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As Xinghe spoke, he led Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun inside, arranging accommodations for the coachman and the items from the carriage.
Jiang Junli was having dinner when he heard about Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun’s arrival. He was delighted and couldn’t even finish his meal before rushing out, “I knew we would run into old friends on this journey.”
“I happen to be heading to the capital for a business deal as well. We can travel together to make the journey less dull and monotonous,” Jiang Junli explained.
“It’s not even past the first month, and you’re already heading to the capital for business?” Song Jingyun was surprised.
“The success of business depends on timing, not just the time of day. Whether it’s the first month or not doesn’t matter!” Jiang Junli shrugged nonchalantly.
Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia exchanged a knowing glance.
Despite Jiang Junli’s carefree and worldly appearance, was he actually someone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes?
It’s no wonder the Jiang family is affluent.
Many times, when someone enjoys financial prosperity, it’s not just because of good luck alone but also due to the hard work put in behind the scenes.
Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia pondered this thoughtfully. Meanwhile, Jiang Junli chuckled, “Although that’s true, I don’t enjoy doing business and have no particular fondness for money. It’s just that after failing the examination this time, I felt troubled and didn’t know what to do. Engaging in activities helps me pass the time.”
“However, no matter what I do, money seems to stick to me like a plaster; I can’t seem to shake it off, which is quite bothersome!”
Jiang Mixia remained silent.
Song Jingyun stayed quiet as well.
The two of us suspect you might be at Versailles.
With Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia present, Jiang Junli instructed his staff to add a few more dishes to the meal.
Fried quail, fresh mushroom hearts, crystal shrimp dumplings, cabbage in broth, and crispy fried yellow croaker…
“Thank you, Jiang Junli,” Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia expressed their gratitude repeatedly. “You are so generous.”
“Don’t be so polite with me,” Jiang Junli patted his chest, speaking boldly. “With the variety of food and preserved goods stored in the backyard, we could eat here for a year. What you’ve eaten is nothing; how can that be considered extravagant?”
“Enjoy your meal and stay comfortably. Tomorrow morning, we will head to the capital together!”
After making this declaration, Jiang Junli turned to Song Jingyun, a hint of embarrassment in his tone. “Once we arrive in the capital, I may need your help with something.”
“Jiang Junli, please tell me. I will do my utmost to assist you with anything within my capabilities,” Song Jingyun responded solemnly.
Jiang Junli, looking serious, gazed at Song Jingyun for a moment before placing his hand on Song Jingyun’s shoulder. “Song Jingyun, you must promise me this: give your all in the upcoming imperial examination, strive to be the top scorer, and aim for the laurel wreath of the champion in the palace exams. Only then will it suffice.”
With Song Jingyun possessing such exemplary conduct and exceptional knowledge, it is imperative that he excels, serving the nation and benefiting the country’s prosperity. Only then can he truly contribute to the welfare of the people worldwide!
Song Jingyun stayed silent, expecting something different.
Indeed, Jiang Junli remained true to his principles, valuing service to the court above all else and committing himself to loyalty to the nation.
Yet, it was precisely this aspect of Jiang Junli that made him so endearing.
“Jiang Junli, rest assured, I will do my best!” Song Jingyun affirmed.
“A gentleman’s word is as hard to catch as a galloping horse. Song Jingyun, if you promise, you must fulfill it, not betraying my trust,” Jiang Junli emphasized.
“Jiang Junli, you can trust me.”
Jiang Mixia remained silent.
If one were unaware, they might have thought these two were about to make solemn vow of eternal love…
—
As night fell, they retired to their respective rooms.
Xinghe, however, paced anxiously, feeling unsettled.