Chapter 56: Hot Pot – Have Another Child While You’re Still Young

Even the courtesans considered it fashionable to receive poems bestowed by Chao Yehhan. His poetic works were sung and circulated throughout these pleasure quarters, and his reputation as a romantic spread across the entire nation.

Although Jiang Qingshi couldn’t comment excessively on others’ affairs, he understood clearly in his heart that such a Chao Yehhan was destined to walk a different path from him.

“The Guanxuan selection is in six months, by then Brother Jiang’s future placement will be decided,” Chao Yehhan appeared somewhat troubled. “Brother Jiang seems to have developed a close relationship with the Young Marquis Xie recently. The Young Marquis has always been aloof, yet he gets along particularly well with you. I’ve also heard that the Duke of Yingguo’s family maintains excellent relations with yours. Although my family holds some influence in Dinggao, it’s clearly insignificant here in the capital. It’s truly Brother Jiang’s genuine talent and learning that attract so many people seeking your friendship.”

Jiang Qingshi grew alert. He maintained an extremely low profile and, fearing speculation from colleagues, had never publicly displayed any acquaintance with the Duke of Yingguo’s family. Usually, only his wife interacted more frequently with the Duke. He never actively sought connections, so how did Chao Yehhan know so clearly?

But Jiang Qingshi maintained a calm expression, merely smiling as he said, “Brother Chao, we are all servants of the state, merely serving Da Liang in our respective capacities. Brother Chao’s fame now spreads throughout Da Liang – this is something none of us can match.”

“Ah, those are just empty reputations. All I can do is compose poems and couplets…” Chao Yehhan sighed. “Someone like me without family responsibilities, unlike Brother Jiang who has a virtuous wife at home, naturally has nowhere to go but linger in romantic pursuits.”

After exchanging a few more polite words with Chao Yehhan, Jiang Qingshi found an excuse to part ways. Holding himself to extremely high standards, Jiang Qingshi rarely had idle moments. His mind quickly turned to considering what he should attend to next.

Currently just a minor official in the Hanlin Academy, he could only watch national affairs with anxious concern. His position was too insignificant to exert any real influence on current events.

Yet Chao Yehhan wasn’t entirely wrong. Since entering the Hanlin Academy two years ago and deflating Zhou Jinrong’s arrogance, he had clearly sensed that Wang Xiuwen, the Deputy Grand Secretary, valued him highly. Despite being merely a Compiler, he was entrusted with important Hanlin Academy affairs.

Chen Yanfeng, the Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, had deep-rooted connections in court and represented numerous aristocratic families’ interests. But Wang Xiuwen, the Second Grand Secretary, was different. Everyone knew Wang Xiuwen had once been Emperor Jingrui’s tutor, serving in the Office of the Supervisor of Instruction when Jingrui was still crown prince, always maintaining alignment with the emperor. Some even among other cabinet members viewed Wang Xiuwen as foolishly loyal, wholeheartedly serving the imperial family without seeking personal or familial gain.

If Wang Xiuwen valued him, it indicated that Emperor Jingrui himself recognized his worth.

Coming from humble origins with no foundation in the capital, his background precisely suited the emperor’s need for someone to counterbalance the aristocratic families in the future.

Though Emperor Jingrui was in poor health, he was diligent in governance, wholeheartedly determined to reform malpractices, enrich the nation, and strengthen the military. To serve such a ruler was naturally a blessing for any official. However, the emperor’s constitution was too frail, and his excessive toil over the past two years had visibly worsened his condition. Had he been willing to delegate authority to the Grand Secretariat, he might have lightened his burden, yet Emperor Jingrui was inherently strong-willed, insisting on handling everything personally.

Moreover, the emperor had only two sons: the Crown Prince, born to the Empress, and another prince, born to Consort Liu. Both princes were of mediocre talent, unlikely to achieve greatness in the future.

In the few short steps he took, Jiang Qingshi’s mind had already raced through countless thoughts. He and Zhuo Zhiming now both served in the Hanlin Academy and occasionally crossed paths. A few days prior, when Jiang Qingshi encountered Zhuo Zhiming, he noticed that Zhuo Zhiming remained as composed as ever, no different from when they were in Jiangping County. It seemed that no matter the circumstances, Zhuo Zhiming could maintain his equanimity, unaffected by the slightest turbulence, steadfast as a mountain pine.

Jiang Qingshi admired Zhuo Zhiming’s unshakable composure—though still young, he seemed tempered through countless trials. After exchanging a few brief words, they parted to attend to their respective duties. Such was the friendship between gentlemen: much need not be spoken aloud, as both understood implicitly, recognizing in each other’s demeanor that they still held fast to their original ideals.

Even if thousands stood against him, he would press forward—on this path, he was never fighting alone.

He hoped Zhuo Zhiming would successfully pass the Guanxuan and remain in the Hanlin Academy, where he could aspire to greater heights and broader horizons in the future.

With duties at the Hanlin Academy lighter these past couple of days, Jiang Qingshi had the rare opportunity to return home early. Recently, the academy had been so busy that he had not been home for a meal in a long time.

Thanks to his wife’s remarkable competence, they had now moved to a larger residence in Jingshi. Though it could not compare to the estates of century-old prestigious families, it was located near the bustling city center, finally allowing them to count themselves among the elite of the capital.

Recalling the days when he studied and wrote with frostbitten hands in the bitter cold, Jiang Qingshi felt as if his present life belonged to another era.

He rode home in a carriage, his blue official robe steeped in weariness. As he stepped through the courtyard gate, the cheerful laughter of children greeted him, and Jiang Qingshi instantly felt the weight lift from his shoulders, his fatigue momentarily forgotten.

A pot sat on the stone table in the courtyard, steam billowing warmly from within, surrounded by an array of vegetables and meats. Puzzled, Jiang Qingshi watched as Lin Guilan emerged from inside carrying a basket of vegetables. Spotting him, her eyebrows lifted in delight. “Husband, you’re back!”

“You haven’t been home for dinner in days—it seems you’ve had some respite today,” Lin Guilan said, setting down the basket. “This was Miao Ge’er’s idea. He calls it ‘Hot Pot.’ Though it’s already summer, the evenings are still cool, so having Hot Pot in the courtyard is perfect. Husband, go change your clothes quickly—don’t soil your official robe.”

Jiang Qingshi nodded. Just then, the Duke of Yingguo led Jiang Zhimiao in through the moon gate. Seeing them, Jiang Qingshi hurriedly bowed in greeting. “Your Grace.”

The Duke of Yingguo amiably waved his hand. “Since I’m already a guest in your home, there’s no need for such formality from the host—it actually makes me uncomfortable! Don’t stand on ceremony. Guilan and I are friends despite our age difference, and there’s no need for such distance between us two men either! Go change your clothes quickly—the whole family is waiting for you to start the meal.”

Jiang Qingshi wasn’t one to fuss over niceties either. He swiftly changed his clothes, and the entire family along with the Duke began their meal in the courtyard. This was their first time trying hot pot. When Jiang Zhimiao had described it earlier, even Lin Guilan hadn’t fully understood. Fortunately, she was clever—though Jiang Zhimiao’s description hadn’t been entirely clear, she managed to recreate the hot pot by following the general idea and even prepared Lin’s Brand’s secret dipping sauce.

The Duke particularly loved Lin Guilan’s cooking. Despite having several renowned chefs at the Duke of Ying’s Residence, he felt none could compare to Lin Guilan’s culinary skills. Thus, the esteemed Duke of Yingguo—once a legendary battlefield commander—often found himself dropping by Jiang Qingshi’s home for meals…

Following Jiang Zhimiao’s instructions, they dipped vegetables and meat into the boiling broth before coating them with the dipping sauce. The flavors indeed offered a unique experience.

“Little Zhimiao truly has broad knowledge,” the Duke remarked. “Though I’ve traveled north and south and consider myself quite experienced, I’ve never encountered such a dining method before. Trying it today, the taste is indeed exceptionally fresh and tender.”

“Miao Ge’er really does have many novel ideas in his head,” Lin Guilan said with a smile. “We don’t know where these ideas come from, but they never fail to surprise us. This hot pot is another new attempt.”

“Indeed,” the Duke chuckled. “I never thought at my age I’d still get to experience so many new things through you all. I suppose I have you to thank for this.”

“Your Grace, you flatter us,” Lin Guilan replied with a bright smile. “You’re always welcome here. Being able to spar with you is my real fortune. I never expected that after coming to Jingshi, I’d meet such a friend who’s both teacher and companion. What you’ve taught me can’t be learned from anyone else.”

“You’re truly gifted—it’s just a pity you were born a woman,” the Duke sighed. “Earlier I tested Miao Ge’er. The child hasn’t inherited any of your talent—completely lacking martial foundation or aptitude. The path of martial arts won’t be feasible for him.”

Only when the Duke said this did Jiang Qingshi notice Jiang Zhimiao’s expression. No wonder the boy had been looking dejected since earlier—he must have been put through his paces by the Duke.

Lin Guilan offered an awkward smile. “The child takes after his father—physically delicate. That path really isn’t suitable…”

“Then you two should have another child while you’re still young,” the Duke interjected. “Guilan, it would be such a waste not to pass on your talent.”

“Cough, cough, cough, cough…”

This time both Jiang Qingshi and Lin Guilan choked simultaneously.

“Your Grace, you shouldn’t say such things,” Lin Guilan protested. “My husband and I have already agreed—we only want Miao Ge’er as our child in this lifetime.”

“What a true pity,” the Duke shook his head to himself. “Miao Ge’er is fine, but I see he takes after Nian Chen. If you had another child who resembled you, that would be more complete.”

“Life always has its regrets.” Jiang Qingshi smiled. “Miao Ge’er is well-behaved and sensible. I don’t wish to make my wife suffer too much either. My wife has many things she wants to pursue herself – there’s no need for her to endure hardships raising children for me again.”

The Duke of Yingguo was getting old and often slow to react. Only after Lin Guilan and Jiang Qingshi spoke did he realize it was inappropriate to say such things in front of Jiang Zhimiao. He immediately showed an apologetic smile and looked toward Jiang Zhimiao.

Sure enough, Jiang Zhimiao was wearing a sullen expression, glaring at him fiercely.

“Miao Ge’er, Grandpa didn’t mean it that way.” The renowned Duke of Yingguo, rarely so ingratiating, smiled appeasingly at Jiang Zhimiao. “I just thought your mother is extremely talented – it would be good if she had a child to inherit her legacy.”

“Grandpa Duke.” Jiang Zhimiao blinked his big eyes. “I don’t think anyone needs to inherit my mother’s abilities. My mother can use her talents to do what she wants to do.”

“But she’s after all…” The Duke hesitated, feeling the words themselves were cruel to utter, “…a woman.”

“Women may not necessarily lack opportunities to showcase their talents in the future.” Jiang Zhimiao blinked again. “She doesn’t need to be someone outstanding’s mother – she can become an outstanding person herself. If given the chance in the future, I want to change this world that restricts women for my mother’s sake.”

Though Jiang Zhimiao’s voice was childish, his words carried weight. The moment he spoke these words, the surroundings fell into complete silence.