Jiang Zhan hadn’t expected Jiang Ancheng to bring this up. Noticing the bloodshot eyes of his father, he said, “Father, you’ve had a long day. Why don’t you rest first? Brother Yu Qi and I are close friends, he won’t mind about these formalities.”
Jiang Ancheng’s face darkened as he barked, “Lead the way!”
Jiang Ancheng was a man who believed in repaying kindness. Even though he was physically and mentally exhausted, he felt they should pay a visit to express gratitude, rather than simply sending a steward as Old Madam Feng had suggested.
Jiang Zhan shrank back and hurriedly led the way. Though his father hadn’t laid a finger on him this time, he no longer dared to spar with his father as before. Or rather, his previous self had been ignorant and fearless, and ultimately, foolish.
As they reached the entrance of Quezi Hutong, the father and son encountered the estate steward carrying a gift box and peering inside.
“Steward Wang, let me take that,” Jiang Zhan extended his hand.
The steward hurriedly replied, “Let this old servant carry it. The Old Madam instructed me to deliver the thank-you money personally.”
Jiang Zhan said no more and led the way.
Soon, the three of them stopped in front of a house with a crooked-necked jujube tree planted outside.
“Father, this is where Brother Yu Qi lives.”
Jiang Ancheng personally stepped forward to knock on the door.
“Who is it?” The door opened halfway, revealing Old Wang’s distinctive one-eyed face.
Jiang Zhan quickly said, “Old Wang, this is my father. He’s here to thank Brother Yu Qi.”
Old Wang immediately turned and called out, “Master, Young Master Jiang’s father is here.”
Yu Jin, who had been drinking tea and stroking Second Ox under a tree in the courtyard, was so startled he jumped up, accidentally stepping on Second Ox’s tail.
Second Ox, who had been enjoying his master’s caresses, was caught off guard by this sudden misfortune. He yelped loudly and ran off.
Jiang Ancheng only saw a large dog rushing towards him and was startled.
What kind of hospitality was this?
Fortunately, the dog swept past him like a gust of wind, without any other unfriendly actions.
Jiang Ancheng composed himself and strode into the courtyard, clasping his hands towards Yu Jin, “Thank you, young sir, for saving my unworthy son.”
Yu Jin was still in a daze and quickly glanced at Jiang Zhan.
How did A Si’s father suddenly arrive? This was too unexpected!
However, Yu Jin wasn’t some foolish boy who would stammer in front of his beloved’s father. Instead, he saw this as a great opportunity to win the favor of his future father-in-law.
Yu Jin quickly regained his composure, stepping aside to return the gesture, “You’re too kind. I would have helped anyone I saw drowning. At the time, I didn’t know it was Second Brother Jiang, so I don’t deserve your thanks.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ancheng’s impression of the young man before him improved greatly.
Originally, his impression of this young man had been rather mediocre. After all, he was friends with his son.
In Jiang Ancheng’s view, anyone who associated with his son must be of the same ilk, especially since he had ridden off with his horse that day!
Now, Jiang Ancheng felt deeply ashamed.
Look at this young man’s character – how noble and kind-hearted.
Tsk tsk, such young people were rare these days.
Thinking this, Jiang Ancheng glanced at Jiang Zhan, musing that his worthless son had good judgment sometimes. He shouldn’t have been so prejudiced.
“This is the thank-you money from the Earl’s mansion for the young sir,” the steward presented the gift box.
Yu Jin smiled politely but firmly refused, “The thank-you money isn’t necessary. It was just a small gesture on my part.”
“Young sir, please accept it. Otherwise, this old servant won’t be able to report back,” the steward insisted.
Yu Jin’s expression turned serious, “Second Brother Jiang and I are as close as brothers. I’m just glad I happened to save him. If I were to accept money for it, what kind of person would that make me?” He smiled slightly at Jiang Ancheng, “Don’t you agree, Uncle Jiang?”
Jiang Ancheng couldn’t help but nod.
It made sense. If he had saved a good friend and their family brought money to thank him, he would probably be so angry he’d throw the money back at them.
The steward was about to speak again, but Jiang Ancheng shot him a fierce glare.
The steward fell silent, still holding the gift box.
Jiang Ancheng found himself liking the young man before him more and more. He asked, “May I ask how Young Master Yu and my unworthy son became acquainted?”
Yu Jin quickly replied, “Uncle Jiang, please just call me Little Yu, like Official Zhen does.”
Jiang Ancheng wasn’t a rigid person. Hearing this, he smiled, “Alright, I’ll call you Little Yu from now on.”
Jiang Zhan, who had been ignored until now, feared that Yu Jin might mention their first meeting near the brothel. He hastily interjected, “I was in a fight at the time, in a dire situation. Brother Yu Qi happened to pass by and drew his sword to help me. We’ve been friends ever since.”
Jiang Ancheng looked at Yu Jin with even more approval, “So this is the second time Little Yu has saved you.”
No wonder he was different from his worthless son’s other fox and dog friends. Even the way they met was different from those good-for-nothing young masters.
Indeed, self-reliant young people like Little Yu who didn’t depend on their families were the most reliable. Even if their family conditions weren’t the best, such young people were a hundred times better than those troublemaking young masters.
“Little Yu, feel free to come to the Earl’s mansion to play anytime. After all, we live close by,” Jiang Ancheng’s gaze towards Yu Jin could almost be described as affectionate.
Yu Jin’s heart leaped with joy, and he seized the opportunity, “As long as Uncle Jiang doesn’t mind this nephew’s frequent visits.”
He hadn’t expected that saving Jiang Zhan would bring such a great reward. It was truly an unexpected delight.
Jiang Ancheng’s face turned stern, “What kind of talk is that? If all of Jiang Zhan’s friends were like you, I could rest easy.”
The two completely ignored Jiang Zhan and chatted for a long while before Jiang Ancheng finally took his leave.
Yu Jin escorted Jiang Ancheng to the gate and watched him walk away.
Left behind, Jiang Zhan sighed, “Brother Yu Qi, I think my father probably wishes you were his son instead of me.”
Yu Jin smiled meaningfully.
A son-in-law was half a son, after all. He was fully confident in playing this role well.
Well, of course, the most crucial factor was the contrast provided by Jiang Zhan as a son – Yu Jin thought mischievously.
As they returned to the courtyard, Jiang Zhan downed two cups of tea in quick succession.
Yu Jin smiled, “Had too much to drink, so you’re switching to tea?”
Jiang Zhan looked up at Yu Jin seriously, “Brother Yu Qi, I don’t want to continue living aimlessly like before. Can you give me some advice?”
“What do you have in mind?”
Jiang Zhan scratched his head, looking somewhat lost, “I’m not cut out for studying. Going to school every day is just a waste of time, but I can’t think of what else I could do. Brother Yu Qi, you know my temperament. If I were to do business, I’d surely mess it up.”
“Why don’t you join the military, Second Brother Jiang?”
Jiang Zhan’s eyes lit up, but he quickly deflated, “My family wouldn’t agree to me joining a regular unit, and to enter the Imperial Guard, one needs connections—”
“Let me inquire about it for you.”
“Brother Yu Qi, you know people?”
Yu Jin smiled, “By chance, I’ve made a few useful friends. Let me try and see what I can do.”
“Thank you, Brother Yu Qi.” Jiang Zhan’s heavy mood lightened a bit, though the enormous shock of being taken advantage of by a man was something he couldn’t recover from so quickly.
After his pleasant conversation with Yu Jin, Jiang Ancheng returned to the mansion in a good mood. However, there was one person whose mood was terrible.
The Second Master Jiang had returned from the Minister of Rites’ mansion, looking utterly defeated.