Observing Xiao Yechen who could only walk with the support of his personal eunuch, and Luo Honghao with his somber face, lost in thought, the onlooking officials all swiftly exited the palace gates.
It’s not enjoyable watching the Imperial Family’s drama, for one could easily get burned if not careful.
Yan Zhigao also made a hasty departure, flanked by the Minister of Revenue and Sun Chang.
Once the crowd had dispersed, the Minister of Revenue asked Yan Zhigao in a low voice, "How did your family raise such children? How come their martial abilities are so impressive!"
Clearly, Luo Honghao’s martial prowess was considered exceptional by all, for if it weren’t so, he would not have been appointed as the Commander of the Capital Guards so young, regardless of his illustrious background.
Yan Zhigao fell silent for a moment, "We didn’t do anything special, just made sure they were always well-fed." Seeing that the Minister of Revenue and Sun Chang were glaring with eyes wide open, he nodded assertively, "Really, from their childhood to now, they have never gone hungry in our home."
The Minister of Revenue stared deeply at Yan Zhigao, and looking into his sincere eyes, even he, who prided himself on his discernment, was somewhat puzzled if this man was putting on an act of ignorance.
Seeing that the Minister of Revenue did not pursue the matter further, Yan Zhigao let out a sigh of relief, "My lord, I haven’t seen my son and nephew for a long time. I shall take my leave now."
The Minister of Revenue waved his hand, "Go ahead." After Yan Zhigao had left, he squinted his eyes and muttered, "I originally thought the Yan Family had no solid foundation, but who would have thought, they’ve established themselves."
With Yan Wentao and Yan Wenkai, both fourth-rank Jinling Guard Commanders, ordinary families indeed would not dare to recklessly confront the Yan Family.
...
Yan Residence.
By the time Yan Zhigao returned, Yan Wentao and Yan Wenkai had already met with the family, and were now being engaged in conversation by Old Madam Yan.
Upon seeing Yan Zhigao, both stood to pay their respects.
Yan Zhigao nodded, chatted briefly with the women of the household, and then took Yan Wenxiu and his brothers to the outer courtyard study.
After everyone had left, Han Xinran smiled and said, "Both younger brothers truly have an impressive presence."
Old Madam Yan immediately beamed, "The children of our Yan Family are all exemplary."
Glancing at Yan Yishuang and her sisters beside her, Han Xinran thought to herself that the members of the Yan Family were indeed good-looking. Smiling, she added, "Indeed, my mother also told me recently that our younger sisters are so pretty that they’ll surely marry into good families one day."
Upon hearing this, Madam Li’s smile faded somewhat, remembering her visit to the Han Family and the sense of superiority they had subtly displayed, whether intended or not.
She could feel that both Old Madam Han and Madam Han looked down on her and her mother, regardless of their warm demeanor, the unintentional disdain in their actions was unmistakable.
Madam Li glanced at her daughter-in-law, who had returned to her maternal home several times in just over half a month of being in the capital...
Whatever Han Xinran said next made Old Madam Yan burst into hearty laughter.
Thinking of her little grandson, whose looks were as delicate and refined as carved jade, Madam Li’s displeasure eased somewhat. Well, for the sake of her grandson, she would be more understanding.
The study at the front courtyard.
Yan Zhigao and Yan Wenxiu were flipping through two Jinling Guard Commander tokens.
After a while, Yan Wenxiu looked at his younger brothers and said with a smile, "Now, both of you hold the rank of fourth-grade officials, while I, as your older brother, am still nothing."
Yan Wentao promptly spoke up, "Big brother, although the fourth brother and I have advanced a step earlier, it’s merely because we were at the right place at the right times, such as the Eight Princes’ rebellion and the turmoil at the Northern Frontier – it was just a matter of chance."
Yan Wenkai, who was carefree by nature, chimed in, "Big brother, aren’t you taking the imperial civil service examination this spring? Once you’re named on the Golden List, naturally you can take office and become an official. With your capabilities, catching up to us will be a piece of cake."
Yan Wenxiu chuckled, shaking his head, "Alright, I was just joking. What’s with you two, trying so hard to console me?"
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