Chapter 64 Strengthening Ties with My Jiang Family

The Jiang family is hosting a family banquet tonight and has specially invited Shen Ci'an to their home.

Shen Ci'an has now been personally appointed by the Emperor as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. Although his official position is not high, he is a close minister of the Emperor and his future is limitless.

Jiang Zhengting naturally wouldn't let such a good opportunity slip by.

Since it was a family banquet, there weren't many formalities. As soon as Jiang Zhi arrived at the front hall, she heard a voice at the door announcing that Lord Shen had arrived.

He seemed no different from when he left the Jiang residence, still wearing his old blue robe, his back straight, his features refined and otherworldly.

“Nephew, you’ve finally arrived! Please take a seat,” Jiang Zhengting greeted him with a radiant smile. “I thought you were too busy to come to the banquet.”

Shen Ci'an's voice was as cold as ever, "Lord Jiang is joking. Ci'an owes his current position to Lord Jiang. How could I dare disobey an order?"

"Haha, my dear nephew, you have won my heart! Today we shall certainly have a few drinks and not leave until we're drunk!"

Everyone took their seats. Jiang Zhengting and Shen Ci'an chatted amiably, while Jiang Zhi sat at the lower end, sipping her tea with a cold expression.

After a few rounds of drinks and enough pleasantries, Jiang Zhengting got down to business.

"These days, the streets of Kyoto are buzzing with rumors about you: passing the imperial examination with flying colors, riding through the streets on horseback, and even hearing that your doorstep is practically worn down by matchmakers."

Jiang Zhengting, with a loving expression of concern for the younger generation in his family, said, “Your parents passed away early, so our Jiang family is practically your maternal family. Although you have now become an official and brought honor to your ancestors, you are still young. When choosing a wife, you must keep your eyes open and choose a virtuous one.”

"Yes, I will follow Lord Jiang's teachings," Shen Ci'an replied respectfully.

But his gaze couldn't help but fall on Jiang Zhi, who sat to the left.

Seeing her expressionless and uninterested demeanor, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

"I wonder if my nephew has already chosen someone?" Jiang Zhengting asked again.

Shen Ci'an said, "Ci'an has just taken office and is overwhelmed with many matters. He has no plans to get married for the time being."

Jiang Zhengting stroked his beard and laughed, "Actually, I don't think it's necessary to go to such trouble. You know both of my daughters well, and you know their personalities and backgrounds. If you don't have someone in mind, why not strengthen the kinship ties with my Jiang family through marriage?"

Before Shen Ci'an could speak, Wang Yuru, who was standing next to him, could no longer contain herself.

“What you say is absolutely right, my lord. My Yun’er is the most obedient and virtuous, and she is also gentle and understanding. Ci’an, you have no elders in your family, so you may be looked down upon, but that’s not a problem with me. Once you get married, I will take care of all the wedding arrangements. You don’t need to worry about anything.”

Wang Yuru is now extremely satisfied with Shen Ci'an.

Since the incident with the mountain bandits, although it didn't spread in the end, Yun'er was rescued from the mountain bandits by Xie Qi, which damaged his reputation, and the connection with the Marquis of Wuyi was essentially severed.

Yun'er was too frightened to handle any more stimulation, so she stayed in her own courtyard and did not attend the family banquet today.

The Jiang family had been kind to Chen Ci'an, and if he were any kind person who appreciated kindness, he should have married her daughter.

Jiang Zhengting glared at her fiercely, "What nonsense are you talking about? My nephew hasn't even spoken yet, why are you making such a fuss?"

He then looked at Shen Ci'an with a smile, "Both of my daughters are unmarried. You can choose either one, and I will definitely arrange for her to marry you!"

A chill ran through Jiang Zhi's heart.

To treat one's daughter like a cabbage, letting others pick her at will, is something you won't find another like in the entire capital.

Shen Ci'an remained expressionless, his gaze still lingering on Jiang Zhi, and suddenly spoke, "I wonder what Miss Jiang thinks?"

Jiang Zhengting's eyes lit up. "That's right. Zhi'er learned calligraphy from you back then, so you must have a deep bond. Why don't I arrange for Zhi'er to marry you..."

"Father!" Jiang Zhengting was interrupted coldly by Jiang Zhi before he could finish speaking, "Have you forgotten about your daughter's visit to the palace a couple of days ago?"

Marrying Shen Ci'an would have been something she would have been happy to see happen in the past.

But now that Shen Ci'an has seen her true colors and knows that she is a scheming and manipulative woman, how could he possibly still like her?

Even if Jiang Zhengting used his gratitude to force Shen Ci'an to marry her, he would definitely be unwilling.

Why torture each other?

Jiang Zhengting also came to his senses after being reminded by Jiang Zhi.

“Oh, right, I almost forgot. Zhi’er might be going to the Crown Prince’s Palace, so for now, only Yun’er is left.” Jiang Zhengting’s expectant gaze fell on Shen Ci’an.

Shen Ci'an's originally calm expression changed abruptly after hearing Jiang Zhi say that she wanted to enter the Eastern Palace.

His knuckles turned white as he gripped the wine cup, almost crushing it in his hand. Dark and intense emotions surged in his eyes, but he managed to suppress them and said in a hoarse voice, "Then I must congratulate Lord Jiang on becoming a member of the royal family."

Jiang Zhengting waved his hand modestly, "We don't know the outcome yet. Today it was only mentioned at the family dinner and should not be spread outside."

However, I think the Empress really likes Zhi'er. She personally issued an imperial decree to summon her to the palace. Even the daughter of Prime Minister Li did not receive such treatment.

If time allows, the Jiang family can marry off two daughters on the same day, one to the Crown Prince and the other to the Shen family. Truly wonderful, truly wonderful!

Jiang Zhengting was so excited that he didn't notice Shen Ci'an's dark, brooding expression.

"Miss Jiang, who do you think I should marry now?" he asked, staring intently at her, eager for an answer.

"You can marry whomever you want; it's none of my business," Jiang Zhi said coldly.

Jiang Zhengting slammed his hand on the table. "How dare you speak like that? Apologize to Lord Shen right now!"

This daughter is really blind. Does she think Shen Ci'an is still the poor scholar who used to stay at their Jiang family's residence?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhi's expression remained unchanged. She stood up and bowed to Shen Ci'an, saying, "I apologize, Lord Shen. I was being rude."

“It was I who overstepped my bounds.” Shen Ci’an looked at Jiang Zhi, who was so distant from him that she didn’t even raise an eyebrow.

That indifference seemed to emanate from his very bones.

Shen Ci'an felt as if her heart was being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, and even her breathing became labored.

"Speaking of calligraphy, it has indeed been a long time since I've seen Miss Jiang's lessons. I wonder how her practice has been these past few days, and whether she has slacked off?"

"Zhi'er, since the teacher has asked, why don't you hurry up and bring over your homework from these past few days so the teacher can give you some pointers?" Jiang Zhengting immediately ordered.

Jiang Zhi frowned.

He already knows he lied to him, so why bring it up again?

But Jiang Zhengting kept urging her on.

Jiang Zhi had no choice but to leave the table and return to Chuntang Garden to retrieve it.

After she casually picked up a few papers and went out, she saw a slender, familiar figure standing in the shadows under a tree as soon as she stepped out of the courtyard gate.