Chapter 248: Zheng Guanyin

Chang'an, in front of a quiet residence.

Xue Li drove the carriage to a stop before the residence and, from within the carriage, respectfully said, "Princess, we have arrived at the destination."

"Hmm, good!" Gao Yang's voice came from inside.

Then Xiang Lan stepped out first, supporting Gao Yang as they slowly alighted.

Looking at the residence before them, Gao Yang's eyes were calm; he paused on the spot, lingering without moving.

Xue Li stood alert behind, occasionally scanning the surroundings, fulfilling his duty as a guard.

Xiang Lan did not disturb at first; after a long while, Gao Yang still did not move, hesitated, and softly called, "Princess…"

"Hmm." Gao Yang came to himself, instructed Xue Li, "You stay here and watch the carriage; Xiang Lan and I will go inside."

"This…" Xue Li hesitated, "Princess, Lord Bo's order to me is to protect you; if I do not follow you, I fear I cannot protect you immediately."

"No problem." Gao Yang said calmly, "I am only here to visit an elder; there is no danger."

"Moreover, everyone inside lives as women; it would be inappropriate for you to go in."

"Wait outside; your husband will not blame you after he knows."

Having reached this point, Xue Li could say nothing more and could only agree.

Immediately, Gao Yang led Xiang Lan slowly into the residence.

"Princess, where is this place? Why are there not even any servants?" Xiang Lan was full of confusion.

Logically, to own such a private courtyard in Chang'an, the owner could not be an ordinary person.

There should be guards at the gate, and many servants inside.

Yet the courtyard gate stood wide open, with no guards at all, and the two entered without any obstruction.

Truly strange.

Gao Yang said nothing, just walked inside with Xiang Lan.

This residence was extremely private and spanned a huge area, larger than a Duke's mansion.

The scenery inside was superb, featuring a massive pond filled with lotus flowers, and two rows of phoenix trees surrounding it.

It was the season when the phoenix trees were lush with green leaves, providing dense shade; the courtyard was cool and tranquil.

Suddenly, several little girls ran out from somewhere, laughing and frolicking, freely spilling their childlike innocence.

Gao Yang seemed interested, watching the playing children, a smile lifting his mouth.

At that moment, one of the children spotted Gao Yang, froze briefly, then ran over without fear.

Blinking big eyes she said, "Beautiful sister, who are you? Do you have business here?"

Gao Yang smiled and gently said, "I came to visit an elder, but this place is so large that I've walked for a long time and still haven't seen anyone."

"Could you report for me?"

"Elder?" the little girl scratched her head, "I can report for you, but you must tell me your name."

"No problem." Gao Yang said warmly, "My name is Li Zhaotang; just tell the master of this place my name, and she will meet me."

"Oh, okay, Sister Zhaotang." The little girl cheerfully agreed, then ran back with a few companions and left.

"Princess, this is too much." Xiang Lan said angrily, "You came to visit, and after a long wait with no one to receive you, now you are left hanging."

"How rude!"

"It's fine!" Gao Yang was unbothered, interestedly surveying the surroundings, admiring the flowers, breathing the air, feeling quite refreshed.

After a while, a middle‑aged beautiful woman led a maid and walked over; upon seeing Gao Yang, she gave a slightly apologetic smile, "I thought Xiao Xi was joking, but it really is you, Zhaotang."

"Our household has few servants, so we could not receive you immediately; I hope my niece will not blame me."

Niece?

Xiang Lan was stunned by the address.

The woman before her called Gao Yang niece, so she is…

Gao Yang smiled, his tone very gentle, "Aunt, you don't mind Li Zhaotang's sudden visit, do you? As for any rudeness, Li Zhaotang doesn't feel it."

"After all, you came in person."

In the world, one who can call Gao Yang niece and be called aunt by Gao Yang has an obvious identity.

The eldest son of Li Yuan, Li Jiànchéng's wife, the former Crown Princess—Zheng Guanyin!

Zheng Guanyin examined Gao Yang a few times, sighing, "Come to think of it, we haven't met for many years; unknowingly, you've grown so big and become ever more beautiful."

"Time really flies."

After speaking, she sighed, affectionately pulled Gao Yang toward the courtyard, and Gao Yang did not refuse.

The group entered a reception hall, Zheng Guanyin immediately arranged for tea to be poured for Gao Yang and began chatting leisurely.

Neither mentioned the main matter; Zheng Guanyin did not ask about Gao Yang's purpose today, and Gao Yang did not bring it up.

Zheng Guanyin said whatever, Gao Yang took it.

Until the topic turned to Gao Yang's marriage.

"I heard that before you married the Chen family child, you quarreled a lot with that child, often fighting; how is it now after marriage?"

"Do you get along well?" Zheng Guanyin asked concernedly.

"What else can I say?" Gao Yang sighed, "I'm married, so I must follow my husband; Mother Empress taught me that since childhood, and I keep it in mind."

"In daily life there are bumps and occasional spats, but at least he keeps me in his heart, and I'm already very satisfied."

"It's good you think that way." Zheng Guanyin comforted, "As long as he cares about you, don't expect too much."

"Men care about face; sometimes you can go along with him, not always oppose him; use a softer approach to make him comfortable, and you'll find yourself comfortable too; the couple's relationship will naturally become harmonious."

"A hard stance can't handle men; it only backfires."

"On this matter, you might consult Guanyin Maid; she has practically mastered it."

"Look at your Father Emperor, isn't he being tightly controlled by your Mother Empress?"

"You..."

Zheng Guanyin, like an elder, was teaching Gao Yang how to get along with her husband, and Gao Yang listened patiently, nodding in agreement from time to time.

Finally, Zheng Guanyin asked Gao Yang about her purpose, "I know you young people don't like nagging, so I won't say much."

"You came today, surely not just to reminisce with me; if there's anything the Marquis' mother can help with, feel free to speak."

"How could the Marquis' mother say that?" Gao Yang replied humbly, "As an elder, how could I find your nagging bothersome?"

"Once I step out of this gate, even if I wanted someone to nag, I probably couldn't find one, let alone someone like you who patiently imparts bits of life insight to me."

"My gratitude hasn't even caught up yet."

"As for my purpose today..."

"......"