The Prime Minister's Darling

The little maid complained, “On such a hot day, the second young lady actually went into the kitchen to make ginseng soup for her mother and even burned her hand. What has that mistress done? As soon as she arrives, the mistress takes such a biased stand…”

“Enough, she is my sister who has suffered a lot. It’s only right that mother cherishes her.” After saying this, Gu Jinyu left with a despondent air.

For several consecutive days, nobody in the mansion brought up the matter about returning to the Capital City. The villa seemed to return to peaceful and auspicious days.

Only when a pair of horses and a carriage arrived at the villa, did they disturb the peace that had lasted for many days.

The lord of the Gu family, dressed in official attire, tidied up and personally awaited the other party’s arrival at the villa’s main entrance door.

A squad of dozens of guards stood in a row, from the leading carriage hauled by four horses, a young man in a white robe slowly descended.

The young man’s white robe was as pure as snow, and distinguished beyond comparison.

The lord of the Gu family flicked the wide sleeves of his official robe, stepped forward, and respectfully saluted: “I, greet the Prince of An Capital!”

The youth addressed as the Prince of An Capital lifted his hand slightly and said coldly yet courteously, “Marquess Ding An doesn’t need to be overly courteous, my sister and I are traveling across the land and this time we’re rushing back to Capital City for the provincial examinations. We happened to pass by and I apologize for our sudden visit, I hope Marquess Ding An wouldn’t mind.”

Lord Gu laughed, “Prince An is too respectful, it’s my honour that the Prince and your sister could visit my humble residence! As it’s hot, why don’t Prince An and Miss Zhuang come in and have a talk.”

Prince An nodded, slightly turning his head, he spoke to the carriage behind him, “Why aren’t you getting off the carriage yet?”

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a sprightly young girl poked her head out. She turned her eyes curiously as if she was a little intrigued, and then with the assistance of her servant, she hopped down.

She stood by Prince An’s side, “Brother! Is this the villa with the hot spring?”

“Greet Marquess Ding An,” Prince An told his sister.

The young girl pouted her lips, took a pose and saluted Lord Gu.

Lord Gu’s title was below Prince An’s, and although the young girl was his sister, she didn’t bear any rank, so according to the rules she indeed needed to salute Lord Gu.

However, setting aside the rules, the young girl held a precious identity, and although she saluted due to her brother’s authority, her attitude didn’t show much reverence.

Lord Gu laughed, took it lightly as if he didn’t see it, and led the siblings into the villa in a pleasant mood.

Once inside, the Yao Family and Gu Jinyu had inherited the news, as they were women, it wasn’t proper for them to greet the guests outside, so they waited respectfully for the arrival of Prince An in the Flower Hall of Tingtao Pavilion.

Madame Yao was detached from the Capital City many years ago and was not at all concerned about the changes within, she had never heard of this Prince An, and Gu Jinyu, therefore, took time to patiently narrate the legendary life of Prince An.

“He is the legitimate grandson of Grand Tutor Zhuang, and is only eighteen this year.”

“Was he made a prince at the age of eighteen?” Madame Yao was quite surprised, even the prince’s own children rarely were granted a title this early.

Gu Jinyu shook her head, “No, he was not granted the title of Prince at eighteen, he was granted this title when he was eight.”

But being granted a title was not his luck, on the contrary, it was his misfortune.

Ten years ago, Zhan Country and Chen Country had a war, Zhan Country lost, and Chen Country proposed to have Zhan Country’s crown prince as a hostage. The emperor couldn’t bear parting with his son, and court officials also unanimously opposed. At this time, Grand Tutor Zhuang stepped forward, and was willing to let his most outstanding legitimate grandson replace the prince and be a hostage in Chen Country.

If it were any other minister’s son or grandson, Chen Country probably wouldn’t agree. But the Zhuang family is the mother’s family of the empress dowager, Grand Tutor Zhuang is the emperor’s brother, and his grandson is also the nephew of Empress Dowager Zhuang.

Everyone knew that Empress Dowager Zhuang handled all the political affairs for many years, her influence was enormous, even more than the emperor. Thus, when her nephew was taken as a hostage, in fact, it wasn’t much different from giving up the crown prince.

Consequently, the emperor granted the title of Prince An to the son of Grand Tutor Zhuang and sent Prince An as a diplomatic hostage to Chen Country.

Only until about three years ago, the two countries went to war again. This time Chen Country lost, and Prince An was finally able to return to Zhan Country.

The Capital City had been spreading many stories about Prince An, all of which Gu Jinyu had only heard of, never having met the person herself.

Although she was curious internally, she still maintained a respectful demeanor, not showing the slightest overreach.

Only when Marquess Gu’s entourage finally arrived at the Flower Hall, Madame Yao and Gu Jinyu paid their respect to Prince An.

Madame Yao lowered her eyes from beginning to end, but Gu Jinyu being of a tender age could barely deter her curiosity and stole a glance in his direction.

Suddenly she was stunned.

How could such a handsome and noble man exist in this world?

Noble without arrogance, elegant and profound, his every move emanates grace, also retaining an ethereal aura.

“This is Mrs. Yao, and this is my youngest daughter,” Lord Gu introduced.

Prince An doffed his head slightly, “Mrs. Gu, Miss Gu.”

Miss Zhuang walked up, “So you’re Gu Jinyu? I know you!”

Gu Jinyu was slightly startled.

Both Madame Yao and Lord Gu looked at Miss Zhuang in astonishment.

Miss Zhuang raised her eyebrows, “My fourth uncle praised your calligraphy, as among the same aged peers, you write the best!”

The fourth uncle Miss Zhuang was referring to was Zhuang Xianzhi, the governor of Pingcheng Prefecture.

Miss Zhuang smirked coldly, “Heh, bring the pens! I want to challenge you!”