Chapter 77: Birthday
The next day, Yan Jingshu took Jiajia to the Commandery Prince of Rui's residence. They stayed for lunch and only returned home in the evening.
After dinner, once they had retired to their bedroom for the night, Jiang Chenghan asked Yan Jingshu, "How did your discussion with Uncle go? Have you decided what to do for the Prince of Chuxiang's birthday?"
Yan Jingshu, upon hearing this, shook his head and replied somewhat helplessly: "I asked my uncle if the Prince of Chuxiang had anything he particularly liked, but he couldn't name anything either. He just said that whatever I gave, the Prince would like it, and that I should decide for myself. But even though he says that, the Prince is of noble status, what precious object has he not seen? He lacks nothing. I don't know what would be good to prepare as a birthday gift."
Jiang Chenghan thought for a moment and said, "When giving a gift, you should naturally give something the other person likes or wants. However, for the Prince of Chuxiang, rather than some rare treasure or precious artifact, he might prefer to personally hear your congratulations to him."
Yan Jingshu was taken aback, then fell silent. After a long while, he spoke again: "...If that's the case, then on the day of the Prince's birthday celebration, our family will go in person to wish him longevity."
Regardless of their personal connection, the Prince was both Jiang Chenghan's superior and also had helped them immensely in the past. For these reasons alone, a personal visit to offer birthday wishes felt perfectly natural
Jiang Chenghan naturally had no objections. So half a month later, except for Kangkang who was too young and was sent to the Duke of Anguo's residence, the family of three arrived at the Prince of Chuxiang's residence.
The Prince of Chuxiang's birthday was a major event in the capital. That day, a long queue of people and horses bringing gifts and offering congratulations formed at the entrance of the prince's residence. However, most only dropped off their gift lists and presents before leaving—they could not enter the residence, let alone have an audience with the Prince.
That day, Jiang Chenghan and his family were an exception.
Yan Jingshu wanted to bring his family to personally congratulate the Prince on his birthday, so Xie Huan naturally knew about it. And since Xie Huan knew, Mu Chongyan also knew.
Therefore, on his birthday, he specifically stayed in his residence and changed into a brand new brocade robe and golden crown, awaiting the arrival of Yan Jingshu and his family. Furthermore, he naturally instructed servants to wait at the gate, so that when Yan Jingshu's family arrived, they would be invited directly inside.
Thus, as soon as Jiang Chenghan's family reached the main gate of the Prince of Chuxiang's residence, before they had even alighted from their carriage, a steward from the residence hurried forward with a smile and personally invited them into the residence.
The Commandery Prince of Rui's residence was closer to the Prince of Chuxiang's residence, so Xie Huan and Xiao Yanchu arrived a little earlier than Jiang Chenghan's family.
After the greetings, Jiajia respectfully wished the Prince of Chuxiang a happy birthday and presented him with a painting he had made himself as a gift. He then went off to play with his Brother Moyan, leaving the adults—Jiang Chenghan, Yan Jingshu, Xie Huan, and Mu Chongyan—to converse.
Yan Jingshu was by nature a quiet person who preferred silence to excessive talk. While he was usually at ease with Jiang Chenghan and Xie Huan, he found himself feeling somewhat restrained and uncertain of what to say in front of Mu Chongyan, which made him appear particularly withdrawn.
Sensing his discomfort, and aware of Yan Jingshu's love for literature, Mu Chongyan thoughtfully suggested a tour of his personal library, inviting him to browse the collection at his leisure. Meanwhile, Mu Chongyan himself proceeded to the courtyard, where he instructed servants to bring out an array of practice weapons so he could engage in a sparring match with Jiang Chenghan.
Mu Chongyan had led troops in battle in his early years. Although he was getting older now, his skills were still not lacking. He and Jiang Chenghan went back and forth, fairly evenly matched.
Before long, the banquet was fully prepared.
Both Mu Chongyan and Jiang Chenghan were drenched in sweat. They had found a worthy opponent and fought with great relish, showing no sign of stopping. Xie Huan had to step forward and call a halt to the two of them.
Neither dared to disobey Xie Huan's words, so they stopped immediately. Then, following Xie Huan's instructions, they went to wash and change clothes. Xie Huan, meanwhile, went to the library to retrieve Yan Jingshu, who had become so deeply engrossed in his reading that he had nearly lost all track of time.
Xie Huan instructed the attendant with Yan Jingshu to carefully pack the books he had been reading so he could take them with him when he left, Xie Huan then took Yan Jingshu to the garden to find Jiajia and the little imperial grandson, who were playing happily, and together they returned to the main hall.
By that time, Jiang Chenghan and Mu Chongyan had also changed into fresh attire and returned to the main hall. With the entire party now assembled, the servants were signaled to begin serving the banquet.
Having Jiang Chenghan and Yan Jingshu's family come personally to congratulate him on his birthday was the best possible gift for Mu Chongyan. Feeling happy in his heart, he inevitably indulged in a few extra cups. Coupled with not wanting to lose to his son-in-law Jiang Chenghan, by the time the banquet ended, although he didn't show it outwardly, Xie Huan, familiar with his temperament, knew the man was long since drunk.
Fearing Mu Chongyan might behave inappropriately while drunk, Xie Huan intended to leave together with Yan Jingshu's family. However, although Mu Chongyan was drunk, he still recognized him and stubbornly clutched his sleeve, refusing to let go. Not wanting Yan Jingshu and the others to see them pulling and tugging, Xie Huan had to let Yan Jingshu's family leave without him, choosing to remain behind briefly.
After helping Mu Chongyan lie down on a couch, Xie Huan went to fetch a blanket for him, only to hear Mu Chongyan mumble to himself: "To have a day like today, even if I died right now, it would be worth it."
Xie Huan frowned and said, "What nonsense are you talking about death for? Don't speak recklessly."
Mu Chongyan turned his head to look at him, blinking as if trying to see Xie Huan more clearly, then smiled and said: "If I died, you should be very happy, right? If I die, there will be no one to pester you and annoy you every day."
Xie Huan's frown deepened. He wanted to say something, but ultimately said nothing. He really had nothing to say to a drunkard. He just stepped forward to cover Mu Chongyan with the blanket, then prepared to leave.
But just as he straightened up, an arm suddenly hooked around his waist, pulling him off balance. He stumbled forward and landed sprawled directly on top of Mu Chongyan.
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