Chapter 54: Storytelling
“Jiang Zhimiao, you’ll come again tomorrow, right?”…

Jiang Zhimiao was taken aback, unsure of what the girl meant, but Xiang Yuzhu quickly turned her head away and picked up the book in front of her to continue reading. Her focused expression reminded Jiang Zhimiao of his own father.

“Miao Ge’er, that young lady is looking at you,” Wei Danqing whispered. “Perhaps she found your earlier words quite reasonable.”

“Hmm…” Jiang Zhimiao nodded somewhat sheepishly. “Well, she seems fair-minded.”

After all, Jiang Zhimiao had come to the Duke of Ying’s Residence solely to study. He didn’t aspire to achieve as much as his father someday—he just hoped not to hold his parents back in the future.

Song Mohan had been sulking all day, his displeasure evident in every gesture. By noon, when Teacher Xu went for his meal, servants brought food for the young masters and ladies attending lessons here.

The dishes prepared at the Duke’s residence were naturally exquisite in appearance, aroma, and taste. Even so, they couldn’t compare to Lin Guilan’s culinary skills. Though Jiang Zhimiao’s palate had been refined by Guilan’s cooking, he had grown accustomed to adapting to various meals after she became busy with her business, often eating at different households.

Wei Danqing and Wei Sichan, having grown up in hardship in the village, were utterly amazed by life at the Duke’s residence. To them, the lavish, delicious meals that cost nothing were beyond anything they had ever dared to imagine.

During the midday meal, a beautiful woman rushed over wearing a light purple mandarin-collar jacket embroidered with plum blossoms and an emerald gauze skirt with swirling cloud pattern. Two maids followed behind her carrying red lacquer boxes, all appearing flustered.

“Oh, my precious!” the woman exclaimed dramatically, rushing forward to wipe sweat from Song Mohan’s brow. “Look how hard you’re studying! You must take care of your health. Seeing you like this breaks your mother’s heart.”

Already in a foul mood, Song Mohan felt embarrassed by his mother’s loud exclamations in front of his classmates. He waved his arm irritably. “Mother! I’ve grown up now—stop treating me like a child!”

“What’s gotten into you, my dear?” the woman asked worriedly. “Come rest in the side room. I had the kitchen prepare your favorite dishes. Eat and rest awhile—you can return to lessons after you’ve eaten and rested properly…”

“No, I’ll eat with everyone else,” Song Mohan retorted stubbornly, turning his head away. “Mother, don’t always make me stand out from the others. The Duke’s meals are fine—there’s no need to prepare separate food for me every time.”

The middle-aged woman still seemed uneasy and spent a long time coaxing Song Mohan before finally leaving, glancing back repeatedly.

Feeling humiliated and recalling his earlier frustration with Jiang Zhimiao, Song Mohan turned away angrily and sat alone.

Wei Sichan and Wei Danqing, however, had grown accustomed to such scenes. Somehow, despite Miao Ge’er’s young age, they felt reassured whenever he was nearby. Having recovered from her earlier fright, Wei Sichan moved closer to Jiang Zhimiao and gently tugged at his sleeve.

“Miao Ge’er, now that we’ve finished eating, tell us a story! I want to hear more about that dragon kidnapping the princess!”

“What’s so interesting about a dragon kidnapping a princess? I want to hear about the monkey saving his master!” Wei Danqing also grew excited. “Last time Miao Ge’er stopped right at the most thrilling part, and I’ve been itching to know what happens next all day!”

“Brother, you never let me have my way!” Wei Sichan huffed twice. “Alright then, I want to hear about the monkey saving his master too. Last time when the White Bone Demon transformed into an old woman, it was so convincing it could pass for the real thing! Miao Ge’er, please continue the story for us!”

Jiang Zhimiao felt pleased to be so needed. He cleared his throat: “After the White Bone Demon transformed into an old woman and was struck down by Sun Wukong…”

Jiang Zhimiao narrated with animated expressions and flying spirits. Since childhood, he had always been outgoing, never feeling shy even in others’ homes. Seeing how engrossed Wei Danqing and Wei Sichan were in his storytelling, Jiang Zhimiao became even more enthusiastic.

But… what’s with all these heads suddenly crowding around!

At some point, all the children who had been scattered around playing had gathered nearby. Several younger ones were even resting their chins in their hands listening to Jiang Zhimiao’s story. Even Xiang Yuzhu had put down her paper and brush to join the crowd, though her expression remained serious, looking like a supervisor attending a lecture… Catching Xiang Yuzhu’s gaze made Jiang Zhimiao somewhat nervous.

By the window, only Song Mohan’s lonely figure remained…

Song Mohan was already sulking, and seeing everyone drawn to Jiang Zhimiao made him even angrier. What kind of person was this Jiang Zhimiao anyway! Just the son of a humble family, thinking he’s reached the pinnacle just by passing the imperial exams? His own Duke of Ying’s Residence had deep roots and abundant branches, having been a prominent noble family since the previous dynasty. When Emperor Taizu started his uprising, he couldn’t have done it without the support of the Duke of Ying’s Residence. How dare this Jiang Zhimiao act so arrogantly right in front of him, completely disregarding him as the host!

Especially when the other children held Jiang Zhimiao in such high regard, as if Jiang Zhimiao’s status was more noble than his, the young master of the Duke of Ying’s Residence!

The more Song Mohan thought about it, the angrier he became. But he was only an eight-year-old child, raised with excessive pampering, and the thought of confronting others alone made him apprehensive.

Song Mohan took a deep breath and immediately stood up, afraid that any hesitation would make him change his mind.

Like a belligerent rooster, he strode proudly toward Jiang Zhimiao.

“…So the Great Sage leaped up and directly struck the old woman with his staff… And then what do you think happened? The old woman didn’t turn into a pile of bones but collapsed to the ground, vomiting blood…”

Song Mohan’s steps suddenly halted.

“And then? And then? Did Tang Sanzang get angry?”

Several children around them clamored eagerly.

Song Mohan also shrank to the side. As he listened, he suddenly wanted to know what happened next too… No! How could he be so weak-willed? It was just an ordinary story told by someone from a humble family! What was so good about it!

Wei Sichan, being observant, noticed that Song Mohan had approached. She had always been kind-hearted. Although Song Mohan had just quarreled with Miao Ge’er, seeing him wanting to listen to the story but not daring to come forward softened Wei Sichan’s heart, and she reached out to beckon Song Mohan.

“Young Master Song, come sit here and listen!”

Song Mohan had originally intended to leave, but upon hearing Wei Sichan’s gentle words, his face instantly flushed crimson.

He had meant to coldly refuse, displaying the aloof dignity befitting a young duke, yet his feet seemed to move of their own accord, carrying him involuntarily toward Wei Sichan.

Jiang Zhimiao was somewhat surprised to see Song Mohan approach. He had always regarded Song Mohan as an immature little brat, and though they had exchanged sharp words earlier, he saw no need to hold a grudge against a child. Moreover, when under another’s roof, one must bow—after all, they were guests at the Duke of Ying’s Residence, and picking a fight with their host on the very first day was hardly wise.

Thus, Jiang Zhimiao pretended not to notice and continued spinning his tale with unflagging enthusiasm.

Song Mohan, still a child at heart, soon found himself captivated. Though he struggled to maintain a disdainful expression, his resolve softened inwardly. The children had never felt an afternoon pass so quickly, and when Teacher Xu arrived belatedly, they sighed in disappointment at having to pause Jiang Zhimiao’s storytelling.

“Jiang Zhimiao, you’ll come again tomorrow, won’t you?”

The speaker was Xue Baozhen, Song Mohan’s friend and grandson of the Marquis of Yongxing, whose family had long been allied with the Duke of Ying’s household.

True to his name, Xue Baozhen was plump and utterly endearing—a round little doll in Jiang Zhimiao’s eyes. Jiang Zhimiao responded with a kindly smile, wholly unaware of how incongruous it looked on his five-year-old face.

“I will. I’ll be studying at the Duke of Ying’s Residence from now on.”

“That’s wonderful!” Xue Baozhen beamed with innocent delight. “Brother Jiang, your stories are amazing! We can hear more tomorrow!”

Song Mohan had just begun to relax when he saw Xue Baozhen’s “defection.” Irritation surged anew, and he crossed his arms with a huff, thinking Xue Baozhen had no backbone at all!

The school day soon drew to a close. As Jiang Zhimiao packed his books, Song Yunyue burst into the room with characteristic vigor.

“Miao Ge’er, has anyone been bullying you?”

Hands on her hips, Song Yunyue narrowed her eyes meaningfully in Song Mohan’s direction.

Song Mohan had never gotten along with Song Yunyue. Though she was seven or eight years his senior, they were the two youngest in the Duke of Ying’s household, and Song Yunyue had always been eccentric. From the day he was born, Song Mohan felt she had never shown him a friendly face. Yet she was the family’s only daughter, and even his father and grandfather insisted he yield to her!

But he was the youngest—why should he have to give way to her?

Song Mohan stiffened and glared back defiantly. If Song Yunyue dared criticize him, he would… he would… talk back!

“Not at all.” Jiang Zhimiao smiled warmly and tugged Song Yunyue’s hand. “Aunt Song, everyone has been very kind. I’m very happy here—thank you for arranging this for me.”

“Good.”

Song Yunyue had worried the little tyrant Song Mohan might target Jiang Zhimiao. Seeing the genuine smile on the boy’s face, she thought no child could fake such sincerity. Relieved that Jiang Zhimiao hadn’t been mistreated—or she wouldn’t know how to face Guilan—she said brightly:

“Come, I’ll walk you home!”

Song Mohan felt somewhat surprised. He had thought that cunning little brat Jiang Zhimiao would seize this opportunity to complain to Song Yunyue, but unexpectedly, Jiang Zhimiao didn’t say a word! The kid knew his place after all. Even if he had complained, Song Mohan wouldn’t have been afraid—he wasn’t scared of that woman Song Yunyue anyway!

Watching Song Yunyue leave with the three children, Song Mohan felt a faint sense of disappointment. He had to admit, the stories that kid told were quite captivating… He wondered if Jiang Zhimiao made them up himself, otherwise why hadn’t he heard them from any storytellers before…

However, since Jiang Zhimiao called Song Yunyue “aunt,” and he was Song Yunyue’s cousin, that meant he was this kid’s elder… Thinking about this point was quite satisfying.

Jiang Zhimiao’s academic life at the Duke of Ying’s Residence proceeded relatively smoothly. Later, Song Mohan never caused trouble again, though he still maintained his aloof, condescending attitude. Jiang Zhimiao and he kept to their own sides without interfering with each other.

Jiang Zhimiao’s stories quickly earned him a group of little followers… Every day they would pester him to tell stories, and before long, Jiang Zhimiao had quickly integrated into their circle, practically becoming the little leader of the group.