Chapter 79: The Prince of Zhen Nan’s Manor!
Although Mu Wanqing was usually cold and aloof toward outsiders, with Zhong Ling she revealed gentleness. She nodded softly in response.
Under Zhong Ling’s reluctant gaze, Fang Han, Cheng Lingsu, and Mu Wanqing gradually departed.
“Mother, can I really not go with Big Brother and them?” Zhong Ling asked pitifully.
Gan Baobao’s expression grew a little complicated, forcing a smile as she replied:
“Your father isn’t here. If you also leave, then I’ll be left alone in the valley. Could you really bear to let your mother be so lonely and desolate?”
What she said was not false. But she also had another hidden worry.
She was truly afraid that if her daughter spent too much time with that Master Fang, she might really fall for him.
That would be… troublesome!
The muddy road she herself once walked, she did not wish her daughter to tread again.
Though it seemed now that Wanqing was accepted, life was long. Who could say what might happen in the future?
If someday conflict arose, then… It was hard to say.
That Master Fang and Miss Cheng had such a deep and steadfast bond as husband and wife. If any grievances were to arise, it would only be Wanqing who suffered.
And if her Ling’er also…
In short, because of many considerations, Gan Baobao could not agree to Zhong Ling’s request to go along.
Seeing that her daughter, who had just been so cheerful and playful, now turned sullen and pouted unhappily, Gan Baobao let out another sigh in her heart.
Forget it.
Let’s wait and see.
Perhaps Ling’er only saw Master Fang as a good friend. After not seeing him for a while, those feelings would probably fade away.
If it turned out she truly was smitten and her heart belonged to him… then there was nothing Gan Baobao could do.
The main problem was that such matters were hard for Gan Baobao to ask about directly.
She herself had once been a young maiden and knew well: sometimes if you don’t probe, the girl may not even realize her own heart. But once it is spoken aloud, strong emotions are inevitably stirred—sometimes even where there was none before, mentioning it suddenly causes her to notice…
Such things happen often.
Zhong Ling stayed quiet for a while. Until Fang Han and the others could no longer be seen, she asked again:
“Mother, where has Father gone? It’s been half a month since I’ve seen him.”
Hearing this, Gan Baobao frowned in thought, finding it strange.
Her husband, unless something important detained him, was usually in the valley.
What matter could keep him away for half a month?
Now she didn’t know where he had gone. Surely nothing had happened to him?
That day was so chaotic, perhaps…
Thinking of this, Gan Baobao felt both uneasy and troubled.
Zhong Ling, seeing her mother not answering, pouted and gazed longingly in the direction Fang Han had departed.
🍃
Five days later, in Dali City.
Entering through the city gates, the three—Fang Han, Cheng Lingsu, and Mu Wanqing—wandered for a while, enjoying the sights of Dali.
As the sky grew late, they prepared to find an inn for the night.
Walking down the street, Fang Han suddenly halted, his expression calm as he said:
“Sir, you’ve been following us. Do you have some matters to discuss?”
Hearing this, Cheng Lingsu and Mu Wanqing both frowned slightly, looking over.
They saw a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar step forward. Approaching Fang Han, he cupped his hands respectfully:
“Forgive my boldness. I am Zhu Danchen, a man of the Prince of Zhen Nan’s Manor. May I ask—are you Fang Han, Master Fang?”
Fang Han looked at him with some surprise, thinking aloud:
“The Prince of Zhen Nan’s four retainers of fishing, woodcutting, farming, and reading? You recognize me?”
Back then he had only met Duan Zhengchun, not the four retainers.
Since they had never met, how did this man know him?
Zhu Danchen’s expression was solemn, his tone respectful:
“I was fortunate to hear the Prince mention you. Today, by chance, I saw you, though I was not certain.”
In truth, Fang Han’s group naturally drew attention—two astonishingly beautiful women traveling with him. Zhu Danchen had happened to pass by, and though first struck by their beauty, Fang Han’s appearance suddenly reminded him of what the Prince had said half a month ago.
Prince Duan Zhengchun was himself a learned man and had described Fang Han’s appearance with great precision. Zhu Danchen, upon comparing, found the resemblance uncanny. But not daring to be sure, he followed discreetly to observe further.
Yet after only a short distance, Fang Han had already noticed.
Perhaps… he had noticed from the start?
Zhu Danchen’s heart gave a shiver of awe. The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that this was indeed the man the Prince had spoken of. After all, the Prince had said Fang Han’s martial arts were of extraordinary caliber, and this matched perfectly.
Fang Han’s thoughts shifted, and he nodded slightly:
“I am indeed Fang Han. And so… what business do you have with me?”
Zhu Danchen was overjoyed, bowing deeply:
“The Prince of Zhen Nan’s Manor is deeply indebted to you! For saving Young Master Yu, the entire household is grateful beyond words! The Prince holds you in the highest regard! I am bold enough to ask—would Master Fang do us the honor of visiting the Manor?”
Fang Han’s eyes narrowed slightly, his mind turning: Perhaps… this is an opportunity…
But he showed nothing on his face, replying with calm hesitation:
“To go there suddenly, I fear it may not be proper.”
Zhu Danchen quickly said:
“It is we who are rude in inviting you without warning. If Master Fang would not disdain us, please do not decline.”
Fang Han chuckled inwardly. This retainer of Duan Zhengchun truly knew how to speak.
If it had been that “Nonono” fellow from the Southern Murong family, he would probably have ruined even a good thing.
Since Fang Han had his own designs, he naturally would not refuse. He nodded lightly:
“In that case, it would be discourteous to decline. Please, Brother Zhu, lead the way.”
Zhu Danchen was delighted, quickly leading the way.
The group arrived before a solemn, imposing residence, with the plaque reading: “Prince of Zhen Nan’s Manor.”
On one side was inscribed [Prince of Zhen Nan of Dali], on the other [General Who Defends the Nation].
As one of the Prince’s four chief retainers, Zhu Danchen had high standing. He led them straight to the main hall, offered tea, and said respectfully:
“Please, Master Fang, enjoy some tea while I go fetch the Prince.”
Seeing Fang Han nod, Zhu Danchen bowed again and withdrew.
🍃🍃🍃