A man in his fifties or sixties with graying hair, whose slightly narrowed eyes still held an undiminished sharpness and wisdom.
Despite the torment of old wounds, these were the eyes of a veteran who had fought on the battlefield for decades.
Prince Yu's body stiffened under the gaze of those eyes.
He was in his thirties, a close confidant of Emperor Kangxi, and the emperor's most trusted second brother. He was full of ambition and had many plans for the future of the Qing Dynasty. He was perhaps the hope of the Qing Dynasty, and his eyes were full of spirit.
But I still can't face those eyes that have seen so much bloodshed.
However, when he lowered his head slightly, he met Prince An's gaze and looked back at him without showing any weakness.
Sparks seemed to fly between their eyes.
They were never actually adversaries; in fact, they appreciated each other. Jingrou thought silently, at this moment she, a little girl, had completely lost her presence.
Prince An smiled slightly. He was already quite old, why should he argue with a junior? Why did he become so childish?
"It's getting late, and I need to take Zhuzhu there quickly, so I won't bother Prince Yu any longer."
"Uncle, please." Prince Yu bowed slightly.
After the two separated, Prince An lowered the curtain and instructed the coachman to continue forward, but Jingrou could clearly sense that her maternal grandfather was already somewhat distracted.
"Grandma, are we in danger?" Jingrou frowned, her childish voice immediately attracting Prince An's attention.
"How could that be? Zhuzhu, your grandfather will never let you be in any danger." Prince An coaxed her. Now that he had brought her out of the Guo Luoluo residence, Prince An was prepared to spoil his granddaughter.
He inwardly grumbled about Prince Yu, thinking that it must be because his imposing manner had frightened his precious Zhuzhu.
Prince An patted her head reassuringly.
He had enjoyed countless riches and honors throughout his life, and was once second only to the emperor. Even now, though the emperor is wary of him, the situation of Prince An's mansion may not be as good as before.
But how could a little girl not be protected?
If he truly cannot protect Zhuzhu, then he has served as a prince in vain!
Jingrou shook her head. Of course, her maternal grandfather could keep her in check, but that wasn't what she meant.
"Grandma, Zhuzhu knows... there are children like Zhuzhu in many places..." She spoke slowly. Although her thoughts were very clear, she couldn't say some things due to her age and had to slowly summarize her thoughts.
Prince An leaned closer to her, lowered his head, and listened patiently to her story.
Prince An had never been so patient before. Even on the battlefield, he was always the commander who had the final say. His orders to his subordinates were always concise and to the point. When he led his troops into battle, he was calm and collected, and he did not tolerate any dissent. He also had no tolerance for fools.
Only when facing his granddaughter does his patience become infinitely magnified.
“There’s a war outside, and many people are starving… That’s how it used to be, Grandma, is that right?” Jingrou looked up and asked.
She knew that many people in this era did not live as well as she did, and some even struggled to survive. However, she had never left the capital and did not know what the situation was like for people outside the capital.
Although one may have some knowledge from history, it is far less profound than seeing it with one's own eyes or learning about it in the present moment.
Even in the chaotic streets of the capital, there are still homeless beggars; the situation is only worse elsewhere.
Prince An's eyes stung.
His little granddaughter is only 4 years old...
In just four short years, he has been living in the capital, yet he has already developed this awareness!
Then look at those Manchu bannermen who do nothing all day long, how could he not feel heartbroken!
Prince An was unable to utter a lie to deceive her when she gazed into his innocent yet expectant eyes.
“Yes, Zhuzhu… The Dzungars have been harassing the Qing Dynasty on the border for many years. They have lush pastures and strong warhorses. The Dzungar leaders are brave and resourceful, and their warriors are valiant and skilled in battle… Zhuzhu is already wearing cool clothes in the capital, right? The Dzungars still wear fleece-lined clothes! They are wary of our Qing Dynasty's territory and are eyeing us covetously, causing many children on the border to be displaced… Many people have lost their homes and are starving…” Prince An explained in great detail to Jingrou for some reason, even though he knew his granddaughter probably wouldn't understand.
But that's what he wanted to say.
Jingrou gripped her grandfather's sleeve; of course, she could understand what he was saying.
Prince An patted Jingrou's head. "Many people are the responsibility of your maternal grandfather, but not Zhuzhu's responsibility. As long as Zhuzhu grows up safely and healthily, that is your maternal grandfather's greatest wish." He murmured, almost inaudibly to Jingrou. The faint murderous aura and seriousness on his face when he met with Prince Yu just now vanished in an instant.
She suddenly felt a pang of self-reproach. Perhaps her grandfather was right; these things weren't her fault. But Jingrou felt she should do something.
In fact, she should have been aware of the state of the Qing Dynasty when she first awakened, but she deliberately ignored it.
Her mind still held images of skyscrapers, dazzling lights, and a prosperous nation; to her, the Qing Dynasty seemed backward no matter how you looked at it…
She never considered changing this backward situation because she always felt like an insignificant person, both in terms of age and mindset.
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