The estate was breathtaking in the morning light. Tang Feiliu felt an even sharper pang of regret whenever he remembered this castle had once belonged to him, leaving him distracted throughout breakfast. The Duke, clearly reading the youngster's discontent in his vivid expressions, gently reminded Tang Feiliu, who was absentmindedly eating his bread: Young Lance, there will be equally beautiful estates near the castle, and they can be customized entirely to your liking from start to finish..."
"Thank you, Your Grace." Tang Feiliu gazed reluctantly at the Roman-columned gazebo, forcing his eyes away from the European-style pastoral garden. He considered the villages near the castle and replied, " I think it would be wonderful to occasionally vacation here. I don't need a new estate... You mentioned building a city for you. If possible, I'd rather use all this money to construct a city... A beautiful, bustling metropolis where most people can live comfortably..."
Tang Feiliu's expression softened into dreamy longing as he continued to Edward with a tone full of vision: "Looking down from the swan castle, the concrete paths could curve all the way down the mountainside. The castle gates would open, and walking straight out would lead to the entire city of New Swan... Each district would be neatly planned, with public facilities and shopping streets where people could buy everything they need. Step outside, and the entire mountain would be covered in fruit trees, while the fields would be heavy with ripening wheat... Your Highness, the castle is already large and comfortable enough. I just... I just find this place so beautiful, but that doesn't mean I must possess it."
At this point, Tang Feiliu gave an embarrassed smile. He truly adored this place, almost letting it cloud his judgment. Yet upon reflection, did he truly need to acquire this estate? To live independently and happily as a small estate owner... would that truly suffice?
The cold winter was approaching. He was responsible for managing the castle during the social season, and Grandfather Dave had already invited him to help prepare for the ball. His first manure fermentation pit was underway and would soon be used to fertilize the wheat in the experimental field. Tang Feiliu also planned to experiment with intercropping mulberry fields and fish ponds for increased yields... Everything was only just beginning. In truth, upon reflection, though he still yearned for an idyllic pastoral life, Tang Feiliu was acutely aware that he couldn't afford to slow down just yet.
But that was fine. Only when Duke Edward's domain flourished and most people lived better could true pastoral idyll be achieved. Otherwise, stepping out onto country lanes littered with dung would be anything but idyllic.
Tang Feiliu took a hearty bite of bread and looked earnestly at His Grace the Duke. "...Still, I'm quite happy to come here for occasional respite."
Edward looked at him, his heart melting completely. He murmured softly, "Absolutely. In fact, I think you make a very good point. This winter, we must do something... I mean, I don't need many balls or anything like that. I'm very interested in the plan you mentioned. Perhaps this winter we can begin laying out some plans."
"That would save us a lot of money!" Tang Feiliu's eyes lit up instantly. He swallowed the bread in his mouth and exclaimed, "Your Grace, do you know how much I spent in my first winter in York? Five shillings! I managed to keep myself well-fed and plump... Though the sour coarse bread wasn't exactly tasty, and sweet fruits were expensive... But five shillings a month? I lived quite well! The average working family spends less than a shilling per person monthly, which is why they're malnourished... But do you know how much a duke's ball costs? Grandpa Dave casually mentioned some requirements to me. I did the mathājust the dinner for the banquet alone would cost nearly five hundred pounds! Five hundred pounds! And that's just for one banquet dinner, not including the guests' lodging at the castle, not including tobacco and wine... Honestly, it's insane. Five hundred pounds! I could even go see what treasures those returning from the sea voyages brought back!"
Tang Feiliu's frugal, small-town mentality flared up at this point. He waved his hand emphatically. "Five hundred pounds for just one ball... Over an entire social season, with grand balls like this and endless dance parties... By winter's end, three thousand pounds vanishes without a traceāand that's with me scrimping and saving! And they say the late Duke could blow that much on a single ball? Good heavens! Just thinkārenovating our entire castle wouldn't even scratch the surface of that sum!"
It was truly terrifying. Nobles could genuinely throw money around, mingling in splendid castles and lavish ball gowns, while the poor outside had no way out... Not even a thought of offering them the slightest help.
Tang Feiliu didn't consider himself particularly noble-minded, nor did he truly resent the wealthy. He simply believed that if Edward wished to host a ball, then as his subordinate, he would organize it with dignity befitting the Duke's stature. But this year was truly a critical period. If His Grace intended to cut back on meaningless balls and instead allocate more funds toward next year's road repairs and agricultural improvements... that would be splendid!
"I agree," Edward said softly, his dark eyes softening slightly as he looked at Tang Feiliu. "Truthfully, you know my 'renowned reputation.' A standard social ball is sufficient for me to receive those I ought to see within the domain. They likely wouldn't wish to expend too much effort on me either."
Tang Feiliu's heart clenched at his words. He replied earnestly, "That's their foolishness. There is no such thing as a demon's child in this world, Your Grace. You are a man of immense charm. If they met you, they'd realize how utterly tedious the rumors truly are."
"Whether the world holds a son of the devil, I cannot say for certain." Edward fixed his gaze upon Tang Feiliu, his eyes deep and dark, as if they might drag Tang Feiliu into an abyss. His voice was soft, gentle enough to melt ice, as he murmured, "But I am certain of this: if angels exist in this world... then you are what they must look like."
Tang Feiliu froze, his scalp tingling under Edward's gaze. He pressed his lips together, flustered. "Your Grace... you flatter me..." Like Tang Feiliu himself, the young Lance's body couldn't withstand the slightest excitement, flushing crimson instantly. This made Tang Feiliu look rather flustered, like a small animal cornered.
Edward realized he might have startled the young man. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Go back now. Come spring, I'll have this place prepared. When the garden blooms, I'll bring you here for a short stay."
"Huh? Ah! Yes, yes!" Tang Feiliu stood up and trotted along behind. He felt he must have imagined it all. He kept telling himself, "Calm down, Tang Feiliu. Foreigners compliment people like this. Sure, it sounds a bit flirtatious, but the Duke is just a normal man. Stay calm! Just like last nightāhe's a Duke. You absolutely mustn't entertain any improper thoughts!"
After this intense self-persuasion, during the carriage ride back to the castle as Duke Edward described the countryside scenery, Tang Feiliu finally returned to his normal self.
When they left, he had brought two lowly maidservants. Upon returning, Duke Edward formally appointed Tang Feiliu as the chief administrator of Swan Castle. He instructed Tang Feiliu to move out of the servants' quarters after spring and select a large room with a garden within the castle to reside in. The two maids would temporarily remain at the estate in Nandeng Township. Once Tang Feiliu moved out, they would become his personal servants.
This arrangement was quite common. Though many noble retainers maintained their own homes and families, those granted special permission typically spent over half their time at the castleāsome even resided there with their entire households. This proximity allowed them to curry favor with their lord, thwart colleagues' attempts at division and betrayal, and remain close enough to intervene swiftly.
Tang Feiliu, however, was quite content to remain neighbors with Dave. In truth, his room had just been tidied up, and he saw no reason to move out. Moreover, half the castle had already been renovated: the main building was reserved for the Duke and his distinguished guests; The other areas meticulously renovated were the servants' quarters and the knights' quarters on the west side of the castle. Tang Feiliu felt renovating the remaining sections was pointless, but he certainly didn't want to live alongside the knights. They were all boisterous and loud, and he didn't fancy facing such stimulating sights daily. Yet, living in the main building... Truth be told, though nobles had few inhibitions, and some favored stewards or personal valets did reside in the main building, Tang Feiliu was the only one here. He certainly didn't want to be the sole exception.
Fortunately, Edward promptly announced that Dave and Evans would also hold significant positions in the future city's construction. Following this declaration, he promoted Ross, the senior valet jointly recommended by Dave and Evans, to head valet.
Tang Feiliu was reluctant to part with the small room he'd occupied since arriving at the castleāit had been so comfortably remodeled.
But since he would eventually have his own office and reception room, this change was unavoidable. Fortunately, like Dave and Evans, he would have the entire winter to enjoy his old quarters.
Unlike Dave, Ivanes harbored immense enthusiasm for the new city project. Though still young, the position of a duke's steward might be a good fit, yet Ivanes seemed to have other ambitionsāthis was evident in his demeanor.
One morning, an excited Evans knocked on Tang Feiliu's door. With his prominent hooked nose, gray-brown eyes, and neatly combed brown curls, he exclaimed to the drowsy Tang Feiliu, "Hey, Lance, that place seems to be just like you described!"
"What place? What's going on?" Tang Feiliu felt the chill of the outside air and couldn't help but shiver slightly as he asked sleepily.
"You mean that... fertilizer? Right, the fertilizer area looks just like you described!" Ivanis urged excitedly. "Lance, maybe you'd like to change clothes and come see your handiwork? If you can, Old Sam and the others are waiting to haul it to their fields to try it out... You said it's best to do this before the first snowfall, so they've been anxiously waiting!"
"Fertilizer... really?!" Tang Feiliu froze for a moment before snapping back to reality. He slammed the door shut, racing inside to change while shouting, "I'll be ready in a minute! Wait for me!"
"Okay!" Ivanse paced excitedly, calling back loudly.
Dave next door had long since left his room. He always rose this early to patrol the castle where he'd spent most of his life, so Ivanka didn't find it unusual.
But today, old Dave hadn't gone elsewhere. He stood by the duke's bedside, who hadn't even rung the bell. Edward answered while dressing: "Yes, one ball is enough... Dave, they don't welcome me, and I don't welcome them."
"As you wish, Your Grace," Dave murmured softly. "But your aunt might not appreciate such a response. She's been anticipating your wedding... you know."
"I know, Dave. I'll attend this damn ball. I'll handle it... If that fails, I'll go to the palace. Damn it, I know all this! Can you stop reminding me?!" Edward furiously fastened his scarf. After a pause, he turned to the old man and murmured, "Dave, listen. I'm sorry. I lost control just now..."
"It's all right," Dave said sadly, his voice soft. "My poor little Ed... I just wish you wouldn't make things so hard on yourself, all right?"
Edward embraced the grieving old man, patting his back as he murmured, "I know... Dave, maybe you're right. I should go to the palace sooner. It'll be better for everyone... That way I can forget all those awful thoughts..."
Meanwhile, Tang Feiliu cheered at the bizarre dung heap, then nearly choked on the stench. Covering his nose, he declared, "That's enough! This pile is perfect! Let them begin!"
He eagerly inspected the next pile of manureāheaven knew this corner of the castle, once lush with green grass, had recently become a place even the servants avoided.
But Tang Feiliu was overjoyed. Old Sam and the others listened to his words, envisioning bountiful wheat harvests, and were filled with enthusiasm. Everyone bustled about busily. Tang Feiliu and Ivance had nothing left to do. When they walked back, they saw the butler Dave say, "Ivance, come pack the luggage with me. His Grace the Duke will depart for the imperial capital tomorrow to attend the Queen's ball..."
Ivance paused before replying, "Yes."
"But... isn't the first winter social ball supposed to be held at the castle first?" Tang Feiliu, who had been planning this event recently, froze upon hearing the newsādid that mean they still needed to order fresh sea fish?!
"We'll discuss it after His Grace returns." Dave glanced at Lance and suddenly added, "Young Lance is sixteen this year... Perhaps he could use this time to attend the country gentlemen's ballācountless lovely ladies await your acquaintance there."
Tang Fei GAY Chunling Liu... froze. He stammered for a moment before finally managing, "Ah... ah, yes."
He had no idea why Dave would say such a thing, but it suddenly dawned on himāwhat exactly did coming out mean in the Middle Ages?
Tang Fei Liu recalled the books he'd read, filled with descriptions of religious tortures, and a belated fear began to creep over him.
A thin sheen of cold sweat broke out on his back. He forced a dry laugh. "But I've no interest in marriage or raising children, Grandpa Dave. You didn't marry either, did you?"
Alright, at least he could remain unmarried for life and just DIY... Tang Feiliu quickly talked himself out of freaking himself out. Luckily, Grandpa Dave was busy preparing things for the Duke who was heading out, so the matter was dropped.
Tang Feiliu practically stumbled back to his room, taking a long while to feel like he was coming back to life.
But what he hadn't anticipated was being dragged along by Jace to attend a dance hosted by a local gentry in Nandeng Township.
Truth be told, this era might be the worst of times, but it was also undeniably a splendid oneāat least the young women in their full skirts and cinched waists were overwhelmingly beautiful. It wasn't just their features; it was their refined speech and graceful demeanor, radiating a unique, intoxicating charm of old-fashioned ladies.
Even more terrifying was that most of the newly dressed men, in an effort to please the new lord's taste, wore simple tailcoats. This made a small portion of these gentlemen appear tall and handsome. Walking among them, Tang Feiliu felt like his eyes couldn't keep up!
Can't eat them! But I can secretly feast my eyes on them! Tang Feiliu thought happily as he sipped his cocktail.