Chapter 297 Rare Treasures
Now it was Jiang's mother's turn to feel uneasy. She had always doted on her precious daughter since she was little. Although she knew that her daughter would get married sooner or later, she never imagined that her daughter would marry into the capital, and that her son-in-law would be of such a high status.
Jiang Cheng sighed: "Our Honey is no ordinary woman. If you still think the same way you did before, that she should marry an honest man from our village and live a simple life, then you're doing our Honey a disservice. Think about it, in the entire Shushan County, who is good enough for our Honey?"
On this point, Jiang Cheng took a longer-term view. Even if Jiang Mi was forced to marry a decent, honest man of equal social standing, was she truly happy? How many men can genuinely accept a woman running a business and dealing with so many people?
They don't know Huo Ran very well, and they might be wrong about him, but if Jiang Mi likes him, then he should be the right person for her.
Jiang's mother looked worried: "This young master Huo is just too good. He is good-looking, good in every way, and his family background is so illustrious. Our family cannot compare with him."
Jiang Cheng said unhappily, "Who said that? If our family now has two officials, one is the top scholar in the imperial examination and the other is the third-ranked scholar, how can we not be compared? Besides, do you know what will happen to our two sons in the future? They may be able to sit in high and powerful official positions, and they may be even more prestigious than the Huo family."
Jiang's mother was both amused and exasperated by his words. Who could be sure about such a thing? Of course, she hoped that her two sons would be well, but if her sons didn't reach that point, she didn't know if her daughter would suffer in the future. It was better to have someone to rely on at home. Even after they passed away, Jiang Mi would still have three older brothers to depend on.
Jiang Mi felt that her mother and Jiang Cheng were talking too far ahead; she and Huo Ran were not even close to getting together yet, so it was too early to be talking about it.
"Oh dear, let's not talk about that now, it's still early. You guys are thinking ahead. These things are still up in the air. You've come all this way, so I'll definitely show you around the capital."
Speaking of this, Mother Jiang became interested: "That's good. I was just thinking of going out to have a look. I heard that the capital is full of beautiful flowers and lantern festivals. I wonder if we can make it in time."
Jiang Mi smiled and said, "Of course we can. I heard that Princess Chongyang's birthday is in a few days. The Emperor will hold a birthday banquet for her, and we will also have lanterns to see."
Jiang's mother said expectantly, "Okay, okay, we'll invite your two sisters-in-law and go together."
Jiang Mi handed over the soap shop to Manager Liu and focused on researching new soaps at home. Huo Ran would occasionally take the time to visit. Seeing that the Jiang family was becoming more accepting of him, he figured it was because his efforts were being recognized. He felt increasingly hopeful that as long as he resolved the matter with the Emperor, he and Jiang Mi could get married as soon as possible.
He couldn't wait any longer. What if Jiang Mi was kidnapped by someone else if he waited any longer? He couldn't let Jiang Mi be taken away by someone else.
Huo Ran went to the Jiang family again, bringing many gifts. They weren't expensive, but they were all rare items, making people feel valued without feeling burdened.
Looking at all the things, Jiang's mother felt embarrassed: "Oh dear, how could I let you spend so much money? It's not like it's your first time here. Why did you bring so much stuff? Are you treating us like outsiders?"
Jiang Cheng looked around at the items but didn't refuse. He was now observing Huo Ran's attitude towards Jiang Mi. If Huo Ran was reliable, then entrusting his daughter to him wouldn't be a bad idea.
Huo Ran said magnanimously, "What's this? It's nothing valuable. It's just some rare trinkets from the capital. It's just something to look at. I'm giving it to my uncle and aunt as a toy. When we go back to our hometown, we can also share it with our neighbors."
Huo Ran's words struck a chord with Jiang's mother. She was doing better than before and naturally wanted to show off to her former neighbors, especially the people from Qingyun Village. Now that they heard that Jiang Xuan and Jiang Zhi had both passed the imperial examinations, they greeted them with smiles and many even gave gifts to the Jiang family, as if their family had produced a high-ranking official and could help them out, or perhaps they were afraid that if the Jiang family did well in the future, they would turn around and take revenge on them.
"You're too kind. My family will prepare all these things for us later." Mother Jiang said politely, but she still looked at the things with great affection. In their eyes, everything in the capital was the best.
Huo Ran smiled and said, "What she prepared is hers, but this is a gift for you two elders. I hope you will accept it. You have always taken good care of me. Now that you have come to my hometown, as the host, I naturally have to show my appreciation."
Jiang Cheng picked up a teapot and said in surprise, "This thing is quite unique in appearance. It must have cost a lot of money, right?"
Huo Ran explained, "It's not worth much. This thing looks rare, but the material isn't expensive. I just thought it was quite interesting, so I brought it to show my uncle."
Jiang Cheng nodded: "Expensive doesn't necessarily mean good. You people in the capital are all rich and like expensive things. We poor people also know that expensive is good, but sometimes it's not like that. What suits you is the best."
Huo Ran adopted a humble and eager-to-learn attitude, and Jiang Cheng continued, "The same applies to the way of being a person. What is suitable is good, not necessarily what is expensive. I suppose you are so intelligent that you can understand what I mean."
Huo Ran nodded. He naturally understood that Jiang Cheng's words were also referring to him and Jiang Mi. In that case, did it mean that Jiang's mother and Jiang Cheng were not very opposed? This would increase his chances of being with Jiang Mi.
"Yes, what Uncle said is exactly what I was thinking. There's a lantern festival tomorrow night, so why don't we go and have a look together?"
Jiang Zhi, who was also nearby, said upon hearing this, "Great! What a coincidence! We were also going to see the lantern festival together. Since you're here to join in the fun, you can also give me some introductions, making it even more lively for everyone."
Huo Ran had been waiting for those words. He had helped Jiang Zhi so much before, and he was just waiting for Jiang Zhi to speak up for him one day.
Originally, Jiang's mother and Jiang Cheng felt it was inappropriate for an outsider to accompany them. It would be a bit awkward for the family to go out and have fun with an outsider. However, seeing Huo Ran's attentiveness and expectant look, coupled with his outstanding appearance, they couldn't bring themselves to refuse.
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