Chapter 78: Ten Years
Although Jiang Chenghan and Yan Jingshu both agreed, Xiao Yanchu could not take Jiajia away immediately. Preparations and arrangements still needed to be made at the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence. Furthermore, this matter needed to be reported to Xie Huan and the Prince of Chuxiang.
However, these matters did not require Jiang Chenghan and Yan Jingshu to be involved. Xie Huan was now Xiao Yanchu's teacher, and the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence was next door to the Prince of Chuxiang's mansion, so it was left to Xiao Yanchu to handle everything.
Jiang Chenghan and Yan Jingshu stayed at home to arrange the attendants and items Jiajia would take with him. Although he would return home every day, and surely everything would be prepared for Jiajia at the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence, as parents, they could not do nothing.
By the time everything was ready, three days had passed.
Regarding Jiajia entering the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence to serve as Xiao Yanchu's study companion, both fathers, Jiang Chenghan and Yan Jingshu, had agreed. Xie Huan, who would be able to teach Jiajia, was also happy and naturally did not object. As for the Prince of Chuxiang...
When Xiao Yanchu informed him of the matter, he stared at Xiao Yanchu for quite a while, but ultimately still nodded, allowing Xiao Yanchu to fulfill his wish and bring the child from the Jiang family into the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence.
Jiajia was now six years old and had begun his elementary education three years prior. Because Yan Jingshu was there, they had not hired a private tutor—Yan Jingshu had personally taught him all along. Now that the child was at the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence under Xie Huan's care and instruction, Yan Jingshu naturally had no worries. It was just that with much less to do suddenly, having free time left him feeling somewhat at a loss.
Fortunately, there was still the little one, Kangkang, at home. His playful noise and mischief prevented Yan Jingshu from feeling too lonely.
If the happiest person about Jiajia entering the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence was Xiao Yanchu, then Mu Chongyan was the second happiest.
Although Yan Jingshu and Xie Huan no longer rejected him, neither was willing to make their true relationship public, unwilling to let the calm life they had now be disturbed again. Because of this, Mu Chongyan could not visit the Jiang family to see Yan Jingshu and the two children whenever he wished.
But now that Jiajia was at the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence, Mu Chongyan could see his grandson almost every day.
Although Mu Chongyan was noble and held a high position, he could not maintain any airs in front of his own grandson. He even began neglecting his official duties. After submitting a memorial requesting sick leave, he idled away his days at the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence.
While Xie Huan taught Jiajia and Xiao Yanchu, he would sit in on the lessons. During leisure time, he would either play chess with Xie Huan, have fun with Jiajia, or instruct Xiao Yanchu in martial arts. He was utterly comfortable and at ease, which actually made Jiang Chenghan quite envious.
Although Mu Chongyan had resigned from his post to 'recuperate', the Inspectorate he led had not been handed over to anyone else by the Emperor. As a blade and a shield that could be held directly in hand, the Emperor trusted no one but Mu Chongyan.
Therefore, even though Mu Chongyan was no longer at the Inspectorate, he still managed its affairs. It was just hard on subordinates like Jiang Chenghan, who, besides handling the duties assigned by the office, had to run back and forth between the Inspectorate and the Prince of Chuxiang's mansion every day.
Now having a son, a grandson, and his beloved by his side, Mu Chongyan felt completely satisfied in this life. Although the Emperor was unwilling to let him go, he himself had slowly begun training subordinates and preparing to delegate power.
As his son-in-law, Mu Chongyan naturally hoped Jiang Chenghan could succeed him in his position, which would benefit Yan Jingshu and the two children in the future.
However, even so, Mu Chongyan would not show favoritism or unfairly assist Jiang Chenghan. On the contrary, he assigned Jiang Chenghan many important tasks, intending to temper and train him.
Fortunately, Jiang Chenghan himself had sufficient ability and grew stronger when faced with challenges. Over the years, his accumulated merits allowed him to steadily rise step by step, eventually becoming the Deputy Chief Commander of the Inspectorate, second only to Mu Chongyan.
Furthermore, because he was not a native of the capital, and although he had some connections with the Duke of Anguo's residence and the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence, the Duke of Anguo had already retired from office. The current heir to the Duke of Anguo was still young, so it could be said that the Duke's residence could not offer Jiang Chenghan much assistance in the court. As for the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence, as the orphan of the deceased former Crown Prince, although the Emperor pitied Xiao Yanchu and often gave him preferential treatment, Xiao Yanchu was the son of a commoner concubine, had no maternal family power to rely on, and had suffered from a speech impediment since childhood, making communication difficult.
For these reasons, although he appeared noble, he essentially had no foundation within the court and naturally would not form a faction with Jiang Chenghan.
After various considerations, although the Emperor did not issue an explicit decree, Jiang Chenghan learned from Mu Chongyan, who had already heard the Emperor's intention, that the Emperor was very satisfied with Jiang Chenghan. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Jiang Chenghan would eventually succeed Mu Chongyan to the position of Chief Commander.
But Jiang Chenghan was still somewhat young and might not be able to suppress those below him or command respect, so he needed a few more years of tempering.
Spring passed and autumn came, time flew like a white steed flashing past a crack. It seemed like in the blink of an eye, ten years had already slipped away.
The capital was as prosperous and flourishing as ever. Taibai Street in the west of the capital, being an area where the nobility gathered with few merchants or peddlers, appeared much quieter and more solemn. The residence of the newly appointed Chief Commander of the Inspectorate, Jiang Chenghan, was also located here.
Inside the residence, taking advantage of a rare day of rest, Jiang Chenghan was in the study helping Yan Jingshu restore books.
It was called a study, but it was originally an elegant and exquisitely built embroidered tower in the rear courtyard of the residence. Since no one lived in it and it was very close to the Hanlan Courtyard where Jiang Chenghan and Yan Jingshu resided, it was converted into Yan Jingshu's study, serving as his usual place for reading and book restoration.
[绣楼 (xiùlóu): lit. embroidered tower; fig. a traditionally adorned tower or room in a wealthy household where unmarried young women (daughters) lived in seclusion.]
Back when Yan Jingshu studied under his mentor at the Mushan Academy, he had learned the skill of book restoration. After marrying Jiang Chenghan, he did not abandon this skill but instead had more time to refine his technique.
Over the years, not only had his craftsmanship become increasingly exquisite and advanced, but as his reputation gradually spread, people often came to his door holding accidentally damaged books, paintings, or calligraphy copies seeking his help. He was highly regarded and had clearly attained master status.
Book restoration was delicate work. Although Jiang Chenghan was a rough man, he could still grind ink and cut paper for Yan Jingshu.
One of them bent over the desk carefully retracing characters, while the other stood nearby gently grinding fine ink. Within the quiet stillness, a uniquely warm and peaceful atmosphere lingered.
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