Chapter 94

Chapter 94

...

The traitorous posts arrived swiftly.

The time for the banquet came even faster.

Who posts in the afternoon and attends a dinner in the evening?

How hasty.

As if rushing to be reborn.

Usually, one posts and then attends a dinner two or three days later.

That way, people can pack up and flee.

Or allow the clothing, jewelry, and watercolor shops in the county town to earn a bit more profit.

After all, the ladies and wives must purchase new items when going out as guests.

Each household was busily preparing.

In comparison, Old Lady Jiang's womenfolk had it better.

After all, they had experienced great turmoil before.

Old Lady Jiang's attire was more solemn than usual, choosing a deep-colored gown with winding lotus patterns - very dignified.

Jiang Huaisheng did not make any special effort to dress up. He wore the same dark satin robe as usual, adding a cloak when going out.

Jiang Wan deliberately dressed plainly, not to look attractive, but chose clothes slightly older and shabbier than usual. Her entire appearance was low-key, removing all jewelry and using deep-colored powder to darken her complexion.

At such a banquet, trying to stand out would be courting death.

Jiang Rong hid in her room, afraid of being called out, not even daring to see them off.

Mrs. Jiang was pregnant and resting in bed to stabilize the pregnancy after a recent fright.

Three generations of the Jiang family went out together.

Although they did not dress up specially, their guards were unlike others'.

If not for the Jiang guards' different attire from the traitors, one might mistake them for traitors too.

They looked very formidable.

When Old Lady Jiang arrived, the County Magistrate personally came out to welcome her.

The esteemed County Magistrate acted like a small waiter at the Pure Wind Winery, standing by the entrance to greet and send off guests.

He dared not complain and had to plaster a smile on his face.

...

Since Old Lady Jiang had arrived, they were likely the last guests expected.

Yet the traitors still showed no signs of starting the banquet and seemed to be waiting for someone else.

Who in Ming County could have a more prestigious status?

Or was the head traitor still to come?

The crowd grew slightly impatient from the wait.

Jiang Wan sat calmly, occasionally exchanging a few words with her grandmother.

When she glanced up, she coincidentally met the gaze of Young General Zi seated next to the young boy, causing her to nervously show a small smile.

The young lady carried herself with dignity, respectful to her elders with perfect posture, slender wrists, and an elegant appearance.

Zi Ganjiang, Zi Lu's adopted son, was from a poor background before being taken in by Zi Lu.

For his bravery in battle, he was granted the name "Ganjiang" (Valiant General).

He looked down on these young ladies from prestigious families, finding them too weak and their shrill cries annoying.

Yet today, he noticed a young girl in the crowd who seemed quite different. She had some tricks up her sleeve, deliberately darkening her face and dressing plainly without overly ornate accessories.

But being a young lady, her slender neck and wrists still showed a snowy white complexion.

When he looked over, she seemed slightly afraid yet still showed him a shy, warm smile.

For some inexplicable reason, that single smile struck his heart.

He felt a flutter, suddenly recalling his adoptive father's recent question about taking a wife.

Zi Congheng spoke up: "You go ahead, don't mind me. I won't wander off."

He sat by the window with Hei Ta guarding behind the Young Lord.

The young boy showed no expression, gazing out the window.

The streets were empty and quiet.

The snow-covered ground was muddied by trampled footprints.

Suddenly, a lively group approached.

He immediately spotted the chubby little girl being carried in someone's arms.

Her face was flushed red from the cold, yet she smiled like a blossoming flower.

She looked prettier than his longevity tortoise, with two perfectly aligned little teeth.

...