Evening.
Jiang Wan and Old Lady Jiang's family returned to the Jiang Manor.
Because they had left in a hurry, all the valuable items in the manor had been removed. Some had also been taken away by the servants who seized the opportunity.
The rooms that were luxurious and spotless in the morning now looked ransacked and chaotic when they returned in the afternoon.
Jiang Huaisheng, still feeling the effects of last night's drunkenness, was a bit dazed after the back-and-forth journey. Even the life-and-death struggle hadn't registered with him; he was still wondering why Jing'er had left him and taken their child.
Jiang Rong, having witnessed the killing and bloodshed, became even more silent, but at least he didn't go mad with screaming.
Old Lady Jiang's expression was gloomy.
Jiang Wan was the most terrified of all.
Upon returning, she couldn't be bothered with the mess throughout the courtyard.
She was somewhat shocked.
That was Chu Yi, the future Prince Ming.
Yet he had died just like that.
Died right in front of her.
So easily.
Those guards surely knew as well.
If Chu Yi was dead, they certainly couldn't survive either.
So after Chu Yi's death, they fought desperately.
In the end, those who didn't die were captured and taken away.
On one hand, Jiang Wan was terrified, but on the other hand, she felt that what she had seen in her dream was real.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have recognized Chu Yi, and Chu Yi wouldn't have shot and killed Jiang Changtian because of her words.
Even though he failed.
In her memory, the Seventh Prince wasn't a person with a good temper; he was very cunning.
If he had sent someone to receive them and ended up losing a son, how much would the Seventh Prince hate them?
Jiang Wan became frightened when she thought of this.
Despite this, she still had to settle her family.
Even the Buddha statues in the Buddhist hall had been taken away, leaving empty pedestals.
Because they were inconvenient to carry.
In the Buddhist hall, the meditation room had been demolished, leaving no trace of its existence.
Jiang Wan returned to her grandmother's side.
She sat close to her grandmother.
Already injured and having traveled back and forth, Old Lady Jiang wasn't in good condition.
Yet at this moment, she still leaned against the bed, mustering her strength to comfort the younger generation.
Jiang Wan, feeling a bit lost, asked Old Lady Jiang, "Grandmother, we recite sutras and worship Buddha devotedly every day, offering sacrifices. Why hasn't Buddha protected us?"
Old Lady Jiang's wrinkles had deepened twofold overnight.
She still persevered and said, "You seek Buddha because you believe in Buddha. Buddha hasn't blessed you because Buddha believes in you."
Grandmother's words were profound.
Jiang Wan had a moment of enlightenment. After silently pondering for a moment, she stood up and went to settle the household affairs again.
...
Hearing the words "rebels impersonating the Seventh Prince," Eunuch Duan was left speechless, not daring to say or ask anything.
He continued to go brew tea.
Meng Shaoxia also didn't dare to speak up.
The scene he had witnessed today was still somewhat shocking to him.
He hadn't expected the Seventh Prince's guards to suddenly try to shoot and kill Mr. Jiang.
Fortunately, he and Brother Feng had good martial skills and quick reactions.
Otherwise, being ambushed at their own doorstep would have been too tragic.
Faced with the sudden rain of arrows, Meng Shaoxia was startled for a moment but quickly regained his composure.
What he couldn't comprehend was Qin Lady's martial prowess.
At the time when the black-clad men in armor and helmets charged towards the opposite side with long spears, Meng Shaoxia was anxiously stomping his feet.
This wasn't right; it was too dangerous.
How could one be so reckless when facing off on the battlefield?
Even if you're strong, you can't act like this.
If the charge fails and you're killed, it would completely destroy the morale.
There's no such recklessness in warfare.
Although Brother Feng's martial skills were better than his own, and he seemed to lead the troops in an orderly manner, he really lacked combat experience and was too reckless.
However, as the black-clad person charged, they single-handedly took on the group, as if it were child's play.
Like an unparalleled fierce general.
As if entering unoccupied territory.
The opponents fell into disarray, instantly losing their advantage.
Meng Shaoxia watched with a dumbfounded expression.
He didn't know where Mr. Jiang had found such a powerful general. No wonder everywhere else was in chaos, yet Ming County remained peaceful.
When he saw the black-clad person kill that guard with a single spear thrust, Meng Shaoxia suddenly felt that things had gotten serious.
The words the man didn't say out loud - he was the son of the Seventh Prince.
So the black-clad person had killed a prince and royal grandson???
He hadn't expected that in broad daylight, while just accompanying his future father-in-law to train a troop of the old, weak, sick, and disabled, they would end up doing such a momentous thing.
Looking at these supposedly old, weak, sick, and disabled troops again, how could they be called that?
The troops were not only disciplined, but the young and strong killed while the old and weak finished off the enemies, their movements extremely efficient, even managing to loot the bodies.
Despite the opponent's strong forces, not a single one could escape.
In close combat, it was quickly over.
His father-in-law suddenly turned into a drama queen, acting coy with the black-clad person.
Saying he was frightened.
He clearly saw his father-in-law easily deflect the incoming arrows with his sword.
The black-clad person actually hugged his father-in-law, comforting him not to be afraid.
That person exuding a fierce aura, with a presence comparable to a flood dragon, removed their mask, and turned out to be his future mother-in-law...
Meng Shaoxia was still a bit dazed when he returned home.
This was, this was, this was unexpected, yet somehow within expectations.
He suddenly felt that rather than worrying about what would happen to the Seventh Prince's people, there seemed to be a more immediate problem: what would happen if he didn't perform well?
People have both long-term worries and immediate concerns.
Meng Shaoxia followed the others back to the Jiang family, feeling inexplicably nervous.
He recalled whether there had been any improprieties during his and He Chen's first visit to the Jiang family.
Who could have imagined that the lady carrying a basket of pig feed on her back was actually an unparalleled fierce general?
It was quite frightening, wasn't it?
Meng Shaoxia obediently dismounted.
He dutifully served tea and water.
He even took over all of Eunuch Duan's tasks.
Eunuch Duan: ... This isn't necessary, Young General Meng. Leave some work for me.
Hearing that her parents had returned, Jiang Yu came bouncing out to welcome them. Remembering her great-aunt, she slowed her steps, but seeing that her great-aunt wasn't looking at her, she started running again.
She ran up to Brother Meng, only stopping right in front of him.
Seeing Brother Meng's rather pale face, Jiang Yu asked with concern, "Were you scared? Was it dangerous? You've all come to surrender, yet there were still rebels? Don't be afraid, I've made some delicious food. You can eat some later to calm your nerves."
Meng Shaoxia nodded obediently, thinking that little Yu'er was indeed the best.
He did need something to calm his nerves.
Dinner time.
The main course was once again noodles made by Qin Lady.
Meng Shaoxia wasn't particularly fond of noodles.
But tonight, he ate very cleanly, not daring to complain about eating noodles every day. He even drank all the soup, not leaving anything behind.
After finishing.
Meng Shaoxia took the initiative to speak, "I've already sent a letter to my parents, asking them to send the betrothal gifts. For the wedding date of Yu'er and me, I'd like to ask Father and Mother to decide."
This addressing of "Father and Mother" made Jiang Changtian's face twitch slightly.
Qin Luoxia beamed with joy.
A mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law, finding him more and more pleasing to the eye.
Especially young Meng's square face, which looked honest and dependable, someone you could rely on for life.
Qin Luoxia looked at her husband and said, "Husband, you understand these things. Choose an auspicious date, and let's get this matter settled soon, so we can all be at ease."
Jiang Changtian spoke, "A child's marriage is a big event and cannot be rushed. Let's schedule it for next month, how about the third day of next month? Eunuch Duan will still be here and can serve as a witness."
Eunuch Duan, who was suddenly mentioned, nodded in agreement. Yes, it needed proper preparation; it was a big event.
Although today was already the thirtieth, tomorrow would be the start of the new month.
On your territory, whatever you say goes.
...
