Chapter 014: Returning Home
Du Fan frowned and said, “Father… do you mean…”
Duke Green abruptly interrupted him, “If I’m guessing correctly, the Lani Empire will surely withdraw its troops this time and not advance further against the Gavin Empire. But in a few years, the Lani Empire will likely launch a full-scale attack. Du Fan, if you follow my advice and choose a province in the south as your fief, these years will be an excellent opportunity for you to build your power. By then, won’t the Green family have a chance to rise to prominence?”
Du Fan’s eyes twitched slightly. Duke Green’s words were extremely explicit… but the implications behind them… he needed to think carefully about them upon returning.
As the father and son spoke, the carriage arrived at the entrance of Duke Green’s residence. Instead of getting out, Duke Green looked at Du Fan and said, “Go back and rest for a few days. I’m sure the rest of the family has already set off for the imperial tombs in the western suburbs. According to imperial rules, when an old emperor passes away, a funeral ceremony lasting at least three days and three nights must be held. Moreover, two princes died this time, so I reckon the state funeral will take seven days and seven nights. Prince Fischer has already ordered that you don’t need to attend the funeral, but we still have to go… So, take these seven days to rest properly!”
After saying that, Duke Green closed his eyes. After a moment, he said calmly, “Also, consider what I mentioned earlier… But remember, what I’ve said are just my personal suggestions… As for what to do, it’s up to you to decide!”
With that, Duke Green laughed heartily and said, “To be made a duke before turning eighteen—looking back at the empire’s centuries-long history, there are few such examples… My son, you truly bring honor to the Green family! Well, you may go now!”
He snapped his fingers, and the guards immediately opened the carriage door.
After stepping down slowly, Du Fan saw the carriage speeding westward, soon disappearing from his sight.
Yet, standing there, Du Fan felt a faint sense of… gratitude…
His father clearly knew of his abilities, but his actions on the day of the coup proved that he had many things hidden from him. Yet his father asked nothing and only helped him consider other matters…
Thinking of these things, Du Fan felt a bit uneasy. Originally, as a second-life individual, his feelings toward his parents in this life were merely average. But seeing his father care so much for him, how could he not be moved? He watched for what seemed like a long time before suddenly hearing a low voice say, “Third young master… you’re back!” Du Fan turned to see it was Old Mark. He quickly helped Old Mark, who tried to bow, saying, “Grandpa Mark, it’s you… How did you…?” Old Mark shook his head and said, “I’m used to serving the young master. Most of the people in the mansion have gone to the imperial tombs in the western suburbs. I thought if you returned these days and had no one to serve you, you might not be used to it. So I decided to stay on my own.” As he spoke, Old Mark glanced at Du Fan from head to toe before saying, “It’s good that you’re fine, third young master… These days, I heard from the people of our Green Family’s army that you were seriously injured on the day of the coup. But because of my status, I couldn’t enter the palace to take care of you. Seeing you return unharmed today… my worried heart is finally at ease…” Even Old Mark, usually so composed, couldn’t help but have red eyes. Moved, Du Fan quickly helped Old Mark up and said, “Grandpa Mark… I’m fine now. You don’t need to worry so much!” Old Mark sighed repeatedly and simply said, “It’s good that you’re back! It’s good that you’re back!” The master and servant talked at the door for a while about parting emotions. Eventually, Old Mark regained his composure, realizing how hard his young master must have had these days, and quickly invited Du Fan into the duke’s mansion. The duke’s mansion now seemed unusually quiet. These days were supposed to be the spring festival, and usually, it would be very lively, with even distant relatives from the fiefdoms coming to the empire to celebrate. But now, aside from a few servants, there weren’t many people in the mansion, which was almost submerged in darkness. Seeing this, Old Mark quickly explained, “Third young master, aside from the eldest and second young masters, all the cousins have come this year. It’s just… it’s a national funeral now, and the duke himself has gone… Naturally, the others had to follow… If you feel it’s too quiet, perhaps…” Du Fan waved his hand and said, “Never mind. I’ll just rest well in the mansion these days. You know my personality—I’m not used to such lively scenes!” As he spoke, Du Fan unconsciously frowned.
Since most of the nobles attended this state funeral, it meant that aside from the funeral itself, the rest of the time was for them to take turns showing loyalty to the new lord, Prince Fischer, and for various factions to maneuver among themselves. Even after this coup, the power vacuum left by the senior prince’s faction—aside from what was taken back by the royal family—might well be settled during this state funeral! Prince Fischer must be aware of this, which is why he ordered himself not to attend the funeral… likely also to prevent himself from having the chance to form factions among his own nobles. But, Prince Fischer, you underestimate me, Du Fan, far too much! Am I really the kind of person who would do anything for power? Recalling the few times they met, Prince Fischer had always been polite and humble, so it surprised Du Fan that he would be so suspicious of him now. Du Fan didn’t know whether to sneer or sigh bitterly. Emperors are heartless—there’s no family affection, and surely no friendship either! Fortunately, I don’t care about building relationships with those minor nobles. With the Green family’s background, once I’m made a duke, my status will likely become even more elevated… By then, if I want to form factions, can Prince Fischer stop me? Fischer, Fischer! You not only overestimate yourself but also underestimate me, Du Fan! Old Mark walked behind, watching the third young master lost in thought, not daring to disturb him. After all, Old Mark wasn’t an ordinary person; he had already figured out everything that had happened these days through his own methods and naturally understood what the third young master was worrying about… After a while, Du Fan finally let out a sigh and murmured, “Forget it! I won’t think about these things for now. I’ll rest for a few days. Once I’m well rested, I’ll deal with these issues.” Then, Du Fan turned to Old Mark again, looking a bit embarrassed, and said, “Grandpa Mark, could you ask someone to prepare a decent meal for me? I’m starving!” Old Mark quickly bowed and said, “Of course. I’ve already prepared it. I’ll have the servants serve the food now. You go wait in the side hall… But third young master, you said you wanted to rest for a few days—probably not enough time!” Du Fan raised his eyebrows and asked, “Oh? What’s the matter now?”
Elder Mark gave a wry smile and said, “Third Young Master, your men are already at the duke’s residence, waiting day and night for your summons… Here, I must remind you that your subordinate named Ferre has also rendered great services this time. Even the Duke intends to promote him, but upon learning he is under your command, he refrained from granting any rewards, saying it should be up to you to decide… Also, people these days seem to have extremely sharp ears. Before you returned, the Mage Guild and the Holy Church sent people with invitations, saying they would come to pay a visit if they have time these days… As you know, Third Young Master, for a state funeral… the people from the Mage Guild and the Holy Church usually don’t pay much attention.”
Du Fan frowned and said, “Ferre is back? What about the task I asked him to handle? Never mind… Invite them all to the side hall for dinner later. I’ll ask him in person… And the Mage Guild sending invitations? That’s a bit excessive, isn’t it? More importantly, I’m also a White Robe Priest of the Holy Church! Even if they asked me to return to the cathedral right now, I’d have to hurry there, but having them send invitations… that seems inappropriate, doesn’t it? Grandpa Mark, you should understand this better than I do. Can’t you just decline?”
Elder Mark smiled bitterly and said, “Third Young Master, of course I understand. But the messengers said Archbishop Anthony has given orders. Although you are a White Robe Priest, today is different from usual… You have rendered great services this time and have been appointed as a duke. According to imperial law, you are first a duke and then a priest… These rituals must not be ignored. Please understand, Third Young Master.”
Du Fan frowned again… The arrival of the Mage Guild members was expected, but that old fox Anthony… what exactly is he up to?