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On the way, Jiang Zhanju chuckled, “Third Brother has achieved great deeds, and Uncle is delighted, drinking quite a lot.”
Finally, someone linked Jiang Zhanwei’s success to himself, which further pleased the Second Master. With a wagging tongue, he laughed, “The new generation surpasses the old, and I’m thrilled today. Hehe, have a few more drinks.”
Jiang Zhanyu and Jiang Zhankun helped the Second Master to lie down in the bed, after which Jiang Zhankun departed.
Seeing his mother frowning in the hall, Jiang Zhanyu softly remarked, “Brother’s success is a joyous occasion, and it’s normal for Father to be happy.”
Madam Lin coldly sneered, “His happiness, what’s there to be happy about? Since Zhanwei grew up, has he ever taught him a single word or spoken kindly to him? I never expected him to remain unfazed by honor or disgrace, but his obliviousness has caused us endless embarrassment.”
Thinking about his father’s behavior, Jiang Zhanyu felt a bit embarrassed. His mother was dignified and cared about appearances, but his father’s conduct always fell short…
He advised, “Mother, let it go. Father’s personality won’t change, let’s focus on his positive traits.”
Madam Lin retorted, “He’s happy like this, does he expect others to return his favor when he’s promoted? Hmph, in this household, what Zhanwei resents the most is your father, even more than your grandfather. He worked hard for over a decade, risking his life on the front lines, not just for promotion. It’s ridiculous how your father still…”
Jiang Zhanyu interjected, “Mother, regardless of why Third Brother is successful, it’s a positive development for our family. Grandmother often says that we are a family and must support each other to prosper. In the future, let’s encourage Father to treat third sister-in-law and her daughter, as well as Zhankui and Jiu, more kindly.”
Madam Lin sighed deeply and continued, “Zhanwei’s wife’s kindness towards you, I’ll always remember and appreciate. However, with Zhanwei’s personality, his success… Well, I don’t know if it’s a good thing for the other branches, but for our branch…” She shook her head, then held Jiang Zhanyu’s hand, her eyes reddening as she spoke, “My son is so outstanding. If only his health were better, his future wouldn’t lag behind…”
In the brightly lit upper quarters of Donghui Courtyard, Jiang Zhankui, Jiang Jiu, He Mingzhu, and He Cheng remained seated together, not saying a word but their expectant gazes revealing that they were awaiting something to happen.
Lu Man also harbored some anticipation, waiting with the others.
In their minds, just as Jiang Zhanwei had sent gifts on Jiang Yue’s full moon day, he would likely do the same for her first birthday. Even if he led troops into battle, he would ensure this matter was arranged beforehand.
Unaware of the elders’ thoughts, the main character Jiang Yue played with her companions Sweet Pea, Qichang, and Sweetheart on the floor. The floor was covered with a large Persian rug, ensuring her safety. If she fell, Lu Man would insist on her getting up on her own without assistance.
Suddenly, the door flapped loudly, breaking the silence of the night.
The voice of Huang the old servant called out, “Who’s there? Don’t startle the child.” Followed by her pleasantly surprised voice, “Oh, Liu Chun’s back! He’s here, he’s here.”
Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu rushed out, followed by He Cheng, chasing after them, Jiang Yue, who had fallen and was now crying. He Cheng quickly returned, picked up Jiang Yue, and ran outside, while Lu Man and He Mingzhu headed to the hall.
Upon seeing the visitors in the courtyard, Liu Chun smiled at the group, “Third Madam, Second Miss, Young Master, oh, Miss Yue has grown so much, so beautiful. Third Master misses her dearly.”
Entering the room, Liu Chun bowed to Lu Man, “Reporting to Third Madam, Third Master sent me to bring a birthday gift for the Miss Yue.” Concerned, he added, “When I left the military camp, Third Master had already gone to fight a tough battle behind enemy lines. I wonder how that battle turned out.”
Jiang Zhankui joyfully remarked, “My Third Brother and his troops emerged victorious, and the Jin kingdom surrendered. General Xie has already sent a rushed report to the Emperor spanning eight hundred miles.”
It would take four days for the urgent report to reach the capital from the border, whereas Liu Chun’s journey would take ten days due to heavy rain delays. Setting off seven days earlier, Liu Chun ended up arriving later than the urgent dispatch.
Upon hearing this news, he was ecstatic and realized his hastiness, quickly bowing to the masters.
He Mingzhu inquired about Jiang Zhanwei’s well-being and any injuries.
Liu Chun replied, “Reporting to Mother-in-law, Third Master prepared his body well for this challenging battle. The miraculous medicine brought by Third Madam worked wonders, healing all his minor injuries and pains.”
With that, he removed a military backpack he carried and presented a small embroidered box to Lu Man.
Inside the embroidered box was a translucent emerald green pendant, resembling a crescent moon or a shimmering pool of green water. It was semi-transparent, sparkling and radiant, with a green hue that captivated the heart, distinct from emeralds and ordinary green gemstones, exquisitely beautiful.
Liu Chun explained, “This is an emerald from the Rakshasa country, taken from a dagger seized by Third Master from an enemy general. It’s called the green moon, a small hole can be made to thread a cord through for wearing it as a pendant.”
Feeling a pang of regret, Lu Man thought, what a spendthrift man, to remove such a lovely emerald from a dagger. The dagger itself must have been exceptional. It seemed like a reckless act to extract such a precious gem.
Liu Chun then presented four letters and four parcels, each addressed to Lu Man, Jiang Zhankui, Jiang Jiu, and Princess Changting. The packages were labeled for grandmother, mother-in-law, younger siblings, and Lu Man.
Lu Man instructed Lu Ying to take Liu Chun to the front yard and ensure he had wine and rest. From Liu Chun’s previous return, Lu Man had noticed his eye contact with Lu Ying. Having crossed over from modern society, she disliked arranged marriages and encouraged free love, providing opportunities for them to interact. Of course, she didn’t condone premarital relations and had warned Lu Ying about it before.
Blushing, Lu Ying walked out, followed by Liu Chun with a mischievous smile.
With them gone, Lu Man directed Tao to deliver the parcel and letters for Princess Changting to the Crane Hall and handed the other two parcels to He Mingzhu, and Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu.
He Mingzhu beamed with joy, remarking, “Our son-in-law is so polite, always bringing us gifts.”
Their packages contained fur skins, with He Mingzhu receiving a ginseng root, while the young siblings received a beautiful curved dagger and two pieces of jewelry adorned with gemstones.
In Lu Man’s parcel, besides the fur skins, there was an intricately carved silver box exuding exotic charm.
The letters began with the usual affectionate words but went on to detail his impending involvement in a brutal and unique battle. If victorious, he promised to make a name for himself and provide a better life for his family. If defeated, he might not return. He asked Lu Man to care for his daughter and siblings and expressed his eternal love for his daughter, Yue. The contents of the box were his spoils of war and accumulated military insignia and treasures.