Chapter 73 Banquet
Jiang Qingning quickly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and stroked her hair at the temples.
At the same time, he stood up to give his seat to the doctor and turned around so that no one could see his vulnerability revealed in that instant.
On the street.
Jiang Baizhou and Jiang Songyan went to the alley immediately and returned the 15,000 taels they owed to the two waiting gambling houses.
"Second Master Jiang and Third Master Jiang are truly men of their word. From now on, our IOU is torn up. Don't forget to come to Hongyun Casino and Qianjinlou often."
The two groups of people noticed the ugly faces of Jiang Baizhou and Jiang Songyan, and tore up the IOUs with a smile, stuffed them into the arms of the two men, and turned around to leave together.
"Now there are only three thousand taels left. It won't be long before the Jiang family runs out of money. My son and nephew's official positions are still uncertain. What should we do?"
Jiang Baizhou looked at the few thin silver notes in his hand, took out one thousand taels and handed it to Jiang Songyan.
He couldn't help but sigh and said, "Third brother, we've suffered a severe setback this time. It seems that gambling to make back our money won't work."
Jiang Songyan looked at the banknote in his hand, rolled it up and carefully placed it in his sleeve pocket.
They echoed, "Now it seems that we can only find a noble family as our in-laws. We hope that they can take care of the children of the clan and ask them for more support."
Now that a lot of blood had been shed, both of them tacitly agreed not to mention the bet again.
After all, this time, there are only a few worthless shops and the Jiang family's ancestral home left.
If anyone can't help it anymore, he will probably lose the money and can only pay off the debt with his hands.
"Our Jiang family has fallen into decline. There is no family in the entire capital that can match our status. Who else still has the title of lord and can help us?"
When Jiang Baizhou heard this, he immediately thought it was feasible, but after a short moment, he thought about it and found that there was no candidate.
"My second brother's daughter, Ruyi, is young and beautiful, and would be the best match for the current Earl of Anping. Earl of Anping has already possessed such great abilities before he even turned thirty.
He was awarded the title of Earl of Anping for his work in flood control. Although it wasn't hereditary, he was still a fourth-rank censor-in-chief, with the authority to inspect all officials.
Jiang Songyan carefully observed Jiang Baizhou's expression, and when he noticed the relaxation on his face, he immediately climbed up the pole and said:
"It's perfect for Ruyi to be paired with the Earl of Anping. Jiang Qingning has let down the Anping Marquisate. Now the Anping Marquisate is anxious to find a stepmother for their eldest grandson. This is a great opportunity for Ruyi. Second brother, don't let this golden opportunity slip away!"
Jiang Baizhou hesitated, "But the Earl of Anping already has a five-year-old legitimate son, and a cousin to take care of him. His romantic affair last month was spread all over the capital, and everyone laughed at him."
Jiang Songyan sighed and explained, "My second sister-in-law and my second brother have been married for over twenty years and have two sons and two daughters. Ruyi is destined to be an easy child to raise. When she marries into the Anping Marquis's mansion, will she still worry about not being able to bear a legitimate son or daughter for the Anping Marquis?"
"As long as Ruyi successfully conceives a legitimate child after marriage, she will be favored by her mother-in-law, the old lady of Anping.
My wife told me that the wife of the Earl of Anping now dislikes that coquettish and troublesome cousin-niece the most."
"Even if she married into the Anping Earl's backyard in the future, what would it matter? A divorced second-married woman cannot get pregnant in this life.
Plus, she was disliked by the Anping Earl's wife and expelled from the Bai family. That meant she was just a lowly concubine, unable to surpass Ruyi in any way! "
Jiang Songyan said anxiously: "Second brother, seize the opportunity!"
Jiang Baizhou was completely persuaded by Jiang Songyan, and his heart couldn't help but become lively.
If the Earl of Anping became his legitimate son-in-law, wouldn't he be worried about not finding a way out for his son?
Would he be chased by creditors because of debts and forced to sell off the Jiang family's property?
"Third brother is right. I will go back and tell your second sister-in-law and niece Ruyi about this. In five days, at the banquet at the Anping Marquis's residence, the Anping Marquis's wife will be selecting a daughter-in-law. Ruyi must seize this opportunity!"
"Second brother is smart!"
The two brothers hit it off immediately, and immediately hurried out of the alley, got on the carriage, and quickly ordered the coachman to return home.
Jiang Mansion.
Second courtyard.
"Dad, do you really agree that I should marry Earl Anping?"
Jiang Ruyi was so surprised that she didn't notice the sad look on her mother's face at all. She hugged Jiang Baizhou's arm and acted coquettishly and happily.
"Master, isn't this too hasty? After all, the current relationship between us and the Anping Marquis' Mansion..."
The Second Lady asked uncertainly.
She was worried that the Anping Marquis's Mansion would mind the Jiang family's status, and even if Jiang Ruyi married there, she would not be liked. What's more, the Anping Marquis was a playboy and a libertine.
Jiang Ruyi said dissatisfiedly: "Mother, don't worry. Ruyi will naturally find a way to make the old lady of Anping Earl like me. The identity of the Anping Earl's wife can only be mine!"
Her tone was full of pride, as if her dream had come true.
"This is my good daughter!"
Jiang Baizhou clapped his hands and said to the Second Madam, "Send someone into the mansion today to make Ruyi some fashionable clothes!"
Ning Pavilion.
Jiang Qingning looked at the news sent back by the secret line, his eyes filled with seriousness.
The sky gradually brightened, and the gate of the Anping Marquis' Mansion opened wide. The three courtyards rewarded by the emperor finally showed their greatest value.
This family, who are usually stingy, actually spent a lot of money to decorate their mansion today. It can only be said that the courtyard was worthy of being renovated by the skilled craftsmen in the palace. Even after several years, it is still as prosperous as ever and has added to its ancient and solemn appearance.
The old lady of the Earl of Anping seemed determined to find a suitable wife for Xun Chen today. She even used her own private funds to prepare the best food, singing, dancing, drinks and scenery.
She wore expensive jewellery and gorgeous clothes, and sat at the first seat with a smile on her face, calmly giving orders for everything in the mansion.
As the sun came out and it was almost noon, the noise of carriages and horses poured in like a tide outside the Anping Marquis's mansion.
The guests straightened their clothes and walked along the bluestone corridor with their wives and daughters.
The waiters on both sides stood as tall as pine trees, bowing their heads respectfully to greet every guest.
"After all, the Anping Marquis's Mansion was personally appointed by the Emperor, and the Anping Marquis is a fourth-rank official. He has eliminated more than half of the officials in the capital, both big and small."
"After all these years, our Anping Marquis's Mansion has finally held such a grand banquet besides the old lady's birthday. Naturally, they can't wait to come."
The nanny stood by the side of the old lady of the Anping Earl, looking at her satisfied expression, lowering her eyes respectfully and complimenting her with the words she liked to hear.
The latter had no idea that the head nanny whom he had promoted had been bribed a few days ago.
"You...really a considerate person. It's worth it that I promoted you."
The old lady of the Anping Earl said with a smile that ever since Madam Liu was reported by Jiang Qingning and sent to the government, she had no one to rely on.
Now, I still have to rely on my good vision to find a good servant who is no less good than Bai Qingyi and Liu Ma.
"It's all thanks to the old lady's diligent teaching." The nanny's attitude became more humble, which made the person in front of her even more satisfied.
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