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Sangju was also beaming with joy.
“The gift from the Jiang family today is truly auspicious. They sent flowers, which represent words. The first word our young master spoke was ‘flower,’ indicating that the Jiang family’s gift was like a message for him,” Sangju explained.
“Yes,” Lady Luo nodded in agreement. “It might just be the case. The Jiang family seems to be a place of good fortune for Zuo’er. The people from the Jiang family are his lucky stars!”
Back in Liyang County, when Cao Jinzhuo was deliberately taken away, it was Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun who saved his life.
Now, visiting the Jiang family and receiving their gift, Cao Jinzhuo spoke his first words.
If the Jiang family isn’t Cao Jinzhuo’s lucky star, then what is? The more Lady Luo thought about it, the more convinced she became. Upon reaching the inn in the county town, she couldn’t wait to find pen and paper to write a letter to her husband. She urged him to use all his connections to ensure the Jiang family receives ample benefits, clearing any obstacles that Song Jingyun might face in the imperial examinations.
Since the Jiang family is seen as Cao Jinzhuo’s lucky star, it is likely they will protect his safe growth in the future.
The struggle for the position of the Crown Prince has always been risky. Standing in the right position could lead to immense power, wealth, and a prestigious family lineage. However, being in the wrong position could result in grave consequences.
While the former outcome would be desirable, the latter would be disastrous for Cao Jinzhuo.
With the Jiang family as his lucky star and Song Jingyun participating in the imperial examinations…
By bringing Song Jingyun under their wing, ensuring close ties between the two families, Lady Luo believed they could secure a stable future for Cao Jinzhuo.
Perhaps, this could even aid in the succession struggle?
Though these speculations might seem bold, when faced with an uncertain future, all decisions involve a gamble.
It is better to believe in the possibilities!
Lady Luo penned all these musings in her letter.
Since Lady Luo visited the Jiang family village, the entire village, especially in the eyes of Jiang Zhengxin, showed an increased level of respect towards Jiang Mixia’s family.
Although they were unsure why Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun had such esteemed connections, one thing was clear – forming strong bonds implied future interactions, which could be very advantageous!
Upon learning of this matter, some individuals became more attentive towards Jiang Mixia’s family, subtly inquiring about the relationship between them and Madam Cao.
In response to such curiosity, Jiang Mixia’s family maintained a cold demeanor. If people were tactful enough to realize they preferred not to discuss the matter further, they ceased their inquiries. However, for those who persisted in prying, Jiang Mixia’s family gave a unified response.
Due to an incident where Song Jingyun accidentally collided with madam Cao during an official visit, causing her to break a pair of glass vases intended for presentation to the royal family, madam Cao demanded compensation. Since they didn’t have the funds to pay immediately, they planned to do so once they had earned enough from their workshop.
After conveying this information, the entire Jiang Mixia family let out a collective sigh as if facing a dreadful fate, accompanied by looks of distress.
Upon hearing this response, those individuals were taken aback, finding the situation somewhat suspicious. Madam Cao’s visit that day didn’t seem like a demand for money either.
However, considering the status of a noblewoman, they couldn’t behave like common folk from the countryside, openly quarreling when displeased. Even if they were upset, they would maintain a smiling facade when asking for compensation, which was not entirely implausible.
Moreover, the Jiang Mixia family’s earnest demeanor…
In such circumstances, it was crucial to pave the way for good outcomes and steer clear of potential troubles.
If the Jiang Mixia family had indeed collided with the noblewoman, they would need to keep their distance.
As a result, in the following days, the Jiang Mixia household found themselves in a comparatively calmer state.
In the scorching sun of July, the fragrance of lotus blossoms filled the air freely.
Due to the heat, business at the bamboo weaving workshop was thriving. Items like bamboo mats, bamboo fans, bamboo pillows were selling exceptionally well, prompting the workshop to temporarily hire more assistants.
The porcelain kiln was also flourishing, especially with the introduction of new porcelain pillows this summer, leading to a surge in sales. Consequently, the kiln expanded its operations.
In these recent days, Zhu Yongwu’s smile never faded.
The success of the porcelain kiln was one aspect of his happiness. The other reason was the upcoming marriage between him and Jiang Xiaoxing.
Based on their astrological signs, the wedding date was set for the sixteenth of October.
With three months remaining until the big day, there was much to prepare for—a period that seemed neither too long nor too short, requiring attention to numerous details.
Feeling that his yard and house were not spacious enough, Zhu Yongwu had two additional rooms built.
Not satisfied with the furniture in his home, Zhu Yongwu went ahead and ordered some custom-made pieces to enhance the decor.
Recognizing Jiang Xiaoxing’s culinary skills and her love for food and drink, Zhu Yongwu constructed a new kitchen and outfitted it with a brand-new set of cooking utensils.
Sensing a lack of liveliness in the house, Zhu Yongwu sought advice from Jiang Mixia on gardening and bought numerous plants and flowers from the town. He cleared a section of the yard and filled it with a variety of flourishing plants…
In essence, apart from his busy schedule at the porcelain kiln, Zhu Yongwu was always occupied at home, hardly finding any leisure time.
In the past, Zhu Guangtai would have surely complained about his father being too focused on work and neglecting the family. However, now he had a different perspective. Instead of resenting his father’s preoccupation, Zhu Guangtai shadowed Zhu Yongwu like an obedient follower, eager to be by his side.
While Zhu Yongwu was busy organizing the construction of the house, Zhu Guangtai was by his side helping choose roof tiles.
When Zhu Yongwu was involved in making furniture, Zhu Guangtai assisted in selecting the wood.
As Zhu Yongwu arranged for the kitchenware, Zhu Guangtai took charge of crafting clay molds to fire the bowls specifically for their household.
When Zhu Yongwu tended to the plants and flowers, Zhu Guangtai grabbed a shovel…
Such an involved Zhu Guangtai caught Jiang Xiaoxing’s attention and admiration. Not only did she cook delicious meals for Zhu Guangtai every day, but she also praised him constantly.
Even the entire Jiang family village couldn’t stop praising the situation.
“Xiaoxing has truly turned her luck around.”
“Exactly! Initially, with the cancellation of the engagement with the Hong family, many thought she had bad luck. Now, it’s clear she’s incredibly fortunate, with such a wonderful marriage on the horizon.”
“It seems nothing is certain in the future; we shouldn’t jump to conclusions.”
“I’d say it’s not just Xiaoxing’s good fortune; it’s mainly the luck of both Zhu Yongwu and Zhu Guangtai. They are blessed to have such a wonderful marriage for our Xiaoxing.”
“Haha, well said! It’s not just about Xiaoxing being lucky; it’s about the goodness of the Jiang family village and their fortunes!”
…
By the end of July, as the deafening sound of cicadas gradually lessened, Jiang Mixia’s residence in the county town was almost ready.