Chapter 689: Chapter 620, Shameless_1 Chapter 689: Chapter 620, Shameless_1 Upon returning to the Yan Residence, Daohua first visited Old Madam Yan and left some lychees for her, instructing Wang Manman to deliver the rest to the main courtyard for Madam Li to distribute to others. Afterwards, she returned to her own courtyard and planted the Jingmiao Grass Seeds in her space.

“Bi Shi, fetch me a porcelain basin. Also, tell Guyu to clear out a room.”

The growing environment for Jingmiao Grass was harsh, and she couldn’t just do nothing and then, without any reason, produce fully grown Jingmiao Grass. She had to at least put on the appearance of making an effort.

After the room was prepared, Daohua had Yan Shouhou collect soil from the mountains, forests, and some fertile lands. She took out some of the soil from her space, mixed the various soils together, and filled the porcelain basin with the mixture.

She then placed ice blocks in the room to adjust the indoor temperature.

All this kept her busy for several days.

However, Daohua was quite satisfied. With this foundation laid, should anyone ask how she managed to grow Jingmiao Grass, she would have an explanation.

Considering the rarity and preciousness of Jingmiao Grass, Daohua even mockingly used a notebook to record how many times she watered each day, the amount of ice used, and the time spent sunbathing and ventilating.

…

Since Madam Guo and her daughter had arrived, Governor Guo had been visiting the Ningmen Prefecture more often. In mid-July, Xiao Yeyang learned that Governor Guo was at the Prefecture, and recalling that he hadn’t yet paid a visit since Madam Guo arrived, he brought a basket of lychees and went to see her.

When Madam Guo saw the abundance of lychees Xiao Yeyang had brought, her smile brightened considerably. She and her daughter loved lychees, which they had difficulty obtaining when they were in Beijing.

“Xueming, quickly serve your Brother Yeyang tea,” Madam Guo prompted her daughter to take initiative, then, smiling at Xiao Yeyang, she said, “It’s been a few years, and Yeyang has become even more promising. You managed to get your hands on so much of this rare fruit.”

Xiao Yeyang smiled lightly, “It’s nothing really, just had some transported back when sending glassware to the south.”

Madam Guo laughed, “You’re already managing a Glass Factory at such a young age, which is quite impressive. Unlike your two cousins, who still have no proper duty to speak of.”

Upon hearing this, Governor Guo next to her was displeased, “How can you say Jinghua and Jingyi have no proper duty? Aren’t they doing well in their roles at the Capital Battalion Command?”

Madam Guo snorted, “What kind of proper duty is that? One is only Sixth-rank and the other, Seventh-rank. I’m embarrassed even to mention it.”

Governor Guo fell silent for a moment, “The Capital Battalion Command is responsible for the security of the Capital, carrying great responsibility. How can you measure that solely on their ranks?”

Xiao Yeyang glanced at Madam Guo and Governor Guo and understood in his heart. The prestige of the Duke Residence in the military was too high, and the royal uncle would not allow the Guo family members to occupy high positions indefinitely.

The Guo family should start to take a step back with this generation, such as his cousins whose official positions would likely not exceed Third-rank in the future.

Guo Xueming saw Xiao Yeyang fiddling with the teacup and asked with a smile, “Brother Yeyang, what do you usually keep yourself busy with?”

Xiao Yeyang replied casually, “Nothing much, just running around here and there.”

Madam Guo glanced at her daughter and took over the conversation, “Since you’re not very busy, you should visit us more often. It’s been quite some years since you left Beijing, and Xueming knows many local delicacies from the Capital. I’ll have her cook some for you.” As she spoke, she quickly glanced at Governor Guo, signaling him to join in.

Governor Guo, receiving the hint, hastily smiled and said, “Yes, you should come visit more often.”

Xiao Yeyang stood up to take his leave, “Although it’s just some miscellaneous affairs, I cannot be absent from them. I hope uncle and aunty will understand.”

Seeing Xiao Yeyang’s refusal, Madam Guo’s smile stiffened somewhat, and Guo Xueming also looked somewhat disappointed.

Governor Guo wasn’t bothered, for he knew his nephew’s duties involved more than just managing a Glass Factory; he immediately laughed and said, “Important matters come first, but you should still find some time to visit your aunty and cousin.”

Xiao Yeyang merely nodded indifferently, without verbally committing.

Afterwards, the four of them chatted about other matters.

During the conversation, Madam Guo found an excuse to take Governor Guo away, leaving only Xiao Yeyang and Guo Xueming in the living room.

Guo Xueming thought of the news she had gotten not long ago and asked, “Brother Yeyang, the Ma Family’s son is getting married next month, do you know about this?”

Xiao Yeyang’s brow furrowed slightly, and he responded with a casual ‘oh’.

Guo Xueming fell silent for a moment, then tentatively said, “Brother Yeyang, I know you are angry with the Ma Family and Xiao Yechen, but I think you should write a letter to offer your congratulations.”

Xiao Yeyang’s expression instantly darkened, and his voice took on a cold tone as he scoffed, “You want me to send congratulations to Xiao Yechen?”

Seeing Xiao Yeyang’s face change, Guo Xueming was taken aback, but quickly composed herself, “It’s not about congratulating Xiao Yechen, I just think you should go through the motions to show the Prince and the public, so no one can pick on you for not understanding propriety.”

By all accounts, Brother Yeyang should return to Beijing for his elder brother’s wedding, but that could be difficult.

As Xiao Yeyang’s expression grew increasingly unpleasant, Guo Xueming still felt that she was speaking for his own good–after all, frank advice often grates on the ears–and continued:
“Brother Yeyang, you might not like what I have to say, but I truly have your best interests at heart. You’ve distanced yourself from Beijing and have a strained relationship with the Prince. If you don’t make contact, how can you and your father ever reconcile?”

“This wedding of Xiao Yechen is a great opportunity. If you send a congratulatory letter and ask after the Prince in the process, I’m sure he will be very pleased. It will also show your graciousness to the other families in the capital. When you later return, the Prince might not be so biased towards Xiao Yechen in inheriting the position at the Prince Residence.”

The more Xiao Yeyang listened, the angrier he became, and no longer caring for Guo Xueming’s face, he abruptly stood up, jeering, “It seems my cousin is quite fond of meddling in the affairs of others. But how I choose to interact with my father and the Ma mother and son is not for you to worry about.”

With that, he paid no heed to Guo Xueming, who was standing there dumbstruck, and turned to leave the living room.

Upon hearing from the servant that Xiao Yeyang and Guo Xueming had some kind of quarrel over an unknown issue, Madam Guo and the Governor hurried over, just in time to see Xiao Yeyang striding away.

“Yeyang, I had the servants prepare lunch. This noon, let’s you and I have a good drink,” Governor Guo called out to Xiao Yeyang.

Xiao Yeyang turned, bowing slightly, “Uncle, I have other matters to attend to, maybe next time. Next time I’ll bring drinks and food to the barracks to find you.”

Seeing that Xiao Yeyang was set on leaving, Governor Guo did not press him to stay but said, “Your cousin sister has been spoiled by her two elder brothers. If she offended you in any way, for my sake, don’t take it to heart.”

Xiao Yeyang’s expression softened a bit, “You exaggerate, Uncle. I’ll be taking my leave now.”

After Xiao Yeyang departed, Governor Guo turned and entered the living room, only to see his daughter looking down, fidgeting with her handkerchief and blushing with embarrassment. He asked in confusion, “You’ve always been sensible, child. What did you say to Yeyang just now? I did notice he looked rather upset.”

With her head lowered, Guo Xueming remained silent for a long while before saying, “I didn’t really say anything, just mentioned Xiao Yechen’s marriage and suggested he write a letter of congratulations while also greeting the Prince.”

Upon hearing this, Governor Guo slapped his thigh, “That explains why Yeyang looked so upset.” Then, looking at Guo Xueming, he said, “Child, why bring this topic up with him? Don’t you know how much Yeyang detests the Ma mother and son? Asking him to congratulate Xiao Yechen is like thrusting a knife into his heart.”

Madam Guo was unhappy, “Daughter is just looking out for Yeyang. Are we to let him remain estranged from the Prince forever? Nowadays, the Prince has two legitimate sons. If Yeyang doesn’t bow his head first, he might find himself with no share in the Prince Residence’s titles later on.”

Governor Guo let out a sigh, “The grudge Yeyang holds against the Prince… it’s not something that can just be resolved with words.”

Madam Guo huffed, “Even so, Yeyang shouldn’t have humiliated Xueming like that. He really has no grace. And to think, I previously thought highly of him.”

Governor Guo looked at his daughter, “You were a bit rash today.”

Guo Xueming looked at Governor Guo in surprise.

He explained, “Even though you and Yeyang are cousins, there’s not much affection between you two. Yeyang has always had a defiant nature, and when you started off advising him, of course he wouldn’t show you a happy face.”

Guo Xueming hung her head low, “It’s my fault.”

Seeing his daughter accept her mistake, Governor Guo nodded in approval.

Madam Guo remarked, “In my opinion, it’s because Yeyang hasn’t had an elder to discipline him over these years that he has developed this temper, reacting so fiercely to advice. Being so unrestrained, what will become of him once he returns to the Capital?”