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Liu Chun grinned widely and lifted his head, saying, “He is indeed delighted. I have never seen Third Young Master so joyful. He rode his horse wildly on the grasslands for an hour, then returned and spent his own money to buy dozens of pigs and sheep, treating his brothers to a night of feasting and revelry…”
Thinking of the usually reserved Jiang Zhanwei acting in such a manner, everyone chuckled.
They inquired further about Jiang Zhanwei’s recent activities, and Liu Chun answered each question. Lu Man rewarded him with ten taels of silver before allowing Steward Ming to take him downstairs to relax and have a drink.
Lu Man unwrapped the small package, finding a painting, several pieces of snow fox fur, a few chicken-blood stone jewelry pieces, and a pack of milk candy. Apart from the milk candy she had requested, everything else was intended as gifts for little Jiang Yue.
Upon opening the painting, she saw a man in military attire sitting on the grass, gazing up at the bright moon with deep affection. The sketch lacked color, showing only a partial profile of the man, yet Lu Man recognized him as Jiang Zhanwei.
Beside the image were two bold characters – “Moon Gazing”, likely indicating “Yue” for “Yue”.
The vast and rugged scenery, coupled with the man’s tender expression, along with the painting’s title, evoked a sense of deep emotion.
Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu rushed over to see the painting, both recognizing their brother in the artwork and delighting in the portrayal.
The accompanying letter continued Jiang Zhanwei’s usual style, expressing many thoughts that kept Lu Man awake and unable to eat. He mentioned that he had painted the picture himself and asked Lu Man to tell their daughter that he thought of her every day, advising her to look at the painting daily so she wouldn’t forget him when he returned home.
Reading his message to their daughter, coupled with the painting, brought a bittersweet feeling to Lu Man. This man always loved those he cared for deeply, whether his siblings, Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu, perhaps Miss Zhou, and now little Jiang Yue.
The paternal love she had longed for across two lifetimes, her daughter had finally received.
Lu Man rose and went to the side room, instructing someone to hang Jiang Zhanwei’s portrait on the wall above the heated brick bed so that little Jiang Yue could see her “dad” whenever she lay there.
After the painting was hung, Lu Man carried little Jiang Yue to sit beneath the portrait and said, “Jiang Yue, this is your dad fighting on the border. He thinks of you every day. In the future, you must also look at your dad every day and think of him…”
Jiang Jiu initially did not grasp the significance, simply enjoying her brother’s painting. Yet, upon realizing the painting was a gift for Jiang Yue, capturing her brother gazing at “moon” she began to consider its implications.
In the past, her brother’s focus had always been on her, but now, besides his wife, it was their niece. Moreover, he had never before given her such a splendid gift…
Lu Man noticed Jiang Jiu’s melancholic expression, realizing the little one was feeling jealous.
After placing Jiang Yue on the heated brick bed, Lu Man embraced Jiang Jiu, saying, “Jiu, you are now an adult. From now on, your sister-in-law cannot call you ‘Little Jiu’ anymore, nor can others, they must call you Jiu, Miss Jiu, or Second Miss Jiang. As for Yue, she’s too young, so she’ll remain Little Yue.”
Jiang Zhankui understood, adding, “In the future, my sister and I will protect Little Yue as our brother loves us. No one will mistreat her. When I improve in painting, I’ll create another picture of my sister and me for Little Yue to see every day.”
These words were heartwarming. Lu Man hugged Jiang Zhankui, pretending to be jealous and teasing, “You’re only painting yourselves, what about your sister-in-law? She’ll feel left out.”
Jiang Zhankui, with a smile in his eyes, quickly said, “We’ll include sister-in-law, painting the three of us for Little Yue to see every day.”
Jiang Jiu also brightened up, instructing her brother, “Brother, make sure you paint me as pretty as sister-in-law.”
Jiang Zhankui sweetly replied, “You are just as beautiful as sister-in-law.” Glancing at Jiang Yue, he added, “And Little Yue, all three of you are equally beautiful, the most beautiful women in the world.”
Jiang Jiu’s smile widened, remarking, “Little Yue is luckier than both of us. Her dad loves her so much, how wonderful.”
Her expression then darkened slightly.
Jiang Zhankui interjected, “Why bring up that person again, sis? Although he doesn’t like us, our brother and sister-in-law do, and they are better than him.”
Jiang Jiu pouted, “I know, I’m just happy for Little Yue.”
Liu Chun was invited by Steward Ming, Deputy Steward Wang, and Liu Xin to drink in a small courtyard in Donghui Courtyard. After they had eaten and drunk their fill, a carriage arrived, and Lu Ying and Xiao Zhong jumped down from it.
They had gone to perform moxibustion for Madam Chen, and as the Chen family had provided a meal, they were now returning.
Liu Chun, initially afraid he was mistaken, blinked repeatedly. In the dim light, it was indeed Lu Ying. He approached her with a smile, “Miss Lu Ying, what a coincidence.”
Upon seeing Liu Chun, Lu Ying exclaimed in delight, “Brother Liu Chun, you’re back!”
Liu Chun chuckled, “Yes, Third Young Master asked me to come back to bring a gift for his daughter.” He continued, “Thank you, Miss Lu Ying, the willow bark pills you gave me last time were very effective…” and so on.
Noticing that Steward Ming and the others had tactfully walked away, Liu Chun took out a pouch from his pocket and said, “This is my trophy. I killed an enemy leader and seized it. It’s a gift for you, Miss Lu Ying…”
He lowered his head, feeling shy to look at Lu Ying. He thought that presenting a trophy for the first time was more meaningful than buying something and showed more of his heroic spirit.
Blushing, Lu Ying accepted the pouch and hurried into the small door at the back of the courtyard.
As her figure disappeared from view, Liu Chun was still grinning foolishly.
Standing in the distance, Liu Xin laughed, “Brother Liu Chun, snap out of it, it’s time to go back inside and rest.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Chun snapped back to reality and walked with Liu Xin towards the back street.
Three days later, carrying two large packages, several letters, and the eager expectations of many, Liu Chun embarked on his journey to the north.
—
Time passed, and before they knew it, it was mid-April of the following year.
On this rainy spring day, raindrops pattered on the roof and leaves, creating a soothing sound. Amidst the misty rain, the flowers in the courtyard appeared more vibrant, and the bamboo and tree leaves looked even greener.
Later in the afternoon, little Jiang Yue, just awake, was held by her grandmother on the veranda to watch the rain. She had grown accustomed to not seeing her mother during the day, but not seeing her great grandfather was something she was not used to.
Her little mouth pouted, and tears welled up, threatening to fall.
Grandmother kissed her beautiful face, soothing her, “Great Grandfather is unwell, which is why he can’t come to see you. As soon as he’s better, he’ll come right away. Let’s go and see your father instead.”