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Everyone was taken aback. Why did Jiang Yue suddenly call out “Daddy” and so loudly?
A familiar and joyful voice came in, “Good girl, you actually recognize Daddy, what a good girl.”
The voice was deep, low, and filled with suppressed excitement.
“‘Daddy’ tutu, fly, bye-bye.” It was Jiang Yue’s voice again.
Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu stood up and rushed towards the door, shouting in unison outside, “Brother!” Then they lunged out the door, and one could hear Jiang Jiu’s excited sobs.
Next, they saw Jiang Zhanwei, dressed in brand-new military attire, with Jiang Yue in his arms, being hugged on either side by Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu, standing at the doorway.
Jiang Zhanwei had truly returned!
Jiang Zhanwei’s aura was very different from before, his features were even more rugged and imposing. Even with a smile on his lips, his deep eyes were like unfathomable pools, and his chiseled profile was heart-stopping.
The cruel war, along with the wisdom and ferocity required to lead the Black Furry Camp, had completely transformed his demeanor. He was now very different from two years ago, when his coldness was like ice, and he was a stubborn and fierce young man that people avoided. But now, he was calm and domineering, with an overwhelming presence, a general who could swallow mountains and rivers, both fearsome and inspiring trust and a sense of security.
War could change a person’s nature, allowing for rapid growth. Indeed, it was true!
Jiang Zhankui, who came in with them, smiled and said, “Your grandson wanted to give Grandmother and Grandfather a surprise, so he didn’t let the servants report ahead of time.”
Everyone in the room stood up, except for the old Marquis. Princess Changting’s eyes were filled with tears as she took two steps forward, choking with emotion, “Zhanwei, my grandson Zhanwei has really returned.”
Holding one and dragging two, Jiang Zhanwei walked steadily and unhurriedly into the room, step by step. Although his gaze was fixed on the old lady in front, his peripheral vision was on Lu Man among the women.
In his peripheral vision, he couldn’t see what she was wearing clearly, nor could he see her features distinctly. Vaguely, there was a blur of clothing like a halo of light surrounding a tender, rosy face, like a fresh and lively flower, so beautiful it took his breath away. He really wanted to go over and hug her, hold her hand, and say, “I’ve come back alive, I’ll live a good life with you and let time prove everything…”
But now, he couldn’t say anything, nor could he even look at her without feeling awkward.
As he passed by her, his body tensed, his steps paused, and his eyes involuntarily turned towards her, his smile deepening.
He heard some women giggling softly and blushed, turning his gaze back to the front and continuing towards the Princess, who was looking at him eagerly.
When he reached the Princess, he put Jiang Yue down, knelt, and kowtowed three times to the Princess, saying, “Grandson Zhanwei, kowtowing to Grandmother.”
The Princess hugged his head and burst into tears, saying, “You rascal, you’ve finally come back, you’ve come back safe and sound. You don’t know how worried we’ve been about you these two years, how many tears your wife and I have shed for you. My hair has turned white from worry, how many nights I couldn’t sleep well, afraid that something might happen to you, afraid that we, the elderly, would have to send off the young, afraid that your daughter and wife would become orphans and widows…”
Held in the old lady’s embrace and hearing her heartfelt words, with her hot tears falling on the back of his hand, Jiang Zhanwei also couldn’t help but shed tears.
The touching scene of the reunion between grandmother and grandson moved everyone present. Men wiped their tears with their sleeves, and women with their handkerchiefs. Seeing their father and mother crying, even Jiang Yue pouted and started to cry. Only the old Marquis and Jiang Zhen, looked on blankly at the events unfolding before them.
The Third Madam and Eldest Young Madam both came over to console them. Madam Huang said first, “Mother-in-law, please don’t cry anymore. You’ve waited for Zhanwei all day, and he’s also been tired all day. You’ve both worked hard, please sit down and rest.”
Young Madam Han giggled and said, “Grandmother, you’re so eager to hold onto Third Brother-in-law and talk to him, but have you thought about how anxious he must be to see his wife?”
Her words amused everyone, and the Princess also laughed through her tears.
Princess Changting helped Jiang Zhanwei up and said, “Go see your wife quickly. She’s worked hard these two years you’ve been away, giving birth to a lovely and smart daughter for you, being filial to your elders in your stead, taking good care of our health, teaching your younger siblings well, and even developing several miraculous medicines, curing some patients…”
Jiang Zhanyu smiled again and said, “It would take a day to list all the good things about Third Sister-in-law. Grandmother, are you planning to talk until tomorrow morning?”
Everyone laughed even harder.
Princess Changting also chuckled and said, “Oh my, indeed, I’m getting old and muddle-headed. Go see your wife quickly, your fifth brother and eldest sister-in-law are all anxious for you.”
Jiang Zhanwei had been wanting to see his wife for a long time, he had been holding back before. After hearing the Princess’s words, he didn’t pretend otherwise. He turned around and walked step by step towards Lu Man.
Seeing her, his eyes couldn’t bear to look away. Two years had passed, and she had given birth to a child, but his little wife, whom he had longed for day and night, hadn’t changed at all. She was still beautiful, radiant, delicate, like a peach blossom blooming freely under the spring sun.
“Daddy.”
Jiang Yue, who had come to her senses, stumbled over and hugged Jiang Zhanwei’s leg.
Jiang Zhanwei bent down and picked up his daughter.
“Brother.”
“Brother.”
Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu didn’t dare to compete with their grandmother for their brother’s attention. Seeing that their grandmother had let go, they both ran over and hugged Jiang Zhanwei’s waist from either side.
Jiang Zhanwei, now holding one and dragging two, walked towards Lu Man.
From the moment Jiang Zhanwei entered, Lu Man had been somewhat nervous, her palms sweating. It couldn’t be denied that she was still a little afraid of him, afraid of his coldness, his quirks, his aura. She had been married to him for two years and eight months, but they had only truly spent a few days together.
Amidst the light laughter of the crowd, Jiang Zhanwei had already walked up to Lu Man and stood still. He struggled to control his emotions and smiled, “Manman, I’m back.”
Lu Man blushed with shame and also whispered with a smile, “Oh, Third Young Master is back, that’s good.”
Everyone laughed again.
Princess Changting also laughed and scolded everyone, “You’re not allowed to laugh. Look how embarrassed Zhanwei’s wife is, usually so sharp-tongued, now she can’t even speak.” Then she said to Jiang Zhanwei, “Good child, after you’ve paid your respects to your elders, go back to your room and wash up, then have a heart-to-heart talk with your wife. Come here quickly for a drink, the family has prepared a celebration banquet for you.”
The Princess’s words even made Jiang Zhanwei’s thick skin blush.
He put Jiang Yue down and went over to kowtow to the old Marquis, who was looking at him blankly, saying, “Grandson greets Grandfather.”
The old Marquis, who had been tugging at his beard, tried to hold back but couldn’t resist. He glared and scolded, “You stinky brat, don’t think I’m afraid of you just because you’re wearing that uniform. Let me tell you, I’m not afraid of you!”