Chapter 21 The Sound of the Piano
Zhu Yuhuan went to the Duke of Ying's house in order to visit more places without arousing suspicion. However, Concubine Zhang Jing seemed a little embarrassed to trouble Zhu Yuhuan to make such a trip, and gave her some money. Although she was only a few years older than Zhu Zhanji, she was already his elder, so Zhu Yuhuan had no reason to refuse.
Concubine Zhang Jing specifically asked her to tell Zhang Fu to take care of his health and not to work too hard on his studies. She also said that his mother should consult more famous doctors and take care of her health. Her worried look was enough to show that she had a good relationship with her parents.
When Zhu Di decided to send troops to Alutai, Zhang Fu was also present. Zhu Yuhuan met him from afar. Unfortunately, she was not very familiar with this battle-hardened general. They had only met a few times from afar. Even though she had a good memory, she did not have a deep impression of him.
After leaving the palace, Zhu Yuhuan went straight to the residence of the Duke of Yingguo. The Duke of Yingguo's wife, Li, had already received the news from Concubine Jing and had been waiting at the door early in the morning, which surprised Zhu Yuhuan.
Although she was a princess, the Duchess of Yingguo was the wife of a meritorious official during the Yongle period and was also an elder, so there was no need to greet her at the door in person.
Seeing that Zhu Yuhuan jumped down from the carriage without help from others, the Lady of the Duke of England was startled. The eunuchs serving beside her were neither humble nor arrogant, and it was obvious that they were already accustomed to Zhu Yuhuan's behavior.
The Lady of the Duke of Ying couldn't help but sigh inwardly. As a lady from outside the imperial court, she had been in the palace to pay homage to the empress for some years. She had never seen a princess as natural and at ease as Princess Shunde. No wonder Emperor Taizong doted on her. She must have thought that when the old man was still alive, this princess had been filial to him and entertained him.
Being so smart, clever, and graceful, it's no wonder that she was blessed with the favor of three generations of emperors.
After getting out of the car, Zhu Yuhuan slowly walked up to the Duke of Yingguo's wife and said with a smile, "Madam, you are my elder, why are you waiting for me in front of the mansion?"
If it were an ordinary person, there would be no reason to let the Duchess wait at the door, but Zhu Yuhuan was different.
She enjoys privileges that ordinary princesses do not have, and is taught by famous teachers. She is highly valued by His Majesty. Although women cannot inherit the throne, they cannot be looked down upon.
Li said gently, "The princess is the sovereign, and I am the subject. Moreover, it is the Empress Dowager who has bestowed her grace upon me, and the Concubine Jing has arranged everything for me. Naturally, I should take the initiative to come and greet her."
The servants in the mansion led the way in front. Zhu Yuhuan casually looked around the Duke of Yingguo's mansion. It was indeed his great-grandfather's capable mansion. The decoration inside the mansion was low-key yet luxurious. He knew at a glance that the Duke of Yingguo was a highly appreciated important official with a rich family background.
As she walked around the screen wall, Zhu Yuhuan faintly heard the sound of a zither. Curious, she leaned forward to look and saw someone playing the zither in a hall not far away. From a distance, it looked like a boy of about eleven or twelve years old. She asked, "Who is this..."
Li explained, "He is my youngest son, named Zhong. He is the one who plays the zither beside the master when he is reading."
Zhu Yuhuan was somewhat surprised and praised him, "It is often said that the Duke of Ying is brave and good at fighting, but when it comes to elegance, the Duke of Ying is no less impressive."
Li sighed softly, forced a smile, and said, "It's a pity that he has a leg disease and can't practice riding and shooting like his father and serve the country loyally. He can only stay at home."
Seeing her forced smile, Zhu Yuhuan could actually guess that shouldering the future of such a large family must be a difficult task. She consoled him, "British Justice is now being valued by Daddy."
Li thought that when the previous emperor came to the throne, he had already intended to cease fighting. Who could know what the situation would be like when the new emperor ascended the throne?
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