Chapter 197: 126 and Hairpin (First Watch of the Night)

The Prince of An received the invitation from the Marquis of Ding’an Residence that night.

Since the end of his tenure as a hostage prince in our former vassal state, Chen, the Prince of An had maintained a low profile upon his return to the Capital City, interacting with few people beyond his academic studies for the imperial examination.

People in the Capital City knew the nature of the Prince of An, and couldn’t be bothered to initiate bonds with him. As a result, he was rather taken aback when he looked at the invitation.

In order not to seem abrupt, this invitation was extended to both the Prince of An and Zhuang Mengdie.

Prince An was surprised, but less so when he saw Zhuang Mengdie’s name: “It seems Marquis Gu really does have a restless daughter.”

You didn’t need to think hard to guess that the mischievous Gu Jinyu was behind it.

However, the Prince of An didn’t anticipate that Gu Jinyu had misunderstood his words, leading her to harbor inappropriate thoughts about him. He only assumed she was trying to gain Zhuang Mengdie’s favor and use this as an excuse to invite him to the residence.

He let out a scoff, tossing the invitation onto the table.

Wuyang asked, “Prince, what is the Ding’an Marquis Residence thinking? Why would they send you and Miss Mengdie an invitation?”

The relationship between the two was quite complex. It was an accident that they stayed in the villa of Marquis Ding’an Residence last time. It was late, there were no inns nearby, and he was unable to see clearly at night. To avoid revealing his illness, he stayed at the villa.

However, the Ding’an Marquis Residence was supported by the Empress. Their relations with the Zhuang family were intimate. Weren’t they afraid this would raise the Emperor’s suspicions?

Prince An scoffed, “If anyone asks, it’s simply two young girls socializing, nothing to do with political alliances.”

Wuyang sneered disdainfully, “Let’s avoid these sorts of banquets at the residence! The old Marquis couldn’t even get close to our Zhuang family when he was in power, let alone now.”

Prince An spoke lightly, “Don’t look down on the Ding’an Marquis Residence. The old Marquis was a war hero. Suddenly, the Emperor took back his military power and ordered him to hand over his secretly trained dead squad. Disheartened, he left the Capital City and began a life of wandering. Do you think it really happened this way?”

“Wasn’t it?” asked Wuyang.

Prince An narrowed his eyes, “I have always suspected that the old Marquis’s apparent break with the Emperor was actually a ruse to leave the Capital City and secretly train an army for the Emperor. If the Marquis of Xuanping Residence represents the visible power the Emperor has, then the Ding’an Marquis Residence is the hidden sword lurking behind him.”

Wuyang expressed his doubts, “But Marquis Gu doesn’t look promising to me. How long can the old Marquis hold on by himself? Seems the Emperor may have backed the wrong horse.”

Prince An’s gaze was unfathomable, “Marquis Gu cannot, but Gu Changqing can.”

Wuyang, “This… ”

Prince An turned away from the topic, saying instead, “Isn’t Miss Gu’s birthday also on the same day?”

Wuyang naturally understood that the ‘Miss Gu’ his young master was referring to was not Gu Jinyu. He replied, “It should be, and also Little Master Gu.”

The Prince of An nodded, “Have you found out where they live in the Capital City?”

Wuyang replied, “Yes, it’s found out. Miss Gu’s husband had reported to Guozijian, and left an address.”

“But what?” asked the Prince of An.

Wuyang said, “The mansion is one that you had once fancied and had me try to purchase, but unfortunately, it was bought by someone else at ten times the price.”

The Prince of An had some recollection, “Are you talking about that mansion close to the Guozijian with two extremely large courtyards?”

“Yes!” Wuyang nodded!

The Prince of An was puzzled, “How did they manage to move into that mansion?”

Wuyang said, “I heard that Miss Gu’s husband rented it for thirty taels of silver a month.”

The Prince of An was further bewildered, “Only thirty taels?”

In fact, thirty taels were hardly a small sum, but knowing that the mansion was purchased at ten times the price, you’d feel it not worth mentioning.

All the mansions in that lane were close to the Guozijian, but only that mansion had the largest courtyard, which was suitable for a family with children. In this case, there happened to be a three-year-old little brother.

But how did they manage to rent it?

“Perhaps it was just good luck.” What Wuyang really wanted to say was, the person who bought the mansion must be an idiot for spending such a high price to acquire a school district house only to rent it out.

Prince An shook his head, “Never mind, we need not delve into this matter further. It is also fine for them to live there. Most people around are students from the Guozijian who would not recognize the Empress Dowager.”

“There’s one more thing,” Wuyang said.

“What’s up?” asked the Prince of An.