Chapter 91: Entering Beijing
Another half month passed in the blink of an eye.
The summer heat has dissipated and autumn is already here.
Lu Weiqing had been dreaming about it for many years, and finally got what he wanted. He got addicted to it and would pester Jiang Ran for affection from time to time.
At first she tried to persuade him, but she couldn't stand his tricks and finally let him do what he wanted.
Lu Weiqing knew that she was looking forward to her elder brother's return to Beijing, so he sent people to check on the situation and report to her every day.
Jiang Yi had not arrived yet, but Wu Sai's post arrived first.
The Zhou Dynasty had a tradition of sending out invitations to heroes every three years, inviting men of twenty years old to participate in martial arts competitions. Those who stood out could join the army.
Jiang Ran opened the post and saw that it was actually for Jiang Chuan.
Her unambitious third brother has been concentrating on learning martial arts under the master recommended by Lu Weiqing for the past six months, and has indeed made considerable progress.
But participating in a martial arts competition and fighting with others in the midst of swords and sabers is too risky.
Seeing her worried, Lu Weiqing said soothingly, "This martial arts competition was specially chosen to be held when the Southern Chu delegation came to Beijing. Do you know why?"
"Of course, it is to enhance our country's prestige and let Nanchu see that our Great Zhou has many talented people and will not dare to invade lightly."
Lu Weiqing nodded and added, "After all, this is a peace negotiation, so we shouldn't make it too bloody. There will only be a martial arts competition on the first day, archery and charioteering on the second day, and Cuju on the third day. They're all harmless."
Jiang Ran felt relieved when she heard that it was not dangerous, but she still didn't understand why Lu Weiqing specifically asked for this post for her third brother.
"If we get a rank, will you let my third brother join the army as well?"
"It's not all about selecting military commanders. The Jinwu Guard also has vacancies to fill. Even if you don't join the government, it's still a chance to show your face in front of His Majesty."
Jiang Ran only then realized his intention, immediately accepted the invitation, and kissed him affectionately on the right cheek.
Lu Weiqing raised the corner of his lips and turned his face away.
"Greedy." She pretended to scold him, but still gave him a gentle kiss.
He took advantage, but still defended himself confidently, "I'm not being greedy. Are you only thanking me on behalf of Jiang Chuan? This side of me is thanking you on behalf of Miss Xu."
Jiang Ran was surprised for a moment and couldn't help but exclaim, "Brother Weiqing, are you a god? How come you even know that Xu Roujia has a crush on Third Brother?"
The Xu family has always looked down on the third brother. If he can make a name for himself in the martial arts competition this time, perhaps there will be a turning point.
If Xu Roujia knew, she would definitely be overjoyed.
Imagining her happy face, Jiang Ran also smiled, pouted his lips and kissed him again.
"I've known about this for a long time." Lu Weiqing started the conversation, deliberately arousing her curiosity.
Jiang Ran really took the bait and asked impatiently, "How did you know?"
Lu Weiqing smiled mischievously.
"Let me think... one day I happened to pass by the Xu residence and saw a little thief lying on the wall, crying pitifully, 'Brother Weiqing, save me.'"
Jiang Ran then remembered that in order to trick Jiang Chuan into meeting Xu Roujia, she was hanging on the wall and couldn't get up. She was almost chased by a dog and was saved by Lu Weiqing. She was very embarrassed for a moment.
"I didn't yell like that, don't talk nonsense."
She blushed and covered Lu Weiqing's mouth to stop him from laughing at her.
He did keep his mouth shut as she wished.
But later, Jiang Ran kept talking for half a day and his voice became hoarse from shouting.
It was getting dark when she finally had some free time. She wrote a letter to Xu Roujia, but she didn't tell her that Jiang Chuan would be participating. She just asked her to go watch the martial arts competition together.
Jiang Chuan had already received the news and rushed back from the training ground in the far suburbs, preparing carefully for the competition.
When he came to the Lu Mansion to get the invitation, Jiang Ran almost didn't dare to recognize him.
In just half a year, he had become much stronger and more tanned. He no longer looked like a dandy and lazy boy, but seemed calm and reliable.
She looked at it over and over for a long time, and actually understood her mother's feelings.
The pigs I raised at home suddenly came to their senses and realized that if I worked hard, I would soon be able to succeed.
Jiang Ran raised his hand, wiped away the non-existent tears with his sleeve, sighed, and patted his shoulder.
Feeling the solid muscles under her palm, her eyes lit up. She must tell Xu Roujia this good news when she watches the martial arts competition.
Jiang Chuan felt secretly happy for a long time before he slapped her hand away.
"Stop looking at it. I'm drooling."
He really couldn't hold it in for a moment and immediately started to show off, with the same silly look on his face as before.
Jiang Ran gave him a slap on the backhand, "You can't hide even a piece of leftover steamed bun in a doghouse. Have you learned anything? How dare you show off like that?"
Jiang Chuan covered his forehead and howled exaggeratedly, "Don't hit me, I'll be stupid."
"Live well, every day brings new blows."
Jiang Ran made a face at him and walked away.
Three days later, news finally came that the delegation was about to enter the city.
That morning, both sides of the official road were already crowded with people, all wanting to see what the man from Nanchu looked like, and whether he was as the rumors said, with short hair, tattoos, and dark skin.
Jiang Ran had already booked a private room with the best view along the way, and was leaning on the windowsill, looking forward to it.
Although Lu Weiqing did not stop her, he stood beside her, fearing that she might get into an accident.
Jiang Chuan sat in the private room, looking quite idle, concentrating on drinking tea.
After seeing the two of them exchanging glances for the umpteenth time, he couldn't help but scare Jiang Ran.
"I heard that Nanchu worships witchcraft, which is very scary. You'd better be careful and don't get scared to tears."
Jiang Ran heard him speak so confidently, and although he said he was not afraid, he subconsciously took a step back into the house.
At this moment, there was a commotion in the crowd.
“Here it comes, here it comes—”
Everyone was crowded together, wanting to get to the front to see.
The city gate was wide open, and leading the way was Jiang Yi, wearing armor and holding a silver spear.
"Brother! Brother, we are here."
Jiang Yi had trained his eyes to be as sharp as an eagle's. He immediately noticed his younger sister and third brother waving at him. He responded and raised his hand to greet them.
Following closely behind was a four-horse carriage with vermilion lacquer and carved patterns.
A breeze blew by, the car curtains moved slightly, and a slender figure appeared faintly in the car.
The Princess of Nanchu wore golden hairpins and jade pendants in her hair, and fiery flowers between her eyebrows. Although her face was covered with a veil and her true appearance could not be seen, one could tell from her figure and aura that she was a beauty.
Jiang Chuan was curious, but when he leaned a few inches outside, he was caught by Jiang Ran.
She still remembered what happened the day before, and deliberately teased him and made sarcastic remarks.
"Don't look at it, you're drooling all over the floor."
"None of you men are good. You fall in love with every woman you meet. I'll tell Roujia about this."
She was just joking, but Jiang Chuan instantly became anxious and grabbed her, calling her "good sister" on both sides.
Jiang Ran had long noticed that his attitude towards Xu Roujia had changed, but he was still unaware of the true situation. He made up his mind that when he saw Xu Roujia, he would interrogate her.
"Good sister, please don't tell Roujia."
"If she gets angry, I'm not good at talking, so I'll have a hard time coaxing her into submission!"
Jiang Ran glanced at him sideways, raised his head and said, "I'll think about it and see how you perform then."
After a few words, they continued to look at the team behind them.
The other envoys were either riding horses or walking. Their clothes were rather peculiar, but their appearance was not much different from that of the people of the Great Zhou.
Jiang Ran was a little disappointed that he didn't see the strange person that Jiang Chuan mentioned.
Lu Weiqing noticed that she was not in the mood, so he leaned over and whispered in her ear, "The palace has prepared Nanchu specialties. I'll take you there to eat."
She instantly became happy and said crisply, "Thank you, husband."
Just these four words confused Lu Weiqing so much that he was at a loss. He held her hand and begged her to say it again.
Jiang Chuan coughed twice speechlessly, and finally found a sense of existence.
"Let's talk about it when we get back." Jiang Ran blushed and scratched his palm.
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