Early in the morning, a luxurious carriage arrived at the Duke's mansion.
Though not ostentatious, those in the know recognized it was crafted from the finest materials and assembled with exceptional skill.
Even if the owner intended to remain low-key, their identity alone made that impossible.
It was a carriage from the General's mansion.
The personal carriage of Grand General Qin, the Protector of the Nation!
Everyone in the court knew it!
Upon hearing of the General's mansion's arrival, Tutor Chu, neglecting his breakfast, hurried out to greet them.
The second and third masters also rushed over.
They were unsure of the reason for the General's mansion's visit.
However, the General's mansion was an entity that everyone in the court sought to win over.
While their family didn't wield direct military power, Old Master Qin himself held no actual command.
Yet, Old Master Qin had numerous disciples, most of whom were generals in various regions, and many felt immensely indebted to him.
To put it bluntly, if the Emperor and Old Master Qin were to meet misfortune simultaneously, those great generals would likely prioritize saving Old Master Qin.
This was because, during his tenure as Grand General, he knew how to utilize talent effectively.
Under his command, anyone with ability and merit was guaranteed to be promoted.
He was upright and impartial, dedicating himself to promoting loyal and capable individuals.
Many owed their current achievements to the Old Master's patronage.
His disciples were absolutely loyal to him.
Earlier, Prince He had sought to visit, but the Old Master had mostly refused, citing ill health.
Even Prince Xuan had sent an invitation to visit, only to be met with a closed door.
Throughout the court, perhaps only the Emperor could compel him to meet.
Others, as powerful as Prince Xuan and Prince He, found that if the Old Master was displeased, he simply wouldn't see them.
In the entire Northern Ming Kingdom, he was the only one who dared to act this way.
Therefore, when Old Master Qin's carriage arrived today, and the old steward personally came calling, everyone in the Duke's mansion was truly overwhelmed with flattery.
They were quite at a loss.
Even the Duke, unable to come himself, immediately dispatched Steward Han to welcome them.
"Steward Qi, may I inquire about the purpose of your visit today?"
Tutor Chu, taking the lead, certainly wouldn't let others seize the opportunity to get close to someone from the General's mansion.
With a smile, he stepped forward: "Steward Qi, perhaps you would like to come to the main hall for a cup of tea before we discuss matters?"
"No, Tutor Chu, I am here to see one of the young ladies of your esteemed household."
Steward Qi cupped his hands towards him, his demeanor surprisingly friendly and gentle.
Tutor Chu was taken aback and asked, "A young lady from our mansion? May I ask which one Steward Qi is looking for?"
"I wish to invite the Seventh Young Lady to meet me."
The Seventh Young Lady!
Tutor Chu was both surprised and delighted, quickly saying, "Quick! Quickly invite the Seventh Young Lady out!"
The servants hurried off.
Fortunately, Chu Huaiyu had already returned to her chambers; otherwise, she would still be in Han Zhan's room at this moment.
Upon hearing that someone from the General's mansion had arrived, Chu Huaiyu was overjoyed and hastily dressed herself in her finest attire.
Assisted by Xiaoya, she practically ran over.
As she neared the front courtyard, she slowed her pace, adopting an air of grace and gentleness.
"Father, Huaiyu is here."
Steward Qi was stunned: "This..."
"Steward Qi, Huaiyu has arrived."
Tutor Chu led Chu Huaiyu to Steward Qi.
"Huaiyu, quickly pay your respects to Uncle Qi."
As Chu Huaiyu was about to greet him, Steward Qi quickly said, "I dare not."
He frowned, looking at Chu Huaiyu, then glanced behind them.
Not far away, there was another young lady clearly dressed as a lady, but neither seemed to be the person he was looking for.
"I heard that the Seventh Young Lady is exceptionally spirited and prefers to wear simple white dresses..."
But the two before him were more adorned than the other, both in elaborate attire, which clearly differed from the information he had received.
Furthermore, Tutor Chu called her Huaiyu?
Steward Han, upon hearing this, suddenly recalled something and said with a loud laugh, "Steward Qi, are you looking for our Miss Li'er, Chu Qianli?"
"Yes, yes, it is Miss Li'er."
Steward Qi, being a man, naturally found it inconvenient to call out a lady's given name upon arrival.
He only knew that Chu Qianli was the Seventh Young Lady of the Duke's mansion.
Little did he know that Tutor Chu would present him with Miss Huaiyu, who was so delicate and dressed so elaborately.
Steward Han quickly waved his hand and said, "Quickly invite Miss Li'er out."
The subordinate immediately went to fetch her.
The expressions of Tutor Chu and Chu Huaiyu turned increasingly grim.
Tutor Chu's initial warmth cooled considerably, but he remained respectful.
"May I ask why Steward Qi is looking for our Fifth Miss? Chu Qianli is the Fifth Young Lady, and Huaiyu is our Seventh Young Lady. Steward Qi... could it be a mistake?"
"No mistake, no mistake, it is Miss Chu Qianli."
As for why the Seventh Young Lady had become the Fifth Young Lady, Steward Qi did not wish to pursue such a minor detail.
It was none of his concern.
Tutor Chu was still somewhat disappointed: "Steward Qi, Huaiyu's talent and character are both superior to Fifth Miss. May I ask, Steward Qi..."
"Tutor Chu, I only wish to see Miss Li'er."
To think that Tutor Chu would disparage one of his daughters in front of a guest!
Steward Qi, having lived in official families for most of his life, could see right through Tutor Chu's intentions!
This Miss Huaiyu was his daughter, and that Miss Li'er was likely the unfavored, wild child.
How could a father be so biased!
He suspected that Miss Li'er had suffered greatly in this household.
In his life, he detested such people the most.
At that moment, he didn't wish to exchange another word with Tutor Chu, and he didn't even react when Chu Huaiyu greeted him.
The people from the General's mansion were truly arrogant.
This arrogance made everyone present feel extremely awkward.
And they were powerless to be angry!
Before long, Chu Qianli arrived.
Steward Han quickly introduced, "Steward Qi, this is Miss Li'er, Chu Qianli."
Chu Qianli, clear and distinct.
Indeed, she was dressed in a simple white gown, and her demeanor was devoid of the affected airs of noble young ladies.
Instead, she exuded a spirited and dignified presence.
Steward Qi, with just a glance, immediately took a liking to the young girl.
"Miss Li'er, please forgive my presumptuous visit."
Tutor Chu immediately came to Chu Qianli's side, smiling obsequiously: "Li'er, this is Steward Qi from the General's mansion. You must entertain him well!"
His eyebrows conveyed a clear hint.
If her hospitality was lacking, she would face his displeasure later!
Chu Qianli didn't even glance at him, only looking at Steward Qi and asking, "Is it Qin Xiao who is looking for me?"
"No, this time, it is our Old Master who wishes to see you."
Steward Qi gestured behind him, bowed, and respectfully said, "Miss Li'er, would you be willing to do our Old Master the honor of visiting our General's mansion for a gathering?"
Everyone, including Steward Han, was astonished.
Old Master Qin, whom even Prince Xuan and Prince He could not get an audience with, personally invited Chu Qianli for a gathering?
What had this girl done to alarm Old Master Qin himself?