At that moment, Yu Jin was chatting with Jiang Zhan in the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, though his thoughts had already wandered far away. He wondered if A’Si had eaten the dates he had sent – those dates that he had personally selected and washed.
“Brother Yu Seven?”
Yu Jin snapped back to reality, remembering how Jiang Zhan had eagerly devoured seven or eight of the dates he’d brought and felt rather annoyed. He’d never seen a grown man so fond of snacks – wasn’t tasting one enough to be polite?
Jiang Zhan was still expressing his gratitude: “Brother Yu Seven, we were fortunate to have you there when we returned from the Shuntian Prefecture. Otherwise, my sister and I would have been at a disadvantage. It wouldn’t matter if I suffered, but if Fourth Sister had been harmed, I would truly deserve death.”
Yu Jin remained silent, thinking to himself that it was good Jiang Zhan understood – as an elder brother, causing trouble that affected his sister and indeed deserved severe punishment. Was he hoping for a reduced sentence?
“Brother Yu Seven, you’ve been too kind, bringing not only precious tonics but dates as well.”
“Dates are good for the blood,” Yu Jin replied plainly.
“Oh right, Brother Yu Seven, you mentioned earlier that you’re moving?”
Yu Jin nodded. “Yes.”
“Wasn’t the residence in Quezi Hutong perfectly fine? Why the sudden move?”
“My family purchased a new residence. It would be improper not to move there.”
“So Brother Yu Seven won’t be living alone anymore?”
Yu Jin considered for a moment before nodding: “There will be quite a few people.”
Jiang Zhan expressed his disappointment: “Then it won’t be convenient to visit Brother Yu Seven anymore.”
With a large household where he knew no one except Yu Jin, visiting would be awkward.
Yu Jin thoughtfully replied: “It’s no matter. If Young Master Jiang finds it inconvenient to visit me, I can come here often instead.”
Jiang Zhan brightened at this: “Brother Yu Seven speaks truly. My father particularly admires you and often says you should come visit.”
Yu Jin smiled faintly: “It’s kind of your father not to mind.”
“How could he mind? I think my father wishes you were his son instead,” Jiang Zhan said with a pout.
“It’s kind of your father not to mind.”
“What?”
Yu Jin coughed and said seriously: “I mean, I’m deeply honored by your father’s generous affection.”
Jiang Zhan suddenly fell silent, and after a while carefully asked: “Brother Yu Seven, is your father… not very good to you?”
If they weren’t so close, he wouldn’t have dared to ask such a question.
Jiang Zhan had recently come to think that having Yu Seven as his brother-in-law wouldn’t be bad – at least he could protect Fourth Sister in times of danger. However, he was somewhat worried about Yu Seven’s family situation, sensing that his friend’s solitary life in the capital suggested an unfavorable position at home.
Hearing Jiang Zhan’s question, Yu Jin reflected for a moment before smiling: “Young Master Jiang knows I have many siblings. Naturally, our parents’ attention is divided among all their children. This is normal and doesn’t mean they treat me poorly. I find it more comfortable this way – at least my every move isn’t scrutinized by elders. Don’t you agree?”
Jiang Zhan felt this was right – his father only watched him so closely because he was an only son.
“Brother Yu Seven makes a good point.”
Yu Jin smiled slightly: “Young Master Jiang, about the matter I was looking into for you earlier – there’s an opening in the Jinwu Guard. I wonder if you’d be interested—”
“The Jinwu Guard?” Jiang Zhan was stunned. After a moment, he pointed at himself and asked, “You’re saying I could join the Jinwu Guard?”
In Great Zhou, the Jinwu Guard and Jinlin Guard were the most prestigious among all imperial guards.
The reputation of the Jinlin Guard needed no explanation, while the Jinwu Guard was specifically responsible for royal family security, recruiting almost exclusively from noble families and military officers’ sons.
Jiang Zhan had once skipped classes to take their entrance examination when he was thirteen but hadn’t passed.
After failing, he had trained hard for two years, but by then the Jinwu Guard had stopped holding open selections, only filling specific vacancies.
In great families, aside from the eldest sons destined to inherit and those gifted in scholarship, it was better for the numerous other sons to find proper employment rather than idle at home. The Jinwu Guard was an excellent place for young men to gain experience – the duties were relaxed, the pay was good, and there were occasional opportunities to appear before the Emperor, making it highly sought after.
Jiang Zhan still couldn’t believe his good fortune and asked again: “Brother Yu Seven, I can join the Jinwu Guard?”
Yu Jin nodded with a smile: “As long as you’re willing.”
“Of course I’m willing! Only a fool wouldn’t be!” Jiang Zhan was so excited he nearly jumped up.
If he joined the Jinwu Guard, he wouldn’t have to study anymore, and he could use his earnings to buy treats for his sister.
No, he could repay his debt to Fourth Sister sooner.
Thinking of this, Jiang Zhan couldn’t wait to report to the Jinwu Guard.
Yu Jin reminded him: “I recall Young Master Jiang is still studying. Changing paths is a major decision – you should discuss it with your father.”
“Father will agree.”
“Then I’ll await your news.”
After Yu Jin left, Jiang Zhan immediately went to find Jiang An Cheng in his study. Soon, earth-shattering roars could be heard: “What? Abandoning your studies? You little beast, did falling into the Golden Water River not teach you a lesson? Has it made you even more brazen instead?”
Jiang Zhan quickly shielded his face: “Father, please let me finish – Brother Yu Seven helped me find a position.”
At the mention of Yu Jin, Jiang An Cheng paused in his furious beating of his son and frowned: “Young Yu found you a position?”
Jiang Zhan nodded repeatedly: “Yes, Brother Yu Seven found it.”
“What can you do without studying? Are you going to follow others in opening shops and doing business? I thought Young Yu was reliable, but it seems he’s been led astray by you instead.”
Jiang Zhan’s mouth twitched at these words.
Whose father was this? Usually, parents blamed others for corrupting their children, but his father had it backward.
“Father, please hear what position Brother Yu Seven found for me before deciding.”
“What position?”
Jiang Zhan grinned: “The Jinwu Guard.”
Jiang An Cheng was stunned, thinking he had misheard: “The Jinwu Guard?”
“Yes, exactly the one you’re thinking of.” Jiang Zhan felt refreshed seeing his father’s reaction.
He never thought he’d have a moment of triumph before his father.
“Positions in the Jinwu Guard are extremely rare now. How did Young Yu manage to find such a good position for you?” Jiang An Cheng couldn’t understand.
“Brother Yu Seven has helped many people. Others owe him favors.”
“For such a good position, Young Yu should have taken it himself.”
Jiang Zhan scratched his head: “Father, you’re making me question my entire existence.”
Jiang An Cheng slapped him: “Question what existence? Invite Young Yu for dinner soon!”
“I understand. Father, can I stop going to school? I’d like to practice before starting the position.”
Jiang An Cheng pondered with a stern face before nodding: “You may stop attending school, but don’t spread the word about this before you officially start your duties.”
“I definitely won’t tell everyone – at most, I’ll just tell Fourth Sister.”
In the eyes of the Dongping Earl’s household, Jiang Zhan had always been considered unremarkable, with his frequent truancy being commonplace. It wasn’t until the autumn imperial examinations approached that the household belatedly realized something: the Second Young Master had stopped studying!