Chapter One Hundred Fourteen: Jiang Sijie (Synopsis Plot)

Chapter 114 Jiang Sijie (Plot Development)

After settling into the private room on the second floor, Jiang Sijie surveyed the shop's decor. It bore some resemblance to the one in Yu'an, yet distinct differences made it feel grander and more aesthetically pleasing.

A sense of admiration stirred within her. In just a few years, Lin Qiuran had expanded her business to the capital, while Jiang Sijie herself remained leisurely, still struggling to master the characters of this dynasty.

Occasionally, she felt as if she were living a dream, inexplicably transported into a book's world, surrounded by strangers. Her initial intention was to follow the original plot, saving the male lead's parents ahead of time. However, upon arriving in Yu'an, she discovered the male lead's wife and child were still alive. Regardless of what had altered the plot, or whether Lin Qiuran was a transmigrator, she was Xiao Xun's wife. Having received a higher education, Jiang Sijie couldn't bring herself to interfere.

Thus, after confirming their family's well-being, Jiang Sijie returned to the capital. Two years later, she found herself back in Yu'an, sent south by her family to escape turmoil, which also allowed her to check on Lin Qiuran's family.

Later, as the crisis escalated, Yu'an's city gates closed, trapping her amidst numerous refugees. She was eventually taken in by the Jiang family of Xu Prefecture, where she stayed for over two months before returning to the capital.

Amidst the court's political unrest, Jiang Sijie occasionally had her maid inquire about Xiao Xun, but she dared not be too overt, fearing her parents might misinterpret her interest.

Events had already diverged significantly from the original book. In the original, Xiao Xun narrowly escaped death and returned to Xiao Village, only to find two solitary graves. But in this world, Lin Qiuran had not lost the child, and Sun Shi and Xiao Dashi were alive and well, sparing Xiao Xun the period of self-destructive grief he experienced in the book after losing his parents.

The original female lead's role had become obsolete, but perhaps this was for the better.

Jiang Sijie didn't know what Xiao Xun had endured later, but comparing it to the original book and her own inquiries, Xiao Xun had clearly avoided many detours.

Her father's impeachment of Zhao Tingyue was not due to anything she had said. Jiang Sijie understood little of politics; she could only surmise that Zhao Tingyue's impeachment was a matter of circumstance. If the emperor wished to spare him, even grave offenses could be overlooked.

Conversely, when the emperor desired Zhao Tingyue's downfall, even an innocent man could be framed. Moreover, Zhao Tingyue was not entirely blameless. Despite his significant achievements, he had suffered several recent military defeats. If not impeached now, then when?

Zhao Tingyue's defeats coincided with Xiao Xun stepping forward to clear the Shen family's name. Furthermore, in the book, Xiao Xun never met his maternal grandparents; by the time he accidentally uncovered his origins, the old Marquis of Anyang had already passed away.

Now, having earned merit and attending court half a year earlier, he would surely meet them. Compared to the original book, this spared him much regret. Perhaps it was all destined.

However, Jiang Sijie also had her own concerns. Xiao Xun's achievements were gradually gaining prominence, earning him admiration from many court officials. Over the past year, reports of victories from the northwest frequently mentioned his name.

He was young and accomplished, with excellent character and appearance. Even Jiang Sijie's father held Xiao Xun in high regard. Before Jiang Sijie's marriage, he had even entertained the idea of Xiao Xun becoming his son-in-law.

At that moment, Jiang Sijie paused, then said helplessly, "Father, he is already married in his hometown."

Minister Jiang replied casually, "So what? It's common for men to have multiple wives and concubines. Besides, who knows if the wife he married in the countryside will ever come to the capital?"

Men might think this way—that a wife from humble beginnings can be discarded—but Lin Qiuran was not such a person, nor was Xiao Xun.

Jiang Sijie had read the book; Xiao Xun was a man of integrity. How could he abandon his wife and child? If pushed too far, he would rather break than bend.

Jiang Sijie earnestly told Minister Jiang, "If he were to abandon his wife and child for power now, he could abandon me for power in the future. How could such a person be entrusted with my life?"

Jiang Sijie admired and liked Xiao Xun, but her affection was that of a reader for a fictional character. He was upright and decisive, knowing what was permissible and what was not. If he were to truly discard Lin Qiuran and cling to power, Jiang Sijie would instantly become disillusioned.

Such a person was not worthy of her affection.

She also held great admiration for Lin Qiuran—capable and generous. Whether she was a transmigrator or not, Jiang Sijie respected her.

If she wasn't a transmigrator, having just married Xiao Xun with little emotional bond, learning of her husband's death yet choosing to keep the child and care for Sun Shi and Xiao Dashi, making a living by running her own business—this was something few could achieve.

If Lin Qiuran was a transmigrator, facing such a situation—bearing a child for a stranger, enduring months of pregnancy and the pain of childbirth—Jiang Sijie herself couldn’t have handled it.

In comparison, even without following the original plot, she was quite fortunate. Her parents doted on her, sending her south to avoid turmoil during difficult times, planning for her future, and selecting a husband with good character, appearance, and family background, ensuring she would never lack for anything.

Thanks to her parents' good judgment, her marital relationship was relatively harmonious, and her in-laws treated her well. The days ahead would unfold naturally; she couldn't always remain under the protection of Minister Jiang and her mother.

Jiang Sijie smiled. She had just ordered a few dishes and now had to wait patiently for them to be served.

When the dishes arrived, Jiang Sijie tasted them.

Her eyes lit up after eating—the restaurant's flavors were excellent, just like what she had eaten in Yu'an. Jiang Sijie was a food enthusiast. She had thought there were no more delicious foods left in the capital, having grown tired of the few good shops, and was unsatisfied with the meals prepared at home. Life had felt quite bleak.

Now that Golden Tripod Restaurant had opened a branch in the capital, with so many dishes on the menu, she would have plenty to eat for a while.

When she attended banquets, she could also recommend this delicious restaurant to her acquaintances. She could also bring her husband here in the future to savor the cuisine.

This wasn't solely about promoting the business; she genuinely enjoyed it herself.

After finishing her meal, Jiang Sijie didn't rush to leave. She rested in the shop for a while. At this hour, the shop was less crowded, and no one urged her to leave.

She had thought about speaking with Lin Qiuran but, after consideration, felt it inappropriate and unnecessary. They had only met a few times, their acquaintance was shallow, and both had their own lives. It was better not to disturb.

But Jiang Sijie was still a bit curious, so as the shop was about to close, she waited in her carriage.

Jiang Sijie hoped to encounter her. If not, there would be opportunities in the future. The capital was vast, but sometimes it felt small; they were bound to meet eventually.

The night was deep, with occasional cold breezes. Jiang Sijie held a gilded hand warmer and lifted the carriage curtain slightly.

The alley was quiet. At some point, a carriage arrived and stopped at the restaurant's back door.

Two people, one adult and one child, alighted from the carriage—clearly close, likely father and son, with similar facial features and noses.

The child played by the courtyard entrance for a while, while the man watched nearby. Jiang Sijie guessed it was Xiao Xun. He indeed resembled the fictional character—broad shoulders, slim waist, sharp chin, narrow eyes, a straight nose, fair complexion, quite handsome.

Somewhat like a modeled face, just as described in the book. This was Jiang Sijie's first time seeing Xiao Xun. She mentally placed Lin Qiuran and Xiao Xun together—well, they were a good match.

After watching for a while, someone emerged from the doorway—it was Lin Qiuran.

She was dressed simply, likely for work, in narrow-sleeved clothing. Her hair was tied up, with simple and elegant accessories.

The man smiled at Lin Qiuran, and she said something to him, but Jiang Sijie was too far away to hear what was said.

Soon, Lin Qiuran got into the carriage. The man quickly picked up the child and hurried after the carriage. The family of three seemed very harmonious—very good, very good. On this cold winter day, it warmed Jiang Sijie's heart.

After the carriage drove away, Jiang Sijie also had her coachman return home.

*

In the carriage, Xiao Xun asked, "Business was good today?"

Lin Qiuran replied, "Yes, it's picking up. We'll probably close late tonight."

Lin Qiuran didn't wait until closing to leave, but she had been returning home late these days. She was busy but didn't feel tired; her happiness was evident on her face. Xiao Xun could naturally see it and, thinking about why she was happy, could guess that Golden Tripod Restaurant had done well today.

Lin Qiuran said, "There are far more people in the capital than in Yu'an. Probably in a little while, customers will come like clouds."

This was the advantage of being in the capital—it was large. If the restaurant did well, they could open several branches in other parts of the city.

Unlike Yu'an, where one was enough—there weren't that many customers. Lin Qiuran planned accordingly. The family had money; she had to manage the assets anyway. Investing in businesses was possible, and opening shops was also an option.

Tangyuan didn't understand these matters, but as long as Lin Qiuran was happy, he was happy too.

After a while, he thought of something. "Mom, after you finish work, Dad and I come to pick you up. When I start school, after I finish, will you and Dad come to pick me up too?"

Tangyuan was about to start academy. Though excited, it was the first time he would be away from Lin Qiuran for long hours, leaving early and returning late. He didn't say he was scared, but he was somewhat nervous inside.

Lin Qiuran smiled. "We'll pick you up for the first ten days. After that, you should adapt, and we'll have the servant pick you up."

Tangyuan nodded. "Okay!"

Xiao Xun couldn't guarantee he'd be available every day, but if he had time, he would definitely go too.

Tang Yuan burrowed into Lin Qiuran's arms again. He was still young, and acting this clingy was quite adorable.

Time passed quickly. While Tang Yuan was counting the days until school started on his fingers, his birthday arrived first.

In this dynasty, younger generations didn't celebrate birthdays while their mothers were alive; only after turning fifty did people celebrate longevity. But for Lin Qiuran, Tang Yuan's arrival in this world held extraordinary significance for her, turning everything upside down.

It wasn't exactly a full celebration—just making some of Tang Yuan's favorite dishes, cooking a bowl of longevity noodles, and giving a small gift. Having the whole family together was more than enough. They weren't making a big production out of it by reserving a restaurant table.

This year, Xu Yuanhang was also there. Last year, he couldn’t make it due to family business commitments. Going to Golden Tripod Restaurant would have been convenient, but now it wasn't so convenient anymore.

Lin Qiuran planned to celebrate at home. She didn’t invite anyone from the Marquis of Anyang's residence. The child was still young, and a simple, lively gathering at home was sufficient.

In the days leading up to his birthday, Tang Yuan was excited every day. He even picked out a beautiful box to wrap the gift he was giving Xu Yuanhang.

Xiao Xun watched from the side and couldn’t help feeling a bit jealous. Tang Yuan, acting like a little adult, comforted him, "Dad, don’t imagine things. I’m giving this to Uncle Xu because he’s going on a long trip, and having this will remind him of me. You’re always with me now, so when you go on a trip someday, I’ll give you something too."

Xiao Xun smiled and ruffled his head. "Alright, it’s a deal. Don’t forget."

Tang Yuan said, "A gentleman’s word is as good as gold."

Xiao Xun had thought they might need to pinky swear, but Tang Yuan had long outgrown that age.

Xiao Xun felt Lin Qiuran had raised the child very well, and Sun Shi thought so too. These past few days, the weather had been warmer, and Sun Shi occasionally went out to chat with other women of similar age. She often heard complaints—grandchildren being unruly, not studying properly. Whether there was exaggeration or not, Tang Yuan had never given them reason to worry.

When Lin Qiuran wasn’t home, Tang Yuan understood and wouldn’t cry or fuss looking for her, nor would he cause any disturbance.

Lin Qiuran had been spending a lot of time at Golden Tripod Restaurant lately, returning very late at night. Dinner was usually Sun Shi waiting for Xiao Xun to come back so they could eat with Tang Yuan.

Xiao Xun was also very patient with the child, but as Tang Yuan grew older, he needed less supervision and didn’t require too much attention.

Just like now—Xiao Xun was married, and Sun Shi seldom offered him advice anymore. He was grown up, had his own ideas, and could discuss things with his wife.

But today, Sun Shi couldn’t help speaking up. Tang Yuan was out playing with the servant, and Lin Qiuran wasn’t home either, so it was a good time to talk.

Sun Shi said, "Tang Yuan is about to start school soon. When he’s around, he’s the family’s little joy. If he’s not here, I’d really feel his absence."

Before Xiao Xun could respond, Sun Shi continued, "Why don’t you and Qiu Ran discuss having another child once she’s less busy? Give Tang Yuan a little brother or sister. Look how adorable Tang Yuan is—another one would surely be lively and cute. In the future, he’ll have siblings too. Otherwise, when you two are older, Tang Yuan might feel lonely. Even if you have another, with so many servants in the residence, Qiu Ran wouldn’t have to worry too much."

Xiao Xun coughed lightly. He felt Lin Qiuran wasn’t thinking about this right now.

Xiao Xun liked children, and it was clear Lin Qiuran did too, but Tang Yuan had finally grown up and become more independent—did they really need another one?

This matter naturally depended on Lin Qiuran. Xiao Xun thought it was unlikely. He hadn’t been around when she was pregnant with Tang Yuan and hadn’t been able to help much. Now that Tang Yuan was older, he couldn’t suggest having another child just for the sake of liveliness.

Xiao Xun thought that if Sun Shi brought it up today and they simply said they hadn’t considered it clearly, she might bring it up with Lin Qiuran again later.

After a moment’s thought, he said, "I was injured on the battlefield, and my health hasn’t been great since. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want you to worry."

Sun Shi’s expression changed slightly, and she lowered her head. "...Oh, I see. Well, how about having Tang Yuan formally acknowledge Mr. Xu as his godfather?"