During the Thousand Elders Banquet, all officials and generals stationed outside the capital were granted permission to enter. Upon learning this, Lady Nian sent people daily to inquire about Nian Gengyao's return date. On this particular day, Lady Nian, oblivious to the bustling streets outside her residence, lay alone on a soft couch, lost in thought.
At this moment, Nian Gengyao had already arrived outside the house. Cuiling saw him and was overjoyed, wanting to go forward to report. However, Nian Gengyao stopped her, and Cuiling had no choice but to bow her head and step aside.
Nian Gengyao stepped into the Nian family's room without making a sound.
Lady Nian, however, mistook it for Cui Ling and asked listlessly without even looking at her, "What time is it? Has Fourth Master returned yet? Well, even if he does, he'll be going to Niohuru's place!" She sighed and lazily reached for her teacup.
Nian Gengyao surveyed the Nian family's house. Aside from the ubiquitous huanghuali wood furniture and the priceless ornaments displayed in the curio cabinet, even the vases and teapots on the tea table were extraordinary. Through the gold-threaded, red-lacquered, beaded curtain, he could see a long sandalwood table in the main room, topped with a three-legged incense burner emitting sweet, cloying white smoke, a stark contrast to the luxurious decorations, leaving one in awe.
Fourth Master Nian had likely bestowed all the best things upon Lady Nian, showering her with fine clothes, sumptuous food, gold, and jewels. Yet, seeing his sister like a caged canary, her face filled with dejection and loneliness, a far cry from the once arrogant and domineering young lady, Nian Gengyao felt a surge of pity and anger…
"Sister, how have you been?" Nian Gengyao's voice broke the silence, startling Nian Shi into turning her head abruptly and sitting up, her eyes brimming with tears. Suddenly realizing something was amiss, she turned her head away to wipe her tears, replying with a smile, "Brother, why didn't you let anyone know you were coming? I could have prepared myself. Was the journey smooth? Are you tired? Quick... Cuiling, what are you waiting for? Go get the tea leaves that Fourth Master gave you the other day and brew a pot of good tea for brother..."
Overjoyed, Lady Nian chattered incessantly, inviting Nian Gengyao to sit down while ordering tea for Cuiling, her words tumbling out in a jumbled mess of excitement…
Despite his distress, Nian Gengyao smiled and said, "Don't bother. The Prince invited me to dinner today, and I made a special trip to see you... We siblings haven't seen each other for many days, so please sit down and chat with your brother!"
When Lady Nian heard that Nian Gengyao had been invited by the Fourth Prince, she was delighted and sat down happily, asking, "Really? The Prince invited you to the manor as soon as you returned. It seems that you still hold a place in the Prince's heart."
Seeing that Lady Nian was growing increasingly thin, Nian Gengyao couldn't help but ask, "Are you doing well here? How is the Prince treating you? The matter of Hongsheng is over, don't be sad about it, look forward..."
Upon hearing the name Hongsheng, Nian felt a pang of sadness and lowered her head, whispering, "How could I forget? The cause of Hongsheng's death remains unknown, and I don't even know who the murderer is, let alone avenge him..."
Nian Gengyao's face stiffened, and he asked, "Didn't Your Highness promise me that you and Hongsheng would get an explanation? Why haven't you found out yet?"
Nian Gengyao was about to stand up when his wife, fearing he would lose his temper, quickly pulled him back, saying with a smile, "Brother, don't worry, the Prince promised his sister he would find out."
Seeing this, Nian Gengyao had no choice but to sit down, sighed deeply, and said, "Your Highness has a bright future, so you should be more mindful. Nowadays, the Third Prince has no interest in politics, and the Eighth and Ninth Princes are not as powerful as Your Highness in court. The Fourteenth Prince is far away in Duolunku, and the Fourth Prince is becoming more and more capable in front of the Emperor. Look at this banquet for the Thousand Elders, even the Emperor praised him repeatedly. The future position is truly uncertain..."
Nian Gengyao analyzed the situation for Nian Shi, looking at her with affection: "I will wholeheartedly assist the Prince, and you must win his heart and raise Hongfu well. If Hongfu can win the Fourth Prince's favor, he will be your support in the future!"
Hearing Nian Gengyao's words, Lady Nian made up her mind and nodded in agreement: "Brother is right... Shilan will remember this, and hopes that brother will give the Prince much help..."
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