Chen Yi stayed alone in the Qingping Courtyard for several days in the Prince Mansion, without any maidservants attending to him. Zhu E suggested sending someone, but was refused by Chen Yi, stating that he could take care of himself. Hence, he only interacted with one or two old women delivering meals, engaging in brief conversations.

Actually, whether Chen Yi wanted it or not, arranging maidservants was part of the etiquette of hospitality. The Prince Mansion, with its deep resources and vast assets, wouldn’t lack such courtesy. It seemed as though it was intentional by Qin Qingluo not to send anyone, hinting at a desire to drive him away.

Fortunately, in most cases, Chen Yi was thick-skinned enough not only to unabashedly stay but also to want to wander around the Prince Mansion these few days.

After all, no matter how well he could endure solitude, staying idle in the courtyard alone was impossible. Chen Yi was not like Zhou Yitang, who would inevitably fall ill from being alone.

This was the inner courtyard, where maidservants and old women usually bustled about, and men were not allowed. So when Chen Yi, a man, suddenly appeared, he startled everyone. A few steps in, maidservants with a sturdy woman approached to stop and question him, indicating that the household rules were well maintained. Only after showing the waist plaque left by Zhu E was he allowed to pass, yet whispers persisted during his passage.

In wealthy families, keeping male companions and artists was not uncommon, and although gossiped about, it was only that. However, the Prince had always been known to be indifferent to appearances, regardless of gender, not even taking a concubine, solely devoted to the Princess. Therefore, Chen Yi’s open presence was undoubtedly shocking, like a thunderclap.

As he walked by, some gossiping maidservants quietly speculated, "This gentleman doesn’t look petite, how did he enter the private door?"

Immediately, someone else quickly responded, "Hey, didn’t you see how tall the Prince is?"

That explained everything.

Comparatively speaking, that person seemed just right; otherwise, how could he withstand the Prince’s demands?

As a martial artist, Chen Yi could hear even the faintest whispers like they were comically clear, and he hadn’t walked too far, hearing those words only made him smile, not taking them seriously.

He stopped at a pavilion on a small slope, gazing around. The Prince Mansion, in fact, occupied more area than the Imperial Palace, boasting sceneries of hills and waters unseen amidst the hustle and bustle. The entire mansion was built against the mountain, divided into inner and outer courtyards, each separated by layers of walls, with towers at the juncture of the inner and outer yards. Though these walls appeared cluttered and not wide enough, they perfectly divided the terrain. The walls were high and solid, and viewing the entire layout, he realized that unfamiliar assassins wouldn’t make it far without getting lost.

Moreover, the fortress-like layout, the mountainside terrain, the tower arrangements, complemented by circumferential main roads devoid of civilian houses, made this Mansion of Annan more of a fortress or fortified village than a mere residence for leisurely enjoyment like those in the Capital City.

His gaze unwittingly lingered on a courtyard deep in the inner yard.

That was the Prince of Annan’s courtyard, also the largest in the mansion, fully equipped with various housing, with two warm rooms where Qin Yue stayed.

Chen Yi had previously asked Zhu E about Qin Qingluo’s residence, apparently not with good intentions, and he was aware of his ill intentions, harboring thoughts of a night raid. Sharp as she was, Zhu E could clearly see it.

She didn’t refuse Chen Yi, instead meticulously explaining the layout of the mansion, finally advising him earnestly, "Wanting to see Qingluo with good intentions is fine, but she’s stubborn, and now might not be the best time for a visit. Going during the day would be better."

How could Chen Yi not understand Zhu E’s concerns?

Qin Qingluo tolerated his existence, just as she reluctantly accepted giving birth to Qin Yue in the past.

So this time he confidently walked over, and while gazing from the pavilion, he noticed maidservants reporting to the Prince of Annan.

Chen Yi leisurely descended from the pavilion, presenting the waist plaque in hand as he approached the Prince of Annan’s courtyard. When questioned, he claimed that the Prince had summoned him.

Without needing to open the warm room door, from outside, he could already hear the little child Qin Yue giggling under the care of two nannies, jumping about.

"One, two, three big frogs, jump!"

The laughter was pure joy.

Chen Yi pushed the door open.

Qin Yue’s little face immediately fell.

She stopped jumping and swayed to the nannies’ side, retreating into the corner to watch him warily with her small eyes. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Why aren’t you jumping, young lady?"

"No more jumping, not jumping." Qin Yue answered twice, pointing forward, "The bad-talking person... is here."

Her babyish demeanor was very endearing, and Chen Yi’s heart softened somewhat.

However, it was clear Qin Yue had built a defense, despite her young age and ignorance of what a defense was, she still disliked this person claiming to be "Daddy" in front of her.

The two nannies smiled shyly and awkwardly at Chen Yi, familiar with him from bringing food, instructed by Zhu E, so his arrival didn’t surprise them.

Chen Yi waved dismissively, inquiring about Qin Yue, all of which were minor matters.

"What has she been eating lately?"

"Whatever the kitchen makes, usually jade rice porridge, with some minced lamb or beef. She’s too young for pork, and she has milk a couple of times, morning and night."

"Hasn’t she stopped the milk habit?"

"You’re funny, sir, she’s to be fed till four or five years old." "Not just that, I’ve heard of families still feeding till six or seven, even eight years still drinking..." The two nannies chatted back and forth, explaining the situation.