With Xiao Wanyi nearing childbirth, the entire residence was on high alert, careful in every detail. Nanli also reduced her outings to avoid any sudden problems. Chu Ye was constantly by Xiao Wanyi’s side to ensure her safety and that she didn’t overhear anything she shouldn’t.
Chu Shuo and Madam Qian, known for their practical approach, had already procured a variety of mountain delicacies, seafood, and tonic herbs to help Xiao Wanyi recover quickly after the birth. Chu Huan had planned to discuss a marriage arrangement, but with the imminent arrival of his nephew, he set those plans aside.
Chu Yang, who had been studying martial arts at the Flame Sect, had hurried back specifically to witness the birth of his first nephew and to have a chance to hold him.
Chu Yan was going about his usual routine at the academy when, on this particular day, the wheel of his carriage broke. The driver and servant were busy fixing it, leaving Chu Yan waiting by the roadside.
A carriage approached from the opposite direction. The street was wide enough for both carriages to pass side by side, but this one stopped right next to Chu Yan’s. The person inside lifted the curtain, showing a friendly smile, and said in a booming voice, "Nephew, your carriage is broken? May I offer you a ride?"
Chu Yan was taken aback; he didn’t recognize the face. Seeing the wooden sign on the carriage with the character "Cheng" written on it only added to his confusion. When had his family become acquainted with someone of the Cheng family?
He thought it might be an attempt to build relations, but he maintained proper etiquette and responded with a respectful bow, "May I ask who you are?"
Cheng Wei’s smile widened as he saw Chu Yan’s polite demeanor. "I am a middle general of the Heir’s Palace, and I used to guard the borders with your father."
Upon hearing this, Chu Yan realized which Cheng family he was dealing with. Lord Cheng was well-known in the court for his valor and military achievements. He was a straightforward man, not one to curry favor, which was why the Emperor had appointed him to the Heir’s Palace.
Even his father had praised Lord Cheng at home. Chu Yan’s demeanor became even more respectful. "Thank you, Lord Cheng. But my carriage should be fixed soon, so you need not trouble yourself."
As soon as Chu Yan finished speaking, there was a loud crack, and the wheel of the marquisate’s carriage split completely, causing the carriage to tilt and become unusable.
Chu Yan’s face turned awkward. Cheng Wei laughed heartily and said, "No need to be polite. Get in the carriage. It’s getting late, and it will be dark soon."
With the carriage now unusable, Chu Yan had no excuse to refuse. Cheng Wei helped him into the carriage, then made sure the seat cushion was comfortable, displaying a courtesy that left Chu Yan somewhat overwhelmed.
He was just a junior and the least notable of the Chu family’s sons. It seemed unusual for Lord Cheng to show him such attention. Chu Yan hesitated and said, "Lord Cheng, I’m already very grateful for your assistance. There’s no need for such courtesy."
Cheng Wei observed Chu Yan’s face and noticed that his eyes were not the deep black typical of the Chu family but rather a light brown. This made him start to formulate a plan. "Young Master’s eyes are quite unique. I recall that the Marquis’s eyes are not like that. It must be that you inherited them from your mother."
Chu Yan’s lips pressed together, and he clenched his hands under his sleeves. However, recalling Sixth Sister’s words, he quickly relaxed. "Yes, my mother’s eyes were similar."
Cheng Wei asked, "Do you know where your mother was from?"
Chu Yan opened his mouth but found his mind blank. He only knew that his mother was named Xu Yan. Beyond that, he had no information. As a child, he had asked his father about his mother, but his father always evaded the topic, saying he was busy or changing the subject.
As he grew older, he realized his father was not keen on discussing his mother, so he stopped bringing it up.
"My mother was from the North," Chu Yan said calmly. He believed that although his father might not have liked his mother, he valued Chu Yan himself, as did his other siblings. He didn’t ask for more; he felt content with what he had.
Cheng Wei narrowed his eyes slightly but soon smiled again. "I see. There are indeed a few small tribes in the North with such eye characteristics."
Chu Yan was immediately interested. "Really? Which tribes?"
Cheng Wei, seizing the opportunity, said, "I’m not entirely sure, but I know someone from one of these tribes who used to do business between them. He might even know your mother."
Chu Yan’s eyes brightened. Although he was content with his current life, he wanted to know everything about his mother.
"Can Lord Cheng introduce me to him?"
Cheng Wei had been waiting for this question. He nodded, "Of course. Since I used to work with your father, it’s a simple matter."
Mentioning his father, Chu Yan’s expression became slightly serious. "Please don’t mention this to my father."
Cheng Wei’s smile faded. "Why? Does the Marquis think your mother’s background is insignificant?"
Chu Yan clenched his fists again, then said after a moment, "It’s not that. My mother died during childbirth, and my father was deeply saddened and doesn’t like to talk about her. I just don’t want to bring up his sorrow."
Cheng Wei patted Chu Yan’s shoulder. "I understand. I’ll be at the Pleasure Pavilion in three days."
Chu Yan sighed with relief. "Thank you, Lord Cheng."
The carriage arrived at the marquisate, and Cheng Wei planned to send him off but decided against it to avoid being too obvious. Chu Yan disembarked and thanked Cheng Wei with another bow before entering the marquisate.
Cheng Wei watched him enter, murmuring, "The Chu family has really raised him well... though he’s a bit naive, easy to deceive."
He then glanced at the marquisate’s plaque and the guards at the entrance before instructing the driver, "Return to the estate."
Back at the Cheng residence, he rushed to his study. Excited, he took out a painting of a beautiful woman and exclaimed, "It’s amazing. His Majesty didn’t inherit Empress Dowager Yide’s light brown eyes but rather those of the Fifth Prince!"
When Qi Hong ascended the throne, he posthumously honored his mother as Empress Dowager Yide and made his younger brother Prince of Jingyang, granting him the largest estate and greatest privileges in Qi Nation.
Now, Cheng Wei had found the Emperor’s younger brother! He could soon return to Qi Nation, gain further titles and promotions!
The hidden door opened from the inside. Though the day was darkening, the setting sun still shone brightly. Xue Shengnan and Shuang’er, who had been confined to the hidden room for days with minimal sunlight, squinted at the sudden rays of the sun.
Cheng Wei approached them eagerly. "I’ve compared the portrait from Qi Nation, and as you said, Chu Yan is indeed the Emperor’s younger brother!"