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They only smiled and said, “Since you’re here in the capital to see the world, you must stay here for a while and take a good look around.”
“Alright,” Jiang Chunyu agreed with a smile.
After not seeing each other for a long time, the family gathered together, exchanging greetings and inquiries about each other’s well-being.
Jiang Youcheng and Liu Shi were relieved to learn that Song Jingyun’s official career was going well and that he was highly regarded by the emperor and the Crown Prince.
And Jiang Mixia was delighted to hear that the family’s bamboo weaving, porcelain kiln, and farmland businesses were all doing well, even showing signs of prosperity.
“Life at home is very comfortable now. The house has been expanded, and the servants are all diligent in their work. There’s nothing to worry about, except that everyone at home misses the two of you very much.”
Jiang Youcheng said, “Although you and Jingyun have sent many letters back and reported your safety, being away from home still causes worry. When we knew that your mother and I were coming to the capital, everyone was in a hurry to send things with us.”
As they spoke, Jiang Youcheng and Liu Shi took out the items they had brought and introduced each one to Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun.
“Your eldest aunt said that no matter how warm it is outside, it’s not as good as the quilts at home. She specially used newly picked cotton from autumn to make a new quilt. Both the cover and lining were carefully selected by her from the county town. She said it would be soft and warm to use.”
“Your sister-in-law Chunshi made several soles for shoes, all with new cloth for the soles. She didn’t dare to attach the uppers, afraid they wouldn’t fit well and be uncomfortable to wear. So, she brought them all over. If they fit, she can have the young maids who know embroidery work on them.”
“This is a set of bowls and tea sets fired by your sister Xiao Xing and Zhu Yongwu together. They guessed that the quality might not be as good as those from the official kilns, but the advantage is that they were made by hand, and the style is unique. Using them for meals and tea can be a refreshing change.”
“These are the dried jujubes your Uncle Yongcang sun-dried, from the jujube trees in his own yard. They are large and fresh. He also said that the items are not valuable, but the thought counts. They can be eaten as a snack or used for soups and teas.”
“This is the millet from your Aunt Sanmiao. She almost picked through every grain, saying that while the food outside is delicious, the stomach still needs to be nourished by the grains from home.”
Mustard strips, chili sauce, dried apricots…
None of these items were rare or precious, but they were filled with the deep affection of family members and fellow villagers.
Both Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun felt a warmth in their hearts. They didn’t let the servants help but personally sorted and arranged all these items.
Jiang Youcheng, Liu Shi, and Jiang Chunyu’s arrival made Jiang Mixia even busier.
She was busy buying them new clothes and items, and taking the family around the capital to explore.
Song Jingyun also became increasingly busy.
He had to deal with the emperor’s pursuit of immortality, assist the Crown Prince in handling government affairs, and discuss with Tang Zhichuan and other senior officials how to approach the emperor next.
Most importantly, Xun Yuanbai had been coming to see him every day.
There was no urgent matter, but he insisted on following him around, saying he wanted to absorb some of his good luck.
Song Jingyun was deeply troubled by this.
Where did he have any good luck?
And what made Song Jingyun even more headache was that the Hanlin Academy had been busy recently, and Xun Yuanbai would wait outside. As soon as Song Jingyun got off work, Xun Yuanbai would immediately greet him with a smile, grabbing his sleeve and refusing to let go.