Lu Jingxing naturally had thoughts on the matter and was about to respond with a cheerful “good” as he snapped his fan against his palm.

However, before he could utter the word, the crowd around them began to stir.

“Hey, they’re coming!” 

“Truly worthy of the Jiang family’s descendants; just look at their demeanor, it’s different from ordinary people.” 

Praise erupted from all sides as everyone turned their attention to the stone path leading to the main hall.

At the end of the path, Jiang Yan strode forward confidently. Dressed in a red embroidered gold-collared robe, dark cloud-patterned boots, and a red belt inlaid with jade that cinched his snow-white brocade robe, he showcased a fine figure. Even with his ink-black hair casually tied behind him, he exuded an extraordinary presence, embodying the grace of a dragon and the elegance of a phoenix.

“The Jiang family’s fortune is truly remarkable; every child they raise is so charming,” Lu Jingxing remarked with a smile.

Li Huaiyu nodded in agreement. “That’s the truth.”

Jiang Yan was undoubtedly the most accomplished among the younger generation of the Jiang family. His close relationship with Jiang Xuanjin led many who admired the Jiang family to praise the two together. Phrases like “The twin jewels of the Jiang family, Yan and Xuanjin, my dreams long for them, never to be forgotten,” were so sentimental they could give one goosebumps.

Yet, despite the cheesiness, it resonated with many young ladies in the capital. As Jiang Yan walked toward Jiang Xuanjin, the young ladies attending the banquet blushed, especially Bai Xuanji, who stood closest to the main hall entrance. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she beamed at him.

Having already greeted the elders of the Jiang family, Bai Xuanji now stood beside Bai Dezhong, exuding an air of half a hostess.

As Jiang Yan approached, Bai Xuanji stood even more upright, her gaze directed elsewhere, but her peripheral vision eagerly awaited a glance from him.

However, Jiang Yan was there to perform the hair-tying ceremony and kept his eyes fixed on his uncle, not looking elsewhere.

“The timing is just right,” Jiang Chong said, handing a jade crown and a woven silk hairband to Jiang Xuanjin. “Once this ceremony is complete, I’ll go invite Father to start the banquet.”

Jiang Xuanjin nodded, accepting the items and stepping in front of Jiang Yan.

The hair-tying ceremony was a custom for young men in the Northern Wei dynasty when they turned eighteen. It was performed by the highest-ranking uncle or elder in the family, symbolizing that the boy was no longer a child but could stand on his own.

Among the uncles of the Jiang family, Jiang Xuanjin held the highest status. Li Huaiyu stretched her neck to watch him tie Jiang Yan’s hair and place the jade crown on his head, suddenly recalling her coming-of-age ceremony.

When the late emperor passed away, she was only twelve. By the time she was fifteen, the only uncle in the royal family had died at her hands. Thus, it was Jiang Xuanjin who performed her coming-of-age ceremony.

At that time, Jiang Xuanjin had been very serious. Although he was young, his face was stern like that of an old man in the court as he held the jade hairpin to tie her hair, his grip too tight, causing her to grimace in pain.

But now, he seemed to know how to tie hair properly, his hands gentle and steady.

Pouting, Li Huaiyu rolled her eyes, thinking that this person was just determined not to like her.

The hair-tying ceremony concluded quickly, and the old master of the Jiang family emerged to start the banquet, prompting the guests to take their seats.

Bai Dezhong led Bai Xuanji directly to the top three seats.

“This must be Second Miss Bai?” the old master of the Jiang family said, looking at Bai Xuanji with a kind smile. “You’ve grown into a fine young lady.”

Bai Xuanji properly performed her greeting. “Greetings, Old Master Jiang.”

“Good, go take your seat,” the old master said. “After we finish lunch, I’ll have Yan’er accompany you for a stroll in the garden.”

Bai Xuanji’s heart leaped with joy, and she quickly replied, “Yes.”

It was settled; with the old master’s nod, her marriage was sure to succeed. Bai Xuanji lowered her head, modestly suppressing her smile, but her hands clutched her handkerchief, trembling with excitement.

After so many years of longing for this marriage, it was finally within her grasp!

Jiang Xuanjin quietly picked at his food, not particularly interested in the conversation. However, during a moment of putting down his chopsticks, he glanced in the direction of Fourth Miss Bai.

Li Huaiyu sat in the middle of the courtyard with Lu Jingxing. Having not eaten well at the Bai residence, she couldn’t contain herself upon seeing the exquisite dishes on the table. Her chopsticks moved swiftly, darting between bowls and plates like a skilled hand.

Lu Jingxing helplessly fanned her with his jade fan, bemused. “You never used to love meat this much.”

“If you had eaten nothing but plain porridge and cabbage for a few days, you’d love meat just as much as I do,” Huaiyu huffed. “The Bai family’s daughters are treated like nothing!”

Looking at her with sympathy, Lu Jingxing used his chopsticks to serve her some meat.

Returning his gaze, Jiang Xuanjin coldly thought that their relationship was indeed unusual as if they had known each other for many years. If Bai Zhuji’s marriage to Jiang Yan truly fell through, she might just turn around and marry into the Lu family.

She certainly wouldn’t be at a loss.

Beside them, Jiang Er Gongzi, Jiang Shen, was happily eating when he suddenly felt a chill beside him.

“Third Brother?” he asked, puzzled. “Why do you look unhappy again?”

Jiang Xuanjin continued to pick at his food. “I’m not.”

With a calm expression and normal gaze, he hardly looked like someone unhappy.

Jiang Shen scrutinized him seriously. “Ever since you finished the late princess’s funeral, you’ve been acting strangely. I’m not the only one who feels this way; even Eldest Brother thinks so, don’t you?”

Jiang Chong called out, glanced at Jiang Xuanjin, and nodded. “It is a bit unusual.”

“See? Just confess,” Jiang Shen laughed, putting down his chopsticks. “Is it because Yan’er is about to get married, and you still don’t have anyone by your side, so you’re anxious?”

His face darkened, and Jiang Xuanjin replied in a low voice, “I don’t plan to marry.”

“Nonsense!” The old master of the Jiang family glared at him. “You said before that you were too busy with important matters to think about starting a family. Now that everything is settled, do you want to extinguish the incense I’ve worked so hard to maintain?”

Jiang Xuanjin fell silent.

The old master continued, slightly annoyed, “You’ve never given me a moment’s worry since you were young. Can’t you just do one thing completely? Don’t make me worry about your marriage too!”

“Father, please calm down,” Jiang Chong interjected. “To be honest, there are very few women in the capital who are worthy of being with Third Brother. If he hasn’t met the right one, we can’t just force him into a marriage.”

“Even forcing him is better than cutting off the incense!”

Seeing that the old master was getting angry, Jiang Shen quickly reassured him. “Don’t worry, Father. A few days ago, I went to the temple fair and had Third Brother’s fortune told. They said his red star is moving, and good things are coming soon.”

Upon hearing this, the old master’s expression brightened. “Really?”

“More real than gold,” Jiang Shen laughed. “Just rest easy; Third Brother has always been decisive. As for his marriage, let him decide for himself.”

In other families, it would be customary to follow the parents’ wishes and rely on matchmakers. However, Jiang Xuanjin had always been exceptionally obedient, excelling in everything he did. Later, he was even granted the title of Ziyang Jun, bringing honor to his family.

Such a child, the old master didn’t want to pressure too much. He even thought, feeling a bit wrong, that as long as he was willing to marry, even if it was a beggar from the street, he would throw a grand wedding!