LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 45 - I
Looking at the face of the young man standing behind Fang Qichen, Ning Yongyuan was shocked.
He never thought that he would see someone who looked similar to his mother, Wu Shuangxi, here.
If it was just a person who looks similar to his mother, Madam Zhenyuan, then it wasn’t a big deal, and most people wouldn’t think much about it. However, Ning Yongyuan was an exception.
When he was four years old, he heard the truth from his mother, Wu Shuangxi, and his wet nurse that he was not the biological son.
Wu Shuangxi, a daughter of a military family in a border town, was very different from Marquis Zhenyuan. Despite this, Wu Shuangxi not only became the wife of Marquis Zhenyuan but also gave birth to Marquis Zhenyuan’s only son, undermining her status.
Ning Yongyuan knew more than outsiders. His nominal mother was a person who put interests first. Wu Shuangxi personally replaced his frail child with a strong baby she met unexpectedly.
When he first heard the truth, Ning Yongyuan took a long time to react before understanding the meaning of what he heard, he suddenly woke up as if he was sleeping.
Wu Shuangxi simply didn’t care whether he was his biological son or not. Ning Yongyuan, who was physically strong as a child, became her little marquis as if he had never heard anything.
When he first saw Jing Xingzhi, a truth that Ning Yongyuan dared not forget came to mind.
Being brought back to his senses by Fang Qichen’s question, Ning Yongyuan’s thoughts flashed, and he slowly replied with a smile: “This must be the disciple of the old chief. He looked a bit like an elder I had seen, and I couldn’t help it. I took a few more glances, I was presumptuous.”
Ning Yongyuan knew that his behavior was out of line, so, to prevent old foxes like Fang Qichen from becoming suspicious, he might as well tell the truth with half-truths.
His mother was a housewife, Fang Qichen and the people around him must have never seen her.
When Fang Qichen heard what he said, he was not suspicious and even felt that Ning Yongyuan was really a bit childish.
Only Jing Xingzhi had doubts in his heart, so he took a few more glances at the young marquis and recalled Ning Yongyuan’s identity.
Jing Xingzhi already knew the information: Ning Yongyuan was an only son, and his parents were both alive.
However, the appearance of the person who came here showed that he had an older sister, and even his parents were dead. The two are quite different!
So, Ning Yongyuan was a strange person; there must be something wrong with what he said.
However, Jing Xingzhi never imagined that he would be involved with a woman far away. Even if he knew it, Jing Xingzhi wouldn’t care. The boat would naturally straighten when it reached the bridge. If it didn’t, we would turn back.
Ning Yongyuan tried his best to handle Fang Qichen, finally securing half a quarter of an hour alone with him.
As the peculiar little marquis left, Jing Xingzhi observed from the east room’s window.
His once smiling face turned stern, prompting Fang Qichen to remark, “Indeed, you’re still young. Haven’t ventured far from home yet. Who can reveal your change of expression?”
Jing Xingzhi glanced over, finding that the old man had lost interest in Marquis Zhenyuan. Lowering its head, the dog resumed reading its book.
.
Ning Yongyuan departed the academy with a dark expression, receiving no reminders from Zhang Kaiwei or his men.
Servants refrained from speaking, fearing Zhang Kaiwei’s disapproval. Zhang Kaiwei, reluctant to stir up trouble, remained silent about the encounter. On the contrary, reminding Ning Yongyuan of potential issues could invite resentment from this little ancestor.
Ning Yongyuan, discontented, brought up past matters: “Brother Zhang, I noticed your face paling as soon as you ascended the back mountain. It seems there’s something I’m unaware of…”
Ning Yongyuan grew impatient just days after arriving.
The local people focused on taking care of him, neglecting to inquire about news in the area. They truly had no knowledge of what Zhang Kaiwei might be concealing.
Zhang Kaiwei felt a momentary guilt due to Ning Yongyuan’s directness and explained, “My relatives offended the chief. I was concerned he might hold it against me, but he showed restraint and didn’t express his anger.”
Ning Yongyuan snorted in response, turning away and ignoring Zhang Kaiwei.
In the capital, Ning Yongyuan would undoubtedly teach Zhang Kaiwei a lesson, regardless of the reasons. However, in unfamiliar territory and encountering the person he least wanted to see, Ning Yongyuan chose to endure the situation for now.
He contemplated dealing with the people discreetly in the future. While he didn’t want to offend Fang Qichen, there were ways to handle a young disciple without alerting Fang Qichen, who lacked influential connections.
Ning Yongyuan, lost in thought, walked briskly and instructed his attendants, “I’ve concluded my business. Make arrangements; I’ll depart for Beijing in two days.”
Zhang Kaiwei, hearing this, tensed, nervously looking at Ning Yongyuan.
His father had instructed him to follow Ning Yongyuan…
Not wanting to escalate matters, Ning Yongyuan turned to Zhang Kaiwei and remarked, “Brother Zhang, I suddenly recalled an urgent matter awaiting my return. Don’t you think the boat is ready?”
Zhang Kaiwei shook his head, suppressing his smile but maintaining a relaxed expression. “Yes, it didn’t matter. Two days are enough.”
If he weren’t afraid that laughing would anger Ning Yongyuan, who was obviously not in good spirits, Zhang Kaiwei might have shouted twice, ‘Finally, he can leave this place!’