Chapter 173 Broad-minded
After Zhao Fuquan left to deliver the imperial decree, the person in charge of making the court robes arrived to take Jiang Yu's measurements. Having said all that needed to be said, the Duke of Chu dismissed everyone and told them to go about their business. Lu Yifang followed Jiang Yu to her courtyard.
The tailors who came to take Jiang Yu's measurements were the same two as last time. The two first smiled and bowed to Jiang Yu, "Congratulations, Duke of Chu."
Jiang Yu wasn't quite used to being addressed as the Duke of Chu, so she nodded slightly and exchanged a few pleasantries. Xia He smiled and gave each of them a purse, which made the two tailors even happier, and they took extra care when measuring.
Looking at this scene, Lu Yifang couldn't help but feel tears welling up in her eyes, thinking of how Jiang Yu had just entered officialdom more than half a year ago. Although her title was inherited, as a woman, she had to bypass Jiang Chengye to inherit it; without making achievements, she absolutely could not inherit the title.
Thinking about her hard work over the past six months, how could a mother not feel heartache?
"Alright, we'll make it for the Duke when we get back, and it should be ready to be delivered to you the day after tomorrow," the tailor said to Jiang Yu with a smile.
Jiang Yu nodded again, instructing Xia He to see the two off. Turning back, she saw tears in Lu Yifang's eyes and helplessly handed her a handkerchief. Lu Yifang took the handkerchief, sighed deeply, and said, "You child, why don't you think more about yourself?"
Both children are her flesh and blood. Lu Yifang felt sorry for Jiang Jiamu, who had suffered years of injustice and illness. But she felt even more sorry for Jiang Yu, who had been abducted as a child, divorced, and had worked hard for the family, and would later have to shoulder the heavy burden of the entire family's fate.
Now that Jiang Yu wants to make Jiang Yunkang the heir apparent, she feels even more sorry for Jiang Yu.
Jiang Yu's decision to make Jiang Yunkang her heir was made after careful consideration. If Jiang Jiamu hadn't been replaced and poisoned, the title should have rightfully belonged to him. Although she never felt she had taken the title from Jiang Jiamu, the fact remained that Jiang Jiamu had suffered immense injustice.
Furthermore, Yun Kang is a smart and kind child; with proper upbringing, he will be a qualified heir. Finally, she will likely never marry again in this life, and naturally, she will not have any children of her own. Moreover, even if she does marry and have children in the future, she will teach them how to compete for the title.
Jiang Yu sat down next to Lu Yifang and said earnestly, "Mother, this is what Yun Kang deserves."
The title of heir apparent was rightfully Jiang Yunkang's, not something she had given up. She wanted everyone in the household to feel the same way; she didn't want Jiang Yunkang to feel only deep gratitude towards her. That wouldn't be good for a child's development.
Lu Yifang wiped away her tears again, took Jiang Yu's hand and said, "Your responsibilities will be heavier from now on, but you must take care of yourself. Don't worry about the affairs of the inner quarters, I will manage them well and won't cause you any trouble."
Jiang Yu nodded. She didn't say thank you, but said, "I will let you know as soon as possible if anything happens. The inner quarters are just as important."
Diplomacy involving wives has always been important throughout history.
Lu Yifang straightened her back. Being recognized as someone who valued what she was doing filled her with inner strength. She said almost as if making a promise, "I will definitely manage the inner quarters well."
Seeing her like this, Jiang Yu wanted to laugh, but she held back and nodded, saying, "I believe in Mother."
......
Wu Zhengyan and Jiang Jiamu returned to their courtyard, and Wu Zhengyan buried her face in Jiang Jiamu's shoulder and sobbed. Jiang Jiamu understood her feelings—surprise, emotion, and the bittersweet relief that had finally come. He felt the same way.
"I...I really didn't expect that my younger sister would make Yun Kang the heir. I really didn't expect it," Wu Zhengyan said, tears streaming down her face.
Jiang Jiamu patted her on the back, "Big sister is broad-minded. You should listen to her more in the future, even if she disciplines Yun Kang strictly."
Wu Zhengyan nodded heavily, "I will definitely listen to my younger sister in everything. I know she does it all for our own good."
Jiang Jiamu then looked at Yun Kang and said in a very serious tone, "You are four years old now, and you understand a lot of things."
Jiang Yunkang nodded heavily; he knew about their family's past.
"Your eldest aunt inherited the title of Duke of Chu, which she earned through her own efforts. Your eldest aunt was kidnapped as a child..."
Jiang Jiamu told Jiang Yunkang about Jiang Yu's experiences and what he did after returning to the manor. Finally, he said, "Even if I hadn't been switched or poisoned, and had received a good education since childhood, I still couldn't have done what your aunt did. So, she deserves this title."
Jiang Yunkang nodded heavily. He didn't understand many of what Jiang Jiamu said, but he summarized it as follows: his aunt was very, very capable, and she should have inherited the title.
"Your eldest aunt wants to make you the heir apparent, and our whole family should be grateful to her, especially you," Jiang Jiamu continued. "Your eldest aunt is now the Duke of Chu, and according to the rules, her next Duke of Chu should be her child, not you. Therefore, you must respect your eldest aunt, listen to her, and study hard, understand?"
"I know," Jiang Yunkang said solemnly.
Jiang Jiamu patted his head, "Good boy."
......
That very night, Jiang Yu wrote a memorial appointing Jiang Yunkang as the heir apparent. The next day, after seeing it, the emperor couldn't help but say, "This Jiang Yu is a man of great vision."
Then he wrote an imperial edict appointing Jiang Yunkang as the heir apparent of the Duke of Chu and sent it to the Duke of Chu's mansion by a young eunuch.
With double joy in the air, the Duke of Chu's mansion was bound to hold a grand banquet. Invitations were being sent out, and the grand banquet was scheduled for three days later. All the powerful and influential families in the capital had received invitations. This was the first banquet held by the Duke of Chu's mansion after the change of heir, and almost every family would attend. Moreover, all those who attended had to be of equal status to Jiang Yu, the Duke of Chu.
A day later, Jiang Yu's court robes arrived. They were purple, with a jade belt and a seven-ridged crown, very dignified and imposing. Because they were tailor-made, they fit him perfectly.
This time, Lu Yifang and Cheng Yunxiu accompanied Jiang Yu to try on the clothes, and both mothers had tears in their eyes again. Jiang Yu felt helpless once more. Many people felt that it had been difficult and arduous for her to get to this point. But she herself didn't feel that way. Doing what you love makes you feel neither tired nor bitter.
...
On the day of the banquet, the Duke of Chu's mansion was bustling with activity, filled with distinguished guests. Jiang Yu, accompanied by Jiang Yunkang, received the guests, signifying the inauguration of the new heir to the Duke of Chu's mansion.
Regardless of what everyone was thinking, they all offered their congratulations, and upon seeing the old Duke of Chu, they all praised Jiang Yu for his young talent.
The guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Halfway through the banquet, the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and other palace ladies arrived with their gifts, once again demonstrating the Emperor and Empress Dowager's high regard for the Duke of Chu's mansion.
The banquet lasted all day, ending in the evening. Jiang Yu then led Jiang Yunkang to see the guests off. After everyone had left, Jiang Yu took Jiang Yunkang's hand and walked towards the hall, asking him, "Are you tired?"
The little one was a bit weak when he spoke, but he still said "certainly": "Auntie, I'm not tired."
Jiang Yu couldn't help but laugh, "Yeah, but I'm tired."
Jiang Yunkang: "..."
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