Chapter 98

Chapter 98

...

That winter year.

The twelfth day of the twelfth lunar month.

There was snow.

It was a day etched in the memories of many.

The owner of Qingfeng Restaurant recalled that day, there was too much blood, the waiter had to fetch several buckets of water, yet they still couldn't wipe it all clean. Luckily, the rebels eventually paid the bill.

They were decent people.

Outside, the snowflakes fell more densely.

Gong Qichi returned to his seat, cupped his fist toward Jiang Changtian and said, "Pardon me."

Jiang Changtian's expression remained unchanged. He sincerely poured Gong Qichi a cup of wine but took tea for himself.

"Brother Ye Hang's martial arts skills are exceptional, and he is accomplished in both literary and martial pursuits, which is truly admirable. It deserves a toast," he said earnestly while holding his tea.

Jiang Mianmian seemed a bit nervous, wondering if it was appropriate for her father to toast with tea instead of wine.

But her father's alcohol tolerance was so low that just one cup could cause her mother to carry him away.

Sure enough, someone present muttered, while others did not dare speak up. However, Zi Lu's Adopted Son, the young Zi Ganjiang, spoke, "By toasting with tea, does Mr. Jiang look down on us?"

After all, he was present and saw that apart from Jiang Changtian's exceptional appearance and apparent deep love for his wife and daughter, there seemed to be nothing particularly special about him.

Jiang Changtian smiled bitterly, "I have a low alcohol tolerance and get drunk after just one cup. Once, after drinking a cup of wine, I woke up to my elder brother scolding me for being unfilial and beastly, though I did not even know what I had done. I was then driven out of the family home. Since then, I have not dared touch alcohol."

Gong Qichi downed his cup of wine in one gulp.Điscover new chapters at novelhall.com

"It does not matter. In this life, who has not been wronged a few times? We can rise and fall, strike with swords and settle grievances. Let us drink to that. It is the thought that counts, not whether it is tea or wine."

As Jiang Changtian spoke these words, everyone's gaze could not help but turn towards the three representatives of the Jiang family.

This was a direct reference to them.

Jiang Huaisheng's expression indeed soured.

Old Lady Jiang's expression grew even darker.

But as rumored, Jiang Wan, the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family's main branch, was accomplished and beautiful. Today, upon seeing her in person, her complexion was not as fair as described, but her features were indeed exquisite, making her quite special.

In such a tense situation, she remained composed, more calm than most men present, which was admirable and left a good impression.

Old Lady Jiang must have been a great beauty in her youth, for although her expression was displeased, she still maintained an elegant bearing.

Old Lady Jiang was truly blessed in bearing children – her eldest son was exceptionally handsome, while her younger son was stunningly beautiful.

It was said that in her youth, Old Lady Jiang was one of the four great beauties of the capital.

Downstairs, the restaurant owner clutched his chest, heartbroken.

"You unfilial, beastly wretch, what are you doing?"

The long-haired youth, in a blue robe and cotton boots.

Tall and thin, he walked forward with the sword.

Sorrowful and mournful, his steps were slow.

"Everyone calls me an unfilial, wretched person. What can I do then, but commit unfilial, wretched acts? Since you know I am unfilial and wretched, how can you expect me to be kind and tolerant? I deserve to be bullied?"

Jiang Huaisheng's expression grew ugly.

Looking at the shattered pieces in front of his brother, he said, "Do you really want me to say those dirty things? You...beast."

Jiang Huaisheng was unwilling to speak. His wife was pregnant, and he could not bear to reveal those things now, for the world was too harsh on women. A woman's reputation was of utmost importance. If he spoke now, it would force his wife to kill herself, taking two lives.

He felt grateful to his mother for preserving Madam Wu's reputation.

Jiang Changtian stepped on the shattered pieces.

His shoes were thick-soled, so he would not be pricked, but some still let out soft gasps.

They seemed concerned that the beauty might hurt her feet.

Qin Luoxia watched her husband but did not rise. She gripped a pair of chopsticks tightly in her hand.

She knew this was her husband's burden, one he had to resolve himself.

Her husband could do it.

"That day, Brother told me that Sister-in-law was pregnant. I told Brother that my sister Ruyuer had been coveted by a man over forty years old who wanted to make her a concubine. You were overjoyed at the prospect of having another child. You are such an upright and honorable man, so why would you not help me? You only needed to say a word to Old Master Liu, and he would not dare mistreat us."

"Shut up, do not mention your Sister-in-law," Jiang Huaisheng shouted, gripping the table edge, his eyes reddening as his body trembled with agitation.

He and Jing had been childhood sweethearts, and even when exiled, Jing had never complained and followed him faithfully.

He truly loved Jing.

If anything happened to Jing, he too...at this moment, Jiang Huaisheng realized that he hated this brother, feeling utter loathing towards him. He should die; Mother was right, he did not deserve to live.

"Thump, thump, thump." Old Lady Jiang's cane struck the ground heavily, making a loud sound.

"Enough!" she said.

"How long will you continue to make a fool of yourself and embarrass us? A mother and son should never hold grudges against each other. I only reprimanded you once before, yet you became angry and ran away from home, holding a grudge for so many years without coming to see this old woman. You got married without our consent or a proper matchmaker, which is no different from eloping. Now that you are a father yourself, you should understand how difficult it is to be a parent. Stop this nonsense. Since Gong Qichi is here, he can serve as a witness. Move back home tomorrow."

Old Lady Jiang finished speaking, her eyes filled with tears, looking just like a mother whose heart had been broken by her child.

"Heh." Amidst this emotional moment, someone in the crowd suddenly laughed.

It was Zi Lu's Adopted Son, who had been expressionless until now, but suddenly burst into laughter.