu and are a descendant of the Chu family, you can let me pass the throne to him? If Feiyang does not have this ability, I would rather take the throne into the coffin than let him ruin the reputation of King Chu!" Chu Nanshan put down the bowl and spoon, and walked out of the small kitchen with a brisk pace. Seeing that the Xiahou clan leader had a tense face, he knew what he was worried about!
"Besides, Feiyang has Meng'er by his side now. How could that girl let others bully her husband? Think about it, it's a blessing that the two of them don't bully others!" As he said that, Chu Nanshan couldn't help but smack his lips, as if he was savoring the hot soup he had just drunk. A trace of relief and trust appeared on his face, and he led the Xiahou clan leader slowly out of the yard!
"However, the Xie family and the Chu family have always been related by marriage! If something happens to the Xie family, I am afraid that the Chu family will also be implicated! They are all good sons you taught!" Patriarch Xiahou did not say the rest of the accusations!
Even if some words were not spoken, Chu Nanshan would understand them with his shrewdness! Moreover, no matter how dissatisfied the Xiahou clan leader was with Chu Pei, he would not blame Chu Pei too much in front of Chu Nanshan! After all, it was he who chose Chu Pei for Xia Houying! If Chu Pei was the direct cause of Xia Houying's misfortune, then he, as her father, was probably also an indirect murderer! When blaming others, the Xiahou clan leader would often reflect on himself. This was one of the reasons why he had not arranged a marriage for Xia Hou An'er. He was worried that because of his mistakes, his beloved granddaughter would repeat the same mistakes as his daughter!
After hearing the accusation from the Xiahou clan leader, Chu Nanshan lost his playful smile. His calm face showed the wisdom and disillusionment with the world that only people of his age could have. There were too many emotions hidden in his calm eyes. After the stormy waves, everything returned to calm. It looked like a flat mirror like a thousand-year-old deep pool, but it concealed an astonishing mystery!
"Since Feiyang has already started to investigate this matter, he must have thought about all the consequences! Instead of worrying about it, we might as well let him give it a try! Moreover, Xiahou Qin must have pointed out the key point of the matter in the letter. If Feiyang does not take action now, the Chu family will be really implicated in the future. By then, the situation of the Chu family will be even more passive than it is now. Not to mention that the Chu family will be in danger, your Xiahou clan will also be stuck in the quagmire and unable to extricate themselves!" Things have come to this point. Chu Nanshan no longer avoids some taboo issues in front of the head of the Xiahou clan. He implicitly points out the hidden crisis and also talks about the difficulties they are facing now!
Seeing that Chu Nanshan had made the matter clear to him, the Xiahou clan leader fell into deep thought for a moment. The anger on his face gradually dissipated, replaced by a deep and thoughtful look!
The two of them walked out of Mengxin Cottage quietly, only to find Jiao Da guarding outside the courtyard. Upon seeing Chu Nanshan come out, he immediately stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness! The Second Young Master requests an audience!"
After hearing Jiao Da's report, the Xiahou clan leader immediately looked up at Chu Nanshan, but seeing that the other party did not change his expression, he said, "I'll go see An'er!"
After he finished speaking, he saw Patriarch Xiahou walking towards the courtyard on the other side!
"Take him to the room!" Chu Nanshan watched the Xiahou clan leader walk away, then he spoke to Jiao Da and walked towards the room!
"Grandson greets grandfather!" Chu Qingyang was led into the room by Jiao Da. Seeing his grandfather standing by the window, he immediately saluted respectfully. His voice was gentle and courteous, and his manners were steady and generous. The appearance of this young man from a famous family was very impressive and unforgettable!
Hearing Chu Qingyang's greetings, Chu Nanshan turned his gaze from the scenery outside the window to his grandson who was three steps away from him. There was no trace of a ripple in his calm expression!
"How come you have time to come to the Prime Minister's residence to pay your respects today? You should be studying at the Wen Mansion right now!" The voice was indifferent, with a subtle sense of alienation. Although they were grandfather and grandson, because Chu Qingyang had lived in Youzhou since he was a child, the family relationship between him and Chu Nanshan was naturally not as deep as that of Chu Feiyang! Just like the father-son relationship between Chu Feiyang and Chu Pei, it was naturally incomparable to Chu Qingyang's!
Seeing that Chu Nanshan was just asking casually and didn't show much concern, Chu Qingyang didn't care much. After all, the two had never lived together, and he didn't expect his grandfather to treat him as kindly as he treated Chu Feiyang!
With a look of respect and filial piety on his face, Chu Qingyang answered Chu Nanshan's questions one by one. "Young Master Wen returned home early today to discuss something with the teacher, so the teacher asked us to go home first! I haven't seen you for a long time, so I thought of coming to pay my respects to you! I wonder how you are doing in the Prime Minister's Residence today? Why not invite you back to the Prince's Palace? That way, your grandson, mother, and Jie'er can stay by your side to show our filial piety!"
Chu Qingyang said this with great care, which warmed people's hearts. In addition, his expression was sincere and his eyes were filial. If it were an ordinary grandparents and grandchildren, they would definitely be happy and loving to each other!
Unfortunately, Chu Nanshan is not an ordinary grandfather. Apart from his grandfather identity, he was once the King of Chu. He has experienced too many people and things. He can see the essential purpose of any expression in an instant. What's more, although Chu Qingyang is his grandson, there is not much affection between the two of them!
Therefore, in Chu Nanshan's eyes, Chu Qingyang's obedience at this moment was not as heartbreaking as Chu Feiyang's teasing him!
Chu Nanshan simply nodded and said calmly, "You are so thoughtful! I am doing well here, you don't have to worry too much! But you don't have to worry about me all the time. It is a blessing to be appreciated by Wen Di and accepted as his apprentice. You will definitely benefit a lot from asking him for advice every day!"
"Yes! Grandson will remember grandfather's teachings!" But Chu Qingyang was not discouraged by Chu Nanshan's indifference. Just as he respected Chu Nanshan when he came in, after hearing Chu Nanshan's teachings, he responded seriously!
"If there's nothing else, you can go back first!" Although they weren't strangers, the grandfather and grandson didn't have much to talk about! Seeing that Chu Qingyang had finished paying his respects, Chu Nanshan kicked him out!
Since Chu Qingyang would come to the Prime Minister's Residence today, he would not be sent away so easily by Chu Nanshan. He looked up at Chu Nanshan's expression and saw that although his expression was indifferent and distant, he did not show any obvious disgust towards him. So he took a step forward, bowed and said in a clear voice, "Grandfather, I came here today to ask for something. Please help me solve this problem!"
Seeing that Chu Qingyang not only did not leave but also had questions to ask, Chu Nanshan walked back to the table and sat down. His eyes could not help but shoot towards his little grandson standing in front of the table. He felt that Chu Qingyang had a dignified appearance and extraordinary manners. He was obviously a nobleman. The wisdom between his eyebrows also told the world that he was not a playboy. His behavior was also elegant and noble. It can be seen that Xie is indeed very good at educating children!
However, Chu Qingyang lacked Chu Feiyang's righteousness! The cautiousness in his eyes lacked Chu Feiyang's lively expression. Although he still had arrogance, he lacked the domineering aura!
"What's the matter?" Chu Nanshan stretched out his hand and lightly tapped the chair beside him, asking Chu Qingyang to sit down. He spoke lightly, but he had already guessed what it was from Chu Qingyang's expression. What's more, Xie and others were living in the palace at this time, so what could be hidden from Chu Nanshan's eyes!
Chu Qingyang bowed to Chu Nanshan and then retreated to the stool and sat down. He then carefully filtered the words he was about to say in his mind again, and said with a hint of inquiry, "The prince and the princess have been in Youzhou for some time. I came here today to ask about my father's recent situation. My grandson and mother have not received any news for many days. We are very worried! I wonder if the prince has found an antidote for my father!"
Chu Qingyang asked very cautiously, his face showing concern and nervousness for Chu Pei. At a glance, even an outsider could see the deep affection between him and Chu Pei!
Chu Nanshan glanced at Chu Qingyang, who was now anxious, and replied calmly, "Your father has regained consciousness! Go back and tell your mother that there's no need to worry about him anymore. Youzhou will be safe with Feiyang here!"
The phrase 'no chaos' encompassed all the situations and also stopped Chu Qingyang from asking the question he was about to ask!
He raised his head slightly, which was originally half-lowered, and looked at Chu Nanshan with a hint of resentment in his eyes, but saw that the man who called himself his grandfather had a cold face. Even though Chu Feiyang was far away in Nanxun at this time, he did not have the slightest intention of getting close to him. For a moment, Chu Qingyang frowned slightly. His always proud self-esteem seemed to be trampled upon, which made him difficult to accept, and his face couldn't help but become a little cold!
However, thinking of the Xie family members who were now imprisoned in the Youzhou government office by Han Shaomian, Chu Qingyang had to muster up his spirits and compete with the old fox in front of him. Swallowing the breath in his heart, Chu Qingyang put away the huge gap in his heart, and then spoke slowly, "Teacher often praises grandfather and elder brother in front of his grandson! He also often encourages his grandson to learn more from grandfather and elder brother! Now that elder brother is not in Kyoto, his grandson has come here with a shameless face. I hope grandfather will not despise his grandson!"
Little did he know that Chu Qingyang's expression, which he thought he had concealed very well, was seen by Chu Nanshan. The grandfather and grandson had different thoughts, but they had to face each other!
"My grandfather is just a military general. How can I compare with your teacher? The Wen family is a literary family with a long history of learning. If you study hard and study diligently, and with the influence of your teacher's character, you will definitely be a useful talent in the future! But the most taboo for readers is to be eager for quick success! If you have some unrealistic dreams in your heart, I am afraid that even the imperial teacher cannot teach a learned person! Character is more precious than knowledge, but it is more important. You must remember this!" Chu Nanshan's words had hidden meaning. His pair of bright eyes stared at Chu Qingyang not far away, with insight and understanding, and a hint of regret and persuasion!
Chu Qingyang heard this and immediately stood up and bowed to Chu Nanshan, "Thank you for your teachings, Grandfather! I will definitely prioritize my character and never forget your advice today!"
After saying this, Chu Qingyang finally sat down again, but a hint of confusion lingered between his brows. He then spoke softly, "Grandfather, besides studying at the Wenfu, I often discuss court affairs with my fellow apprentices! Now that Prime Minister Qin is ill, the position of Left Prime Minister is vacant! The important officials in the court are all recommending their trusted aides to the Emperor. I wonder what your opinion is on this matter, Grandfather?"
Taking advantage of the discussion, Chu Qingyang mentioned the matter of Qin Huo. He had recently run into a wall in front of Wen Di, but Chu Qingyang did not give up. If he could get Chu Nanshan to give in, perhaps Wen Di would change his mind!
Upon hearing this, Chu Nanshan raised his hand to stroke his beard, his eyes slightly narrowed, and his expression was very thoughtful!
Chu Qingyang sat upright, slightly raised his neck, staring at his grandfather with inquiring eyes, waiting for his reply!
Chu Nanshan, however, shook his head for a moment before speaking in an unfathomable tone, "I am no longer the King of Chu, and I have long since withdrawn from the affairs of the court. I only wish to enjoy a peaceful life for a thousand years! With the Emperor above making the decision and the officials overseeing matters like these, how could I have a say? Besides, this is a matter of state after all. Although most of the people in the Wenfu are students, and everyone is free to discuss state affairs, you must not forget the saying 'walls have ears'! Don't express your opinions recklessly just because you are in high spirits. Disasters often come from your mouth!"
This paragraph of words seemed to answer Chu Qingyang's question, but it did not reveal anything. Instead, it scolded Chu Qingyang. How could a green hand calculate such cunning and scheming?
Chu Qingyang was pushed back by Chu Nanshan without any hesitation. He felt annoyed. The look of inquiry in his eyes gradually became covered with a layer of anxiety and anger. His hands clenched slightly under his sleeves, and then he spoke again, "Grandson naturally understands what grandfather means! He is also careful in dealing with it on weekdays! However, every man is responsible for the rise and fall of the country. As a man of Western Chu, how can I stay out of it? What's more, my father was injured by Nanxun. I am worried and naturally hope that the court can have a good left prime minister. Isn't that what grandfather thinks? I believe that even if you are not a court official, even if you are just an ordinary citizen, you should care about the important affairs of the court!"
These words not only expressed his fatherly love for Chu Pei, but also seemed to be accusing Chu Nanshan of having a weak fatherly love for Chu Pei!
At the same time, he cleverly pointed out that national affairs are also major affairs of the people. How can there be a difference between the status of being in power and being in opposition?
However, if Chu Qingyang wanted to use this to anger Chu Nanshan and make him express his opinions and views, then he would be underestimating Chu Nanshan too much!
Chu Nanshan's expression remained unchanged, his calm face showing no trace of emotion. He only sighed slightly and rejected Chu Qingyang's attack...
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