Zhizhu looked at Cui Yan, who came out of the house looking lost and dejected, shook her head, and sincerely advised her: "Why bother? The master loves his wife the most and never pays attention to other women. Serving his wife well is the right thing to do."
Cui Yan snapped out of her daze, met Zhi Zhu's clear and understanding eyes, felt a moment of nervousness, and forced a smile: "What are you saying, sister?"
Seeing that she still wouldn't admit it, Zhizhu couldn't bear to see her fall head over heels in love with it, so she pulled her aside and gently advised her, "Do you think Madam doesn't know your thoughts? Madam has known for a long time, but why does Madam still keep you by her side?"
Cui Yan's lips trembled, unable to speak, her eyes filled with confusion.
Zhizhu shook her head, sighed, and looked at her with pity: "Back in the capital, there were plenty of people with similar thoughts to you, but none of them succeeded. Do you think you can get what you want? I'm just saying this for your own good, because some things are not for you to covet."
"You're young and don't understand the complexities of the situation. I have several concubines in my mansion in the capital, all of whom have been with me for many years, but none of them have truly won my heart. It's not that they haven't tried to win, but it's all in vain. They'd rather just live their lives peacefully. Some of them, unwilling to accept their fate, tried to scheme against me, but in the end, they were all dealt with by me. Now, their lives are worse than those of a mere servant."
Seeing her pale face and disbelief, Zhizhu continued, "Whether you believe it or not, I've said everything I need to say. The Fujin (Madam) is kind and doesn't want to make things difficult for you, which is why she lets you serve her. She just wants to give you a chance. But I'm not that easygoing. I can't bear to make the Madam unhappy. If you do anything that goes beyond your bounds and makes the Madam angry, don't blame me for not warning you."
After saying that, Zhizhu ignored her.
She's said what she needed to say, and that's more than enough. Now it's up to her.
He Yue was surprised that Thirteen would be so angry, but she felt no sympathy for Cui Yan whatsoever.
A person should have self-awareness, but Cui Yan not only had ulterior motives, but also lacked tact, trying to seduce Thirteen right in front of her, which was indeed going too far.
Without anyone to disturb them, Thirteen was free of his worries and his smiling face returned. He immediately hugged Heyue and said, "It's getting late, let's rest."
This thirteenth year, he became increasingly impatient.
Heyue rolled her eyes, then couldn't help but remind him, "We're going to see your aunt and uncle tomorrow, so don't go too far!"
Thirteen chuckled: "Don't worry, I know my limits."
The next day, they got up at dawn, and after getting ready, it was already dusk. Heyue and Shisan left the inn.
The steward of the Isanga manor had come to greet them personally. Upon seeing them, he hurriedly bowed and said, "Master instructed me to come and escort you two into the manor."
Heyue nodded, her uncle was indeed very thoughtful.
"Thank you very much." He Yue smiled and thanked them, then got into the carriage with Thirteen and headed to Isanga's residence.
Upon arrival at their destination, Thirteen personally helped Heyue down from the carriage.
As soon as they stood on the ground, they were startled to see a large crowd standing at the entrance.
The two people in front were Yisang'a and Wuyunzhu, whom they hadn't seen for a long time. Upon seeing Heyue and Shisan, they hurriedly stepped forward and greeted him with warm smiles and clasped their hands: "Yisang'a greets Master Jin and Madam Jin."
Wu Yunzhu also bowed slightly.
Now that they were commoners, they naturally couldn't be careless when they saw the prince, so they brought their whole family to greet him.
Of course, with so many people in front of them, the palace etiquette couldn't be used.
Heyue and Shisan stepped forward and performed the junior's greeting: "Greetings, Uncle and Aunt. How are you, Uncle and Aunt?"
Despite the years that had passed, Wu Yunzhu's appearance hadn't changed much. She stepped forward, took Heyue's hand, and said with a smile, "We're all doing well. You silly child, you didn't even tell us you were coming. You stayed at the inn so late last night. You're treating us like outsiders."
"Aunt, you've misunderstood. We just arrived yesterday, so we're bound to be travel-worn. Please don't laugh at us if you see us like this," Heyue explained with a smile.
With a stiff face, Ethan said, "Mr. and Mrs. Jin must be tired. Please come in and have some tea."
He Yue Shisan nodded and entered the second gate with Mr. and Mrs. Yisan, heading to the main hall in the backyard where guests were received.
Isanga dismissed all the servants, and when only Heyue and his wife and Isanga and his wife remained in the main hall, Isanga hurriedly yawned, knelt down, and bowed: "Isanga greets the Thirteenth Prince and the Thirteenth Princess."
Wuyunzhu also squatted down and bowed: "This humble woman greets the Thirteenth Prince and the Thirteenth Princess."
Thirteen quickly went to help Isanga up: "Uncle, what are you doing? I am no longer a prince, there is no need for such a grand ceremony."
Heyue also took Wuyunzhu's arm and gently advised, "Yes, Uncle, Aunt, this is not the capital. We are commoners now. Commoners meeting commoners, why do we need such a big ceremony? We are just visiting relatives, so let's not be so formal."
Isanga and Uyunzhu stood up as instructed, their expressions still unnatural: "Logically, we should be the ones visiting you, but we have troubled you to come in person. Isanga is humbled."
"Alright, alright, there's no need for so much formality when relatives meet. Uncle, you're making us feel too awkward. Ever since we came to the South, Heyue has been thinking of you all. We were just worried that you might be going there, so we rushed over to visit you. Let's skip this formality," Thirteen said with a smile.
Isan said no more, ordered tea to be served, and invited the harmonious couple to sit down.
Judging from the rosy complexions and cheerful demeanor of my uncle and aunt, I knew they were doing very well here.
Indeed, free from the tedious formalities of the palace and the intrigues of officialdom, Jiangnan, with its outstanding people and beautiful scenery, is truly a good place to relax and enjoy one's later years.
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