Song Zhiyuan visited the Duke Dingguo Mansion, naturally, Duke Dingguo personally received him. Upon eting, the two middle-aged n who were not much different in age exchanged complints and pleasantries.
"...The Emperor often ntions that Duke Dingguo, in his pri, is rely resting idle, leaving him quite helpless, all waiting for you to offer your services."
Duke Dingguo replied with a hearty laugh: "I am old now, you should know, my legs feel sore every winter, and now I rely on moxibustion every night just to sleep well, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to sleep a wink all night. So, serving and glorifying the nation should be left more to the young ones."
"Saying that makes feel awkward. You’re not that much older than ."
"This can’t be compared, you are now the top civil servant, a pillar of the nation, and the Emperor can’t do without you." Duke Dingguo lightly patted the shoulder of Pri Minister Song.
Song Zhiyuan smiled subtly, pretended to be humble, and shook his head.
"Co, you’re a busy man, rarely visiting. I have fifty-year-old aged wine here, since the snowy scenery is wonderful, how about we drink a couple?" Duke Dingguo said with a smile.
Song Zhiyuan smiled and cupped his hands: "The Lord’s hospitality must be followed."
As they walked and chatted, they talked about the garden views in the mansion and the scenic spots in the capital. All they discussed were food, entertainnt, leisure, without ntioning state affairs, enjoying their conversation.
At the warm pavilion ant for snow viewing, they stood by the window, gazing at the snowy landscape. Song Zhiyuan couldn’t help but sigh and spontaneously composed a poem.
Duke Dingguo stroked his beard and laughed: "The Pri Minister truly lives up to being a forr top scholar, his literary talent is outstanding, which I, an old man, am far from matching."
Song Zhiyuan modestly said a few humble words: "Since you call yourself an old brother, don’t address as Pri Minister. I go by Yunzhi, feel free to use my courtesy na."
"Alright, as an old brother, I shall respectfully comply."
Just then, there was so commotion at the door.
"The maidservants for tea brewing and wine preparation have arrived. This is not quite as good as the goods from the Emperor, but try what a brother has here."
As soon as he finished speaking, two maidservants appeared, bringing various items with them, followed by a blossoming young girl with elegant attire, distinct from those in maidservant uniforms.
Song Zhiyuan’s eyes sparkled with a hint of humor.
Duke Dingguo’s mouth twitched slightly; his wife was perhaps too blatant in her intentions. Even if one likes soone, this wasn’t the way to push it.
Glimpsing Song Zhiyuan’s playful eyes and subtle smile from the corner of his eye, Duke Dingguo felt a little stifled, sensing an unwelco feeling in the potential match.
He coughed and feigned seriousness: "Liu, why have you co?"
Guan Shuyan entered and bowed, innocently asking: "Wasn’t it father who asked to brew tea?"
Laughter ca from behind Duke Dingguo. Guan Shuyan only then noticed the man hidden by Duke Dingguo’s broad figure and paused in surprise.
"Ahem, since you’re here, go greet Pri Minister Song?"
Guan Shuyan blushed, stepped forward a few paces, placed her hands on her waist respectfully, and bowed: "The maiden greets the Pri Minister, may the Pri Minister be blessed."
"Miss Guan Liu, no need for ceremony." Song Zhiyuan smiled and raised his hand, took out a sheep white jade pendant from his waist, and handed it over: "A small eting gift, for you to play with."
Song Zhiyuan’s possessions are naturally high-quality. Guan Shuyan’s face turned red, feeling too shy to accept, she looked toward her elderly father.
"Accepting a gift from a senior should not be refused. Thank Pri Minister Song." Duke Dingguo said, a little sourly.
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