Chapter 94
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Minister Jiang felt that he should consult the almanac before going out in the future.
Jiang Nian planned to stay in Jiangnan for a while. Although Minister Jiang was worried, Jiang Nian assured him that he would be traveling with Marquis Anping. Only then did Minister Jiang relax and personally escort him to the city gate.
Their father-son relationship was harmonious. What was supposed to be just a farewell turned into an argument on the way, triggered by Minister Jiang’s unintentional mention of Jiang Juan.
“Jiang Juan is now the Crown Prince Consort, and in the future, he will be… Xiao Nian, I have been quite indifferent towards him in the past. What do you think I should do to make amends?”
Minister Jiang had been pondering this for many days. Since his return from the ancestral temple, he had been regretting his past behavior towards Jiang Juan. He had never cared for Jiang Juan and had openly expressed his dislike and dissatisfaction. Now, trying to mend their father-son relationship seemed almost impossible to him.
But no matter how difficult it was, Minister Jiang had to find a way.
After all, Jiang Juan was now at the peak of his power. The Crown Prince favored him greatly and granted his every wish, and his maternal grandfather was revered and admired worldwide.
Minister Jiang asked Jiang Nian for advice because he often discussed matters with him, and Jiang Nian consistently provided unique and forward-thinking insights. Over time, Minister Jiang had grown accustomed to seeking Jiang Nian’s opinions.
This time, however, Jiang Nian did not respond as usual. After listening to Minister Jiang’s words, his expression changed drastically, and he spoke with no restraint.
“Make amends?”
Jiang Nian questioned, “What is there to make amends for? Father, you have no feelings for him. He’s just a Crown Prince Consort. What happens in the future is still uncertain. Why bother going out of your way to flatter him?”
His words were too blunt, and Minister Jiang was somewhat embarrassed. “Flatter? I’m his father, and he’s my son. I was indifferent in the past; now I just want to make a little compensation.”
During this period, Jiang Nian had been feeling discontented with everything, with Jiang Juan’s interference in many matters. Unable to remain calm, Jiang Nian sharply retorted, “Father, now that he’s on top, you want to make up and maintain the father-son relationship. If I were to face misfortune in the future, would you then turn cold towards me again?”
“You—!”
The words were too harsh. Minister Jiang was enraged and slapped Jiang Nian. With a face full of anger, he said, “Is this how you talk to me?”
“You blame me for flattering your brother, but have you forgotten that you were supposed to marry into Prince Li Residence? You were unwilling, and I ran around for you, not sleeping for three days, only for him to end up with a big advantage!”
Jiang Nian’s face turned pale, but he gritted his teeth and stubbornly said, “A big advantage? What kind of advantage is that? It’s not over yet. Who knows where it will all end up!”
Thus, Minister Jiang and Jiang Nian parted on bad terms. Despite this, Minister Jiang still watched him leave. But just as he was about to return to the estate, someone suddenly tapped him on the head.
To avoid drawing attention, the carriages of the Minister’s residence were parked far away, and the attendants were not nearby. Minister Jiang turned around impatiently and saw a person wearing a conical hat who had struck him.
“What kind of person are you?”
The other party ignored him but continued their actions, using a branch to repeatedly beat Minister Jiang. Despite being a thin old man, his strength was quite formidable. Minister Jiang tried to grab the branch, but he was hit on the forehead and immediately let out a cry of pain.
Minister Jiang warned, “Old man, if you hit me again, do you believe I’ll have you thrown into prison?”
The old man cast him a disdainful glance and slapped him hard across the face with a sharp sound. Minister Jiang hurriedly covered his head and pointed at him, cursing loudly, “You old man, are you sick or something?”
Whether he was sick or not was unclear, but the old man focused solely on hitting him. Soon, Minister Jiang was beaten black and blue, his whole body burning with pain. He had no choice but to run around with his head covered, shouting nonstop, “You madman! Do you know who I am to dare lay hands on me? I am the Minister of Rites!”
The old man replied with a strong and resonant voice, “I’m hitting you, you turtle son!”
Minister Jiang: “???“
Being beaten and cursed like this, Minister Jiang could only curse the old man for being crazy. He wasn’t foolish and knew the old man’s stamina couldn’t match his own, so he made a dash towards the place where the carriage was parked.
After managing to create some distance, the branches were no longer within reach, and Minister Jiang no longer had to endure the beatings. He finally let out a sigh of relief, but then, with a loud thud, a shoe fell from the sky and hit him hard on the head.
The blow made Minister Jiang dizzy and caused a large bump on the back of his head. He was completely stunned until he heard the shouting—“The carriage from Prince Li Residence is coming! Stop watching the commotion! The carriage from the Li Wangfu is here!”
“…Grandfather.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Jiang Juan called out respectfully.
Bai Xuechao was taken aback.
Jiang Juan had come to pick him up, feeling already anxious, fearing that his identity as an impostor might be revealed. Seeing that he wasn’t speaking, he grew even more nervous. Jiang Juan cautiously asked, “Grandfather, is something wrong?”
Bai Xuechao waved his hand, “Nothing.”
He was momentarily dazed because it had been many years since he had heard Jiang Juan call him ‘Grandfather.’
Since learning about his origins, his grandson had rarely been close to him and often expressed a desire to return to his biological father. Bai Xuechao didn’t blame him but was somewhat worried.
Jiang Juan was reserved and wouldn’t even cry when injured. There’s an old saying that those who cry get sweets, and Bai Xuechao always worried that Jiang Juan might suffer if he returned to the capital.
As it turned out, Bai Xuechao’s worries were not unfounded.
If Su Feiyue hadn’t written a letter of apology, Bai Xuechao wouldn’t have known that Jiang Juan’s engagement had been annulled and that his father had handed him over to someone else. This prompted him to hastily pack his things and rush to the capital.
The timing was perfect, coinciding with Jiang Juan’s irresponsible father, saving him from another visit. Bai Xuechao immediately picked up a branch and went over to give him a good beating.
If Jiang Juan hadn’t arrived, Bai Xuechao wouldn’t have wanted his grandson to see him in such a state. This bastard, Bai Xuechao still had more to beat!
Bai Xuechao let out a slow breath and, with a beaming smile, asked Jiang Juan, “How have you been recently?”
On the way here, Bai Xuechao had heard some things from a tea house attendant. Seeing Jiang Juan now, he noticed a significant change from the past, suggesting that things had been going well for him. Still, he couldn’t help but ask again to be sure.
“It’s been pretty good.”
Although Jiang Juan had recently been forced to stay active and couldn’t sleep as long as the prince stayed awake, overall, he was quite happy. Then he remembered something and said to Bai Xuechao, “Grandfather, this is the prince—the Crown Prince I picked up as my husband.”
Usually, calling someone “husband” was only done when there was something to ask of them. Initiating such a call was truly rare. Xue Fangli glanced at him and nodded to Bai Xuechao, saying, “Grandfather.”
Bai Xuechao: “?”
Even though they were both called “Grandfather,” why did Jiang Juan address him so pleasantly while this person sounded so disagreeable?
Bai Xuechao maintained his composure and didn’t want to engage much with the Crown Prince. Instead, he waved to Jiang Juan, signaling him to come closer. Curious, Jiang Juan moved beside him, and Bai Xuechao had a servant open the bundle.
Inside were various items: plum blossom pastries, wooden carvings, withered flower branches…
The bundle was a jumble of things, as if Bai Xuechao had been buying snacks and collecting flower branches all along his journey.
Jiang Juan looked down to identify what was inside. As he was about to ask Bai Xuechao about one of the flower branches, he looked up to find Bai Xuechao watching him with visible concern. Jiang Juan asked, “Grandfather, what’s wrong?”
The man who was revered as the “Snow Sage” and admired by everyone was now showing a flicker of nervousness. Bai Xuechao anxiously asked, “Is there anything you like?”
Jiang Juan was taken aback.
Seeing Jiang Juan’s silence, Bai Xuechao’s nervous gaze dimmed a bit. He lowered his own gaze and noticed something, then smiled with a hint of apology. “I’m getting old and forgot that the plum blossom pastries can’t stay fresh for too long. They become less crispy after a while. And these flowers… I was too slow, so they missed their blooming period. There’s nothing much to like about them.”
“It’s not that.”
Jiang Juan blinked. Although he wasn’t entirely sure how Bai Xuechao had interacted with his original self, Jiang Juan could feel Bai Xuechao’s affection for him and certainly didn’t want to disappoint the old man.
“I like everything.”
Jiang Juan picked up a plum blossom pastry and took a small bite. “It’s fine, it’s delicious.”
He then looked at the flower branches. Though they were wilted, the remnants still hinted at their former beauty. Jiang Juan said, “I’ll have Lan Ting dry them a bit more when we get back. They’ll make nice bookmarks.”
He continued eating the pastries, having one after another, and urged Bai Xuechao to try a piece. “Grandfather, have a taste. They’re really good.”
Jiang Juan looked at him with sparkling eyes. Even if Bai Xuechao wasn’t inclined to eat, he took a piece.
Bai Xuechao’s heart melted at Jiang Juan’s genuine enjoyment of the plum blossom pastries, despite them having gone soft and almost like dough. Jiang Juan’s earnest expression made Bai Xuechao’s heart feel sweet.
“Grandfather, where did you buy the plum blossom pastries?”
“From Yixian.”
“Grandfather, since they’re still good even after being kept for so long, could you take me to get some fresh ones next time?”
Jiang Juan’s voice was soft, and he looked at Bai Xuechao with eager, almost pleading eyes. Bai Xuechao’s heart melted further. He pulled Jiang Juan along and said, “Let’s go.”
Jiang Juan, confused, asked, “Huh?”
Bai Xuechao said seriously, “I’ll take you to get some plum blossom pastries right now.”
Don’t mention these insignificant plum blossom pastries, even if Jiang Juan wanted the moon, Bai Xuechao would have climbed to the sky to fetch it!
Jiang Juan: “…..”
Doesn’t the level of action seem a bit extreme?
Jiang Juan urged: “Grandfather, you just arrived in the capital. You should rest first.”
Bai Xuechao waved off the concern. “It’s fine. The plum blossom pastries are important. Let’s go, my dear grandson.”
Jiang Juan: “…..”
After a long trip, Jiang Juan needed at least ten days to rest and mentally prepare himself. He wasn’t keen on spontaneous travel. He quickly turned to Xue Fangli for help, exclaiming, “Your Highness! Your Highness!”
Xue Fangli lifted his eyelids and finally reached out to grab Jiang Juan. Bai Xuechao turned around, visibly displeased, and asked Xue Fangli, “I wanted to take my good grandson out for some plum blossom pastries. What’s the problem?”
Xue Fangli replied coolly, “He had a heart attack just yesterday. He can’t travel far.”
“What?”
Upon hearing this, Bai Xuechao immediately asked Jiang Juan, “Good grandson, how are you? Are you alright?”
Jiang Juan felt a bit guilty about deceiving the prince but felt even more so about lying to the elderly man. He scolded himself internally and then said to Bai Xuechao, “I’m fine. But… Grandfather, I shouldn’t go far.”
Bai Xuechao, though disappointed, reluctantly agreed, “Let’s do it another day.”
Jiang Juan sighed in relief. “Alright.”
With Bai Xuechao’s departure, it was time to return to Prince Li Residence. As they headed towards the carriage, someone hurriedly caught up with them.
“Mr. Bai! Mr. Bai, please wait!”
Bai Xuechao turned around to find it was Minister Jiang, who was running towards them, holding a bamboo cane that he had apparently procured from somewhere. After greeting Jiang Juan and Xue Fangli, Minister Jiang said to Bai Xuechao, “Father-in-law, I didn’t recognize you earlier. I truly should be punished!”
Minister Jiang glanced at Jiang Juan and solemnly added, “I’ve been remiss towards the Crown Prince Consort. Mr. Bai, you are right; a bamboo cane is better for punishment than a thin twig. Please use this to teach me a lesson!”
Jiang Juan: “?”
Asking to be punished?
He had never heard such a request before.
Jiang Juan was puzzled, feeling that his Minister father must be up to something. In reality, Minister Jiang indeed had other plans.
— If Mr. Bai gave him a solid beating, it might reduce some of the grievances both Mr. Bai and Jiang Juan had against him, and their relationship could improve in the future.
However, upon hearing this, Bai Xuechao’s expression changed dramatically. He frowned and said, “What are you talking about? Beating with a twig? How could I, Bai Xuechao ever do such a coarse thing?”
Jiang Juan: “………”
He wanted to say something but hesitated.
Forget it, it was better not to reveal that he had seen his grandfather do something even more extreme—throwing shoes at someone.
Minister Jiang, however, tried to jog Bai Xuechao’s memory. “Just now, you came up and hit me, and then you threw a shoe at my head. Look, I still have a big bump!”
“Utter nonsense!”
Bai Xuechao reprimanded loudly. His figure, dressed in flowing white, had an ethereal and dignified presence. His sharp rebuke made Minister Jiang freeze, unable to make a sound.
Bai Xuechao quickly turned to Jiang Juan and said, “Don’t listen to him. He’s just having a fit.”
Jiang Juan replied with difficulty, “…Alright.”
Bai Xuechao hurriedly urged Jiang Juan, “Get in the carriage, good grandson. Quickly, before he starts rambling again.”
Jiang Juan had no choice but to get into the carriage first. Bai Xuechao shot a fierce glance at Minister Jiang, feeling a pang of irritation at the thought of almost ruining his own image in front of his good grandson. Bai Xuechao’s hands itched to take action.
Fortunately, someone was already dealing with Minister Jiang for him.
Xue Fangli leisurely followed behind. After hearing Minister Jiang’s words, he sneered and then asked JMinister Jiang, “Minister Jiang, do you really want to learn a lesson?”
If it were Bai Xuechao or Jiang Juan himself, Minister Jiang would certainly want to be taught a lesson, as it was merely a pretense. But Xue Fangli was known for his ruthless nature. Minister Jiang stuttered, “Your… Your Highness, I…”
Before he could finish, Xue Fangli nodded and said, “Alright, I agree—come!”
“Minister Jiang’s self-reflection on his shortcomings towards the Crown Prince Consort has touched this prince. Naturally, I must fulfill Minister Jiang’s request. However, since the twig is too soft and the bamboo cane is too hard, if you want to learn a lesson, perhaps a whip would be better.”
Minister Jiang’s face turned pale. The whip was both soft and resilient, and when used, it truly dug into the flesh. It was far worse than the twig or bamboo cane!
But it was too late to regret. Xue Fangli, with a casual tone, said, “Begin.”
The guards, holding a golden whip, approached Minister Jiang. He stared in horror, his legs going weak, and he collapsed onto the ground.
Soon, the sounds of whipping and Minister Jiang’s screams filled the air. Jiang Juan, curious, started to lift the curtain to look, but Bai Xuechao gently pressed it down and said, “There’s nothing to see.”
Jiang Juan could only respond with an “Oh” and settled back as Xue Fangli also got into the carriage.
Jiang Juan’s curiosity remained, so he asked, “Your Highness, what did you do?”
Pausing for a moment, given His Highness’s history, Jiang Juan added, “Don’t try to deceive me.”
Xue Fangli thought for a moment and then replied with a faint smile, “I just fulfilled Lord Jiang’s unreasonable request.”
Jiang Juan: “……”
Meanwhile, in a mansion, Yang Liusheng was bent over his drawing table, his brush moving gracefully. His friend, however, was too impatient to appreciate it and said, “You’ve been working on this painting for so long. How is it not finished yet?”
Yang Liusheng, distracted, replied, “It’s almost done.”
This painting was based on the description Xue Fangli had given him, detailing the features of a person.
It was said that this person was a beggar who had been at a teahouse telling outrageous tales, including some deep palace secrets.
Yang Liusheng shook his head and set down his brush. “Hmm… this person looks a bit familiar.”
His friend leaned in to take a look and agreed, “It does seem a bit familiar.”
Since it was based on descriptions, Yang Liusheng couldn’t be certain if the person in the painting was exactly who the Prince was looking for, but since both of them thought the person looked familiar, it was a clue. Just as Yang Liusheng was about to scrutinize it further, his friend suddenly pulled him away.
“Let’s go, let’s go, it’s time to drink.”
Indeed, enjoying a drink was enough. As for who the person in the painting was, that was a matter for the Prince to sort out. After all, Yang Liusheng’s reward—the portrait of the Crown Prince Consort—had all been taken by the Prince himself!
Yang Liusheng got up to leave, but his friend suddenly stopped in his tracks.
The person in the painting looked a bit like Marquis Anping.
“What’s wrong?”
Yang Liusheng asked curiously. It was just a fleeting thought, but it caused his friend to immediately forget about it. His friend shook his head, “Nothing, let’s go.”
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