Chapter 17: A Mind Full of Questions

"This is the front courtyard. They prefer tranquility, so they live in the back garden. Come, let me take you to meet them!" Mo Yiran led Yuan Qian'er toward the back, introducing the various parts of the estate as they walked.

"The front courtyard of the Prince's Mansion is generally used for receiving distinguished guests, while our daily lives take place in the back. There are four pavilions in the back garden: Clear Wind Pavilion, where my grandfather resides; Clear Water Pavilion, where my parents live; Clear Cloud Pavilion, which is currently vacant and reserved for visiting relatives; and Clear Mo Pavilion, where I live. Finding Clear Mo Pavilion is easy; just look for the area where servants and attendants are bustling about—that place is managed by my personal staff."

"So, where will I be staying? The Clear Cloud Pavilion?"

"Yes, I have already had it cleaned and prepared with daily necessities and clothing. You just need to move in. Don't be constrained here; treat it as your own home. My grandfather and the others are very easygoing people."

They arrived at the main hall of the back garden. Upon entering, they saw an elderly man of about sixty sitting in the seat of honor—presumably Mo Yiran’s grandfather. Beside him sat a middle-aged couple, clearly his parents. But how could they look so different? Both men had square faces, and though the woman was stunning, her features didn't match at all. Could Mo Yiran really be the result of a genetic mutation?

"Grandfather, Father, Mother, I have returned. My master's little granddaughter has come with me as well," Mo Yiran said, taking the lead in introducing Yuan Qian'er.

Seeing that Mo Yiran was introducing her, Yuan Qian'er set aside her internal confusion and greeted the three with a smile. "Hi there! Hello, Grandpa, Uncle, and Auntie. My name is Yuan Qian'er. It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time. I will be staying here for a while, so I hope you will take care of me!"

Grandfather Mo spoke first. "Yiran, Qian'er, please sit." Once they were seated, he turned to Mo Yiran. "You’ve finally returned. You aren't planning to just drop by and leave again in a hurry, are you?"

"Grandfather, Master has entered seclusion, and I don't know when he will emerge. Besides, I have learned nearly everything I can, so I won't be returning to Mist Mountain for the time being. Before his seclusion, Master entrusted Qian'er to my care, so she will be living with us from now on," Mo Yiran explained to his grandfather.

"Since Master Taihe has given the order, we must naturally take good care of her and not be the least bit negligent. Qian'er, are you satisfied with this mansion?" Father Mo asked.

"Satisfied? Of course I am! This place is comparable to a villa!" Yuan Qian'er praised sincerely. The decor of the mansion was truly impressive—even more luxurious than a modern villa.

"It is good that you like it. By the way, Yiran, your mother and I have something to tell you," Mother Mo said. "Since you have returned having completed your studies and your grandfather is here to manage the household, we intend to go traveling for a while. Being a prince for so long has become tiresome; it is much freer to roam the mountains and rivers."

It seemed that Father Mo and Mother Mo were looking to enjoy their leisure. Seeing Grandfather Mo’s calm expression, it was clear he had already agreed. Mo Yiran also felt that a relaxing trip would be good, so he replied, "Mother, Father, please go ahead. I will take good care of Grandfather, so don't worry!"

"Good. Since you all agree, I will go to the palace now to inform the Emperor and seek his approval," Father Mo said, before heading out. Mother Mo also returned to the Clear Water Pavilion to pack her things.

Left to sit in boredom, Yuan Qian'er looked around, thinking to herself: *Why are his parents leaving the moment Mo Yiran returns? And there is almost no interaction between them—not even a basic question about whether he’s been doing well or if he’s warm enough. Only Grandfather Mo had much to say. And why do they seem so unfazed by all the modern slang I’ve been using? Oh, I have so many questions, but it doesn't seem appropriate to ask! It's so frustrating! Could it be that Mo Yiran isn't their biological son?!!*

Noticing Yuan Qian'er’s restless boredom, Grandfather Mo said to Mo Yiran, "Yiran, take Qian'er to see the Clear Cloud Pavilion. Let her get familiar with it, otherwise, she’ll be bored sitting here."

Relieved to be away, Yuan Qian'er looked at Grandfather Mo with immense gratitude. "Grandpa Mo, you really understand me! I’m off then, I’ll come visit you another day! Goodbye!" With that, she pulled Mo Yiran out of the main hall.