Chapter 53 Another Lifesaver
Jiang Shuxiu was very excited; she had never met Uncle Qi when he was young.
Among the non-relatives in her memory, the one who left the deepest impression was Qi Zhengheng, who was the best person to her besides her mother.
She paused for a moment, thinking that this rebirth wasn't enough.
Many things are different in this life, and there are many people who are kind to her.
But she still wanted to see Uncle Qi when he was young, who was the savior of her and her mother in their previous life.
"Just...just..." Realizing that her second uncle couldn't be relied on, Jiang Shuxiu clung to the carved railing at the edge of the soft couch and walked towards Zhao Xian. "Zhu, just...just...just."
Jiang Heng didn't understand a word she said. "What is she going to do?"
“She wants to go out.” Zhao Xian put down her book and pointed out the window: “Xiu’er, it’s snowing outside, you can’t go out, you’ll get cold. Come back and play chess.”
Jiang Shuxiu shook her head, kept pointing outside, and kept making "ah ah ah" sounds as she opened her mouth and started uttering a string of words.
Jiang Heng laughed, "She's suffering because she doesn't know how to speak properly, how pitiful."
Seeing her anxious, Zhao Xian couldn't help but laugh.
"Ahhhhh..." Jiang Shuxiu gestured wildly.
Grandma, please stop laughing. I need to see Uncle Qi. Please help me.
Since her rebirth, Jiang Shuxiu has discovered that her grandmother is practically omnipotent, especially in guessing her thoughts. Why is she failing this time?
But she could only pin her hopes on Zhao Xian, gesturing incessantly with both hands.
The wet nurse guessed from the side, "The eldest young master is back. Does Xiu'er want to see her father?"
Jiang Shuxiu shook her head vigorously, saying, "What's so great about her father?"
Jiang Heng also leaned over to tease the child, "If you're not in a hurry to see your dad, then who do you want to see? Or did you wet your pants?"
Jiang Shuxiu rolled her eyes at him and said, "You're the one who wets your pants."
Jiang Heng seemed to have discovered something incredible. "Mother, did she just roll her eyes at me?"
Seeing Jiang Shuxiu's anxiety, Zhao Xian had a guess in her mind: could it be that she wanted to see Qi Zhengheng?
In the book, Jiang Shuxiu is most fond of trying to matchmake her mother and Qi Zhengheng, for which she has been criticized by some readers as an ungrateful wretch.
Zhao Xian held the person on her lap and tentatively asked, "We did have a guest at your residence today, a good friend of your father."
Jiang Shuxiu's eyes were wide open, eagerly awaiting Zhao Xian's next words.
However, Zhao Xian changed the subject, "Go check on how the preparations at the main kitchen are going. Don't be careless with the welcome banquet tonight."
"Send someone to inform the master that guests have come to the mansion today, and tell him to go home early."
Jiang Shuxiu felt that her grandmother was doing it on purpose.
This anticipation lasted until the welcoming banquet that evening. Jiang Shuxiu didn't recognize Qi Zhengheng at first glance; he was very different from the person she remembered.
For someone who is ten or twenty years younger, the difference is enormous.
Held by her wet nurse, Jiang Shuxiu pointed directly at Qi Zhengheng, her gaze clear, "Ahhh..."
The wet nurse looked in the direction she was pointing and saw Jiang Wei entertaining guests. She smiled and said, "Xiu'er, you've seen your father."
Jiang Shuxiu: "!!"
Worried that the wet nurse would hand her over to Jiang Wei, she struggled to get down.
Knowing her temperament, the wet nurse put her down.
She used to need to hold onto something for support to walk, but now she just let go of her wet nurse and wobbled away on her own.
Moreover, the goal remains clear.
The wet nurse and maid were astonished that Xiu'er could walk at only ten months old.
Then I saw her walk over, grab Qi Zhengheng's clothes, look up at him, and smile broadly.
Jiang Wei and Qi Zhengheng sat side by side, separated only by a small table with teacups on it.
Jiang Wei heard the servant's words and watched his daughter wobbling over. He was full of anticipation, but his daughter walked in front of someone else and even smiled at them.
The wet nurse's expression froze. "Xiu... Xiu'er hasn't seen her father in so long."
“This is my daughter.” Jiang Wei picked up his daughter and put her on his lap, introducing her to Qi Zhengheng.
Qi Zhengheng pulled off the jade pendant from his waist and said to Jiang Shuxiu, "Uncle didn't bring any gifts, this is for Yinyin to play with."
Jiang Shuxiu held the jade pendant and danced around, making all sorts of noises, but no one could understand her. However, it was clear that she was very enthusiastic about Qi Zhengheng.
As for his biological father, he didn't give him a single glance from beginning to end.
"Brother Jiang Wei, your daughter is so cute." Qi Zhengheng wasn't very popular with children, probably because he would train his younger brothers or nephews when he got home.
He rarely sees his sister and niece.
It's rare to see such a talkative and adorable little baby. I wish I could give away everything I have. She's so endearing.
Jiang Wei's face was expressionless to begin with, but when Jiang Shuxiu spoke the most happily, making Qi Zhengheng laugh out loud.
Feeling jealous, she handed the child to the wet nurse and explained to Qi Zhengheng, "It's time for her to eat her porridge."
Qi Zhengheng didn't react much, and even glanced at Jiang Shuxiu who was being carried away a few more times. He even thought to himself that he would have a daughter after he got married.
She's more well-behaved and cute than those boys.
Zhao Xian saw it all clearly from the side. Li Lianniang was a little worried. Cui Tingyue even told her that her father had been gone for too long, so Xiujie didn't recognize him.
This incident did not cause any major complications.
The banquet began only after Jiang Liangxu returned home.
After the welcome banquet.
The next morning, Jiang Wei did not wake Li Lianniang. As he dressed and was about to go out to work, a servant brought him a bowl of steaming noodles and two boxes, one large and one small.
"What's this?"
Peony pointed to the things being carried by the servants behind her and explained, "Young Master, Madam said that although your birthday has passed, the longevity noodles and gifts still need to be made up for, so she specially instructed me to send them over."
The gifts were two: Zhao Xian gave a lotus-green brocade crane cloak with gold thread embroidery; Jiang Liangxu gave an ancient book.
"Bring the noodles." Jiang Wei had to go to the Dali Temple first, then go to court to report back, but it was still early, and a bowl of noodles would be enough.
After Shaoyao returned to Haitang Residence, Zhao Xian couldn't help but ask, "How did it go? Did the eldest young master say anything?"
Peony shook her head: "No. But the young master finished all the longevity noodles and put on his cloak to go on duty."
Zhao Xian: If you've finished eating, that means you're satisfied.
In the original book, Jiang Liangxu's disappearance led to Jiang Wei being forbidden from celebrating his birthday, but the plot has since changed.
In the future, Zhao Xian thought that on Jiang Wei's birthday, she would celebrate it for him every year while she was still alive. If she left, there would still be Li Lianniang, who would at least not be as pitiful as in the book, nor would she grow up to be as cold and heartless.
Jiang Wei and Qi Zhengheng went to court together to discuss matters concerning Changzhou. Last night, Zhao Xian heard from Jiang Liangxu that Jiang Wei had rendered meritorious service and would be promoted in rank.
I remember when Jiang Wei asked her to resign, he said that he had a purpose in going to Changzhou.
It seems my wish is about to be fulfilled.
The news of Jiang Wei's promotion reached the mansion two days later.
Qi Zhengheng was also promoted.
Zhao Xian gave the two of them red envelopes, showing the mentality that elders should show their appreciation when their children have achieved success.
"Auntie, I can't accept this."
"It's just for the festive occasion, don't be shy."
Since he could not refuse the gift from his elders, Qi Zhengheng immediately stopped declining.
"When does Zhengheng plan to go back?" I had inquired beforehand and learned that Qi Zhengheng was the garrison commander of Pingyang. His uncle had received a secret order to be transferred to Changzhou to assist Jiang Wei in his work.
After the matter in Changzhou was settled, it was supposed to be his uncle who came to meet the emperor, but unexpectedly his uncle was injured, so he came in place of the other party.
He actually got a good deal, as his official rank was promoted from garrison commander to military advisor.
“In a few days, after I finish my official business, I plan to go to Jin’an to buy some jewelry, spices and fabrics to take back. I have many sisters at home, and they will be getting married next year…” As he spoke, Qi Zhengheng scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly.
Zhao Xian remembered that he had mentioned having a fiancée, and said, "Should I arrange for a steward to accompany you?"
"Auntie, there's no need to trouble yourself. Brother Jiang Heng has told me about a few shops."
Jiang Heng?
Zhao Xian didn't say much, nor did she ask any more questions.
Qi Zhengheng has a better reputation in the book than Yu Wang Shizi. When they first met, Zhao Xian inquired about him and learned that he had a fiancée and spoke of her in a sweet manner, so she felt at ease about him.
Moreover, when Li Lianniang met him, Jiang Wei introduced them briefly, and they nodded to each other without any further interaction.
It seems that among all the family members, Jiang Shuxiu is the one who cares most about Qi Zhengheng.
The story begins with the tragic heroine's encounter with the second male lead after the heroine's divorce, which explains why Zhao Xian wasn't nervous at first.
It's another early morning.
"Second Young Master has arrived. It snowed all night and it's cold outside. Please come inside."
The voice of a maid could be heard from outside.
Jiang Heng was on leave, neither on duty nor attending court. As usual, he went to the Lu family home to invite Lu Zhaoying out for fun.
Today is his birthday, and Zhao Xian is making preparations as usual, sending him a cloak, a scarlet silk cloak with light-colored orchid patterns. He is still young, and given his lively personality, bright colors are suitable for him.
Jiang Liangxu had prepared a sword.
The two brothers are a perfect match, one skilled in literature and the other in martial arts.
Zhao Xian was puzzled when she saw someone enter the room.
He thought it was his last day off and he would still go out to meet his fiancée, but he didn't expect her to come to her place early in the morning.
Upon entering, the first thing she said was blunt advice: "Mom, we have a chef at home, so how about we don't cook for ourselves next time? What if we get tired and hurt our hands?"
"I got up early this morning to make you longevity noodles, and you're complaining about it." Zhao Xian remembered that a few days ago, Shaoyao said that Jiang Wei had finished all the longevity noodles, which meant that the taste was normal. She felt that he was looking for trouble. "Today is your birthday, don't force me to slap you."
Jiang Heng: "Son, you're just being considerate of your mother."
Zhao Xian: "Aren't we going to invite Third Sister to go skiing and have tea together by the fire today?"
Jiang Heng brought a stool and sat down next to Zhao Xian. "Mother, didn't you promise me you'd discuss the marriage with my mother-in-law? Have you sent her an invitation? When are we going to hold the ceremony?"
“You should be going back to the city guard camp today. Why are you asking this? Even if I had spoken with Madam Lu, the New Year is just around the corner, and you still won’t be able to marry Third Sister.”
Zhao Xian pondered the possibility of this. She was going to leave anyway. Would arranging the marriage between the male and female leads of the sweet romance novel ahead of time change their storyline?
She could change the angst-filled stories; no one deserved to be bullied or abused. But the sweet romance stories didn't face much of a crisis, and she didn't want to create trouble for them.
Jiang Heng frowned: "I'm not going. I get annoyed just seeing Yingying's cousin."
Zhao Xian: "Does that cousin from the Lu family make you feel so threatened?"
She couldn't recall the plot of those sweet romance novels at all.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Heng fell silent for a moment, then said after a long pause, "I can't quite put my finger on it, it's just that he... is so weak, but..."
He was so weak that he was afraid that one slap from him would knock the person down.
Therefore, you can't put a sack over someone's head and beat them.
But it is precisely because of his frail and delicate appearance that he always evokes pity.
Jiang Heng knew his trick and saw through it at a glance, but the other party was weak and fell to the ground easily.
He calls himself a scholar, but he's a complete scoundrel, even more scoundrel than him.
Looking at Jiang Heng's conflicted and awkward expression, it seems he has met his match.
Granny He chimed in, "It would be good if the second young mistress were married off sooner; the house would be more lively then."
Jiang Heng nodded repeatedly, "Granny is right."
Under their gaze, Zhao Xian said helplessly, "Go and get some blank invitations. Write a letter of introduction for visiting the family. I will go to the Lu family tomorrow to ask for your help. But if Madam Lu is worried about her young daughter and doesn't agree, I won't try to persuade her further. I'm telling you this in advance."
As women, childbirth is inherently difficult, let alone in places like ancient times.
Otherwise, why would there be so many widowers and stepmothers?
Jiang Heng: "Mother, you are truly my mother."
Zhao Xian: "Ha, I'd rather be a stepmother."
Jiang Heng has started urging Zhao Xian to get married, and Zhao Xian thinks of Cui Tingyue, who is still in mourning.
Jiang Liangxu mentioned this matter when he signed the divorce agreement with her.
She was the one who decided to take her in as an adopted daughter, so even if she were to leave, she should make arrangements for Cui Tingyue's future.
-The Lu family the next day-
"Madam Jiang, please come inside. The weather is getting colder and colder."
"That's right, they don't like to move around at home anymore."
She was ushered into the house, where charcoal was burning, and a maid helped her untie her cloak.
After taking her seat, Zhao Xian got straight to the point, "Our two families have already arranged a marriage, so we came here to discuss the wedding date with Madam Lu."
For this reason, Zhao Xian also brought along official media personnel to make it appear more formal.
Madam Lu was pleased that her daughter was being valued, but thinking that her daughter was still so young, she said, "Third Sister has not yet come of age. Why don't we wait until after Third Sister's coming-of-age ceremony next year before discussing the matter of setting a date?"
Just as Zhao Xian thought, Madam Lu was a person who cared about her daughter.
Before coming, she was mentally prepared. "I told my son the same thing, but he kept urging me to come and ask. He was worried that there might be something wrong with the marriage with Third Sister and wanted to bring her into the house as soon as possible."
Madam Lu smiled and said helplessly, "Why would Heng-ge have such worries? The marriage is already arranged, how could there be any problems?"
“Exactly, not to mention him, he’s always worrying about nothing.” Zhao Xian smiled and started to change the subject: “When I came here, the road was quite congested, and there were students everywhere. I heard that some gambling dens have started betting on the top scholar, but I don’t know how they managed to pick the top three among so many people.”
Madam Lu nodded: "Jin'an becomes incredibly lively every spring when the imperial examinations are held."
Zhao Xian: "I heard from Heng'er that there is also a student in your household who is taking the imperial examination in the spring."
Madam Lu: "Yes, it's the child of my cousin's husband. He's not in good health. Three years ago, he fell ill on the eve of the imperial examination, which caused him to not do well. This time, I've specially asked him to take care of him."
"Oh, that means you need to take good care of your health. When my eldest son went on a scientific expedition, he was so young, and he came out looking like a skinny person. I don't dare to go through that again."
"Speaking of this, I remember that the eldest son of the family was not even seventeen when he took the imperial examination, and he passed the first class at a very young age."
At that time, many families wanted to form a marriage alliance with the Jiang family, but then it was revealed that Jiang Wei had already arranged a marriage, which caused a lot of regret.
...
The two chatted about the imperial examination, and Zhao Xian asked about the young master of the Lu family several times.
They all said they heard it from Jiang Heng.
Mrs. Lu's expression gradually came to a realization.
As she took her leave, Zhao Xian said apologetically, "I'm sorry to have bothered you today. It's all because my son is so impatient. He insisted that I come. I've told him countless times that even if he's in a hurry, he should wait until Third Sister comes of age. Ah, him!"
The Lu family knew that Jiang Heng had invited Lu Zhaoying out. Zhao Xian had mentioned that cousin a few times, and judging from Madam Lu's expression, she had taken note of it.
As for what the Lu family does, that's their business.
-Jiang Family-
He was helped off the carriage by his maid.
Taking the hand warmer, Zhao Xian looked up and saw Chi Lan in the distance nervously instructing a servant.
The servant replied, harnessed the horse, and went out.
Zhao Xian pointed, and Shaoyao called out, "Chi Lan."
Chi Lan was about to return to the inner courtyard when she heard the voice and realized that it was Zhao Xian who had returned. Her eyes lit up for a moment, and she hurriedly stepped forward to greet her, saying, "Madam, you're back."
Peony spoke up for Zhao Xian, asking, "What are you instructing the servant to do?"
Chi Lan didn't hide anything and said, "Young Master Qi brought back a girl today, claiming that she is the eldest young master's savior. The girl was being harassed by people outside and had nowhere to go, so she wanted to ask the eldest young master for help. The eldest young master has been on duty and has been coming back very late these past few days."
The young mistress arranged for her to stay at the mansion first, but the girl refused, insisting on seeing the eldest young master.
The young mistress, left with no other option, instructed her maid to arrange for someone to inform the eldest young master.
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