Chapter 71 The Crown Prince and Tutor
"Grandpa, how are you these days?" Jiang Zhiyu chatted with his grandfather with concern on his face.
Jiang Zhiyu's words floated gently in the main hall, bringing a touch of warmth. Old Master Jiang looked at his granddaughter, his eyes full of relief and love. He gently patted Jiang Zhiyu's hand and replied with a smile:
"Zhi Yu, your grandpa is in good health, you don't have to worry. But you have been busy with your studies recently, have you taken good care of yourself?" Hearing this, Jiang Zhi Yu felt warm in her heart. She smiled and replied softly, "Grandpa, don't worry, your granddaughter understands. No matter how busy I am with my studies, I know how to take care of myself. But sometimes, when I think of you, grandpa, all alone in the mansion, I feel uneasy."
After hearing this, Mr. Jiang smiled even kinder. He shook his head and said slowly, "Silly child, I am here with you, my children and grandchildren. How can I feel lonely? But you, don't work too hard. Remember to take time to come back and accompany your grandfather."
As the two were talking, the door of the Jiang family slowly opened, and a middle-aged woman walked in. It was Jiang Zhiyu's mother, Madam Jiang. She was holding a food box in her hand, with a gentle smile on her face, and walked towards the main hall.
"Father, Zhiyu, I'm here to see you." Mrs. Jiang's voice was soft. She walked up to Mr. Jiang, gently brushed the dust off his collar, then opened the food box and took out several plates of exquisite snacks.
"This is what I prepared specially for you from the kitchen. Please try it and see if it suits your taste." Mrs. Jiang said, picking up a piece of dessert and handing it to Mr. Jiang's mouth.
Old Master Jiang smiled slightly, took the snack, tasted it, nodded and praised: "It tastes good, it tastes good. Zhiyu, you should try it too."
Jiang Zhiyu followed her instructions and picked up a piece of dessert and put it in her mouth. Suddenly, a sweet fragrance filled her mouth. She couldn't help but exclaimed, "My mother's cooking skills are getting better and better."
For a moment, a warm atmosphere filled the main hall. Mrs. Jiang talked about trivial matters at home again, and Mr. Jiang and Jiang Zhiyu listened with great interest.
"By the way, Zhiyu, what new things are you learning recently?" Mrs. Jiang suddenly turned her head and asked curiously.
Jiang Zhiyu thought for a moment and replied, "I've been learning to paint recently and I find it quite interesting. Sometimes, I would paint some scenes in the mansion, or the appearance of my grandfather and mother on the scroll."
When Mr. Jiang heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He said, "Zhi Yu, you can actually paint? Come on, let grandpa see your paintings."
Jiang Zhiyu smiled slightly, took out a scroll from his sleeve, and gently unfolded it. On the scroll, the scenery in the Jiang family mansion was vivid, as if it jumped onto the paper. After seeing it, Mr. Jiang and Mrs. Jiang couldn't help but admire it.
"Zhi Yu, your painting skills are amazing. I, your grandfather, really underestimated you." Grandpa Jiang said with satisfaction.
Madam Jiang also said: "Yes, Zhiyu, your talent is really surprising. Next time there is a chance, let mother appreciate your paintings."
Just then, an elegant old man suddenly pushed the door open and interrupted their conversation.
The old man was wearing a simple long gown and had a warm smile on his face, giving people a kind and warm feeling. Jiang Zhiyu couldn't help but be a little surprised. Who was this old man? Why didn't Mr. Jiang seem surprised by his arrival?
The old man smiled slightly, his demeanor exuding a comfortable temperament. He politely declined, but at the insistence of Mr. Jiang, he finally sat in the seat of honor. Jiang Zhiyu was secretly curious about who this old man was and why his grandfather valued him so much.
Mr. Jiang sat back in the main seat, looked at the old man, and said with a smile: "Old brother, I haven't seen you for many years. I didn't expect you to still be so charming. I am really envious!" Hearing this, the old man smiled lightly and waved his hand, saying: "Brother Jiang, you are too kind. Time is not forgiving. I am just trying my best to maintain it."
Jiang Zhiyu realized at this time that the old man was her grandfather's best friend, no wonder her grandfather was so excited. She secretly observed the old man and saw that although he was old, he was energetic, his eyes were bright, and his eyebrows revealed an extraordinary temperament.
Old Master Jiang immediately stood up, ordered his servants to serve tea, and introduced Jiang Zhiyu with a smile: "This is the Crown Prince's Tutor Zeng Qingxing, Mr. Zeng." Hearing this name, Jiang Zhiyu couldn't help but be slightly stunned. She knew that Zeng Qingxing enjoyed a very high reputation in the palace, but she didn't expect to meet him here.
Zeng Qingxing smiled and nodded to Jiang Zhiyu, his wise eyes showing a kind light. He looked at Jiang Zhiyu, as if he saw his younger self, and couldn't help feeling a lot of emotions in his heart.
Mr. Jiang went on to say, "Mr. Zeng has been my good friend for many years. He has been serving as the prince's tutor in the palace and has trained many outstanding princes for our country. This time he came here specially to visit his old friend, but he didn't expect to meet us by chance."
Zeng Qingxing smiled and said, "Yes, I haven't seen you for many years. Mr. Jiang is still as charming as ever. Is this Miss Jiang your granddaughter? She is really beautiful and intelligent. It's amazing."
Jiang Zhiyu smiled slightly and responded, "Mr. Zeng, thank you for your compliment. It is an honor for me, Jiang Zhiyu, to meet you."
Elder Zeng looked at Jiang Zhiyu, a trace of praise flashed in his eyes, and he smiled and said: "Zhiyu, your grandfather often mentioned you, saying that you are smart and clever. Seeing you today, it is true that your reputation is well-deserved." Jiang Zhiyu smiled slightly and said modestly: "Mr. Zeng, you are too kind. I still need to work hard."
As the two talked, Mr. Jiang said with emotion: "Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, we are all gray-haired. Back then, we were full of vigor and ambition, but now we can only spend our old age in this deep house." Mr. Zeng nodded and smiled: "Yes, life is like a dream, but the good times we once had are always worth remembering."
Zeng Qingxing sat down and started talking about state affairs with Mr. Jiang. Jiang Zhiyu listened quietly, occasionally interjecting. She was smart and had unique insights, which made Zeng Qingxing look at her with even greater respect.
After talking for a while, Zeng Qingxing suddenly changed the subject and said, "Miss Jiang, I heard that you are proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. I wonder if you can broaden my horizons?"
Jiang Zhiyu smiled slightly and said, "Master Zeng, thank you for the compliment. I don't deserve it. However, since you are interested, I will show you my performance." After that, she walked to the piano table, sat down gently, and began to play.
The sound of the piano was melodious, like the gurgling of spring water or the wind blowing through willow trees, which made people feel peaceful. Zeng Qingxing listened attentively and could not help but nod and praise: "Good piano skills, good piano sound."
After the song was finished, Zeng Qingxing said, "Miss Jiang, your piano skills are indeed amazing. However, I would also like to know how good are your chess skills?"