There was an old senior servant standing behind Old Duke Zheng who served Old Duchess Zheng. She also had the wisdom and sharp eyesight that came with age.
Heir Zheng had recently started to come to Old Duke Zheng's courtyard for breakfast more often.
In the past few days, this maidservant that Honoured Lady Jinyi had left behind had always quietly retreated back into the outer chamber of the parlour after bringing the food in. She would wait for Old Duke Zheng's summons before coming back in.
However, ever since Heir Zheng had started coming over for breakfast, this maidservant began to stay by the table instead of leaving after laying out the dishes.
Once the heir entered the room, her eyes would be stuck onto him, as if no one else existed.
Her desires were so obvious that the old senior servant felt the urge to snort.
The old senior servant had also tried placing her own subordinates by Mingyan's side to learn from her cooking these past few days, thinking that Mingyan wouldn't notice. However, Mingyan was still rather careful. When cooking, she actually sent everyone else out of the kitchen and even locked the door. She would rather cook everything herself and guard every single secret recipe than to let others steal her secrets.
When Old Duke Zheng finished listening to Mingyan's explanations, he waved her away. "You're dismissed."
"Ah?" Mingyan was caught off guard by the sudden change. In a dazed manner, she said, "How about letting this servant serve Your Grace at the table? In the Jing'an Estate, Honoured Lady likes this servant's service the most."
The old senior servant sneered. So she finally remembered Honoured Lady Jinyi. Why hadn't she mentioned Honoured Lady Jinyi at all when she was explaining those dishes?
Old Duke Zheng suddenly looked at Mingyan with a frown. His eagle eyes carried an edge that stripped away all pretenses from their target.
Mingyan couldn't hold back the urge to tremble with fear and quickly retreated with her head down.
Old Duke Zheng cast a glance at Mingyan's back. What was that young lady thinking, sending her least loyal maidservant to him? Hmph, was she treating him like a test? Was that young lady satisfied with this result?
When Old Duke Zheng thought back to those words that Chu Lian had spoken to lure him out of his coma, his interest in her grew more and more. It seemed like he really did had to go and see for himself what skills that young lady had in store.
By the time both grandfather and grandson had finished their meal and allowed the servants to clear the table, the younger Duke Zheng had arrived.
When Duke Zheng saw that his son was at his father's place again, his brows furrowed together. "What time is it already? Why aren't you going over to the Imperial College yet? Your grandfather has just recovered. In the future, you're not allowed to come over in the morning and disturb your grandfather!"
Heir Zheng pouted and ran off in the blink of an eye.
House Zheng had been succeeded by only sons for three generations. Their family rules were actually very strict. Although Heir Zheng was pampered by his family, Duke Zheng was a strict parent. Case in point, Heir Zheng was already seventeen this year, but the servants in his courtyard were all male. He didn't have a single maidservant for his nightly needs, and was a genuine virgin.
Duke Zheng had already noticed that the maidservant Honoured Lady Jinyi had left behind to cook Old Duke Zheng’s meals had impure motives, so how could he possibly give her a chance to get close to his son?
Old Duke Zheng glanced at his son and pointed at the seat next to him.
"You've come. Sit down, how's that matter I entrusted to you?"
Duke Zheng took up a teacup and sipped some tea. Then, he nodded once and said, "I've already completed the tasks you've entrusted to me."
Old Duke Zheng leaned against the back of his chair and played with a pair of walnuts in his hands. He closed his eyes, appearing quite fatigued.
Duke Zheng paused for a moment before saying, "Father, why did you suddenly think of the He Family's third son? Even if Mother and Matriarch He are old friends, our houses have always maintained a distance. If Father wants to repay Honoured Lady Jinyi's favour, then there are still plenty of other opportunities to do so."
Old Duke Zheng shook his head. "It's a simple thing that doesn't require any effort from me. Just let that girl reap some benefit from this. Don't worry, Father won't interfere in any more of House Jing'an's matters."
After hearing such a promise from his father, Duke Zheng finally relaxed. Although his father had a distinguished reputation, he had already retired from the court. If he continued interfering in political matters, it would definitely draw protests from others.
It was nightfall at the northern border of Liangzhou. The setting sun dyed the brown grasses of the plains golden. Although it was a bitterly poor place, the breathtaking scenery still brought joy to the residents' hearts.
Not far off, this golden sunlight fell upon two men, drawing out long shadows on the dried grassy plains.
A cold wind blew past, lifting up the ends of their robes. Seen from afar, it seemed as if they were standing on the edge of the horizon, taking step after step towards the fading light of hope.
Laiyue rushed forward to catch up to his master. He hadn't followed He Changdi when he had gone to join the northern border troops; instead, he stayed behind in the city of Liangzhou to help his master handle other affairs.
It was a rest day for the whole camp today, so Laiyue brought some necessities for his master over to the entrance of the camp.
It was only when he reached the camp that he discovered that his master had been promoted.
He had gone from a lieutenant leading a hundred men to a captain leading five hundred men.
Although it was only an additional four hundred men under his command, it was still a huge transformation.
A lieutenant could be called an officer, but could also be considered a slightly more elite soldier, as they only commanded a mere hundred men. However, captains were different. They carried a rank with them.
Of course, He Changdi's position of commanding five hundred infantry couldn't be compared to Captain Guo's position as a commander of cavalry. However, he was still considered a mid-ranked officer now, with an official sixth-ranked title.
In peacetime, it would normally be hard for soldiers to get promoted to a higher rank. What’s more, it was under the command of the strict general of the northern border, Duke Lu. Luck like this was extremely hard to come by.
Laiyue was immersed in joy. His master's efforts hadn't been wasted, and he could finally hold up House Jing'an's name as a military official family.
If he reported this matter in his letters to home, Matriarch He would probably be overcome with joy!
If Third Young Master got promoted again, Third Young Madam might even be able to become a titled noble wife!
With these thoughts, the corners of Laiyue's mouth unconsciously curled into a smile. However, when he saw that his master's expression was as cold as usual, he was a little confused.
Laiyue came over to his master's side. "Third Young Master, where are we going? It's a rare break for you; aren't we going back to our courtyard in the city for a good rest?"
He Changdi looked up at the old tent fluttering in the wind up ahead. He didn't reply Laiyue, but asked instead, "Have you received any letters from the capital?"
Laiyue had been serving He Changdi for years. He understood that his master didn't want to answer his question, so he dropped the issue. "Judging by the time that has passed, we should be receiving letters from the capital in the next two days."
He Changdi nodded and sunk back into his silence.
As they continued on their way, he didn't say anything more. Laiyue's thoughts were a jumbled mess as they tumbled around in his mind. What was wrong with his master? Hadn't he gotten promoted? Why was his expression still so dark, as if everyone owed him a few thousand taels?