Chapter 269: Miaomiao's Letter

"What's going on with those two people?" At this moment, Elder Master Zhuang was emotionally stirred; he only had this one younger brother—how could he not care?

The younger brother's spoiled nature—isn't that just the result of his indulgence?

However, although his temper is stubborn, he is still a Zhuang Clan member; even with a temper, he would never do anything that goes against heaven and reason.

"His conduct, speech, and demeanor cannot be cultivated by ordinary families."

"It even feels comfortable, making people unconsciously feel a sense of closeness."

Affability is an innate ability, not something everyone possesses.

Being able to let people let down their guard—that is the ability.

He has traveled south and north; these years, he hasn't relied on the Zhuang Clan's influence—everything is his own doing, forged by sheer determination.

Naturally, he has foresight and vision.

Those juniors who can't find fault with him are few; indeed, that Kang Yun is one—although they haven't interacted long, his speech and demeanor seem able to win people's hearts.

Not to mention finding fault—he even feels affection toward him.

"He's quite a remarkable person."

"Let's invite them to a Zhuang Clan feast the day after tomorrow."

The lady suddenly spoke up: Since her daughter married into Jingdu, over the years, although letters have been constant and in Miaomiao's handwriting, her heart has never been at ease; now that she finally sees people from that side, she can't help but ask whether Miaomiao is doing well, whether her life is smooth or not.

A son traveling a thousand miles makes his mother worry—let alone Miaomiao, who married over twenty years ago; her heart is uneasy.

"I'll go back and discuss with those two young masters, see their opinions and attitudes." Second Uncle nodded and agreed directly.

And Second Uncle tightly held the box in his arms; ever since it came into his hands, he has never let go.

"Let's just have dinner at home." At this moment, Elder Master Zhuang spoke.

After saying that, he still lifted his gaze to look at his own younger brother.

Second Uncle instinctively wanted to talk back—after all, this sort of thing has been going on for over twenty years; many things have become instinct.

At this moment, the lady nodded and said, "Then it's settled."

"Your room has always been kept ready; go back to your own Courtyard and stay there. Don't keep running out for no reason—check your attire, your grooming; are we lacking food or drink?"

The lady pointed at his outfit—still that of a shopkeeper; when he first arrived, he was in such a hurry that even his shoes were dirty, making him look rather disheveled.

"Oh."

Second Uncle nodded, rose, and returned to the courtyard.

Elder Master Zhuang cupped his hands to the lady; the only two who can rein in the younger brother are Miaomiao, far away in Jingdu—distant water cannot put out a nearby fire.

One is the lady herself—and the lady is formidable.

And Second Uncle returned to his own Courtyard; aside from the trees being a bit taller and the flowers more lush, it seemed nothing had changed—the tea table under the trees, the clean, tidy furnishings inside, the dust-free tabletop.

Even though he had been away for over twenty years, this courtyard remained exactly as before.

"Alas!"

Second Uncle let out a sigh, then only after that did he open the precious‑seeming box, and picked up the bottommost letter—the wax seal on it was also the oldest, its color deepened, clearly stored for many years.

"Second Uncle, do you know? In his presence, Miaomiao felt something she had never felt before—her heart would pound nonstop."

"Second Uncle, Miaomiao married into Jingdu; after being apart for years, I don't know when we'll meet again—she has the phoenix crown and rosy robes, all the three matchmakers and six betrothals, everything a bride should have; the only thing missing at her wedding was your presence, Second Uncle."

"Second Uncle, the Kang Clan treats me well; I live here happily. Baihe was born—a girl, fair and delicate, like a Jiangnan maiden."

"Second Uncle..."

Letter after letter was opened, yet not a single one contained a reply expressing longing.

She probably also understands in her heart that Second Uncle is angry—how could such a doting Second Uncle accept that, while away from home, she had already married far off to Jingdu?

But time is urgent, with shifting winds in the court; Kang Lian's Imperial Edict of assignment has already been issued, and there's no time to wait.

Second Uncle rubbed his sore eyes, carefully sealed all the letters he had read, then, in order, placed them back into the box.

It turns out that back then, so many things happened; the elder brother wasn't trying to hide it from himself—marrying Miaomiao into Jingdu was to exchange for the Zhuang Clan's glory and wealth.

And Miaomiao has been doing well all these years; her joy and happiness can be seen in her writing.

This is enough!

Second Uncle smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly; the heart he had held half his life finally let go.

The next day, before dawn, he had already risen.

Outside it was quiet, the night very still; she, to avoid disturbing anyone, leapt up directly, left this compound, and landed in the corner of a narrow lane.

As she performed her lightness skill to leave, Han Bing suddenly opened his eyes, then gently shook his head and went back to resting.

On the road there were already pedestrians; some carried shoulder poles, front and back were bamboo baskets holding various goods, while others drove carts to deliver goods elsewhere.

In a new place, she habitually first surveyed the terrain, also enjoyed exploring local customs—this Jiangnan town differed from Jingdu, with humid air and occasional whiffs of faint fragrance that made one want to linger.

Misty drizzle, dreamlike and illusory, fragrance spreading a thousand miles, wind light and clouds plain.

"Young master, would you like a bowl of hot soup?"

An old woman carrying a pole came from not far away, her face bearing a kind smile; seeing Jiang Yunchu leaning on the railing, he truly was a handsome youth.

"One bowl, please."

After Jiang Yunchu asked the price, he handed over a copper coin, then received the hot soup in a bamboo bucket.

"The bamboo buckets are clean; the old woman washes and boils them in hot water each day after selling, so you can drink with peace of mind."

The old woman laughed heartily; the young man opposite, clearly from a wealthy family, naturally paid attention to details.

"Delicious."

Jiang Yunchu picked up the bamboo bucket, tasted the soup, and his eyes lit up.

"This soup, the old woman has sold it her whole life; today is the last day she sells it—afterward, you won't be able to get it."

The old woman took back the bamboo bucket she had returned, then laughed heartily and left directly.

Jiang Yunchu watched her retreating back; even though she had set down her load, why did he feel a sense of loss?

She gave a faint smile, shook her head, and continued walking forward; the sky grew brighter, the street filled with more people, the cries of hawkers and the sounds of trade never ceased.

Only when she felt a bit hot did she return to the Zhuang Clan Inn.