Chapter 173

That day.

There was no clinking of glasses.

No wild abandon.

Just a very formal birthday celebration.

Unexpectedly so.

The invited guests came reluctantly, holding their noses.

Lord He also received an invitation. Upon learning that Commander Jiang's eldest son was born in the Year of the Rat, he pooled public funds with his own money and specially commissioned a life-sized solid gold rat from a jewelry store as a gift.

Because it was a life-sized golden rat, and solid gold at that, Lord He had truly put in great effort and expense. Though some was reimbursed from public funds, he also paid out of pocket, and the manufacturing costs alone were not insignificant.

So when presenting the gift, he didn't even use a box to cover it, but simply tied it with a colorful ribbon.

When it was announced - "Lord He presents one solid gold rat!"

It was quite impressive indeed.

The handsome Commander Jiang graciously smiled and shook his hand, exchanging a few words.

Money truly can make people smile.

Commander Jiang smiled and said, "We're so grateful to Lord He for all his hard work in helping us settle here in the Provincial Capital, and now this precious gift on top of that. We can't thank you enough."

Lord He straightened up considerably from his slight bow.

"You're too kind, it's only right. I wish the young master Jiang long life and good health." After saying it, Lord He felt a bit awkward.

It was the first time he'd wished someone's son long life in front of their father. Something about it felt off.

Then he heard Commander Jiang say, "Next month is little Xu's birthday too. Lord He must come then as well - we're all family here."

Lord He: ...

He wiped the sweat from his brow with one hand. Surely next month's gift could be expensed too, right? This was all part of building relationships, wasn't it?

"I understand completely. Then I shall present another life-sized solid gold rat, to make a matching pair."

But Commander Jiang shook his head repeatedly.

"No, no, no. Little Xu was born in the Year of the Ox." (Note 1)

Lord He's eyes rolled back and he nearly fainted...

...

Meng Shaoxia, born in the Year of the Ox, suddenly felt his ears itching.

Someone must be talking about him behind his back.

Could it be his parents missing him?

It's possible.

Come to think of it, it had been a long time since he'd gone home. Should he go back for a visit and let his parents and grandmother meet little Yu'er?

They would surely be delighted.

...

As soon as the soup touched their throats,

Curses floated out.

When something is truly delicious, there's no time for composing poetry or praise or finding literary allusions. The most instinctive reaction is an honest expletive.

The soup was so savory it made them think of their mothers, their first loves, their cousins, the neighbor's wife, that incorruptible official who sold his body but not his integrity, the golden days of childhood.

In short, it was unforgettable.

And it was just one sip of soup.

Then they ate that strip of vegetable leaf.

Surprisingly, it was full of the soup's savory flavor plus the leaf's own sweetness. The leaf was cooked just right, neither mushy nor tough, with a crisp freshness that was still friendly to the teeth.

It fully considered that many people might have dental issues.

One leaf. No, just a strip of one leaf.

And this was only the first course.

It left people savoring every bite, their eyes red with emotion.

It was a bit over-dramatic.

The composed Zi Wenxin watched everyone, thinking the officials and nobles of the Provincial Capital were getting better at acting.

Was all this really necessary, over a bowl of soup?

It was practically a mime performance.

How touching.

They never showed such emotion when his godfather was around.

He calmly took a sip of the soup.

Then he silently drank the soup.

Silently ate the vegetables.

Silently ate the meat.

Silently ate the wild onions he used to dislike.

Silently drank more soup.

Silence is the best expression - talking means missing out on food.

...

Of course, one must check their phone while eating. Oh wait, no - watch the song and dance performance.

At this point, the Jiang Manor's musical performance began.

"Boom!"

Everyone's spirits were lifted!

...

...

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