Chapter 95: Meeting Again
The sky had not yet turned dark, but the lanterns along the street were already lit. The lanterns at Qingfeng Restaurant were exceptionally bright.
The official robes of the county magistrate standing beneath the lanterns were also exceptionally striking.
Jiang Changtian’s family arrived, accompanied by guards.
The county magistrate subconsciously wore a welcoming smile. But when he saw who it was, his smile froze.
Who could have imagined that he, a dignified county magistrate, would be bowing to welcome a man who was once his temporary subordinate? He found he could barely keep his waist bent.
As the county magistrate—the father and mother of the county—how could he bow to such an unfilial and unbrotherly person? The world had gone to ruin!
Just then, Gong Qichi hurried down the stairs, jogging over to greet them.
“Changtian, you’ve finally arrived. We’ve been waiting for you. Sister-in-law, please come in.” Gong Qichi reached out and grasped Jiang Changtian’s hand.
His hand was warm, while Jiang Changtian’s was slightly cool.
Jiang Changtian laughed, “Brother Yehang, I didn’t expect to meet again after only half a day. You are truly impatient. Upon receiving the invitation, I immediately brought my whole family here. This is my eldest son, Jiang Feng; this is my daughter, Jiang Yu; and this is my youngest daughter, Mianmian, whom you have met before.”
Jiang Feng and Jiang Yu both bowed respectfully and said, “Uncle Gong.” Jiang Mianmian followed suit and called out, “Uncle!”
Gong Qichi was very satisfied that Jiang Changtian had brought his entire family, even his young daughter. Moreover, they were not carrying any weapons.
He had acquired many things today, so he casually grabbed one item for each child and handed them over. Jiang Mianmian received another jade pendant and was happy. Jiang Yu received a gold bracelet and was very happy. Jiang Feng received a gold plaque and thought to himself, ‘Rebellion is truly great; there is so much money.’ Everyone was happy and harmonious.
Jiang Changtian seemed to only just notice the county magistrate, who was standing to the side with his waist bent low, and said with some surprise, “Magistrate, why are you here?”
The county magistrate smiled sheepishly, “I came out specifically to welcome you. Please, come in, please come in.”
Upstairs, the crowd was craning their necks in anticipation. Seeing the leader of the Rebels personally rush downstairs to welcome someone, they were very curious about who had arrived.
Gong Qichi had visited Mr. Jiang in the morning and arrived at the county town at noon. The county town was much more chaotic than Kaner Village—a complete mess. Before they had even arrived, the Yamen Runners in the county office were already fighting amongst themselves. There were also those taking advantage of the situation to rob wealthy families. The county magistrate was preparing to flee but was hesitant about whether to run or not. The pathetic appearance of all living beings.
Comparing the two sides, Mr. Jiang’s uniqueness became apparent.
In ancient times, transportation was inconvenient, distances were vast, people rarely traveled, and the circle of people one knew was limited. The emotions of the ancients were more abundant; once they identified a person, once they acknowledged someone as a confidant, they would cherish each other, pour out their hearts, and offer their lives for one another. This was because not only were carriages and horses slow, but lifespans were also short. In a short life, to find a confidant was something to be especially cherished.
Gong Qichi personally welcomed them and personally led the way, bringing Jiang Changtian’s family upstairs and to the main seats reserved in advance.
The crowd looked at their clothes before looking at the people. Seeing that the newcomers’ clothes were simple, not even as good as what the Rebels wore, they became even more curious about what kind of people could make the Rebels treat them with such grand formality.
Great Marshal Zi’s foster son, Zi Ganjiang, had not gone to visit Mr. Jiang in the morning. He was a military man who preferred action over talk and had no interest in visiting any “Mr.” However, his foster father had only asked him to come to assist Mr. Gang, so he did not have the authority to lead.
The people who arrived were actually an entire family, even carrying an infant. The crowd was even more curious.
When they finally saw Jiang Changtian’s face, someone in the crowd—it was unclear who—gasped. Judging by the sound, it was a woman. Did they have such an extraordinarily handsome man in Ming County?
In that instant, everyone forgot to look at their clothes and only focused on his face. The noble daughters of wealthy families, who rarely stepped out, were blushing at this moment, having completely forgotten that they were attending a banquet for the Rebels; instead, it felt like they were at a matchmaking event. However, upon seeing the wife and children following him, some of the women regained a shred of their reason.
This was the first time Jiang Changtian had revealed his true, original face to others.
Meanwhile, in the crowd, Jiang Huaisheng did not recognize that the man was his own younger brother, Jiang Changtian, at first glance. It was only when he saw Jiang Feng that he realized it. Because he had previously encountered Jiang Feng and, unable to stand his dissolute appearance, had disciplined him just as he would have disciplined Ronger. He still remembered the look of hatred in Jiang Feng’s eyes when he looked at him.
Jiang Huaisheng had a clear conscience; he had only disciplined Jiang Feng because he was his nephew. If it had been anyone else, he wouldn’t have even looked at him. When he recognized that it was his brother Changtian, he became very angry. If the occasion weren’t inappropriate, he would have wanted to discipline him right then and there. What kind of appearance was this? Did he look like this? He hadn’t even recognized him. In these chaotic times, human life was like grass; what was he trying to do by going out looking like this?
As for Old Madam Jiang, the moment she saw the newcomer, her pupils dilated, and then she felt the blood in her body freeze, her body trembling slightly. She twisted the prayer beads in her hand with great force. A-Yao had restrung this strand for her, but at this moment, she was using so much force that the top bead seemed to be pulling apart again.
Jiang Wan had been sitting beside her grandmother, serving her. Her grandmother had been sitting upright, her temperament calm and detached, appearing more composed and dignified than anyone else present. Just then, her grandmother suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand, very tightly, causing her some pain. She also looked up at the newcomer. Was this her second uncle? It was so strange; she had never seen him, not even in her dreams.
She saw Jiang Yu. She was dressed very plainly, but her smile was innocent and pure. She saw Jiang Feng, who had caused her brother to be tied up. He was dressed even more plainly, with sleeves shorter than his hands, yet he was very handsome, looking sharper and more outstanding than Great Marshal Zi’s foster son, Zi Ganjiang.
She saw the child held in the arms of that tall woman. After not much time, she saw her again. Last time, she was in the hands of The Peddler and his wife, looking at her with tears in her eyes. At this moment, she was looking at her alive and well, and Jiang Wan’s hand also trembled.
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