Chapter 240

Commander Jiang was, after all, a passing official.0

The Prefect of Jiangzhou didn't need to come out to welcome him, but there were people specifically responsible for receiving guests.0

Officials look out for each other, first and foremost in this way, through their network circles. When traveling to various provinces, there's always someone to receive them.0

For those who passed the imperial examinations, they might have hosts even in small places, either classmates from the same year or adjacent years.0

Commander Jiang received fewer receptions because he was originally a rebel who had surrendered and been pardoned.0

Such officials rarely ventured out of their circles.0

Few could enter the capital again to be appointed officials or promoted.0

The court didn't encourage this, for if rebels could become officials and even get promoted, why would anyone bother studying hard and taking exams? Everyone would just rebel.0

Secondly, if pardoned rebels could all become truly good officials, passing evaluations or even excelling, it would be embarrassing for those who had worked hard to become officials. How could a former rebel become an official and be good at it? Impossible.0

For these two reasons, Commander Jiang was a very special person.0

Most officials actually didn't want to be associated with former rebels.0

But Commander Jiang had managed to marry his daughter to the Meng family's son.0

At least among former rebels, his identity had been thoroughly whitewashed.0

His rank was also respectable.0

The local officials of Jiangzhou City, even if they wanted to pretend not to see him, couldn't do so. They still sent people to welcome him.0

However, when they saw the scene of someone selling themselves to bury their father at the city gate, they didn't step forward to intervene.0

Some people enjoy this kind of drama - the young master gets to play the hero, the young lady finds a good match, it's a perfect fit. What does it matter if it's her real father or not? As long as both parties are willing.0

When the welcoming official got a clear look at the man the girl was clinging to, he felt a sense of familiarity.0

It seemed he had seen him before, a few years ago.0

Wasn't that Young General Meng?0

He had accompanied the prefect in receiving Meng Qingshe General and his son Meng Shaoxia.0

He vaguely remembered a thin youth with a square face, but after a few years, he had turned into a round-faced, sturdy man, as fat as two people.4

If it weren't for the squareness still visible in the roundness, he wouldn't have recognized him at all.0

No wonder it was said that Commander Jiang's daughter was more beautiful than Daji. Young General Meng had only to see her once to stay by her side, unwilling to leave for even a moment.0

If the father could look like this at his age, how bewitching must the daughter be?0

Lord Jia couldn't help but glance towards the carriage behind.0

Seeing is believing.0

He had previously misunderstood the rumors about Commander Jiang.0

How could someone who looked like this possibly be a vicious rebel? This was clearly a young master from a noble family who had been forced into difficult circumstances.0

Commander Jiang dismounted and walked side by side with Lord Jia.0

"Come, come, Brother Jiang, let me take you to get settled. We'll arrange a welcoming dinner for you this evening."0

"Jiangzhou has a famous dish, taro duck, extremely renowned, rich and delicious, a rare delicacy. We've arranged for the famous chef Jiangbei to prepare this dish for you tonight. You must try it."0

"Excellent."0

Commander Jiang and Lord Jia strolled forward.0

Jiangzhou was prosperous.0

Children were running in the street.0

Commander Jiang saw a child running ahead, with an adult chasing behind.0

"Xiao Tian, don't run so fast, I'm worried you'll fall."0

"I know, Dad."0

"Dad, taro duck is so delicious. Ask Uncle Bei to make it tonight."4

"Alright."0

Jiang Changtian paused, lost in thought for a moment.0

"After you, Commander Jiang."0

"After you, Lord Jia."0

Jiangzhou was his hometown.0

Returning, he was no longer a youth.0