Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 219 - 88 An Zhichen (Part 3)

Chapter 219: Chapter 88: An Zhichen (Part 3)

Chapter 219: Chapter 88: An Zhichen (Part 3)

He hadn’t been gone long, only half a year, yet despite his emaciated appearance, the Old Marquis recognized him immediately. At the time, this was yet another hot topic in the Capital City. Thus, it was hard for Qiao Lan not to know about it. Everyone was curious about how the Third Young Master returned to the Capital City, and what had he experienced during those six months? Unfortunately, it still remains a mystery.

Yueyao looked rather bizarre, “Why would he be abducted so easily?” Let alone a son from the Marquis’ household, even Tingzheng always had a young servant and two attendants who never left his side. At busy places like market gatherings, the number of protectors would even double. Therefore, this so-called abduction was very suspicious. Considering the youth’s cold demeanor, she feared the matter wasn’t so simple.

Yueyao could guess that the youth was the Third Young Master from Marquis Weiyuan’s Residence because of those two scars. In her previous life, her face was filled with scars, so she was more than familiar with them. The scars looked fierce and dreadful, but Yueyao could tell they were fake, just as she instantly recognized Yuehuan was feigning amnesia. At that time, she knew that the young man was most likely the Third Young Master that the Marquis Weiyuan’s household was searching for.

Qiao Lan shook her head, “I don’t know. But after he returned, he was taken in by the Old Marquis who personally took care of his upbringing. It was said that not even the Heir Apparent of the Marquis Weiyuan’s household had received such personal attention from him. It could indeed be considered a blessing in disguise.” This was truly a blessing in disguise, for a child to be directly guided by the authoritative figure of a household was undoubtedly hugely beneficial. It’s not just the perspectives and insight gained, but also the connections made. These things are not measurable by money, and learning true capabilities is far more practical than obtaining any amount of silver.

Yueyao found it quite strange, even if he was one of the children born out of wedlock and placed under the name of legitimate children, the Marquis, as the head of the family, should not display such favoritism, “What happened later?” The disputes within prominent clans indeed ran deep.

Qiao Lan paused before speaking, “Nine months ago, the Old Marquis passed away. However, it was said that before his death, he had divided his estate. Everyone thought that the Third Young Master, being so favored by the Old Marquis, would definitely receive a considerable inheritance. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, the Old Marquis only left him 300 acres of inferior land.”

Yueyao nodded, understanding that the Old Marquis was actually showing deep affection for his grandson. The 300 acres of inferior land, yielding merely two to three hundred silvers a year in interest, was naturally not enough to provoke envy, allowing the Third Young Master to peacefully claim this property without attracting hatred. If a large sum had been granted, it would certainly have caused dissatisfaction among his descendants, with the Heir’s Wife being the first to express displeasure. And if An Zhichen had received a substantial wealth, it would have surely drawn envy and made his life restless. For An Zhichen, this was definitely not a blessing, “The Old Marquis was indeed remarkably clear-sighted.”

Upon hearing Yueyao’s comment, Qiao Lan was initially startled, then she smiled and said, “The lady truly sees through it.” She had initially thought the Old Marquis differentiated between his legitimate and illegitimate descendants, not considering the intricacies involved.

Yueyao smiled lightly and said no more. After all, how could hefty amounts of money matter? What is most essential is to rely on oneself; with true capabilities, wealth will follow. If one lacks abilities, not only would it be impossible to safeguard the wealth, but it would also invite troubles.

Hua Lei couldn’t help but interject, “What about the Old Marquis’ private funds? Were they distributed among the public or divided differently?” Such matters were unavoidably intriguing!

Qiao Lan’s expression turned peculiar, “Speaking of which, that’s the real oddity. I heard that the Old Marquis left all his private funds to his legitimate eldest grandson, who is now the Heir Apparent of Marquis Weiyuan’s household; the Second Young Master only received some calligraphy and paintings, but those items are worth more than what the Third Young Master got.” Any of these items could be valued at hundreds or thousands of silvers.

Yueyao was somewhat astonished, “What was the reason?”

Qiao Lan laughed, “Lady, I also heard that the Old Marquis of Marquis Weiyuan’s household truly cherished this grandson, hiring famous teachers for him. Unfortunately, the teacher claimed that the Third Young Master was unteachable, and in the end, the teacher ended up instructing the Second Young Master, An Zhixiao.”

Yueyao’s face crossed with confusion, “Did the Scholar say the Third Young Master is a worthless piece of wood?”

Qiao Lan nodded, “Yes, but I heard that the Old Marquis has hired another master to teach him martial skills and archery, and it seems he is quite good at it. I don’t know the specifics though.”

Yueyao nodded, “No wonder.” No wonder this young man could gain so much love from his grandfather. The Marquis Weiyuan’s Mansion gained its hereditary nobility title through military deeds, having its roots in the military, so it was naturally a good thing that the grandson had a talent for martial arts. Yueyao even guessed that this so-called worthless piece of wood was just a smokescreen. Without having met the person, it would have been alright, but upon meeting him, Yueyao did not think this young man was just a brute who only knew about martial arts. From his ability to avoid family encounters and to obtain the Travel Permit to escape from the Mansion’s pursuit numerous times, she knew this child was far from being straightforward; it couldn’t be done without sufficient cunning.

Hua Lei didn’t think too much, and just curiously said, “This Third Young Master is only loved by his grandmother, but what about the Marquis? And what about Maternal Aunt Liu?” It was understandable for the Lady of Marquis Weiyuan not to like him since she did not bear him, and moreover, he was a child born out of wedlock replacing a legitimate offspring. But surely the Marquis and Maternal Aunt Liu must love him very dearly, yet hearing Qiao Lan’s comments, it did not seem to be the case.

After some thought, Qiao Lan said, “The Marquis does not like this son, saying that he does not resemble him. The Marquis is known as a handsome man in the Capital City, but the Third Young Master is tall and burly.”

Yueyao shook her head, indeed, a father’s lack of affection. “And Maternal Aunt Liu?” It made no sense for Maternal Aunt Liu

After pondering carefully, Qiao Lan said, “I heard that Maternal Aunt Liu has always been unwell, and she went to the countryside manor to recuperate for a while. After she recovered, she returned to the Marquis’ household. However, rumors say that the Third Young Master is not close to her, beyond that, I don’t know much.” In fact, Qiao Lan felt that placing people under the name of the Lady, legitimate or not, actually made their situation more awkward.

Yueyao chuckled lightly, “What about the Heir Apparent of Marquis Weiyuan then?”

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After thinking, Qiao Lan said, “Miss, the Heir Apparent of Marquis Weiyuan is mediocre in both literature and martial skills, he has no notable reputation. However, the second son of the Marquis Weiyuan’s household has exceptional literary talent, at the age of eleven he already passed the examinations to become a Scholar; as a result, both the Marquis and the Lady of Marquis Weiyuan dote on this second son immensely, treating him as a precious gem.”

Yueyao shook her head, perhaps things were not so simple. But whether simple or not, it had nothing to do with her. She was just spending money to owe An Zhichen a favor. Seeing that An Zhichen was not likely to be a simple character, this favor might prove very useful later: “Are there any people in Marquis Weiyuan’s household who have military authority?” Yueyao thought An Zhichen pulling out of the household surely meant he was going to seek someone else, and given An Zhichen’s reputation for martial skills, he must be a Military Official rather than a Civil Official. Considering that he couldn’t enter the military due to age restrictions, at eleven he would certainly need special channels, which no doubt involved a clan member.

After thinking, Qiao Lan shook her head, “I am not sure about that.” Discussing the gossip inside Marquis Weiyuan’s Mansion was no issue, since it had been a big deal back in the day and people all over the Capital City had heard about it, but as for which relatives of the Marquis were high-ranking officials outside, Qiao Lan really had no idea.

Yueyao smiled slightly, “I hope it turns out as I wish.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Lan seemed contemplative.