Chapter 22 - 10: The Blind-Eyed but Clear-Hearted Young Marquis
"Hmm, I must thank her properly in person tomorrow." The Commandery Princess of Yong’an also felt a deep gratitude in her heart. If anything happened to Anning, she wouldn’t want to live either.
"I guess that young lady must be descended from a sage." The Duke slightly frowned, speaking earnestly of his own speculation.
"Father, why do you think so?" Xiao Shengsheng was puzzled.
"Do you all remember the legends about the Diviner?" The Duke asked, and without waiting for everyone to answer, he continued, "The lineage of the Diviner is known for mastering arrays, military strategies, and being highly skilled in martial arts, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They are also quite accomplished in tea ceremonies. However, individuals of the Diviner lineage have a peculiarity. No matter when or where, they are always very concerned about their appearance, ensuring their clothing is luxurious and immaculate."
Upon hearing the Duke’s words, everyone’s mind conjured up the image of Tianmiao’s attire when they first saw her. At that time, Anning was in a messy state, covered in dirt. Yet, that Lady Tian was dressed in opulent clothing, spotless and immaculate. That luxurious attire hardly seemed suitable for an outing or training, did it?
Could it be true, that this was the style of the Diviner lineage?
"We’ll know if we ask tomorrow. I think Father’s guess is likely quite accurate, that Lady Tian should indeed be from the Diviner lineage," Xiao Shengsheng felt his father’s speculation was probably the truth.
"I never expected the lineage of the Diviner, after being in seclusion for so many years, would appear again today," The Commandery Princess of Yong’an sighed. "I’ve heard many rumors about the Diviner lineage. During times of chaos, successors of the Diviner always appear to assist the ruler of heavenly mandate in stabilizing the realm, unifying the territories, ending wars, and seeing it as their duty to save the people from misery. However, once peace is restored to the land, they quickly retreat into seclusion again, never accepting high office or wealth. They are truly people of noble character."
"But with the four seas in peace now, could the appearance of a Diviner heir signal something, or is it simply a matter of coming out for experience?" Xiao Shengsheng wondered.
"We’ll know if we ask tomorrow. Alright then, it’s late, everyone should go rest. Tomorrow I will personally interrogate that petty thief Tan Weizhi," the Duke waved his hand, ending the conversation.
Xiao Anning was quite astonished by what he heard. Could there really be such extraordinary figures as the Diviner lineage in the world?
Nevertheless, he always felt there was no connection between the Boss Tian and the Diviner. Of course, he wouldn’t dare say that out loud. Since his grandfather made such a guess, it was actually a good thing, sparing a lot of trouble.
...
Early the next morning, before Tianmiao even got up, guests arrived at the Dingguo Mansion.
It was the Prime Minister personally coming to apologize, bringing Ji Liruo along with him.
According to customs, it was inappropriate for engaged couples to meet before marriage, let alone for the woman to visit the man’s house. But this situation was special and the matter serious, so the Prime Minister couldn’t care about formalities. Compared to losing this marriage alliance, what were customs worth? No matter what, he had to obtain the Duke’s forgiveness. He knew well that only by blaming Ji Liruo entirely would the Duke soften. It must be said, it was no coincidence that Chancellor Ji had risen to his current position.
"Have them wait in the reception hall." The Duke’s expression wasn’t pleasant. He intended to see how Chancellor Ji intended to resolve this issue.
After the Duke finished his morning routine and breakfast, he went to the reception hall. Chancellor Ji and Ji Liruo had been waiting there for nearly an hour.
When the Duke stepped into the reception hall, before he could speak, Chancellor Ji hurriedly got up, walked up to the Duke, and without hesitation made a deep bow, repeatedly apologizing, "Please forgive me, my Lord, for such a thing to occur, I cannot escape the blame. I failed to guard against that treacherous little villain who nearly harmed the young Marquis’s life. This disaster was also brought about by my incompetent granddaughter."
"Oh?" The Duke did not help Chancellor Ji up, merely raised an eyebrow and gave a noncommittal response before seating himself at the principal position. His precious grandson was nearly killed; how could he be expected to wear a friendly face? Regardless of whether the Prime Minister was involved or not, his anger had been transferred, and what of it?