Zhen Heng was indeed an outstanding young man. Putting aside the halo of First Place Scholar and his good family background, just his composed demeanor, humble attitude, and sincere yet unembarrassed apology at this moment were enough to win others’ favor.
Jiang Ancheng thought about his son, who was as restless as a monkey, then looked at this jade-like son of the Zhen family. He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: so all those times Old Brother Zhen agreed with him in criticizing his son were out of modesty.
Zhen Shicheng quietly observed Jiang Ancheng’s expression and proudly stroked his beard.
Although his son was a bit two-faced, he was still very presentable.
Having finished the apology, Zhen Shicheng felt he had completed his task and began to chat jovially with Jiang Ancheng.
Zhen Heng stood properly beside Zhen Shicheng, listening attentively.
Second Master Jiang felt somewhat left out of the conversation.
This wasn’t surprising to him; it would be strange if he could converse well with someone who got along so well with his elder brother.
However, this didn’t stop Second Master Jiang from trying to join in, and Zhen Shicheng didn’t deliberately neglect him, considering his son had just embarrassed Jiang’s son.
Second Master Jiang relaxed a bit.
Regardless of whether they could get along, being able to chat together was progress. Familiarity grows with time, and in officialdom, it’s not about making friends. Having a superficial relationship that allows you to seek help when needed is enough.
After sitting for a while longer, a servant came in and whispered something in Second Master Jiang’s ear.
Second Master Jiang’s expression changed, and he stood up, cupping his hands towards Zhen Shicheng: “Lord Zhen, I suddenly have an urgent matter to attend to. I’m truly sorry.”
Zhen Shicheng stood up, smiling: “Young Master Jiang, please go attend to your business. Important matters take precedence.”
As Second Master Jiang hurriedly left, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became more relaxed.
After some more casual chat, Zhen Shicheng pointed at Zhen Heng: “I brought my unworthy son here today not only to apologize to Young Master Jiang but also to introduce him to you, Brother Jiang. It would be disrespectful if we were to meet on the street in the future and he didn’t recognize you.”
Hearing this, Jiang Ancheng felt suddenly flattered.
He hadn’t expected Old Brother Zhen to think so highly of him. Bringing the younger generation to pay respects indicated an intention for long-term friendship.
Zhen Heng quickly bowed deeply to Jiang Ancheng: “Nephew pays his respects to Uncle Jiang.”
Inwardly, he couldn’t help but applaud his father’s quick thinking.
Since the two families intended to maintain a long-term friendship, it was only natural for the younger generations to meet. For example, the neighboring Yongchang Marquis’s household had been neighbors with them for generations, so both families were very familiar, and their children didn’t need to be too formal with each other.
Sure enough, Jiang Ancheng said: “It’s a pity my son is on duty today and can’t pay his respects to Old Brother Zhen and Young Master Zhen.”
“Ah, may I ask where your son is on duty?” Zhen Shicheng asked casually.
Although Jiang Ancheng was not usually a vain person, at this moment he felt somewhat elated: “My unworthy son has joined the Imperial Guards to make a living.”
Zhen Shicheng smiled slightly: “Your son has found a good position. Congratulations, Brother.”
“Oh no, he’s far inferior to your son.”
After they praised each other’s sons for a while, Zhen Shicheng sighed: “I had hoped the young ones could meet, but it seems we’ll have to wait for another day.”
“When my son is off duty, I’ll bring him to visit you, Old Brother Zhen.” At this point, Jiang Ancheng suddenly remembered something and smiled, “I almost forgot about my daughter. She should also come to pay her respects to Old Brother Zhen and Young Master Zhen.”
As Zhen Shicheng instructed a servant to invite the Fourth Miss, Zhen Heng felt like hugging his father and kissing him.
Indeed, the older ginger is spicier.
Zhen Shicheng glanced discreetly at his son, the corners of his mouth slightly curved.
Boy, this is as far as your father can help you. If the young lady still doesn’t fancy you, you’d better go cool your heels somewhere else.
Father and son communicated secretly with their eyes. Before long, footsteps were heard outside the door, and a graceful young lady walked in.
Quickly scanning the people in the hall, Jiang Si bowed and greeted: “Father, Uncle Zhen.”
When she heard her father call her to meet Zhen Shicheng, Jiang Si felt somewhat reluctant.
Although the arson case on the Jinshui River pleasure boat had been closed as an unsolved case, she was the one who had set the fire. Naturally, she didn’t want to interact with Zhen Shicheng, who was skilled at solving cases, for a while.
However, Jiang Si knew well that the more she felt this way, the more she couldn’t act abnormally. So she changed into clothes suitable for receiving guests and came over confidently.
After paying her respects to Jiang Ancheng and Zhen Shicheng, Jiang Si’s gaze naturally fell on Zhen Heng.
Zhen Heng’s hand, hidden behind his back, clenched tightly due to nervousness, but his face maintained a calm expression as he politely nodded to Jiang Si.
Zhen Shicheng laughed loudly: “Fourth Miss, this is my unworthy son. He should be a year or two older than you. You can call him Elder Brother Zhen in the future.”
Seeing that the servant who had accompanied Zhen Shicheng last time had now appeared as his son in her home, Jiang Si vaguely understood something.
The first encounter was purely accidental, but the second time when a young master disguised himself as a servant to come to her house was no longer an accident but strange. Adding this third meeting, it was difficult for her to convince herself that there was no other meaning behind it.
Moreover, not long ago, her father had mentioned that Lord Zhen intended to propose a marriage between his eldest son and her.
Looking at it this way, the one who truly wanted to marry her might be—
Jiang Si’s face heated up slightly, but her expression became even more natural. She curtsied to Zhen Heng: “Greetings, Elder Brother Zhen.”
In Jiang Si’s view, the more she understood the other party’s intentions, the less she should show any shyness, to avoid giving them the wrong idea.
While his heart was racing, Zhen Heng looked at the young lady’s natural manner and cold eyes, feeling somewhat disappointed.
She knew that he had disguised himself as a servant last time, yet her expression was so cold and natural. What did this mean?
As intelligent as Zhen Heng was, he had vaguely understood the answer, but there was still a hint of unwillingness.
He displayed a bright, clear smile: “Fourth Sister Jiang is too polite.” After speaking, he retreated to Zhen Shicheng’s side, maintaining a proper demeanor.
Zhen Shicheng smiled at Jiang Si: “Fourth Miss must have heard about the recent arson case on the Jinshui River pleasure boat, right?”
Jiang Si’s heart skipped a beat, but her face remained impassive as she said: “My second brother was one of those who fell into the water, so of course I’ve heard about it.”
“It’s a pity Fourth Miss couldn’t help. Otherwise, this case might not have remained unsolved.”
Zhen Heng raised his eyebrows in surprise.
He had always known that his father admired Miss Jiang, but he hadn’t expected it to be to this extent.
The case could be solved with Miss Jiang’s involvement? Even if it was just a joke, it was shocking enough if word got out.
Zhen Heng couldn’t help but look at Jiang Si.
The young lady’s beautiful smoke-like eyebrows framed a pair of clear, bright eyes. Hearing Zhen Shicheng’s words, her eyes didn’t show the slightest ripple. She just smiled faintly: “Uncle Zhen, please don’t tease me. If you couldn’t solve the case, who else could?”
Zhen Shicheng shook his head: “Women have their unique delicacy and powers of observation. It’s a pity they don’t have the opportunity to participate. For example, I once solved a peculiar case where the intricate planning was admirable, and the culprit turned out to be a woman.”
Jiang Si smiled charmingly: “If everyone thought like you, Uncle Zhen, we women would be much more at ease.”
If he kept trying to scare her like this, she might have to resort to murder to silence him.